Saturday Fulham Stuff (21/10/17)...

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Slavisa Jokanovic believes Fulham know what Aston Villa's weaknesses are ahead of trip to Villa Park

The Whites have been assessing Villa's weaknesses ahead of tomorrow's tie and are heading to Villa Park with the ambition to win the tie

Slavisa Jokanovic believes Fulham know what Aston Villa's weaknesses are and have prepares themselves accordingly ahead of tomorrow's game.

The Whites travel to Villa Park on the back of a four game unbeaten run, while Steve Bruce's Villa side have lost just the once in the past nine games, although that was a 2-0 defeat to Wolves just last week.

Fulham have done their homework on Aston Villa, according to the boss, and have had sessions in order for them to prepare for what they believe are their weaknesses in order to exploit them on Saturday.

Jokanovic also believes his side are in form heading into the game and are going to Villa with ambition to win the game.

He said: "Villa have a lot of dangerous and quality players, they can resolve the game with some individual action.

"At the same time, they are a very strong team in set pieces and I don't expect they will be a team that will dominate us and find a solution after a long attack and for us we must be ready.

"We know what we are going to find, we must be available when we lose the ball and find a good starting position for when the more offensive Villa players start to run with the ball and looking for space behind us, this is their traits.

"We know what they are and we believe we know what their weaknesses are and we make a few sessions where we were talking about them and I believe my team are in form and know what we can find during the game.

"We must be ready for some surprises too because you cannot predict everything and we are going there with ambition and determination to win the game."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-believes-fulham-know-13785803

[WhiteJC]

 
Steve Bruce: Aston Villa must erase Wolves defeat; Fulham are a dangerous side; Why Molineux defeat hurt

These are the thoughts of Steve Bruce ahead of the game

Steve Bruce has called on his players to erase the painful defeat against Wolves by marching into the top three with a win over Fulham.

The manager reiterated his belief that they were second best to Wolves, but has turned his attentions fully to the the tough game against Fulham.

Here's what he had to say at today's press conference...

"We have to try and erase the defeat, it happens and we have to accept they were better than us on the day.

"Fulham is another game and we need a big and better performance against a very good side.

"Nobody likes to lose to local rivals, the Championship is just starting, winter is upon us and there ate some tough games ahead.

"There is a long way to go and things are just taking shape. We seem to have our worst performances after international duty and we seemed tired.

"There is another big game coming up tomorrow and Fulham are very decent, particularly away from home.

"They have very good players on the counter attack and if we allow them to play we will be in trouble.

"We will be mindful of their habit of scoring late goals

"Hopefully a result tomorrow will take us in the top six."

Predicted line-up

Steve Bruce has named virtually the same starting XI for Aston Villa's last five matches but a resounding defeat to promotion rivals Wolves has cast doubt over their own Premier League possibilities.

Twelve points from the last 15 on offer suggests there is no need to panic. However, it's only right that some of Villa's fringe players are considered for selection ahead of Fulham's visit to Villa Park on Saturday.

Our prediction...

Despite several of Villa's stand-ins presenting compelling cases for inclusion against Fulham, Bruce has waited too long to find the winning formula to change his team after a minor hiccup.

he claret and blues were outclassed at Molineux but they are unlikely to face another Championship team of such quality for the remainder of the campaign.

With that in mind, we expect Bruce to continue with the XI that started against Wolves. However, Snodgrass and Adomah must be given freedom to create havoc, as they did in wins over Barnsley, Nottingham Forest, Burton Albion and Bolton.



http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-v-fulham-13787858

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham to ease Tom Cairney back from injury after two months out

Lengthy lay-off: Tom Cairney Getty Images

Fulham will exercise caution over Tom Cairney following his return from a knee injury.

The captain was a substitute last week after nearly two months out but boss Slavisa Jokanovic is wary about rushing him back into the first team. The midfielder has been troubled by a knee problem all season and, speaking ahead of tomorrow's trip to Aston Villa, Jokanovic said: "I didn't plan to make him play 45 minutes last weekend, but in the situation we were in, we decided to take this risk.

"It's normal that he's not at his best, but we believe he showed important promise, and every day he feels better. But we must be careful with him.

"Normally I'd prefer to use him always, but I must respect the competition and I must manage this situation best I can.

