Tuesday Fulham Stuff (16/05/17)...

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Halfway through the semifinal: Fulham are 90 minutes away from Wembley


Photo by Harry Hubbard/Getty Images

Saturday's match against Reading was billed as Fulham's biggest match in the past five years; that lofty title must now transfer to Tuesday's second leg. After a tightly-contested 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage over the weekend, the task at hand for the Whites is simple. Win on Tuesday night at the Madejski and advance to the Play-Off Final at Wembley. Lose and have the season come to a close, facing another year in the Championship.

The first leg provided a much-needed reality check for Fulham, revealing that the Play-Offs would not be as much of a breeze as many had thought. The Cottagers' stunning end-of-season form and brilliant record against the fellow playoff sides had established Fulham as clear favorites, yet Reading stunned Craven Cottage back to reality.

A gritty, physical performance filled with constant time-wasting, fortunate refereeing decisions, and defensive grit handed Reading a crucial away draw. Jordan Obita opened the scoring for the Royals in the second half with virtually their first chance of the match. Reading's game plan had worked out perfectly: stifle Fulham's free flowing style of play, sit back, and hit them on the counter. Jaap Stam had worked wonders it seemed; Reading were third in the league for a reason.

Yet the closing half hour should give the Whites hope for the second leg. Tom Cairney bagged a slick equalizer after a wonderful Fulham counter, culminating in the captain nodding home from close range. The Cottage sprang back to life and revitalized Fulham's attack. And with just ten minutes to go, Reading's captain Paul McShane lunged into a horror tackle with Kevin McDonald. McShane was rightfully shown a straight red for the despicable challenge, ruling out a vital part of Reading's defence for the second leg.

In addition, Fulham fans should be heartened by the Cottagers' superb away record. Fulham won more away matches (12) than home matches this season, second only to the champions Newcastle in all of the Championship. Furthermore, the Whites have shown they can play with the best away from home, with massive victories over Newcastle, Norwich, Huddersfield, and Sheffield Wednesday all coming away from the confines of Craven Cottage. If anyone can defeat Reading at the Madejski, it is Fulham.

Fulham have always performed this season when the pressure is on. One only needs to look at Fulham's late run of form to see a team that can step up in the big matches. There is no doubt that it will be a mammoth task to progress to Wembley, yet if any club can do it, it is Fulham.

COYW!




http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/5/15/15641586/halfway-through-the-semifinal-fulham-are-90-minutes-away-from-wembley

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Reading v Fulham: Don't be surprised if this goes to extra-time
Who will be heading to Wembley?

After an entertaining first-leg encounter at Craven Cottage, Reading and Fulham meet at the Madjeski Stadium for part two of their Championship play-off clash.

That first tie on Saturday yielded a 1-1 draw, and left the contest finely poised.

Our odds suggest another close affair is in store, with Fulham slight favourites to progress to Wembley at 4/6, ahead of Reading at 11/10.

Slavisa Jokanovic's men are 5/4 to win the second leg in 90 minutes, with Jaap Stam's Royals at 2/1.

And Fulham's edge is down to a combination of both form and a handy knack of winning on the road.

The West London outfit roared into the play-offs with five wins and a draw in their final six games, firing in 16 goals along the way.

Plus, Fulham can claim away wins at Huddersfield Town, Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich City and champions Newcastle United this season.

But Reading are certainly not to be dismissed, having lost just twice at home all term.

An extra-time enforcing draw looks well priced at 13/5, and given Fulham's attacking prowess (they were top-scorers in the regular campaign), both teams to score looks assured at 8/13.

A second 1-1 draw could be the pick of the bunch here at 11/2, while Draw/Draw on the Half-Time/Full-Time is 17/4, as happened at Craven Cottage.

Reading will be hoping Yann Kermorgant can find the form which saw him score 18 goals in the regular season, and the veteran forward is 9/2 favourite to score first.

Fulham's Chris Martin is 5/1 to open the scoring, but plenty will fancy Tom Cairney to do the business at 6/1, having bagged the equaliser in the opening leg.

Having a bet on this crucial play-off clash? Check out our Headline Boosts, available from 8am on the day of the game.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing




http://news.ladbrokes.com/football/championship/reading-v-fulham-dont-be-surprised-if-this-goes-to-extra-time.html

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Ryan Sessegnon Starts – Strongest 4-2-3-1 Fulham Line-Up To Face Reading

Predicted Fulham Lineup To Face Reading

Although it extended their impressive unbeaten run to 7 games, Fulham's draw at home to Reading in the first leg of this Championship play-off semi-final was a disappointment.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side went into the playoffs as the form team in the league and were widely expected to get to Wembley. If they hope to hold on to players like Tom Cairney, they really need that final promotion place. They remain dangerous though and all is not lost here. Reading have the need to come forward and may allow space at the back for Fulham to break.

