Saturday Fulham Stuff (16/09/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Burton Albion In Focus

We look ahead to Saturday's match at the Pirelli Stadium, where Fulham will be looking to make it back-to-back wins.
Possible opposition absentees

Hope Akpan – injury
Tickets

Fans can continue to purchase tickets through the Fulham Ticket Office until 3pm on Friday, while tickets will also be available on the gate.
Weather

There is a 50/50 chance of rain in Burton on Saturday, with temperatures around 14 degrees.
Getting there

It can take under two hours to get to Burton-on-Trent from St Pancras, with a change at Derby. The ground is then a couple of miles from the station.
Pre-match

The Burton Bridge Inn and The Beech pub are both away fan friendly.
He said...

"It's a big week - for us, it was always going to be, with the standard of the teams we're playing. On Saturday we are playing Fulham, who I think are probably the best side in the Championship." – Nigel Clough, Burton 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, and head to www.fulhamfc.com/live from 2.45pm (BST) on Saturday to view.
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Burton: 16/5

Draw: 13/5

Fulham: 4/5
Previous five results

Norwich City 0-0 Burton Albion (Sky Bet Championship)

Leeds United 5-0 Burton Albion (Sky Bet Championship)

Burton Albion 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday (Sky Bet Championship)

Cardiff City 1-2 Burton Albion (Carabao Cup)

Burton Albion 2-1 Birmingham City (Sky Bet Championship)
Security advice

In light of the recent incident at Parsons Green, the EFL is advising fans attending matches this weekend to be vigilant and arrive at the ground in plenty of time.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/september/15/burton-albion-in-focus

[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic calls on Fulham to show confidence as they prepare to face Burton Albion

The Cottagers face their third game in a week as they travel to the Pirelli Stadium to face Burton, having drawn to Cardiff and beaten Hull City already in the past seven days

Slavisa Jokanovic has called on his Fulham side to show confidence against Burton Albion after securing their first home win of the season in midweek.

The Cottagers travel to the Pirelli on the back of two home games, drawing 1-1 with Cardiff before grabbing three points against Hull City in a 2-1 win.

And now the boss has challenged his players to show a better performance than the one against Hull, despite the result, as he looks for a display that shows confidence and determination to get Fulham another three points and get them closer to the top teams in the division.

He said: "It's important to win the games, at the end we must earn some confidence after the win against Hull, they were tough and we must be ready to concentrate on improving ourselves immediately.

"We don't have the time to adapt people in today the squad, unfortunately this time doesn't exist and we are looking for a better performance to be confident, more solid with more quality, determination and organisation to be a better team.

"I remember very well the two games we played away and home against them, in both they found many problems and they are strong, fast and physical - a very solid team.

"For us, they have one day more to rest before the game and at the end all this difficulty we will find against Burton is similar to what we find in this competition and we must be ready for everything.

"It's a chance to put ourselves a little bit higher in comparison to the top teams in the Championship and we must be ready for this fight."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-calls-fulham-show-13623755

[WhiteJC]

 
Fun Day in Bishops Park

Join us in Bishop's Park before Fulham take on Middlesbrough for our Fun Day, with a number of free activities taking place for both adults and juniors to enjoy.

An event for all the Family, our Fun Day begins from 11:45am and includes free inflatable activities, a chance to meet Billy the Badger, face painting, our talented balloon modeller, competitions and activities led by the Fulham Foundation and much more!

With food and drink also available to purchase, be sure to join us for an afternoon of fun.

Tickets for Fulham's match against Middlesbrough are available online from £15 for juniors and £35 for adults.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/september/15/fun-day-in-bishops-park

[WhiteJC]

 
Inside The Pirelli Stadium

Burton Albion fan Anton Williams provides an insight into the Brewers' season so far, and is predicting victory for his side on Saturday.

What has been your take on the season so far?

For me the season has started as expected. We opened up against two of the teams that got relegated last season [Hull City & Middlesbrough], which was a test in itself. We also played a very organised Cardiff side who won't be far from the Play-Offs, a Leeds team that from what I saw Saturday will be candidates for the title, and a Norwich team under transition in midweek. We managed a win against Birmingham who are going to be indifferent, as it's always unknown how a Harry Redknapp side will take shape. We have also got to the Third Round of the League Cup and play Manchester United next week, which is an added bonus. Overall I believe we have set some good foundations for the season ahead.

It must have been pleasing to follow up the disappointment of the weekend [5-0 defeat] with a first away point on Tuesday?

The difference from Saturday to Tuesday was great. I personally do not think Norwich were anywhere near as good as Leeds were, but we looked a lot more organised, solid, passionate and up for the game at Carrow Road. I am hoping, and believe, Tuesday will kick-start us and we'll continue to get some points on the board now.

Who have been your standout performers this season?

For me, Lucas Akins and Luke Murphy have been the two consistent performers so far. Akins has evolved over the years and is the first name on the teamsheet for me now, either up front or out wide. He plays with passion and desire at all times and certainly puts more than his shift in. Murphy has come back this year and started off as he finished on loan from Leeds, breaking down play, calm on the ball and recycling possession. He is key to how we play and if we are to achieve the impossible two years on the trot, he needs to keep his levels as they are.

