Tuesday Fulham Stuff (03/04/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Results

Monday
Preston NE	0 - 1	Derby
Bristol City	0 - 1	Brentford
Burton	1 - 1	Middlesborough
Ipswich	2 - 2	Millwall
Nottm Forest	P - P	Barnsley
QPR	4 - 1	Norwich
Sunderland	1 - 3	Sheff Wed
Sheff Utd	1 - 1	Cardiff

[WhiteJC]

 
3 players Fulham must offload this summer including 24-year-old with just 13 minutes of league action this season

Three Players Who Fulham Should Offload In The Summer

Fulham started this season on a slow note but lately, their performances have helped them ascend the Championship table rapidly. Placed 3rd in the league table right now, the Cottagers can make it to the Premier League via playoffs.

As far as points are concerned, they are on par with Aston Villa and with a few more games in hand, Fulham have a good chance of cementing their spot further.

In fact, if they continue their run, they might even overtake Cardiff City and get to the second spot. Slavisa Jokanovic and his players deserve equal credit for their success of late but there are a few misfits in the squad.

If they secure a promotion to the top-flight, Fulham will need to revamp their team and it might help if they offload a few players in the process. With that in mind, here are three players they should sell this summer.

Ibrahima Cisse

Having appeared just 9 times across competitions for Fulham this season, Cisse's future looks questionable. The midfielder has struggled to make it into the starting XI ahead of the club's first-choice options. Players like Kevin McDonald, Tom Cairney and Stefan Johansen have been excellent this season and Cisse's displays have not been promising enough to convince Jokanovic.

Thus, a sale could prove to be advantageous for all parties involved. At 24 years of age, Cisse has a long way to go but continuing with Fulham is unlikely to help his progress.

Aboubakar Kamara

Kamara was brought into the team for the sole purpose of scoring goals but he has failed to make an impact. In 30 appearances across competitions, the Frenchman has found the back of the net just 7 times. Jokanovic has utilised him as a substitute quite often and since Aleksandar Mitrovic's arrival, Kamara appears to have fallen further below in the pecking order.

The 23-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance but he has not been consistent. If Fulham secure a promotion, they are likely to look for a new striker and in that case, it might be best for Kamara to leave Craven Cottage.

Marcelo Djalo

Djalo has not started a single game for Fulham this term and has made just 4 substitute appearances. A central defender by trade, the 24-year-old is quite powerful and skilled. However, he has simply failed to make a name for himself. He has played for just 13 minutes in the league campaign so far and that will certainly not bode well for the player. Thus, he would be better off leaving Fulham this summer.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/04/02/3-players-fulham-must-offload-this-summer-including-24-year-old-with-just-13-minutes-of-league-action-this-season/

[WhiteJC]

Ream reveals reasons for Fulham's remarkable run
by Dan on April 2, 2018

Tim Ream believes that Fulham's incredible eighteen game unbeaten run has been powered by a hard work on the training ground, a strong team ethic and an almost instinctive understanding of each other's roles among Slavisa Jokanovic's players.

The American defender, now considered as one of the first names on Jokanovic's teamsheet, has given a wide-ranging interview to today's Times where he discusses the confidence that is currently coursing through the Fulham squad, his thoughts on why American players are still seen as something close to second-class citizens when it comes to world football and how he enjoys life at Craven Cottage. As he admits, it has been quite a turnaround for the American defender – who thought he was likely to head back across the Atlantic after being told he was surplus to requirements at the end of the 2015/16 season.

Ream told the Times' Alyson Rudd that much of Fulham's pretty passing is the production both of a multitude of sessions down at Motspur Park and a unique understanding between the first-team players:

    Everybody in the team knows what's going to happen, we know where each other is going to be without having to look. We've developed that connection. It's all on instinct. When you have to think about the way you're playing, you're probably not going to play well. At the moment I'm not thinking, it's all instinct. We just know the guys are going to be where they should be.

    It's just the way we play. What does it matter? Just because they say we are attractive doesn't mean you go out and get the three points. We've won some ugly games this year. We know when we're not playing well and can dig in and get a result.

    Because we keep the ball for long periods, there are times we can sit at the back and watch things develop. You try to see things three steps ahead, see things before they happen so I wouldn't necessarily say I'm clairvoyant and can see when things are going to play out, but you can see when guys are positioned perfectly, good things are going to happen. You can definitely tell when a goal's going to come.

The former Bolton centre back identifies the disappointing defeat to Sunderland back in December as a turning point in the season, with the Fulham players having frank discussions afterwards in the Stadium of Light dressing rooms. He also concedes that there may have been a far greater hangover from the side's heartbreaking play-off semi-final defeat at the Madjeski Stadium last May.

    We all looked at each other and said, 'Well, that was embarrassing.' Very embarrassing. That malaise of losing to Reading may have played a bigger part than we thought. We dug in and it's been us against everyone else, this mentality of not getting beat.

Pressed by Rudd, Ream also opens up on the fact that American footballers are the victims of what he considers snobbery in the English game.

    People in England think the Americans are going to impose themselves, bring their language, do their own things, bring their own things, when in reality it's the exact opposite. I don't say 'soccer' any more, I say, 'football'. In the States when I'm talking to family or mates, I use English terms. I've heard it all; that Americans aren't good enough, they're not tough enough.

