Saturday Fulham Stuff (06/05/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
U18s Host Boro

The Under-18s host Middlesbrough this Saturday in their final game of the season. This is the first time these two teams have faced each other this year, kick off is 11am at Motspur Park.

Last weekend the Whites endured a difficult Saturday morning in North London at the Tottenham Training Ground, losing 5-2 with Spurs ending Fulham's impressive run of 11 matches undefeated.

Mikolaj Kwietniewski scored a penalty in the first half to take the score back to 2-1 after conceding two, before Spurs put three more past the Whites in the second half. Jayden Harris was able to pull one back just before the full-time whistle to finish the match 5-2.

That loss means that Fulham are fifth in the table after six games, going into their final match.

Middlesbrough currently prop up Division 2 in 8th place winning three points from their previous seven matches, last time out they lost 2-0 away at Aston Villa. Boro have not enjoyed the best form, with one win in their previous seven matches.

A win would give the Whites a chance of finishing in third place but it also depends on results elsewhere. Middlesbrough can finish no higher than seventh, one point behind Everton. The Toffees however have a game in hand.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/05/u18s-host-boro

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham weighing up move for in-demand Italian star

According to Sky Sport Italia via Football Italia, Fulham are thinking about a transfer move for Francesco Vicari.

Francesco Vicari is currently plying his trade for SPAL in the second tier of Italian football.

Vicari's top performances at the back have helped his side to the brink of promotion from Serie B and have also earned him plenty of admirers this season.

The 22-year-old is being tracked by a few clubs with Fulham scouts watching him on a number of occasions.

With 31 Serie B appearances under his belt so far this season, the young Italian defender will be watched by Fulham scouts again this weekend.

The Cottagers face competition from two Serie A teams for his signature.

AC Chievo Verona and Sassuolo are also keen on Francesco Vicari, who faces a tough decision on his future next season, especially if SPAL win promotion.

SPAL sit five points ahead of Hellas Verona at the top of Serie B.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-weighing-up-move-for-in-demand-italian-star/

[WhiteJC]

 
PREVIEW: Wednesday -v- Fulham

Wednesday entertain Fulham at Hillsborough knowing their play-off place is secure.

A sixth consecutive win at Ipswich means that Wednesday can finish no lower than fifth, while Fulham need to avoid a historic thirteen goal swing to stay in sixth.

These two are the country's form sides: the spectacle of a one game shootout would have been incredible.

As it is, we're faced with the prospect of a reserve side taking to a full Hillsborough.

What Slaviša Jokanović chooses to do with his side remains to be seen, but expect Carlos Carvalhal to follow the same plan utilised against Wolves in last season's dead rubber.

Wednesday last enjoyed a seven match winning run in the 1992/93 Premier League, a run which would have stretched to nine games had The Owls not let a three-goal lead slip to Manchester United on Boxing Day.

Equalling that seven game run would see Wednesday achieve a record points total in a forty-six team second tier.

Carlos out.


Last game    Opposition    Result    Shots    On target    Corners    Cards    Fouls    Possession
WEDNESDAY    Ipswich (A)    W 1-0    14    2    6    0    13    57%
FULHAM    Brentford (H)    D 1-1    18    7    11    1    8    67%

Wednesday overcame another hoodoo by beating Ipswich Town and, more importantly, beating Mick McCarthy.

Carvalhal's boys were in the ascendancy during the first half but struggled to regularly test Bartosz Bialkowski.

Another defensive masterclass, aided by Ipswich incompetence, allowed Wednesday to initiate the 'sod-it' protocol and throw several players forward in search of a winner.

Ross Wallace crashed a long range effort against the post as Wednesday turned the screw, before a flowing team move resulted in a slide-rule pass from Bannan, a neat cross from Pudil, and a lovely finish from Lee.

Carlos said, "we prepare very well for the games and this is a result of a lot of hard work. We deserved to win today. It gives me satisfaction to see people around me happy – the chairman, the players and the fans."

Fulham all but secured their top-six spot after matching Leeds' result.

Talisman Tom Cairney gave The Cottagers an early lead in this London derby, before Nico Yennaris equalised against the run of play for Brentford.

Cairney later had a penalty saved by Dan Bentley – the Bees 'keeper who enjoyed two terrific displays against Wednesday this season.



LAST 6    Ipswich (A)    Derby (H)    QPR (A)    Cardiff (H)    Newcastle (H)    Rotherham (A)
WEDNESDAY    W 1-0    W 2-1    W 2-1    W 1-0    W 2-1    W 2-0


   Brentford (H)    Huddersfield (A)    Villa (H)    Norwich (A)    Ipswich (H)    Derby (A)
FULHAM     D 1-1    W 4-1    W 3-1    W 3-1    W 3-1    L 2-4


Just look at that form. Talk about 'getting the juices flowing'. These are two art forms; both teams masters of their craft. Both form books reveal a lot about our seasons and our approaches.

Wednesday's most common home result is a 2-1 win (nine) and most common away is 1-0 (five). We're tight in the first half and then go for it in the second.

Occasionally, it hasn't worked, but by christ, it's working right now.

Gary Hooper's return has been key, as has the involvement of Jordan Rhodes

Wednesday have kept sixteen clean sheets so far this season, and can tie with the club record for the third consecutive campaign by registering a final shutout against Fulham.