How big a loss will Jackson Irvine prove to be?

What a question! Will we ever know? I think we planned for his departure, and we have brought in Jamie Allen, Matthew Lund and Hope Akpan to replace him. In the two games he has played so far, Allen looks a good addition and I'm excited to see what he has to offer. Others will also need to chip in with some goals along the way.

How did Cauley Woodrow and Lasse Vigen Christensen get on last season for you?

Lasse was brilliant and we would have loved to have kept him, as his quality was clear to see. Woodrow at home games was good and he scored some crucial goals. Both played vital roles in us staying up last season, so thanks for sending them our way :)

Where do you think Burton can finish?

From what I have seen so far, and the potential I can see from the new signings, if there are some additions in January then I believe we can finish just outside the bottom-three safely. This year the league is stronger, and anyone can beat anyone, so I believe we can achieve the impossible twice.

Where can away fans go for a drink before the game?

Away fans are welcome at The Beech Pub on Derby Road, a few hundred yards from the away end next to McDonald's. It has a great atmosphere and is very welcoming.

What score prediction are you going for?

2-1, a close game with neither team giving each other much but I fancy the Brewers to go on a run now and pick three points up. We have started to gel together with the new signings, so it will be a good test.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/september/15/inside-the-pirelli-stadium

[WhiteJC]

 
Crystal Palace have made the right move to appoint Roy Hodgson – his Fulham achievements cannot be praised enough


England manager Roy Hodgson during a training session at Stade de Bourgognes, Chantilly.

There used to be a white-and-black banner next to Craven Cottage displaying the message "still believe" – two words that took on special significance during Roy Hodgson's Fulham stay.

When Hodgson was in charge down by the Thames, you really did think most things were possible. The transformation of fortunes is hard to understate.

Crystal Palace appointed the former England manager on Tuesday and there is no doubting they have picked wisely.

It's easy to throw his spells at Liverpool and the Three Lions into the mix – deemed as failures – while stubbornly refusing to look at a back catalogue of success elsewhere.

And perhaps nowhere else is quite as impressive as Fulham.

Hands up, that's my team. Hands up, you won't find me shifting my opinion that Hodgson was the appointment Palace should have made in the summer. I said it on Twitter at the time.

It's not a sexy one. It's sensible.

At Fulham, he made what seemed impossible suddenly seem possible.

We picked up just nine points from the first 13 Premier League games when Hodgson took charge at the end of 2007. Twelve points from the last five games, including an improbable 3-2 win at Manchester City after being 2-0 down with 20 minutes to go, led to securing safety on the final day with Danny Murphy's late goal at Portsmouth. It's safe to say that Hodgson has been in tighter spots than the one he inherits at Selhurst Park.

But if defying those drop odds was hugely impressive, he surpassed that when Fulham reached the Europa League final in 2010.

Context is needed. Our season started in July as we played in Lithuania to kick off the competition – it was the first of 62 games that campaign. Eighteen of those came in the Europa League.

Exhaustion finally told in extra-time as Diego Forlan's winner denied a flagging Fulham side the chance of a penalty shootout lottery against Athletico Madrid. The timing could not have been more cruel.

Alongside those cup exploits, Hodgson led his team to 12th in the table as they finished with 46 points. It was 16 clear of relegation. Palace have only managed to surpass that total once in their four seasons at this level – 48 in the 2014/15 campaign – without the added demands of European football.

I've not even touched on the absolute ecstasy of a 4-1 victory over Juventus at the Cottage after losing 3-1 in the away leg.

You don't do all of that by being a lucky manager. You have to be a bloody good one.

And it was all achieved with the likes of Zoltan Gera, Danny Murphy, Simon Davies, Bobby Zamora, Aaron Hughes, Brede Hangeland and Mark Schwarzer. Good players and reliable professionals, but not superstars.

Palace, partly due to the money that has pumped even more heavily into the Premier League since their promotion, have greater quality in their midst.

Hodgson will be rubbing his hands together at the prospect of being able to work with the likes of Christian Benteke, Wilfried Zaha, Andros Townsend, Luka Milivojevic, Mamadou Sakho and Yohan Cabaye.


Fulham fans show their support for manager Roy Hodgson in the stands at the HSH Nordbank Arena

Palace need structure. Palace need direction. Hodgson provides it. It seemed strange after admissions they had tried to shift the playing style too far away from their core strengths in the latter stages of Alan Pardew's reign that they went for a gamble in Frank de Boer.

Attributing fault is a difficult one. Not least down to the fact that all the main parties involved will have different viewpoints.

What you have got to say is that De Boer showed an inflexibility to accept he did not have the personnel to play his chosen system of three at the back and ploughed on regardless.

Player power is part of the game now. And one of the easiest ways to cause yourself issues is by taking people away from their natural game. Luka Milivojevic, who played the central midfield role with such aplomb after his arrival in January, was a makeshift centre-back in pre-season. Andros Townsend and Joel Ward were both used at right wing-back, which did not suit either.

