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Tuesday Fulham Stuff (06/03/18)...

Started by WhiteJC, March 06, 2018, 07:15:21 AM

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WhiteJC

 
'End of his Newcastle career`- Fans react to Mitro`s remarks


Aleksandar Mitrovic says he prefers the attacking brand of football that Fulham plays compared to the Magpies.

The Serbian has scored three goals in six matches since moving to the Championship club on loan in January. Comparing Rafa Benitez`s style of play to his current coach Slavisa Jokanovic, Mitro said there was only one winner for him:

'It's a different style we play here. The players enjoy the football more than last season with Newcastle, where we knew how we wanted to play, we always played on the results — that's it.'

'This season, this team, we always try to score more goals than the opponent. Newcastle was more tactically [set up]. We didn`t play as much attacking football as we play now. Obviously, it worked because Newcastle were promoted last season. I hope we are promoted again with Fulham.'

It could be said that he is criticising Rafa`s way of playing by making these remarks, but when a player is out on loan they do try to ingratiate themselves to their new club as soon as possible. The 23 year old has likely used the opportunity to praise his new manager and team mates.

He has to remember though he is only on loan at Craven Cottage, and that he will likely be returning up North at the end of the season.



Read more: http://www.newcastle.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=523498#ixzz58xBgr2zA

WhiteJC

 
Sessegnon up-front, Mitrovic to start – Predicted 4-3-3 Fulham line-Up to face Sheffield United

Sessegnon up-front, Mitrovic to start – Predicted 4-3-3 Fulham line-up to face Sheffield United

At this point in time, I firmly believe Fulham are the best team in the Championship. Unfortunately, they started their season too late to win the title but an unbeaten 13-game run has put them in good stead to secure qualification to the top-flight. They have beaten Wolves and Villa as well as Middlesbrough, Cardiff and Derby, and that is quite a testament to their collective ability on the field.

Slavisa Jokanovic's men have scored a total of 32 goals in that run and now, they have to face Sheffield United. Despite having crept back into the play-off places of late, the Blades are relatively weaker and may struggle to contain the hosts at Craven Cottage.
Team News

Although Fulham have a fully-fit squad to choose from, Jokanovic is bound to make changes with this game hot on the heels of a hard-fought win at Derby County on Saturday. Hence, Cyrus Christie, Tomas Kalas and Sheyi Ojo may come into the side with the boss sticking to the 4-3-3 formation.
Fulham Predicted XI to face Sheffield United
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Slavisa Jokanovic

GK – Marcus Bettinelli

Solid enough between the posts and should keep his place for the home clash with the Blades.

RB – Cyrus Christie

Ryan Fredericks played at Pride Park but Christie is a top-quality player and he may be used to freshen up the right side.

CB – Tomas Kalas

Having missed the game at Derby, Kalas could be drafted back in to play alongside regular partner Tim Ream.

CB – Tim Ream

The American defender quietly goes about his business and should start at the back once more.

LB – Matt Targett

The attacking left-back has been one of the most important signings of the year for Fulham and his influence behind Sessegnon down the left has proven to be crucial. Hence, he will be likely to start against Sheffield United.

RCM – Tom Cairney

Although this is not his best position, Cairney still shows his quality in this role and will no doubt be in the XI once more.

CDM – Kevin McDonald

The most underrated player in this squad and one whose calmness in the engine room could be advantageous against Sheffield.

LCM – Stefan Johansen

Will break forward into the box whenever he can and I wouldn't put it past him getting on the scoresheet.

RW – Sheyi Ojo

Floyd Ayite played at Pride Park but with a little freshening up of things to be done Ojo may be given the call this time.

LW – Ryan Sessegnon

You cannot leave him out right now. Sessegnon is Fulham's best player by some distance right now and is expected to take up his usual role for the upcoming clash.

ST – Aleksandar Mitrovic

The Serbian got himself a goal at Derby and will be looking to repeat the feat at the Cottage.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/03/06/sessegnon-up-front-mitrovic-to-start-predicted-4-3-3-fulham-line-up-to-face-sheffield-united/

WhiteJC

 
Wilder to make 2 changes – Predicted 3-5-2 Sheffield United lineup to face Fulham

Wilder to make 2 changes – Predicted 3-5-2 Sheffield United lineup to face Fulham

Three wins in their last four Championship games have put Sheffield United firmly back in the playoff picture and a win at Fulham would be a massive statement of intent from the Blades.

Chris Wilder's men have gotten over the line a few times lately but this game is a completely different kettle of fish.  Fulham are outstanding right now and had they made a better start, they could have challenged Wolves for the title. This game will undoubtedly prove to be quite a cracker and to secure a win, Sheffield will have to be at their absolute best.
Team News

Kieron Freeman is a long-term injury absentee while David Brooks is once against expected to miss the trip down south. Jamal Blackman and Leon Clarke both came off injured at Reading and may miss out this time.

