Wednesday Fulham Stuff (03/05/17)...

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What final day results would mean for Huddersfield Town's play-off campaign
How Town could come up against the three other sides in the top six

Huddersfield Town head into the final day of the Championship season knowing they will feature in this year's play-offs.

The Terriers secured a place in the post-season competition with a win over Wolves at Molineux on Tuesday and will now face either Sheffield Wednesday, Reading or Fulham in the semi-finals.

If Town finish third or fourth they will have home advantage in the second leg, and will definitely face Fulham in the semis should they finish third.

Fulham can only finish sixth, meaning they will contend the first leg of their semi-final at Craven Cottage on either Saturday 13 or Sunday 14 May.


The SkyBet Championship Play-Off schedule

But who could Town face in the semi-finals?

Here is a run-down of who the Terriers will take on depending on this weekend's results.

Sheffield Wednesday

Town will face the Owls should both sides earn the same result and Reading better that result at Burton.

So, if Town and Wednesday both lose and Reading win or draw or if the sides draw and the Royals win, it will be an all-Yorkshire play-off semi-final.

Also, if Town draw and both Sheffield Wednesday and Reading lose, the Terriers will face the Owls.

The only way Town can seal home advantage against Wednesday in the second leg of the semi-finals is if Reading and Town win and the Owls lose to Fulham.

Reading
Town will face the Royals should Reading lose or draw and Sheffield Wednesday win.

If Reading lose and Sheffield Wednesday draw, Town would still face the Royals should they fail to win against Cardiff on the final day.

Fulham
Town will face Fulham in the play-off semi-finals should they win and Reading and Sheffield Wednesday fail to do so.

If Town draw, they will face Fulham if Wednesday lose and Reading are beaten by more than one goal.



http://www.examiner.co.uk/sport/football/news/what-final-day-results-would-12972903

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Revealed: On-loan Derby man Chris Martin available for Fulham's play-off campaign
The 28-year-old has been on loan from Derby for the season, bagging 11 goals and will be able to take part in their play-off campaign

Chris Martin's loan deal will allow him to play in Fulham's play-off campaign.

The striker joined Slavisa Jokanovic's side on loan at the start of the season from Derby but has missed the past three games as a result of receiving a three game ban after being sent off in the 3-1 victory over Norwich.

Martin is on a season long loan but as per the terms of his loan, he will be able to play in the play-offs for his current side against either Reading, Sheffield Wednesday or Huddersfield.

The 28-year-old has scored 11 goals this season, and despite having a turbulent spell mid-season when he refused to play and wanted to go back to his parent club, Jokanovic has kept faith and continued to start him up until the sending off at Carrow Road.

He will be in with a shout of making the starting XI at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday as Slavisa Jokanovic looks to keep his stars fresh ahead of the first play-off leg, which takes place on either May 13 or 14.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/revealed-loan-derby-man-chris-12973201

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Marcus Bettinelli: A Fulham promotion at Wembley would 'mean the world' to me
The 24-year-old came through the Academy at Fulham and has revealed just how much he wants to helo get the club back to the Premier League

Marcus Bettinelli has revealed it would 'mean the world' to win promotion at Wembley with Fulham , but is under no illusion there's a long way to go before then.

Fulham all but secured their play-off place on Saturday courtesy of a 1-1 draw with Brentford at Craven Cottage - a game where the side's penalty woes continued with Tom Cairney missing the opportunity to make it 2-1 when Daniel Bentley saved his spot kick.

The side will finish sixth whatever happens (barring a 13 goal swing to Leeds), meaning they will face either Reading, Sheffield Wednesday or Huddersfield in the end of season showpiece, with the first leg set to take place at the Cottage next weekend (May 13/14).

Bettinelli holds Fulham close to his heart and he has made it clear just how special the club is to him and what it would mean to get back to the Premier League via Wembley.

He said: "That's my aim goal, to not just get to Wembley but the get promoted and that's the aim for everyone in there.


This is a special club: Marcus Bettinelli (Photo: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

"We're a team, we aren't individuals and yeah the gaffer has brought me in but that isn't the reason why we've won the last four before today and been unbeaten.

"The reason is we've stuck together and had difficult games and managed to get through them.