Was De Boer sending a message that more signings were required to make his system work? Or just a general stubbornness that he would do it his way.

Palace's start to the season has been a relatively gentle one – what lies around the corner is certainly not – and to come away without a goal, let alone a point, is simply not good enough.

Hodgson has had success at this size of club. At West Bromwich Albion he guided them to 10th, their best finish since the rebranding of the top flight.


Fulham's Zoltan Gera (left) shows his dejection along side manager Roy Hodgson after the final whistle in the Europa League final.

In 2016 England became only the fifth country to qualify for a European Championship with a 100 per cent record, no matter how badly things unravelled when they got to France. They were unbeaten when they reached the World Cup in Brazil two years earlier, even if again the tournament was a major letdown.

Liverpool was disappointing, but then Kenny Dalglish was waiting in the wings from the moment that Hodgson walked through the door at Anfield.

Trying and failing at bigger clubs is nothing to be criticised for anyway.

Sam Allardyce's biggest clubs? Newcastle – where he lasted a shade under eight months. West Ham – they were in the Championship at the time. England – gone in 67 days although not related to results.

Tony Pulis' most high-profile positions away from Palace? Stoke, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth. It didn't stop him doing very well in SE25.

They might be more paint-by-numbers bosses but when the Eagles have sought bold brushstrokes across the canvas then it has ended in something far from a masterpiece.

Often people want risk, but then complain when it doesn't work out.

Fulham post-Roy were a club that benefited for a period that there were clubs in a greater state of flux before they did eventually drop into the Championship. The same can be argued for Aston Villa.

But there isn't a Hull or Sunderland this time around. That's why Palace need some stability and a return to the core strengths that have kept them in the Premier League for a fifth straight season.

De Boer didn't tap into those. Hodgson certainly will.



https://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/30250/crystal-palace-made-right-move-appoint-roy-hodgson-fulham-achievements-cannot-praised-enough/

[WhiteJC]

 
MATCH PREVIEW: FULHAM

THE Brewers are back in action at the Pirelli Stadium tomorrow afternoon as they take on Fulham after back-to-back away games at Leeds United and Norwich City respectively.

SEASON SO FAR
Fulham haven's started the season as strongly as they finished the last. The Cottagers looked hot favourites for promotion via the playoffs after a strong finish to the regular campaign, but after a 1-1 draw with Reading in the first leg of the playoffs they had to win the reverse leg to have any chance of promotion. As it happened The Royals narrowly won the match, and advanced to the final.

The Cottagers have spent just over £16.5M this summer, bringing in the likes of Rui Fonte and Aboubakar Kamara from overseas. Slaviša Jokanović's men opening their season with a 1-1 draw against Norwich City which was followed by two more league draws.

Their first league win came in the final match of August when they beat Ipswich Town away from home. Their only other league win this season came in their most recent game where they beat Hull City 2-1 at Craven Cottage.

BURTON TEAM NEWS
Burton put in an impressive shift against Norwich on Tuesday night in the 0-0 draw and Nigel Clough will likely keep a similar XI to the one that started at Carrow Road. Hope Akpan was on the bench after returning from suspension and could play some part against Fulham. Liam Boyce is the only long-term absentee and is ruled out for the majority of the season.

FULHAM TEAM NEWS
Manager Slavisa Jokanovic confirmed that Tom Cairney and Rui Fonte are unlikely to play any part in Fulham's clash against Burton Albion. Yohan Mollo came off the bench against Hull on Wednesday night and could replace Neeskens Kebano out wide, who is still getting back to full fitness. Lucas Piazon is out as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.

REFEREE
Stephen Martin will be the man in the middle as Fulham come to the Pirelli Stadium tomorrow afternoon. The Staffordshire-based referee has taken charge of eight games this season, including Wolves' 3-3 draw with Bristol City most recently.

TICKETS
Albion supporters can still purchase tickets for tomorrow's game against Fulham, and can do so online, over the phone (01283 565938) or in person by visiting the club shop during opening hours.

Ticket prices are as follows (terrace):

Adult: £20.00
Senior 65+: £18.00
Young Person 17-22: £15.00
Under 17: £7.00

CAR PARKING

Supporters can park in the Pirelli Stadium car park for just £5, as well as the Pirelli Tyres staff car park (£3 per car) and new for this season the Eton Park Junior School (£4 per car). All money collected from Pirelli staff car park will go to charity. Funds raised at the school will go to its PTA to help benefit pupils.

Burton Albion encourages fans to walk to the ground or use public transport to get to the stadium if possible. Supporters who do come to the ground in vehicles are encouraged to car share.
All supporters are asked to park responsibly and to be aware of parking restrictions and the needs of residents when leaving their vehicles.

PRE-MATCH ACTIVITIES

The Burton Albion Community Trust (BACT) will be hosting a mixture of footballing activities on the Burton Albion Community Football Centre 3G before tomorrow's game. Activities include small sided games, penalty shoot outs, skill challenges and much more. It's completely FREE with a match ticket! Just turn up between 1.15PM and 2PM.