    There is a preconceived notion that we don't know what football is and don't know how to play. But when I'm not playing and am in the stands I hear people shouting, 'Just boot it, just kick it'. Yet people in this country think that's what Americans do, but they're just shouting out that that's what they want players to do. Is there jealousy creeping in as well?



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/ream-reveals-reasons-for-fulhams-remarkable-run/

[WhiteJC]

 
Leeds United vs Fulham – five things to look for

For Leeds United fans the season is all but over and mid-table mediocrity seems to be beckoning. For Fulham fans it couldn't be any different – the Cottagers firmly ensconced in the play-off picture.

Leeds United started the season on a fiery streak of form and clean sheets, putting teams aside with ease and briefly topping the table. Two drops in form, with a brief respite, has seen the Whites drop to 12th – a place rescued by Friday's 2-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers at Elland Road.

Fulham meanwhile have been putting together a very decent run of late and find themselves 3rd in the table. The 72 points that they have puts them 10 points clear of 7th and firmly establishes them as a play-off side for this season's competition. Additionally, in their final seven games they'll be hunting down Cardiff who sit one place and seven points above them.

A win, for differing reasons, is something that both sides would appreciate. For Fulham it would be three points towards a deeper play-off security. For Leeds it would be three points clambered towards an increasingly futile play-off climb that is surely beyond them.

Five things to look for in Tuesday night's Fulham vs Leeds United clash
1. Impressive teen Ryan Sessegnon: It is totally acceptable and forgivable if you look at Ryan Sessegnon and allow your mouth to drop at his skillful play. It is even more acceptable to sit there goggle-eyed and mouth agape and in a catatonic state in the realisation that he is only 17. He's a youngster on fire this season – scoring 14 goals and providing five assists in an ever-present 39 games for Fulham. A right-back by trade, Sessegnon has been pushed further upfield, the figures that he is showing demonstrate this.

2. Leeds to concede a goal: It is almost a given nowadays that Leeds United will concede, often due to some defensive laxity. Leeds have gone from a side who were miserly at the back in the early part of this Championship campaign to a side who display great benevolence and charity to opposition forwards. They are also a side who are on their third starting keeper with former #1 Felix Wiedwald and back-up Andy Lonergan giving way to highly regarded youngster Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

3. Tom Cairney to have a blinder: Former Leeds United youth player Cairney always seems to do well against the club that released him as a youngster. In his last three games for Fulham against the Whites, Cairney has scored a goal in each, including an injury time equaliser last time out in March last year. Add two game for Blackburn against Leeds United, before he moved to the Cottagers, and Cairney has a further goal and two assists. Expect this run of production to be repeated come this evening.

4. Pablo Hernandez to earn his megs bonus: He still hasn't signed a new deal for the Whites, something that worries some fans, but Pablo Hernandez continues to display that creativity that has fans almost willing the pen into his hand. The diminutive Spanish playmaker has proven to be one of Leeds' most effective players this season, scoring six times and providing eight assists. He has a range of passing and acuity of vision that sets him apart from most of the Leeds United players. He's also tricky on the ball, one locus that drives the Whites forward and gets them in good positions. On top of that, look for him to earn his megs bonus and turn a Fulham player inside-out.

5. A Fulham win and three points: It's hard to say as a Leeds United fan myself, but I cannot see the Whites getting anything out of this game. Fulham play with a sense of pomp and an imperious nature that often overwhelms opponents. Leeds often start well, but once a side gets the upper hand they do shy off and are easily attacked. I am not saying this will be a footballing equivalent of Rorke's Drift, but I still can't see the Whites profiting from this evening's game at Craven Cottage.



http://the72.co.uk/99885/leeds-united-vs-fulham-five-things-look/

[WhiteJC]

 
Leeds Tickets Limited

Fulham are back in action at Craven Cottage tomorrow night, Tuesday 3rd April, when they take on Leeds United (Kick-off 7:45pm).

Following Friday's victory over Norwich City, the Whites have picked up where they left off before the international break.

Make sure you're at the Cottage and guarantee your seat to watch all of the action unfold - tickets for tomorrow evening's fixture are now limited, and remain available to Season Ticket Holders, Members and supporters with a Booking History only.

Prices start from £15 for juniors and from £35 for adults and supporters are encouraged to purchase in advance of matchday.

Back the boys and secure your seat today online, by telephone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 2), or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

On Monday 2nd April, the Fulham Ticket Office at Craven Cottage is open between 10am-2pm, with phone lines open between 10am-4pm.

COYW!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/02/leeds-tickets-limited

[WhiteJC]

 
MATCH PREVIEW: FULHAM V LEEDS UNITED

We look ahead to Tuesday's match.

After pipping Leeds to a Play-Off position last season in the Sky Bet Championship, Fulham were the form side of the four teams, however they were defeated by Reading in the semi finals.  After missing out on promotion last season, Slavisa Jokanovic's side were one of the favourites to go up this season.  After a slow start, Fulham are now firing on all cylinders, with their last defeat  in the division coming in mid-December.  That form has seen them rise up the table and they still have the possibility of finishing in the automatic promotion spots.

