Saturday Fulham Stuff (30/12/17)...

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Results

Friday
Cardiff	0 - 1	Preston
Millwall	1 - 0	QPR

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Fulham vs Hull

The Whites head up to Humberside on Saturday chasing a third festive victory in a row. As always, our man George Singer is back with another Before The Whistle preview to give you a full lowdown of what we can expect from Hull, given their previous form this season.

Hull's Recent Results
D: Hull 0-0 Derby
L: Leeds 1-0 Hull
L: Cardiff 1-0 Hull
W: Hull 3-2 Brentford
D: Sheffield Wednesday 2-2 Hull

Recent Meetings
September 2017: Fulham 2-1 Hull
January 2017: Fulham 4-1 Hull
January 2016: Fulham 0-1 Hull
August 2015: Hull 2-1 Fulham

Match Odds
Hull: 13/8
Draw: 49/20
Fulham: 31/20

Dom Betts' Away Planner
Where to park
There is parking available at the ground itself which costs £5 per car
The most convenient car park in the city centre is the Pryme Street multi-storey car park, which is open to 7.30pm
There is also an NCP car park at the end of Pryme Street

Where to drink
The Admiral of the Humber, 1 Anlaby Rd, HU1 2NT – A Wetherspoons serving standard pub food and cheap beer and a 25 minute walk from the ground. Like most spoons you'll have a good mix of home and away fans in here
Pitchside, KCOM Stadium, HU3 6HU – This is the designated away fans bar at the ground. Serving bottled beer and showing Live Sports on TV Screens so you'll be able to catch the early kick off.
The Bowery, 30-32 Princes Ave, HU5 3QA –  Nice pub in Hull and it has lots of TVs showing Sky Sports, making it perfect to watch the early or late kick off games. It is a 15 minute walk away from the stadium.

Hello and welcome to another edition of before the whistle! Today I take a look into our next opponents Hull, and what we can expect to see when the Whites take the long journey north.

The Tigers have found life tough back in the Championship. Over the summer they lost much of their premier league squad – a common occurrence for most relegated teams. This including players who helped get them promoted the previous season: Sam Clucas, Andrew Robertson and Tom Huddlestone.

Whilst this summer clear-out brought in over £40m, £20m of which was reinvested, they have struggled to replace the players with similar quality. Their early results have suffered: losing 11 out of 24, and shipping 41 goals. With these numbers, the Tigers have quickly fallen down the table, now finding themselves in 19th place. Whilst their team likely has enough quality to stay up, this poor form has triggered a change in manager – the owners swapping Leonid Slutsky for Nigel Adkins.

Adkins was a strange an unexpected hiring. He hadn't been seen in management for 18 months, when he was sacked for failing to get Sheffield United promoted from League One. He has been promoted once from Championship, with Southampton, however this was 6 years. Perhaps the Hull owners know something that we don't, however if they are purely hiring him due to Southampton's previous promotions I'd be surprised if he's the man to turn them into promotion candidates.

Good appointment or not, what does Adkins need to fix?

Hull's leaky defence:

First thing on Adkin's to-do list is to patch their leaky defence. According to the expected goals method, Hull have the 4th worst defence in the league. So where are they conceding these chances?

Areas of the pitch where Hull's opponents are creating attacking chances

Their defence is conceding chances all across their 18 yard line – both inside the box and out on the wings. Hull's defence isn't blessed with pace, especially with a 34 year old Michel Dawson at centre back. If Fulham are able to play quick, direct football on the break, and move the ball around an isolated defence, we should be able to take advantage. By playing a pacey front 3, something similar to the Sess/Ayite/Ojo line-up against Cardiff, we should be able to exploit this.

Hull's setup last time out vs Derby

Who do Fulham need to watch out for?
With 10-goal Jarod Bowen, and Fraizer Campbell, both recovering from injuries, Hull will likely be without their main attacking contributors. Hull have struggled without these players, not scoring in 3, so this is without doubt a good time to play them! However, if the Tigers are going to create chances, they'll likely come from Grosicki – who has scored 6 and assisted 4 so far this season:

Above shows the loaction of Grosicki's shots, and which have resulted in goals. Grosicki is outperforming xG with his shots, suggesting he's unlikely to continue this hot form in the long term. His shooting profile shows a man who's clearly happy to take shots outside the box, scoring 3 from long range. 75% of his shots from his right foot too, suggesting he's happier cutting inside from the left wing. Therefore, if Fulham are able to put pressure on him, and force him on to his left foot, we should be able to reduce his impact on the game.

