Tuesday Fulham Stuff (02/01/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Results

Monday
Bolton	1 - 0	Hull
Derby	1 - 1	Sheff Utd
Leeds	0 - 0	Nottm Forest
Norwich	2 - 1	Millwall
Preston NE	2 - 3	Middlesborough
QPR	2 - 1	Cardiff
Sheff Wed	0 - 3	Burton
Sunderland	0 - 1	Barnsley
Aston Villa	5 - 0	Bristol City

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham stopper Marcus Bettinelli says team must be quicker off the mark as they prepare for Ipswich Town test

Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinellii has urged his teammates to be quicker out of the starting blocks as they prepare to face Ipswich Town.

The Whites came from 2-0 down to draw level against Hull City on Saturday, but the stopper says that they must stop making life hard for themselves.


(Image: Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

Speaking to Get West London, he said: "It was a totally different game at Cardiff, we're not always going to have it our own way. Cardiff we were at it from the start and it looked like our game the whole game.

"Against Hull, it only looked like one team was going to win the game and that was them.

"We turned that around, we showed great passion and great commitment. We said at half time whatever happens we go out and win this half and turn up and that's what we did. To be two goals down and draw 2-2 away from home and realistically it only looked like one team wanted to win it, we'll take the positives.

"We cant start like that again, we can't give ourselves that mountain to climb but we'll take the positives and go from there."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-stopper-marcus-bettinelli-says-14099314

[WhiteJC]

 
Will Fulham Lose Sessegnon this Month?

With the January transfer window now open, these are worrying times for Fulham supporters.

Recent transfer speculation has linked our teenage sensation, Ryan Sessegnon, with a move away with clubs such as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid showing an interest.

This transfer window could be the very window in which a big club swoops for Ryan and the cub are given no option other than to sell.

Matters aren`t helped when Slavisa Jokanovic, in the Evening Standard, openly admits that the youngsters future is out of his control, with the boss quoted as having remarked,

"It's nice for him 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.

"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."

Perhaps the best we can hope for is a huge sum for the player and the cub who acquires his services lets him remain at Craven Cottage, on loan, for the remainder of the season.

COYW`s




Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=516409#ixzz530oz46i4

[WhiteJC]

Four Fulham talents to follow in 2018
by Dan on January 1, 2018

Fulham fans have been treated to the sight of several academy prospects making successful contributions to the first team over the past year. Slavisa Jokanovic has handed Ryan and Steven Sessegnon, Tayo Edun, Luca de la Torre and Matt O'Riley senior debuts and all have very bright futures at Craven Cottage.

To kick off the New Year, I've highlighted four youngsters who enjoyed an excellent year in the academy and could be pushing for a first team opportunity in the twelve months ahead of us. It is a testament to depth of resources at Motspur Park that keeping down to just four was incredibly hard work.

Jon Dagur Thorteinsson

This lovely Icelandic midfielder has a name you'll remember once you learn how to pronounce it. The 19 year old arrived at Motspur Park on trial and it didn't take Fulham long to sign him up. Thorteinsson started his Whites career in the under 18s, but a few sparkling performances saw him join the under 23s, where he has starred of late.

A versatile player blessed with plenty of skills, Thorteinsson can play as a number or out wide, which is where he has been stealing the show for Peter Grant's side. Turned in some superb showings in the Checkatrade Trophy, especially at Charlton, and scored a lovely curler against Brighton before Christmas. He's scored five in 17 appearances to date – and could be summoned to the senior squad should such impressive development continue.

Elijah Adebayo

This imposing 19 year old, who has been with Fulham for ten years, is enjoying the form of his life in the under 23s right now. Having played at both centre back and centre forward in the academy, Adebayo benefited hugely from two non-league loan spells with Slough Town, where he scored a hat trick on debut, and Bognor Regis, for whom he netted five times in seven games.

Adebayo returned to Motspur Park determined to kick on and he has certainly done that in an incredible campaign with the under 23s. He has scored nine PL2 Division 2 goals, making five more, as well as adding two more Cup goals. The likeable striker has added finesse to his unquestionable power and is a real handful for opposition centre halves.