It was surprising to see that the young Sessegnon did not play the first leg and he may come back here at the expense of Chris Martin in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Probable Fulham XI:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Slavisa Jokanovic
GK – Marcus Bettinelli

Now the confirmed no.1 at the club, he can continue in goal for the away side. Should start the game.
RB – Ryan Fredericks

Playing away from home may this time see him get more space in behind Obita from right-back. He can try to exploit it for Fulham's good.
CB – Tomas Kalas

The defender's time at Fulham may be coming to an end, but he will look to go out on a major high.
CB – Tim Ream

The American defender is a mainstay for Fulham and a calm performance from him in guiding his defence is a must if Fulham are to get the job done here.
LB – Scott Malone

The tireless attacking left-back is important while going forward for Fulham and just like Fredericks, may get more space going forward, now that Reading are at home.
CM – Kevin McDonald

Still performing admirably with Johansen in the middle for Fulham and he will be needed once again in this important tie for his side.
CM – Stefan Johansen

The former Celtic man can ghost into some very dangerous positions from midfield and is just the type to pop up with a crucial goal in a game like this.
RW – Sone Aluko

The tricky winger is always a likely type and will need to be watched like a hawk by the Reading back line.
CAM – Tom Cairney

There is a very real possibility that this could be his last game for the club. While he will hope it's not, a trip to Wembley for the final would round off his season appropriately.
LW – Ryan Sessegnon

Jokanovic has to throw caution to the wind and include the teenager in the starting XI. His pace and trickery could cause havoc, especially with McShane now suspended from the Reading defence.
ST – Floyd Ayite

With Chris Martin potentially making way, Ayite may move back up to the no.9 position and will provide a completely different test for the home side. Getting as much pace into the Fulham front line as possible could prove crucial on the night.




http://soccersouls.com/2017/05/16/ryan-sessegnon-starts-strongest-4-2-3-1-fulham-line-face-reading/

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Slavisa Jokanovic insists he doesn't fear penalties in Reading semi-final despite Fulham's dismal record

The Royals also have a poor record from the spot with the duo having missed 15 out of 25 penalties between them this season

May the better team win, but please do not let it go to ­penalties – or we will be stuck at the Madejski all night.

Between them, Reading and Fuham have missed 15 of 25 spot-kicks this season.

And when they last met at the Mad Stad, it went entirely according to the formbook.

Roy Beerens scored the Royals' winner from the rebound after ­England Under-21 midfielder John Swift's penalty was saved by David Button, and the Cottagers were ­denied a last-minute equaliser when Ali Al Habsi foiled Chris Martin from the spot.

Slavisa Jokanovic has ­suffered more headaches than any manager in the league after seeing ­Fulham squander nine of 13.

And when they last met at the Mad Stad, it went entirely according to the formbook.

Roy Beerens scored the Royals' winner from the rebound after ­England Under-21 midfielder John Swift's penalty was saved by David Button, and the Cottagers were ­denied a last-minute equaliser when Ali Al Habsi foiled Chris Martin from the spot.

Slavisa Jokanovic has ­suffered more headaches than any manager in the league after seeing ­Fulham squander nine of 13.

"Probably the next one is going to be the most important for us and I ­expect we're going to shoot with the quality and personality we need."

Skipper Tom Cairney, whose equaliser at the weekend left the tie evenly poised, said: "At the end of the day, there's no point in wondering what might have happened if we had scored this penalty or missed that penalty – it's all ifs and buts.

"Thank goodness it didn't cost us a place in the play-offs. Hopefully, if it goes to penalties, we will score ours and get the job done."

Royals keeper Al Habsi, who will be centre stage if the semi-final is still deadlocked after 120 minutes tonight, is ­determined that McShane's next game in blue-and-white hoops will be in the top flight.

The Republic of Ireland defender will miss both tonight's game and the play-off final if Reading prevail and Al Habsi said: "Everyone feels sorry for Macca that he won't be playing, but everyone is sure we can win the match and get to Wembley and the Premier League for him.

"We have lost a key player, but the squad has been fantastic all season and we will manage to play well without him."

Reading boss Stam will make a late decision on the fitness of Jordan Obita, who twisted an ankle after opening the scoring at Craven ­Cottage, and midfielder Liam Kelly, who missed the first leg through ­illness.



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-reading-slavisa-jokanovic-penalties-10430033

[WhiteJC]

 
Aluko & Ilori square off in Championship playoff semifinals

While the regular Championship season was wrapped up the week before last, a series of Africa's stars are still battling for the opportunity to reach the Premier League next term via the playoffs, with Nigerian duo Sone Aluko and Tiago Ilori in particular set for a fascinating meeting on Tuesday.

The five-game mini-tournament involving the teams who finish third to sixth during the campaign must play off in two-legged semifinals, with the victors advancing to the final at Wembley on May 29 for the chance to play for a promotion that Deloitte estimate to be worth at least £170 million.

At the halfway stage of the semifinals, it's all to play for, with both pairs of teams playing out two draws over the weekend ahead of the midweek return fixtures.

On Tuesday evening, Reading host Fulham at the Madejski Stadium following a 1-1 draw between the duo in West London in the first leg.