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic preparing side for 'strong, fast and physical' Burton Albion

Can the Brewers record their first league win over Fulham when they clash this weekend?


Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic (Image: Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Slavisa Jokanovic has not forgotten the tests his Fulham side faced against Burton Albion last season as the teams prepare to meet again this weekend.

The Cottagers head to the Pirelli Stadium tomorrow (3pm) on the back of a 2-1 victory over Hull City in midweek - their first home win of the campaign.

They were unable to beat the Brewers at Craven Cottage last term, with Albion on the verge of a fine triumph in September thanks to Jackson Irvine's 18-yard strike, only for Ryan Sessegnon to ensure the game finished all square with an injury-time equaliser.


Jackson Irvine celebrates scoring against Fulham with Hamza Choudhury (Image: John Potts)

In the return clash, an impressive Fulham side were held until just after half-time by Nigel Clough's men, before Stefan Johansen and Scott Malone found the net in a performance Clough ranks as one of the best his team have faced in the Championship.

Jokanovic, though, knows it will not be an easy ride at the Pirelli - especially with Burton having played a day earlier in midweek than their opponents.

"It's important to win the games - at the end, we must earn some confidence after the win against Hull," he told GetWestLondon.

"They were tough, and we must be ready to concentrate on improving ourselves immediately.

"We don't have time to adapt people in the squad today, unfortunately this time doesn't exist and we are looking for a better performance to be confident, more solid with more quality, determination and organisation to be a better team.

"I remember very well the two games we played away and home against them (Burton).

"In both, they (caused) many problems and they are strong, fast and physical - a very solid team.

"For us, they have one day more to rest before the game, and at the end, all this difficulty we will find against Burton is similar to what we find in this competition.

"We must be ready for everything."



http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-preparing-481655

[WhiteJC]

 
Parsons Green Tube 'terror' attack: Fulham FC send message of support after incident that left multiple people injured

A container exploded on a packed London Underground tube carriage during rush hour

Fulham Football Club have have sent a message of support to those affected in the Parsons Green Tube 'terror' attack.

A container exploded on a packed London Underground tube carriage during rush hour, leaving multiple people injured.

The incident occurred just a mile away from Fulham's Craven Cottage ground, and the Championship club have taken to social media to lend their support.

They wrote: "Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the incident at Parsons Green this morning."


Craven Cottage is just a mile away from Parsons Green Tube station (Image: Andrew Redington/Getty)

Witnesses reported a "fireball flew down a carriage" when a white 'builder's DIY type' tub or bucket in a Lidl bag 'with wires coming out of it' exploded filling a rear train with smoke at Parsons Green Station .

Several passengers suffered burns to their faces and bodies among other injuries believed to have been suffered as panicked commuters rushed to get out of the packed train onto a busy platform.

There was a "stampede" to get out of the station into nearby Fulham Road - causing a 'crush' with people worried there was a 'bomb'.

One passenger said that a "fireball flew down carriage and we just jumped out open door" while another said there had been a "wall of flame" coming down the train carriage "after a bang".

Another commuter said she "saw a bag, flash and a bang" - while another said he sensed a "chemical smell rather than burning smell" as the "flames went up rather than out".

Pictures from the scene show that the white container in a Lidl bag near a door had wires coming out of it - and two hours after the blast police confirmed they are treating this as a "terrorist-related incident".

Nobody has been arrested - and there are now genuine fears there is a bombmaker on the loose in London.

The incident happened at around 8.20am as an underground train pulled into Parsons Green Station in south West London and emergency services "arrived within minutes".

Dozens of armed police officers - alongside members of the bomb disposal team - rushed to the scene and shouted as commuters to 'get somewhere safe quickly'.

Witnesses reported seeing a fellow passenger with their face 'covered in blood' - while others suffered minor burns. Unconfirmed reports say 'at least 20 people' have been injured.

One Twitter user, Peter Crowley, posted a photo of his injuries on Twitter, showing his "charred hair" and burnt forehead.

One woman, who said she had hurt her legs, said she saw a large flame fill the carriage, while another woman was seen with ash in her hair.

RTS Reporter Luke Hanrahan tweeted: "I witnessed a school boy being carried away, injured, but not badly."

Commuter Robyn Frost told the BBC: "I walked into the station, there was blood on the floor and people running down the stairs screaming 'get out'. People were coming out of the station covered in blood. People have been stretchered into ambulances now."

Others reported to have seen a number of upset people - including children, a mother with a pushchair and elderly people caught up in the incident.

Luke Walmsley told NBC that the train was 'packed with children, nannies and mums on the school run'.

"It was complete pandemonium, complete terror," he said.



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/parsons-green-tube-explosion-fulham-11176321

[WhiteJC]

 
Clough tempted to keep the faith with improving Brewers team

Burton's impressive performance at Norwich in midweek means boss Nigel Clough is unlikely to make many changes to his team when they host Fulham.

Clough brought in midfielder Luke Murphy and striker Marvin Sordell, at the expense of Matty Lund and Sean Scannell, for the trip to Carrow Road after seeing his side thrashed 5-0 by Leeds.