Luca Ashby-Hammond

It is a measure of how highly Luca Ashby-Hammond is thought of that he has been featuring regularly for Fulham's under 23s aged just sixteen. A thoroughly modern goalkeeper, Luca's distribution with his feet is second to none and, after starting his career as an outfield player, he doesn't lack confidence in his footballing ability – as shown by the way he dispatched a vital penalty in the FA Youth Cup win at Huddersfield.
He'd already proven his worth with several superb saves to put Fulham in pole position in that shoot-out and Ashby-Hammond's exemplary glovework has already earned England recognition. The intelligent keeper came through the Fulham ranks with Matt O'Riley and, like his talented team-mate, has not been overawed by his swift promotions. Ashby-Hammond could be the next home grown goalkeeper to feature in the first team squad. He certainly has the ability to go all the way.

Sonny Hilton

Fulham fought off a host of Premier League clubs to bring this gifted midfielder to the capital from Tranmere Rovees. Already a highly rated England youth international, Hilton's composure on the ball and eye for a pass has marked him out at every level and his talented is being lovingly nurtured at Motspur Park.

A mercurial midfielder, who has adapted to a number of different positions over the past year, Hilton is capable of conjuring something special from absolutely nothing. He scored a sumptuous chip in the under 18's win at Tottenham earlier this season – another example of his outrageous ability.

Regular watchers of the academy sides rave about both Hilton's ability and the way he has starred to influence matches. Fulham have a real gem on their hands and it will be fascinating to watch him flourish this year.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/01/four-fulham-talents-to-follow-in-2018/

[WhiteJC]

 
Pro Deal For Abraham

The Club is delighted to announce that Timmy Abraham has signed his first professional contract with Fulham which will keep him at the Club until the summer of 2020.

"It's a very good feeling," Abraham commented. "Every young player wants to get to this point where they become a professional.

"I hope to achieve much more, and that this is just the start of many more things to come."

It's Abraham's first year as a White having arrived at the Club this year from Charlton Athletic.

"I've settled in well, it's a great family Club with a good philosophy, so hopefully I can keep going.

"I try to be the best I can in every game and I just want to focus on pushing forward.

"For everybody here it's very encouraging to see others in the Academy getting opportunities because you know there is a chance if you do well."

Academy Director Huw Jennings added: "We took a strategic decision to invest in Timmy, whose profile is very different to other players we have in the Academy.

"We're pleased he has signed and are looking forward to a bright future with him at Fulham"



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/january/01/pro-deal-for-abraham

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Ipswich Town
TUE 02 Jan 2018 Championship
Venue: Craven Cottage

Aboubakar Kamara has scored four goals this season

Fulham are likely to hand a start to striker Aboubakar Kamara after he scored twice after coming off the bench in Saturday's draw at Hull City.

Forward Neeskens Kebano and on-loan Chelsea winger Lucas Piazon are also hoping to step into the starting XI.

Ipswich defender Adam Webster (Achilles) is set to miss out after limping off in the defeat by Derby.

Striker David McGoldrick was a sub in the loss to the Rams and could start, while Cole Skuse (ankle) may return.

Match facts
    Fulham have won their last three Championship meetings with Ipswich, winning 2-0 at Portman Road earlier this campaign.
    Since losing 10-1 at Craven Cottage on Boxing Day 1963, Ipswich have lost only once in five league visits (W2 D2), though that defeat came last season.
    Fulham have only conceded one goal in their last three home league games (W3) - keeping two clean sheets - having gone 18 matches without one prior to this run.
    Ipswich have lost eight of their last 11 away matches in all competitions (W2 D1).
    The Cottagers have lost six of their last nine league matches played in January (W1 D2).
    The Tractor Boys, however, have picked up one win in their last 26 away matches played in January in all competitions, a 3-1 win at Millwall in 2015.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42481346

[WhiteJC]

 
Tammy Abraham's younger brother Timmy signs first professional deal with Championship side Fulham

    Tammy Abraham's younger brother has penned his first professional contract
    Timmy celebrated the New Year by signing with Fulham, having just turned 17
    Abraham has worked his way through the Championship club's youth system

Tammy Abraham's younger brother Timmy celebrated seeing in the New Year by penning his first professional contract.

The 17-year-old followed in his brother's footsteps by securing a pro deal and signed with Fulham earlier this week.

Abraham has been at the Championship side since a youngster and has worked his way through the youth ranks.


Tammy Abraham's younger brother Timmy has signed his first professional contract at Fulham

After signing on the dotted line Timmy took to Instagram to show off his accomplishment by sharing a snap of him with the contract.

He wrote:  'Happy to sign my professional contract. Happy new year everybody'.

It seems that now the two brothers have more in common than just their hairstyle.

Timmy added: 'Every young player wants to get to this point where they become a professional. It's a very good feeling.'


