Saturday Fulham Stuff (26/08/17)...

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Results

Friday
Bristol City	1 - 1	Aston Villa
Hull	4 - 0	Bolton

[WhiteJC]

 
Ipswich Town In Focus

Catch up on all the pre-match information ahead of Fulham's trip to Portman Road on Saturday afternoon.
Possible opposition absentees

Emyr Huws – Achilles injury

Cole Skuse – illness

Tom Adeyemi – calf injury/illness

Andre Dozzell – knee injury

Luke Chambers – ankle injury

Teddy Bishop – hernia injury

Tommy Smith – hamstring injury

Adam Webster – ankle injury

Luke Hyam – lack of match fitness

David McGoldrick – impending birth of child
Tickets

Supporters will be able to buy tickets on the gate, cash only, priced at £25 for adults, £22 for fans aged 65+, £15 for under-23s, and £8 for under-19s.
Weather

It will be a cloudy yet warm and dry day in Ipswich, with temperatures hitting the 23 degree mark.
Getting there

Ipswich is little more than an hour's train ride from Liverpool Street, with the ground then a short walk away.
Pre-match

The Station, unsurprisingly located next to the train station, is the go-to pub for away fans.
He said...

"Fulham battered us last year and they're a really good team so we'll have to be at our best, but we're a good team too." – Mick McCarthy, Ipswich manager.
Live stream

Overseas subscribers to fulhamfctv will be able to watch a live stream of this game. Follow this link for all available packages.
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Ipswich: 43/20

Draw: 5/2

Fulham: 23/20
Previous results

Crystal Palace 2-1 Ipswich Town (Carabao Cup)

Ipswich Town 2-0 Brentford (Sky Bet Championship)

Millwall 3-4 Ipswich Town (Sky Bet Championship)

Barnsley 1-2 Ipswich Town (Sky Bet Championship)

Luton 0-2 Ipswich Town (Carabao Cup)




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/25/ipswich-town-in-focus

[WhiteJC]

 
Burton Albion Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's trip to Burton Albion on Saturday 16th September (3pm) are now on sale to Season Ticket Holders and Members.

Priced from £20 for adults and from just £7 for Under 17s, Follow Fulham Away with coach travel also available at £20 for adults and £15 for juniors.

Match tickets will be available to buy on General Sale from 10am on Tuesday 29th August.

Come On You Whites!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/25/burton-albion-tickets

[WhiteJC]

 
This is Not a Happy Ship - Notes for Fulham

HarryfromBath assesses the mood in the opposition camp ahead of Saturday's game at Portman Road by delving into their forums.

"What is going on?", "This is a very poor start to the season. After such dizzying heights last season, what a let-down", "Three draws from four games is an atrocious start for any team with ambition", "One thing you have to say is that we do not look like a team going up automatically, that's for sure."

Saturday's game is seen as season-defining by many West Londoners. With just three points gained and two goals scored in their first four league games, Cottagers believe that only a victory against an Ipswich team which struggled last season will restore belief after a faltering start to their campaign.

"Ipswich and Cardiff next, we could be on three points after six games", "We played fancied teams to start with but are now following up with playing the unfancied teams who are doing well", "I want to be much more positive, but I can't help thinking that another underwhelming season has started."

"We are simply not the unit we were last term." Fulham played a brand of stylish attacking football in their race to a sixth-place finish last season and fans are perplexed by how team has apparently regressed. "Other sides have figured out how to play us and that leaves us looking very ordinary."

"Three home games, one own goal scored. What has happened to these players?", "We create very little and look far from the races. I would go so far as to say that it could be an attitude issue", "It's not a good start by any stretch of the imagination because we are not, I repeat not scoring goals."

Slavisa Jokanovic (Slav)
"Are the players playing for the manager?", "I get the impression that the manager has lost heart and the players are not playing for him", "He needs to motivate, inspire or give a kicking to these players to wake them up. He has talented players and it is down to him to get the best from them."

The 49-year-old Serbian guided Watford to promotion in 2015 and took charge of the Cottagers in December of that year, guiding them to last season's play-offs. He has been critical of the club's transfer policy this summer, saying this month that he is "not an important person" in their recruitment process.

Fans feel that this has undermined the team's confidence. "I'm a big supporter of Slav and feel a lot of us are in the same boat but we need to see signs of progress and not regression. Dissidence from the top affects players. He has to keep his mouth shut and focus on being the best coach he can be."

"Slav is fully to blame. Properly coached these players should be able to beat teams such as Bristol Rovers." Tuesday night's limp display in a 1-0 home Carabao Cup defeat to the League One Pirates reinforced perceptions that his heart wasn't in the job. "Come on Slav, do what you're paid to do."

"Good grief guys, let's have some perspective here. Last season Slav exceeded our expectations and this season is very young. He's a good guy and not a quitter. He showed his disappointment but has retained a sense of perspective", "He has earned our patience after last season. We will improve."

Formation
"Last season's heroics were based on key players absolutely flying", "It's very poor. Last season we scored for fun, now we can't even buy a goal with two new strikers", "There is no leadership either on or off the pitch, they look rudderless at times. There are not enough characters and winners."

"We don't have a Plan B and haven't done for ages and it's frustrating that many have seen this. We need a big strapping number nine to initiate a Plan B, a commanding centre-half and some guile for when our midfield goes quiet", "We have too many similar wingers not to play in a 4-3-3 formation."

Fulham's starting XI (above) for Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday was set out in the manager's preferred 4-3-3 shape. Striker Rui Fonte made his debut and Ryan Sessegnon played in an advanced left-sided role in the place of Lucas Piazon, who was injured in the Cottagers' previous game at Leeds.

Goals have been scarce in Fulham's league games. They opened with two 1-1 draws, at home to the Canaries and away to Reading, playing with 10 men at the Madejski for the whole game after Tomas Kalas was dismissed in the first minute. A scoreless draw at Leeds preceded Saturday's Owls defeat.

"Our defence, once a laughing stock, has greatly improved and is a pretty solid and effective unit." Apart from familiar concerns over keeper David Button's composure and kicking and a wider lack of height in the back four, West Londoners have been broadly happy with the team's defending.

"Tom Cairney, Stefan Johansen and Kevin McDonald are key to our promotion hopes", "The key to victory is getting our established midfield trio playing at the level of last year. We need to play them at every opportunity unless they are carrying injuries. Get these three firing and goals will follow."

"What is more worrying is that we haven't dominated the ball as we did last year." Cairney picked up a knee injury in pre-season and McDonald missed the Norwich opener with a calf injury. Fans believe that having two key midfielders playing with these knocks has made it easier to disrupt their rhythm.

"Was Chris Martin the glue that held it all together?" The lack of variety and "a finisher" up front this season is the biggest concern. "We do need a big man up front", "We need a focal point", "We are pretty at times but needlessly casual", "Missed opportunities again keep coming back to bite us."

"I would argue that we must have one of the smallest squads in the Championship", "This squad is unbalanced. We have a small centre-forward when we need a more physical presence", "We do not have enough height or physical presence and set pieces are a major concern in both penalty areas."

Fulham 0 – 1 Sheffield Wednesday
"Is it still a good start to the season? When we were unbeaten opinion was divided but after a spectacularly insipid performance which had little decent to recall, what now?" "What can I say? After a bright start, we just deteriorated until we were well beaten. We lost the midfield battle."

