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Tuesday Fulham Stuff (10/04/18)...

Started by WhiteJC, April 10, 2018, 07:33:13 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Premier League clubs queueing up to sign prolific Fulham striker

Everton and West Ham United are being linked with a move for on-loan Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to the Daily Star.

The Serbian striker joined Championship side Fulham in January and has been in fine form for the London club. He has scored 9 goals in 12 games to fire Slavisa Jokanovic's side into promotion contention. They are currently just two points behind Cardiff City, who are in the final automatic promotion place.

The 23-year-old forward had fallen out of favour at Newcastle United but has grasped his opportunity on loan a Fulham with both hands. However, Fulham's chances of signing him on a permanent basis have taken a blow with the rumours that Everton and West Ham are interested as well.

Mitrovic's future at Fulham will depend on whether they are promoted to the Premier League this season or not. He has been a huge hit with their fans and they will be praying that he signs for them on a permanent deal.

West Ham United are being linked with a summer move. Their manager, David Moyes, was spotted at Fulham's recent home fixture against Leeds United and was said to be looking at some potential signings. It does appear at the moment that his Hammers side will stay up this season in the top flight.

Everton are another Premier League club in the frame to the sign Mitrovic. The Toffees have struggled for goals this season and could potentially see the Serbian star as the man to lead their line next season.



http://the72.co.uk/100243/premier-league-clubs-queueing-sign-prolific-fulham-striker/

WhiteJC

 
Matt Targett has had no contact with Southampton since leaving on loan

Matt Targett has told GetWestLondon that he has not had any contact with anyone from Southampton since he left the club to join Fulham on loan in January.

The 22-year-old has also admitted that there is a possibility of him moving to the Whites in the summer.

When asked how much contact he'd had with the Saints since moving to Craven Cottage, he said:

    Believe it or not, I've had none. They're in a sticky patch themselves so we'll just have to wait and see what happens at the end of the season.

The left back was also asked if there was a chance that he could make his loan a permanent move next season and he admitted that it is certainly a possibility.

    It is certainly an option, everyone wants to play Premier League football and if Fulham are in the Premier League then I don't see why not. I've enjoyed every minute here at Fulham, we haven't lost yet while I've been here and we have to keep that run going.

GetWestLondon report that some of other of Fulham's loanee players, such as Chelsea's Tomas Kalas and Lucas Piazon, have regular meetings with officials form their parent clubs but Southampton have decided to leave Targett to his own devices.



http://readsouthampton.com/2018/04/10/matt-targett-has-had-no-contact-with-southampton-since-leaving-on-loan/

Bassey the warrior

Quote from: WhiteJC on April 10, 2018, 12:10:22 PM

Premier League clubs queueing up to sign prolific Fulham striker

Everton and West Ham United are being linked with a move for on-loan Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to the Daily Star.

The Serbian striker joined Championship side Fulham in January and has been in fine form for the London club. He has scored 9 goals in 12 games to fire Slavisa Jokanovic's side into promotion contention. They are currently just two points behind Cardiff City, who are in the final automatic promotion place.

The 23-year-old forward had fallen out of favour at Newcastle United but has grasped his opportunity on loan a Fulham with both hands. However, Fulham's chances of signing him on a permanent basis have taken a blow with the rumours that Everton and West Ham are interested as well.

Mitrovic's future at Fulham will depend on whether they are promoted to the Premier League this season or not. He has been a huge hit with their fans and they will be praying that he signs for them on a permanent deal.

West Ham United are being linked with a summer move. Their manager, David Moyes, was spotted at Fulham's recent home fixture against Leeds United and was said to be looking at some potential signings. It does appear at the moment that his Hammers side will stay up this season in the top flight.

Everton are another Premier League club in the frame to the sign Mitrovic. The Toffees have struggled for goals this season and could potentially see the Serbian star as the man to lead their line next season.



http://the72.co.uk/100243/premier-league-clubs-queueing-sign-prolific-fulham-striker/

West Ham could be a strong contender to sign Mitro, even if we go up. As much as he loves playing for us, the chance to play at a bigger stadium and likely get paid more may appeal if they stay up. I hope they go down but I don't think they will.

I also hope Moyes doesn't get the contract extension as I've never liked him.


WhiteJC

 
1 shot, 1 goal – This player looked excellent in Fulham's early season 1-1 draw with Reading



It all seems such a long time ago now, Fulham travelling to Reading back in August and losing Tomas Kalas after just a minute through a red card.

They battled bravely to a 1-1 draw, 50th minute substitute Lucas Piazon grabbing an equaliser after coming off the bench.

The Fulham side had no Tom Cairney, no Marcus Bettinelli and of course, no Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Much has changed as the season developed, but for Piazon perhaps it didn't move on as much as he'd like.


He injured his ankle in the next outing against Leeds United and didn't come back into the side until December.

Now the Brazilian is making up for lost time and returning on that opening day promise.

His brief cameo was incredibly effective, one shot and one goal enough to secure a solitary point for the ten men of Fulham.

In the grand scheme of things it could be considered a point gained, something directly attributable to the forward's brief cameo appearance.

In truth, he didn't get an awful lot more of the ball.