The familiar 3-5-2 formation is likely to be on show once again with Moore and Donaldson coming in.

Predicted Sheffield United XI
Formation: 3-5-2
Manager: Chris Wilder

GK – Simon Moore

Jamal Blackman picked up another injury in the game at Reading and is likely to replaced by Moore.

CB – Chris Basham

Averaged 42 league appearances in his three seasons with United in League One and his solidity and commitment has been seen to great effect once again this season.

CB – Richard Stearman

Following injury, Stearman is on course to play the most amount of league games since his Fulham days and remains important to the setup.

CB – Jack O'Connell

The left-footed defender brings a good balance to the backline and is very likely to start at Craven Cottage.

RWB – George Baldock

Holds important defensive and offensive roles and will need all of his energy up against the likes Matt Targett and Ryan Sessegnon.

LWB – Enda Stevens

The former Portsmouth man rarely misses a game and may have a better time of it than Baldock on the other side, though Christie, Fredericks, Ojo and Ayite are no picnic.

CM – Lee Evans

United should have an unchanged midfield for this clash but that might prevent them from dominating the space should Fulham go with a 4-3-3.

CM – Mark Duffy

Breaks forward to good effect and may provide the Blades' best chance of a goal from midfield.

CM – John Fleck

Should, in theory, get more goals from his position but his general play is fine and he'll no doubt start once more.

ST – Clayton Donaldson

The forward may come in for the injured top scorer Leon Clarke to partner Sharp.

ST – Billy Sharp

Among the goals lately and his presence should lessen the effect of Clarke's absence. Sharp, however, relies on good balls coming from the wing-backs but they might be driven back a lot during the game.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/03/06/wilder-to-make-2-changes-predicted-3-5-2-sheffield-united-lineup-to-face-fulham/


WhiteJC

 
Fulham v Sheffield United preview

Fulham will assess Tomas Kalas after the centre-back missed Saturday's 2-1 win at Derby because of a hip injury.

Whites boss Slavisa Jokanovic has no other injury worries as he looks to extend his side's 13-match unbeaten run in the Championship.

Meanwhile, Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has called the club's decision to call off last weekend's clash with Burton, into question.

He said: "We wanted to play on Saturday and I was sitting at a game think we should be playing, but we weren't.

"The weather in the area has been pretty poor and we made a decision as a football club to postpone Saturday's game on Thursday.

"We now have to get the Burton game into the schedule quickly, but we trained over the weekend, including at the Lane on Sunday and we are looking forward to another cracking Championship game on Tuesday night."

Wilder also revealed that forwards David Brooks, Ricky Holmes and James Wilson will all travel to the capital after spells on the sidelines, but midfielder Paul Coutts (broken leg) remains a long-term absentee.

Opta stats


These sides haven't met at Craven Cottage in a league match since August 2006 in the Premier League - Fulham won 1-0.

The reverse fixture ended 5-4 to Fulham at Bramall Lane - the first instance of an away side winning 5-4 in a second tier match since August 1966 (Portsmouth 4-5 Birmingham City).

The Cottagers have won 26 points in 2018 (P10 W8 D2 L0), four more than any other Championship side.

Sheffield United have kept one clean sheet in 17 away Championship matches this season.

Ryan Sessegnon has been involved in 12 goals in his last 12 Championship games (10 goals, 2 assists).

Billy Sharp has been involved in five goals in his last four Championship appearances (four goals, one assist).

Prutton's prediction


Fulham are flying, even more so at home. On their run of form, they aren't necessarily gatecrashing the playoffs, but to get themselves into the playoffs after a gradual rise has been superb. They had a good win against Derby on Saturday, with Mitrovic and Sessegnon at the fore once again so that's why I fancy them in this fixture.

Prutton predicts: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)



http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-sheff-utd/preview/375042

WhiteJC

 
Manchester City Join Race For English Sensation: Why Etihad Is His Best Destination

Manchester City are just four wins away from lifting the Premier League title this season and it is quite natural that Pep Guardiola has started planning for life next season at the Etihad. While he has one of the most impressive squads in England, he is now desperate to add some quality to his side and the latest name doing the rounds is that of young Ryan Sessegnon.

City Join Sessegnon Race:

Arguably the most exciting teenager on show in England at the moment, Sessegnon has been linked with a move to every top club in the country. Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly leading the race for his signature but reports today claim that Manchester City are now interested in his services.

Also wanted by the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Sessegnon was a wanted man even before the start of the season and Fulham, his current club are expected to let him leave for the right price, irrespective of their promotion. He might cost over £35m but is he the right man for City?