League position

Fulham: 3rd

Leeds United: 12th

Recent form

Fulham: WWWDW

Leeds United: LLDLW

Head to head

Fulham wins: 17

Draws: 15

Leeds United wins: 22

Last time Craven Cottage

Fulham 1 (Cairney 90+5) Leeds United 1 (Ream O.G. 5)

Fulham: Button, Fredericks, Malone (Sessegnon 61), McDonald (Parker 74), Kebano, Cairney, Ream, Johansen, Aluko, Martin (Cyriac 75), Kalas.  Subs not used: Bettinelli, Odoi, Madl, Sigurdsson.

Leeds: Green, Berardi, Bartley, Jansson, Taylor, Phillips, Bridcutt, Sacko (Barrow 60), Roofe (Vieira 87), Pedraza (Dallas 82), Doukara.  Subs not used: Silvestri, Cooper, Antonsson, Hernandez.

Attendance: 22,239

Tom Cairney's strike from 25 yards, which found the top left corner, denied Leeds all three points at the death at Craven Cottage.  The Whites had got off to a dream start when an own goal from Tim Ream inside five minutes gave Leeds the lead.  Neeskens Kebano was a constant threat for the Cottagers and he almost levelled when his shot hit the crossbar and bounced down, but the officials declared the ball hadn't crossed the line.  Alfonso Pedraza had a great chance to double United's lead, but he was denied by the post.  Kalvin Phillips saw red late on after picking up a second yellow card, before Cairney's strike.

Team news

Liam Cooper and Adam Forshaw who both missed Friday's win at Bolton Wanderers will both be unavailable for the trip to Craven Cottage.  Fulham have a fully fit squad to chose from.

The key battle

Tom Cairney v Ronaldo Vieira

A former youth player with the Whites, Cairney found the net for Fulham in both of our games in the Sky Bet Championship last season, both which ended in 1-1 draws.  The midfielder was on the score sheet on Friday against Norwich City and is in good form for the Cottagers.  Vieira returned to the Leeds fold on Friday and was influential in Leeds' victory over Bolton.  He will be looking to stop Cairney when the pair meet in the heart of the midfield on Tuesday.

Betting odds with Ladbrokes

Fulham: 4/9

Draw: 7/2

Leeds United: 6/1

(Odds correct at time of article published)



https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/23212/match-preview-fulham-v-leeds-united

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Leeds United: Cooper and Forshaw add to United's injury problems

Paul Heckingbottom will be without seven players tomorrow night with Leeds United's injury list refusing to relent....

Captain Liam Cooper and midfielder Adam Forshaw are the latest additions to United's roll of absentees, leaving Heckingbottom with limited options for tomorrow evening's game at Fulham. Cooper and Forshaw could both miss the rest of the Championship season having succumbed to thigh and calf problems respectively. Cooper suffered a torn muscle last week, shortly after returning from a previous calf strain, and Forshaw is struggling with an injury he was carrying when Leeds signed him from Middlesbrough in the January transfer window. Left-back Laurens De Bock was already missing with a pulled hamstring and Heckingbottom has not had use of Tyler Roberts, Luke Ayling or Conor Shaughnessy since taking over as head coach at the start of February.

Kemar Roofe, meanwhile, has missed six matches with what Leeds initially believed was a minor calf strain, suffered in a 2-2 draw at Derby County last month. Heckingbottom said the forward – Leeds' top scorer across all competitions this season – was close to a return to training but would not be in contention for the clash with Fulham. "I'm hoping there's nothing new so we'll be selecting from the same group of players," Heckingbottom said. "I can't imagine any others will be back. "Roofey's in the final stages of recovery but we'll need to get him training again and see how he is. An injury we were hoping would be a couple of weeks has turned into several so we need to be careful and make sure he doesn't break down."

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic is likely to recall teenage winner Ryan Sessegnon after naming the England Under-21 international on the bench during a 2-0 win at Norwich City on Friday. Sessegnon, who made his debut as a 16-year-old against Leeds last season, has shone this term with 14 goals and five assists.



Read more at: https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/fulham-v-leeds-united-cooper-and-forshaw-add-to-united-s-injury-problems-1-9093778

[WhiteJC]

 
Leeds powerhouse faces last chance saloon v Fulham after shock Heck admission

COMMENT

Leeds United have had several issues to deal with this season, all of which have culminated into a bitterly disappointing campaign.

From the disciplinary problems which have seen a handful of their stars sitting out through suspension to the lack of belief running through the team during an abysmal run of form, both Thomas Christiansen and Paul Heckingbottom have had their struggles.

Many will point to their poor defensive record, with 54 goals conceded in the Championship, as a prime reason behind their unimpressive results, but the other end of the pitch has also poised a problem.

Many will point to their poor defensive record, with 54 goals conceded in the Championship, as a prime reason behind their unimpressive results, but the other end of the pitch has also poised a problem.

The versatile forward has been ruled out of the midweek clash with Fulham but could make a return versus Sunderland next Saturday, and it is Lasogga who will be in the firing line following his comeback.

The loan striker's only chance to rescue himself from being dropped is to impress against the Cottagers, a tough ask considering how the London side have been performing this season.