He made two clearances as Reading pushed for a winner, went on a single dribble and made a single key pass too.

Quite often it is said the most important stat, indeed the only important stat is 'goals scored', so in that sense he was a star of the show.

Since his return he's scored three more goals.

This evening a win against Reading could see Fulham break into the top two, something unthinkable when the on-loan Chelsea player first returned to the side on Boxing Day.

That game saw Fulham hammer their Welsh rivals 4-2 and arguably begin the climb that has been the talk of the division.

Can the 24-year old produce the good again when it matters? Or will the Royals be able to stifle his threat and dent the Cottagers Premier League ambitions?

One thing is for certain, Fulham will want to ensure they compete eleven against eleven this time around.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/1-shot-1-goal-this-player-looked-excellent-in-fulhams-early-season-1-1-draw-with-reading/

WhiteJC

 
Race for the Premier League: With Wolves set to seal Championship title, will it be Cardiff or Fulham going up automatically? And who will win the scramble for the play-offs?

    The Championship promotion race is hotting up with just a few games left
    Wolves are set to seal the title given their nine-point advantage at the top
    Cardiff City are clinging on to the second automatic promotion spot
    Fulham could overtake them in another hectic midweek round of fixtures
    Aston Villa, Derby County and Middlesbrough are currently in the play-offs
    But Millwall, Bristol City, Sheffield United and Brentford could sneak in 

Another crucial midweek awaits in the Sky Bet Championship as the promotion contenders enter the final straight in the race for the Premier League.

Wolverhampton Wanderers look set to seal the title, but second automatic promotion spot is all to play for with Fulham hot on the heels of Cardiff City.

There also looks set to be a scramble for the play-off places, with Millwall just one point behind Middlesbrough and the likes of Bristol City, Sheffield United and Brentford still hopeful.

We take a closer look at the teams involved in the promotion race and their run-ins.


How the top 10 in the Sky Bet Championship looks entering the final stretch of the season

1. WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Played 41; Points 89; Goal difference +38

Having set the standard for most of the season, few will quibble when, as expected, Wolves are crowned champions in the next week or two.

They first hit the summit back in October and have not been knocked off that lofty perch since Halloween, meaning they will be worthy winners.

Their 1-0 win at Cardiff last Friday, courtesy of a superb free-kick by Championship Player of the Season nominee Ruben Neves and two late penalty misses, has taken them to the brink of a Premier League return after six years away.


Wolves have set the standard all season and are likely to wrap up the Championship title


Ruben Neves, signed for £15.8m from Porto, has been one of the players of the season


While some of their rivals haven't been impressed by the transfer fees paid by Chinese owners Fosun International and close links with agent Jorge Mendes, they have played some very attractive football under manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Neves, a £15.8million signing from Porto, has been exceptional, while Diogo Jota and Leo Bonatini, on loan from Atletico Madrid and Al-Hilal respectively, have supplied the goals.

If Fulham continue winning, victories over Derby on Wednesday and Birmingham on Sunday would confirm promotion. If Fulham slip up against Brentford on Saturday, Wolves will play Birmingham with promotion secured.

Remaining fixtures: Wednesday - Derby County (H); Sunday - Birmingham City (H); April 21 - Bolton Wanderers (A); April 28 - Sheffield Wednesday (H); May 6 - Sunderland (A)


2. CARDIFF CITY

Played 40; Points 80; Goal difference +28

Back in pre-season, Cardiff City were listed by the bookies as a 25/1 promotion outsider. But the doubters clearly didn't reckon on the work of manager Neil Warnock, the Football League's foremost promotion specialist.

The Bluebirds, who haven't been in the Premier League since 2014, have occupied the second automatic promotion spot for most of the season but their grip has been loosened in recent weeks.

Fulham's incredible unbeaten run means only two points separate the sides and it is Cardiff who have the tougher run-in, starting with a must-win visit to Aston Villa on Tuesday night.


Cardiff have been transformed from relegation candidates to a side fighting for promotion


Neil Warnock is aiming to secure the eighth Football League promotion of his coaching career


Warnock, who is aiming for the eighth promotion of his career, has turned around a team that was second bottom when he took control in October 2016.

With goals shared around the team and a miserly defence that has conceded the fewest goals in the division, Cardiff have proved exceedingly tough to beat.

They will fall back on Warnock's expertise to guide them to the end of the season but the momentum does seem to be with Fulham and pretty much any slip-up from here will see them in the play-offs.

Having said that, they do still have the benefit of a game in hand - a visit to Derby on April 24 after the original game was postponed because of snow.

Remaining fixtures: Tuesday - Aston Villa (A); Saturday - Norwich City (A); April 21 - Nottingham Forest (H); April 24 - Derby County (A); April 28 - Hull City (A); May 6 - Reading (H)


3. FULHAM

Played 41; Points 78; Goal difference +30

Last season, Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham made a perfectly-timed dart to snatch a play-off place. This time, the rewards could be even greater.

The division's entertainers, Fulham overcame an inconsistent first half of the season to slowly close the gap on the automatic promotion places with a club record unbeaten run of 19 matches, including 15 wins.