Fulham, frankly, are pissing it right now.

A couple of dodgy results aside (conceding four at Derby, losing to Zola's Birmingham, a Wolves win at The Cottage) they have been imperious since Christmas.

But, then again, so have we:

The Cottagers have a league-high 83 goals, 38 of which have come on their travels.

They've won four and drawn one of their last six away trips, and have the division's best defensive record away from The Cottage.

They're not bad, then.



HEAD 2 HEAD    WEDNESDAY WINS    FULHAM WINS    DRAWS
     31    25    16


LAST MEETING

Fulham 1-1 Wednesday
19 November 2016, Hillsborough, Att: 20255
(Forestieri 10′ // Malone 90+')

In hindsight, a good point. At the time, after home defeat to Ipswich, this felt like another two points lost in a season that seemed to be meandering towards top-half obscurity.

Wednesday took the lead through a beautifully worked team goal. Bannan and Hooper where instrumental in the build up before Forestieri lashed one into the bottom corner.

Fulham scored a last minute equaliser through defender Scott Malone, meaning Wednesday had already dropped eight points from winning positions before December.



CARVALHAL'S COHORTS



In the final game of last season, Carvalhal rotated every player.

This fixture is a different prospect. The psychology is tricky. Will he second guess his opposite number's selection?

Even a rotated side should give Fulham a game: our 'second string' is streets ahead of the players who lost at Molineux twelve months ago.

Both coaches will hope to gleam some insight into the other from this match, should we meet again in the next few weeks.

Kieran Lee, Fernando Forestieri and Glenn Loovens should play some part if they still need match fitness.

Sam Winnall and Jordan Rhodes could return to the starting line-up. Expect Westwood, Wallace and Lees to be rested.

David Jones (illness) could return; if not, Fulham will never get past Semedo.

Only Carlos knows who will play, but this much-changed side looks pretty similar to our full-strength side in the midst of those twenty-three injuries. Not a bad position to be in.

KEY PLAYERS



GLENN LOOVENS – Club captain, first choice defender since his arrival, played alongside the truly woeful and the truly exceptional in his time at Wednesday.

He deserves to maintain the impressive clean sheet record alongside Tom Lees and Kieren Westwood: both equally important to a more-than-solid three years in the Wednesday defence.

That Loovens was signed as a short term measure to help keep the club from dropping back to the third tier; he has turned his career around remarkably and become one of the bargains of this team.

A thoroughly excellent defender and great bloke.

I'm really rooting for him to do it.

He'll probably be rested. FFS.

Tom Cairney – Likely to be rested but needs this section of the preview devoting to him nonetheless.

Twelve goals and ten assists: he's probably the Championship's most effective player in his position.

Who Scored – the stats bods – are normally spot on with this kind of thing:

HUGH'S VERDICT:

God only knows.

It promises to be a bit surreal. Party atmosphere? Check. Lots of Leeds songs? Check. A rotated side? Hmmm.

Any combination of players could play for both sides, and the result could go either way no matter how strong the teams are.

That sounds like a cop-out prediction, but there's logic to it: Fulham are among the strongest travellers while The Owls are a real home bird. Changing the teams could throw all that out of kilter.

No matter, let's just enjoy the occasion and add a little extra fire to those Wednesday bellies before the play-offs.

Let's give the team a cracking send off and really get the juices flowing before the nerves kick in.

VERDICT: 3-2 Wednesday says the heart, 1-2 Fulham says the head.




http://www.owlsalive.com/match-previews/2017/05/05/preview-wednesday-v-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Championship star urged to snub Liverpool and Man United this summer

Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon has been urged to turn down the Premier League big boys and commit his future to the West London outfit, The Mirror is reporting.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has told Ryan Sessegnon that Craven Cottage is the "right place for him".

Ryan Sessegnon is a major target for Liverpool this season after his fine displays in a stunning breakthrough season.

The 16-year-old has played 25 Championship games this season, operating at left back or left wing.

And the young defender already has seven goals and three assists in all competitions, including becoming the first player to be born after 2000 and score in the Football League.

With a number of top clubs across Europe, including Tottenham, Chelsea, Sevilla, Manchester United and Bayern Munich, interested in the England under 19 international, Fulham have their work cut out to keep him.

However, Jokanovic has urged the talented teenager to stay and pen a professional deal with Fulham when he turns 17 later this month.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/championship-star-urged-to-snub-liverpool-and-man-united-this-summer/

[WhiteJC]

 
Championship play-off permutations: How Fulham can face Reading, Sheffield Wednesday or Huddersfield

Some fans will be keen to face Huddersfield, who have been outclassed in both games this season, while others would rather a shorter trip to Reading

Fulham booked their place in the Championship play-offs last weekend as drew 1-1 with Brentford, coupled with Leeds' 3-3 draw with Norwich.

The result means that, although the Yorkshire side could mathematically overhaul the Whites, they need Fulham to lose at Sheffield Wednesday while they beat Wigan while turning around a 13-goal swing. That's not going to happen.

But the Whites' opponents are yet to be clear. Some fans will be keen to face Huddersfield, who have been outclassed in both games this season, while others would rather a shorter trip to Reading.

GetWestLondon has crunched the numbers and come up with all the key permutations for Fulham ahead of Sunday's trip to Hillsborough.