Still, it is the German powerhouse's last chance saloon, and it is time for him to raise his game or face the boot.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/leeds-powerhouse-faces-last-chance-saloon-v-fulham-after-shock-heck-admission/

[WhiteJC]

 
Leeds Against The World: Q&A with Fulham blog Cottagers Confidential
See what the opposition has to say before tomorrow's match

Thanks to our "friends" over at fellow SBNation blog Cottagers Confidential for taking the time to get in touch with us. Andrew Beck answered our questions ahead of the big match against Leeds United in West London on Tuesday night, live on Sky TV.

Check out their coverage of everything Fulham on Twitter @CottagersC

1. How has the season gone since we last met?

Fulham are statistically the second best team in the championship for the second straight year. Unfortunately as good as they've played Cardiff keep getting results. Which has made things quite frustrating. In the last 17 games Fulham are unbeaten with 14 wins and a +28 GD. You'd think they'd be getting closer to second.

2. Fulham started slow, but are now challenging Cardiff City for the last automatic promotion spot. What happened?

It was a combination of getting healthy, not getting unlucky, and Slavisa Jokanivic figuring out his team. Bringing in another left back and allowing Sessegnon to play further forward may have been the key.

3. Does Ryan Sessegnon stay at Fulham this summer?

If Fulham get promoted, I think there's a good chance he stays. If they fall short I don't see anyway they can keep him.

4. Is there a chance that Sessegnon makes the England squad for the World Cup?

It almost seems ridiculous to talk about it, and I don't think it's very likely. If there was a realistic chance of him playing for another country, I could see it. I'm just not sure he offers that much that England can't get from more experienced players.

5. Predict the score.

Eventually Fulham is going to see this streak end. But I'm still holding out hope that they don't drop points from here on out. So I'm not going to pick against them. I'll say Fulham wins 2-0.



https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2018/4/2/17188784/leeds-united-against-the-world-q-a-with-fulham-blog-cottagers-confidential

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle should pursue McDonald



OPINION

With Newcastle United moving one step closer to Premier League survival after beating Huddersfield Town, the Magpies need to start drafting up a shortlist of transfers targets for the summer.

The Magpies defeated the Terriers 1-0 on Saturday to move seven points clear of the relegation zone.

However despite looking safe for this season, Rafa Benitez knows his side need a complete overhaul in the summer window, especially in the midfield department.

The Magpies desperately need a new central midfielder who is as good as Jonjo Shelvey, but also more consistent.

According to the Daily Mirror, the Magpies have identified Fulham's Tom Cairney as the central midfielder that want in the summer, with the 27-year-old free to leave the Whites for £20million at the end of the season if the club fail to achieve promotion to the Premier League.

However while the dazzling Championship playmaker is an exciting prospect, with a £20million price tag he is not worth taking the risk on.

Cairney's has had several knee problems this season and just when they appear to have gone away, they affect the midfielder once again.

The Magpies may be barking up the wrong tree with Cairney, but they are looking at the right club to buy from.

Benitez should sanction a summer swoop for Cairney's Fulham teammate Kevin McDonald instead.

The 6ft 2in defensive midfielder is not only a sublime passer of the ball, helping his team go on the attack, but he also offers his side's defence an extra-layer of protection.

McDonald, probably due to Cairney's injury woes, has consistently been better than his teammate this season, in the 36 appearances he has made.

The 29-year-old midfield enforcer would also cost way less than £20million, given the fact he is two-years-older and hasn't got other teams registering an interest in him as of yet.

Therefore the Magpies should forget about Cairney and swoop for the more consistent McDonald instead in the summer.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2018/04/blogs/premier-league/newcastle-should-pursue-mcdonald/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Leeds preview: Championship clash live on Sky Sports Football

Ryan Sessegnon could return to Fulham's starting line-up against Leeds after being named as a substitute for Friday's 2-0 win at Norwich.

Sessegnon came off the bench in the 54th minute and helped the Craven Cottage side to a 2-0 win. Slavisa Jokanovic may also start Aboubakar Kamara and Oliver Norwood after bringing them both off the bench at Carrow Road.

Tomas Kalas could also feature after being an unused substitute following a hip injury.

Leeds will be without Adam Forshaw and Liam Cooper for their trip to west London. Forshaw will be sidelined for some weeks because of a troublesome calf after suffering the injury in the 2-1 defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

Cooper is also set to miss a few weeks after scans revealed the centre-half has torn a thigh muscle picked up in training last week. Both players face missing the rest of the season.

Opta stats

The last five league meetings between these sides have ended as draws, with the reverse fixture ending goalless this season.

Leeds are unbeaten in their last three league visits to Craven Cottage (W1 D2).

Slavisa Jokanovic has yet to lose against Leeds as manager, although four of his five encounters have been draws (W1).

Paul Heckingbottom, meanwhile, has lost all four of his Championship matches against Fulham, including two this season with Barnsley; the last manager to lose three Championship games against the same opponent in a season was Lee Clark in 2014/15 against Sheffield Wednesday.

Tom Cairney has had a hand in six goals in his last six league matches against Leeds (four goals, two assists), scoring exactly once in each of his last four matches against the Whites.

Leeds have lost 17 of their last 24 away league games in April (W4 D3), with their most recent victory coming in April 2016 away at Birmingham.

Prutton's prediction

It looks as though it's going to be the play-offs again for Fulham and they'll hope to be better prepared for it now than they were last season, when they were favourites going in but slipped up against Reading.