Their captain Tom Cairney and teenage forward Ryan Sessegnon have been nominated for the Championship's best player award, while right-back Ryan Fredericks made the team of the season.


Aleksandar Mitrovic scores Fulham's winner at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday


Their 17-year-old forward Ryan Sessegnon has excelled for Fulham this season


However, excellence can be seen throughout the side in the eye-catching football they play, and the goals of Aleksandar Mitrovic, signed on loan from Newcastle on deadline day, has supplied the cutting edge they maybe lacked last season.

Back then, Fulham lost in the play-off semi-finals to Reading but Jokanovic has undoubtedly improved his side since then and, if they don't catch Cardiff and do things the easy way, they will be feared in the play-offs.

Remaining fixtures: Tuesday - Reading (H); Saturday - Brentford (H); April 20 - Millwall (A); April 27 - Sunderland (H); May 6 - Birmingham City (A)


4. ASTON VILLA

Played 41; Points 73; Goal difference +25

The club's pride was severely dented by relegation from the Premier League last season, but Steve Bruce has restored the faith of the supporters in an excellent season.

From a slow start, they have been in and around the play-off places since October and though automatic promotion now looks beyond them, they will be strong in the play-offs.


Aston Villa celebrate a goal during last week's home victory over Reading


John Terry has marshalled the Villa defence this season as they aim to return to the top-flight


They are also poised to have a big say in the composition of the final table with matches against Cardiff, Derby and Millwall to come between now and May 6.

Albert Adomah has top-scored with 12 in the Championship, while the likes of Conor Hourihane, Glenn Whelan, John Terry and Ahmed Elmohamady have excelled.

Their outspoken owner Tony Xia has always maintained that Villa would return to the top flight at the first time of asking and he could yet be proved correct.

Remaining fixtures: Tuesday - Cardiff City (H); Friday - Leeds United (H); April 21 - Ipswich Town (A); April 28 - Derby County (H); May 6 - Millwall (A)


5. DERBY COUNTY

Played 40; Points 68; Goal difference +22

After a decade in the Championship and endless play-off heartache and near-misses, Derby are determined to make it back to the Premier League this time around.

Under the leadership of impressive young manager Gary Rowett, who took over last March, the Rams have been in and around the play-off positions for the majority of the season, even flirting with second spot at the start of the year.


Derby look likely to be one of the four play-off sides as they aim to return to the top flight


Matej Vydra has been the stand-out player for the Rams, scoring 19 times in the league


Too many draws in recent weeks mean it looks likely to be the play-offs again, but they are well-equipped to challenge for Wembley.

Matej Vydra has been exceptional, scoring 19 times and earning a place in the Championship team of the season.

The likes of Richard Keogh, Curtis Davies, Tom Lawrence and Bradley Johnson have provided an effective spine to the side.

Remaining fixtures: Wednesday - Wolverhampton Wanderers (A); Saturday - Burton Albion (A); April 21 - Middlesbrough (H); April 24 - Cardiff City (H); April 28 - Aston Villa (A); May 6 - Barnsley (H)


6. MIDDLESBROUGH

Played 41; Points 66; Goal difference +19

The fourth and final play-off berth is well and truly up for grabs. At the moment, it is occupied by Middlesbrough and they can take a big step towards extending their season if they beat Sheffield United on Tuesday.

It's been a rollercoaster campaign at the Riverside, with an unconvincing start resulting in the Christmas sacking of Garry Monk and the appointment of Tony Pulis.


Middlesbrough currently occupy the fourth and final play-off position in the Championship


Tony Pulis came in at Christmas and has lifted Boro from mid-table into the play-off spots


While not everyone's cup of tea, Pulis has managed to lift Boro from mid-table to play-off contention, even if they do lose too many games for his liking.

Britt Assombalonga and Patrick Bamford have led the way in attack, with 12 and 10 Championship goals respectively. And like most Pulis teams, they don't concede too many.

If they are to return to the Premier League first time, Boro can't afford to put a foot wrong in a tricky run-in. Their home game with Millwall on April 28 could be key.

Remaining fixtures: Tuesday - Sheffield United (A); Saturday - Bristol City (H); April 21 - Derby County (A); April 28 - Millwall (H); May 6 - Ipswich Town (A)


7. MILLWALL

Played 41; Points 65; Goal difference +13

Each season has one - a team that comes from the chasing pack to challenge with a perfectly-timed burst. This time, against all the odds, that team has been Millwall.

A 15-match unbeaten run dating back to January has swept Millwall from the bottom half to a realistic shot at stealing a play-off place.

Neil Harris's team are especially formidable at The Den, where they have lost just three times this season. But the manager deserves real praise for curing their travel sickness.


Millwall celebrate Steve Morison's goal in their win over Bristol City at the weekend


Neil Harris has worked wonders this season to put Millwall in with a promotion shout


Goals have been scored from all parts of the field, with Lee Gregory and George Saville the leading scorers with 10 apiece.

The Lions, promoted from League One through the play-offs last season, are also superb defensively, with the likes of Shaun Hutchinson, James Meredith and Jake Cooper excellent.

They have real momentum and, should they keep winning, they could end up back in the big time for the first time since 1990.