Sessegnon And His Potential:

Also wanted by the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Sessegnon was a wanted man even before the start of the season and Fulham, his current club are expected to let him leave for the right price, irrespective of their promotion. He might cost over £35m but is he the right man for City?

Sessegnon And His Potential:

Capable of playing as a left-back or a left-winger to equal effect, the 17-year old only made his debut for the club in August 2016 but already has 59 Championship appearances for the Cottagers. He has taken his game up a notch this season, picking up 14 goals and four assists in 35 league appearances for Fulham.

He is now one of the first names on the team sheet for Slavisa Jokanovic and is doing his best to help the club back to the top flight. A gifted footballer, with a smart and composed head on his shoulder, Sessegnon is adept at dribbling past players and creating chances in the final third with his crossing and passing but is also equally good at finishing those chances.

He is strong for a 17-year old and has shown great strength in hold up play in a physically demanding league and is surely going to develop into a superstar in years to come.

Chances At City:

At just 17, he will want to play for a club that can give him regular playing time and Manchester City may not be a bad option. While working with Pep Guardiola could be enough to lure him to Etihad, Sessegnon will also not be too far away from the first team with Benjamin Mendy as the only natural left-back in the side at the moment.

The manager has had to use the likes of Fabian Delph, Danilo and Oleksandr Zinchenko and Sessegnon will be above all those names in the pecking order. Mendy himself is new to the Premier League but is equally able and the competition between the two youngsters will only make them better.

But do you think Manchester City is the right option for Sessegnon at this stage of his career?

Stats Courtesy: Whoscored



http://madaboutepl.net/2018/03/manchester-city-join-race-english-sensation-etihad-best-destination/

WhiteJC


McDonald urges Fulham to maintain 'massive' run
by Dan on March 5, 2018

Kevin McDonald has called on Fulham to keep their thirteen match unbeaten going when the Whites face Sheffield United at Craven Cottage tomorrow night.

The former Blades midfielder insists that Slavisa Jokanovic's side can't afford to rest on their laurels after an impressive victory over Derby County at the weekend – believing that those three points will count for little if Fulham fail to follow them up with a win over Chris Wilder's men.

McDonald told GetWestLondon's Ryan O'Donovan:

    It's been massive, and we still have two left from the so-called run of six that we had. We've taken ten points from the four games, that;s a great return, there's no denying it, it's been a great run but it doesn't stop there, we have to go again Tuesday and win, it's as simple as that.

    You feel like you're going to get a bit of a respite but you don't and we go Tuesday which will be a really hard game and we've got to get three points again. I think it is [season defining], but also the part of it before where we played the so-called lower down teams, we picked up some good points there.

The Scottish midfielder wants the Whites to maintain their magnificent run of form since the turn of the year for as long as possible.

    There were some tough games and we picked up good points and now we've just continued on that run, we're on that run now and hopefully it doesn't stop anytime soon.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/mcdonald-urges-fulham-to-maintain-massive-run/


WhiteJC

 
Southampton ready to sack Mauricio Pellegrino even if they survive - with replacements already being lined up

Fulham's Slavisa Jokanovic and Ostersund chief Graham Potter are among those being considered by the Saints

Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino is facing the sack at the end of the season even if he leads the south coast side to Premier League survival.

The Saints board have already started drawing up a short-list of potential replacements for Pellegrino – who has won just five of his 29 league games in charge.

Fulham's Slavisa Jokanovic and Ostersund chief Graham Potter are among those on the radar.

Pellegrino has fallen way short of the target he was set when he replaced Claude Puel last summer, which was to challenge for a European place via the league.

The Argentine could become the second Saints boss in as many seasons to lose his job despite leading them to Wembley.

Saints, who under Puel reached the EFL Cup final, face League One high-fliers Wigan in the FA Cup quarter finals later this month.

Many Southampton fans want Pellegrino fired immediately but vice-chairman of football Les Reed is reluctant to make a change before the summer and risk a panic appointment.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/southampton-ready-sack-mauricio-pellegrino-12132489

WhiteJC

 
Should've Gone To Specsavers - Fulham v Sheffield United


The Football League have now announced the Match Day officials that will take charge of the game between Fulham and Sheffield United this Tuesday.

Fulham host Sheffield United on Tuesday March 6 for the game at Craven Cottage and the match carries a 7.45pm kick off.

Referee: Keith Stroud
Assistant Refs: Mark Pottage and Matt Foley
Fourth Official: Dean Whitestone

Match Day referee Stroud has officiated 25 games in 2017/18, showing 106 yellow cards and seven red cards all ready.