"I expect he can be part of the [Villa] game and I'll try and choose what I believe is best for him and for my team."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-to-ease-tom-cairney-back-from-injury-after-two-months-out-a3663686.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Tomas Kalas hoping Aston Villa trip brings first clean sheet since August

Fulham haven't kept a cleansheet in seven games but on-loan Chelsea man Kalas is hoping tomorrow breaks that run

Tomas Kalas is hoping tomorrow's trip to Villa Park brings Fulham's first clean sheet since August and their 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town.

It has now been seven games since Kalas and his team mates have shut out the opposition, although they have managed to keep opposing teams down to just the one goal, apart from last week's 2-2 draw with Preston.

Despite playing well and still getting results from games, defenders pride themselves on clean sheets and Kalas is no different, although the on-loan Chelsea man is finding it difficult to explain just why they seem unable to keep one at the moment.

Ahead of the trip to Villa, he said: "It's difficult to answer, I don't want to make excuses but sometimes it's just luck, you know challenges where it will rebound or whatever and it just didn't turn out in our favour.



"Lack of concentration and lack of what we demand from one another when you just need to focus and together, especially in the last ten minutes when you're leading 1-0 or 2-1, you don't want to lose and you should just put your life on the ground almost and stop them from scoring.

"A cleansheet at Villa Park would be nice and that would mean we gain at least one point, but it will be really difficult because they have spent quite a lot of money, especially on the players that go forward.

"They have Adomah, who is playing well and who I played with at Middlesbrough, so I know he is a good player and Kodjia who everyone knows is a good player and all of them - Snodgrass, I could name everyone from their first 11 and they would all be experienced, good players.

"It will be difficult but it will be even more pleasing to keep a clean sheet there."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulhams-tomas-kalas-hoping-aston-13786061

[WhiteJC]

 
Aston Villa injury news: Steve Bruce reveals six big players are missing for Fulham fixture

Steve Bruce has revealed that he will be missing six key players ahead of Aston Villa's game against Fulham

Aston Villa will be without SIX players for tomorrow's clash with Fulham.

Andre Green is still some way off a return and Mile Jedinak is also ruled out as Villa look to bounce back after defeat at Wolves last time out.

Gabby Agbonlahor is still struggling with a knock and while Jack Grealish and Henri Lansbury are now back in training, they will not be risked this weekend.

Boss Steve Bruce has no new injuries to deal with, though, providing his group come through Friday's training session unscathed.

"It's good to see them back in training but it's too soon for all of them," said Bruce.

"Some of them will take part again for the U23s on Monday,

"They're making good progress."

Bruce still has a decision to make at left-back, with Neil Taylor serving the second game of a three-match ban.

Last week Alan Hutton deputised and played well in a makeshift position.

He's expected to keep his place one again with Bruce making minimal changes from the team that has served him so well in recent times.

Another decision he has to make is whether to stick with both Keinan Davis and Jonathan Kodjia up front.

After losing at Wolves, Bruce may decide to to pack the midfield with an extra man.

Josh Onomah, Callum O'Hare and Birkir Bjarnason are all pushing for a recall, as is striker Scott Hogan.

Erase the defeat

Steve Bruce has called on his players to erase the painful defeat against Wolves by marching into the top three with a win over Fulham.

The manager reiterated his belief that they were second best to Wolves, but has turned his attentions fully to the the tough game against Fulham.

Here's what he had to say at today's press conference...

"We have to try and erase the defeat, it happens and we have to accept they were better than us on the day.

"Fulham is another game and we need a big and better performance against a very good side.

"Nobody likes to lose to local rivals, the Championship is just starting, winter is upon us and there ate some tough games ahead.

"There is a long way to go and things are just taking shape. We seem to have our worst performances after international duty and we seemed tired.

"There is another big game coming up tomorrow and Fulham are very decent, particularly away from home.

"They have very good players on the counter attack and if we allow them to play we will be in trouble.

"We will be mindful of their habit of scoring late goals

"Hopefully a result tomorrow will take us in the top six."

Predicted line-up

Steve Bruce has named virtually the same starting XI for Aston Villa's last five matches but a resounding defeat to promotion rivals Wolves has cast doubt over their own Premier League possibilities.

Twelve points from the last 15 on offer suggests there is no need to panic. However, it's only right that some of Villa's fringe players are considered for selection ahead of Fulham's visit to Villa Park on Saturday.

Our prediction...

Despite several of Villa's stand-ins presenting compelling cases for inclusion against Fulham, Bruce has waited too long to find the winning formula to change his team after a minor hiccup.