Remaining fixtures: Tuesday - Bolton Wanderers (A); Saturday - Sheffield United (A); April 20 - Fulham (H); April 28 - Middlesbrough (A); May 6 - Aston Villa (H)


ALSO IN WITH A SHOUT

Bristol City, who were in the play-off spots for most of the season, find themselves four points behind Middlesbrough following back-to-back defeats.

Sheffield United are level with Bristol City on 62 points, with Brentford a point further back in 10th spot.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5598211/Race-Premier-League-win-promotion-Championship.html#ixzz5CH6V3Ita
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

WhiteJC

 
Clement expected to ring changes for Reading FC at Fulham

All you need to know about the clash at Craven Cottage

Tyler Blackett could be back in the side on Tuesday night. Credit: Eddie Greville

Reading FC manager Paul Clement is expected to make a number of changes to his side for the encounter at Fulham.

There are just five games left for Royals this season and they still lie perilously close to the relegation zone.

Fulham are third in the Championship table and with Reading hosting Sunderland at the weekend, it's likely Clement will rest some of his key stars on Tuesday night.

Midfielders Pelle Clement, Joey van den Berg and George Evans were all on the bench for the win on Saturday against Preston and will be hoping to feature in West London.

John Swift is likey to be rested but Dave Edwards is available after serving a one-match ban following his sending off at Aston Villa.

A win for Reading could see them move eight points clear of the relegation zone while the promotion-chasing Cottagers are looking to make it 20 league matches unbeaten.

Here is the full lowdown on the game.
When and where

The match takes place at Craven Cottage on Tuesday, April 10.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
How to follow the game live

getreading will be providing live updates of the game on Twitter. Make sure you follow @getreadingfc for the latest news as well as Jonathan Low's updates @jonathanl50.

And keep an eye on the getreadingfc Facebook page for news and pictures, including a fan gallery.
Is it on TV?

The game is not being televised live but you can follow Jonathan's commentary on Twitter and the match is also broadcast live on BBC Radio Berkshire.
Team news

Fulham: Slavisa Jokanovic has no new injury concerns so has a fully fit side to choose from.

The Serbian is likely to keep the same team which beat Sheffield Wednesday over the weekend, although he could opt for Neeskens Kebano over Sheyi Ojo on the wing.

Reading: Tyler Blackett could be back in the squad after missing the game at the weekend with a leg injury.

Chris Martin and Yann Kermorgant will both be hoping to feature as they battle Jon Dadi Bodvarsson to be the central striker.

Paul McShane (hamstring), Tommy Elphick (knee) and Callum Harriott (hamstring) are missing through injury while Joseph Mendes is not yet match fit.
Manager views

Slavisa Jokanovic: "We've never been second yet this season, so maybe now Cardiff will feel some pressure on them.

"We can't be under pressure because we're not in second place. We can win something, they can lose something. This is the situation.

"The only thing I can control is the Reading game. I expect my team will be refreshed and motivated enough to put in a good performance.

"We're going to get ready for Reading and try to win those three points."

Paul Clement: "We know we are going to a hard place - they've got momentum and are playing well but you never know how the psychology will work.

"Fulham may think the pressure is all of a sudden on them. Our job is to prepare for the best of Fulham and see if we can get another positive result.

"They play good football and create opportunities through flowing football. Neither team will want to draw - both need to win the game."
Head-to-head

Royals have won 17 games, compared to the Whites' 19, while there have been 16 draws between the two clubs.

The reverse fixture at the beginning of August ended in 1-1 draw with Liam Kelly getting on the scoresheet for Royals.

Last season the pair met twice at Craven Cottage. The league match ended 5-0 in the hosts' favour while the play-off final second leg ended in a 1-1 draw.
Odds

Fulham are heavy favourites to win the game and are priced at 4/11 with Ladbrokes while Reading are rank outsiders at 15/2.

A draw is priced at 4/1.

For all the odds around the game check out this page on Ladbrokes
Other matches (7.45pm unless stated)

    Aston Villa v Cardiff City
    Bristol City v Birmingham City
    Burton Albion v Hull City
    Ipswich Town v Barnsley
    Nottingham Forest v Brentford
    Preston North End v Leeds United
    Queens Park Rangers v Sheffield Wednesday
    Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
    Sunderland v Norwich City
    Bolton Wanderers v Millwall (8pm)

Officials

Referee: Lee Mason
Assistant referees: Ian Hussin and Neil Davies

Fourth official: John Brooks



https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/clement-expected-to-ring-changes-for-reading-fc-at-fulham/


WhiteJC

 
Aleksandar Mitrovic: 'Fulham will keeping fighting for promotion'

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has vowed that his team will "keep fighting" in the battle for automatic promotion from the Championship until the end of the season.

The Whites are within two points of second-placed Cardiff City - who have played a game less - after the weekend's round of fixtures, and the in-form Serbian has declared that all of their remaining matches will be treated like cup finals.

"We are very happy, but we don't have time to celebrate," the Evening Standard quotes Mitrovic as saying.

"Every game until the end of the season is a final. We have to go out there with this mentality to try and win every game. It is going to be hard. It will not be easy but that is the Championship and that is why this league is really interesting. We have to stay hungry, to keep fighting and we will see what is going to happen."

