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

[WhiteJC]

Kalas eyes elusive clean sheet
by Dan on October 20, 2017

Tomas Kalas has admitted Fulham are desperate to keep a Championship clean sheet – but the Czech centre back knows that ending a run of seven games without one won't be easy at Villa Park.

The Whites travel to Aston Villa, the division's in-form side with an abundance of attacking riches tomorrow, aiming to extend their winning streak away from home that saw them record back-to-back victories at Nottingham Forest and QPR before the international break. The centre half, on loan from Chelsea, told Get West London's Ryan O'Donovan that he can't quite put his finger on why the Whites have failed to pick up from where they left off last season in terms of defensive solidity:

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.

Kalas knows Steve Bruce can call on plenty of creative players and attacking threats that he knows well from his own time in the Championship – and such resources could mean Fulham might well have their hands full tomorrow.

A clean sheet 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 [Albert] Adomah, who is playing well and who I played with at Middlesbrough, so I know he is a good player and [Jonathan] Kodjia who everyone knows is a good player and all of them – [Robert] 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://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/10/kalas-eyes-elusive-clean-sheet/

[WhiteJC]

 
President Donald Trump 'jealous' of NFL, says Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan


Shahid Khan (R) and Robert Kraft (L) both donated funds towards President Trump's inauguration

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan says US President Donald Trump is "jealous" of the NFL and trying to soil its image in "personal" attacks.

The Jacksonville Jaguars owner, who also owns Fulham football club, spoke at an NFL owners meetings in New York, where team owners and players met to discuss Trump's call for the league to force all players to stand for the pre-game playing of the US national anthem.

"This is a very personal issue with him," Khan said, in an interview with USA Today, calling Trump "a divider, not a uniter" and noting Trump's failed 2014 bid to purchase the NFL's Buffalo Bills franchise.

"He has been elected President, where maybe a great goal he had in life - to own an NFL team - is not very likely," Khan said. "So to make it tougher, or to hurt the league, it's very calculated."

Despite the criticism, Khan was actually one of seven NFL team owners who made financial contributions to Trump, donating $1 million to his inaguration fund. It's a move he says he does not regret.

"I have no regrets in life," Khan said. "Though this ugly, toxic side sours the whole experience."

Khan, who purchased the Jaguars in 2011 for $760 million, linked arms with players during the US anthem in September in the days after Trump first spoke out against NFL players kneeling in protest during the anthem, calling for them to be fired.

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began the protest kneel move last year to raise awareness of racial inequality and social injustice issues.

Trump has accused players of insulting the flag, the nation and its soldiers by kneeling for the anthem while players have steadfastly denied any such motives. Many teams have interlocked arms in unity during the anthem with some players kneeling at games across the league, using the very freedoms the US flag represents.

Khan said the NFL issue is a lesser one compared to the ethic and religious insults and remarks Trump has uttered since starting his run for office.

"Let's get real," Khan added. "The attacks on Muslims, the attacks on minorities, the attacks on Jews - I think the NFL doesn't even come close to that on the level of being offensive.

"Here, it's about money, or messing with - trying to soil a league or a brand that he's jealous of."



http://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/12118/11090093/president-donald-trump-jealous-of-nfl-says-jacksonville-jaguars-owner-shahid-khan

[WhiteJC]

 
Aston Villa v Fulham preview

Aston Villa must once again do without Neil Taylor in Saturday's Sky Bet Championship clash with Fulham. The Wales defender will serve the second of his three-match ban for a red card in Villa's 1-0 win over Bolton on September 30.

Gabby Agbonlahor, Mile Jedinak and Andre Green are all still working their way back to fitness. Midfielder Jedinak appears the closest to a return, while Green could have the slimmest chance of the three of featuring on Saturday.

Fulham captain Tom Cairney could be back in the starting line-up at Villa Park. The Scotland midfielder had been sidelined for almost two months with a knee injury but returned as a substitute against Preston last weekend.

On-loan Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo is recovering from a dislocated shoulder which will sideline him for eight weeks. Left-back Rafa Soares has recovered from an ankle problem and is pushing to make his debut following his summer switch from Porto.