Grosicki is creating plenty of chances – far more than anyone else in the team. These chances tend to be from crosses, aimed at the striker or the opposite winger. 3 of his assists have been to crosses to the Bowen (Hull's regular right winger), so this is something Fulham will need to look out for.

Notes for Slav
So, what would my notes to Slav be, if I was helping to prepare the Fulham team?

Play a pacey front 3 to capitalize against a slow Hull defence
Put pressure on Grosicki to stop him from making long shots – and force him onto his left foot
When Grosicki puts crosses in, ensure the right winger is marked

This article was written with the aid of StrataData, which is property of Stratagem Technologies. StrataData powers the StrataBet Sports Trading Platform, in addition to StrataBet Premium Recommendations.




https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2017-12-29-fulham-vs-hull/

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The Tony Gale Column

That Cardiff win was special as they're a difficult side to play against, physically. We showed how good we are at hitting teams on the break in that game, you saw that with some of our goals. You can't fault the Cardiff win, it was a statement to go there and comfortably beat a side who were sitting second in the table. They're a horrible team to play against because they're so physical, but you've got to weather that direct style, which we did. They've done terrifically well to be up there, but it's a great win. I loved the last goal from Stefan Johansen. Normally when you're running through like that with such a long way to go, you can have too much thinking time, but I reckon Stefan made his mind up what he was going to do nice and early – it was a lovely finish.

That made it two wins from two over the festive period, but the Barnsley victory was a bit different. We didn't hit our stride as nicely as we did in Wales, but three points are three points at the end of the day. No Fulham fan would have gone home from the Cottage last Saturday upset. It doesn't really matter how you get the wins or how the beautiful game is played. Obviously we try and do it in a way that is pleasing on the eye, but as long as you're getting the points on the board, that's the most important thing.

Morale amongst supporters might have been a bit low after the Brentford and Sunderland defeats, but when you consider that we've won five out of seven, it puts things in perspective. We're only one point worse off than we were at this stage last season, so there's still everything to play for. It's such a changeable league, one good month and all of a sudden you're in the Play-Off spots. All the teams, as we've proved, can beat each other. It's only Wolves who are really pulling away from the pack. There are some teams putting a little bit of a run together, Leeds and Bristol City for example, and it's a good time to see us start gathering some momentum.

It would be fantastic to round off 2017 with a third win on the spin at Hull on Saturday. They've still got Premier League quality in their squad with a number of players they retained. They remain a dangerous team but things just haven't gone right for them this season. Nigel Adkins came in recently after Leonid Slutsky lost his job, and I think he's a nice fit for the role. He's had a bit of time out of the game but he's proved at other places that he can do a good job. I was at the home match against Hull earlier in the year and thought we were much the better side. That fixture sticks out for me as I remember watching Slutsky constantly pacing up and down his technical area – he must have covered about three miles by the full-time whistle!

I fancy us to win that Hull game now that we're on a role, and the Ipswich match in the New Year too. They've been a bit of a funny side this year, but Mick McCarthy is a tried and tested manager who's done the rounds. He's operating on what's probably one of the lower budgets in the Championship, but manages to get the best out of the group he's got. Mick always punches above his weight, and I'd say he's one of the most respected managers in the league. Nonetheless, they have struggled against Fulham the last few times we've met, so hopefully it will be the same again on Tuesday.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/december/29/the-tony-gale-column

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Can Southampton really beat Spurs to signing Fulham's Sessegnon?

Southampton are looking to beat favourites Tottenham to the signing of Fulham youngster Ryan Sessegnon.

Southampton have emerged as surprise contenders to sign highly rated Fulham youngster Ryan Sessegnon, reports the Telegraph.

According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur remain the favourites to win the race for the 17-year-old, but the Saints are hoping they can scupper the North Londoners' chances.

On the face of it it would seem Spurs are the obvious choice for Sessegnon, but is there any chance he could end up at St Mary's?