The Abraham brothers not only share the same hairstyle but now also the same occupation

It caps off a great year for the Abraham family with the older sibling Tammy impressing hugely over the past 12 months.

The 20-year signed a five-year deal at Chelsea earlier on in the year, reached the semi-final of the under 21's Euros and made his debut for the England senior team against Germany.

The on loan Chelsea forward may have a challenging year ahead though, with his current club Swansea set to face a relegation battle in the Premier League.

Although they made perfect start under new boss Carlos Carvalhal by beating Watford at the weekend.

Up next for him and Swansea is a crunch clash against Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham side on Tuesday.


Tammy is currently on loan from Chelsea at Swansea where he is fighting a relegation battle



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5226799/Tammy-Abrahams-younger-brother-signs-pro-contract.html#ixzz530r3OCn0
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[WhiteJC]

 
Rotherham Boss: Moore Not Involved at Fulham and Town Set to Sell

Rotherham boss Paul Warne says Kieffer Moore won't be involved with the Blues at Fulham tomorrow night and that Town will sell the 25-year-old frontman, whose season-long loan with the League One Millers they have cut short, during the transfer window.

Following his side's 1-1 draw with Tony Mowbray's Blackburn Rovers at the New York Stadium this afternoon, Warne told reporters that Town won't be including Moore in their squad at Craven Cottage as they plan to sell him.

He added that Rotherham, who have made a club record offer, are one of three clubs battling it out for the striker, who cost the Blues £20,000 when he was signed from Forest Green Rovers in January 2017.

Charlton, Scunthorpe and Bradford are believed to be among the other clubs interested in 6ft 5in tall Moore, who scored 13 goals for the Millers during the first half of the season.

The Torquay-born striker, who it's understood wasn't involved in training at Playford Road this morning, is contracted to Town until the end of the season with the club having an option for a further year.



https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/32891

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Ipswich preview

Aboubakar Kamara is pushing to start for Fulham when they host Ipswich on Tuesday.

The Frenchman came off the bench to score twice as Fulham fought back from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw at Hull on Saturday.

On-loan Chelsea winger Lucas Piazon is also in contention after two substitute appearances since recovering from a broken leg.

Boss Slavisa Jokanovic has no new injury concerns.

Ipswich will check on central defender Adam Webster, who suffered an Achilles injury during Saturday's home defeat by Derby.

Midfielder Cole Skuse could be back from an ankle problem, but defender Tristan Nydam has been struggling with hip and groin problems so remains doubtful.

Flynn Downes (calf) and fellow midfielder Tom Adeyemi (hamstring) are also continuing their rehabilitation, along with Teddy Bishop (hamstring).

Wales midfielder Emyr Huws has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery, while Luke Hyam and Andre Dozzell are also unavailable following knee operations.

Opta stats

Fulham have won their last three Championship meetings with Ipswich, winning 2-0 at Portman Road earlier this campaign.

Since losing 10-1 at Craven Cottage on Boxing Day 1963, Ipswich have lost only once in five league visits (W2 D2), though that defeat came last season.

Fulham have only conceded one goal in their last three home league games (W3) - keeping two clean sheets - having gone 18 matches without one prior to this run.

Ipswich have lost eight of their last 11 away matches in all competitions (W2 D1).

The Cottagers have lost six of their last nine league matches played in January (W1 D2).

The Tractor Boys, however, have picked up one win in their last 26 away matches played in January in all competitions, a 3-1 win at Millwall in 2015.



http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-ipswich/preview/374922

[WhiteJC]

 
Train Chaos For FA CupTrip To Fulham

Saints fans planning on travelling by train to Fulham might wish to reconsider, with the main line from Southampton shut again up to Eastleigh, meaning a minimum 2 hour trip.

Saints fans taking the train up to London for the FA Cup tie with Fulham could face chaos, made even worse by the fact that there will be over 4,000 Saints fans up at Craven Cottage and many would normally go by train.

But maintenance works mean that it is a replacement bus service between Southampton Central and Eastleigh, that means an hourly service that will take a little over 2 hours.

With the line towards Portsmouth also closed, that means taking a Southern Railway train is not really a viable option.

That means that many Saints fans might be considering other options and one might be the coach's run by independent provider Southampton Away Travel, they are putting on an extra coach for the trip at a cost of only £20.75 including food.

The full details including how to book are below including a link to Southampton Awy Travel's website.

Fulham vs Southampton!
Saturday, 6 January 2018
Kick off: 15:00



https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/47213/

[WhiteJC]

 
Town Kick Off 2018 at Fulham

Town get 2018 under way when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage this evening looking to avenge the West Londoners' 2-0 victory at Portman Road earlier in the season.