"When I was coming through the academy we were in the Premier League and it was a special time and I want to be apart of that and be part of that winning side that takes us back to the top flight.

"it would be amazing to do that at Wembley and that's our aim but we have a tough couple of games to get there first and we'll focus on them first."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/marcus-bettinelli-fulham-promotion-wembley-12972832

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Column: I'm glad Fulham didn't stomp Brentford - it will clear out any sense of over confidence
This week columnist Chris Bishop reveals the reasons why he was glad Fulham didn't batter Brentford, as much as it pains him to say it

I can't believe I am writing these words, but I am glad we didn't stomp our old rivals Brentford at Craven Cottage.

With a bit more luck it could have been more like 4-2 instead of 1-1, but a shaky draw was best for the team. I think the result will dispel any form of false pride, or flimsy confidence, in the face of three crucial games - arguably the most important for the club since they went up to the Premier League in 2001.

It's not that every sinew in my body was not willing Fulham to crush Brentford. I am cursed with a good and vivid memory, which can be painful if you have witnessed the civil war in Angola and Brentford away, in 1992, in one lifetime.

On the latter day my mates and I squeezed in with the Brentford fans at the side of the pitch in the hope of a win to rescue a play off drive.

I shall never forget that day: 4-0 down in the first half - hardly a kick in the other direction - and the gloating Brentford faithful singing around me for what seemed like forever.

Something about walking along, singing a song and doing something on the Fulham once again.

Even so I trade gladly a return thrashing for a bit of a timely wake up from our West London neighbours. True, when the first one went in after just six minutes I thought we were in for a cricket score.

Hope sprang eternal when our three best ball players - Sone Aluko, Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cariney - floated through the Brentford defence as if the latter were still stuck on the M4.

But the wake up came soon afterwards. Floyd Ayite blasted over a sitter when all he had to do was touch it, a few other regulation shots should have been put away.

Then, there was the penalty - surely, we must be heading for a world record - that again had most in the encouragingly packed Craven Cottage with their heads in their hands. All in all, Fulham players need to grit their teeth tighter and tighter for the next three games of their life.

Sure, they have running, flair , football to burn, but need to foster that cold, killer, instinct to finish off at least two of the three rough, tough, Championship sides we will face in the play offs.

I see this weekend's Sheffield Wednesday game as a fact finding mission, as much as a titanic game. A last chance to probe the weaknesses of a team that is most likely going to find itself at Wembley come the play off final.

I calls for stout hearts, spirit and vigilance. Marcus Bettinelli looks up for it.

For a goalkeeper who could be forgiven for being a bit rusty, after a season on the bench, he has pulled off some fantastic saves. A good mix of maturity beyond his years and the flush of youth that makes it look like he is playing in the optimistic sunshine of August, rather than the spring sunshine of weary legged May when most players are knackered.

So thanks, once again, Brentford for the wake up call you may very well have helped us in the preparation to compete for the richest prize outside the Premier League.

Who knows, Fulham could be walking along, singing a song, come the end of the season.

Chris Bishop is the managing editor of Forbes Africa and follows Fulham from South Africa. You can follow him here: @ChrisBishopZA



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/column-im-glad-fulham-didnt-12973752

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Semi-Final Confirmation

Following Fulham effectively securing a place in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off places, the EFL has now confirmed Semi-Final dates.*

As the Whites can finish no higher than sixth, the first leg of our Semi-Final will be played on Saturday 13th May (5.30pm) at Craven Cottage.

The second leg will then take place on Tuesday 16th May at 7.45pm. We will face whoever finishes third.

There will be an extremely limited number of tickets available for away teams for their respective away legs in the Play-Off Semi Final.

Ticket information will be released in due course.

*In the event there is a huge goal difference swing and Leeds United finish in sixth place and Sheffield Wednesday or Huddersfield Town finish in third, ties would be revised to ensure this fixture took place on Sunday 14th and Wednesday 17th May.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/02/semi-final-confirmation

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Championship play-offs: Everything you need to know about the end of season showpiece
Fulham can only finish as high as sixth which means their play-off dates with third place have been provisionally confirmed

The Championship play-off dates have been provisionally confirmed by the EFL with Fulham finding out when they will be playing.

The Cottagers all but secured their place in the play-offs thanks to a 1-1 draw with Brentford, couple with Leeds United's 3-3 draw with Norwich which sees Fulham three points ahead going into the final day, but with a huge goal difference.