It will be a similar line-up against the Cottagers on Saturday, with Liam Boyce now the only injury absentee for Burton.

Hope Akpan was an unused substitute in midweek after returning from suspension and the midfielder will hope to be involved this time.

Fulham will once again be without skipper Tom Cairney.

The Scotland midfielder has been out since before the international break with a knee problem and is not yet ready to return.

Portuguese winger Rui Fonte has begun light training following a groin injury but is not expected to be available.

Lucas Piazon is recovering from a broken leg and Rafa Soares is still missing with an ankle injury.



https://www.clubcall.com/burton-albion/clough-tempted-to-keep-the-faith-with-improving-brewers-team-1862914.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Johansen: Climb The Table

Stefan Johansen hopes Wednesday's win will spark an ascent up the table for Fulham.

A 2-1 triumph over Hull City moved Fulham to 13th in the standings and to within two points of the top-six, albeit still the embryonic stages of the 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship season.

Burton Albion present the next opportunity to start gathering some momentum, but Johansen knows there are no easy fixtures in this division.

"They're a threat," he told fulhamfc.com. "It's always tough in Championship games but we're going to try and get a run of victories now and climb the table.

"Hopefully we can get up there before the next international break and stay there throughout the season.

"I think I scored last time we went to Burton, if I'm not remembering wrong, so hopefully another goal this time!"

Johansen opened his account for the campaign with the winning strike in midweek, coolly volleying home after being picked out by Ryan Fredericks.

The Norway captain was more concerned with the result than personal success, though.

"I'd seen Freddo cross it," he recalled. "It landed to me and I took a touch and just tried to get it on target, so it was good but the win is the most important thing, I don't care who scores.

"It was good to get three points at home finally. We have played some good football but haven't been able to win, so it's always good to get that win at Craven Cottage.

"We had the chances to make it more comfortable but I don't care about that now, we got the three points and that's something to build on.

"Holding out in the closing stages was also a positive to take. We're getting more and more experienced. The boys defended well, which was good."

Fans will be able to purchase tickets on the gate at Burton.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/september/15/stefan-johansen-climb-the-table

[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic challenges Fulham's squad players to show their importance and ability to fill in for key men

The Serbian will have to use his entire squad as Fulham face their third game in a week, as well as being without key men Tom Cairney and Rui Fonte for the tie

Slavisa Jokanovic wants his squad members to show their importance to his Fulham side as they prepare to face Burton Albion without key men Tom Cairney and Rui Fonte.

Both will miss the game as they continue to recover from injury, while a third game in the space of a week will mean Jokanovic will have to use his entire squad to keep things fresh for the trip to the Pirelli Stadium.

The boss made three changes for the Hull victory from the Cardiff draw, as Sheyi Ojo, Oliver Norwood and Neeskens Kebano coming into the side and is expected to make further changes for tomorrow's game against Burton.

Jokanovic accepts that losing key players happens in a season, but has now challenged his squad players to show how important they are and that they can be strong replacements for those missing.

He said: "This is third game in the week, it's not so strange for us in this competition, I have in my head an idea of what people who can give us more competition.

"In this moment we are without some very important players for this game and we expect they will be back soon with us, but this is part of the competition.

"I miss some important players in this moment and I could miss them in the future and have in the past too, I must accept this situation and it's now a chance for other people to show how important that can be for us and be good replacements for the people who aren't in the squad.

"In the end, this is not competition for only 11 players, you need more to have the squad who can be available to compete in this competition."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-challenges-fulhams-squad-13624768

[WhiteJC]

 
Burton Albion v Fulham
SAT, 16 Sept 2017 Championship
Venue: Pirelli Stadium

Nigel Clough's Burton Albion have won one of their seven Championship games this season

Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough is unlikely to make many changes after Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Norwich.

Midfielder Hope Akpan is available after a ban, with long-term injured striker Liam Boyce the only absentee.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic is still without captain Tom Cairney (knee) and forward Rui Fonte (groin).

Defender Rafa Soares has not yet begun training since joining on loan from Porto, while Lucas Piazon (broken leg) is a long-term absentee.

SAM's prediction
Home win 23%   Draw 24%   Away win 53%

SAM, the Sports Analytics Machine, is a super-computer built by @ProfIanMcHale of the University of Liverpool.

Match facts
    Burton have faced Fulham three times previously in all competitions and are yet to win against the Cottagers (D2 L1).
    Fulham have visited the Pirelli Stadium twice before, winning last season in the Championship and drawing 2-2 in the League Cup second round in 2013-14 before winning 5-4 on penalties.
    The Brewers have had fewer shots on target than any other Championship team this season (14).
    The Cottagers are unbeaten in their last six away league games - they haven't gone seven unbeaten on the road since December 2000 (a run of 11).
    Veteran Burton goalkeeper Stephen Bywater kept a clean sheet last time out away at Norwich - he hasn't done so in consecutive matches at Championship level since April 2011 when he played for Cardiff City.




http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41209776

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss provides message of caution ahead of Burton Albion clash

It took Fulham until late August to record their first league win of the season, but it now looks as though they're beginning to find the form many expected this campaign.