Fulham are back in Championship action this evening when they play host to Reading.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/mitrovic-fulham-will-keep-fighting_323145.html

WhiteJC


Scouting Report: Fulham (A)
There's been a lot to be impressed about with the Cottagers so far this season.

The manager

Fulham's current manager is Slavisa Jokanovic. The 49-year-old has been at the club for the last couple of years having been appointed Fulham manager in December 2015. This is his second managerial job in England.

Managerial history

Jokanovic began his managerial career at Serbian club Partizan in September 2007, who he guided to a league and cup double in his first full season as a manager, repeating the feat the following year. In September 2009, he left Partizan by mutual consent.

In February 2012, Thailand club Muangthong United introduced Jokanovic as their new head coach. In his first and only season in Thailand, Jokanovic led the team to the Thai Premier League title for only the third time in the clubs' history, going undefeated in the process.

Jokanovic then moved to Bulgaria to become the manager of Levski Sofia in July 2013, but was sacked just three months later following a poor run of results.

Towards the back end of the 2013/14 season, the Serbian then moved to Spain to become the manager of Hercules with the intention of keeping the club in La Liga 2. Yet unfortunately relegation could not be avoided, and Jokanovic was sacked once more.

He first came to attention of English fans when he was appointed Watford manager in October 2014 on a short term deal. Jokanovic successfully guided the club to the Premier League having finished second in the Championship behind eventual tittle winners Bournemouth, but after failing to agree new contract, he shocked the Hornets fans by leaving the club in June 2015.

But he wasn't out of work for long, and a month later he was appointed the manager of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv, taking them to the group stage of the Champions League for the first time in 11 years.

The achievement caught the eye of of Fulham, who had recently sacked Kit Symonds, and the Cottagers appointed Jokanovic as their new boss in December 2015.

Style of play

Slavisa Jokanovic likes to play possession based attacking football, using either a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 formation with his team getting on front foot right from the first whistle.

Top goal-scorer

The Cottagers' current leading scorer is Ryan Sessegnon who has scored 14 goals in 41 league appearances this season. Only Leon Clarke (17), Bobby Reid (17) and Matej Vydra (19) have scored more in the Championship.

At just 17 years old, Sessegnon is arguably one of the future talents of the English game with clubs such as Tottenham and Manchester United rumoured to be interested in signing him.

Club captain and current longest serving player

Fulham's current captain is Tom Cairney. The 27 year old has been at the club since completing a move from Blackburn in July 2015 and has gone to score 25 goals in 122 appearances.

By comparison, their current longest serving player is Marcus Bettinelli who has been at the club for his entire playing career having came through the Whites' academy. The goalkeeper has kept 23 clean sheets in 90 appearances.

Played for both
Lucas Piazon


Fulham's current midfielder had a loan spell at Reading during the 2015/16 season. In his short spell with the Royals, Piazon scored five goals in 27 appearances, with the perhaps most crucial one coming against West Brom in the FA Cup.

Piazon remains officially contracted to Chelsea, but has been on loan at Fulham since the start of last season, and has netted 11 goals in 52 appearances for the club.

After scoring against Reading back in August, the Brazilian celebrated in front of the Reading fans, thus commencing a seeming neutral hatred between the two parties.

Chris Martin

Reading striker Chris Martin had a loan spell at Fulham last season, where he scored 11 goals in 34 appearances. However, it wasn't all plain sailing for the centre-forward as Martin became unsettled and wanted to terminate his loan spell halfway through the season.

Following his loan spell Martin returned to his parent club Derby. But having returned to the Rams, Martin became surplus requirements and in January this year, the 29 year old moved to Reading on loan.

Oliver Norwood

Oliver Norwood made 92 appearances for Reading in a two year spell at the club between August 2014 and August 2016.

In his time in Berkshire, Norwood scored five goals with most of those coming in spectacular fashion, such as this one against Nottingham Forest.

But Norwood felt that his career was better off elsewhere, and moved to Brighton just days before the start of the 2016/17 season. Following the Seagulls' promotion to the Premier League, Norwood was deemed surplus to requirements and moved to Fulham on loan at the start of this season.

Sone Aluko

Reading winger Sone Aluko made over 54 appearance for the Cottagers in a short spell for the West London club. During his time at Fulham he scored nine goals as he helped his side to a top six finish.

Then last summer, Aluko moved to Reading for a club record fee just days after his old side had drawn 1-1 against Reading at the Madejski Stadium. He has so far scored two goals in 35 appearances for the Royals.

Key man

The key man that Reading fans should keep an eye on is Alexander Mitrovic. The striker is currently on loan at Fulham having signed from Newcastle in January. Mitrovic has had a fantastic impact at the West London club having scored nine goals in 12 appearances.

The currently averages 3.8 shots per game, showing the danger he presents in front of goal. All efforts will need to be made at keeping the talented Serbian quiet, who arguably should be playing at a higher level.

Likely line-up

Following Fulham's 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday last time out, manager Slavisa Jokanovic is likely to stick with the same side that beat the Owls in a 4-3-3 formation.