The Royals have an awesome record at home, having lost just twice in front of their own fans all season, and if the Cottagers' attack -- so effective during the campaign -- fails to turn up again, the home side will be favourites to advance.



Nigeria's Aluko has tasted life in the Premier League with Hull City, and he's heading into the playoffs on the back of an encouraging year.

There's rarely been any doubt about his ability to make an impact at this level -- contrary to the top flight -- and his return of 10 assists and eight goals has been influential in taking Fulham to the brink of a return to the top tier.

Aluko, who is likely to feature on the right side of Slavisa Jokanovic's 4-2-3-1-cum-4-3-3 formation, will be looking to dovetail with Togo's Floyd Ayite. The West African lost his way in the first leg, but if he can rediscover the form he enjoyed in April, where he scored four and contributed three assists in the space of five games, then the Londoners might have the edge.

Ivorian frontman Cyriac and Democratic Republic of Congo playmaker Neeskens Kebano were both introduced from the bench in the first leg, and could be called on to fulfil a similar role this time around.

The former hasn't really taken to life in England yet since moving from Oostende midway through the campaign, but Kebano has demonstrated his class in patches -- how he'd love the opportunity to face Sheffield Wednesday in Wembley, having scored twice against them on May 7.



Ilori has been something of a flop in English football since he was signed from Sporting Lisbon for Liverpool by Brendan Rodgers in the summer of 2013.

He never looked close to making the grade at Anfield, and failed to feature on loan at struggling Aston Villa last season.

This term, the Anglo-Nigerian-Portuguese defender has hardly fared much better after moving to Reading permanently for £3.75 million, making just six league appearances of which two have been starts.

However, the 24-year-old looks set to step into a pivotal role in Tuesday's showdown following the red card received by Royals skipper Paul McShane late in the first leg.

Any questions about just how good Ilori is -- and just how good he can be -- may well be answered this week.

In Wednesday's semifinal second leg, Sheffield Wednesday host Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town after the two neighbours played out a 0-0 draw at the John Smith Stadium in the first meeting.

The African interest here comes in the form of Town's German-Congolese wideman Elias Kachunga, one of several savvy pieces of recruitment by coach David Wagner.

Jurgen Klopp's former right-hand man wasn't afraid to trawl the German leagues for talent ahead of the season, and the 25-year-old was one of his key purchases, moving on loan from Ingolstadt 04.

Former Germany U-21 international Kachunga has looked the part in the second tier, regular weighing in with goals and assists as the Terriers have performed above expectations.

He's already tasted promotion success -- with Paderborn in Germany -- and has the quality to hurt the Wednesday as they seek to end their 17-year absence from the Premier League.




http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/football-africa/80/post/3127161/aluko-and-ilori-square-off-in-championship-playoff-semifinals

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Reading FC v Fulham: Three ways for Royals to win play-off semi-final

It's a winner-takes-all game on Tuesday night at Madejski Stadium

Reading FC go into Tuesday night's play-off semi-final against Fulham with everything to play for.

The two sides could not be separated in the first leg at Craven Cottage on Saturday evening, and will line up once again for the return fixture at Madejski Stadium (7.45pm kick-off).

Royals will be without captain Paul McShane who was sent off at the weekend and now misses the team's next three matches.

Left-back Jordan Obita is also a doubt for Reading after being stretchered off in the first leg.

Jaap Stam's side had the second best home record in the Championship this season, while Fulham had the second best away record.

The tie will be decided on the night with extra time and penalties possible if it finishes all-square once again.

Ahead of the game, here are three ways Reading can see off the Cottagers.

1) Stop the Fulham full-backs down the flanks
If Reading can keep Ryan Fredericks and Scott Malone quiet down the wings, that will go a long way to nullifying Fulham's main threats.

Royals executed a similar approach on Saturday and it worked a treat.


Scott Malone is one to watch (Photo: Darren Pepe)

It was not a coincidence Fulham did score when getting in down the left and sending in a cross.

Both Fredericks and Malone both like to bomb up and down the flanks and were a key reason for the side's impressive end to the season.

2) Make a fast start
Reading do so much better when they settle into their rhythm quickly and get an early goal.

If they can dictate the game from the off and get their passing game going, it will bring its rewards as it has time and time again this season.

It will be even better if they can get a goal too, in order to settle the nerves and give them something to build on.

The longer it stays 0-0, the more tense the fans will become and the more Fulham will fancy their chances.

Recent home wins against Wigan, Blackburn and Lees all came from early goals which is why it's hugely beneficial they get one this time.

3) Keep the captain quiet
Fulham have plenty of dangermen but in Tom Cairney they have a player who is almost certainly destined for the Premier League.

The Fulham midfielder scored his 13th goal of the season in the first leg and has 10 assists to his name.


Fulham's Tom Cairney (Photo: Lewis Darling)

The captain has a canny knack of popping up in the right place at the right time and is one of the best passers of the ball in the division.

He was influential in guiding the side up the table and making a successful late push for the play-offs.