The claret and blues were outclassed at Molineux but they are unlikely to face another Championship team of such quality for the remainder of the campaign.

With that in mind, we expect Bruce to continue with the XI that started against Wolves. However, Snodgrass and Adomah must be given freedom to create havoc, as they did in wins over Barnsley, Nottingham Forest, Burton Albion and Bolton.



http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-injury-news-steve-13789093

[WhiteJC]

 
Aston Villa In Focus

Have a read of the key matchday information as Fulham aim to make it five games unbeaten when we travel to Aston Villa.

Possible opposition absentees

Henri Lansbury – knee injury

Mile Jedinak – groin injury

Jack Grealish – kidney injury

Andre Green – hamstring injury

Neil Taylor – suspension
Tickets

Tickets are available to buy over the phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 2) until 3pm Friday. Tickets can be bought on the day from the Visitors Ticket Office, cash only, located by the away turnstiles.
Weather

The weather forecast is predicting a 40 per cent chance of rain by kick-off, with temperatures around 12 degrees.
Getting there

Trains to Birmingham New Street from Euston take just one hour 20 minutes, with Witton a quick 10 minute connection away. Villa Park is a short walk from Witton station.
He said...

"They have very good players on the counter attack and if we allow them to play we will be in trouble.  We will be mindful of their habit of scoring late goals."– Steve Bruce, Aston Villa 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) to view.
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Aston Villa: 5/4

Draw: 47/20

Fulham: 41/20
Previous five results

Wolves 2-0 Aston Villa (Sky Bet Championship)

Aston Villa 1-0 Bolton (Sky Bet Championship)

Burton 0-4 Aston Villa (Sky Bet Championship)

Aston Villa 2-1 Nottingham Forest (Sky Bet Championship)

Aston Villa 0-2 Middlesbrough (Carabao Cup)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/october/20/aston-villa-in-focus

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham FC Unveils Details of 'Emerging Proposals' for Riverside Stand

Fulham Football Club has unveiled details of "emerging proposals" for the design of the redeveloped Riverside Stand online, following two public exhibitions
earlier this month.

The club says the new design delivers a quality riverside development – more than just a football stand next to the river. Consistent with the 2013 approved scheme, the proposal will include:

1. More seating for fans (not exceeding the 30,000 approved capacity)

2. A riverside walk following the approved line

3. Apartments at either end of the stand to create activity (nine are proposed)

It will also include:

1. A new design that better connects with the river

2. Restaurants, bars and other uses to create a leisure destination for use on match and non-match days

3. An iconic roof design

4. A basement for 'back of house' facilities and lounge space.

The club adds, of the effects of the proposal on the local community:

1. Wind: Testing is underway. Initial results show the wind effects will be similar to the approved scheme.

2. Noise: Similar to the approved scheme on matchdays. On non-matchdays more active use of the building will be managed to respect our neighbours.

3. Jobs & Community: New jobs and investment will be created in the local area. The restaurants and bars will be available for the local community.

4. Traffic: Similar to the approved scheme on matchdays. On non-matchdays the proposed restaurants and bars will encourage trips outside of peak hours and traffic will be a fraction of that on matchdays.

5. Lighting: Two existing floodlight masts will be removed and a new floodlighting system provided below the proposed roof. The additional glazing and increased non-matchday use will be managed through careful selection of materials to minimise light spill.



Announcing the new proposals last month, Fulham FCchairman Shahid Khan used gardening analogies to explain his vision. "We are a club with ambition to grow, but to grow you must protect and never damage your roots," he said.

He pledged that a new stand would be 'iconic and beautiful', blending history and modernity and added: "It won't be long before we'll be sharing some of the architectural elements and designs."

You can see full details of the proposals and give the club your views here.

The club say after considering feedback over the next month, it intends to submit a planing application to Hammersmith & Fulham Council before Christmas.

Once a formal application has been submitted, residents will be able to tell the council what they think about the club's plans during the formal consultation period after Christmas.

If permission is granted, Fulham FC hopes to begin construction of the new stand last next year with completion expected in 2021.



http://www.fulhamsw6.com/default.asp?section=info&page=fulhamfc01710.htm

[WhiteJC]

 
Checkatrade Fixture Change

Our Checkatrade Trophy fixture featuring our U23s side against Crawley Town has been moved from Tuesday 28 November to Wednesday 29 November.