Marcus Bettinelli (GK); Ryan Fredericks, Tim Ream, Denis Odoi, Matt Targett; Kevin McDonald, Tom Cairney, Stefan Johansen; Ryan Sessegnon, Alexander Mitrovic, Sheyi Ojo



https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/4/10/17213076/scouting-report-fulham-fc-vs-reading-fc-efl-sky-bet-championship-craven-cottage

WhiteJC

 
Southampton's Matt Targett responds when asked if he could join Fulham permanently

Matt Targett swapped St Mary's for Craven Cottage in January and has shone in the Championship with Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham.

Matt Targett was expected to follow in the esteemed footsteps of fellow St Mary's alumni Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw, Calum Chambers and co when breaking into the Southampton first-team three years ago.

Thanks to injuries and the excellent form of Ryan Bertrand, however, the 22-year-old left-back never managed to really nail down a regular place in the first-team.

But since moving on loan to Fulham in January, Targett has shown why he was once tipped to star on the south coast. The Cottagers have not lost a single one of the 13 games that the former England U21 ace has featured in over the last three months – and Targett has now admitted that there's a chance he could stay at Craven Cottage beyond this season.

"[Staying at Fulham next season] is certainly an option, everyone wants to play Premier League football and if Fulham are in the Premier League then I don't see why not," Targett told Get West London, while admitting that Southampton have not been in touch once during his spell away.

"I've enjoyed every minute here at Fulham, we haven't lost yet while I've been here and we have to keep that run going."

No doubt Fulham would jump at the chance to keep the Eastleigh-born youngster in West London – though it remains to be seen whether Targett's future, like that of so many of his Cottagers' team-mates, depend on which division they are playing in next season.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/04/10/do-southamptons-matt-targett-responds-when-asked-if-he-could-joi/


WhiteJC

 
Mr Reliable

It wasn't that long ago that Tim Ream's Fulham days appeared to be numbered. Signed by Kit Symons from Bolton in August 2015, the arrival of new boss Slaviša Jokanović a couple of months later saw Ream used sparingly. He was told he could leave at the end of the 2015/16 season.

Many players would have done just that, but Ream had other ideas. Determined to stay put, he's since gone on to play more than 100 times for Fulham.

Ream tells Tuesday's official matchday programme: "That's been my mentality everywhere I've gone; I'm going to make it hard for whoever's in charge to see me off and give them something to think about. Fair play to the manager, we had a conversation and a meeting and he let me know where things stood.


"I took it on board and thought, 'You know what, I'm going to come in next pre-season and give you some food for thought. If you still feel the way you do, then so be it, I won't be able to change that.' But thankfully I was able to change his mind and here I am, almost 24 months later, starting a load of games and playing well. I like to think I'm one of the first on the teamsheet because I've been playing so well and so consistently."

To read the full interview with Ream, 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
    Paul Parker looks back on his two two spells in SW6
    Marcus Hahnemann recalls his stints at Fulham and Reading
    Cyrus Christie takes our nine-dart challenge
    And Mark Crossley talks us through a Fulham-related photo of himself



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 1am on Tuesday morning.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/10/tim-ream-reading-programme

WhiteJC

 
Mo: "We want to go to Fulham and give the same"

Winger aiming for another big performance at the Cottage

Two wins from the first three games under Paul Clement – a promising start. But it's another tough ask on Tuesday evening, when we visit promotion-hopefuls Fulham on their own patch.

Mo Barrow, who netted the winner against Preston on Saturday, believes that the team can take something from the game if they dig deep again and put in the same workrate and execute their gameplan.

"I'm always happy and pleased to score a goal – at the moment though, the important thing is to get results and three points and keep ourselves safe this season," said Barrow.

"Every game is important – we want to go to Fulham and give the same effort.  We've kept two clean sheets in three games, so hopefully we can go there and try to get something.

"We want to try and get at least a point from every game, but six points from nine available under the new manager so far is pleasing.

"You could see on Saturday that when we were struggling a bit, the fans were cheering and giving us extra energy to keep on going and the belief.

"Fulham are a really good team, and they're doing really well at the moment.  But we believe that we can get something out of the game."



https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2018/april/mo-we-want-to-go-to-fulham-and-give-the-same/

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Fulham Emerge From The Chasing Pack To Become The Championship's Form Team



Neil Warnock was furious. Not only had he seen Gary Madine and Junior Hoilett miss injury time penalties that could have rescued his side from defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday, but he also deemed Nuno Santo's celebrations to be disrespectful and needlessly provocative. The Portuguese manager's apologies fell on deaf ears.

There was a certain irony in Warnock's complaints about a fellow manager's lack of class, but worse than the failure to close the gap on Wolves, who now look certain to claim the Championship title, was that the result opened the door to Fulham. After a poor start, they have been relentless in recent weeks and now believe they can pip Cardiff City to second.

It took Fulham five attempts to register their first win of the season, and even then they were slow to get going. After 17 games they had just 20 points and were stuck in the bottom half of the table. Then something clicked. A helter-skelter 5-4 win over Sheffield United seemed to spark them off and they haven't looked back since.