Leeds would have to beat Wigan, hope Fulham lost to Sheffield Wednesday along with a 13 goal swing to sneak in.

The EFL have provisionally announced the play-off dates, but these are subject to change and are dependant on where Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield finish, and if Leeds do get into the play-offs.

The ties are as follows:

Saturday May 13: 6th (Fulham) vs 3rd (5.30pm)

Sunday May 14: 5th vs 4th (12:00pm)

Tuesday May 16: 3rd vs 6th (Fulham) (7.45pm)

Wednesday May 17: 4th vs 5th (7.45pm)

Monday May 29: Play-off Final (3pm).

If Leeds finish sixth and Sheffield Wednesday or Huddersfield finish 3rd, the ties would be reversed so that fixture would take place on Sunday May 14 and Wednesday May 17.

All the matches will be shown live on Sky Sports.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/championship-play-offs-everything-you-12974613

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Go on, ignore us: Sheffield Wednesday a team to be feared in the Championship play-offs

Sheffield Wednesday must overcome two of Reading, Huddersfield Town and Fulham to reach the Premier League.

We could finish third in the Championship, but few seem to think that Sheffield Wednesday can go the distance.

It's not just among rival fans (and the media) that the Owls' achievements are being overlooked, however - even their play-off rivals appear unfazed about facing Carlos Carvalhal's side.

It took 24 minutes for Wednesday to get a serious mention on Channel 5's latest Football League highlights show, when studio guest Sone Aluko - a Fulham player - incorrectly named us as one of the many sides beaten by the Cottagers this season (we conceded late to draw 1-1 at their place).

In many ways, the ignorance towards the Owls is understandable. We didn't get to where we are on a shoestring budget (Huddersfield); we weren't transformed over a single summer by one of Manchester United's most popular ex-players (Reading); we haven't been the most aesthetically pleasing side (Fulham). Instead, we're the only team from last year's top six to make the play-offs again, and have spent well - albeit not excessively, despite what you're told - in doing so. The Hollywood script writers, quite rightly, would head elsewhere.

This is not, however, last year's team. As Wednesday pushed for a goal against eventual winners Hull City at Wembley 12 months ago, it was Atdhe Nuhiu, Lucas Joao (a pair of strikers with three league goals between them this season) and Jeremy Helan (retired at 24 to focus on religion) to whom they turned from the substitutes' bench. Yet in recent weeks we've been somewhat spoilt for choice, with Jordan Rhodes (94 Championship goals since 2012), Callum McManaman (loaned from Premier League West Brom) and Fernando Forestieri (our recovering talisman) all struggling to make Carvalhal's 11 due to the form of others.

Not only that, over the past six matches no Championship side's form stands up to that of the Owls, who've won six out of six ahead of Fulham's visit on Sunday - which is, again, a far cry from last season, when a run of two wins from seven saw us stumble into the final play-off place. Had Wednesday not been without Gary Hooper and Kieran Lee for four months apiece, and had the pair, along with Forestieri, Ross Wallace, Sam Hutchinson and Almen Abdi, not missed the bulk of March - when we won just one of our four league matches and suffered a home defeat at the hands Reading - we'd have perhaps pushed for the automatics.

Having said that, there's no sense of entitlement on this writer's part, and rarely have the Championship play-offs been as tough to call as they are this season, with five points separating four very good teams as the final day looms. But we're certainly better than many are giving us credit for.

Ignore us at your peril.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/05/02/go-on-ignore-us-sheffield-wednesday-are-a-team-to-be-feared-in-t/

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Loan Round-Up

In the Championship Lasse Vigen Christensen helped ensure the Brewers are staying in England's second tier for at least another season.

Christensen played 90 minutes as Burton drew 1-1 away to 14th placed Barnsley. That point means the Brewers are in 19th place and the lowest they can drop to is 20th with one final game left in the season at home to Reading

Cauley Woordrow was an unused substitute in the game, and he tweeted this after full time.

Elsewhere in the Championship Ryan Tunnicliffe played 90 minutes for Wigan Athletic in the match that sent the Northern side back down to League One.


Reading beat Wigan 1-0 to secure their Play-Off place at the same time as relegating the Latics.