If Fulham win

Goal time: Tom Cairney celebrates (Photo: John Rushworth/ PhotoEye.co.uk)

To face Huddersfield: The Terriers would have to claim victory against Cardiff, while Reading drop points at Burton. A Huddersfield draw coupled with a two-goal defeat for Reading will also see the Terriers move into third place.

To face Reading: Huddersfield losing would mean the Whites would take on Jaap Stam's side. If the Royals claim victory over Burton Albion then that play-off match is confirmed as well.

To face Sheffield Wednesday: Fulham would not face Sheffield Wednesday in this scenario.

If Fulham draw

Ryan Fredericks celebrates forcing the opening goal with Stefan Johansen

To face Huddersfield: David Wagner's side would have to beat Cardiff with Reading dropping points at Burton. A draw coupled with a two-goal defeat for the Royals would mean Slavisa Jokanovic's team face a side they've beaten 9-1 on aggregate.

To face Reading: The Royals would have to avoid defeat at Burton, while the Terriers fail to pick up three points against Cardiff.

To face Sheffield Wednesday: Reading would have to lose and Huddersfield would have to fail to win.

If Fulham lose

Fulham show their dejection (Photo: Getty Images Europe)

To face Huddersfield: Huddersfield would have to win by 16 more goals to set up this contest. It's slightly more likely that Leeds make the play-offs than this scenerio.

To face Reading: Reading would have to beat Burton.

To face Sheffield Wednesday: If the Royals drop points against the Brewers it's the Owls at Craven Cottage next weekend.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/championship-play-permutations-how-fulham-12990217

[WhiteJC]

 
Realistically, these 3 Fulham players are likely to be axed this summer

Ragnar Sigurdsson
Having joined the Whites at the start of this season, following a few impressive performances for Iceland during the Euros, Sigurdsson has failed to maintain a first team place and hasn't been the same player that he was during the international tournament.

Fulham haven't failed to score goals this season, scoring more goals than any other Championship side, conceeding goals is what has let Jokanovic's side this year, and in the 15 appearances Sigurdsson has made this year, he hasn't made an impact.

If the 30-year-old hasn't managed to obtain a first-team place this campaign, he most definitely won't next.

Denis Odoi
Another defender, Odoi has been constantly in and out of the first team this season, having made 27 league appearances he at times has shown his class.

However, his lack of physicality has left him out of the Fulham side several times, and with the young Ryan Sessegnon emerging into the Fulham's first team, Odoi will struggle to get back into the side.

Even if, Fulham weren't able to keep Sessegnon, they more than likely will be looking for a left-back which they can rely on defensively more than Odoi.

David Button
Button may been in between the sticks for the Whites for the majority of the season, making 40 appearances and keeping 11 cleansheets, he has been a talking point between Fulham fans all season.

Making many mistakes that have lead to goals, the 28-year-old hasn't impressed Fulham fans since joining the Whites from Brentford in 2016.

    Will David Button be a Fulham player next season?

If Fulham are to achieve more next campaign, a more reliable goalkeeper between the sticks if definitely needed, which may lead to Button being axed as a result.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/realistically-these-3-fulham-players-are-likely-to-be-axed-this-summer/2/#gallery-slide

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Not Scared to Change Their Style

This weekend Fulham play their final Championship game of the season when they travel to Hillsborough to take on Sheffield Wednesday, a side who have also secured a play-off place.

Fulham, courtesy of a 1-1 draw against Brentford and other results going in their favour, are assured of a play-off place unless a freakish array of results take place.

But whilst getting into the play-offs is something to be admired, it should be pointed out that the hard work has only just begun.

The two-legged semi-final will see the winner go to Wembley for what is, every season, labelled as the richest game of the season.

Many of us dream of watching Fulham play at Wembley and to get our Premier League status back would be an awesome achievement.

However, in order to do so, it seems that Slavisa Jokanovic might be prepared to change our style, with the boss remarking,

"We play attractive football because we believe it`s the best way to be successful.

"But if I believe we will be closer to winning by playing long ball, I won`t have a problem trying it."

Continuing, Jokanovic adds a few lines that he feels will define a successful season with the boss adding,

"In this profession, you go up and down many times.

"I cannot say if I am successful here. Ask me in 30 days` time. We have important work ahead of us."

Come on lads, you can do it!

COYW`s



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=490673#ixzz4gHXKW8F3

[WhiteJC]

 
Chelsea defender opens talks over a switch to Championship club

According to The Daily Star, Fulham have opened discussions with Chelsea over the permanent signing of Tomas Kalas.

Tomas Kalas has been a key feature for Slavisa Jokanovic's side this season in the Championship, playing 38 times in total as they continue to press for promotion via the play-offs.

The 23-year-old has accepted that his future does not lie at Chelsea and will seek a permanent exit this summer with Fulham very interested in keeping him at the club.

After just two appearances with Chelsea in seven years, Kalas is ready to move on rather than spending more time out on loan.

The Czech Republic international is entering the final year of his Chelsea contract next season and will look to complete a permanent move to Fulham over the summer, according to these reports.