Well to start with the Hampshire club do now have the financial resources to compete after agreeing the £75m sale of Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool and while not all of that will go back into the pot for new transfers, it will significantly help should a bidding war take place.

Also, from the Cottagers' point-of-view selling Sessegnon to Southampton may prove more sensible because they are prepared to include fellow left-back Matt Targett in the deal - therefore giving them a readymade replacement.

The departure of Targett and expected exit of Ryan Bertrand to Manchester City in January could also appeal to the teenager himself as a starting XI place is more likely; unlike at Tottenham where they already have Ben Davies and Danny Rose in his position.

Spurs do still lead the race, but don't yet think that Sessegnon's next step is a foregone conclusion.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/12/29/can-southampton-really-beat-spurs-to-signing-fulhams-sessegnon/

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Champions League holders consider shock bid for Fulham star

Real Madrid are considering a shock bid for Fulham left-back Ryan Sessegnon, according to reports in Spanish publication AS via TalkSport.

The Champions League holders are in the market for a new left-sided defender with current man Marcelo approaching his 30th birthday, and have identified the England U19 international as a potential replacement for the experienced Brazilian.

The 17-year-old has performed remarkably since breaking into the first-team set-up on a regular basis last season, and has already registered five goals and three assists this semester.

Sessegnon had been strongly linked with moves to Tottenham and Manchester United in recent weeks, but interest from the Spanish giants could throw potential a potential move to the Premier League in jeopardy.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic is likely to demand a huge fee in excess of £30 million for the Football League's brightest talent, a sum that is unlikely to deter to wealthy Spaniards.

The Verdict

Just imagine if Sessegnon moved to the Bernabeu.

The player is drawing serious comparisons with Gareth Bale, who started in the Football League with Southampton before ending up in Spain, and it appears Sessegnon could follow in his footsteps but at an extremely accelerated rate.

Madrid have always encouraged their full-backs to get forward, with current boss and club legend Zinedine Zidane applying the same ethos during his tenure.

Sessegnon fits perfectly into this mould, and bringing him to Spain makes a lot of sense.

However, would the 17-year-old wish to move abroad at such a tender age?

We have seen Reece Oxford from West Ham head to Germany in recent months, so perhaps Sessegnon will follow his fellow teenager's example.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/champions-league-holders-consider-shock-bid-for-fulham-star/

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Sessegnon would be ideal replacement for Bertrand at Southampton

The Fulham defender has been linked with a move to Southampton.

There are always some unexpected moves in the transfer window and Southampton are reportedly preparing an offer for Fulham defender Ryan Sessegnon.

The exciting young left-back has produced some excellent performances in the Championship and has been linked with a host of clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester United, as reported by The Sun.

However, as reported by The Guardian, Southampton will make an approach for Sessegnon, with the 17-year-old seen as a potential successor to Ryan Bertrand.

Bertrand is firmly established as Southampton's first-choice left-back but in the eventuality that he left the club, with Manchester City interested, as reported by The Daily Mail, Sessegnon would be an excellent replacement should Mauricio Pellegrino's side be able to secure a deal.

The England youth international possesses pace in abundance and is a major threat going forwards, while he is also very reliable defensively.

If Southampton do have the opportunity to sign Sessegnon then they should certainly take it as he would surely have no difficulties in stepping up to the Premier League and could prove to be a very useful asset.

Indeed, should Southampton sign Sessegnon it would be one of the best deals of the transfer window.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/12/29/sessegnon-would-be-ideal-replacement-for-bertrand-at-southampton/

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Southampton ready to enter race for Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon
Sessegnon, a Championship regular aged just 17, can operate at left-back and left-wing.

Southampton are willing to use the startling funds received from the sale of Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool on Fulham starlet and mooted Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur target Ryan Sessegnon as under-fire manager Mauricio Pellegrino seeks to reinvigorate his squad on the south coast.

Sessegnon has attracted attention from a host of top-flight sides since making his debut for his boyhood club at the age of 16 last season, but Fulham managed to tie the coveted teenager down to a three-year contract in the summer transfer window.