The game will kick-off at 7:45pm.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/october/20/checkatrade-fixture-change

[WhiteJC]

 
Aston Villa swingometer: What's at stake for Villa as Fulham visit

Villa welcome Fulham to B6 tomorrow

Aston Villa can climb as high as fourth this weekend, should results go their way.

Villa are currently in seventh, just a place outside the play-off spots after suffering their first league defeat in nine last time out against table toppers Wolves.

They host Fulham at Villa Park on Saturday, who certainly won't be pushovers - the Cottagers are second only to Wolves in the away form league table this season.

A victory for the claret and blues at B6 though, where they haven't lost in the Championship this season, could take them into the coveted top six, depending on scores elsewhere.

It's an important weekend in the second tier; Middlesbrough and Cardiff go head to head, as do Bristol City and Leeds, Wolves and Preston.

It's such a tight division that, should the polar opposite happen and the results couldn't go any less in Villa's favour, then they can also fall all the way down to 12th.

Villa will be hoping for a repeat of last season, when a late Jonathan Kodjia goal saw them home 1-0.

Plenty to play for!



http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-swingometer-whats-stake-13789521

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham visit 'too soon' for Jack Grealish's Aston Villa return

Midfielders Henri Lansbury (knee) and Mile Jedinak (groin) are poised to miss out once more, while attacker Jack Grealish remains on the sidelines, despite making a return to action for the club's under-23s earlier this week.

Grealish, who had been out for almost three months after suffering kidney damage, played an hour of Villa's 2-0 win over Wolves at Telford on Monday and is expected to get another run out for the under-23s next week.

"It's good to see them back in training but it's too soon for all of them," said Bruce.

"Some of them will take part again for the under-23s at Reading on Monday. They're making good progress."

Andre Green and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy (both hamstring) are long-term absentees, while left-back Neil Taylor will serve the second of a three-game ban against the Cottagers.

Bruce has called for a response from his players after last week's 2-0 derby defeat at Wolves.

A win on Saturday would likely lift Villa into the top six and the boss said: "We have to try and erase the defeat, it happens and we have to accept they were better than us on the day.

"Fulham is another game and we need a big and better performance against a very good side.

"Nobody likes to lose to local rivals, the Championship is just starting, winter is upon us and there are some tough games ahead.

"There is a long way to go and things are just taking shape. We seem to have our worst performances after international duty and we seemed tired.

"There is another big game coming up tomorrow and Fulham are very decent, particularly away from home."



Read more at https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/aston-villa/2017/10/20/fulham-visit-too-soon-for-jack-grealishs-aston-villa-return/#k3rDPIZw5UkIXiDP.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Head Coach press conference

Slaviša Jokanović believes Saturday presents one of the toughest fixtures of the season, but says Fulham will be gunning for maximum points at Villa Park.

Aston Villa were installed as early favourites for promotion at the start of the campaign, and a recent run of four wins in a row has seen them climb to seventh in the table, a point above the Whites.

"In front of us is another important challenge against one of the best Championship teams," Jokanović said in his pre-match press conference. "They have real quality players.

"We have a chance to play in a fantastic place like Villa Park, and we are motivated and we go there with the determination to do everything to win the game.

"Villa have dangerous, quality players in their squad. They are a very strong team at set-pieces. I don't expect they're a team who are going to want to dominate us and find a solution after a long attack.

"We must be ready, we know what we're going to find there, and we must be available after we've lost the ball.

"We know what the traits of this team are, we believe we know their weaknesses. We've had a few sessions where we're talking about them and I believe my team is informed enough about what we can find during the game.

"We must be ready for some kind of surprise, too, because you cannot predict everything. We are going there with ambition and determination to win the game."

Last week's draw with Preston North End saw Oliver Norwood successfully dispatch a penalty, and when asked if the midfielder could take the next one, Jokanović replied: "Yes. We're not going to complicate the situation so much.

"It's between him and Rui Fonte to be penalty taker. My first choice was Sheyi Ojo but Sheyi is not with us and we didn't have that option.

"Ollie is experienced enough and is a quality player to score the goal from the spot in these situations."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/october/19/head-coach-press conference

[WhiteJC]

 
Team News

Slaviša Jokanović hopes to have a fully fit squad to choose from on Saturday, aside from two long-term absentees.

Fulham were without the services of Ryan Fredericks and Aboubakar Kamara against Preston North End, but Jokanović expects to have them available when he takes his team to Villa Park.