The Owls won their first game of the season last Saturday courtesy of Stephen Fletcher's 65th minute volley. "Not one midfield player took hold of the game", "We know teams are going to harry us and Wednesday are masters of it", "Our passing had no penetration from midfield to the forwards."

"A lacklustre, couldn't-get-going display that we have rarely seen since this manager arrived", "We were very predictable and lacked creativity", "A horrible performance from us attacking-wise. We played like a bunch of strangers", "We needed service to the frontline and today we didn't have it."

Leeds 0 – 0 Fulham
"A good performance by the lads and a good point, Leeds is a tough place to go", "Impressive how our two diminutive centre-halves kept Chris Wood quiet the whole game", "Leeds' rough play is what we are going to get from a few teams to stop us playing. We need to toughen up a bit."

"Nine first-half goal attempts, none on target", Fulham had the better or a lively stalemate with frontman Aboubakar Kamara going close before the interval. The hosts were more dominant after half-time. "We forgot what we were doing well. It's that, or Leeds deserve credit for neutralising us."

"We were great in the first half. Leeds couldn't cope with our passing. We found players in pockets of space time and again but without creating many clear chances. The second half was scrappier and we weren't able to get hold of the ball in the same way. It was a good game played at a high tempo."

The starting XI (above) saw Jokanovic play two primarily holding midfielders with the injured Cairney replaced by Ibrahima Cisse. Tomas Kalas was suspended after his dismissal at Reading so Denis Odoi filled in at centre-half and was praised by Cottagers for his handling of Leeds striker and one-time Blues loanee Chris Wood.

Fulham 0 – 1 Bristol Rovers (Carabao Cup)
"One shot on target in 82 minutes of football against League One opposition at home is awful", "I'm sorry but this is a joke. Even at home to lower-league opponents our expensive continental frontline looks totally impotent. Our goalie is the only reason Rovers are not out of sight", "Get a grip, FFC."

Ellis Harrison won the game for the Pirates when he rounded keeper Marcus Bettinelli and slotted the ball home after 12 minutes. The manner of this defeat to League One opposition alarmed fans as much as the result itself. It was a listless display in which the visitors' goal was rarely threatened.

"We are out", "We were awful this evening. Our movement was poor, build-up play was ponderous and passing quality was oddly lacking", "A demoralising defeat", "The Fulham second XI was fielded and should be good enough to beak Bristol Rovers down and beat them but they were impotent."

"Collectively our second string is not good enough." The starting line-up (above) was largely made up of reserves, but included Ryan Sessegnon's younger brother Steven at right-back, Brighton loan signing Oliver Norwood in midfield and Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo making a debut on the right flank.

Goalkeepers and Defenders
"David Button's flying start this season can only be a good thing." The 28-year-old former Brentford keeper "is capable of decent stops, but flawed when it comes to distribution. He seems to panic when he is put under pressure", "A decent shot-stopper, but his poor awareness worries me when he's on the ball."

"Most of Button's mistakes are him trying to do too much with the ball", "He doesn't command his area. He is shocking with the ball at his feet and his kicking is awful", "If he is our number one choice, let's hope for his sake he has got his confidence back and has worked hard improving his kicking."

"The attacking play of Ryan Fredericks was key to our success last year." The 24-year-old played for Middlesbrough in 2015 on loan from then-parent club Spurs and scored a memorable winning goal against Town for another of his former loan clubs Millwall at the Den in January 2014.

"Not many right-backs have his kind of pace", "Fredericks tore Norwich's James Husband apart time and again in the opening league game."

"Attacking the wings seems to be Fredericks's natural game", "He is a speedy full-back with a short fuse", "He was targeted by a number of cynical teams with a few to getting him sent off last season", "he is a hot-head and would be a stronger player if he could be coached into controlling his temper."

"Denis Odoi seems a bit of a hero. He is suited to a defensive back four in a wide position but can do such a good job at centre-half." The 29-year-old former Lokeren man "is absolutely brilliant in any position across the backline. He's so calm, confident and assured on the ball it's quite ridiculous."

"I like Odoi as a footballer. He makes vital interceptions and carries the ball out of defence, going on good forward runs", "He does not let you down, has great versatility and is a great option to have in the squad", "He's cool on the ball and doesn't miss many passes, and is surprisingly good in the air."

"Tim Ream playing on with his teeth knocked out and nose smashed at Leeds was superb. He has got guts." The 29-year-old ex-Bolton centre-half "leads by example, composed, solid and hard-working", "Our most improved player last season, Tim has turned into a key player and he plays his heart out."

"Ream seems to have become Mr Consistency, rarely putting a foot wrong. He has really progressed since Slav came in", "A good ball-playing defender who suits our style of play but he gets outmuscled or outpaced a little too often", "He takes command of the back four and reads the game so well."

Tomas Kalas
"He's a good lad that Tomas Kalas." The 24-year-old is on a second loan spell from Chelsea. "He's a proven performer who was one of the best centre-backs in the Championship last season. He's not always the greatest distributor of the ball but a solid defender who makes great last-ditch tackles."

"Kalas knows our style of play, he has quite good pace and is good on the ball", "He's an important part of our jigsaw", "Good with the ball at his feet, aggressive and very good in the air for his size", "He's borderline Premier League quality and will improve", "Our best defender by a laughing mile."

Central Midfielders
"Oliver Norwood should have provided the necessary class and composure against Bristol Rovers but I have never seen so many pinged 35-yard cross-field balls out to the wings. By the time the wingers managed to bring them down, they had a man on them", "Nice passes but he doesn't create much."

"Norwood makes some intelligent passes but he fails to make an impact on the game and it passes him by." The 26-year-old ex-Royal is on a season-long loan from Brighton. "Not for me, a sideways machine with very little spark", "It looks like he's looking for the most difficult pass to execute."

"Ibrahima Cisse is very good, very mobile and he disrupts the opposition play well." The 23-year-old July addition from Standard Liege "was as good as anyone in our midfield at Leeds, running tirelessly around breaking up play, tackling and delivering passes", "I was surprised at how good he really is."

"Cisse has good ball control and is a decent passer, yet he is very physical with the pace and power to put in a really good tackle. He's not having a 'watch and learn' season. In my mind, he's very much a viable option in midfield", "He doesn't protect the back four like McDonald but that will improve."

"Kevin McDonald gives us defensive balance which helps the whole team and in particular it means that our defence doesn't get exposed." The 28-year-old ex-Wolves man "is the linchpin that allows Cairney and Johansen do their stuff while also protecting and covering in front of the defence".

"McDonald is Fulham's wall, the rock on which Slav has built his church", "We miss his physicality when he is out and it feels like there is no protection for the back four", "He plays an important role taking the ball from defence, he breaks things up and stops opponents seeing so much of the ball."

"Stefan Johansen's work rate is phenomenal and he makes good decisions pretty much all the time. Some of his tackling has been outstanding." The 26-year-old former Celtic man "is one of the most deceptively clever players I have seen in a Fulham shirt in years, combining flair and determination."

"Johansen is a significant member of the golden midfield triangle", "He has been a bit sloppy in his passing so far this season, playing defenders into trouble", "He is not into his stride yet this season but give him the benefit of the doubt", "The loss of Tom Cairney shackles Johansen to some extent."

Tom Cairney
"Tom's distribution was very negative against the Owls. Has he morphed into Scott Parker?" The 26-year-old former Blackburn Rovers and Hull City man "was obviously not fit enough and made no impression", "It looks as if his knee injury is still there. He kept getting caught with the ball and his passing was below par."