The England youth international has since featured in all of Fulham's matches this season as Slavisa Jovanovic's side strive to break into the play-off spots, but it remains to be seen if the Cottagers are able to hold onto the 17-year-old until the summer with the likes of Southampton, Tottenham and United all circling.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is said to be keen on signing Sessegnon and his twin brother Steven for £30m, while United are open to concluding a deal which would see the young full-back remain at Craven Cottage for the remainder of the current campaign.

Southampton may eventually be muscled out of the running for Sessegnon by Tottenham and United, who are in desperate need of a long-term remedy for their troublesome left-back position, but the Saints hierarchy hope their record of developing young players and selling them to bigger clubs will convince Sessegnon to ply his trade in Hampshire, according to the Telegraph.

The Saints are already blessed with options such as Ryan Bertrand at Matt Targett at left-back, but the latter could come into Fulham's thinking should they decide to part ways with their esteemed youth graduate.

Fulham boss Jokanovic, who was recently linked with the Swansea City post before Carlos Carvalhal took over from the dismissed Paul Clement, admits interest in Sessegnon from Premier League outfits flatters both club and player but is keen to see the teenager make an intelligent decision over his future, which has been a hot topic for a number of months.

"It's nice for him [to be linked with the top clubs] and for the club too. And if you want to say, it's nice for myself, I must be satisfied because big clubs are interested in our player," Jokanovic was quoted as saying by GetWestLondon.

"I wish he is going to stay with me, but it's not in my control. I believe he's a clever man, believe the people around him are clever enough, he's played more than 50 games, he's 17, I know in the past in the last summer there's been interest around him but he took the decision to stay with us, a fantastic decision in my opinion!"


Sessegnon is a talismanic figure for his boyhood club at the age of 17 Getty



http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/southampton-ready-enter-race-fulham-starlet-ryan-sessegnon-1653090

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Hull City In Focus

Get yourself up to date with all the latest matchday information ahead of Fulham's final outing of 2017 when we travel to Hull.
Possible opposition absentees

Will Keane - knee injury

Kamil Grosicki - ankle injury

Jon Toral - injury

Moses Odubajo - knee injury

Abel Hernandez - Achilles injury

Fraizer Campbell - knee injury

Evandro - injury

David Meyler - leg injury

Ryan Mason - head injury

Stephen Kingsley - hernia injury

Ondrej Mazuch - hamstring injury

James Weir - knee injury
Tickets

Hull City will be selling away tickets on the day, from the tickets zone on the east side of the stadium.
Weather

It is expected to stay dry in Hull throughout Saturday, with temperatures around eight degrees at kick-off.
Getting there

A direct train from Kings Cross takes under two-and-a-half hours, with the KCOM Stadium a mile or so away from Hull station.
He said...

"Fulham were probably the best side in the Championship last season and they're an excellent footballing side. They can score goals but likewise they can also concede if we get things right. It'll be a tough game but we're preparing well for it." – Nigel Adkins, Hull City 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 2.30pm (GMT) to view.
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Hull: 13/8

Draw: 49/20

Fulham: 31/20
Previous five results

Hull City 0-0 Derby County (Sky Bet Championship)

Leeds United 1-0 Hull City (Sky Bet Championship)

Cardiff City 1-0 Hull City (Sky Bet Championship)

Hull City 3-2 Brentford (Sky Bet Championship)

Sheffield Wednesday 2-2 Hull City (Sky Bet Championship)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/december/29/hull-city-in-focus

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Hull welcome back ex-Manchester United strikers into training ahead of Fulham's trip to the KCOM

One striker has been out for 13 months

Hull City welcomed back two ex-Manchester United strikers to training this week in Will Keane and Frazier Campbell.

The former has been out for more than a year and it is expected to be at least another month before the 24-year-old is considered for a first team place.

Campbell however, is back in contention for the festive fixture against Fulham, as is attacking midfielder Evandro.

Nigel Adkins did confirm that Jon Toral and Kamil Grosicki are doubtful for Saturday's game after they were both substituted in Hull's Boxing Day draw with Derby.

The former Southampton manager said: "Toral got a few good kicks on Saturday so he's not training today and because of that he is a doubt for the weekend. Kamil hasn't trained today so he's a doubt for Saturday as well."

"We've done a training session this morning with them not involved and we've put players in different positions in order to deal with that so it's not an issue.