"Lucas Piazon and Sheyi Ojo are obviously not working with the team," he explained. "Other players are working with us, some less or more than others, but today I worked with a complete team, without the two I mentioned."

Tom Cairney made a welcome return to action in the draw with Preston, helping the Whites fight back from two goals down after coming on at half-time.

Jokanović was pleased with his contribution in that game, but admitted his Captain's fitness is a delicate situation.

"It's a little bit complicated to answer," he said. "For a long period he's had some kind of knee problem.

"I didn't plan to make him play 45 minutes last weekend, but in the situation we were in, we decided to take this risk.

"It's normal that he's not at his best, but we believe he showed important promise, and every day he feels better. But we must be careful with him.

"Normally I'd prefer to use him always, but I must respect the competition and I must manage this situation best I can.

"I expect he can be part of the [Villa] game and I'll try and choose what I believe is best for him and for my team.

"It's a really important match in front of us and after this game we are going to think about him and how he can help us in the 33 matches after Villa."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/october/19/team-news

[WhiteJC]

Modern football and how money dilutes the passion
by Lydia on October 20, 2017

It wasn't that long ago that our opponents tomorrow, Aston Villa, were one of the big hitters in the Premier League. I can remember when they were consistently finishing in the top six with the target every year of breaking into the 'big four'. Back then, of course, the 'big four' consisted of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, with other teams so far away from them financially that many didn't think that things would ever change. Since the birth of the Premier League (or Premiership as it used to be called), Aston Villa have been one of many teams who threatened at the top of the table for a while, before dramatically slipping down the league and eventually being relegated in 2016.

In the first season of the newly established Premier League (1992-93), Villa finished second only to Manchester United, with Dean Saunders, pictured above, finishing as their top goalscorer. Of the teams who participated in the top division of English football that season, only nine of them now remain there. This figure is all the more surprising given that the league then consisted of 22 teams, meaning that an incredible thirteen clubs who played there 25 years ago are now competing in the Championship, League One, League Two or might not even exist anymore in the same way (AFC Wimbledon). Back then, every manager in the Premier League was from the UK or Ireland, and clubs were generally supportive with there being far fewer managerial sackings than there are now. Today, the Premier League is much more diverse in its personnel, managers seem to be sacked after a 6 game winless run (or four if you are Frank de Boer) and the people at the top are perhaps more interested in money and TV audience figures than the people who pay into the stadiums every week. It's heartbreaking to the true football fan, but there really is a disconnect between the top clubs and their fans.

It isn't true in all cases, and we can still see the passion from the fans and players alike, but too often we see players who just don't appear all that interested any more. People might say that the face of football has changed and we just have to get on with it, but I say that the change goes much deeper than the face and what we can physically see. Don't get me wrong, many of the changes are changes for the better, like the incredible global audience that can now be reached through international TV deals, pre-season tours around the world and then the amazing power of social media, but I'm not alone in arguing that some of the changes are for the worse. The gap between player and fan is massive, and because of this there is a danger that football has moved away from the people who truly keep it alive- the spectators. The money being pumped in at one end, is now having to be matched, in a sense, by the people who love it the most, the fans. Prices for replica kit and match day tickets are increasing making it harder and harder for people to stay in touch, while there are players on the pitch who think that it is OK to refuse to train if they don't get the exact contract that they want, something that the majority of us wouldn't dare to do as it would result in getting sacked for our jobs. Money dominates the game, and this is both a good and a bad thing. The good side of it has allowed clubs to improve their squads, bring in the right backroom staff and has dramatically improved the sports science and the technology side of the game that has then went and improved it on an entertainment level. But on the complete opposite side of the scale it has resulted in clubs that people love actually being forced to close down. This, to me, is an absolute travesty. We desperately need to get back to the days when money doesn't dominate, I just don't know if it will ever really happen.

Both Fulham and Aston Villa have been clubs who struggled because of factors behind the scenes, factors that at the very root of it stem from money. However, both clubs seem to be coming out on the other end and are determined to make it back to the Premier League in the coming seasons. Both teams have passionate players and fans who will combine to make tomorrow's game into what football used to be. With Villa losing their remarkable winning run last week to a strong Wolves side, and Fulham just about claiming a point against Preston, both teams will be focused on getting the win, meaning that we should be in for a dramatic affair tomorrow. Football has changed dramatically because of the money involved, but we can still love it and work together to bring it back to the passionate game that it used to be.