"Slav is building the team around Tom. He's the focal point of the team", "He's so calm on the ball and finds gaps in opposing defences like no other player. His ease in possession allows Johansen to be box-to-box and gives him the freedom to make the runs which he is so good at making."

Wide Midfielders
"Neeskens Kebano's direct approach shook things up against the Owls." The 25-year-old ex-Genk winger has been a substitute in the last two league games. "He is always lively and has the natural trickery to go past players", "All that pace would be blistering against a static Ipswich backline."

"Sheyi Ojo was basically invisible for the first 85 minutes against Bristol Rovers." The 20-year-old Liverpool loanee "put in potentially the worst debut I have seen for a long time", "He's a versatile footballing athlete with genuine pace, but he was irritating and did not seem to get involved."

Ryan Sessegnon
"Ryan was the only attacking player to get the better of his man against the Owls." The 17-year-old played in a more advanced role on his preferred left side on Saturday. "He single-handedly started some counter-attacks with his pace. He works very hard and is often our best player going forward."

"Sessegnon can't be our left-back for the full season. He gets caught out of position regularly", "He was stronger defensively at Leeds and didn't threaten as much with his attacking runs", "He seems to be more confident this season and has grown in strength", "He's more a winger than a full-back."

Sone Aluko
"Aluko's loss of form has reduced our creativity and especially our fluidity." The 28-year-old former Tiger has been linked with a move to Reading this summer. "He has brilliant moments and hours of dross. Let another set of fans watch him waste chance after chance", "He just has no end product."

"Aluko presses high, usually works hard and can take two players out of the game with a bit of skill that conjures something out of nothing. If he could finish he would be in the Premier League now", "The novelty of his skill and hard work has worn off. We have had enough of his poor finishing now."

Strikers
"Blimey, what can you say about Aboubakar Kamara? He looks very raw." The 22-year-old July arrival from Amiens "gives us something extra when on the pitch. He's direct and powerful, and good to use on the counter", "He strength is running with pace in behind gaps between the full-backs and centre-halves."

"Kamara is a speedy bruiser", "He has a great mix of pace, strength and work rate", "I can't decide, some good moment, some pure incompetence. At least we have someone who attacks the near post by instinct", "We need a regular goalscorer but he's not one. He's another in the model of Kebano."

Rui Fonte
"Very early days, but Fonte looks the business." The 27-year-old arrival from Braga made his debut against the Owls. "He looks good and links up well, but I was surprised he was so small. We still need a physical presence up front", "He was taking set pieces on the left and all of them were dangerous."

"Fonte put some good balls across the box and we were unlucky not to finish one", "He might be an intelligent player but I'm worried he is not the goal poacher we desperately need", "He's a quick, agile and more technical striker. It will take a few games before we get used to his runs and vice-versa."

Cottagers' Views on ITFC and the Game
"Millwall have equalised against Ipswich. Good, it would be bloody annoying if the most winnable game we have on paper this month ended up being against a team that had won just four on the bounce. Damn, Ipswich have just gone 4-3 up!", "The surprise packages so far are Ipswich."

"Unfortunately, we play Ipswich at a time when they will have more confidence and self-belief than they have had for years. It will be tough to recreate last year's superb performance, but if we get the breaks we need then anything is possible", "I reckon we will beat Ipswich and normality will return."

Cottagers don't run prediction leagues or tabulate forecasts but there is a fair degree of incredulity over our flying start to the campaign. Many are pinning their hopes on their belief that we have had easier games and that last season's results between the sides reflect their view of the gulf in class.

"Ipswich have played four and won four. They have had 12 shots on target in four games and nine have gone in. Waghorn has had four shots on target, all have gone in, but a little bit of luck has gone their way", "I'm happy to bet £100 for charity that Ipswich won't be in top six at end of the season."

"Ipswich fans can't believe they won 4-3 at Millwall. On Tuesday, everything went their way at the Den and Brentford again outplayed them for long spells, yet they had two chances and they went in. The way they play openly will suit us. Our season starts Saturday, 3-0 to Fulham. Well we can hope."

"To be brutally honest we would surely have 100 per cent if we had Ipswich's fixtures and I doubt they would be able to string a point out of the fixtures we have had. I had Ipswich down to be relegated and I'll be proved wrong, but look at what they have had to deal with compared to us."

"The pressure is on against Ipswich and Cardiff", "I find it hard to believe Cardiff or Ipswich will make the top six but then again you have got to start somewhere and I remember writing off Huddersfield last year. They eventually finished fifth and went up, so stranger things have happened."

They are worried about our two new strikers. "The key to victory on Saturday will depend on whether or not we can keep Waghorn and Garner out", "I fear that Mick McCarthy along with Waghorn and Garner are going to be a bit to streetwise and wily for us."

"Consider this as well, Waghorn and Garner cost a combined £1.5 million from Glasgow Rangers [in fact it was only £1 million for the pair - TWTD] whilst Kamara cost £5 million. Either Ipswich underpaid or we have very much overpaid."

"All in all, Ipswich Town could be a defining moment. If we go down to defeat there, if we lose again the wheels will have come off, the vultures will circle and there could be casualties", "Lose and it puts us into the position of having to not lose games so as not to start looking over our shoulder."

"Ipswich is the only early fixture where you'd look at it and say we should be winning 100 per cent", "Well, let's see how we perform on Saturday against a team that has a 100 per cent record. If we are a good as some supporters think, then we will get a result", "If we lose this, we're in trouble."

Websites
The busiest Cottagers' forum is the very polite and knowledgeable Friends of Fulham.



https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/32169

[WhiteJC]

 
Inside Portman Road

Ipswich Town fan Sam Barton discusses his side's fine start to the season, and provides an insight into Saturday's game.

You must be very pleased with how the season has begun – has it come as a surprise?

Yes, especially given pre-season. To lose our final warm-up game 6-1 at Charlton didn't bode well but Mick's steadied the ship and I'm obviously delighted with the start. I think the players bought in have had a real impact and it feels like we've got more depth than before. We've always been a relatively decent footballing team and it really feels like we're trying to play some good football, which is all you want as a fan

Mick McCarthy has been speaking about your injury list – how bad is it?

Bad. Mick reckoned we only had eight first-teamers fit for the cup game midweek, so hopefully a few return soon. Our start is even more impressive when this is factored in. To have won our first four with centre-backs dropping like flies is some achievement. We weren't famed for scoring last year but the goals this season have provided well needed cover. We're also missing some of our more exciting prospects, to see Andre Dozzell's season end on the first day was a real shame.

Which players have particularly stood out in the first four league games?

You can't ignore the goal-men. Martyn Waghorn has really hit the ground running and Joe Garner is also settling into the season really well. It's also great to see Myles Kenlock playing, and Flynn Downes looks like one to watch. I've always been a fan of Cole Skuse and I'm pleased to see him pushing forwards more this year.

What was your expectation for the season, and has that now changed?

I'm not convinced we'll be pushing Play-Offs at the end of the season, there are some great teams in the league. Nine goals from 11 shots on target is over-achieving but if we carry on in this stead who knows, maybe we'll creep into the top-six. We'll be well clear of relegation, though. Talk of us being relegated had already began by the end of last year and surprised me a little to be honest.

How will McCarthy set the team up on Saturday?

4-4-2. Well, 4-2-4 really. If it's not broken, why fix it?

Which Fulham players do you think could cause you problems?