"They came off during the game, so they've not trained today but it was nice to see Fraizer Campbell, Evandro and Will Keane get involved in the training session today and Tyler Hamilton as well.

"For Campbell and Evandro, it's early to say whether they will be involved on Saturday. Obviously we have two games very close together now so the big pleasing thing is that both of them were on the training ground and the attitude of the players has been brilliant.

"I've got them on the training ground so fingers crossed we can get them in consideration for the games."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/hull-city-fulham-manchester-united-14091427

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Fulham boss: I expect us to make three signings in the January transfer window

But he refuses to say what type of players he wants as 'everyone knows'

Slavisa Jokanovic has admitted he wants to sign three new players next month.

But the Whites boss would not say which positions he wanted to fill, mainly because he says "everyone knows" the type of players the club wants.

When asked how many players he wanted to sign when the transfer window opened, Jokanovic replied: "Three."

But in what positions? Jokanovic was not saying.

"I need three positions, I need three players, I expect we're going to find three. All our supporters and if you follow Fulham know what we need, I don't need to repeat what we need.

"I must respect my players too. It's so easy to find this information, I'm not going to tell you!"

The Whites are in the market for a striker, that is for certain, while Jokanovic would also like to sign a centre-back and a new left-back in order to play Ryan Sessegnon further forward on a more regular basis.




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-expect-make-three-14091591

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Jokanovic pleased for Sessegnon

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic says he is pleased to see youngster Ryan Sessegnon linked with Europe's elite.

The 17-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in English football and his performances have led to reported interest from the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Real Madrid.

Sessegnon only penned his first professional deal at Craven Cottage over the summer but it looks like his time in west London could be coming to an end very soon.

Jokanovic insists he is delighted to see so many big names circling for the versatile left-sided player and admits he has no control over Sessegnon's future.

"It's nice for him and for the club too," Jokanovic said.

"And if you want to say, it's nice for myself, I must be satisfied because big clubs are interested in our player.

"I wish he is going to stay with me, but it's not in my control. I believe he's a clever man, believe the people around him are clever enough, he's played more than 50 games, he's 17.

"I know in the past in the last summer there's been interest around him but he took the decision to stay with us - a fantastic decision in my opinion."




https://www.clubcall.com/championship/jokanovic-pleased-for-sessegnon-1873011.html

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Head Coach press conference

Head Coach Slaviša Jokanović was very pleased with his team's victory against Cardiff on Boxing Day, but knew that Fulham couldn't take anything for granted heading into this Saturday's match against Hull at the KCOM Stadium.

"All the games can be complicated in this competition," said the Head Coach. "Hull will be organised, solid and will try to catch us in the offensive transition. They will try to wait for one mistake and then use that to try and win the game."

Jokanović emphasised that the team's focus should be on itself and on sticking to its own principles. The Head Coach seemed to be encouraged by the current mood in the camp.

"We have good momentum right now, and we've built some kind of positive spirit around us. We showed against Cardiff that we can beat every team at this level.

"We showed that when we are motivated, when we follow the plan, when we are organised, when we arrive in the right spirit and with the ambition to win the game, we can do it. I expect we will be competitive and push hard to win the points."

Even though Fulham have won five out of the last seven, the Head Coach stressed a game-by-game approach, reminding everyone not to get too ahead of themselves.

"Hull is important because it can be three points; whether we will be close or far, in front or behind, in the play-off positions or not, I really don't know. The situation right now is to do everything we can to push for the three points.

"Try to stay in the direction we are right now, try to be positive, try to be confident, and push hard to win the game. We can do it. Now we are in some positive momentum. We believe we are strong, we believe we are a good team, we believe we can beat all the teams in the Championship. When we are at this mental level, it is easier for us to win games."

When asked about squad fitness, Jokanović said that whole team was fit and ready but that he hadn't made any final decisions about the line-up yet.

"Everything is normal," the Head Coach said. "All the squad is available for the game ahead of us.

"It's a busy period—behind and in front of us—we're going to assess our squad Friday and then I'll make my decision. But we picked up some good momentum and I don't need to change too much."