The likes of Liam Moore, Danny Williams and Tyler Blackett will need to be on their guard to keep the Scotland international from making an impact.




http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-v-fulham-three-13038996

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Fulham can channel spirit of a famous win at Reading tonight
by Dan on May 16, 2017

So, the big day is finally here. If you are anything like me, the hours since Stuart Attwell's final whistle sounded on Saturday – setting up  a delicately poised play-off semi final second leg at the Madjeski Stadium having absolutely crawled by. Fulham's improbable tilt for a place at Wembley and the prospect of promotion to the Premier League will be settled in Berkshire this evening, with Slavisa Jokanovic's side facing opponents who have proven almost nigh on impregnable at home this season.

To draw inspiration given the task at hand, Fulham fans could cast their mind back nine years to recall their last win at Reading – in what was also something of a do-or-die scenario. Roy Hodgson's side travelled to the Madjeski Stadium in desperate need of a victory, sitting seven points behind third-from-bottom Birmingham City with five games to play. The Whites were on one of the top flight's longest sequences without an away win – having not won a game on the road since December 2006 – and the Royals were seeking to consolidate their position seemingly clear of the trouble. What happened next and the incredible escape act it inspired went down in Fulham folklore.

Hodgson had switched his system to a fluid 4-4-2 in the lead-up to this fixture, urging his team to be more adventurous with the ball, having, in the words of Simon Davies, 'bored the players rigid' with his meticulous Motspur Park drills on defensive shape. The recalled David Healy made an early impression with willing running into the channels, but it was a splendid passing move began by the outstanding Davies that crafted a crucial opening goal. The Welsh winger had seamlessly switched flanks and popped up to work a clever one-two with Paul Konchesky before sending over an inviting cross, which Brian McBride gleefully guided into the net.

The Royals barely mustered a shot in the first 45 minutes with Kasey Keller not extended in the visiting goal and Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes expertly marshalling the Fulham defence. The pattern continued after the break, with the visitors exceptionally unlucky not to extend their lead when Healy floated an inviting ball across the box for the onrushing McBride – only for the American's fierce strike from the edge of the box to thunder back off the crossbar.

The Madjeski Stadium woodwork was to foil Fulham twice more in the next twenty minutes. First, a powerful header from Hangeland at a Jimmy Bullard corner rattled the frame of goal and, then after Healy had won a promising free-kick 30 yards out a couple of minutes later, the shaggy-haired midfielder's curling effort also shook the crossbar. It led to a collective groan of disbelief in the away end, the famous 'that f****** crossbar, we hit it three times' chant and a good mate of mine nearly getting slung out of the ground for repeatedly smashing the corrugated iron at the back of the stand in frustration repeatedly as he started further vociferous songs.

With five minutes to play, Carlos Bocanegra replaced his compatriot Clint Dempsey as Hodgson sought to protect Fulham's narrow lead. Reading went more direct – with Steve Coppell throwing on forwards in search of an equaliser – but it was the visitors who continued to attack. McBride saw a 25-yarder deflected away, and nerves jangled as we went into four minutes of added time. Then came a lovely move on the break.

That man Davies worked a clever one-two with substitute Erik Nevland, sprinting into space inside the Reading half, before slipping a sumptuous through ball behind the retreating Royals' defence for the Norwegian to run onto. Nevland showed ice-cool composure as he raced through on goal, taking one touch to set himself just outside the box and guiding an unerring finish on the run past former Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann to spark scenes of wild jubilation in the away end.

Fulham had ended a 33-game wait for an away win in clinical fashion with two beautifully worked goals and a performance that had Hodgson speaking of the prospect of 'miraculous escape'. It was a vital victory that fostered a real belief amongst a tight-knight group of players and set in train the foundations for the most successful period in the club's history. Oh, how we'd long for a repeat tonight ...




http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/05/fulham-need-to-channel-spirit-of-a-famous-win-at-reading-tonight/

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How Do Reading Cope Without Key Players In The Backline?
With Paul McShane suspended and Jordan Obita potentially sidelined through injury, Jaap Stam has some defensive thinking to do.

In many ways, Reading put in an excellent defensive performance in their play-off semi-final first leg at Fulham on Saturday, marred slightly by just one momentary lapse of concentration that led to the hosts' equaliser. The Cottagers were limited to just one shot on target other than the goal, and all of the Royals back five were given at a least a seven in our player ratings, except for skipper Paul McShane who was downgraded to a six purely for his red card.

And there lies a potential problem for Jaap Stam in Tuesday night's second leg. The Irishman's sending off for his tackle on Kevin McDonald means that he will be unavailable for the Madejski Stadium clash, and indeed the final if we get there. In addition, goalscorer and man of the match Jordan Obita left the pitch on a stretcher at the weekend, and was pictured on crutches wearing a protective boot as he left Craven Cottage.

This means that changes will have to be made to a backline that performed so well in the first leg, and perhaps even a switch back to a four man defence. Last week, Will provided us with a superb tactical analysis of both three at the back and four at the back formations, but below are a few options of how the Royals' defence may line up at the Mad Stad.