In Spain Jozabed started for Celta Vigo in their 3-0 home loss to Athletic Bilbao. He made way in the 76th minute for Josep Señé. That loss keep Celta in 11th place and pushes Bilbao up to 6th in La Liga.

In League One Cameron Burgess played his last game for Bury before returning to Fulham. Bury lost 1-0 away to Southend United and Burgess played the full 90 minutes.

Even with the loss Bury had secured enough points to stay up and finished in 19th place, and Southend finished one point below the Play-Offs.

Burgess tweeted this after the match:

In League Two Marek Rodák played the full 90 in Accrington Stanley's 4-1 home defeat to promotion hopefuls Luton Town.

Rodák made a fantastic one handed save in the 26th minute to keep the score level before James Justin managed to get one past him two minutes later.

Accrington are safe in 13th place and Luton are top of the Play-Off spots in fourth.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/02/loan-round-up

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Can This Fulham Wonderkid Take Manchester United To Dizzying Heights Next Season?

Manchester United have been going through utter dismay with their defensive strategies this season. The Red Devils have got four of their main defenders sidelined with injuries, and are looking for immediate reinforcements to be brought in, just as another transfer window is about to open.

Among the Manchester United defenders, the English duo of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have not been able to play regularly due to injuries. This has reportedly infuriated the current club manager Jose Mourinho, who has openly questioned their credibility in a recent press conference. Apart from them, Argentine defender Marcos Rojo and Ivory Coast international Eric Bailly have both been sidelined with recent injuries, leaving the Manchester United defence in complete doldrums for the rest of the season.

It goes without saying that Jose Mourinho is looking to bring in a rush of fresh blood to revamp his defence. One of his major targets is the 16-year-old prodigy from Fulham- Ryan Sessegnon, who has been nothing less than phenomenal for his current side.

A number of clubs are looking to bring in the youngster to their club already. Manchester United being one of them. Jose Mourinho always has an eye for youngsters and it is evident how his benevolent guidance has nurtured the present mainstay in the Real Madrid defence Rafael Varane, making him one of the most wanted centre backs in the present day scenario.

With repeated offers from big clubs like Manchester United and Tottenham flowing in, Fulham are finding it difficult to restrict the youngster from playing in top flight football. Reportedly, Manchester United's arch rivals Arsenal has already put in two bids for the 16-year-old, only to get rejected by his current club both the times. Manchester United has been keeping a keen eye on Sessegnon and as per reports might bid for him in the next transfer window.

Sessegnon is one of the most highly rated young left backs all over Europe currently. He has been fluent with his passes and can make darting runs into the opposition defence. His excellent dribbling skills are good enough to shake off his rival team players and can cause a stir in the opposition half. He also has the ability to thread pinpoint passes into the attacking third for his teammates to score goals.

With the present left back, Luke Shaw struggling to keep his place in the team under current boss Jose Mourinho, Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham can be his ideal replacement in the Manchester United side for the next season. However, it is totally dependent on the decision of the youngster's present club Fulham to let him go.



http://the4thofficial.net/2017/05/can-fulham-wonderkid-take-manchester-united-dizzying-heights-next-season/

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Three managers who could replace Claude Puel at Southampton, including two Championship bosses

The Southampton manager's position will be reviewed at the end of the season, according to reports. Could the Fulham or Sheiffield Wednesday manager be the perfect replacement?

After years of arguable over-achievement under Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman, Southampton fans have come to expect success. After becoming a club that defies expectations again and again, the Saints mediocre season under French boss Claude Puel has come as somewhat of a surprise.

And despite reaching a cup final, and guiding his side to ninth in the table, a report in the Daily Star has suggested that the Southampton hierarchy will review their options and the end of the season, with a look to replace the Frenchman after just a season in charge.

With this in mind, HITC Sport has taken a look at three potential managerial candidates who could take over at St Mary's, should the Saints part company with Claude Puel. But do you agree with our picks? Is there anyone we've missed out on who you think should be included? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Roberto Mancini
Out of work since leaving Italian giants Inter Milan in 2016, former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini could be tempted to return to the Premier League by the exciting project that is Southampton. After putting their faith in manager's from Europe three times over, there's no reason the Southampton board couldn't look abroad once again for their new boss. It would also offer the Saints to bring in a manager with a proven track record for success, and a Premier League trophy in the locker!