Rui Fonte is the unknown. I think he could cause defences problems this year, and Sheyi Ojo's pace and fluid style could be a real threat off the bench. I've not seen much of him but Stefan Johansen sounds like a solid man in the middle as well.

Where is a good place for away fans to go for a pre-match drink?

The Station seems to be the place to go. Refurbed a few years ago and across the road from the station; ideal. I've never been in though, it's away fans only!

How do you see Saturday going?

Close. Fulham will have more of the ball, but our finishing has been fierce so I'm confident we'll get a goal or two.

What score prediction are you going for?

2-2. We've been scoring freely but conceding a few as well and Fulham's season has to kick-start soon. Overall I think it'll be a tight game but hopefully an entertaining one (that Town win!).



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/25/inside-portman-road

[WhiteJC]

 
Matchday Live: Ipswich

Fulham's overseas fans can enjoy a live stream of Saturday's Sky Bet Championship encounter against Ipswich Town.

If you are already a fulhamfctv subscriber you can pick up a match pass for just £5, while non-subscribers can access the stream for £10, and also enjoy video content on the official website for 48 hours from the point of purchase!

If you want to ensure you don't miss a moment of our live streams throughout the season then you can sign up for an overseas annual subscription, priced at £120.

Please note that you must be abroad and be using an overseas bank account to access the stream.

The stream will kick in around 15 minutes prior to kick-off, with a number of links to the correct page across the website. Alternatively, head to www.fulhamfc.com/live to view the game.

For our supporters based in the UK and Ireland, you can listen to full live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, with a monthly or standard annual subscription. 

Any fans who experience problems on a matchday with your stream please contact > [email protected].

Fans who have experienced issues accessing the stream in the past are advised to have a look at our streaming tips page which we constructed following feedback from supporters.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/25/matchday-live-ipswich-town

[WhiteJC]

'No need to panic,' says Jokanovic
by Dan on August 24, 2017

Slavisa Jokanovic has insisted Fulham fans 'don't need to panic' despite his side's slow start to the new Championship season.

Fulham have yet to record a league win and were knocked out of the League Cup by League One Bristol Rovers on Tuesday but the Serbian head coach remains confident that his side can challenge for promotion to the Premier League. He admits that reviving the confidence with which the Whites finished last season could be difficult after two defeats in a week but isn't paying too much attention to the early league table.

Jokanovic told his press conference ahead of tomorrow's trip to high-flying Ipswich:

    'In this moment the league table doesn't matter too much to me and other coaches – it's only four games behind us. We are a in simple situation now, we make some analysis on the games that are behind us, we were very close to winning the games – we could [have] won the game against Norwich and we were close to winning against Leeds too.

    I believe we deserved something against Sheffield Wednesday. We know at this moment we are not at our best level and we must be optimistic and play with confidence and with ambition to be in our normal level. A few new players join us in the last few weeks, some in the last few days and we still try to find the best way to adapt themselves in our style and explaining to them the best way to help us.

    At the end, in the football, we don't need to panic – last season at this time if you asked me if we were be promoted or not I cannot give you any answer like I cannot give you the answer now where we will finish in May. I believe we are a team who will fight for the top table and we will push in this direction without looking behind us and for us our job is to fix some of the mistakes and bring the confidence and the ambition to the team and be confident that we can improve our level because we believe the space exists to be more competitive.

    At the beginning we'd attack but we have some problems in front of the opposition goal and in general I complain about not being clinical in front of goal, Ipswich shoot eleven times in four games and put in the net nine goals – this is part of the game too and I expect we can improve ourselves.

Jokanovic also confirmed that Floyd Ayite will miss Saturday's trip to Portman Road with a hamstring problem, while Sone Aluko will undergo a late fitness test on a hip injury.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/no-need-to-panic-says-jokanovic/

[WhiteJC]

Remember the slow starters who turned into Fulham legends
by Dan on August 25, 2017

In amongst the mumbling and grumbling this week, a few people have picked out some of Fulham's new signings to suggest they just aren't good enough. Far be it for me to suggest that supporters are supposed to encourage their team's players rather than to denigrate them – I'll just suggest that far more respected observers of the game than this correspondent have spilled plenty of ink in outlining just how long it takes to get used to the physicality and unforgiving pace of the English game.

Aboubakar Kamara has come in for plenty of criticism following Tuesday night's humbling at the hands of Bristol Rovers. It is fair to say that he hardly pulled up any trees but he was totally starved of any service and, as desperation crept in, he seemed to create the game's two best chances through sheer bloody-mindnessness. Kamara, a barrel-chested physical specimen with plenty of pace, reminds me of Barry Hayles, who took no end of stick as he took seven games to get off the mark having arrived at Craven Cottage at a cost of £2m. Nobody needs me to tell them what a cult hero he became.

There's even an example of how misleading a new arrival's start can be from last season. Stefan Johansen's debut against Birmingham was so far short of the standard Slavisa Jokanovic expected that he was hauled off after just 32 minutes. The Norwegian was slated on social media and the various Fulham forums for several weeks but became the lynchpin of a midfield that powered the Whites into the play-offs. His boundless energy, knack of finding either the net or a killer pass complimented the defensive discipline of Kevin McDonald and the creativity of Tom Cairney. Think where we might be without him.

Fulham's Premier League years are full of similar tales. Ask Chris Baird what his first few months at Craven Cottage were like. Booed by a large proportion of his home crowd simply for pulling on the white shirt, Baird's professionalism and versatility eventually won out – and he even decked Jimmy Bullard long before the rest of us had tired of his cheeky chappy persona. The boy from Ballymena is now immortalised in song, but his early displays were nervy ones far removed from the performances that helped Fulham to their highest ever league finish and a European final. There's also Bobby Zamora, who took fearful stick before blossoming into Britain's best striker as Fulham went to Hamburg twice, and another European hero Zoltan Gera suffered at the hands of the boo-boys at the start of his Fulham career as he was keeping Clint Dempsey out of Roy Hodgson's first choice side.

Nobody would now question Gera's contributions in a Fulham shirt. His whole-hearted displays were a vital ingredient in that magical European run as he and Zamora struck up an almost telepathic understanding that sent fear shivering through the continent's defences. He scored crucial goals against CSKA Sofia, Basel, Shakhtar Donetsk and all-too-forgotten brace against Juventus before that magical moment against Hamburg. His renaissance owed much to circumstance – Hodgson had to reshape his side following 'banjoing' of Andy Johnson by Amkar Perm – and finding his best position behind a lone striker.

Which brings me back to Kamara. At Amiens last year, he had most of his success as a forward who played in very close proximity to an advanced attacking midfielder, most regularly Charly Charrier, or as a wider forward in a front three. He is now adjusting to a new system where none of Fulham's central midfielders is station quite as close to the lone striker as they were with Amiens. Indeed, the closest thing Fulham have to a playmaker, Tom Cairney, is deployed in a much deeper role by Jokanovic to dictate possession. Wingers who drift inside don't provide as much width as the full-backs who tend to bomb on from defensive positions. All of this needs readjustment and Kamara, who still doesn't speak much beyond basic English, made some intelligent runs against Norwich and Leeds. He might not be the answer but to write him off after three appearances seems exceptionally harsh.

Forwards seem to be judged by very high standards these days. There were even some around me last weekend who didn't think Rui Fonte's debut was up to much. I recall how despised Mick Conroy seemed to be the Fulham fanbase towards the end of the 1995/96 season and just how a much younger Gary Brazil divided the fanbase when to my eyes he seemed to be the only real player of quality in a struggling side. Jokanovic did supremely well to reshape his squad into one that sneaked into the top six last year – but it didn't happen overnight. There were bumps in the road, especially in the first half of the campaign.