Option A - Stay with five at the back and risk Obita
Stam played five at the back when Reading kept a clean sheet against Fulham in January as well as on Saturday, so he might well be keen to do so again. He may also be keen to take a chance on Jordan Obita, who performed so well at Craven Cottage and scored a brilliantly taken goal.

Although as aforementioned the 23-year-old looked in a relatively bad way in at the end of the game, the stretcher, protective boot and crutches may simply have been precaution. When talking to Radio Berkshire, Stam used the phrase "IF Jordan Obita is doubtful", suggesting that he may well be available. Or perhaps that is just me living in hope.

If Obita is fit to start, then the only change will be in the centre of defence where Tiago Ilori would replace Paul McShane, with Joey van den Berg or loanee Reece Oxford other options - although the latter hasn't featured since the 7-1 thrashing at Norwich over a month ago.

Option B - Stay with five at the back and switch some players around
If there's no Obita, then Tyler Blackett would probably be the only option at left wing-back in a five man defence and that doesn't sound overly promising. That would probably then mean a central trio of Moore, van den Berg and Ilori.

Alternatively, Blackett could stay in the middle and Chris Gunter could switch to the left-hand side as he has done occasionally in the past. This would mean a new face on the right, probably Garath McCleary or Tennai Watson. Yet this seems unlikely, with McCleary himself not fully fit and more useful further up the pitch and Watson in action for the Under 23s in their Premier League Cup final defeat last night in Swansea. Danny Williams has also played the right wing-back role a couple of times, but was superb at the heart of midfield on Saturday.

Option C - Switch to four at the back
I personally feel that we are more vulnerable with just a four man defence, but it may well be the only sensible option. The Royals played with four at the back in the 5-0 thrashing at Craven Cottage in December, with Liam Moore absent through suspension.

Blackett is still a little shaky as a full-back, but more comfortable than he is as a wing-back, with Gunter again an option if Stam REALLY doesn't fancy the former Manchester United man out on the left. One thing I haven't mentioned yet is that Ilori has been known to fill in at left-back in the past, but that is a highly unlikely scenario.

The centre-back pairing in a four man defence would be Moore and either Joey or Ilori, yet perhaps the former might slot in to the holding midfield role to give the defence more protection. Again, other options available in the middle are Oxford and even George Evans, but these are other unlikely suggestions.

http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/5/16/15642290/how-do-reading-fc-vs-fulham-fc-cope-without-key-players-in-the-backline-jaap-stam

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David Prutton picks winner in Reading vs Fulham clash

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has tipped Fulham to beat Reading 1-0 at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night and make it through to the Championship playoffs final.

The teams were inseparable in the first leg at Craven Cottage, with the scores finishing level in a 1-1 draw in London.

The result is perceived to give Reading an advantage, with Jaap Stam's men knowing that victory will ensure they meet either Sheffield Wednesday or Hudderfield Town at Wembley for a chance to be promoted to the Premier League.

However, Prutton has backed Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham side to upset the odds and record a 1-0 win over Reading on Tuesday night.

"Reading were fantastic at Craven Cottage – hey didn't let Fulham play their natural game but with the attacking talent Slavisa Jokanovic has at his disposal, I get the feeling they won't be shackled again," he told Sky Sports.

"I'm sure this will be a more open game. From the Fulham point of view we expect a lot of them offensively. They've got good players all the way through their ranks with Chris Martin and Tom Cairney.

"This one feels like it will be settled in normal time and I'm leaning more towards the visitors."

Fulham have been an impressive outfit in recent months, with the London side rallying to finish in the top six at the expense of Leeds United.

In Cairney the Cottagers have a star, but the club's supporters remain unsure over whether on-loan striker Martin is the man to lead their line.




https://ninetyminutesonline.com/david-prutton-picks-winner-reading-vs-fulham-clash/

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PREVIEW: Reading FC's Ali Al-Habsi says Royals are 'better' than Fulham ahead of tonight's play-off semi-final clash

READING FC goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi said the Royals believe they are a better than Fulham as they prepare for their crucial play-off semi-final second leg tie tonight.

The veteran shot-stopper made the comments in the wake of Reading's 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage in the first leg on Saturday evening.

Royals finished third in the Championship table this season, three places ahead of the Cottagers, and player of the season Al-Habsi said Saturday's performance showed why Reading finished higher.

But the 35-year-old insisted it will be a difficult game none the less.

"There is a lot of pressure on both of us now," he declared.

"It's not an easy game. One team has to win.

"But the way we have played at home all season gives us lots of confidence. We just need to continue that."

Royals sold out their 2,000 seat allocation at Craven Cottage on Saturday and Omani shot-stopper Al-Habsi wants fans to back the Royals at Madejski Stadium again tonight (8pm ko).

"The fans were fantastic at Fulham and we need that again," he continued.

"We have to believe in ourselves, we believe we are a better team than Fulham. We went to Craven Cottage and showed why we are third in the table.

"The last game at home we won 1-0 and we need to do the same job now."

The teams go into the match level on aggregate and the possibility of extra time and even penalties looms if the score line remains the same.