Slavisa Jokanovic
Fulham have had a tremendous season this year and could well be set for promotion to the Premier League if Slavisa Jokanovic can guide them through the play-offs over the next few weeks. The former Watford manager has transformed the London club since taking charge, turning them into one of the most exciting and entertaining teams to watch in the Championship. If Fulham fail to make it to the Premier League at the end of the season, could Southampton be tempted to give the Serbian the chance to manage in the Premier League, which he was robbed of by Watford after getting them promoted.

Carlos Carvahal
After Ronald Koeman left Southampton last season, one of the main names in the frame for the Saints job was Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvahal. After being linked with a move to St Mary's by The Mirror, could Southampton once again come in for the Portuguese manager? Sheffield Wednesday are once again in the frame for promotion this season after being guided by Carvahal to the Championship play-off places.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/05/02/three-managers-who-could-replace-claude-puel-at-southampton/

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Manchester City Face Stiff Competition in Signing This English Sensation: Why Pep Needs To Step On The Gas

Manchester City will reportedly face a tough competition from fierce rivals Manchester United in their pursuit of Fulham's teen sensation Ryan Sessegnon. Pep Guardiola has made the 16-year-old one of his prime targets in the summer and given the Spaniard's affinity towards young emerging talents, we expect a bidding war to ensue soon.

Apart from United, Liverpool are also an admirer of the kid and would take their chances in the deal. Sessegnon has earned some rave reviews in the Championship this season owing to his scintillating displays in the left-back role. And given the huge crisis in the full-back roles in English top flight football, Fulham could earn a fortune disposing of their prized possession.

City have their own defensive problems. Guardiola has inherited players at City who were bought by Manuel Pellegrini and he is aiming a major revamp to the side. The existing players are old and have found it difficult to adapt to his tactical blueprint, especially on the ball. Guardiola's tactics involve passing the football and having most of the possession, which has been best executed by young players so far, as is evident from Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

Hence, the likes of Gael Clichy, Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna and Aleksandar Kolarov are facing uncertainties concerning their future at the Etihad next season. Guardiola has a list of young talents waiting to be picked up this summer with Sessegnon being one of them.

And his admiration for the player is totally justified. Sessegnon is known primarily for his raw pace on that left flank, which makes him tremendously effective while on the attack and also when recovering ground from getting back. And his sublime technique at such a tender age makes him a cherished raw product waiting to be polished.

He has been compared by many to Real Madrid's Gareth Bale and Sessegnon's twist and turns and a bag full of trickeries make him increasingly familiar to the Welsh international. Although he is not a huge frame yet at 16, it never deterred him from going into tackles. What he will bring to City is versatility. At 16, he has hardly found a fixed position to play in and will be moulded the exact way Guardiola wants him. However, given his agility, the manager too would prefer him in wide areas.

As soon as he signs the professional contract at Craven Cottage, the Cottagers could demand a huge fee for him.



http://the4thofficial.net/2017/05/manchester-city-face-stiff-competition-signing-english-sensation-pep-needs-step-gas/

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Why Securing A Move For This Premier League Loanee Would Be Crucial For Fulham

Fulham have been rewarded with a playoff spot in the Championship, thanks to their commendable consistency in the second half of the league season and Leeds United's sporadic run of form of late. Under the tutelage of Slavisa Jokanovic, the Cottagers have added strength to strength and managed to pile pressure for a top-six berth and the outcome is the evidence of their immense toil and perseverance. For a side which finished as low as the 20th in the second tier of English football last campaign, such a tremendous rise is riveting, to say the least.

Irrespective of whether they successfully make the most out of the penultimate ticket to the Premier League, the Whites would have to strengthen the squad and also ensure that they keep possession over some of the most productive players of the ongoing campaign. Next season, they would have to face the unparallel animosity which the top flight has on offer week in and week out or would have to battle for a promotion spot, and for either, group cohesiveness would thus hold paramount importance. Too much shuffling of the squad would only leave them in tatters.



http://the4thofficial.net/2017/05/securing-move-premier-league-loanee-crucial-fulham/

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Revealed: 67% of Man United fans wouldn't back Sessegnon bid

Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon looks set to be one of the Football League's most in-demand stars during the summer transfer window.