The 12th-placed Cottagers will be looking to complete a second successive double over the Blues, who currently lead them by one place and a goal difference of one. Both sides are six points off the play-offs following New Year's Day's games.

"They were excellent down here," manager Mick McCarthy recalled. "But they've lost a few games, so we're not going there worrying about them, we'll go there and have a go at them."

McCarthy was hugely impressed by the Whites at Portman Road, subsequently expressing his surprise that they're not higher up the table, and rates them very highly.

"I think they're a fantastic team and it's a really difficult place to go and play," he added.

In addition to the eight midfielders currently out injured, McCarthy lost central defender Adam Webster to an achilles injury during Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Derby.

Speaking after the game he wasn't sure of the seriousness of the former Pompey man's problem, while Cole Skuse, who has been out with an ankle problem, was the only one of his injured midfielders who he hopes might be fit enough to return at Craven Cottage.

Asked if he would have any of them available for the trip following Saturday's match, he said: "Probably not, Skusey I hope, probably not. Fingers crossed."

Bartosz Bialkowski will continue in goal with McCarthy likely to stick with Jordan Spence and Jonas Knudsen as the full-backs.

With Webster appearing unlikely to be involved, Tommy Smith seems set to make his first start since the Cardiff game on the final day of October, having recovered from the calf problem he suffered while on international duty with New Zealand, alongside skipper Luke Chambers at the heart of the defence.

If Skuse is fit he will join Callum Connolly in the deeper-lying midfield roles. If not Kevin Bru is likely keep his place alongside the on-loan Everton man with Adam McDonnell an alternative option.

McCarthy may decide to make a change or two in the trio behind lone out-and-out striker Joe Garner.

David McGoldrick could come back into the starting line-up for Grant Ward or Bersant Celina, while Freddie Sears could also return to the XI. Ten-goal top scorer Martyn Waghorn again looks set to start in the central position.

Kieffer Moore has been recalled from his loan spell at Rotherham but the 6ft 5in tall frontman appears unlikely to be involved tonight with Millers manager Paul Warne having said he expects the 25-year-old, who scored 13 times while at the New York Stadium in the first half of the campaign, to be sold by the Blues during January.

The paperwork relating to striker Aaron Drinan's move from Waterford is unlikely to be completed in time for the 19-year-old to feature in the squad with international clearance usually taking a number of days to come through when players move from the League of Ireland.

The €100,000 (£90,000) switch, which was agreed back in October, could only be formalised once the transfer window opened yesterday.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic may make changes to his side for the game against the Blues having named the same team for the back-to-back away games at Cardiff - which they won 4-2 - and Hull City where they came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2.

Jokanovic made two subs before half-time in that game, Aboubakar Kamara, who scored twice, one from the penalty spot, and Neeskens Kebano.

Those two and on-loan Chelsea winger Lucas Piazon, who has made two appearances from the bench having been out since August with a broken leg, could both come into the XI.

Historically, the Blues have been victorious on nine occasions in games between the teams (six in the league), Fulham on 11 (10) and with eight (six) games ending in draws.

Town have won only once in their last 26 January away games in all competitions, the 3-1 victory over Millwall at the Den in 2015.

n August at Portman Road, Kebano and Rui Fonte netted goals either side of half-time to see Fulham to a comfortable 2-0 victory over the Blues, ending Town's 100 per cent start to their campaign.

Kebano nodded home the opener for the dominant Cottagers on 35 and Fonte slammed a rebound into the roof of the net in the 51st minute with the Blues never looking like getting anything out of the game.

In April at Craven Cottage, goals from Floyd Ayité, Scott Malone and Stefan Johansen saw Fulham to a 3-1 victory over the Blues, Christophe Berra heading a late consolation for Town.

Ayité netted in the 17th minute and Malone doubled the margin on the half hour before Town missed a number of good chances to pull a goal back prior to Johansen sealing it with the home side's third on 61.

That loss was Town's first at Craven Cottage since Boxing Day 1963 when they were famously thrashed 10-1.

Former midfielder Brian Talbot is the assistant director of football at Craven Cottage, where he briefly played late on in his career. Town keeper-coach Malcolm Webster was a Fulham player between 1970 and 1974.

Tonight's referee is Keith Stroud from Hampshire, who has shown 70 yellow cards and five red in 15 games so far this season.