He took in 39 games in 2016/17, showing a whopping 171 yellow cards and 12 red cards.

That year his highest card count was eight yellows and two reds in the game between Nottingham Forest and Queens Park Rangers in November.

He took charge of 45 matches last season and in those games, across all competitions and football divisions, he handed out a massive total of 191 yellow cards and eleven red cards.

He was most card happy in the match between Derby County and Queens Park Rangers with a total of eight yellow cards being shown, along with one red card. He also showed nine yellow cards in the game between West Bromwich Albion and Port Vale in the Capital One Cup and seven yellows with two reds in the Leeds v Rotherham match.

In fact seven seems a favourite number the amount of times it came up.

Stroud is a vastly experienced referee at this level. His career has seen him become an international FIFA assistant referee, and his highlights include running the line in the 2003 FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Southampton. Stroud also served as a Premier League referee for two seasons before returning to the EFL in 2009/10.

Source - EFL.

Let`s hope it`s not another repeat and more of the players edge closer to automatic bans.



Read more: http://www.sheffutd.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=523524#ixzz58xHYgxcc

WhiteJC

 
Mitrovic's criticism of Newcastle United is unmerited

Aleksandar Mitrovic's comments about Newcastle United's tactics make little sense.

As Newcastle United progressed through the first half of their season, Toon Army and our staff clamored for more Aleksandar Mitrovic. The fan favorite striker was limited to a very small role behind Joselu and Dwight Gayle. The theory was that he wasn't willing to follow Rafa Benitez's instructions and, despite great physical skill, the mental aspect was holding him back. Now, after recent comments, it seems that theory was correct.

According to the Chronicle, Mitrovic is excited about the type of soccer he is playing on loan with Fulham. Primarily, he likes the fact that it's not "more tactically set up" like Newcastle United was last season. He does mention that it worked out because the Magpies were promoted and he hopes Fulham is as well. However, his comments showcase his desire to simply, "play soccer" rather than follow a gameplan.

Everyone loves playing the carefree playground-style soccer and Mitrovic has scored a few goals already in his loan stint with Fulham. However, in the elite levels of English soccer, that doesn't work. Tactics are a part of the game. Rafa Benitez is widely regarded as one of the top managers in the world. Rather than complain and be unhappy about him trying to coach you up, maybe Mitrovic should have accepted the endless soccer knowledge his manager has.

Physical skills only last for so long. The great players in any sport adapt, based on having a high IQ of their sport. If Mitrovic prefers to play backyard soccer and not gather tactical knowledge, it may very well affect his longevity at the highest levels. His loan deal is for the remainder of the season, but based on his comments before and after departing the club, I'm not sure Newcastle United will be a long-term home for Mitro



https://newcastletoons.com/2018/03/06/mitrovics-criticism-newcastle-united-unmerited/


WhiteJC

 
Johansen In Team Of The Week (6/3/18)

Fulham are represented in the latest Football League team of the week that has been selected following the clash with Derby County.

The performance by Stefan Johansen in the two one victory over Derby County at the weekend at Pride Park was enough to earn them a place in the side alongside the other most impressive performers in the Football League pyramid.

I think we'll already know ourselves, and not just based on the latest performance, why Johansen was selected as part of the team but explaining the choice - the FL blurb read.

'Johansen was at the double in terms of assists at Pride Park — his delicate ball leading to Aleksandar Mitrovic's opener, before teeing up Ryan Sessegnon with a delightful back-heel.'

It's always good to see the club represented in this way, and well played to Johansen for his recognition, but the most important thing about the weekend was of course the points.

Full Team:

Jason Steele (Sunderland), Kean Bryan (Oldham Athletic), Mark Ellis (Carlisle United), Brad Halliday (Cambridge United), Joe Lolley (Nottingham Forest), Stefan Johansen (Fulham), Luke Russe (Bristol Rovers), Erhun Oztumer (Walsall), Patrick Bamford (Middlesbrough), Bobby Reid (Bristol City), Sean Maguire (Preston North End).

Manager - Ritchie Wellens (Oldham Athletic).



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=523544#ixzz58xJ3fO2C

WhiteJC

 
Newcastle fans bored with Mitrovic talk

Aleksandar Mitrovic could not buy a Premier League start for Newcastle United in the early stages of the season, and it was not a surprise when the striker left the Magpies during the January transfer window.

Fulham were the club that secured the striker's signature on loan, and he has scored three times in six appearances for the Cottagers since making the move to London.

Mitrovic has recently taken a swipe at Newcastle, claiming that Fulham are a better footballing side than the team that still pay his wages.

The 23-year-old scored nine Premier League goals for Newcastle during his first season in England, but only managed four in the Championship last term, and Magpies boss Rafael Benitez simply does not trust the Serbia international.