And while Fulham's primary focus will be on winning promotion, they will also be keen to tie Kalas down to a permanent contract.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/chelsea-defender-opens-talks-over-a-switch-to-championship-club/

[WhiteJC]

 
Owls boss Carlos Carvalhal set to rest players against Fulham

Carlos Carvalhal is expected to rest his star players against Fulham in preparation for Sheffield Wednesday's forthcoming play-off campaign.

Owls boss Carvalhal, named Championship manager of the month for April, saw his team guarantee themselves a top-six spot last weekend with a game to spare. When they did the same thing 12 months ago, the Portuguese treated the final game of the season at Wolves as a dead rubber.

Joe Wildsmith is likely to play in goal while other youngsters could be handed a chance.

Midfielder David Jones might be involved after illness while defender Sam Hutchinson is back in training after a calf injury and may be used from the bench late on.

Fulham will welcome back striker Chris Martin from suspension.

The on-loan Derby forward has completed a three-match ban after he was sent off at Norwich last month.

Defender Ragnar Sigurdsson could be unavailable again after he missed last weekend's draw against Brentford with a calf problem.

Boss Slavisa Jokanovic should otherwise have a full-strength squad to choose from.



https://www.clubcall.com/sheffield-wednesday/owls-boss-carlos-carvalhal-set-to-rest-players-against-fulha-1850624.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Inside Hillsborough

Sheffield Wednesday fan Terry Hibberd assesses Sunday's match and looks ahead to the Championship Play-Offs.

Who have been your favourite players over the years?

I'm lucky to have lived through a generation of some true great Wednesday players. My first hero was Terry Curran who was a real fans favourite in the early 80s, then there was David Hirst, John Sheridan, Chris Waddle, Roland Nilsson in the 90s, and Paolo Di Canio and Beni Carbone as we got to the turn of the millennium. Currently, Sam Hutchinson, Kieran Lee, Jose Semedo and Fernando Forestieri are the darlings of the supporters more than most.
Has this season met your expectations?

For me, yes, we've got back into the Play-Offs. It wasn't expected last season but it definitely was this season. Points wise we have improved and we will finish higher than sixth where we finished last season. But the bar is set by many as promotion or not meaning success or failure, obviously missing out on promotion for a second successive year would be devastating but certainly not a complete failure for me.

Who have been your standout performers?

Sam Hutchinson has been the one for many and has picked up a number of player of the year awards already, his never say die attitude along with his coolness on the ball is a real asset. Also, he's embraced life in Yorkshire and genuinely seems to be enjoying his football. Keiren Westwood is, as always, terrific, arguably the most consistent player we've had in a long time and deserves more accolades and praise than he gets. Kieran Lee has just come back after a very good six months before injury curtailed things from him in January, and the experienced heads of Glenn Loovens and Ross Wallace have had a big say too this year. 
How does Carlos Carvalhal set his side up?

Some would say after last season where we scored quite a few more goals than this year that Carlos has a more defensive outset this time around. I don't think so but we haven't, until recently, been as cavalier going forward, things are more considered than off the cuff. But we're much better at game management than last season, so it's swings and roundabouts. He's a clever tactician, we're not rigid and have gone through a few formations depending on the opposition and he's certainly not afraid of throwing four attackers on to get things done, and as the finishing position has proved, it's been the right way to go about things.

What sort of spectacle do you think we'll see on Sunday?

Obviously we're glad the Play-Off place is sealed, but a couple of weeks ago we were expecting a real exciting game. With the way Fulham play and like to come forward, we seem to thrive on teams that have a go. So the tickets sold very quickly with what was riding on it. Now, I'm still thinking it will be a decent game, although we know it's a ridiculously tall order for Leeds to overturn the deficit they have on you, obviously it'll be something that you won't be putting to chance. I suspect we may change the side a little, but the players that would come, in if that is the case, are battling for Play-Off starting spots. I still think it'll be quite an interesting game.
What have you made of Fulham this season?

I'm a little surprised at how well Fulham have done to be honest, after a less than auspicious season last year. That said there's always been a smattering of talent throughout the side but it's just not seemed to work for whatever reason in the past. But the manager this season has clearly has got the best out of the players and it's always good to see a side when they're at full tilt and banging plenty goals in. After all, it's what all football fans want to see isn't it?

Which of our players do you think could cause you problems?

Tom Cairney is a lovely footballer, quality on the ball and knows where the goal is. To be honest I was a little disappointed we didn't manage to sign him before Fulham did! Ryan Sessegnon and Scott Malone are full-backs who I rate very highly. They play like I think most people want to see full-backs play, they get forward with real purpose and have the pace to get back and deal with things defensively too.
How do you think you'll do in the Play-Offs, and who do you want to face?

I'm always cautiously optimistic no matter what's ahead of us, the past couple of years have proven we have the wherewithal to deal with things consistently. Naturally people dream of Wembley and beyond at this stage of the season and why not, it's only 270 minutes away, but the ethos around the club for the past couple of seasons has been about taking each game one by one and not let anyone get carried away. One game at a time, but I am optimistic that we can do it again and get to the final at the very least. In regards to who I'd want us to face, I'm honestly not bothered. Arguably we should have won at the Cottage earlier this season, we've beaten Huddersfield twice, and although Reading have had a little bit of a hoodoo over us this season, they by no means dominated either game. We've won six on the spin heading into this weekend, and I think without being too arrogant about it, we've every right to be confident no matter who the opponent may be.
What score prediction are you going for on Sunday?