Stroud's most recent Town game was the 2-2 home draw with Sheffield Wednesday in November when he booked Skuse and one Owl. However, he failed to issue a card of either colour for Glenn Loovens's groin-high horror challenge on McGoldrick.

He also refereed the Blues' 1-1 draw at Leeds in February in which he booked only Knudsen.

Prior to that he refereed Town's 3-2 win at Wigan in December 2016 in which he awarded the Blues a contentious penalty, which was converted by Brett Pitman, and booked the striker, Andre Dozzell, Tom Lawrence and three home players.

Before that the veteran official was in charge of the 4-2 victory over Barnsley at Portman Road on the opening day of last season when he also awarded the Blues a penalty which was converted by McGoldrick. He booked Bru, Teddy Bishop and three Tykes.

He also took control of the 3-2 home victory over the MK Dons in the final home match of 2015/16, in which he booked Smith and one opposition player and awarded the visitors a spotkick.

Stroud also officiated in the 1-1 home draw with Birmingham in September 2015 in which he gave the Blues another penalty, again netted by Pitman, which was bitterly disputed by the visitors when Ainsley Maitland-Niles was felled by Jonathan Spector. He booked Berra, Jonathan Douglas and two visiting players.

A former Premier League referee and one-time FIFA assistant, Stroud also refereed the 3-2 defeat at Brighton in January 2015 in which he booked Bru and Noel Hunt and one Seagull.

He also took charge of the 1-0 home derby defeat to Norwich at Portman Road in August 2014 and Town's 1-0 home victory over Birmingham in March of the same year.

Squad from: Bialkowski, M Crowe, Spence, Iorfa, Knudsen, Kenlock, Chambers, T Smith, Webber, Skuse, Connolly, Bru, McDonnell, Ward, Celina, McGoldrick, Sears, Garner, Waghorn, Morris.



https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/32890

[WhiteJC]

 
Match preview: Fulham v Ipswich Town – Everything you need to know

pswich Town take on Fulham, at Craven Cottage, in a Championship match this afternoon. STUART WATSON previews the action.

"Call the police... Because there's just been a murder on the pitch," that was Mick McCarthy's ever-honest assessment after Ipswich Town lost 2-0 at home to Fulham back on August 26.

The Blues had the chance to become the first team in the club's 81-year professional history to win their opening five league games, but their 100% start was brought to an abrupt end as Slavisa Jokanovic's visitors passed them to death on Suffolk soil for the second season in a row.

It had been a similar tale on Boxing Day 2016, with the Cottagers having now produced three breathtakingly slick performances against Town when you take into account their 3-1 win at Craven Cottage back in April too.

With Fulham's classy midfield trio Tom Cairney, Kevin McDonald and Stefan Johnsen having been Town's tormentors in chief, today looks a daunting task given the Blues have no fewer than eight central midfielders injured, including defensive shield Cole Skuse, who is sitting out a fourth successive game with an ankle injury.

Just goal difference separates the two teams in the middle of the Championship table though, Fulham having languished in the bottom half for a long spell before a recent upturn in form – five wins from eight – lifted them up to 12th.

"I think Fulham are brilliant, a fantastic team and one of the best teams in the league and it's a real tough place to go and play," admitted McCarthy.

"They were excellent against us earlier this season, but they've lost a few games since so we won't go there and worry about them. We'll have a go at them."

Town have lost seven of their 12 away games this season, coming up short on their travels against top-half teams Wolves, Cardiff, Leeds, Sheffield United, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough.

Blues striker Joe Garner said: "Fulham are probably the best side we have played here this season, but they have had an up and down season like oursleves and they are lower than us at the moment.

"They have a budget probably treble than ours, but it is not my job to look at that.

"We have a lot of injuries with a lot of big players out, but the lads who go out there give their best. We will work hard and try and implement what the gaffer wants."

OPPOSITION LOWDOWN

Overall: P25 W9 D9 L7 F35 A33

Home: P12 W4 D6 L2 F12 A12

Manager: Slavisa Jokanovic (Dec '15: Games: 105 W43 D30 L32)

Ground: Craven Cottage (25,700)

Last game: D 2-2 Hull (a)

Form: DWWLWLWWDL

Last five finishes: 6th, 20th, 17th (all Championship), 19th, 12th (both Premier Lg)

Top-scorers: Johansen, Sessegnon (5), Ojo, Norwood (4), Ayite, Kebano (3)

Most assists: Fredericks (4), Sessegnon (3)Most bookings: Fredericks (7)

STAT ATTACK

– Only four Championship teams have scored less at home than Fulham (13)

– There were six away league wins from 23 for Town in 2017

– Town went six games and 53 years unbeaten at Craven Cottage before last season's 3-1 loss

TEAM NEWS

Ipswich Town
– In-form centre-back Adam Webster picked up an Achilles injury in Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Derby. That means Tommy Smith, who made only six starts in the whole of 2017 after back surgery, could partner Luke Chambers in defence.