#COYW



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/10/passionate-football-and-the-money-problem/

[WhiteJC]

 
Mollo: Start Fast

Yohan Mollo has quickly endeared himself to the Craven Cottage faithful and this Saturday he will be looking to make an impact on the road against Aston Villa.

The Frenchman came on in the 71st minute against Preston North End with the side 2-0 down but the Whites' fortune changed thanks to goals from Ollie Norwood and Denis Odoi.

Despite not coming away with a win the 28-year-old was pleased with the turnaround in performance on Saturday afternoon against Preston.

Mollo told fulhamfc.com: "I think when you are losing 2-0 and you come back to 2-2 and yeah you want to win every time but you have a good draw.

"We started very badly and then we had a good reaction and I think we made good things happen and we came back.

"I think if we had more minutes in that game I think we would've won but I think in the next game it is important to continue like this."

The competitive nature of the Championship has not surprised Mollo who says that he has always kept an eye on English football.

"I watch every game and I know you have three or four divisions in England which are professional and every team is very hard to beat.

"Every team fights a lot, they work hard a lot and I know that if you don't give 100 per cent then you can't win."

Mollo who has played professional football in France, Spain and Russia is well aware of the stature of Aston Villa but it's not something that fazes him in the slightest.

"Aston Villa have a big story but for me every game is the same because I have the same concentration and I have the same respect and for me three points is three points.

"I think they have a good striker, they are a quick team and if you are not concentrated and you are not focussed I think you play catch up so I think to win we need to make a good start," he said.

Mollo faces the prospect of coming up against the former England captain John Terry this weekend but again, this is not something that will be at the forefront of his mind come Saturday afternoon.

He said: "This is football, I am aware he [Terry] is a player with a big career, however the game is about 11 players against 11 players on the pitch.

"Every game has a story and I think if we make a good start and we score first I think the game changes but I'll tell you, the most important thing is to make a good start."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/october/20/mollo-aston-villa

[WhiteJC]

 
Aston Villa vs Fulham: Match Preview
Steve Bruce's boys look for a bounce back after a poor loss last week.

Aston Villa are set to host a talented — but under-performing — Fulham team at Villa park following what was clearly a disappointing loss against Wolves last week.

We know that starting left back Neil Taylor will serve his second game of a three match ban from a very stupid red card — and Alan Hutton is likely to keep his place there after a good performance proving many doubters (myself included) wrong. Hopefully he can continue and solidify the left side of defense. Jack Grealish & Henri Lansbury are both still out but are expected to play in the U23 match on Monday. Jedinak (please come back Mile — this team needs you) and Gabby (...) have already been ruled out as well.

Aston Villa have won their last two matches in Villa park and need that kind of home form to continue because the away form has not been good (though was much better in September with two wins at Barnsley and Burton). I'd expect an unchanged lineup — though Callum O'Hare (who just signed a contract extension) showed why he is pushing for more minutes and could be an earlier sub if the attacking players disappoint.

Fulham (9th) sit one point below Villa (7th) in the table — so both sides will be looking for a win to shoot up into the top six. The London club are on decent form coming off two wins and two draws in the last four -- but are susceptible to goals having not kept a clean sheet since August.

One big warning for Villa (and the supporters) — close out the match strongly!! Sadly this is a fear that viewers have come to have over the last few years. Fulham score 37.5% of their goals in the final 15 mins (+ added). That isn't cool and could make to a tense ending.

Hopefully Aston Villa are in a position where they are able to see out the match — and hopefully they do so.

The match is a 3p UK (10a ET) kickoff. No TV coverage — so AVTV is the best option.

Up the Villa.



https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2017/10/20/16507528/aston-villa-vs-fulham-match-preview

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham odds-on favourites to sign Newcastle United man in January

Dwight Gayle was a Whites target in the summer and they look set to revive their interest in January

Fulham could have a new striker in January.

That's if the bookmakers are to be believed.

There were reports that the Whites were after Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle during the summer transfer window, with Fulham reportedly offering £15 million for his services, but no move materialised.

That transfer could, however, be done in January, in fact, it looks like it will happen as he is odds-on to make the move from the north east to Craven Cottage.

Fulham could have a new striker in January.

That's if the bookmakers are to be believed.

There were reports that the Whites were after Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle during the summer transfer window, with Fulham reportedly offering £15 million for his services, but no move materialised.