Of course I'd love our winning run to go onto seven successive games but to be honest I think it'll end in a scoring draw. As much as both sides won't want to lose I also do think that many of the players will have one eye on next weekend.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/05/inside-hillsborough

[WhiteJC]

 
Column: My love of Fulham stretches from west London all the way to the east coast of Africa

In the run in to the play-offs, regular columnist Chris Bishop discusses supporting Fulham from the east coast of Africa

The love of Fulham stretches from West London to the east coast of Africa.

I arrived in Durban this week with more than a thousand delegates at the World Economic Forum to the sound of the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean.

We were here with investors, from more than 100 countries, to discuss fears over crashing economies all over the world. The first words person I ran into was one of the organisers who spends most of his life in air-conditioned splendour near the lake in Geneva.

"Play offs ! Yes!" says the fellow fan, grabbing my arm, followed by a rapid-fire conversation about the talents of Sone Aluko and Chris Martin. He hopes to get a ticket, through his brother-in-law in Dulwich who injected him with the Fulham virus in the glory days of Roy Hodgson.

We realised we shared the same bug at a WEF conference many moons ago. We were in a bar in Cape Town where the air was thick with talk of Manchester United and Liverpool. I thought this bloke from WEF would be more into skiiing than football. Who do you support ? I asked, almost as a joke.


Old friends: Roy Hodgson signed Hangeland for Fulham

"Fulham," came back the straight reply as if it was nothing - to me, it was like coming across an elephant strolling down Fulham Palace Road. We talked into the night about Hodgson and Europe and have been firm friends ever since.

Anyway, the reason I am mentioning this is because it sums up the fervour that is being whipped up around the world about Fulham. At last, it seems the grand old team of SW6 is stirring.

I think Sheffield Wednesday will be a tough nut to crack this Sunday. From what I have seen they are a sturdy set of no nonsense players.

Remember, they did the treble against us only last season? Plus there is going to be a fanatical crowd behind them; the people of Sheffield have waited long - and eaten a lot of humble pie - on their way back to the top and are unlikely to be denied very easily.


Reading v Fulham at Craven Cottage (Photo: Eddie Greville)

Speaking of humble pie; I have eaten a truckload with Fulham over the last 28 years. It happens when you stand in the rain and lose 1-0 to Exeter City away.

A Brentford supporter (I hope this wasn't false news) accused me of arrogance for my last column that said I was glad we didn't batter the Bees because it meant there was no false pride, nor overconfidence, leading into the last few crucial games.

I don't really understand. For a start, arrogance and Fulham don't really sit that well together. Secondly let they who are without sin cast the first stone - wasn't it the boys from Griffin Park singing: "Bees up, Fulham down" at Craven Cottage last year? A kick when a man is down in 20th position if ever there was one.

Thirdly, it's only a game.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/column-love-fulham-stretches-west-12987025

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham loanee Chris Martin available for Championship Play-Offs

Chris Martin will be available for Fulham in the play-offs after it was confirmed his loan from Derby runs until the end of the month.

Martin, who suffered play-off heartbreak in 2014 with a final loss to QPR, is on a season-long loan deal and the news is a boost for Slavisa Jokanovic.

"My loan spell runs out on May 31 officially, so I'll be eligible for all the play-offs," he told Fulham's club website.

"I'm looking forward to it, I've had a taste of it before and it's not always been the most successful time for me so hopefully I can put that right this time around.

"I've not been fortunate enough to be promoted via the play-offs but everybody tells me it's the best way to go up.

"I've had a bit of disappointment over the last three or four years during it, so it will be extremely sweet if I do manage to taste success with this set of lads because I think we deserve it.

"We've played some of the best football I've seen for a long time in this division, so hopefully that can be rewarded with promotion."

Fulham secured a play-off spot last weekend and will finish sixth no matter what their result against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.

Reading, Wednesday or Huddersfield could be their semi-final opponents, with the three clubs separated by just one point going into the final day.

Fulham are assured of a spot in the Championship playoffs and go into Sunday's final game at Sheffield Wednesday with the joint-top number of points in the last eight away matches.



http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-loanee-chris-martin-available-for-championship-playoffs-a3531696.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Fulham plan to scout SPAL defender Francesco Vicari, face Serie A competition

Fulham and Vicari could both be moving up a division this season.

Fulham plan to scout SPAL defender Francesco Vicari, Di Marzio reports.

The 22-year-old has impressed in his first season with the Serie B side, keeping 12 clean sheets from 31 outings to help them to the brink of going up as champions.

Serie A pair Chievo and Sassuolo are already said keen on Vicari, although Fulham's interest may appeal to the centre-back, with the Cottagers in promotion contention themselves.

Slavisa Jokanovic's team are among the most eye-catching in the Championship this season, but have the second worst defence of any of the league's top seven clubs.

Nevertheless, the Mirror reports (5 May, page 58) that Fulham have already opened talks with Chelsea regarding a permanent deal for the on loan Tomas Kalas, who plays in Vicari's position.