"Cardiff is past us," the Head Coach said, warning his team not to get complacent. "A great game is now behind of us, and I must be satisfied with how my team interpreted the plan. Football is full of opinions. After one brilliant game, like the one we had against Cardiff, it's normal for our supporters to be very satisfied.

"But we have to be ready for the next step. Our present is the Hull game. Past and future in this profession don't exist."

When asked what sort of mentality he was looking for from his team on Saturday, Jokanović was direct and to the point. 

"Be brave. Be confident. We want to control the game, we want to dominate the game, we want—no, we must—be clinical in the box. If we go there with the intention to win the game, we can do it."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/december/28/head-coach-press conference

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Adkins Looks Forward To Fulham Challenge

Nigel Adkins knows that maintaining his side's organisation and shape will be important when they face Fulham at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday.

The Cottagers arrive on the back of a 4-2 win against Cardiff City, while Adkins' Tigers will be looking to build on their good display in a 0-0 Boxing Day draw with Derby County.

"I've watched Fulham plenty of times and they are a good side," said Adkins.

"They can score a lot of goals, like they did against Cardiff the other day, and they play an expansive game. For me, they were the best side in the Championship last season and should have gone up but missed out in the play-offs.

"They're a good footballing side and, if you give them time and space, they will present you with problems.

"We'll concentrate on what we've been looking to do since we arrived at the Club. There's a good organisation and discipline about us, and people are understanding what their roles and responsibilities are within the team.

"Whoever you play, if you haven't got a defensive unit as a team then you're going to get taken apart. We go from a compact shape to try and stop the opposition. When we beat Brentford here, we knew that they were an exceptionally good side at playing out from the back so we allowed them to play the ball in certain areas and pressed them from there.

"Sometimes you have to get the ball back from the opposition and make the pitch a little bit smaller. We know we're coming up against a very good Fulham side this weekend."



Tickets for Saturday's game are still available – click here to buy online and print at home or buy in person at the KCOM on matchday with prices starting from £18.




https://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/articles/2017/201718-adkins-fulham-h-preview/

[WhiteJC]

 
McCarthy: No Bids for Kieffer Who Could Be in Town Squad at Fulham

Boss Mick McCarthy says striker Kieffer Moore could be on the Blues coach which travels to Craven Cottage for next Tuesday's game against Fulham, adding that Town are yet to receive any bids for the in-demand frontman, who is currently on loan at League One Rotherham where he has scored 13 times this season.

The 25-year-old is due to remain with the Millers for the duration of the campaign but McCarthy has previously outlined his plans to bring the 6ft 5in tall frontman back to Portman Road in January.

Asked whether Moore has a chance of travelling with the Blues squad to Fulham, the Town manager said: "Yes, he has, I suppose. I think it's his last game for Rotherham [at Walsall] tomorrow.

"Whether he plays or not, they've just won two and drawn one without him [during a three-match ban for a red card at Bristol Rovers], is another matter, that's for them to pick their team, not me.

"But I've just been looking at their results. Yes, if he comes back he has every chance. If he comes back he'll be in the squad."

Rotherham have said they plan to try to sign Moore, who cost the Blues £20,000 when he joined from Forest Green Rovers in January of this year, on a permanent basis during the window, while Charlton, Scunthorpe and Bradford were all reported to be interested earlier today.

However, McCarthy says he's yet to receive any offers: "I haven't receive any bids, no, not at all.

"I've spoken to a number of people about him, a number of clubs. Those clubs mentioned, I think, yes, they're interested, but I haven't received any bids. And I guess it won't be down to their managers and me, it'll be people above us."

Moore, who can't play in Town's FA Cup tie against Sheffield United having already played for the Millers in the competition, is contracted to the Blues until the end of the season with the club having an option to keep him for a further year.



https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/32870

[WhiteJC]

 
The three key battles Hull City must overcome against Fulham

Nigel Adkins will be hoping for just his second win as head coach of the Tigers

Hull City host Fulham on Saturday as they look to end a miserable calendar year on a high.

The Tigers desperately need a win in order to maintain some breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone, and bridge the gap to those teams above them.

Will Jackson looks at the key battles City must win in order to beat Fulham

Seb Larsson v Tom Cairney
Seb Larsson has arguably been the Tigers best player since Nigel Adkins took over from Leonid Slutsky at the helm of Hull City.