Opta stats

Aston Villa have only lost one of their last 16 home league games against Fulham (W8 D7), a 2-1 defeat in the Premier League in April 2014.

The Cottagers have won four of their last six league matches against the Villans (D1 L1), as many as they'd won in the 24 prior to this run.

Aston Villa have lost just one of their last 14 league games at Villa Park (W9 D4), with a current unbeaten run of eight (W4 D4).

Fulham have scored a goal in the 85th minute or later in each of their last four Championship games including Denis Odoi's equaliser against Preston last time out.

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. Although, only one of these has ended in an assist.

Prutton's prediction

Aston Villa were pretty comprehensively beaten by Wolves last weekend and Steve Bruce will want a reaction back at Villa Park on Saturday.

Fulham will be a tough proposition, however, and although Villa will want to prove they can beat the better teams in the Championship, I think Slavisa Jokanovic's side will be good for a draw.

Prutton predicts: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)



http://www.skysports.com/football/a-villa-vs-fulham/preview/374763

[WhiteJC]

Up next: Aston Villa (a)
by Dan on October 21, 2017

Fulham head to Villa Park this afternoon targeting a third successive away win that could propel them into the Championship play-off positions for the first time this season. Slavisa Jokanovic's side will take confidence from the two victories at Nottingham Forest and QPR before the international break as well as the fighting spirit shown to claim a point from 2-0 down against Preston last weekend, but the Serbian head coach is fully aware of the size of the task Fulham will face against the division's in-form side.

Despite a disappointing defeat to table-topping Wolves on Saturday, Villa are finally making strides in the right direction under Steve Bruce. They are unbeaten in eight home fixtures – and have lost just one of their last fourteen league games at Villa Park – and sit just a point outside the top six themselves. The Villains have collected thirteen points from their last six outings, letting in just three goals, and boast a formidable home record against the Cottagers, having lost just once in their latest fourteen meetings at Villa Park.

Saturday's setback against their local rivals – where Villa were outplayed by a Wolves side high on confidence – was their first reverse in nine and Bruce seems to have got his side back on track after a dreadful start to the season. The former Hull boss can call on plenty of experience, including veteran centre halves John Terry and Christopher Samba, in a squad that should really be challenging for promotion and has a surfeit of creative options to call upon, include Conor Hourihane, who has contributed five goals already from the centre of midfield, the dangerous Albert Adomah and wily winger Robert Snodgrass.

Villa also possess plenty of power up front too. French forward Jonathan Kodija needs no introduction after his goalscoring exploits in his first taste of the Championship at Bristol City, as well as his acrobatic finish after David Button's blunder that settled this fixture a year ago, whilst teenager Keinan Davis has been the find of the summer, contributing two goals and four assists since stepping into the first team from Villa's youth ranks. Bruce has hinted that the 19 year-old could do with a rest, in which case former Brentford striker Scott Hogan – who has scored two and made another goal in his three Championship outings against the Whites – would prove an able deputy.

Such is the quality at Bruce's disposal that he will be confidence of getting a result even without six established first-teamers. Welsh international Neil Taylor completes the final game of his three-match suspension at left back and, although Australian midfielder Mile Jedinak and former Arsenal playmaker Henri Lansbury have returned to training they remain short of full fitness. Andre Green and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy are both sidelined by hamstring injuries, whilst this game comes too soon for Jack Grealish, the scorer of a sensational equaliser at Craven Cottage last season, who continued his recovery from kidney damage by playing an hour of an Under 23 win over Wolves on Monday night.

Jokanovic, who played in the same Chelsea side as Terry, knows just what to expect from what he termed 'one of the strongest sides' in the Championship during his pre-match press conference. He has drummed into his players the need to avoid another catastrophic start like the one Fulham endured against North End as the return of any defensive sloppiness threatens to undermine their own promotion aspirations. His biggest dilemmas will centre around whether Ryan Fredericks, who missed the pulsating draw with Preston due to a foot injury, captain Tom Cairney – whose introduction at half time in that game turned the tide – and Aboubakar Kamara are fit enough to start.