The Cottagers, who are guaranteed a sixth-placed finish barring a 13-goal swing the favour of Leeds United, travel to potential play-off opponents Sheffield Wednesday for their regular season finale on Sunday.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/05/05/report-fulham-plan-to-scout-spal-defender-francesco-vicari-face/

[WhiteJC]

 
The Sean Davis Column

It was great to all but secure our Play-Off spot against Brentford. We didn't play as well as we have been, but there were obviously a lot of nerves before the game so I think it's understandable. We created a lot of chances in the first half and think we can count ourselves unfortunate not to go in ahead. After the break they put 10 men behind the ball quite often and we couldn't break them down. It was one of those days really but hopefully that's one out the way and we can move on and get a good result at Sheffield Wednesday But listen, the main priority this season was to get promotion, and now we've still got a chance of that. By hook or by crook it doesn't matter how you get there, so it was a relief. We would have liked to have gone on and won the game but we got the result we needed in the end.

We had to mirror what Leeds had done, so it was a bit scary when I was sitting in the lounges after our match had finished, waiting for confirmation that they'd drawn. Leeds were 3-0 down at one stage, then it was 3-1 at half-time and I remember having a conversation with fans saying hopefully they don't get an early goal because it could change around immediately, but thankfully they ended up drawing. The whole season has been a hard graft to get into the Play-Offs, and now we've pretty much done that, so the boys deserve a pat on the back.

It was nice to see Barry Hayles on Saturday but it wasn't really a novelty as we are good friends so I see too much of him as it is! I think it's nice for the fans when the ex-players come down. He was getting pictures taken with loads of people. Obviously he's still got Fulham at heart. He played here so many times and scored a lot of goals, especially in the promotion season, so he's a massive fans' favourite.

I don't envisage the Manager resting too many players in Sheffield on Sunday which I think is good. I don't like it when you make 10 changes, I think it can disturb the players and take the focus off. You also want to keep that momentum. The players need to go into it fully focused and treat it as a Play-Off game. For me I would play my strongest team and keep the momentum going, and then we'll be in good shape if we head into the Play-Offs unbeaten in six.

I have been impressed with Sheffield Wednesday this season, they are a strong outfit. They've got a lot of variety, they score goals, defensively they are quite good, and they've got kind of an edge about them. They stick their foot in and they are not frightened to mix it up, so they are probably the side I would most like to avoid in the Play-Offs.  If I had to choose who I'd want, I'd probably say Reading, but I'd fancy us against any of those sides. We've done enough to warrant a Play-Off place, and now I think we are good enough to go on and win the thing. It would be fantastic for the Club to get to Wembley but we've still got plenty to do before that. It's a fantastic time at the moment, the players and the coaching staff have worked their socks off, and hopefully we've still got four games left.

It looked for a long time as though our fate wouldn't be known until the final day, so it's pleasing to have effectively secured sixth place already. We didn't want to go into the Sheffield Wednesday game needing to rely on other people, so now our 3,000-plus away fans can enjoy the match without chewing all their fingernails off. It should be more of a relaxed game now, but people will still want to impress as the Play-Offs are coming.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/05/the-sean-davis-column

[WhiteJC]

 
Sheffield Wednesday vs Fulham Preview: Three questions with Owls Alive
Owls Alive stops by to help us preview this match.

There was a chance this was the last three questions for the year. Thankfully it's not. Let's hope we have two more instances of this at least!

Cottagers Confidential: Are Fulham the side that scare you most in the playoffs? Given that losing on Sunday is the only way you can make sure you don't face them, is a part of you actually hoping for a loss?

    Owls Alive: Fulham have been in great form in 2017. I certainly think that you have the most balanced squad, ahead of Reading FC and Huddersfield Town.

    Despite our excellent winning run, we have developed an untimely knack of conceding sloppy goals: something which Fulham are best placed to punish.

    I hope all four sides draw on Sunday. Most importantly I want Wednesday to enjoy a home second leg. Huddersfield are my preferred opponents: we've beaten them to-nil in both meetings this season.

CC: What is Sheffield Wednesday's style? You have a stout defense and don't score all that much, but you don't seem to be a bunker and counter team. You do score a lot of set pieces and appear to favor the short pass. If you had to sum them up, what would you say?

    OA: Carvalhal utilises a pretty fluid 4-4-2 with high full backs and an anchoring midfielder. We tend to enjoy the bulk of possession, choosing to retain the ball rather than quickly moving forward.

    Our defence has been excellent for three years now: we've equalled the club record for clean sheets over a season in 2014/15 and 2015/16, and can do so again with another shutout on Sunday.

    We tend to keep things tight in the first half and utilise our raft of technical, bright players in the second. Changes to a narrow shape and/or throwing extra forwards at opponents have turned draws into wins throughout this season.

CC: How is the health of the squad going into the playoffs? Is there anyone that needs a rest? What kind of team do you expect the manager to throw out?

    OA: The squad is in good shape. The spine of the team has been excellent all season and we have some of our most reliable talents returning to full fitness.

    Kieran Lee - so vital to our midfield - has played twice since his return from a long-term injury; Fernando Forestieri is on the way to full fitness; Gary Hooper has returned from a long spell out and has been pivotal to our six-game winning run.

    We have at least two options for every position with no major holes in the squad.

CC: Could you give a prediction for the match?

    OA: We'll make changes: Carvalhal fielded a total reserve side in our final match last season.

    Expect Lee, Forestieri and Hooper to get some minutes.