Since the 2-0 success at Ipswich, The Cottagers have chalked up another four points from two games after drawing to Cardiff before beating Hull at home.

Now, Slavisa Jokanovic has urged his side to build momentum by going on a winning run, starting against Burton Albion on Saturday.

Speaking to the club's official site, the Serb said: "It's a chance to put ourselves a little bit higher, comparable to the top teams in the Championship in this moment, and we must be ready for this fight."

However, Jokanovic is wary of the threat the Brewers pose. Despite their lowly position, Albion's only home defeat this season was to a late Kenneth Zohore goal against Cardiff.

"They are strong, fast and physical, a very solid team. They can be very dangerous for us, they had one more day to rest before our game."

For The Whites, this is one of three away games out of four ahead of the October international break, with trips to Nottingham Forest and QPR to come.

The Verdict

Fulham fans should rightly expect their talented squad to be up amongst the best in this division, so they will need to build momentum as Jokanovic demands.

They've suffered with the absence of Tom Cairney and Rui Fonte, but even so, the Londoners should have too much for Burton Albion on Saturday.

It will be a tough game, but one the visitors need three points from if they're to keep this mini-run going.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-boss-provides-message-of-caution-ahead-of-burton-albion-clash/

[WhiteJC]

 
Burton v Fulham preview

Burton's impressive performance at Norwich in midweek means boss Nigel Clough is unlikely to make many changes to his team when they host Fulham.

Clough brought in midfielder Luke Murphy and striker Marvin Sordell, at the expense of Matty Lund and Sean Scannell, for the trip to Carrow Road after seeing his side thrashed 5-0 by Leeds. It will be a similar line-up against the Cottagers on Saturday, with Liam Boyce now the only injury absentee for Burton.

Hope Akpan was an unused substitute in midweek after returning from suspension and the midfielder will hope to be involved this time.

Fulham will once again be without skipper Tom Cairney. The Scotland midfielder has been out since before the international break with a knee problem and is not yet ready to return.

Portuguese winger Rui Fonte has begun light training following a groin injury but is not expected to be available. Lucas Piazon is recovering from a broken leg and Rafa Soares is still missing with an ankle injury.

Opta stats

Burton have faced Fulham three times previously in all competitions and are yet to win against the Cottagers (D2 L1).

Fulham have visited the Pirelli Stadium twice before, winning last season in the Championship and drawing 2-2 in the League Cup second round in 2013/14 before winning 5-4 on penalties.

The Brewers have had fewer shots on target than any other Championship team this season (14).

The Cottagers are unbeaten in their last six away league games - they haven't gone seven unbeaten on the road since December 2000 (a run of 11).

Veteran Burton goalkeeper Stephen Bywater kept a clean sheet last time out away at Norwich - he hasn't done so in consecutive matches at Championship level since April 2011 when he played for Cardiff City.



http://www.skysports.com/football/burton-alb-vs-fulham/preview/374707

[WhiteJC]

 
Wolves Game Televised

Fulham's trip to the Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers has been selected as a live televised match on Sky Sports.

The fixture has been moved to Friday 3rd November, 7.45pm kick-off.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/september/15/wolves-televised

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham fans handed boost as star throws down Championship gauntlet

It's perhaps not been the best start to the season for Fulham but recent games have suggested that they are about to rekindle last year's form.

Indeed, the men from Craven Cottage have been by no means poor, they have just drawn too many games but they did at last manage get another win on the board earlier this week.

Indeed, they beat Hull City 2-1 and with them not losing too many games so far this season, they are still well placed to launch an assault on the top six.

One of the goal-scorers from that game, Stefan Johansen, is eyeing just that too, with him quoted as saying by the club's official Twitter account and website:

The midfielder, then, appreciates the challenge the second tier offers but he is certainly of the opinion that his club can start performing better than they have and you'd have to say there's no reason why not.

Indeed, with the attack they have they could do some serious damage and that will be the challenge against Burton Albion tomorrow.

The Verdict

Fulham have been frustrated by draws but you do sense that that is going to change soon and a win this weekend would begin to build some momentum.

They were good against Hull City in the week and if they can convert their chances tomorrow and in the coming future, we'll see them rocket up the league.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-fans-handed-boost-as-star-throws-down-championship-gauntlet/

[WhiteJC]

 
Nigel Clough wants Burton Albion to catch Fulham before they can hit full form

The Brewers came close to a win on the road last term - but they were outplayed at the Pirelli by the Cottagers

Nigel Clough hopes Burton Albion can catch Fulham before they are up to full speed again this season.

The Brewers came within seconds of securing an impressive victory at Craven Cottage last September, with Jackson Irvine setting them on the way to the win before Ryan Sessegnon's injury-time equaliser.

That was a night when, despite bossing possession, Fulham found it difficult to penetrate a stubborn Albion rearguard.

Clough's side, though, saw the Cottagers' full quality in the return fixture, a performance Clough ranks as one of the best his players have faced in the Championship. Fulham won 2-0 that night.