The Fulham head coach could make further changes with the previously pivotal Stefan Johansen, who has fashioned 31 chances for his team-mates this term, seeming a little off the boil of late and Rafa Soares' return to full fitness putting the Portuguese full-back in line for a first start since joining on loan from Porto. That might allow Ryan Sessegnon to roam forward from a left wing position, although former Villa academy product Jordan Graham and French winger Yohan Mollo, who looked lively off the bench on Saturday, will be eager to make an impression.

Fulham's last league win at Villa Park was probably the brightest memory in a dismal relegation season three years ago, when Kieron Richardson's rocket and that late header from Hugo Rodallega gave the Whites belief that they might under escape relegation under Felix Magath. Fond memories are found even further back thanks to a pair of strikes from Brummie boys Simon Morgan and Steve Hayward that knocked then Premier League-leading Villa out of the FA Cup at the third round stage in 1999 and the Whites have won four of their last six in the league against today's opponents, In order to retain the second best away record in the Championship, Jokanovic's side will have to marry their fluent football with some serious steel this afternoon.

MY FULHAM XI (4-3-3): Button; Odoi, R. Sessegnon, Kalas, Ream; McDonald, Norwood, Cairney; Ayite, Kebano, Fonte. Subs: Bettinelli, Madl, Soares, Johansen, Graham, Mollo, Kamara.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/10/up-next-aston-villa-a-3/

[WhiteJC]

 
Three Players to Watch: Matchday 13 vs. Aston Villa
Who among Villa's talented individuals should Fulham watch out for?

After snatching a draw in the closing minutes against Preston North End, Fulham travel to Aston Villa in hopes to continue climbing up the Championship table. A few days ago, I wrote about Fulham's overall struggles with finding an identity that they built on from last season. Some of the reasons were out of their control. Other's aren't.

Either way, this version of Fulham have to find a way to come up with three points against a flawed but improving Villa side. Led by Steve Bruce, there's no denying what you will get out of a club managed by one that is so good in the Championship, but so poor at cracking the code in building sustainability in the Premier League. Bruce employs a "keep it simple" 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 with two central forwards playing off eachother while the central midfielders do all the dirty work. Oh, and the wingers and fullbacks trade off dribble within their confines and hoof balls without leaving their usual location.

Such consistency in a plan comes after years of neglect and turmoil throughout the club. Last year in particular was rough with as new owner Tony Xi failed to land a quality manager on his first try as Roberto Di Matteo's tenure was a clear failure from the word go. Along with that, there were too many veteran players that no longer were suitable for league football and a complete overhaul of the squad was needed. Whether that has improved so much that promotion is possible is to be determined, but under Bruce's leadership, things are finally turning around in that part of the West Midlands.

However, Aston Villa haven't shown analytically that the squad's whole is better than the sum of their parts just yet. They have been outshot 142-152 throughout the whole campaign and they only have a total expected goal scoreline of 15.9-14.9. Villa also don't keep the ball that well and don't pick teams apart that often with their passing (19th in the league in key passes, 23rd in the league in long balls) despite being in the top-ten completion percentage. They can dribble quite nicely and have almost the same rankings as Fulham in all the major defensive categories. Still, it's so hard to not talk about Villa underacheiving despite the quality in the group of players they have.

Once they can really come together and have all their skills mesh, Villa should be able to secure promotion back to England's top flight where they belong. Until then, they are scrapping their way to wins every matchday, just like Fulham. On that note, here are three players to watch for this Saturday.

John Terry

Lets' get this done and over with. No conversation involving Aston Villa happens without talking about one of England's greatest center backs this millennium. Yes, John Terry is 36. Yes, it is beyond awkward that he is playing for a team other than Chelsea. Lastly, yes, John Terry really does play like he is 36 and his numbers show that.

That all being said, it is not like Terry is so bad that he is unplayable anymore. He does play a more conservative game and, at minimum, matches his career averages in headers, discipline, clearances, and blocks as a result. If you are looking for a guy that will intimidate all foes who dare attack through the middle, Terry is no longer your guy. But if you are looking for a steady presence while the rest of the team does the dirty work, he can sure fill that slot.

Just think of him more as a Tim Ream than as a Tomas Kalas. Yes, comparing one former Chelsea player to a younger quasi-current one is that wierd. In order for John Terry to work in 2017/18, that means others have to play well in order for Terry to play well.