– Cole Skuse is likely to sit out a fourth successive game with an ankle problem. Town have eight central midfielders sidelined – Emyr Huws, Teddy Bishop and Andre Dozzell all ruled out for the season, with Tom Adeyemi, Luke Hyam, Flynn Downes and Tristan Nydam not yet ready to return.

– Kieffer Moore is back in the Blues squad for the first time following his loan recall from Rotherham. The 6ft 5in striker scored 13 goals in League One during the first half of the season.

Fulham
– Aboubakar Kamara, Neeskens Kebano and Lucas Piazon are all pushing for starts after stepping off the bench and helping Fulham battle back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Hull on Saturday.

LIKELY LINE-UPS

Fulham (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Odoi, Ream, Kalas, Fredericks; McDonald, Cairney, Johansen; Kamara, Kebano, Sessegnon.

Ipswich (4-2-3-1): Bialkowski; Spence, Chambers, Smith, Knudsen; Ward, Connolly; McGoldrick, Waghorn, Celina; Garner.

LAST MEETING

Ipswich 0 Fulham 2

Date: Saturday, August 26, 2017

Town's 100% start to the Championship season was brought to an abrupt end as they were thoroughly outclassed. Neeskens Kebano (35) and Rui Fonte (51) scored, Fulham twice hit the post and Bartosz Bialkowski made a string of saves.

ODDS

Fulham (4/6)

Draw (10/3)

Ipswich (5/1)

REFEREE

Keith Stroud (Hampshire)

Games: 15, Yellows: 70, Reds: 5

STU'S PREDICTION
Fulham 3 Ipswich 0

Fulham getting their act together, while injuries are beginning to bite for Town.



http://www.greenun24.co.uk/ipswich-town/match-preview-fulham-v-ipswich-town-1-5338718

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Center Back Transfer Window Wishlist


Roberts-Birmingham Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

The January transfer window is finally open, and the rumors have already began flying. The playoffs are still within reach, however, as a win against Ipswich Town will put Fulham just four points out of being in the playoffs.

Fulham are closer to the bottom tier of the league defensively, having conceded 33 goals in 25 games. One reason for this may be due to a talent issue, but also the lack of depth in talent. Beyond Tim Ream and Tomas Kalas, the center back position is pretty thin for a team trying to get promoted. Also, although these two have been decent, they aren't nearly the quality that we should be looking for when anticipating a promotion. For that reason, it is believed that we will be bringing in a quality center back this transfer window.

Here are three options that Fulham should be looking at to bring in when the transfer window opens:


Mike van der Hoorn Photo by Paul Jenkins/Action Plus via Getty Images

Mike van der Hoorn- The 25-year-old dutch center back was once renowned as one of the top talents coming out of The Netherlands. That seems to have gone downhill, as he finds himself struggling to find his place in the potential relegation contenders Swansea City. He comes with good experience, however, having played in the Europa League with Ajax and 25 total Premier League appearances. He still has time to develop into something special. Even until that point, he is a center back that can be a force on Fulham's back-line. Standing at 6'3, and stronger than most opponents on the pitch, it may just be the missing piece of a decent manager to tap into this goldmine.


Marc Roberts Birmingham Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images

Marc Roberts- Roberts is a defender that you can pick up and put him right into your starting lineup. The 27-year-old English center back looked as if he was going to be the next big thing in the Championship with Birmingham City. That hasn't been the case, however, as Birmingham have only played him 16 out of the 24 games played. The club seems to be going downhill fast, and they may need to make some panic moves in this transfer window. It would not be surprising if they allowed the ever-talented center back to walk at a decent price. Roberts has 56 Championship Division games under his belt, and could be a real force in the heart of the Fulham roster.