Leeds, meanwhile, just need the season to end with as little damage as possible to allow Paul Heckingbottom the chance to build his team in the summer. This is a home win for me.

David Prutton predicts: 3-1 (11/1 with Sky Bet)



http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-leeds/preview/375091

[WhiteJC]

 
Neil Warnock's message to Wolves, Aston Villa and Fulham as Cardiff City rescue a point at Sheffield United

The Yorkshireman could not hide his delight after Pilkington's strike earned the Bluebirds a point at Bramble Lane

Neil Warnock said Cardiff City's promotion rivals will be "gutted" after the Bluebirds claimed a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Leon Clarke's deflected first half strike looked set to give Warnock's former side all three points until substitute Anthony Pilkington smashed home an equaliser in injury time.

The draw meant Cardiff's eight-game winning streak was ended, although Pilkington's goal ensured the Bluebirds stretched their unbeaten run in the Championship to 13 matches.

And Warnock admitted that the Republic of Ireland's effort at the death will have been a huge blow to the sides in the hunt for promotion.

"Let's be fair, they'll be gutted," said Warnock.

"Likewise, I'm sure people like Middlesbrough will be over the moon and people at the top end playoff wise. They'll be looking at Sheffield United because they would have gone into the top six wouldn't they.

"We're all at it. We're all looking at the top 10 and at the playoffs, and quite rightly so.

"I just feel it could be the best point of the season that, in the circumstances."

Pilkington replaced Kenneth Zohore late on in the second half in what was only his fifth Championship appearance of the season for the Bluebirds.

And he struck his third league goal of the campaign against the Blades, much to the delight of Warnock who lavished praise on the 28-year-old for his attitude this season.

"Pilks has done nothing wrong really, I just couldn't get him in the team anywhere," added Warnock.

"It's great for him, and I said that's for all of the work he's done since Christmas. He's never given me one bit of trouble.

"He's played in Under-23 games and been a credit to everybody.

"He'll enjoy it tonight and he deserves it. We've got lads not involved and some lads coming back for Friday night so we're looking forward to that now."



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-wolves-villa-fulham-14484972

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's striking history: A look at recent iconic forwards at Craven Cottage

With Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic hitting the headlines after firing loan club Fulham to the Championship play-off places, Dan Long takes a look at the men who've led the line for the Cottagers in the last 10 years...

Brian McBride (Jan '04 - May '08)
A fans' favourite right to the end, McBride was already a success across the pond before his move to west London in early 2004. The frontman had enjoyed a seven-year spell at Columbus Crew, amid two end-of-season loan spells in England with both Preston (2000/01) and Everton (2003) and such was his impact, both clubs failed in approaches to extend the American's stay on a more permanent basis.

Introducing himself with a debut winner against Tottenham during the Fulham's temporary spell at Loftus Road, McBride boasted a tendency to pop up with important strikes and, despite never being prolific in front of goal, his work-rate, battling nature and sheer dedication to the cause won the fans' hearts.

His influence grew each year and Lawrie Sanchez bestowed the captaincy upon him in the summer of 2007, but the honour proved to be a curse for both the striker and his team-mates. A dislocated kneecap on the opening day of 2007/08 ruled him out for the best part of six months in a season where relegation was avoided by goal difference alone.

McBride returned to the MLS for a final hurrah in the summer of 2008 and became a key figure for Chicago Fire as the Men in Red reached successive Eastern Conference finals in 2008 and 2009. At the conclusion of his contract at Toyota Park, the striker - by this point the fifth highest scorer for the USA national team with 30 goals - retired from the professional game. And following an audacious FA Cup campaign with Wembley FC alongside former professionals, including Ray Parlour and David Seaman, McBride hung his boots up for the final time.

Fulham career: 153 apps, 40 goals

Bobby Zamora (Jul '08 - Jan '12)
Already an established Premier League striker when he arrived from West Ham, Zamora is perhaps best-loved as one of the most prominent figures from the season Roy Hodgson guided the Cottagers to the 2010 Europa League final.

Four league goals in 2008/09 - his maiden campaign in white - did little to capture the imagination, but when Fulham achieved their highest-ever league finish of 7th, European qualification was secured for the following season. It was a first entry into a European competition for seven years and from the start, the odds were stacked against Zamora and Co. But 18 games after their third qualifying round victory over Vetra - a run in which the Barking-born striker netted eight times - the Whites found themselves lining up against Atletico Madrid in the finale.

Diego Forlan ultimately broke Fulham hearts, scoring twice in a 2-1 extra-time victory, but the season went down in Fulham folklore and his record of 19 goals that season earned Zamora two caps for England under Fabio Capello.

Not only that, but in September 2010 the forward's form was rewarded with a four-year contract, though a broken leg the following day marked an undeserved end to one of the most fruitful periods of his career. He was snapped up by neighbours QPR in January 2012, scored four goals as they returned to the Premier League two years later and retired after a fairytale return to Brighton in 2015/16.

Fulham career: 135 apps, 37 goals

Dimitar Berbatov (Aug '12 - Jan '14)
It was something of a coup for the Whites when they managed to attract the Bulgarian to Craven Cottage in the summer of 2012. Just two seasons prior to the move he had scored 20 league goals as Manchester United secured a record 19th Premier League title, but his influence had waned and Wayne Rooney sat atop the pile as the 'star man' once more.