Ahmed El Mohamady

The first comes from another former Premier League veteran in El Mohamady. The former Sunderland and Hull wing has moved over to fullback while at Villa Park and has been an overall success for the most part. While he did not contribute enough in attacking situations while playing up front, the Egyptian International is so much more comfortable picking the killer pass to his teammates while coming from the back four.

Like Preston North End last week, Villa are one of the better teams in the Championship at putting in crosses. While Preston's best players in that category were mainly from midfield, El Mohamady easily owns the distinction as Villa's best at putting the ball in the box in both open play. It also goes as no surprise that he is Villa's most dependable player in corner kicks.

Until 2016/17, El Mohamady has completed at least one successful cross per 90 minutes in every Championship or Premier League season while playing over 1,000 league minutes. This campaign, he has had a resurgence and fitting well into his new club. At 30, we'll see how long this will last. But for now, just watch out for the man that will deliver the best service down both flanks.

Connor Hourihane

All data from whoscored.com

Of all the talented players Villa have, there is no player that is better at controlling the game better than Conor Hourihane. The 26-year old is finally having the footballing world take notice after claiming his first two Ireland caps this year and making the move to Aston Villa from Barnsley. Beforehand, Hourihane struggled to make the grade at Sunderland and Ipswich Town and needed to ply his trade in League Two Plymouth Argyle to make a name for himself.

Only Tom Cairney can rival Hourihane's qualities in England's second tier at both an attacking role and playing as the creative fulcrum as a number ten. He doesn't deliver the same long ball pass or dribble from end to end as much as Cairney does. However, Hourihane easily dismantles Fulham's key man in defensive actions. With him and fellow Irishman Glenn Whelan, Villa's central midfield is a mindfield for creative players who dare pass through. Winning those battles will be critical for Fulham to win.

Otherwise, Villa's duo from that area will absolutely pick apart Slavisa Jokanovic's side and unleash the likes of Keinan Davis, Albert Odomah and Jonathan Kodjia. Oh, and I haven't talked about having Scott Hogan and Josh Onomah coming off the bench. It was very difficult to ignore those attacking talents in this week's post, but such are the quality of players this team has.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/10/21/16502294/three-players-to-watch-matchday-13-vs-aston-villa

[WhiteJC]

 
West Ham woes could see Fulham boss linked once again

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic could again be linked with the manager's job at English Premier League club West Ham United with the pressure mounting on current Hammers boss Slaven Bilic.

The Croatian is again coming in for widespread criticism after his side lost 3-0 to English Premier League new boys Brighton & Hove Albion at The London Stadium on Friday evening.

Over 56,000 fans attended the match in East London but thousands left well before the final whistle as The Hammers were unexpectedly torn apart by a side which had previously scored just once away from home so far this season.

The disastrous defeat could now spell the end of Bilic's stint in charge of the English Premier League club and Fulham boss Jokanovic is likely to be one of many names in the frame for the potential role.

Jokanovic was heavily linked with a move to The London Stadium just a couple of months ago with the West Ham United board thought to have been preparing to replace Bilic as reported by The Express. The Hammers boss managed to temporarily turn his side's form around but the club's latest defeat has again thrown his future into doubt.

Fulham boss Jokanovic is said to be rated highly by the West Ham United board and a move for the Serbian will undoubtedly be considered should current boss Bilic be sacked.



http://the72.co.uk/93046/west-ham-woes-see-fulham-boss-linked/

[WhiteJC]

 
Aston Villa team news: Four confirmed out of Fulham clash but midfielder "making strides"

Aston Villa have confirmed on their official website that midfielders Mile Jedinak and Henri Lansbury have returned to first-team training but neither will be available for Saturday's Championship clash against Fulham.

The Villans have been in excellent form of late but a 2-0 defeat to division leaders and local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out blunted the side's momentum.

Despite this, Steve Bruce's Villa outfit go into the weekend's action in seventh place and know that they can move into the playoff positions with victory over Slavisa Jokanovic's side.

However, Jedinak and Lansbury will not feature against Fulham, as they look to get back to full fitness after groin and knee injuries respectively.