It seems that the Newcastle fans are now fed up with hearing about Mitrovic, with many claiming that the striker has now found his level in the second tier of English football.



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/newcastle-united/newcastle-fans-bored-with-mitrovic-talk

WhiteJC

 
U23s Travel to Norwich

Peter Grant's Under-23s travel to Norwich on Wednesday 7th March for their rearranged PL2 fixture in a 7pm kick off at Carrow Road. The match was due to go ahead on Friday, but due to the adverse weather conditions was delayed.

The Whites had been on an impressive run of 10 matches unbeaten, however, have lost their last three consecutive games since the end of January.

Fulham have dropped out of the play-off spots, two points off Brighton & Hove Albion when they beat league leaders Blackburn Rovers away.

Norwich are also chasing the play-offs, as they are one spots below the Whites but only separated by goal difference. The Canaries have found a rich vein of form, winning four of their last five league matches.

Last time out Fulham lost 4-1 at the bet 365 stadium to Stoke City. Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson scored an equaliser late in the first half, however, a second half hat-trick from Tyrese Campbell sealed the win for the hosts.

Norwich were last away at bottom of the league West Bromwich Albion, beating them 2-0. A first half brace from Savvas Mourgos secured the win for the Canaries on their trip to the Midlands.

The last time these two sides met was in the reverse fixture at Motspur Park, the Whites ran out 2-0 winners.

Elijah Adebayo scored from the penalty spot 18 minutes in, and the win was sealed in the dying minutes by Cameron Thompson. 

You can keep up to date with live updates from the Club's official twitter account, @FulhamFC.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/06/u23s-travel-to-norwich


WhiteJC

 
Sheffield United Tickets

Tickets for this evening's match against Sheffield United are available on the gate.

With kick-off at 7:45pm, the Whites will be looking to complete to double over the Blades following a thrilling 5-4 victory at Bramall Lane back in November.

Tickets are available to purchase now with matchday prices starting from £15 for juniors and £30 for adults.

Back the boys and secure your tickets today online, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

COYW!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/06/pay-on-the-gate

WhiteJC

 
In the mag: Mbappe world exclusive! Young players special! Van der Vaart One-on-One!

Get your hands on the latest issue of FourFourTwo magazine – available in print, or on iPad and iPhone – from March 7

Young footballers get a bad press. The general perception of academy prospects trying to break through at the world's biggest teams is often the same: they're all obsessed with money and fame, and grow up with a sense of entitlement.

In 99 per cent of cases, however, that's simply not true. To make it as a footballer nowadays, you have to dedicate your life to doing everything just right. And only if you're lucky will you get there. The money and fame is what everyone sees: the sacrifice and dedication that goes into becoming one of the world's best young players is something to be admired and a story in itself – a story we try to tell in this issue.

In his first major interview, PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe talks about learning to treat football as a job when he was 13 years old. Germany's new striker Timo Werner discusses the uneasiness he felt when signing autographs for fellow pupils at school. And Watford forward Richarlison reveals that his journey from Brazil to the Premier League involved having to overcome extreme poverty and gangland violence.

If you can emerge from that and still make it as one of the world's most promising young players, then you deserve all the fame and fortune...

Kylian Mbappe

This time last year, the 19-year-old had started just 19 senior matches for Monaco, was uncapped by France and largely unknown – now he's a superstar who has Champions League and World Cup glory in his sights. FFT sits down the PSG superstar to find out more from the man himself...

Ryan Sessegnon

He hasn't even played in the Premier League yet, but some big clubs are circling. That's no surprise, given that the Fulham wideman – who's already racked up more than 100 appearances for the Cottagers aged 17 – was taking the Championship by storm a few months after sitting his GCSEs.



Richarlison

Watford's wing wizard had to grow up pretty fast on the mean streets of Brazil. That's why the 20-year-old is so determined and ready to make the most of his big break.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Having made his Milan debut at 16 and first appearance for his country at 17, Gigio's well placed to establish himself as the next great Italian No.1. Now he just needs to win over his own fans...

Justin Kluivert

"The aim is to be better than my dad." For most youngsters, that's not too bold a statement. But when your old man has won four league titles, a bucketload of international caps and the Champions League, it's quite a high bar.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

The rookie right-back may not have been born when Ian Rush left Anfield, let alone when an '80s advert immortalised the Welshman's penchant for milk, but he's aiming to repeat his Reds success one step at a time. We head to casa de Alexander-Arnold to get his own take on life at Liverpool...

Harry Winks

Tradition dictates that young players do their bit to keep things spick and span in the dressing room, but how did scraping the mud from Scott Parker's studs help Harry Winks bowl over Real Madrid?