Fulham have lost just twice in their last 24 league games and are unbeaten in 19, taking a remarkable 49 points from a possible 57. While others have flagged and faded, Slavisa Jokanovic's side are hitting their stride at just the right time. They are unquestionably the Championship's most exciting team, aided by a couple of clever additions in the January transfer window.

Matt Targett has freed the explosive wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon to play further up the pitch while Aleksandr Mitrovic has brought some focus and intensity to their attack, scoring nine goals in 12 appearances. At Newcastle United it was often felt that the spiky Serbian was capable of more than he showed. He's now proving it, and was deservedly named Championship Player of the Month for March.

Momentum is a powerful force in football. Elusive and hard to explain, it can make a group of once fragile players begin to feel unbeatable. Fulham are on the sort of run where anything seems possible. They are a vibrant attacking threat with goals throughout the team and a clear target in their sights. With one point from their last two games, perhaps Cardiff are starting to feel the pressure.

Warnock has done well to drag them this far. Second from bottom when he took over last season, he's turned them into promotion contenders with minimal investment and an old-fashioned emphasis on team building that has made them more than the sum of their parts. The finishing line looms on the horizon and Cardiff have a game in hand on their rivals.

Tonight they face a tough test at Villa Park, while Fulham will fancy their chances at home to Reading. Two points is the gap between them and Cardiff as it stands. If results go their way, Slavisa Jokanovic's side could be occupying an automatic promotion spot for the first time all season once the final whistle blows at Craven Cottage.

Nobody saw this turnaround coming, and particular credit must go to Tom Cairney, the club's captain and influential midfielder. It's no surprise that their mid-season revival coincided with his return from injury, bringing more poise and purpose to their play. Ongoing rumours of a move to West Ham United don't seem to have been any distraction and Cairney is shortlisted for the division's Player of the Year award alongside his teammate Sessegnon and Wolves' Ruben Neves.

There will undoubtedly be more twists and turns to come in a notoriously unpredictable division but Fulham are looking in the best shape they have since relegation from the Premier League four years ago. Having experienced the pain of play-off semi-final defeat last year, they're hopeful of making their return to the top flight as runners-up on current form.



https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/fulham-emerge-from-the-chasing-pack-to-become-the-championships-form-team


WhiteJC

 
Jokanovic not thinking about Fulham's unbeaten run or catching Cardiff ahead of Reading test

The head coach does think, however, that Fulham are in a 'mentally easier situation' than Reading

Slavisa Jokanovic isn't thinking about Fulham's unbeaten run or about catching Cardiff City ahead of tonight's game with Reading.

If results go the right way, that is, if Fulham beat their visitors and Cardiff lose to Aston Villa, the Whites will end the night in the automatic promotion places, although the Welsh side will have a game in hand.

It will also extend the unbeaten run to 20 games, a staggering number, but the cool-headed head coach isn't thinking about any of that as he welcomes Paul Clement to Craven Cottage.

What he will say, however, is that he thinks his side are in a 'mentally easier situation' that Reading as they prepare to face one another tonight.

He said: "I am not thinking about our [19-game unbeaten] run, I am thinking only about the Reading game, about our performance, about our way of playing football, about being confident, about showing ambition, about trying to dominate the opposition, and trying to score a goal.

"We've shown a great defensive level, and we must be focused, we must concentrate to give ourselves a good starting position."

"There's no point thinking about something that is not in your hands, at the moment all our focus is on the Reading game.

"I believe we are in a mentally easier situation than Reading. They must understand they are one step away from being in a complicated situation.

"We are where we are, now we look forward and try and do our job."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jokanovic-not-thinking-fulhams-unbeaten-14513032

WhiteJC


Fulham vs Reading: Match Preview
Can Reading emulate their defensive heroics from Saturday at Craven Cottage?

Fulham FC vs Reading FC, EFL Championship

Craven Cottage, 7:45pm KO

Reading will make the short trip over to West London on Tuesday night to take on a Fulham side unbeaten in 19 league matches. The Whites are rampaging towards the automatic promotion places and could end the night in the top two should results elsewhere go in favour of the hosts. Reading will be having flashbacks of last season's 5-0 defeat at Craven Cottage but will hope to capitalise on any potential complacency coming from the hosts.

Fulham

Form (league): W/D/W/W/W

Slavisa Jokanovic has just one injury concern heading into this Championship fixture, with former Reading loanee Lucas Piazon a doubt after missing the trip to Hillsborough on the weekend with a knock.

Elsewhere, the Serb has a selection dilemma out wide, with Floyd Ayite and Sheyi Ojo both tussling for a starting berth here, although it is the former who remains most likely to feature from the off here.

Reading FC

Form (league): L/L/W/L/W

Dave Edwards will return to contention here after missing Saturday's 1-0 win over Preston through suspension. However, the experienced midfielder faces competition from George Evans, Liam Kelly, John Swift and Leandro Bacuna for a spot in the starting X11.

Joseph Mendes is now fully fit again but remains unlikely to feature, while Callum Harriott continues to rebuild his fitness with the under 23s. Centre-back pairing Tommy Elphick and Paul McShane will also miss out, whilst Jordan Obita and Garath McCleary are out for the rest of the season.