The latter will join Jack Grealish in potentially featuring for the Villa under-23 side against Reading on Monday night.

Jedinak has been blighted by injuries all-season long but Bruce has stated that the Villa talisman is "making strides" towards a return to Villa action.

The Midlands outfit have also confirmed that Gabby Agbonlahor is set to sit out the clash with Fulham as he aims to recuperate from a calf strain.

Despite the players missing, Villa's summer recruitment drive means that Bruce has strength in depth to call upon and the hosts will go into the game full of confidence.

However, Fulham are in ninth place and know that victory at Villa Park will take them above the home side in the Championship table.



https://ninetyminutesonline.com/aston-villa-team-news-four-confirmed-fulham-clash-midfielder-making-strides/

[WhiteJC]

 
Match preview: Our Fulham game pack

Game details 

Match: Villa v Fulham
Date: October 21, 2017
Competition: Sky Bet Championship
Venue: Villa Park
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Mike Jones

Team news

Neil Taylor misses out again following his red card in last month's Championship encounter against Bolton.

But Steve Bruce has no fresh injury concerns to contend with as the squad seek to bounce back from defeat at Wolves.

Jack Grealish, Henri Lansbury, Mile Jedinak, Gabby Agbonlahor and Andre Green all remain unavailable for the visit of the Cottagers.

However, Grealish and Lansbury will feature for Villa U23s against Reading on Monday.

Read more: Injury update: Grealish, Lansbury, Jedinak, Agbonlahor
Ticket latest 

Don't miss today's Fulham clash as we bid to keep our unbeaten home run intact.

Prices are £20 to £33 (adults), £15 to £20 (concessions), £10 to £17 (U21s), £5 to £10 (U16s), £45 to £55 for a Family Package (two adults and two U16s). 

Wheelchair bays are available by calling the Ticket Office on 0333 323 1874.

Tickets are on general sale.

Supporters are advised to collect their tickets as early as possible to avoid the disappointment of missing kick-off.

Tickets can be collected from the Villa Village Ticket Office up to 12.30pm on matchday after which point, tickets can only be collected from the Trinity Road Ticket Office which will be open from 1pm.

To buy, visit us in person, call 0333 323 1874 or buy from our online box office.

Dugout analysis
Steve Bruce

We're going to have to be at our best because Fulham, for me, will be there or thereabouts this season.

They're a are a very decent team, especially away from home.

It'll be a big challenge – they're one of the better sides in the division.

Over the last 18 months to two years they've assembled a group of players who are very good.

They play on the counter attack, they've got pace in good areas – they're a strong team.

If we allow them to play they'll prove they're a very decent side.

They've scored four times in the last five minutes in the last month.

We'll be guarding against that.
Slavisa Jokanovic

In front of us is another important challenge against one of the best Championship teams.

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.

Match stats

We're still the form team in the Championship after the last six games, with 13 points, 10 goals and just three strikes conceded in that time. 

We've only lost one of our last 16 home league games against Fulham (W8, D7) - a 2-1 defeat in the Premier League in April 2014.

Read more: Stat pack: Villa v Fulham

The claret and blues have also lost just one of their last 14 league games at Villa Park (W9 D4) - our current unbeaten run is eight matches (W4, D4).

Scott Hogan has had a hand in three goals in three Championship appearances against Fulham (two goals, one assist). 

Villa have scored six goals from outside the box this term - more than any other Championship side.

Timeline

9am – Ticket Office opens
9am – Villa Store opens
12noon – Our hospitality areas open
12noon – Holte Suite open exclusively for season ticket holders
12noon – Holte Pub open exclusively for Lions Club members
1pm – The Family Fan Zone opens
1.30pm – Turnstiles are open
2.15pm – The pre-match warm-up
3 pm – Kick-off!
3.45pm – Half-time
4.55pm – Match ends

The Villa Store will be open after the game as well!

First time at Villa Park?

To help you find your way to the stadium from your train/car park, we've put up some way finding banners around Aston – look out for them on your way to Villa Park.

Once you arrive at Villa Park, any of our friendly stewards or Fan Squad will be able to help you find your way to your block and seat, or to our Fan Zone/Club Shop/Ticket Office.