After previously lacking direction in the middle of the park, working hard for the team but without the organisation necessary, Larsson has been honed into a sharp weapon by Adkins in just three short weeks.

The Swede put in an enormous shift at Elland Road last Saturday in an effort to break up the Whites play, forcing mistakes from the home side, while turning defence into attack at the drop of a hat and he repeated the trick against Derby County.

Larsson must now exert the same amount of effort against one of the best midfielders in the division, a midfielder City know all too well.

Tom Cairney has struggled with fitness so far this campaign but it is no coincidence Fulham have hit form in his first extended run in the side.

Jarrod Bowen v Dennis Odoi
The Tigers' top scorer is yet to start under the new head coach as he continues his recovery from a knee injury picked up in Leonid Slutsky's final game in charge.

He has been involved from the bench after only been deemed fit enough to make brief cameos, but as Kamil Grosicki and Jon Toral both limped out of the Boxing Day draw with Derby, Bowen will likely be recalled to the starting XI.

The forward has been a revelation for City after entering he fold at the beginning of the season and after a break, he will be looking to come back in and hit the ground running.

In Odoi the 21-year-old faces a player he can get at and exploit down the line. The Belgian does get forward and he does leave gaps, but Bowen has to be sharp and alert enough to make the most of it.

Fikayo Tomori v Ryan Sessegnon
Tomori should be preparing himself for what could be his toughest opponent yet whilst playing at right-back for the Tigers.

Sessegnon is a man in demand. At just 17, he has been linked with a January move to Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid and Manchester United, to name just a few clubs reportedly interested, and as he continues to improve he will arrive at the KCOM Stadium in a rich vein of form.

A hat-trick at Sheffield United in November followed by a goal and assist at Cardiff last time out make Sessegnon the Cottagers joint top scorer and one the Tigers will have to silence on Saturday.



http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/three-key-battles-hull-city-989043

[WhiteJC]

 
Matchday Live: Hull City

Overseas fans can enjoy a live stream of our Sky Bet Championship encounter against Hull City this Saturday.

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!

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

The stream will kick in around 30 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 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/december/29/matchday-live-hull-city

[WhiteJC]

 
PREVIEW: Hull City v Fulham

The pressure on a new manager rarely takes time to mount when you're bumbling around in the lower echelons of the Championship. Nigel Adkins won his first match in charge - 3-2 against Brentford - but hasn't seen his side score since with a further draw and two narrow 1-0 losses on the road occurring against Leeds and Cardiff.

Once again, the City boss will be pressed into changes to his starting XI. Evidently, Polish international winger Kamil Grosicki has been nursing an ankle injury since the 0-0 draw with Detby County in the last match and could miss out. Midfielder Jon Toral is rated a bigger doubt for the clash with Fulham, after picking up a knock in the same game. Top scorer Jarrod Bowen is poised for a starting return to the side.

Fulham haven't won in Hull since the Boothferry Park days - and even then, that was way back in 1996, some 21 years ago. By contrast though, the Cottagers have already beaten the Tigers twice this calendar year, after dumping City out of the FA Cup at the beginning of 2017. Manager Slavisa Jokanovic is waiting on the fitness of three players including, Aboubakar Kamara, Rui Fonte and Lucas Piazon. Ex-Tiger Tom Cairney is set to make his first return Hull City as skipper of play-off chasing Fulham.



http://www.hullcityindependent.net/?page=news&news_id=2118

[WhiteJC]

 
Bowen Ready For Fulham Test

Jarrod Bowen has declared himself '100 per cent' as the Tigers prepare to host Fulham at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday.

Having picked up ankle and knee injuries in the 2-2 draw away at Sheffield Wednesday at the beginning of December, Bowen missed the victory over Brentford before returning to the side with three successive substitute appearances against Cardiff City, Leeds United and Derby County.

And after confirming his return to full fitness, Bowen is now targeting a spot in Nigel Adkins' starting line-up as the Tigers look to end 2017 on a positive note against the Cottagers.

"Fitness-wise, I feel good," he said. "I'm over the injuries now and feeling 100 per cent. I'm fit and ready to go.