Timo Werner

The 22-year-old RB Leipzig striker is thinking big. As well as matching Miroslav Klose's World Cup scoring record for Germany, he's got his eye on a move to either Manchester United or Liverpool...

Marcus Rashford

In an era of big-money signings, the 20-year-old has proved a timely symbol of Manchester United's proud history of player development. But can he rise to his toughest challenge and cement a first-team place? Only a fool would bet against it.

Meanwhile, in Israel...

Grudge matches in Glasgow, Buenos Aires and Istanbul might get heated, but they're tepid compared to clashes between Israeli foes Beitar Jerusalem and Bnei Sakhnin. Now Donald Trump has poured oil on the flames...

One-on-One

Former Spurs and Netherlands playmaker Rafael van der Vaart answers YOUR questions, including: What was it like living on a trailer park? Why did he fall out with Zlatan? And how did he end up kissing an old lady when he was at Tottenham?

Upfront

In our fun-packed front section, Steph Houghton answers some silly questions, Joe Cole tells us about life with Tampa Bay Rowdies and a possible date with Didier Drogba, and Didi Hamann recalls his greatest goal. Plus, columnist Lothar Matthaus reveals how living room games against his brother helped him become a legend.

Action Replay

From Pele's pounding to Alf Ramsey's shirt-swap squabble, there's a case for the 1966 World Cup being the most violent finals in history. FFT takes a closer look, as well as uncovering some classic Aberdeen programmes, learning the origins of the stepover and recalling Julian Dicks' 'friendly' testimonial match against Athletic Bilbao.

Performance

Everton's young forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin talks to FourFourTwo Performance about cage football, loan spells and Wayne Rooney. We also give isotonic gels a try, find out why Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelsmann let his players pick their captain, and get taught a core workout that helps you to twist and turn at speed.



Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/mag-mbappe-world-exclusive-young-players-special-van-der-vaart-one-one#g5u9euxs05agMXLP.99

WhiteJC

 
Jokanović: Attacking Game

Slaviša Jokanović anticipates an attacking performance from Sheffield United on Tuesday evening.

The sides played out a remarkable nine-goal thriller at Bramall Lane earlier in the season, and Jokanović is aware of the weapons in the Blades' armoury.

"They are an offensive team, like us, they have important offensive players," he told fulhamfc.com. "They try and play in the last third, they score goals.

"They have [Leon] Clarke with 15 goals, [Billy] Sharp with 12, and [Clayton] Donaldson with five goals. They are always looking to dominate the game.


"We played a little bit of a strange game against them which we won after conceding four goals. We cannot expect something similar, but I am sure they are going to try and do us damage.

"They have a serious option of playing in the Play-Offs. They spent half the season in the top-two and they only recently dropped out of the Play-Off positions. It's a strong, tough, and really complicated team to play against.

"They are going to look to score the goals, so we must follow our style and show ambition, show desire to do them damage."

Fulham have lost just twice since that 4-5 encounter back in November, and victory at the Cottage could move us to within two points of the automatic spots.

For Jokanović, though, the only immediate target is the next fixture.

"Each game, that's the focus," he insisted. "I'm not looking at where we're going to finish.

"Now all we're thinking about is the Sheffield United game. After this result our only target is the Preston game, and that's it."

Chris Wilder's side have gone seven days without playing after their weekend match was postponed due to the weather, not that Jokanović expects that to give our opponents any advantage.

"I'm not thinking in this direction," he stated. "They rested this weekend but there's a huge number of games and there are no guarantees.

"We trust our team is well prepared, we trust we are ready mentally and physically for the game, and we're going to look to push hard to find our best performance.

"We have great support at Craven Cottage, [and] in our away games too. It's very important for us that people trust what we are doing.

"There will be a really important push from the stands on Tuesday night."

Tickets for the game will be available for supporters to purchase on the gate, priced from £30 adults and £15 juniors.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/06/slavisa-jokanovic-attacking-game


WhiteJC

 
Has Slaviša Jokanovic assembled the Fulham team of the century at just the right moment?

The Serbian's side are flying in the Championship and look on course for promotion.

Times like this rarely come around for clubs like Fulham. Not since 2010's spellbinding Europa League final run have the Whites conjured up such optimism, goodwill, and footballing joy.

The current 13-match (and counting) unbeaten run is truly historic and has provided the long-suffering Fulham faithful with moments to savor for years to come. And there is a feeling around the club of unfinished business- that this year the team Slaviša Jokanovic has assembled can go one step further than last year and achieve promotion to the Premier League.