Providing fans with a fun, safe and exciting football experience has been a central part of the club's operation for many years.

Villa Park offers a great family day out in a safe environment and welcomes all supporters – new and old – to enjoy watching football here.

Why not check out this info which will give you all the details you need to make the most of your day out at Villa Park – whether you're a family coming for the first time or you're new to the area or visiting and would like to experience football in the Villa Park atmosphere.

Entertainment

Make sure you get prepared for the match with our new-look Villa News & Record, the official matchday programme.

They'll be available from kiosks around the ground.

Alternatively, you can buy the programme online too. 

If you're sitting in the Holte End, get ready for our giant Holte Flag. 

It's made up of your images from our #PartOfThePride mosaic.

Also, if you sit in Lower North Stand, Project B6 will be on hand with supporter flags pre-match.

Why not find out more about them on Twitter. 

Check out our Family Fan Zone located in the Academy Building from two hours before kick-off.

Our Fulham Family Fan Zone will feature our Football Development team putting you through your paces on their mini-skills course.

We'll also have our #PartOfThePride selfie frame in the photo booth, a DJ, footpool, our Rodeo Rugby ball, Human Table Football, face painting, many more activities and popcorn on your way out!

Our friendly mascots Hercules, Bella and Chip will also be on hand around the ground and pitchside pre-match to entertain our junior fans.

Hercules will be leading our 'My Home Debut' group around the pitch before kick-off, be sure to give them a clap.
Stadium Car Parks 

Safety is our priority.

On matchdays, our stadium car parks have a large number of pedestrians passing through them, as well as the vehicles that need to be parked.

The priority of our operation is to ensure the safety of everyone here at Villa Park.

We are undertaking a process of improving our current arrangements for vehicle parking and pedestrian safety and over the coming weeks you will notice changes in how we operate, including how we park cars on your arrival.

We ask for your cooperation and continued support to help us implement these new operations.

In order to keep everyone safe:

    All car park passes must be visible at all times
    Speed restrictions are in place – please adhere to the speed limits
    Please follow the direction of stewards to parking areas. We will direct you to your parking space
    CCTV is in operation
    Please be aware of pedestrians and children at all times
    Parking is available for Villa Village visitors for up to 30 minutes in an allocated bay up to three hours before kick-off

Thank you in anticipation for your support – enjoy the match!
Safety and Security
Three points isn't the only priority tonight for Villa v Fulham.

Making sure everyone goes home safe is the most important result.

We have been working closely with the police and the EFL, over the summer, to review security at Villa Park.

Now we are asking you to do your bit.

Stadium managers from clubs have been briefed by counter terrorism police.

It is vital that everyone - players, staff and supporters - remain vigilant and report any concerns to stewards or police.

Attacks might be rare, and the chance of you being caught up in one unlikely, but the message is #ActionCountersTerrorism.

Here's a quick reminder of what you can do to help keep yourself and others safe: 

    Arrive early, allowing more time for security checks
    Minimise what you carry, fewer bag searches will speed up entry to the ground
    Be vigilant at all times and if you see anything suspicious, tell a steward right away
    If you see anything that could pose an immediate threat to safety, call 999 In an emergency, listen to the Public Address instructions and follow them
    If told to evacuate, do so immediately, do not wait around to film events on your mobile
    Move right away from the stadium as quickly as possible for your safety and to allow clear access for any emergency vehicles
    Once you are safe, follow the local police force on Twitter for updates



https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/10/19/match-preview-villa-fulham

[WhiteJC]

 
Sky Sports pundit expecting Fulham to be good value for a draw at Villa Park

The former Sheffield Wednesday man believes that Fulham will provide tough opposition for Aston Villa this afternoon

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton is expecting Fulham to "be good for a draw" this afternoon as they visit Villa Park to face Aston Villa.

The former Sheffield Wednesday man has plumped for a 1-1 draw as Slavisa Jokanovic's men look to make it five games unbeaten up at Villa Park today.

Steve Bruce's side are coming into the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Wolves, where his side were comprehensively beaten by the Championship leaders and Prutton expects his side to give him a response today.