    The flow of the game will depend entirely on Jokanovic's plans. It would be difficult to predict an outcome from two changed sides.

    Our 'reserves' would be more than capable of getting a result - many individuals will feel they still have a chance of featuring from the start in our play-off semi-final.

    Expect a disjointed game that brings no indication of the fun to follow.



http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/5/5/15556940/sheffield-wednesday-fulham-preview-three-questions-owls-alive-english-championship

[WhiteJC]

 
Sheffield Wednesday v Fulham
SUN, 07 May 2017Championship
Venue: Hillsborough

Chris Martin has not played for Fulham since being sent off in the 3-1 win at Norwich on 14 April

BBC coverage
How to follow:
    BBC local radio; live text commentary on the BBC Sport website


Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal could make changes with his team guaranteed a place in the play-offs, where they could face Fulham.

However, the Portuguese has said he will not call on players from the club's under-23 team.

Fulham's on-loan Derby striker Chris Martin is available again after serving a three-game suspension.

Boss Slavisa Jokanovic could also look to make changes with the Cottagers all but guaranteed a sixth-placed finish.

Fulham would have to lose and Leeds would have to beat Wigan, while overturning a 13-goal swing, for the west London side to miss out.

Match facts
    Sheffield Wednesday have lost one of their last 19 league games against Fulham at Hillsborough (W10 D8).
    Fulham's 3-0 win at Hillsborough in December 1973 is their only clean sheet in 32 league visits there.
    Jordan Rhodes has scored in each of his three Football League starts against Fulham, netting three goals.
    Fulham haven't won a league game in Sheffield since April 1985 (D3 L5), a win 1-0 over Sheffield United.
    The Owls have won 15 league games at Hillsborough this season, their best tally in a second tier season since 1983-84 (16), when they won promotion the top-flight.
    The Cottagers have scored 38 away league goals this season, their best tally since netting 41 in 2000-01, when they won the second tier.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39760418

[WhiteJC]

 
There Would Be Enquiry If 14-Goal Swing Against Fulham Happened Admits Leeds Legend

Leeds United legend Eddie Gray has dismissed the chances of an unlikely 14-goal swing putting the Whites in the playoffs at Fulham's expense.

The Whites are effectively set to finish seventh in the Championship as even if they beat Wigan Athletic on Sunday and Fulham lose at Sheffield Wednesday, the Cottagers' superior goal difference means they will hold on to sixth.

However, with Fulham expected to field a weakened side, a theoretical 5-0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday, combined with a 9-0 win for Leeds over an already relegated Wigan team, would see the Whites take sixth.

Gray though feels if such a thing were to happen then there would certainly be an enquiry.

"It would be great wouldn't it?" he said on LUTV, when asked about a 14-goal swing.

"If we were seven up at half time we could throw caution to the wind!

"But it's not going to happen.

"I think there would be an enquiry if it did happen", Gray added.

A run of just two wins in their last nine games, just as playoff rivals were picking up form, ultimately cost Leeds as they slipped down from fourth place to sixth place.

The Whites had, until recently, even been dreaming of pushing into an automatic promotion place.



http://www.insidefutbol.com/2017/05/05/there-would-be-enquiry-if-14-goal-swing-against-fulham-happened-admits-leeds-legend/335852/

[WhiteJC]

 
Can Owls secure a top 4 spot?

Sheffield Wednesday face fellow play-off contenders Fulham in the final game of the regular season at Hillsborough on Sunday.

Unless Fulham lose by a hatful of goals and 7th placed Leeds win by a similar margin, the London side are guaranteed to finish in 6th place and they cannot finish any higher even with a win.

Wednesday on the other hand can finish in either 3rd, 4th or 5th. If they match Huddersfield's result they will finish at least 4th and if they do that and better Reading's result they will finish 3rd. Failure to do both would see them slip to 5th. A top 4 finish is desirable as that would ensure that the 2nd leg of their play-off semi-final would be at home, though they Owls have won both of their play-off semi-final ties to date when playing away in the 2nd leg.

With keeping players fit for the play-offs in mind, Carlos Carvalhal may choose to rest a few and he does have the advantage of having a fairly deep squad by Championship standards. The likes of Liam Palmer, Vincent Sasso, Morgan Fox, Jose Semedo, Atdhe Nuhiu and Sam Winnall could all come into consideration.

With Fulham's place in 6th virtually confirmed already regardless of the result, they too are likely to consider resting players. On-loan Derby striker Chris Martin has missed the last 3 matches due to suspension but is available for the match at Hillsborough and may get a run out to test his match fitness ahead of the play-offs.

The two sides come into the game as the two form sides in the Championship. Wednesday have won 6 in a row and have kept 3 clean sheets in the process. Another shut out tomorrow would see the club equal their clean sheet record of 17 for the 3rd season in a row.

Fulham have won 4 and drawn 1 of their last 6 and have been scoring goals for fun having netted 16 times in those 6 matches.

The two sides drew 1-1 at Craven Cottage back in November with the home side scoring in injury time to deny the Owls a win. The Londoners have only won once in their last nine visits to Hillsborough.



http://www.sheffieldwednesday-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/can_owls_secure_a_top_4_spot_907628/index.shtml

[WhiteJC]

 
Sheffield Wednesday v Fulham: Owls have to play with clear minds, says Daniel Pudil

Daniel Pudil is hoping his return to full fitness can help him end a "rollercoaster" season at Sheffield Wednesday on a high....