Fulham have a worse record from the spot than Reading in the league, missing seven in the league including one at Madejski Stadium during Royals' 1-0 victory back in January.

"We have to be ready for anything but we believe we can get a good win at home," concluded Al-Habsi.

"We need to think about any situation but hopefully we will finish the game before that.

"Fulham don't have a good record in the league from the spot, I saved one of theirs earlier this season so hopefully I will continue that."




http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/readingfc/15287616.PREVIEW__Reading_FC_s_Ali_Al_Habsi_says_Royals_are__better__than_Fulham_ahead_of_tonight_s_play_off_semi_final_clash/

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Ryan Fredericks comments about Tom Cairney should encourage Newcastle, Burnley

Newcastle United and Burnley are reportedly interested in signing Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney in the summer transfer window.

Fulham defender Ryan Fredericks has suggested to The Times that Tom Cairney would be a success in the Premier League.

Cairney is one of the best players in the Championship and has been in superb form for Fulham so far this season.

The 26-year-old has scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists in 46 Championship appearances for the Cottagers this campaign.

     Passing Accuracy    Tackles Won   Interceptions Won   Ball Recovery   Touches   Shots on Target   Goal Assist   Goals   Appearances   Mins Played
Tom Cairney    93%    30    17    252    4,371    41    10    13    46    4,029

Fredericks has spoken highly of Cairney, and has claimed that any Premier League team would be lucky to have him.

"Tom is technically very good, the best passer of a football in the league by a long way and any Premier League team would be lucky to have him, but we have got him at the moment, so let him do the job for us," Cairney told The Times.

Fulham are in the Championship playoffs, and there is a good chance that they could get promoted to the Premier League for the 2017-18 campaign.

Cairney, though, may not be at Craven Cottage next season. Premier League duo Premier League and Burnley have been linked with moves for the former Hull City midfielder in the summer transfer window.

According to The Mirror, Newcastle are planning to make a move for the Fulham midfielder, who is also on the radar of Burnley, as reported by The Sun on Sunday (print edition, page 63, May 7, 2017, click here to read more)

Fredericks's comments about Cairney should be encouraging for both the Magpies and the Clarets, as they show just how highly the midfielder is rated by his teammates, and that the Scotland international would be a success in the Premier League.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/05/16/ryan-fredericks-comments-about-tom-cairney-should-encourage-newc/

[WhiteJC]

 
Could Pochettino's development of other full-backs ultimately seal Ryan Sessegnon's signature?

The Fulham player has long been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur and Mauricio Pochettino is the perfect manager for him.

As reported by the London Evening Standard, Fulham full-back Ryan Sessegnon is a top target for Tottenham Hotspur if and when he leaves Craven Cottage.

The 16-year-old has been nothing short of sensational for the Cottagers this season, featuring 29 times, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in the process.

That is a superb return for such a young player and he performs with such confidence that if he continues on his current trajectory he is destined for the very top of the game.

Tottenham may want the player, but he could yet remain at Fulham, with much depending on which division they find themselves in next season.

Victory in the play-offs and Sessegnon will surely remain to continue his development in the top flight for his current club.  But disappointment against Reading or later this month at Wembley and things could change.

Whatever happens this season, Sessegnon would be wise to look closely at Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino's work at White Hart Lane.

After all, he has turned Kyle Walker and Danny Rose into arguably the two best full-backs in the country, while Ben Davies and Kieran Trippier have also excelled despite playing bit-part roles for much of their time at the club.

Pochettino knows what it takes not only to get the best out of a full-back but also to ensure they considerably improve year on year.

Rewind a few seasons and you would have been laughed out of the room for suggesting Rose would become England's finest left-back; but that he is.

Now Sessegnon has to decide where his future is best served, with a move to Tottenham sure to be high on the list of possibilities.




http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/05/15/could-pochettinos-development-of-other-full-backs-ultimately-sea/

[WhiteJC]

 
Match Day Officials v Fulham (16/5/17)

The Football League have now announced the Match Day officials that will take charge of the Championship Play Off Semi Final between Reading and Fulham.

Reading host Fulham in the Semi Final second leg decider over who gets one step closer to Wembley and the Premier League this season.

The game takes place on Tuesday May 16 at the Madejski Stadium and the match carries a 7.45pm kick off.

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Linesmen: Stuart Burt and Adam Nunn
Fourth Official: Paul Tierney

Match Day referee Atkinson has officiated 40 games in 2016/17, returning 139 yellow cards and three red cards.

His highest card count this season was eight yellows in the game between Crystal Palace and Hull City. He showed seven yellows in the game between Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion and seven yellows have appeared on four occasions.

He took in 46 matches in 2015-16 and in those games, across all competitions and football divisions, he handed out a whopping total of 169 yellow cards but only one red card.

He was most card happy in the game on February 14 between Arsenal and Leicester where he showed eight yellow cards and one red card. He showed eight yellows in April in the game between Sparta Prague and Villarreal. Prior to that Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen back on September 29 saw seven yellows He's also hit six yellows in five games as well.