Social media and the internet allow everyone to be a critic these days. There's the instantaneous analysis of matches and the amount of football broadcast across the globe means we can all be scouts as well. To outsiders, Fulham remains a remarkably friendly football club. That might be a source of scorn to some but as supporters the least we can do is to reserve judgement on players who are still getting used to their new club. They might even reward us by following in a few famous footsteps and write the next chapter in Fulham's unique history.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/remember-the-slow-starters-who-turned-into-fulham-legends/

[WhiteJC]

 
U18s Host Saints

The Under-18s take on Southampton this Saturday in their third match of the season. After a convincing win on the opening day against Arsenal, and a late equaliser at Swansea last weekend, the match finished 1-1.

"I think it's been a good solid start to the season," commented Head of Academy Coaching Steve Wigley.

"The Arsenal match was a very good performance, particularly the second half scoring four goals against that quality was excellent.

"Last week against Swansea was a little bit bitty if I'm honest, we went a goal down in the first minute and managed to equalise in injury time.

"We certainly didn't deserve to lose it but I think we can play better in the weeks to come."

Cameron Thompson has been one of the key players on form for the Young Whites, scoring a hat trick against Arsenal in the second half, and flicking the ball into the back of the net with a last grasp goal away at Swansea.

"He's hit the ground running, he had a good pre-season and he's carried it on into the league games which is important," he said.

"Goals are harder to come by when you start playing against opposition like Arsenal and Swansea.

"I've been pleased with all the boys to be honest, they have worked very, very hard on the training ground and we've just got to transfer that, and build on what we have done so far.

"I think we can hit a higher level, but there are still a few players finding their feet as well.

"At this level it's not all about winning but the boys have to be really competitive, and as long as we are competitive, we will win games."

The Young Whites next come up against Southampton FC, a team that Wigley knows well. So far the Saints have won one, lost one. Their last match they beat West Ham United 3-0 away from home.

"It's another tough game, obviously it's a football club that I've worked at. It's got a good pedigree of producing players for a long time now.

"Both teams will play, I'm absolutely sure of that. They will have a nice attacking style of football and we will have to be at our very best.

"What you find in youth football is that you have to be at your best every week, otherwise it is a very topsy turvey game.

"It's one to look forward to, the pitch looks great, the weather looks great and hopefully we will brighten the place up on Saturday.

"Hopefully we will get three points," he said, "but the one thing I always take, I like to look at the end of the game, whether we have won or lost, I like to think we have had the best two or three players on the pitch.

"If we finish the game on Saturday like we have done the last two games, thinking we've got two or three best players on the pitch then I'm happy."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/25/u18s-host-saints

[WhiteJC]

 
PL2: Aston Villa Preview

PL2 Action takes place at Craven Cottage this Saturday as the Under-23s take on Aston Villa.

Fans are encouraged to come and support the team, with free entry for season ticket holders, £3 for Adults and £1 for concessions.

On Monday evening the Whites lost their second PL2 match away to Brighton 4-2, after the Seagulls proved to be too much in the second half.

Stephen Humphrys and George Williams both got onto the score sheet again, with Humphrys netting three in three in all competitions, and Williams dispatching two penalties.

Fulham currently sit ninth in the league, looking for their first points in the league this weekend. Aston Villa are in fifth, with one win and one loss.

In their last outing, the Villains lost 2-1 at home to a ten man Stoke City. After going two goals down they were able to halve the deficit but couldn't get anything from the game.

In their season opener they beat West Bromwich Albion 3-1 in a local derby at their home, who went down to nine men.

"It will be fantastic for the boys to play at Craven Cottage," Head Coach Peter Grant told fulhamfctv.

"When we used to play in the olden days, as we talk about, it used to be that the reserves played at the stadium when the firsts played away from home.

"You always felt the crowd would come that couldn't go and see the first team, if they were too far away, or for whatever reason.

"It was always a great atmosphere, it's also great for the boys playing at the stadium.

"It's a great facility to play in, the pitch is magnificent, these boys want to play and these are the stadiums they want to be playing in, week in and week out for the first team, not for the Under-23s.

"It's an opportunity for them, a very, very difficult game as they all are for us. There are more senior players playing against us at this level.

"We are playing basically an Under-19 team which is great as every game is a hard game for us, a physical game and a physical contest.

"It would be fantastic if we could get some of the supporters down to see these youngsters, because the manager has managed to put a few of them into the first team group.

"The fans can see some more of these boys who will hopefully going to be Fulham's future."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/25/pl2-aston-villa-preview

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham should target an ambitious swoop for this Champions League regular free agent

Yet to win a game in the league this season, Fulham must begin to turn a corner soon if they are to launch a bid for promotion to the Premier League.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side have only lost one game this year, but three draws suggest the Serb's side are struggling to turn ties into wins at this early stage of the season.

Of course it is early days for the Cottagers, and there is plenty of time for the west Londoners to find their feet in the Championship this season.

With just days remaining of the summer transfer window however, Jokanovic may look to the market to strengthen his squad, ahead of the long run up to the next transfer window in January.

Free agency may also be an area for the former Watford boss to explore, with a number of top talents from across Europe still looking for new homes.

One man that Jokanovic could target is a winger who has plied his trade in Russia for the past seven years, but could be open to a return to English football, having spent a short spell with Man United earlier in his career.

30-year-old Zoran Tosic has been one of the most consistent players in the Russian game in recent years, and has a wealth of European competition experience under his belt.

Bringing his countryman to the club would be a real coup for Jokanovic, but not one that is out of the question.

Fulham are an extremely attractive club to foreign players in terms of their geographical location, and their long spell in the Premier League also works to their advantage.

Persuading Tosic to move to the Championship may actually not prove as difficult as many would think, and the Serbian international would be an immense addition to the squad.

37 goals in 182 league outings from the wing for CSKA is an impressive return, and if Tosic can continue his form in the second tier, Fulham would surely be in the top six by the end of the campaign.

Tosic may be slightly older than Fulham's policy of recruiting players under the age of 28, but available on a free and a quality player, Jokanovic could make an exception for his fellow Serb.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-should-target-an-ambitious-swoop-for-this-champions-league-regular-free-agent/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham leapfrog Brighton as bookies' favourites to sign Sheffield Wednesday forward Fernando Forestieri

Forestieri's Sheffield Wednesday future is currently uncertain and Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion lead the betting.

Fulham have replaced Brighton & Hove Albion as favourites to sign Sheffield Wednesday forward Fernando Forestieri with bookmakers Sky Bet.

Just last week Brighton emerged as odds-on favourites for the Owls star's signature, with no other club occupying shorter odds than 18/1.

But the Seagulls have since drifted to 3/1, with Fulham ahead of them at 11/10.

Neither club have been formally linked with a move for Forestieri this summer, although the recent movement in the market could signify an imminent approach.

Top scorer in each of his two seasons at Sheffield Wednesday, Forestieri has not started a league match since the campaign's opening day and missed two altogether owing to an internal suspension, imposed following an alleged bust-up with teammate Sam Winnable.

And with the Football League's financial fair play regulations severely impacting the Owls' remaining transfer plans, it is possible the Hillsborough side could entertain offers for the Argentina-born player.

That being said, they would perhaps be loathe to lose Forestieri to a direct rival such as Fulham.