That transfer could, however, be done in January, in fact, it looks like it will happen as he is odds-on to make the move from the north east to Craven Cottage.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-odds-favourites-sign-newcastle-13790805

[WhiteJC]

 
Aston Villa v Fulham
SAT, 21 Oct 2017 Championship
Venue: Villa Park

Conor Hourihane has netted five of Villa's last seven home league goals

Aston Villa are still without suspended Wales international Neil Taylor for the visit of Fulham to the West Midlands.

The left-back serves the second of his three-match ban for a red card in Villa's last home game, the 1-0 home win over Bolton on 30 September.

Fulham defender Ryan Fredericks (foot) is a doubt, but forward Aboubakar Kamara (thigh) is back in training.

Captain Tom Cairney may start after knee trouble, while winger Jordan Graham could face his former club.

Seventh-placed Villa are looking for a response to last weekend's local derby loss to Wolves, their first defeat in nine games,

Fulham are ninth, unbeaten in four games and a point behind Villa, but they have won their last two away matches, at Nottingham Forest and QPR.

Home win 44%   Draw 27%   Away win 29%

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

Match facts
    Aston Villa have only lost one of their last 16 home league games against Fulham - a 2-1 Premier League defeat in April 2014.
    The Whites have won four of their last six league matches against Villa - but were 1-0 losers a year ago thanks to Jonathan Kodjia's late winner.
    Villa have lost just once in 14 league games at home - of which they are unbeaten in the last eight.
    Denis Odoi's 96th-minute equaliser against Preston last Saturday was the fourth successive league game in which Fulham have scored a goal in the 85th minute or later.
    Scott Hogan has had a hand in three goals in three Championship appearances against Fulham (two goals, one assist).
    Stefan Johansen has created 31 chances for his Fulham teammates this season - more than any other midfielder in the league, but only one has brought a goal.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41618275

[WhiteJC]

Fonte fancies third straight away success
by Dan on October 20, 2017

Rui Fonte has targeted a third straight away win as Fulham prepare to face the Championship's in-form side, Aston Villa, at Villa Park tomorrow afternoon.

The Portuguese striker feels Fulham can take confidence from the quality of their last two away showings before the international break that saw Slavisa Jokanovic's side beat Nottingham Forest and Queens Park Rangers. The former Braga forward told FulhamFCTV:

    I think so because it was two tough games. Forest is a very difficult ground to play at, QPR is a derby so getting those two wins shows us that we can do our best and shows to everyone that we can win away. We just need to do it at home as well.

The 27 year-old knows that Fulham could face a boisterous home crowd in the Midlands tomorrow but believes the experience of a tempestuous west London derby will stand them in good stead for what they may come up against.

    It is always good when you score first or an early goal, but as long as we get the win, it will be good for us. Of course, we hear the atmosphere, but most of the time we just focus on the game.

The striker certainly isn't underestimating the scale of the challenge posed by Steve Bruce's charges or the size of the personal battle he will have to win against Villa's captain, John Terry.

    They have an experienced team. They have an experienced coach, who has coached in the Premier League, but we have our own objectives and we want to go there and win the game, like we did in the last two away games and that's where we start from.

    He's a Champions League winner, international but like every other centre back, I try to do my best and this is not because it is John Terry. Of course, I have respect for him and his career, but I prepare the same way for every single game.

Fonte feels Fulham will head into this fixture in good heart after Denis Odoi's injury-time equaliser rescued a point against Preston North End last time out, but is clear that the Whites can improve on that uneven display.

    It was a last-minute draw after a great comeback. It's good for morale after being 2-0 down, but you have to take a lesson from that game as well because the first half wasn't good enough for us. We showed in the second half what we can do – but we have do it from the start.

    To come back from 2-0 against a very difficult team – very intense – showed that we have the character, the personality and the desire to come back. I think we could have scored before the second one [goal], but to get it in the last minute, it was a big boost for us but we want more, of course.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/10/fonte-fancies-third-straight-away-success/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham must make a good start, says Mollo
by Dan on October 20, 2017

Yohan Mollo has urged his Fulham team-mates to use the momentum generated by last weekend's late comeback against Preston North End and make a swift start at Aston Villa tomorrow.