Burton Albion concede a last-gasp equaliser to Ryan Sessegnon of Fulham in 2016 (Image: Ian Walton/Getty Images)

So with Slavisa Jokanovic's men still to find that level of display, can the Brewers catch them cold this weekend and prevent them dominating play once again?

"That would be nice!" said Clough when asked about the prospect of his side denying Fulham the bulk of the ball.

"But Fulham are so good, and every game that we've watched them, they've dominated possession.

"Sometimes they don't turn it into as many goals as they maybe should - but I think that'll come later in the season for them.

"I remember we got a point down there early on in the season last season, they hadn't quite hit full form then.

"It might be the same this season, we hope.

"But they are a very, very good team."

Another of Clough's hopes for the weekend is to have his squad approaching full fitness again.

John Brayford and Stephen Warnock, meanwhile, have both played the majority - or all, in Brayford's case - of the last 180 minutes against Leeds United and Norwich.

That is despite the pair having featured only three times between them before last weekend - and a decision will be made on their selection on the morning of the Fulham clash.

"They (Lund, Palmer and Scannell) all missed the game through injury," added Clough.

"They have all trained on Friday morning, so we are hoping with no reaction, they will all be available again.

"Stephen didn't finish the game on Tuesday night at Norwich - he really felt it in the last 10 minutes.

"Then John Brayford just about finished it!

"We'll see how they are on the morning of the game.

"We'd like to try to get them out there, but we've also got another five games coming up this month, so we've got to be conscious of that."



http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/nigel-clough-wants-burton-albion-484759

[WhiteJC]

 
The Sean Davis Column

To draw with Cardiff City last weekend is not the end of the world but to concede such a late goal was a disappointment. It was a tight game and while you want to win your home matches, Cardiff were high on confidence and had all the momentum having won five on the spin. I think we played better against Cardiff than we did against Hull, but that's just the way it goes sometimes. I wasn't sure about the referee with some of the decisions, but I don't think I was the only one. From where I was watching the game, Neil Warnock was making me laugh as he was having a right go on the touchline.

Hull arrived in SW6 on Wednesday coming off a 5-0 bashing so I always thought it was going to be a tight game as they would have been desperate to give a reaction. From my experience, when you lose by that much you have a horrible week and you want another game as soon as possible. The first half wasn't the best but we scored the goal from a good move where Sheyi Ojo skinned the full-back with a bit of pace, crossed it in, and it was a good finish from Floyd Ayité. I thought we could have scored a couple more in the second half and then when they equalise you do worry how the game's going to go. But we fought back and hung on to get the victory which was vital.

We've been without Tom Cairney and Rui Fonte for these last two games, and I do think they've been a big miss. Fonte is a focal point up front for us, and while Ayité has done well, I believe he's at his best in a wide position. Cairney's absence is obviously a huge blow for us too as he's the driving force in the team. Saying that, though, I thought Stefan Johansen was fantastic in the second half on Wednesday. That was the Johansen of last season, getting in the box, causing problems. I prefer him when he's pushing on and getting into those areas and hurting teams, because he can finish and he can create.

We learnt this week that the Academy has retained its Category One status, which is vital. The Chairman has spent a lot of money on the Training Ground which will have been a big part of keeping Cat One status, so Mr Khan is clearly focused on youth and he believes in what we're doing. Hats off to everyone associated with the Academy, all the coaches from Under-8s all the way up, and also to the man at the top, Huw Jennings. They'll be very pleased with that. We've seen people like Matt O'Riley and Steven Sessegnon make their debuts this season, which is another example of the good work that's being done.

Burton Albion are next up for us on Saturday. They came off a thrashing by Leeds but then went and secured a very creditable point at Norwich, so their confidence will be back. We've got to go there and be on the front foot, start well and play with intensity, then I think we'll create enough chances to win the game. Having got four points from our last two games, Saturday is a great opportunity to start building some momentum.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/september/15/the-sean-davis-column

[WhiteJC]

 
Opposition preview: Fulham still getting up to speed ahead of Burton Albion clash

Fulham will have been among many people's favourites for promotion at the start of this season


Could Stefan Johansen prove Fulham's key man again at the Pirelli Stadium? (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Fulham are the fourth visitors of the season to Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium tomorrow (3pm).

The Cottagers suffered Championship play-off semi-final defeat at the hands of Reading last term - and a push for promotion will again be their aim this time around.

Nigel Clough reckons Fulham's last visit to the Pirelli was the best his side faced in 2016/17, and the Brewers will have to build on their midweek draw at Norwich to secure another positive result this weekend.

Ahead of the game, we spoke to GetWestLondon's Ryan O'Donovan about building momentum, keeping key players and the Cottagers' biggest threat.

FULHAM PICKING UP AFTER SLOW START
Of the three sides who fell short of glory in last season's play-offs, only Sheffield Wednesday currently hold a top-half spot in the Championship table after seven games.

Fulham, meanwhile, sit mid-table, with 10 points leaving them 13th, having endured a stuttering start to their next promotion push.