Connor Goldson Photo by Mark Kerton/Action Plus via Getty Images

Connor Goldson- Goldson is a player that may need a few games to get acclimated, but could be one of the best center backs in the Championship if utilized correctly. The 25-year-old center back for Brighton & Hove Albion has played at just about every level, but has had difficulty breaking into the starting lineup. He has only appeared six times in their last two seasons, with only one appearance being in the 2017-18 season, due to heart-surgery he had to undergo in March. This could be the chance that Fulham are able to get a big center back with a great amount of potential. Goldson is also extremely versatile, as he also has been known to play right full back. Standing at 6'3, he has the size and strength to be a key piece for Fulham going forward.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/1/2/16839234/fulhams-center-back-wishlist

[WhiteJC]

 
Ipswich Town In Focus

Have a read of the key matchday information as Fulham kick off 2018 with a fixture against Ipswich Town at Craven Cottage.

Possible opposition absentees

Emyr Huws - hamstring injury

Cole Skuse - ankle injury

Andre Dozzell - knee injury

Tom Adeyemi - hamstring injury

Adam Webster - Achilles injury

Flynn Downes - calf injury

Tristan Nydam - hip/groin injury

Luke Hyam - knee injury
Tickets

Tickets for the match are available to purchase on General Sale, priced at £30 for adults and £20 for juniors.
Weather

There is a high chance of rain once the game has kicked off. Temperatures will be around the 10 degree mark.
Pre-match

Fans can pick up a pint of Carlsberg or Somersby for £3.50 (usually £4.80) up until 6.45pm in the Hammersmith, Riverside and Johnny Haynes Stands.
He said...

"I think Fulham are brilliant, a fantastic team and one of the best teams in the league and it's a real tough place to go and play." – Mick McCarthy, Ipswich Town 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 7.15pm (GMT) to view.
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Fulham: 13/25

Draw: 17/5

Ipswich Town: 23/5
Previous five results

Ipswich Town 1-2 Derby County (Sky Bet Championship)

Ipswich Town 0-0 Queens Park Rangers (Sky Bet Championship)

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Ipswich Town (Sky Bet Championship)

Ipswich Town 2-0 Reading (Sky Bet Championship)

Middlesbrough 2-0 Ipswich Town (Sky Bet Championship)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/january/02/ipswich-town-in-focus

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham vs Ipswich Town: Does Aboubakar Kamara start after his Hull heroics?

Step into Slavisa Jokanovic's shoes and pick your starting XI as Ipswich come to the Cottage

Fulham head into action for the first time in 2018 as they welcome Ipswich Town to Craven Cottage on the back of a successful Christmas period.

Slavisa Jokanovic side have taken seven points out of a possible nine, including a 4-2 win over Cradiff and a 2-2 draw with Hull, where two Aboubakar Kamara goals salvaged a point for the Cottagers.

It took a 40th minute double substitution to see the striker get on the pitch at the KCOM, but would you start with him this evening after his brace?

Fulham should have a full squad to choose from tonight, with Lucas Piazon getting an assist at Hulll as he continued to get more game time after returning from injury.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-vs-ipswich-town-aboubakar-14102415

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham and Manchester United target Ryan Sessegnon odds-on to stay at Fulham

Reports in the national press have gone wild with linking the youngster to clubs, but he's odds-on to remain at Fulham with the bookies

Ryan Sessegnon is odds-on to remain at Fulham during this transfer window, despite interest from Tottenham and Manchester United.

Reports in the national press have gone wild about the future of Sessegnon, with the youngster being linked to big money moves to both Spurs and United, as well as a transfer to Spain with Spanish giants Real Madrid reportedly interested.

The 17-year-old signed a three-year deal in the summer amidst speculation he would leave the club and has gone on to make 27 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals.

Slavisa Jokanovic has admitted the youngster's future is out of his hands, with the club's Vice Chairman and Director of Football Operations, Tony Khan, alongside James Lovell, being the men responsible for any outgoings at the club this January.

And Sky Bet have Sessegnon as odds-on to remain at the Cottage and are offering odds of 1/2.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are at 7/2, Southampton at 6/1, Manchester United at 10/1, Liverpool at 12/1 and Chelsea at 28/1, while leaving Fulham is at 6/4.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenham-manchester-united-target-ryan-14102535

[WhiteJC]

 
Pay On The Gate

Join us at Craven Cottage tonight and kick-off 2018 in SW6 as Fulham entertain Ipswich Town at 7:45pm.

Tickets are priced from just £30 for adults and £15 for juniors* and are available to purchase from the Fulham Ticket Office on Stevenage Road.

To buy in advance fans can purchase online, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

See you at the Cottage - COYW!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/january/02/pay-on-the-gate

[WhiteJC]

 
Fighting Fit

It's a time for resolutions. Tom Cairney's is simple - to stay fit and lead Fulham up the Championship table.