The French winger, who made a real impact when introduced as a second half substitute against North End last Saturday, believes Fulham can't afford to allow opponents two goal leads if they are serious about contending for the Championship promotion positions. Mollo, an avid watcher of English football since childhood, knows all about Villa's history and strengths but wants the Whites to continue their excellent away form and lay down a marker to the rest of the division.

He told the club's official website:

    I watch every game and I know you have three or four divisions in England which are professional and every team is very hard to beat. Every team fights a lot, they work hard a lot and I know that if you don't give 100 per cent then you can't win.

    Aston Villa have a big story but for me every game is the same because I have the same concentration and I have the same respect and for me three points is three points. I think they have a good striker, they are a quick team and if you are not concentrated and you are not focused I think you play catch up so I think to win we need to make a good start.

The former Zenit St. Petersburg wide man certainly won't be fazed by the prospect of coming up against John Terry.

    This is football, I am aware he [Terry] is a player with a big career, however the game is about 11 players against 11 players on the pitch. Every game has a story and I think if we make a good start and we score first I think the game changes but I'll tell you, the most important thing is to make a good start.

Mollo was pleased with the character Fulham showed to eventually wipe out the two goal lead Preston established in the first half at Craven Cottage last week and wants the team to return to the quality of football they had been playing prior to the international break.

    I think when you are losing 2-0 and you come back to 2-2 and yeah you want to win every time but you have a good draw. We started very badly and then we had a good reaction and I think we made good things happen and we came back. I think if we had more minutes in that game I think we would've won but I think in the next game it is important to continue like this.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/10/fulham-must-make-a-good-start-says-mollo/

[WhiteJC]

 
Things we spotted from Aston Villa's final training session before facing Fulham

AVFC take on the Cottagers at Villa park this weekend

Aston Villa host Fulham at Villa Park this weekend, aiming to bounce back from their defeat at Molineux.

Last Saturday's 2-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers halted a run of four Championship wins on the spin for Steve Bruce's men.

Villa's last two home matches have ended in victories over Nottingham Forest and Bolton Wanderers and three points would get their promotion push back on track.

The players enjoyed their final training session today - here are a few things we spotted:

Black eyed boy
There's been a remarkable statistic doing the rounds this week that since he signed for Villa in August 2016 James Chester has been a Championship ever-present.

Steve Bruce describes him as 'tough as teak' and it is an apt description. It's not as if Chester plays in a position where he is out of the firing line. He plays as a centre-half who faces bruising battles most weeks.

Previously he has played wearing a mask to protect a broken nose. Right now he appears to be sporting a shiner.

Not that it will stop him being involved against Fulham this weekend.

His Knibbs
Callum O'Hare has signed a new two-year deal this week and it continues Bruce's new found policy of promoting the kids to the first team scene.

Harvey Knibbs is the latest to benefit from the 'give youth a chance' approach.

The teenage striker was involved with the senior squad today and hopes to follow in the footsteps of O'Hare, Jake Doyle-Hayes and Mitch Clark who have all been given first team debuts this season.

Whether he will be in the matchday 18 to face Fulham remains to be seen.

Viva Richards
It's been a while.

In fact it's now one year and five days since Micah Richards last turned out for Villa in a competitive game.

Persistent injury troubles and plenty of options in central defence and at right-back have left him on the outside looking in.

The latest training pictures show that he is now fit enough to train again, but it would still be a major surprise for the man who last played in the 1-1 draw against Wolves on October 15 2016 to be involved this weekend.

Precious shins exposed
Okay, so we're a bit late to this - and we hardly deserve our 'Spotter's Badge', as Ron Atkinson used to say.

But we've noticed that the Villa players don't appear to be wearing shinpads during their practice matches.

We've had a closer peek and there's doesn't even seem to be any of those minuscule train ticket type ones that Jack Grealish favours.

It's not just Villa. We've checked our photo systems and seen other teams leaving their precious shins exposed.

It must be a 'thing'.

Would've never got away with it training for The Waterfall in the Warley Sunday League back in the day (although with the tackles that used to fly in back then, a suit or armour would have been more appropriate!).

Caring Kodjia
We're cheating a bit here. It's something we have spotted AFTER training rather than during.

But no sooner had Jonathan Kodjia pulled off his boots at Bodymoor Heath he was off to Birmingham city centre to help the homeless.

The popular striker, who often goes by his nickname Jimmy Danger, was photographed handing out food and drinks to those in most need of assistance, near the Bullring.



http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/things-spotted-aston-villas-final-13791627