Let`s hope it`s not another repeat and more of our players edge closer to automatic bans.




Read more: http://www.reading.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=491984#ixzz4hEaB4amE

[WhiteJC]

 
Play-Off second leg special – Fulham boss Jokanovic: Reading played to the legal limit

Fulham's Tom Cairney celebrates his goal to make it 1-1 against Reading

Fulham have been warned to expect more of the rough stuff in tonight's second leg play-off at the Madejski Stadium.

Boss Slavisa Jokanovic believes Reading played to the very limit of the law in adopting the aggressive approach which characterised Saturday's first leg.

The Whites were thrown out of their normally silky stride during a full-blooded first leg at Craven Cottage, with the visitors maintaining a physical and high-tempo game-plan throughout.

The Royals had skipper Paul McShane sent off for the sort of robust challenge on Kevin McDonald which typified their no-nonsense approach, but left with a 1-1 draw which makes them slight favourites for the return clash this evening. Fulham will be hoping Reading prove less obsessed with simply shutting Fulham down this time around, but Reading boss Jaap Stam says his players must show the same kind of muscle as at the weekend.

"In this league, there are teams who play more physically than we do, but in these [play-off] games, you need to be aggressive, go forward, and win your battles on the pitch," Stam said.

"It's not just because you are playing at home that you are automatically going to be winning the game." Jokanovic said: "They put out a very physical team – playing to the limit of the legal situation. "But they came into the game with a plan and this worked for them for one hour. Then we found a way to score a goal and I believe we played better football."

Both managers agree the tie is still finely balanced and that home advantage will not determine the outcome, as both sides strive for a Wembley showdown with either Sheffield Wednesday or Huddersfield in the Championship's final decider. "I didn't expect we were going to win 5-0, like this like when we played them in December," said Jokanovic, referring to the league clash between the sides in west London earlier in the season.

"We must be strong and push hard. But we are always confident. We have shown clear progress this season. I believe my players are strong enough, with enough quality and enough confidence to win the game."

Fulham were hoping to eke out a precious first-leg lead, but never really got going in the face of Reading's refusal to get involved in a beauty contest. In the end, they were just glad to cancel out Jordan Obita's 53rd minute strike with Tom Cairney's close-range header after 65 minutes. It is still all to play for.



https://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/24162/play-off-second-leg-special-fulham-boss-jokanovic-reading-played-legal-limit/

[WhiteJC]

 
Ryan Fredericks believes Fulham have no reason not to be upbeat ahead of Play-off second leg tie with Reading

Fulham face Reading at the Madejski Stadium tonight for a place in the Play-off final at Wembley, but Ryan Fredericks is upbeat ahead of the tie

Ryan Fredericks believes there's no need not to be upbeat ahead of tonight's Play-off second leg tie against Reading despite drawing the home leg 1-1.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side travel to the Madejski Stadium tonight in the second leg as the league's second best away side face the side with the second best home record, with a place at Wembley in the Play-off final up for grabs, and believe it or not this will be the third time Fulham have made the trip up the M4.

The first game at the Mad Stad was called off at half time due to 'fog' on December 30, while Fulham lost the rearranged game 1-0 on January 24 thanks to a single Roy Beerens goal with Chris Martin missing a late penalty.

Fog shouldn't be a problem tonight and Fulham's right back is in good spirits ahead of Fulham's biggest game of the season so far, even joking that his side are getting sick of facing Reading.

He said: "We're getting sick of the sight of them! But hopefully this will be the last time we have to play them, and next season hopefully we'll be in a different league to them and won't have to play them for a while.

"One bad half isn't going to deter us from what we've been doing lately, we're still a very confident bunch of lads and if we go and carry out our game plan we shouldn't have a problem in the second leg.

"There's no reason not to be upbeat, we're all very confident that we will finish the season with promotion to the Premier League so you just got to work on what we've been doing the last few weeks and be ready for the second leg.

"The manager has the experience and we have a few players in there who have been promoted before so we can trust in the methods that he has set out and if we follow what he is doing we shouldn't have any problems."




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ryan-fredericks-believes-fulham-no-13041011

[WhiteJC]

 
Screening Update

There will now be more than 1,500 Fulham fans at Craven Cottage this evening for our live screening of our Play-Off Semi-Final!

If you haven't got a match ticket for the game and want to experience what will no doubt be an electric atmosphere down by the Thames, we highly recommend you purchase your screening ticket as soon as possible.

Entry is priced at just £5 per person. What's more, every ticket also includes a free drink on arrival!

With a place at Wembley at stake, help us cheer the boys on and secure your screening tickets online, by phone on 0843 208 1234 (opt. 2) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Any fans that have not received their E-Ticket, we request that you bring your booking confirmation to the Ticket Office which will then be swapped for a paper ticket - you must bring confirmation otherwise we cannot allocate tickets.