"I've had a few 20-30 minute bursts and the next aim is to start and get 60 or so minutes under my belt before then looking to play a full 90.

"Obviously it was very frustrating to pick up the injuries away at Sheffield Wednesday, especially with it being just before the new gaffer came in.

"I've been on the bench for the last three games though and I have no complaints about that due to the manner in which the team have been performing.

"I've just got to be patient, wait for my chance and make sure I take it, whether it be in the starting line-up or coming off the bench.

"I'll keep working hard in training and look to make an impact whenever I'm on the pitch.

"But, of course, I want to get back in the starting line-up as soon as I can to score some goals and help us get back to winning ways."

Bowen and his team-mates face a third game in the space of seven days when Fulham come to town at the weekend, with a fourth following two days later away at Bolton on New Years Day, although the youngster was quick to stress the hectic schedule causes no issues for him whatsoever.

"We'd all rather be playing games than training," he added. "Ask anyone in the squad and they would all give the same answer.

"It will be tough against Fulham. They're a very good team who like to play it out from the back. They've got plenty of pace in their side, but like all teams, they also have weaknesses as well as strengths and it's down to us as a team to find those and exploit them as we look to get the win.

"We lost 2-1 at their place earlier in the season, which if I remember rightly was a harsh result. I think we deserved at least a point that night.

"They'll no doubt be coming here high on confidence after their recent results but we want to put on a good show for the fans with a performance worthy of picking up all three points.

"Although we haven't got the results we would've wanted of late, performances have improved in the last three or four games and that is the positive that we must to look to build on against Fulham."



https://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/articles/2017/201718-bowen-fulham-h-preview/

[WhiteJC]

 
Proof will be in the pudding as Hull City need to convert positive performances into points

Tigers columnist Peter Swan states the team must do everything they can to sneak a victory over Fulham.

Tomorrow's fixture against Fulham sees Hull City reach a pivotal point of the campaign.

The Tigers have improved enormously in recent weeks under Nigel Adkins, transforming from a side that seemed destined for a relegation battle into one daring to look up the table.

However, despite the upturn in performances, results have remained the same.

City have battered Derby County and Leeds United over the festive period but, unfortunately, they have just one point to show for their efforts and that will hurt.

As such, a negative result against Fulham might well see the Tigers lose their way slightly.

The players have bought into Adkins' philosophy but sooner or later they need some sort of tangible evidence to show what they are doing is working and tomorrow gives Adkins' side the perfect excuse to stop the rot and extend this honeymoon period.

If you were looking for a side that best sums up the Championship it would be Fulham.

On their day they can beat anyone in the division, as proven by their 4-2 Boxing Day win at the Cardiff City Stadium, while if they are not quite at it they are more than capable of shipping a few goals. They set up well, play good football and with Tom Cairney at the helm – a player City fans know all too well – they will surely be a threat.

However, Adkins will have been looking at this game as the most winnable over the festive period and after their last two performances in particular he will fancy his chances of a second win as City head coach.

A victory will give the Tigers the boost they so desperately need.

Unfortunately, a repeat performance yielding little could begin to plant a little seed of doubt in players' minds as they face up to the fact that they are still in a relegation battle.



http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/proof-pudding-hull-city-need-985577

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss ready to make trio of January additions

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has admitted that he has earmarked three positions which he would like to strengthen during the January transfer window according to Get West London.

The Whites have failed to replicate the form which saw them reach the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off semi-finals last term during the first half of the season, although three wins from their last four matches have helped the West London club climb the table.

It is now thought that The Whites boss Jokanovic is looking to sign three players in the upcoming transfer window with the centre-back, left-back and forward positions believed to be those areas set to be addressed.

Fulham have had problems at both ends of the pitch this season. The Cottagers have scored less goals than all of the sides currently occupying the top six while the West Londoners have the third worst defensive record of the teams in the top half of the table.

Improving their goal difference has to be one of the club's priorities during the second half of the season with Fulham's positive goal difference of two being significantly less than those sides in the current top six.

Jokanovic's men have a good opportunity to make further progress in their quest for promotion when they travel to struggling Hull City on Saturday before facing more testing opponents in the form of Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough in the coming weeks.



http://the72.co.uk/95287/fulham-boss-ready-make-trio-january-additions/