The Cottagers prodigy is just 16 years of age but has already established himself in the Fulham first team, making 25 Championship appearances this term to produce five goals and three assists in the second tier.

He's also already scored against a top flight club in the form of FA Cup opponents Hull City, so perhaps it's no surprise there's a host of Premier League clubs queuing up for his services according to Mirror Football – namely Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.

The most recent reports claim United are hoping to jump ahead of the pack to sign the teenager, so we asked Red Devils supporters earlier this week whether they'd back a summer transfer swoop for Sessegnon.

But according to the results of our exclusive poll, a whopping 67% would be against such a deal. Left-back has emerged as a real problem position for United this season and one that Sessegnon would surely be able to fill long-term. But at such a tender age, perhaps Red Devils fans think a move to Old Trafford this summer would be a little too soon.



https://www.footballfancast.com/debate/poll-results/revealed-67-of-man-united-fans-wouldnt-back-sessegnon-bid

[WhiteJC]

 
Owls debate: Should Sheffield Wednesday rest players for clash with Fulham? NO, says Chris Holt

Momentum going into the play-offs is a wonderful thing.

As things stand, no one could accuse Sheffield Wednesday of stumbling over the line and, granted, what happens on Sunday will not change the fact the Owls have deservedly taken their place among the top six. In the past month, Carlos Carvalhal's side have been superb. It may not have always been pretty, they may not have even played particularly well in all of the games, but what they have shown is a winning mentality. A sheer desire to ensure that they will be in a position to go one better than last season's memorable and unexpected march on Wembley. Six wins in a row at this highly-pressurised stage of the campaign - while some around them were falling apart again - shows guts and the confidence is flowing around the Owls camp right now.

So why not just keep it going? Put out the best side available, go for it, make it seven wins in a row and have every single one of those teams in the play-offs genuinely fear the prospect of taking on the Championship's in-form team. The arguments against this have merits, of course. It's been a long season and the well-documented high number of injuries have certainly taken their toll.

So why not just keep it going? Put out the best side available, go for it, make it seven wins in a row and have every single one of those teams in the play-offs genuinely fear the prospect of taking on the Championship's in-form team. The arguments against this have merits, of course. It's been a long season and the well-documented high number of injuries have certainly taken their toll.



Read more at: http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/owls/owls-debate-should-sheffield-wednesday-rest-players-for-clash-with-fulham-no-says-chris-holt-1-8523427

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Owls debate: Should Sheffield Wednesday rest players for clash with Fulham? YES, says Dom Howson

Wednesday have earned the right to give some players a breather on the final day....

Only Premier League-bound Brighton and Hove Albion have picked up as many points as the Owls from the last 25 matches. Their form has been outstanding.

But Wednesday have to look at the bigger picture. A coveted place in the Premier League is at stake.

If the Owls are to end their 17-year top-flight exile, they need all their top performers fit and firing on all cylinders. It is important everyone in the squad is fresh, sharp and focused for the challenge that lies on the horizon.

Having already confirmed their place in the play-offs, it is in the best interests of Wednesday to protect key players from injuries or suspension. It would be extremely damaging to their hopes of going up if, for example, Tom Lees or Gary Hooper, were ruled out. It is all hands to the pump now.

A series of injury problems have hampered the Owls all season. Had Lees, Kieran Lee, Almen Abdi, Fernando Forestieri and Hooper stayed out of the treatment room, maybe Carlos Carvalhal's side could have pushed harder for an automatic berth. We will never know now but why risk anybody else picking up a knock at such a pivotal period?

I appreciate Wednesday are flying but fielding an under-strength side against Wolverhampton Wanderers last year had no bearing on how they performed in the semi-finals versus Brighton and Hove Albion. Heading into the play-offs in good form isn't a necessity. It, of course, helps having momentum but it doesn't guarantee anything.

The Owls' squad is so strong that whatever team Carvalhal selects will feel confident of picking up a positive result.

Sunday's match also provides Carvalhal with an opportunity to experiment and hand valuable game time to his back-up players, who he may, at some stage, need to call upon over the coming weeks.



http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/owls/owls-debate-should-sheffield-wednesday-rest-players-for-clash-with-fulham-yes-says-dom-howson-1-8523425