Fulham's weekend win over Derby County marked their tenth win in their last 13 games. 33 points from a possible 39. 32 goals scored and just ten conceded. Five clean sheets in the process. It is no understatement to say that this is the best form Fulham have seen in decades; not since the jubilant campaign of 2000/01 have the Cottagers hit such heights.

The last four matches have been ever the more impressive considering the high-quality opposition Fulham have faced. Following a draw with Bolton in mid-February, the Whites embarked on a run of fixtures against six out of top nine, including all other teams in the top six.

On paper, it appeared a brutal stretch that would test the club to their limits. Common knowledge was that the Whites would be clinging on to their spot in the play-offs by March.

Yet this Fulham side pays little attention to common knowledge. The supposed heavyweight clubs in the Championship, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers, both left Craven Cottage empty-handed after being swatted away and held goalless.

Fulham beat  Derby County away for the first time in 16 years, while they held Bristol City to an entertaining 1-1 draw. Four matches against four of the best in the division have resulted in three wins and a draw.

What's perhaps most remarkable about the magnificent run is that it has not been propelled by a single standout player, but rather by the entire squad.

The return of Marcus Bettinelli has been a revelation, and just like last season, he has brought newfound form to side. Tomas Kalas, and Tim Ream in particular, have been stalwarts at the back. Ryan Fredericks, who recently marked a century of appearances for Fulham, has terrorised opposition defenses all season with his searing pace. Matt Targett has added class and composure, despite his tender age, proving to be an astute loan signing.

And that's just the back five. The midfield three has truly reestablished itself after early season struggles. Tom Cairney is back to his rampaging best after an injury-hit first half of the year, Stefan Johansen has recaptured his 2016/17 form, and Kevin McDonald is imperious as always in the centre of the park.

Aleksandr Mitrovic truly seems to be the final piece in Slavisa Jokanovic's jigsaw. The Serbian striker has fired home three goals in his last three matches, providing strong hold-up play, powerful driving runs, and lethal finishing. Finally Fulham have the striker they deserve.

Then there is Ryan Sessegnon. At this point, superlatives can no longer do him justice. There are simply no words for the season he is having. At the age of 17, having played the majority of his matches as a full-back, the Englishman has bagged an outstanding 14 goals.

Sessegnon's passion and love for the club makes each goal ever the more enjoyable; he is a dream come true for Fulham fans. Suddenly, talk of a spot on the plane to Russia no longer seems so outlandish.

After the next two matches against Sheffield United and Preston, 8th and 9th in the table respectively, the Whites have a run-in of dreams. In their remaining nine fixtures, they play just one team in the top ten. It is not totally radical to dream of an unbeaten finish to the campaign.

But times weren't always this good on the bank of the Thames. Remarkably, some supporters were calling for Slavisa's sacking after a rough October that left the Whites languishing in 17th.

Such rash judgements seem foolish now, and credit is due for the level-headed management that trusted in the Serb's judgement. Come May, that patience could very well be richly rewarded.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham/

WhiteJC

 
Move over Fulham, Brentford and the rest - Charlton Athletic top of the table in London

It's a superb achievement for Charlton Athletic

Charlton Athletic have been named London Checkatrade Community Club of the Year as part of the 2018 EFL Awards.

They take over from Fulham - who won the award last year as one of six regional winners.

Charlton will now be recognised and celebrated in Parliament for their outstanding community work.

Following the exceptional work of Charlton Athletic Community Trust, the club will be joined alongside the five other EFL regional winners at the House of Commons on Monday, March 12.

They will receive their awards with EFL chairman Ian Lenagan, Sports Minister Tracey Crouch and host Colin Murray all confirmed to take the stage at the event.

Charlton Athletic will then be put forward alongside the five other regional winners for the 2018 Checkatrade Community Club of the Year Award, which will be announced at the EFL Awards on Sunday, April 15 in central London.

Charlton Athletic's Community Trust impressed the judges with their ground-breaking work to form CACT Invicta FC, the first ever professional football club trust in the UK to establish, launch and affiliate a dedicated LGBT friendly football team.

CACT Invicta FC has helped raise awareness through key initiatives including; Charlton v Homophobia tournament with 600 participants, Stonewall One Goal rainbow laces campaign and Charlton red, white and black day – a dedicated home game promoting community cohesion.

Charlton Athletic Community Trust CEO, Jason Morgan, told the club's websit e: "Last year was a landmark year for CACT.

"We celebrated our 25th anniversary since the launch of Charlton's community scheme with a series of fundraising events, generating over £88,000 to invest back into local community projects.

"We published our first organisation-wide impact report that found our work has a social value of over £31m and we were proud to be the first Community Trust in the country to formally establish and affiliate a LGBT friendly football team.

"CACT is delighted to be the London Community Club of the Year Regional Winner for 2018, in recognition of these and other achievements as well as the hard work and dedication of all our staff."