However, he also believes Fulham are tough opposition and as a result, the Sky Sports pundit has tipped this one as a 1-1 draw.

If you aren't making the trip to Villa Park this evening, you can follow live updates right here on GetWestLondon from 1.30pm.




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sky-sports-pundit-expecting-fulham-13792942

[WhiteJC]

 
Bruce on Fulham: We're going to have to be at our best

Steve Bruce says his side will have to be at their best this afternoon if they are to bounce back from a first defeat in nine and beat Fulham.

Villa are still the in-form team in the Sky Bet Championship after the last six games, but were halted in their stride at Wolves last Saturday.

Bruce is now seeking a response from his players, and knows they'll have to be at it if they are to get past one of the division's big hitters.

He said: "We've got to try and erase last week's defeat – it happens.

"We have to accept Wolves were better on the day and we move on to Fulham.

"It's what the Championship is – it's another game.

"We need a bigger performance, a better performance – Fulham are a good side.

"We're going to have to be at our best because they, for me, will be there or thereabouts this season.

"They're a are a very decent team, especially away from home.

"It'll be a big challenge – they're one of the better teams in the division."

Bruce also says that concentration will be a key factor against a Cottagers side that have scored four goals in the 85th minute or later over the last month.

He added: "Over the last 18 months to two years they've assembled a group of players who are very good.

"They play on the counter attack, they've got pace in good areas – they're a strong team.

"If we allow them to play they'll prove they're a very decent side.

"They've scored four times in the last five minutes in the last month.

"We'll be guarding against that."



https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/10/21/bruce-on-fulham-villa-going-to-have-to-be-at-best

[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic hails Steven Sessegnon 'Fulham's future' as England prepare for a World Cup quarter final

The 17-year-old faces the USA in the U17 World Cup quarter final this afternoon and Slavisa Jokanovic is pleased with how he is doing with the Young Lions

Steven Sessegnon faces a World Cup quarter final this afternoon with England U17s - and Slavisa Jokanovic believes it is a great experience for a man who is the future of Fulham .

The 17-year-old has started the past two games in India, the 4-0 win over Iraq and the last 16 penalty victory over Japan, helping the Young Lions keep two clean sheets in the process.

While the first team are playing at Aston Villa, England will be facing the USA in the quarter finals of the World Cup in Delhi, knowing another clean sheet will have them that one step closer to a semi-final place.

The club are keeping an eye on Sessegnon's progress out in India, and Jokanovic is looking forward to working with the youngster when he returns from what he has billed as a great experience.

He said: "This is good for him, to play for England and play the games - it's great experience for a young player to participate in this kind of tournament.

"At the end, he is the future of this club and we are going to follow what he is doing and work with him when he returns to us."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-hails-steven-sessegnon-13793044

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Matchday Live: Aston Villa

Matchday Live is back on fulhamfctv, meaning our overseas fans can enjoy a live stream of Saturday's Sky Bet Championship encounter against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/october/21/matchday-live-villa

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Aston Villa vs Fulham: Two changes for Fulham as Aboubakar Kamara and Ryan Fredericks return

Ryan Fredericks and Aboubakar Kamara return from injury for the trip to Villa Park

Slavisa Jokanovic has made two changes for Fulham's trip to Villa Park this afternoon with the previously injured Ryan Fredericks and Aboubakar Kamara returning to the XI.

To make room, Neeskens Kebano and Denis Odoi, the scorer of that last-gasp equaliser last weekend against Preston, drop to the bench while captain Tom Cairney also keeps his place in the 18.

Meanwhile, it's as you were as David Button starts in goal, with the usual partnership of Tim Ream and Tomas Kalas in front of him, while Ryan Sessegnon continues at left back.

Kamara starts up top with Rui Fonte and Floyd Ayite supporting him in attack - while the midfield trio of Oliver Norwood, Stefan Johansen and Kevin McDonald remain the same.

Fulham: Button, Fredericks, Sessegnon, Kalas, Ream, McDonald, Norwood, Johansen, Ayite, Fonte and Kamara

Subs: Bettinelli, Odoi, Soares, Kebano, Cairney, Mollo and Cisse



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/aston-villa-vs-fulham-two-13793385