Although, having played under Cottagers boss Slavisa Jokanovic at Watford, it is possible the 27-year-old may be keen on the idea of a move to Craven Cottage.




http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/08/25/fulham-leapfrog-brighton-as-bookies-favourites-to-sign-sheffield/

[WhiteJC]

 
Three Players to Watch: Matchday 5 vs. Ipswich Town
In desperate need of a win, Fulham will need to get through these three players to beat Ipswich Town

As mentioned last week, whoever lost in last week's fixture between Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday was going to come into the weekend with a strong chance of their supporters hitting mass panic. Add an unexpected Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League One side Bristol Rovers and those emotions could not be further increased.

We are still five games into the 2017/18 Championship campaign and new signing Rafa Soares will surely add some class at left back and improved depth throughout the squad. Still, there's a real sense that Fulham has to win this game on Saturday. And who better to put an end to this poor run of form than against unbeaten Ipswich Town?

That sure sounds like an intimidating task, but if you were to look at the underlying numbers, you will see that the Tractor Boys haven't been plowing through the competition as their scorelines have indicated.

While they have outscored the opposition 9-4, their expected goal total has them being outscored 4.3-8.0, according to Ben Mayhew of Experimental 361. That would put Ipswich among the worst sides in the Championship assuming all of football is revolved around this metric. Clearly, that is not the case and teams like Reading last campaign have proven to beat the odds and contend for promotion in the process. Another problem for Fulham fans is that it is not like Ipswich are a wasteful team.

While having the joint-third worst rate of shots per 90 minutes at 8.5, that will equate to Ipswich recording 0.126 expected goals for every attempted shot. That is a caliber in which the entire team is shooting with the accuracy of 10 proven strikers. To put that rate into further perspective, Fulham have been dreadful with their shot quality in their first four games with an average of 0.080 expected goals per shot. That is much worse than their 0.110 expected goals per shot from 2016/17.

We can dive into further details about Fulham's struggles later, but the point still stands that Ipswich currently are playing a style that is working for them this early in the season. While their attack comes with great efficiency, their foundation has been their strong counter-attacking gameplan under manager Mick McCarthy.

With a defensive actions rate slashline of 5.3 dribbled past, 19.5 tackles and 14.5 fouls, it is quite clear what type of game implemented by those that call Portman Road home: flying challenges and beligerance that will intimidate anyone that will dare get closer their own penalty box. That being said, they have given up a Championship worst 20.8 shots per 90 minutes with a shot quality defense of 0.096 expected goals per shot.

Ipswich are there for the taking, and when confidence and health are at their best, Fulham have the weapons to pick a defense apart. However, that has not been the case so far for the Cottagers and they will have to find a way to performing better than some of Ipswich's key men.

Bartosz Bialkowski
After winning two straight player of the year awards for the club, it's a bit of a shame that Bialkowski's native Poland is so rich in goalkeeping talent at the moment, but that's a discussion for another time. Until then, the 30-year old has saved 21 of 25 shots against him this season, leading to a success rate of 84%. That is very high, even for the best shot stoppers in all of world football.

But while Ipswich have given up 113 total goals during Bialkowski's tenure, that number could have been as high as 132 goals if not for his heroics. While Bialkowski has not played every game to lead to such a contrast in Ipswich's actual versus expected goal totals during his three years at Portman Road, make no mistake how much of a factor he will be on Saturday.

Jonas Knudsen

All data from whoscored.com

While Ipswich's defense also deserve some credit for eliminating some form of shot quality this season, it has been more of a team-wide effort more so than one individual leads all. I could go with Jordan Spence who has been leading the team in blocked shots and interceptions or I could go with captain Luke Chambers who has been such a mainstay for the club. Instead, I am going with the team leader in total attempted passes and a man who has claimed one man of the match award this season playing out of position at center back. Sound familiar?

While the twice-capped Danish International fullback has been a shocking passer throughout his time at Ipswich, Knudsen has been a deadly crosser of the ball by completing three out of nine such attempts this season. Along with that, he has been able to complete 27% of his crosses out of 200 career attempts in the past three seasons. Lastly, the 6'1" Knudsen knows a thing or two about getting stuck in and can win a ball in the air as good as anyone in the Championship. With less than a month to go until he turns 25, the former Esbjerg man still has some time to get better.

At their worst, Fulham have been burnt by players of his ilk this season and they can't afford to give a guy like Knudsen the ability to pick them apart with his strengths.

Joe Garner

All data from whoscored.com

Even in attack, I could go with the leading goal scorer of the Championship in Martyn Waghorn, or I could go with mainstay fellow striker David McGoldrick, or even the team leader in created chances in Grant Ward. Instead, I'll go with another former Rangers player in Joe Garner.

After suffering such a traumatic season at Ibrox, Garner has returned to the Championship with a bang with three goals and an assist. If anything, it should be a time to enjoy seeing the 29-year old be considered such a key man because it will be a shock to see those numbers continue to stay at a high level. Still, he is a hard working center forward as evidenced by his team leading 27 aerials won.

While he'll always find a way to deliver three shots every 90 minutes, his shooting accuracy has never been consistently high. While not as bad as Floyd Ayite's or Sone Aluko's efficiency rates, Garner has struggled his way to get to 35% shots on target and 10% goal conversion in the past three seasons of Scottish Premier League or English Championship football. Along with that, the Blackburn-born forward has never been known to link up well with teammates, nor burn defenses with his pace. Once we start seeing missed opportunities towards goal from Garner will be when we really start to see what else he brings to the table. Otherwise, it could be another long season for him and for an Ipswich side that is finally enjoying a bit of success.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/8/25/16201306/three-players-to-watch-matchday-5-vs-ipswich-town

[WhiteJC]

 
Big match preview: Ipswich Town v Fulham – everything you need to know

Ipswich Town are looking to make history when they host Fulham in a Championship fixture today. STUART WATSON previews the game.

Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy hopes Fulham are still reeling from the body blow of missing out on promotion.

The Cottagers, now in their fourth year outside of the Premier League, finished last season in scintillating form before narrowly losing to Reading in the play-off semi-finals.

Slavisa Jokanovic's men are yet to register a Championship victory at the start of this campaign, drawing against Norwich, Reading and Leeds, losing 1-0 at home to Sheffield Wednesday last weekend before going out of the Carabao Cup at home to League One side Bristol Rovers in midweek (1-0 aet).

"They absolutely bashed us here on Boxing Day," said McCarthy, recalling his side's 2-0 defeat to the West London outfit at the end of 2016. "Their midfield of (Tom) Cairney, (Kevin) McDonald and (Stefan) Johansen absolutely murdered us. That was one of our most inept displays and wasn't like us over the last few years.

"Away from home we played a lot better, but they still beat us 3-1. They were one of the best teams in the league. They were a really top team.

"Are they suffering from a play-off hangover? I sincerely hope so and I hope it's still hanging on to them when they come here on Saturday. It does have an affect when you get to the play-offs and you don't win them. That's a real body blow."

Town, meanwhile, have done the opposite. Following a 2016/17 season to forget, McCarthy's men have got off to a flier. New signings Joe Garner and Martyn Waghorn have hit the ground running, teenagers Flynn Downes and Tristan Nydam have had exciting breakthroughs and today the Blues could become the first team in the club's professional history to win their opening five league games.

"Fulham were definitely the best team we played last year," said Blues striker Freddie Sears. "Here they played us off the pitch and we couldn't get near them.