But Sir Alex Ferguson's loss was Martin Jol's gain, initially anyway. Berbatov moved south in a cut-price £4m deal and led by example with a 15-goal haul in his first season - 27.8 per cent of the team's total goals - as Jol guided his side to a comfortable 12th-place finish. In the process, he became the first Fulham player to score in four consecutive games since Steed Malbranque in 2003 and despite approaching his mid-30s, the future looked encouraging.

The signs eventually proved misleading and his typically straight-faced demeanour did him no favours as rumours of a desire to leave the Cottage arose. Fulham were prepared to allow him to leave if a suitable offer was received, and when Kostas Mitroglou was signed from Olympiakos on January deadline day, Berba's days in the capital were done - he was released and crossed the channel to join Monaco the very same day.

Upon departing Stade Luis II in 2015, Berbatov joined Greek outfit PAOK and, never one to shy away from controversy, he left Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters early last month, following their failure to qualify for the play-offs, laying into head coach David James' lack of tactical nous on social media as he returned home.

Fulham career: 54 apps, 20 goals

Ross McCormack (July '14 - August '16)
Every so often in a team struggling for form you'll find a striker bucking the trend and just about managing to keep his side afloat. Take Lewis Grabban for Sunderland earlier this season, for example. For Fulham, that man was McCormack.

It was the exemplary goalscoring pedigree that generated high excitement levels when Felix Magath persuaded the Scottish frontman to leave Cardiff and head to the English capital. Though the German coach's tenure ended just weeks into the 2014/15 season, McCormack became the keystone in Fulham's first season outside the Premier League since 2001.

Criticised for poor fitness levels after making his debut against Ipswich, his goals came at intermittent intervals as the Cottagers struggled with the rigours of the second tier, but ended the campaign with seven in seven games, and 19 overall, as his team finished in 17th. He followed that up with an unprecedented 23 goals in 2015/16 as Slavisa Jokanovic's squad avoided relegation to League One by just two places.

With nine assists in his second season, McCormack added a second player of the season award to the one he achieved in 2015, but soon after, his time in the capital came to an end, departing Craven Cottage in August 2016 when he joined Aston Villa in a reported £12m deal.

His progress has halted since, however. Cast aside by Steve Bruce in early 2017 due to a persistent lateness, further claims of a lack of fitness and that infamous gate, a loan to Nottingham Forest failed to aid the rectification of his personal issues. His prowess seemed to return in a temporary spell with Australian outfit Melbourne City, where he scored 14 goals in just 16 A-League games, but that seems to have done little to convince the Villa Park hierarchy his future lies in the Midlands.

Fulham career: 100 apps, 42 goals



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11096/11308410/fulhams-striking-history-a-look-at-recent-iconic-forwards-at-craven-cottage

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Leeds United: Heckingbottom calls on Whites to upset rivals

PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM has warmed up for a run of five consecutive games that pits Leeds United against opponents with all to play for in the Championship by urging his side to "demoralise" a few teams.

The Elland Road club head to Fulham tonight for a clash that offers the Londoners an opportunity to put pressure on second-placed Cardiff City in the race for automatic promotion.

After that, clashes with relegation-threatened Sunderland and Barnsley sandwich a double-header with Preston North End and Aston Villa as the season heads towards its climax early next month. After a dreadful run that has brought just 11 points from 15 league outings, Leeds are playing for little but pride in these final fixtures but that is not the case for the likes of Fulham.

"We are playing against teams who are all fighting for points for different reasons and we can use that to our advantage and for motivation," said Heckingbottom. "We can go and upset teams, demoralise teams. We have got to have that sort of mindset. The last thing we want to do is float through the remainder of the season. "They are a really good side and I like watching them. But I would like beating them more."

Getting the better of Fulham is easier said than done. Their last defeat was in mid-December, while their 14 league outings since the turn of the year have yielded 11 wins and three draws. That impressive run includes a 3-1 win over Heckingbottom's Barnsley at Oakwell – his penultimate game in charge before moving to Leeds.

Last six games: Fulham WWWWDW, Leeds United DWLLDLW.
Referee: P Bankes (Merseyside).
Last time: Fulham 1 Leeds United 1; March 7, 2017; Championship.

"A win at Fulham would be a big statement," he added. "Any team in the league, to go there and get a result you would be delighted and we are no different.

"They are in a patch of form now, which they have been in since the turn of the year, where they have been the best team in the league. "It is going to be difficult but it is something we are looking forward to. We can go there with that mindset - this is a real scalp if we take it." United head south with the same squad that beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1 on Good Friday. It means there is again no place for Tyler Roberts, the West Bromwich striker who is still waiting for his debut despite moving to Elland Road in January. He suffered a shin injury in training just a few days after completing his £2.5m switch and it could be next season before supporters get a glimpse of the striker.

"It is pointless us rushing him," said Heckingbottom. "It is probably touch and go about when he is fit with regards the end of the season but I would like for him and Luke Ayling to be back with the players before we break up for the summer. "For their peace of mind and my peace of mind. I have been in their position where you are injured towards the end of a season. "You just want to be back playing before the end because if you are not, in the back of your mind you are still injured all the way through June. "Forget minutes on the pitch, that is my goal with them. It is something I have spoken to them about, and Luke in particular."