A 2-1 victory over Hull City at Craven Cottage on Wednesday was their first home win of the campaign - a sign of how things have not yet fully clicked for Slavisa Jokanovic's class of 2017/18.

But O'Donovan reckons it is not too much of a surprise that things are still getting up to speed at the Cottage.

"I think it was always fairly likely," he said.

"And with the addition of 11 new players into the squad, it was always going to take time to settle and to get to know one another.

"Fulham started slowly last season too, and it wasn't until the second half of the season that they sparked into life and we saw the fantastic football they could produce.

"All in all, it was probably always going to happen.

"But the important thing is that they've only lost once this season and are now starting to find those important wins."

TRIUMPH OVER HULL OFFERS MOMENTUM AHEAD OF PIRELLI CLASH


Fulham's Carabao Cup win over Wycombe was one of only two victories for them until Wednesday's triumph over Hull City
(Image: Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Victory over Jackson Irvine's Tigers was one of those important wins.

Floyd Ayite put them in front, and while Jarrod Bowen's fifth goal of the campaign levelled things up for Hull, Stefan Johansen - a scorer at the Pirelli last term - was on hand to nudge home the winner for Jokanovic's men.

It was not a flawless display, according to O'Donovan. But it does offer the Cottagers another platform on which to build as they look to condemn Burton to their fifth loss of the season.

"The win against Hull was important as it got Fulham their first home win of the season and got that monkey off their back," he added.

"They were struggling to find the target while conceding sloppy late goals, and Wednesday's win finally saw them score more than once at home while putting in a pretty decent defensive display.

"However, there's still a lot to do, but Jokanovic will be happy that they can start building momentum."

RETAINING KEY MEN WAS GOOD BUSINESS

So often during transfer windows, the headlines are made by clubs who look to make big-name signings - or miss out on those attempted targets.

But it could be argued that Fulham's biggest coups this summer came in holding on to some of their key faces.

Tom Cairney was one of the Championship's standout performers last term, while teenage full-back-cum-winger Ryan Sessegnon - who scored against Burton last September - caught many a Premier League eye as the summer approached.

Crucially, both are still with the Cottagers. And as much as any new signings have boosted the squad for another promotion push, those two staying has been viewed as just as important in that bid.


Tom Cairney celebrates scoring for Fulham against Leeds United (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

"I think expectations are still the same - promotion to the Premier League," added O'Donovan.

"Retaining Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon were the biggest deals they could've done over the summer - and that's exactly what they did.

"But they've strengthened the side, adding 11 new faces to add strength in depth, which was missing last season.

"As a whole, I think expectations will definitely be play-offs at least once again, while promotion will be the aim."

DANGER MAN


Fulham's Stefan Johansen beats Aston Villa's Gary Gardner (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

"Stefan Johansen is the man Burton fans should look out for tomorrow.

"He wasn't in perfect form on Wednesday, but he still ran the show against Hull and they just weren't able to live with him.

"In the absence of Cairney, Fulham's other senior players really step up to the plate, and I'd expect Johansen to do the same at Burton."

PHYSIO ROOM
As mentioned above, midfield playmaker Cairney will be out of action at the Pirelli, as will Rui Fonte, who only returned to training recently after injury.

Chelsea loan star Lucas Piazon is a long-term absentee following a leg break suffered last month in the goalless draw at Leeds United.



http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/opposition-preview-fulham-still-getting-485214

[WhiteJC]

 
Ex-Aston Villa ace and Fulham boss among 3 options if Bruce is sacked

Saint-Etienne boss Oscar Garcia has been linked with Aston Villa if Steve Bruce is sacked as manager, but what are the alternatives?

Steve Bruce is under pressure having guided Aston Villa to just one win from their seven Championship matches so far this season, leaving them 18th in the table.

According to the Daily Express the hierarchy at the Birmingham club are already looking at alternatives to Bruce, with contact having been made with Saint-Etienne about the availability of Oscar Garcia.

Garca reached the playoffs in the English second tier with Brighton and Hove Albion in 2013/14 and has since impressed during stints in Austria with Red Bull Salzburg and now in France, but what are the alternatives?

Here are three options.

Dean Smith

The Birmingham Mail reported that Smith was in the running to be the next Villans boss in October before Bruce was given the job and he would arguably still be a popular choice.

Ninth and tenth place finishes with Brentford over the past two seasons is impressive from the 46-year-old, plus he is a boyhood fan of the club.

Slavisa Jokanovic

This would be the expensive choice as Jokanovic is under contract at Fulham until 2019 and according to football.london it would cost £5m in compensation to buy him out of that before then.

However, the 49-year-old is also well regarded in the division for his attacking style and guiding the Cottagers to the playoffs last term, having previously got Watford promoted in 2014/15.

Olof Mellberg

The left-field choice and by far the least experienced, but also someone the supporters hold close to their hearts after seven years as a player at Villa Park.

Mellberg is currently the manager of Brommapojkarna in his native Sweden and lead them to promotion from the third tier in 2016.




http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/09/15/ex-aston-villa-ace-and-fulham-boss-among-3-options-if-bruce-is-s/