"Maybe there is a bit more pressure on them now. Last year I don't think many were expecting them to be top six, but now everyone knows what a good side they are. It could be a good time to face them."

He added: "It will be pretty similar to the Brentford game last weekend (2-0 home win) where we might not have much of the ball and look to catch them on the break."

Likely line-ups


Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has bemoaned his side's lack of goals during a slow start to the season. Photo: PA

IPSWICH TOWN (4-2-3-1): Bialkowski; Iorfa, Spence, Knudsen, Kenlock; Ward, Skuse; Waghorn, McGoldrick, Sears; Garner.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Button; Fredericks, Kalas, Ream, Odoi; McDonald, Johansen; Aluko, Cairney, Sessegnon; Fonte.

Ipswich Town team news

• Mick McCarthy is likely to name the team which started last Saturday's 2-0 home win over Brentford having rested all of his senior players for Tuesday night's 2-1 Carabao Cup defeat at Premier League side Crystal Palace. 
• With all three senior centre-backs injured, Town will once again name four full-backs – Dominic Iorfa, Jordan Spence, Jonas Knudsen and Myles Kenlock – in a makeshift defence.
• Cole Skuse has been ill this week and Grant Ward had a kick to the calf last weekend, but the midfield duo are both are expected to be fit.
• Striker David McGoldrick could be unavailable if his wife goes into labour.

Fulham team news

• Teenage left-back Ryan Sessegnon is playing in a more advanced role after Chelsea loanee Lucas Piazon broke his leg in the goalless draw at Leeds.
• Key midfield duo Tom Cairney and Kevin McDonald are still getting up to speed after missing much of pre-season with injuries.
• Slavisa Jokanovic also changed his entire starting XI for the Carabao Cup in midweek. The Cottagers' second string produced a limp home display, losing 1-0 after extra-time to League One side Bristol Rovers.

Managers say

Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy: "Sometimes lots of injuries can make you very close-knit. When it's the same team that's playing and you keep winning it's great, because confidence is high and they are all working for each other.

"But if you start losing and only have 10 to call upon then it can quickly go pear-shaped. I hope we can come back after the international break with a few more options."

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic: "Our lack of goals is a worry. We have been the better team but can't put the ball in the net. We are missing a little bit of speed with the ball. That would make a difference and it's something we must work on."

Stats

81 – Ipswich have never won their opening five league games in the club's 81-year pro history

66% – Town's conversion rate of shots on target this season (12 from 18)

1 – Away league defeat in 10 for Fulham (W6 D3)

January 2015 – Last time Fulham failed to score in three straight games

Last meeting

Fulham 3 Ipswich Town 1

Date: Saturday, April 8

The slick hosts led through goals from Floyd Ayite and Scott Malone, but then rode their luck before Stefan Johansen scored a killer third. Christophe Berra headed in a late consolation. Town were passed off the park in the reverse fixture, Fulham winning 2-0 on Boxing Day.

Key opposition man

Tom Cairney
The central playmaker was the beating heart of the slick Cottagers last season and named EFL Player of the Year. He's carrying a knee injury and struggled to rediscover such form so far.

Betting

Ipswich Town (34/13)
Draw (3/1)
Fulham (6/5)

Referee

Paul Tierney (Lancashire)
16/17: Games 32, Yellows 110, Reds 5

Stuart's prediction

Ipswich Town 2 Fulham 0

Fulham are not creating chances. Town look a real goal threat. Momentum is a big thing in football.



http://www.greenun24.co.uk/ipswich-town/big-match-preview-ipswich-town-v-fulham-everything-you-need-to-know-1-5164574

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham are frustrated and the luck has run dry at the moment - but that won't continue forever

New guest columnist Dimitri Kondonis reckons Fulham's bad luck won't last and that it's important to remember, the season is a marathon, not a sprint

There was a moment in Fulham's chastening defeat to Sheffield Wednesday that stands out in the memory.

With time running out, one midfielder - let's call him player A - tried to pick out a pass to a winger - let's call him player B.

Needless to say, the ball was hammered straight out of play for a goal-kick.

The players were famous in their anonymity. A ploy which so often reaps dividends - particularly last season for Fulham - on this occasion went awry.

Many of those wearing the Whites' slick new home kit looked up in frustration. How fitting - frustration has been the theme of the season.

Not only those second 45 minutes against Norwich, not only the entire 90 minutes at Reading (having been reduced to ten men within 40 seconds) and not only the goalless draw at Leeds.

Adding to that, manager Slavisa Jokanovic is frustrated, the fans are frustrated, and everyone who played in the Whites' subsequent defeat at home to Bristol Rovers?

Frustrated.

Perhaps I've gone for overkill here, but you get the point.

Fulham are so focused on their own personal storm cloud, that they don't see the bigger picture.

Jokanovic is reportedly at loggerheads with the hierarchy over signings - that's nothing new. It even, dare I suggest, was written from the moment he was appointed 'head coach'.

The players are fed up at their lack of fortune - and let's face it, they've not had the greatest luck - and obviously the fans are pondering when that first win of the season will come.

Yet here's the thing; the Championship is tricksy, it's a slog and so few of the teams that ace August are there come the end of the season.

Likewise, Brentford won't finish last and QPR won't finish sixth. It's not about the opening month.

Fulham went unbeaten in the Championship through August last season - three wins followed before December. And they still finished in the play-offs. We'll not mention the 'p' word.

It struck me that in-house commentator Gentleman Jim mentioned in the Bristol Rovers defeat that the Whites would need to pick up six wins on the trot to get Fulham's average to that required of a team in the top two.

Well, it's not that extreme. Fulham's problem is consistency. No team wins every match in the league, but the ones that go up sure as hell don't lose that many. We saw it with Newcastle last season - and indeed Fulham.

And let's not forget that only Sheffield Wednesday emerged with three points which could prove crucial come the season's end.

But when they pick up their first win, when they get their mojo back and remember where the net is, it is likely we will all forget that they even struggled in August.

That time will come, it will just be whether Jokanovic can get the consistency that evaded Fulham last year.

With the acquisitions made this summer, I certainly wouldn't rule it out, either. Especially if they can get some more deals over the line by Thursday.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-frustrated-luck-run-dry-13527973

[WhiteJC]

 
Up next: Ipswich Town (a)
by DAN on AUGUST 26, 2017

After two defeats in a week, Fulham will be desperate to record their first league victory of the season this afternoon. Slavisa Jokanovic couldn't have hit upon tougher opponents if he tried, though. High-flying Ipswich Town are gunning for a club record fifth straight win to start the season and continue their outstanding start to the new campaign. After five years at Portman Road, Mick McCarthy has the place buzzing and this certainly won't be an easy assignment for the Whites.

Freddie Sears has already openly discussed the chance of writing his name in Ipswich folklore, even if the wily McCarthy has been mouthing the usual platitudes about this being just another game and that nothing is won in August. The Blues have only won their first four games four times in total and the prize following another three points could be sitting at the Championship summit as the league heads into the first international break.

The hosts are certainly firing on all cylinders at the moment. Ipswich are the league's top scorers with Martyn Waghorn, rumoured to be a one-time Fulham target, having really hit the ground running since he swapped Rangers for Suffolk. The former England under-21 international has four in four whilst ex-Nottingham Forest forward Joe Garner already has three, which means Town are unlikely to miss the regular scourge of Fulham, David McGoldrick, who is awaiting the birth of his child. The contrast with Jokanovic's side couldn't be more stark – Fulham have scored just three times this season, with one of those an own goal and the other pair of strikes coming from injured Lucas Piazon and look far removed from the side that breezed into the play-offs full of confidence.