The Ticket Office will close at 5pm and re-open at 6pm, with entry to the ground following at 6.30pm.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/16/screening-update

[WhiteJC]

 
READING FC: Steven Reid reveals Paul McShane is 'utterly devastated' to be missing out tonight

STEVEN Reid revealed Reading FC skipper Paul McShane is 'utterly devastated' to be missing out on tonight's clash against Fulham after he received a red card at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Royals' captain was given his marching orders with 79 minutes on the clock for a crunching tackle on Fulham's Kevin McDonald.

The Republic of Ireland international protested his innocence after the match, insisting he was pulled back by Cottagers' Neeskens Kebano, forcing his foot higher than anticipated.



But he caught McDonald on the knee none-the-less, and the captain will miss out tonight's match and potentially the play-off final should Royals progress.

And coach Reid admitted McShane is devastated to be missing out.

He told TalkSport: "Macca's been down in the dumps a little bit.

"He's had a fantastic season and probably one of the best of his career and led by example all year so he's utterly devastated he's going to be missing the second leg and potentially the final.

"But these things happen, it might be an opportunity for someone to come in and make a name for themselves one of the biggest stages."




http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/readingfc/15288488.READING_FC__Steven_Reid_reveals_Paul_McShane_is__utterly_devastated__to_be_missing_out_tonight/

[WhiteJC]

 
Reading FC v Fulham: Sky Sports pundit thinks game will be settled in 90 minutes, but who does he tip?

David Prutton gives his views on the play-off semi-final second leg

After Saturday's 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage, both Reading and Fulham lock horns again with the tie very much in the balance.

Royals have home advantage on Tuesday evening, but with Fulham very impressive away from home, it's set to be another close game.

The match could go to extra time and penalties if it is level after 90 minutes.

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has had his say on the game and he is predicting the match to finish in regulation time.

He is expecting the visitors to Madejski Stadium to be a lot better offensively and the game to be an open one.

"Reading were fantastic at Craven Cottage," said Prutton in his column for Sky Sports.

"They didn't let Fulham play their natural game but with the attacking talent Slavisa Jokanovic has at his disposal, I get the feeling they won't be shackled again.


Reading and Fulham go head to head once more (Photo: Eddie Greville)

"I'm sure this will be a more open game. From the Fulham point of view we expect a lot of them offensively. They've got good players all the way through their ranks with Chris Martin and Tom Cairney.

"This one feels like it will be settled in normal time and I'm leaning more towards the visitors."

The former Leeds United and Southampton midfielder is going for a 1-0 victory to Fulham.




http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-v-fulham-sky-13040836

[WhiteJC]

 
Tom Cairney says Fulham have plan to avoid more misery at Reading and reach Wembley

Fulham have had two nightmare trips to Reading this season but captain Tom Cairney is confident his team will do themselves justice there tonight.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side travel to the Madejski Stadium for the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final with the tie poised at 1-1.

If Fulham are to reach Wembley they must conquer a ground that has been unkind to them this season.

Their match at Reading in December was controversially abandoned at half-time because of fog. The second half looked set to take place when the conditions improved but poor visibility outside the ground meant the match was called off with the score at 0-0.

Fulham were poor in the rearranged fixture in January and lost 1-0 after Chris Martin missed a 90th-minute penalty.

"We did not really turn up in that game but we hope to put things right this time," said Cairney. "I do not think the first game should have been called off and the second one was not very good. We are working for a better trip there this time."

Fulham were frustrated by Reading in the first leg but belief within the squad is high despite them failing to take an advantage at home.

The west London side have the second best away record in the Championship this season behind champions Newcastle — but Reading have the second best home record in the division. Jaap Stam's side have lost only twice at the Madejski this season, the last of those being the 1-0 defeat by QPR in January.

However, Fulham have scored in their past 18 Championship games — Cairney kept that run going with the equaliser on Saturday — and Jokanovic has the luxury of choosing from the same squad as the first leg.

Reading, though, will be without  captain Paul McShane, who is suspended after his red card at Craven Cottage while left wing-back Jordan Obita is a doubt after twisting his ankle in the first leg.

Centre-back McShane has been key at the back for Reading this season and Stam must decide whether to stick with a three-man defence or switch to a back four.

On-loan West Ham defender Reece Oxford or Tiago Ilori could replace McShane, or midfielder Joey van den Berg could be used in defence. Reading stifled Fulham on Saturday and stopped them playing the expansive style that has been so successful for them this season. The visitors pressed the midfield three of Cairney, Kevin McDonald and Stefan Johansen and stopped them dictating the game.



http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tom-cairney-says-fulham-have-plan-to-avoid-more-misery-at-reading-and-reach-wembley-a3540026.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Arrive Early

The 2,000 Fulham fans attending this evening's game at the Madejski Stadium are advised to arrive in plenty of time.

Reading are hoping to sell out for the match, and so traffic levels are expected to be much higher than for regular fixtures.

Therefore, whether you are driving yourselves or getting a taxi/shuttlebus from the town centre, please get there in plenty of time to make sure you're in place to cheer the lads on from the moment they enter the field of play!

The match kicks off at 7.45pm.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/may/16/arrive-early