Read more at: https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/fulham-v-leeds-united-heckingbottom-calls-on-whites-to-upset-rivals-1-9094305

[WhiteJC]

 
LUFC Peter Bankes In Charge At Craven Cottage

Peter Bankes is the man in charge of the clash between Fulham and Leeds United.

Bankes has taken charge of 35 games this season showing 120 yellow cards and 8 reds.

He has taken charge of Fulham twice previously this season. He was in charge of their 2-1 win at QPR in September and more recently, he took charge of their 2-1 home win against league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Bankes has taken charge of Leeds three times this season. He was in charge of their 4-1 win against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup back in August. In the Championship, he has taken charge of their 2-0 home win against Birmingham City and the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at Elland Road.

Referee: PETER BANKES
Assistants: Daniel Leach and Timothy Wood
Fourth Official: Craig Hicks



http://www.leeds.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=525452

[WhiteJC]

 
LUFC Heckingbottom - Fulham Are Not Unbeatable

Leeds United head coach Paul Heckingbottom says his side will not be going to Fulham tonight to sit back and defend.

Fulham are the inform team in the Championship coming into the game. The Cottages are unbeaten in the league since December, a 17-game unbeaten run that has seen them climb up to third in the Championship.

The 17-game unbeaten run has seen them win 13 and draw four games. Fulham welcome Leeds tonight having scored at least two goals in all but two of the 17-games during their unbeaten run.

Leeds have managed just three clean sheets in 2018 and Heckingbottom feels he cannot pick a team that can sit back and try to defend for 90 minutes.

"With the make-up of our squad and the type of players we have, we`ve got to go there really positive and look to hurt them," Heckingbottom told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

"I don`t think I could pick a team to sit back or be defensive minded. We have to be positive when we`ve got the ball, work our socks off to stop them and control where they play their passes.

"There are plenty of teams before us who`ve said that, gone down there and come unstuck. They can be a really tough team to play against and a demoralising team to play against, with how they play. But they`re not unbeatable. We have to prepare as best we can for what they`re going to throw at us but also be really positive in what we do."

A win for Fulham tonight would lift them up to within five points of second-placed Cardiff City after Neil Warnock`s team could only claim a point at Sheffield United on Monday evening.

Following the results on Monday, Leeds remain in 12th place in the Championship but they know a win at Craven Cottage would lift them to within seven points of the play-off places. Leeds will have six games remaining after tonight with fifth and sixth place still up for grabs in the Championship, with the top four seemingly set for at least a top-four finish.



http://www.leeds.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=525466

[WhiteJC]

 
£500k Victor Orta flop must continue Leeds exile v Fulham, summer sale looks inevitable

Leeds United manager Paul Heckingbottom decided to completely axe Felix Wiedwald from his matchday squad for the 2-1 win against Bolton on Good Friday and the German shot-stopper's exile must continue against Fulham on Tuesday night.

Wiedwald, 28, was bought for £500,000 from Werder Bremen last summer and is just one of a number of flops that director of football Victor Orta has welcomed to Elland Road.

The goalkeeper was clearly supposed to be the new No 1 between the sticks but as Leeds' form took a nosedive, it became apparent that he was nowhere near the quality required to mount a serious bid for promotion, leading to first Thomas Christiansen axing him for a period of games before Heckingbottom did so again in early March.

Wiedwald had been on the bench for three games while Andy Longeran was injured with academy product Bailey Peacock-Farrell named in the starting line-up

However as soon as Lonergan was back to fitness, Heckingbottom axed Wiedwald completely from the matchday squad.

That must happen again against Fulham on Tuesday because it is now beginning to look inevitable that the ex-Werder Bremen goalkeeper will be sold off in the summer transfer window.

After a very poor year in England, it's hard to see how he could move back to the Bundesliga as a No 1 goalkeeper so his agent is going to have to work very hard to get him a decent move.

Either way, Wiedwald has no future at Leeds and Orta has to admit he got this one completely wrong and sign up a goalkeeper who at least has some command of his area and can instill confidence in defenders.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/500k-victor-orta-flop-must-continue-leeds-exile-v-fulham-summer-sale-looks-inevitable/

[WhiteJC]

Can Tom Cairney haunt Leeds again?

by Sarah on April 3, 2018

One of the knocks against English football in the past was that the game's leading scouts placed two much emphasis on physical characteristics from a young age. If you were looking for an example to embody the narrative, you'd do worse the day that Leeds United released Tom Cairney at the age of sixteen for being too small. The classy midfielder, arguably the best creative player beneath the top flight, openly admits that his departure from Elland Road 'crushed' him.

You wouldn't consider Cairney diminutive these days, having grown to beyond 6ft, and even if his growth spurt didn't materialise, modern football is full of precocious talents who have made the most of their low centre of gravity. Although it took him a long time to get over the disappointment of leaving Leeds, having been at the Yorkshire club's academy since the age of seven, Cairney used that rejection to spur him on, when Hull City offered him a YTS contract. Two years later, he was making his senior debut for Phil Brown's side and he finished that season with nineteen Premier League appearances to his name, which might have made for some awkward conversations at Thorpe Arch.