McCarthy's men are still something of an enigma. Ipswich have nine goals from 11 shots on target in the league this season – a staggeringly high conversion rate – and they scored with every single effort on goal in a crazy 4-3 win at Millwall ten days ago. They rode their luck at times in the 2-0 defeat of Brentford last weekend where McCarthy fielded a back four composed entirely of full-backs – in the form of Dominic Iorfa, Jordan Spence, Jonas Knudsen and Myles Kenlock – and the former Sunderland and Wolves manager is likely to be the same again. Spence, the former West Ham trainee, has been outstanding at the heart of the Ipswich defence this term and new signing Rui Fonte will need to work hard to get change out of the imposing defender.

Town's two key midfielders, the excellent Cole Skuse – who has to be one of the classiest enforcers in the league – and former Tottenham man Grant Ward are expected to be fit following illness and a knock to calf, although McCarthy's starting eleven could still have something of a makeshift look to it given the length of Ipswich's injury list. He will hope to name the same side that saw off Brentford. Jokanovic's team selection should return to something more familiar after the eleven changes that backfired against Bristol Rovers – although Sone Aluko will have a late fitness test on a hip problem.

Remarkably for a side that struggled for consistency in front of goal even when Jokanovic arrived, you have to go back to January 2015 for the last time Fulham failed to find the net in three consecutive league fixtures. He will hope that the return of Rui Fonte, with the recent arrival from Braga expected to lead the line this afternoon, will ease those goalscoring worries, whilst Ryan Sessegnon could be deployed in a more advanced role once again. This intriguing contest should give a real indication where these teams, who have enjoyed contrasting fortunes so far in August, are heading in the near future.

MY FULHAM XI (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Odoi, Kalas, Ream; McDonald, Johansen, Cairney; Ojo, R. Sessegnon, Fonte. Subs: Button, Madl, Djalo, Cisse, Norwood, Kebano, Kamara.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/08/up-next-ipswich-town-a-2/

[WhiteJC]

 
Hull Fixture Moved

Due to Chelsea's Champions League scheduling, and UEFA games receiving priority through an agreement with our football authorities, Fulham's fixture against Hull City at Craven Cottage will now be played 24 hours later.

Chelsea entertain Qarabag at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday 12th September, meaning the Whites' match scheduled for the same night will now take place on Wednesday 13th September.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/26/hull-fixture-moved

[WhiteJC]

 
Championship rivals make approach for Wolves attacker (not Dicko) – reliable journalist

Fulham have made an approach for Wolves attacker Jordan Graham, according to a reliable journalist.

Express and Star reporter Tim Spiers claimed on his personal Twitter account on Friday that the Cottagers have enquired about the winger's availability but it is understood that no offer has been made as of yet.

This comes after former Wolves correspondent for the Express and Star Tim Nash claimed on his personal Twitter account that Graham, 22, was poised to join Fulham on a loan deal.

Graham spent almost the entirety of last season on the sidelines with a serious injury, but after a spate of arrivals at Molineux this summer, the former England Under-17 international has struggled to earn a spot in Nuno Espirito Santo's first-team plans for the Championship campaign.

The attack-minded winger has again been troubled by a knee injury, leaving him to just play six minutes of Wolves' first four league fixtures this term.

He played all 90 minutes of both Carabao Cup wins against Yeovil and Southampton and that appears to have caught the eye of Championship rivals Fulham.

Graham isn't the only attacking player who is attracting attention at the moment after the Express and Star reported that Hull had a £3million bid rejected for Nouha Dicko.

Football Insider Verdict

Graham still has a lot of untapped potential that is waiting to be released, but with the big number of new faces at Molineux this season it might be hard for the winger to get enough first-team experience to be able to show that ability. Fulham are a club that have top facilities and could be fighting Wolves for promotion this season – and that is exactly why they shouldn't let him join them. The West Midlands side could be shooting themselves in the foot by letting Graham join the Cottagers because he could potentially strengthen their promotion bid. Lending him out is a good option, but it should be to a team further down the rankings.



http://www.footballinsider247.com/fulham-make-approach-wolves-attacker-reliable-journalist/

[WhiteJC]

 
Ipswich Town v Fulham nostalgia: Jamma rescues a point for the Blues

Over the course of this season, we will be profiling an Ipswich Town game from the past, against this afternoon's opponents. Today, we go back to October 2001 and a draw at Craven Cottage.

Jermaine Wright scored for Ipswich Town as the Blues rescued a point from Craven Cottage, against 10-man Fulham.

Wright equalised after 55 minutes after Barry Hayles had given the hosts a first-half lead. Luis Boa Morte was sent-off on 45 minutes for diving in the penalty area.

The point was no more than Ipswich and their fans deserved, the team losing Finidi George after just 10 minutes due to a fractured cheekbone, and the fans braving the weather and floods on the A12 that made it difficult for them to make the 1pm kick-off.

Town lined up without Marcus Stewart, who was left on the bench – Alun Armstrong leading the line on his own – Sixto Peralta kept out Jim Magilton and Jamie Clapham replaced Martijn Reuser.

Town's goal came when Reuser, on as a substitute for Chris Makin, found Wright, who slammed home a clinical finish to send the Ipswich supporters home happy.



http://www.greenun24.co.uk/ipswich-town/ipswich-town-v-fulham-nostalgia-jamma-rescues-a-point-for-the-blues-1-5164461

[WhiteJC]

 
U18 Report: Fulham 2-0 Saints

Two second-half strikes saw Southampton Under-18s suffer defeat away to Fulham.

The scores were level at the break at Motspur Park, despite the hosts being awarded a penalty, but strikes from Chris Kelly and a converted penalty from Nicolas Santos-Clase saw Fulham earn all three points.

Craig Fleming made just one change for the visit to Fulham, as Kayne Ramsay came in to partner Christoph Klarer in central defence in the absence of Oliver Gardner.

The hosts created the first real chance of the afternoon when Sonny Hilton wriggled free down the left and flashed a dangerous cross across goal, but Klarer was on hand to turn the ball behind.

This early opportunity appeared to galvanise Fulham who continued to create openings and enjoy the majority of possession – though Saints had a penalty appeal for a foul on Harlem Hale turned down.

Fulham then had a penalty of their own on 35 minutes when Oludare Olufunwa was penalised for a collision with Reece York on the left of the area.

Cameron Thompson stepped up to take the spot-kick, but fired his effort against the left foot of Alex Cull's post before it then bounced to safety.

Minutes later the opposite post was struck. Tyrese Francois crossed from the left of the area for Kelly to head at goal, but Cull smothered the loose ball once it had struck the upright.

Just before the interval Saints fashioned a chance to take the lead. Jake Vokins burst free down the left and delivered low for Hale, but he had the ball stolen off his toe at the crucial moment.

Saints had the ball in the net soon after the restart. Will Smallbone recycled a long corner back into the area and Klarer poked home from close range, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

Despite an improved start to the second half from Saints, Fulham continued to create opportunities at the other end. Hilton twice rifled just wide and Kelly steered an effort on the hour-mark past Cull's far post.

They then had their breakthrough with ten minutes remaining as Olufunwa was once again penalised inside the penalty area.

This time Santos-Clase stepped up for the hosts and he converted confidently past Cull to double Fulham's lead and ensure the win.




https://southamptonfc.com/news/2017-08-26/match-report-southampton-under-18s-fulham