In a season that has seen many key Wednesday players injured for large chunks, the Czech Republic defender's comeback after injury has largely gone unheralded.

In a season that has seen many key Wednesday players injured for large chunks, the Czech Republic defender's comeback after injury has largely gone unheralded.

Injury finally forced him out for seven weeks in February, allowing January arrival Morgan Fox to stake his claim for the left-back shirt, but Pudil made a successful comeback for the 2-1 home win over Newcastle United on April 8. The defender, who netted in the 2-1 Easter Monday victory at QPR, has looked refreshed, and has impressed with not only his defending, but also his attacking intent.

This was highlighted in last week's 1-0 win at Ipswich Town. With the sides locked at 0-0 deep into the second half, the left-back galloped away – after a clever one-two with Barry Bannan – before crossing for Lee to net the winning goal. "I'm really happy. It has been a difficult season for me," Pudil told The Yorkshire Post. "Last year, I played all of the games. "I went to the European Championships as well. I didn't really have a holiday. I didn't have a pre-season with a team. "It didn't help me so much, but I don't want to make any excuses. I should have played much better over the season. It has been like a rollercoaster. I would play well in one game and then not great in another.

"I came back from international duty and I was injured for a month so that hurt me as well. "I took a rest for six to seven weeks and this helped me a lot. I worked hard and did everything to get back in the team. "I was just waiting for the opportunity to get back on the pitch. After that, I was trying to do my best and improve." Twelve months ago, Pudil and the Owls were 90 minutes away from winning promotion to the Premier League, only to be pipped 1-0 by Hull City at Wembley in the Championship play-off final. Pudil has history when it comes to getting out of the Championship, having been part of the Watford squad that gained promotion to the Premier League two years ago.

Of the four Championship teams involved in this year's play-offs, the Owls are the only ones to have recent experience. Pudil believes going through the end-of-season process last year could prove to be an advantage for Wednesday this month. Having beat Brighton in the semi-finals, over two legs, the Owls froze at Wembley and never looked likely winners. "Maybe everyone was a little nervous in the final," admitted Pudil. "Everyone knows it is the richest game in the world. Everyone had it in their mind and maybe we thought too much about it. We didn't play our football and how we played in the semi-final. "We have to go for the semi-finals with clear minds, play our football and enjoy every single second on the pitch. We know we are good players and I think we can do it this year. "It's great work from everyone at the club to achieve back-to-back play-offs. Everyone from the chairman, the players and the management staff have done their job over the last two years. "We didn't take that last step last year, but everyone is focused on going to the final this year and going to the Premier League." Depending on results tomorrow, the Owls could finish either third, fourth or fifth as they vie for places with Huddersfield Town and Reading. If positions remain the same, it will be an all-Yorkshire semi-final against the Terriers. Finishing fourth would mean the second leg would be at Hillsborough, not that Pudil sees much advantage in that. "It doesn't matter if we play first home or away," he said. "It is a normal game. You have to go for the result. "Maybe if you play at home second, and you know you have to win the game, that the crowd can help you a little more. They can push you and be a little bit of an advantage, but it always depends on the result of the first game." Owls head coach Carlos Carvalhal received the Championship's manager of the month award yesterday, but stressed it should be seen as a collective prize. "I don't agree with individual prizes in football, because the individual in football depends on the collective work," he said. "This prize is not for me, but the people I work with, my staff, players, the chairman and the fans. "The people who support Sheffield Wednesday in this month make us a very strong team. "I am the face of the prize, but it's for everybody. I mean nothing, we win together," added Carvalhal, who said the Owls will do a "lap of appreciation" at the end of tomorrow's game. "We will not do a lap of honour, but a lap of appreciation to the fans," he said.



Read more at: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-v-fulham-owls-have-to-play-with-clear-minds-says-daniel-pudil-1-8530134

[WhiteJC]

 
The £5.95million-rated Fulham ace who should reject Newcastle to stick with Jokanovic

It's been a superb season for all involved down at Craven Cottage and Slavisa Jokanovic should be confident his team are one of the favourites to make it through the play-offs.

Fulham have beaten Leeds United to sixth place in the race for promotion because of their far superior goal difference and arguably, they're the in-form team going into the knockout games, which begin after the final round of fixtures this weekend.

And after some superb showings in recent weeks, Fulham will be amongst the favourites to go up, especially considering some of the poor results the likes of Reading and Huddersfield have suffered recently.

But one man that has been absolutely crucial in Fulham's push for the play-offs is £5.95million-rated Tom Cairney, who has been absolutely superb for Slavisa Jokanovic's team this season.

The 26-year-old midfielder has been at the heart of a lot of the good work we've seen from Fulham throughout this campaign and after such a good season, it's only natural to see the transfer mill begin to spin regarding his future.

But should Fulham get back into the promise land of the Premier League, there would be few better to lead them forward than Cairney, who possesses all the qualities needed to make it at this level.

He's aware, is an excellent passer of the ball and works unbelievably hard too.

He should stick by the Cottagers as they have done by him.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/the-5-95million-rated-fulham-ace-who-should-reject-newcastle-to-stick-with-jokanovic/