Charlton boss Karl Robinson said: "Jason and his team are unbelievable at what they do.

"I've been at a lot of football clubs and I've never seen so much detail going into the community, trying to help so many people with so many different issues. There is a real belief at this football club in the sense of the community."



https://www.kentlive.news/sport/football/football-news/move-over-fulham-brentford-rest-1302487

WhiteJC

 
Slavisa Jokanovic insists Fulham can't expect a similar game to 5-4 win over Sheffield United

The reverse side saw one player one each side bag a hat-trick, but the head coach insists Fulham cannot expect something similar

Slavisa Jokanovic has insisted Fulham can't expect a similar game to the 5-4 win over Sheffield United when they welcome the Blades to Craven Cottage tonight.

The reverse fixture saw both Ryan Sessegnon and Leon Clarke score hat-tricks, while Sheyi Ojo also popped up with two on his return to injury.

It was one of those games that will only happen once in a blue moon, and Jokanovic knows that Sheffield United are an attacking side but says his side cannot expect to ship four goals and come out on top again.

"They are an offensive team, like us, they have important offensive players," he told fulhamfc.com.

"They try and play in the last third, they score goals.

"They have [Leon] Clarke with 15 goals, [Billy] Sharp with 12, and [Clayton] Donaldson with five goals. They are always looking to dominate the game.

"We played a little bit of a strange game against them which we won after conceding four goals. We cannot expect something similar, but I am sure they are going to try and do us damage.

"They have a serious option of playing in the Play-Offs. They spent half the season in the top-two and they only recently dropped out of the Play-Off positions. It's a strong, tough, and really complicated team to play against.

"They are going to look to score the goals, so we must follow our style and show ambition, show desire to do them damage."




https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-insists-fulham-cant-14373340


WhiteJC

 
Sheffield United In Focus

All the latest pre-match information ahead of Fulham's meeting with Sheffield United at the Cottage.

Possible opposition absentees

Paul Coutts - leg injury
Tickets

Tickets for the game will be available for supporters to purchase on the gate, priced from £30 adults and £15 juniors.
Weather

It will be a dry and reasonably mild evening in Fulham, with temperatures around seven degrees at 7.45pm.
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

"If we play well and produce another performance after Reading, then that's a positive. This is a step up, the table shows that. But they know that. They know Fulham are an outstanding team who will take a lot of stopping. But I can't wait and I'm confident the players will be of the same mindset." - Chris Wilder, Sheffield United 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 7.30pm (GMT) to view.
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Fulham: 17/20

Draw: 5/2

Sheff Utd: 3/1
Previous five results

Reading 1-3 Sheff Utd (Championship)

Hull City 1-0 Sheff Utd (Championship)

Sheff Utd 2-1 Queens Park Rangers (Championship)

Leicester City 1-0 Sheff Utd (FA Cup)

Sheff Utd 2-1 Leeds United (Championship)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/06/sheffield-united-in-focus

WhiteJC

 
Fight For The Right

It's been a strange old season for Cyrus Christie. Only last summer he was being paraded as a new signing at Middlesbrough after the recently appointed Garry Monk captured the right-back from Derby County.

But, just a few months down the line, Monk was dismissed, and Tony Pulis was named as his replacement. Christie found himself frozen out of the first-team picture and in January, Fulham came calling, snapping up the 25-year-old on transfer deadline day.

Boro's loss is certainly Fulham's gain and, in Christie and Ryan Fredericks, the Whites have arguably two of the best right-backs in the Championship.

"I know all about Freddo, he's a brilliant player and a great full-back," Christie tells Tuesday's official matchday programme. "He's done fantastically well for Fulham. We're similar in some ways but we've also got a lot of different attributes.


"It's always tough to come into a team on an unbeaten run like Fulham are. You have to be patient and wait for your chance. I managed to make my debut at Bristol City, which was good, as I hadn't started a game in two months. But as a squad, we can push each other on and I'm sure I can make Freddo even better. He's having a fantastic season and that can only benefit Fulham."

To read the full interview with Christie, in which he discusses his brief stint at Boro, his famous boxing uncle, and his promotion aims, pick up a programme on Tuesday.

Other highlights from the publication - named Programme Monthly's 'Championship Programme of the Season' - include:

    Slaviša Jokanović, Tom Cairney and Gordon Davies pen their latest columns
    Michael Brown recalls his stints at Sheffield United and Fulham
    Marcus Bettinelli takes our nine-dart challenge
    Peter Mellor picks the best XI he played with in his time at the Cottage
    And former kitman Billy Sparks looks back on his time in SW6


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/march/06/cyrus-christie-sheffield-united-programme