The midfielder struggled with a knee injury in the opening months of the campaign. He missed the whole of September entirely, but now appears to be edging back to his old self.

"I only feel my season is getting started now," Cairney tells the official matchday programme. "Before then I was playing with quite a lot of pain and not really training at all.

"I missed a lot of pre-season and it was one of the most frustrating times of my career, especially after last term when we wanted to kick on to new levels.

"We seem to have stalled a little bit but I'm getting my fitness now, I'm getting stronger and I'm feeling good within myself. I'm really happy to be back playing regularly. The knee is getting stronger all the time, as I am. Touch wood, it stays that way."

To read the full interview with Cairney, pick up a programme on Tuesday.

Other highlights from the publication include:

    Slaviša Jokanović pens his latest column
    George Cohen recalls the famous 10-1 thumping of Ipswich Town
    Stefan Johansen takes our nine-dart challenge
    Ray Houghton talks us through a picture from his Fulham days
    And Brede Hangeland picks his Fulham Dream Team

Priced £3.50, the 100-page publication is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Or order it online from ProgrammeMaster where you can also purchase past editions and take out a half-season subscription.

For just £1.99, the programme is also available as a digital download on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, PC or Mac via Pocketmags from 9am on Tuesday morning.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/january/02/tom-cairney-ipswich-programme

[WhiteJC]

 
MATCH PREVIEW: FULHAM V TOWN

A look at tonight's clash as Blues take on Fulham at Craven Cottage

Current standings
Fulham have risen to 12th with three wins in their last five, including an emphatic 4-2 victory away to Cardiff. Town sit one place above The Cottagers with the two sides separated only by goal difference.

League form
Fulham – 10/15 points
Birmingham (H) W 1-0                                               
Sunderland (A) L 1-0                                                   
Barnsley (H) W 2-1                                                     
Cardiff (A) W 4-2                                                       
Hull (A) D 2-2                                                           

Town – 4/15 points
Middlesbrough (A) L 2-0
Reading (H) W 2-0
Wolves (A) L 1-0
QPR (H) D 0-0
Derby (H) L 2-1

Last time we met: Town 0-2 Fulham 26.08.17
Town's winning start to the season ended at the hands of an impressive Fulham side back in August. The Cottagers were excellent from start to finish and deserved to take all three points at Portman Road. Neeskens Kebano headed the visitors in front 10 minutes before the break and Rui Fonte struck a vicious second just six minutes after the restart. Only the brilliance of Blues shot-stopper Bartosz Bialkowski prevented a bigger margin of victory.

Previous meetings at Craven Cottage
08.04.17 Fulham 3-1 Town
15.12.15 Fulham 1-2 Town
14.02.15 Fulham 1-2 Town
21.10.01 Fulham 1-1 Town
26.12.99 Fulham 0-0 Town

One to watch: Aboubakar Kamara
Aboubakar Kamara could be handed a starting place for Fulham after salvaging a draw with a second-half brace against Hull last time out. The substitute fired in a penalty before neatly slotting in five minutes from time to earn a point for Slavisa Jokanovic's men. The Frenchman now has four goals to his name this campaign and will be looking to impress if given the nod against Town this evening.

Match officials
Referee: Keith Stroud
Assistants: Matt Foley and John Flynn
Fourth official: Lee Swabey



https://www.itfc.co.uk/news/2018/january/match-preview-fulham-v-town/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic reveals what kind of striker he wants in January

The club are in the market for a forward this January and the boss has revealed what he wants from that player

Slavisa Jokanovic has revealed he doesn't necessarily want a 20-goal striker in January, but one that can come up with goals when Fulham are struggling to dominate games.

The club are in the market for three players in the January Transfer Window, with a striker high on their wish list, as well as a centre back and left back.

Rui Fonte and Aboubakar Kamara arrived in the summer, but the Portuguese man has scored just once, while Kamara has hit the back of the net four times, including a brace against Hull on Saturday.

And Jokanovic wants the club to add a player that can find the back of the net when the side are struggling to play well - something he feels has been missing this season.

He said: "Football is not only happy days and not always successful days like where we play against Cardiff- Fulham supporters know very well, my players know very well and I know very well.

"I miss some goals where we have not dominated, we haven't created many things, have not been brilliant, we miss these kind of victories, and you can find it with one player who can resolve that situation.

"This is what I mean, it's not about 20 goals, it's about one goal in the right moment, where it's difficult and we can't find the right solution."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-reveals-14103683