Left-back Tyler Blackett was absent from the matchday squad on the weekend due to a minor knock, so Omar Richards could be given the nod for the trip to Craven Cottage.

Head to Head

Fulham: 20

Draw: 16

Reading: 18

Past 5 Meetings

03 December 2016: Fulham 5-0 Reading (EFL Championship)

24 January 2017: Reading 1-0 Fulham (EFL Championship)

13 May 2017: Fulham 1-1 Reading (EFL Championship Play-Off Semi-Final)

16 May 2017: Reading 1-0 Fulham (EFL Championship Play-Off Semi-Final)

12 August 2017: Reading 1-1 Fulham (EFL Championship)

Prediction

Paul Clement has enjoyed an excellent start to life as Reading manager and back-to-back 1-0 home victories have helped eased fears of relegation, however, the Royals struggled when pitted against a more attacking Aston Villa side last week and are likely to struggle again here against arguably the division's most dangerous attacking force. Tiago Ilori and Liam Moore will need to emulate their performance against Preston in order to deal with Aleksandar Mitrovic here. 2-0.



https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/4/10/17218800/fulham-vs-reading-match-preview

WhiteJC


Looking ahead to Fulham's five Cup finals
by alandrewett on April 10, 2018

This evening at Craven Cottage marks the start of Fulham's sprint to the Championship finishing line. It might be trite to call Fulham's remaining five fixtures Cup finals, but it feels like that there is what they are. If last weekend was as close to perfect as possible – with Cardiff losing at home to Wolves on Friday night and Slavisa Jokanovic's side claiming an important three points at Sheffield Wednesday, then tonight offers a massive opportunity to ramp up the pressure on Neil Warnock's men.

There is, of course, a chance that the Whites could end the night in second having beaten Reading. That scenario depends on Cardiff slipping up again – this time at Aston Villa, whose own automatic promotion hopes might have been extinguished by their defeat at Norwich City on Saturday lunchtime. While Jokanovic has so far succeeded in keeping the focus solely on Fulham's next fixture, some of the players did admit to feeling a little more pressure last weekend – and considering the implications of thee crunch games is only natural, after all.

For Fulham to obtain an automatic place in the Premier League in May, they will probably need to extend that phenomenal nineteen game unbeaten run by another five matches. Reading might be struggling – a shadow of the side that beat us in the play-off semi-final last year – but they won't be a soft touch tonight. Sone Aluko, who was so pivotal to Fulham's success last season, will be eager to prove a point on his first return to Craven Cottage and his team-mates will be wanting to impress new manager Paul Clement, who has taken over from Jaap Stam at the Madjeski Stadium.

At their best, Jokanovic's side have looked mesmerising this season. During that outstanding unbeaten run since mid-December, Fulham have brushed aside the likes of Cardiff, Wolves and Aston Villa. There is an even a school of thought that the Whites' dominance in some of these matches has not been reflected in the scoreline – for instance, Fulham could certainly have scored far more than just Aleksandar Mitrovic's goal that edged them past Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend. In a tight run in where goal difference could become crucial, the Whites need to be ruthless in front of goal.

What was most pleasing about the win over the Owls was the patience Jokanovic's side showed once it became clear that they weren't about to blow Wednesday away. The composure of the likes of Kevin McDonald, Tom Cairney and Stefan Johansen, who kept the midfield ticking over when the temptation must have been to go for broke at times in the second half, was ultimately rewarded. It could well be another tense evening under the lights at the Cottage tonight – and the home fans will need to play their part. This Fulham side is full of confidence and have complete belief in their style of football and they should relish the opportunity to go out and prove their Premier League credentials.

Nothing is won yet. There could be twists and turns ahead in the next few weeks, especially with two tricky London derbies against Brentford and Millwall, who have their own promotion ambitions to further, looming on the horizon. As Jokanovic has said, all his team can do is win their games and keep up the pressure. Let's hope that the Whites can clinch another valuable three points tonight.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/looking-ahead-to-fulhams-five-cup-finals/


WhiteJC

 
Fulham vs Reading TEAM NEWS: Chelsea loanee returns to the starting XI as Ojo and Ayite drops out

It's just the one change for Fulham this afternoon as Floyd Ayite misses out with injury and Sheyi Ojo is dropped

Fulham will welcome Lucas Piazon back to the starting XI for the visit of Reading this evening as Slavisa Jokanovic makes just one change.

He replaces Sheyi Ojo, while Floyd Ayite misses out on after suffering an injury in the 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday and is replaced by the Chelsea loanee, but apart from that it's as you were for the Whites.

Denis Odoi continues his fine run of form in the heart of defence alongside Tim Ream, while Ryan Fredericks and Matt Targett continue at right and left back respectively.

Aleksandar Mitrovic will be looking for his 10th goal of the season this evening as he continues up front, while Ryan Sessegnon will support him from the left.

Tom Cairney, Stefan Johansen and Kevin McDonald all continue in the middle of the park.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Targett, Ream, Odoi, Johansen, Cairney, McDonald, Sessegnon, Piazon and Mitrovic

Subs: Button, Kalas, Christie, Kebano, Kamara, Fonte and Norwood



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-vs-reading-team-news-14515085