It's clear that he has always felt he had a point to prove to Leeds – something that has dated back to his very first return to Elland Road with Blackburn Rovers. On New Year's Day in 2014, he set up both of Rovers' goals in a 2-1 one – the first with a beautifully weighted through ball for Jordan Rhodes, before his devilish corner was headed home by Rudy Gestede. He followed that up with another goal the following year as Blackburn won 3-0 at Elland Road.

Cairney's desire to remind his first club of their costly mistake has only intensified since he moved to Craven Cottage. He curled home a sweet finish on his first trip to Elland Road with the Whites in February 2016 and then repeated the trick some six months later, celebrating with his trademark knee slide in front of the travelling fans. But perhaps the Scottish midfielder's most memorable moment against Leeds came in added time at Craven Cottage last March, when he bent home a majestic finish from outside the box before leading wild celebrations at the front of the Hammersmith End. That late, late equaliser sparked Fulham's sensational run into the top six at the end of last season – where they secured a play-off place at the expense of the Yorkshire outfit.

Cairney was distraught to have to miss the trip to Elland Road, a dour scoreless draw in August, due to the troublesome knee problem that has so disrupted his current campaign – but it looks as though he's gradually getting back to his best form at a critical point in the season. He scored Fulham's second at Carrow Road on Good Friday, following up recent strikes against QPR and Sheffield United since his return following another injury lay-off, and Cairney will be desperate to land another telling blow against Leeds this evening.

The 27 year-old's outstanding displays at the heart of Slavisa Jokanovic's midfield have earned him an international recall as well as plenty of plaudits. Cairney was named in the PFA's Championship team of the year last season – and although Fulham haven't seen the best of his undoubted ability this term, he's intent on making up for lost time. Cairney's maturity since he took on the club captaincy as well as his phlegmatic response to opponents targeting that knee with plenty of robust challenges has been impressive. He'll be desperate to put remind Leeds just what they've missed out on again this evening. Based on his record, you wouldn't bet against Cairney playing a starring role.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/can-tom-cairney-haunt-leeds-again/

[WhiteJC]

 
Ronaldo Vieira must start v Fulham after Bolton performance

The England youth international answered many critics with his Bolton display.

Leeds United take on Fulham this evening in the championship, looking to build on their Good Friday win over Bolton Wanderers. The West Yorkshire side took all three points in the clash, with what was only Paul Heckingbottom's second win since taking over from Thomas Christiansen.

One man who has surely played himself into a starting role against the Cottagers has to be midfielder Ronaldo Vieira. There is no doubt his season took an upward turn last week. After receiving something of a shock recall to the England under-20 squad, he was then handed his first start for Leeds since the February clash with Derby County.

Vieira has had a tough campaign so far but against Bolton, he looked like the young midfield maestro who had burst onto the scene at Leeds last season.

Energetic and mobile he added a new dimension to the heart of Leeds' midfield, which has been a major problem area this season.

His energy in midfield allowed Eunan O'Kane to focus on the better areas of his game and once the match was over Leeds fans poured onto social media to commend the youngster.

At just 19-years-old a lot of pressure has been put on to Vieira's shoulders this season and a struggle with tendonitis has not helped him in his bid to be a regular starter under Christiansen or Heckingbottom.

But this performance spoke volumes about Vieira's character. It showed that when the cards are on the table and his back is against the wall, the teenager will fight for his starting place.

Leeds need that embattled mentality in the middle of the park if they are to get anything against high-flying Fulham at Craven Cottage this evening.

After the way he answered his critics against Bolton, Vieira has surely made himself the first name on the Leeds team-sheet for this evening's clash.



https://tbrfootball.com/ronaldo-vieira-must-start-v-fulham-bolton-performance/

[WhiteJC]

 
Leeds United boss hopes to upset and demoralise 'best team in the league' Fulham

He believes the Yorkshire side can grab an upset however

Leeds United boss Paul Heckingotham has called on his side to beat 'the best team in the league at the moment'.

The Yorkshire side have had a disappointing season following a run of 11 points from 15 league outings that has left them in 12th, 10 points behind sixth placed Middlesbrough.

Nevertheless Heckingbottom wants to have a say in the final stages of the season by upsetting teams like Fulham, Aston Villa and Preston.

He said of Fulham: "Yeah, the best team in the league at the moment. I like that ground. As I've said, we're playing against teams now who are all fighting for things, points for different reasons.

"We can use that to our advantage and our motivation, we can go and upset teams, we can demoralise teams, give teams heartache.

"We've got to have that sort of mindset. The last thing we want to do is float through the remainder of the season. We know it's going to be tough, we know they're going to be a really good side and I like watching them. But I like beating them more. "

The Cottagers seem set to finish in the play-off places as Cardiff extended their lead over Slavisa Jokanovic's side to eight points on Monday night but Heckingbottom believes the fight for fifth and sixth place in the Championship shows how difficult the league is.

He reflected that his side may have underachieved: "It shows how competitive this league is. They'll be lots of teams think they've underachcieved.

"They'll be lots of teams who think they've overachieved but there's such a sort of tough, un-level playing field how different every team is but how closely matched they are but it makes this an intriguing league and a frustrating one at the same time."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/leeds-united-fulham-championship-upset-14485331