Monday Fulham Stuff (14/05/18)...

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Fulham v Derby County
MON 14 May 2018   Championship - Play-offs - 2nd Leg
Venue: Craven Cottage

Cameron Jerome (right) scored his fifth goal in four games to give Derby a first-leg lead

Fulham go into the home second-leg of their EFL Championship play-off semi-final trailing 1-0 to opponents Derby.

The Cottagers hope on-loan Liverpool striker Sheyi Ojo will return after missing six games with an injury.

Derby lead thanks to Cameron Jerome's header and could give a first start since 11 March to Ikechi Anya, who came off the bench at Pride Park.

Boss Gary Rowett must cope without left-back Marcus Olsson, who will be out until 2019 after knee surgery.

The aggregate winners will face either Aston Villa or Middlesbrough in the final at Wembley for a place in next season's Premier League.

Match facts
    Fulham are still looking for their first ever win in the Football League play-offs, having drawn two and lost five of their previous seven games.
    The last second-tier team to win the play-offs after a semi-final first leg defeat was Bolton Wanderers, who overturned a 2-1 defeat against Wolves in 1995 (3-2 on aggregate), before beating Reading in the final.
    Derby have progressed to the play-off final on each of the previous three occasions they have won the semi-final first leg; all of which have come in the second tier (in 1994, 2007 and 2014).
    Fulham have scored more league goals than any other Championship team in 2018, with 61% of their total coming in home games (27 of 44).
    Aleksandar Mitrovic has been directly involved in seven of Fulham's past 12 league goals at Craven Cottage, scoring six and assisting one.
    After scoring just once in his first 15 league appearances for Derby, Cameron Jerome has netted in each of his four outings since (five goals).
    If Jerome nets in the second leg, it would be the first time in his league career (including play-offs) that he has scored in five consecutive games.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44026478

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Could Ikechi Anya face Fulham in play-off second leg? Here's what Gary Rowett said

Anya returned after missing nine matches in the first leg at Pride Park Stadium

Ikechi Anya is in the frame to make his first start for Derby County in two months as they look to book a place at Wembley.

A calf injury sidelined Anya for nine matches but he returned to action when he came off the bench in Friday's 1-0 home victory over Fulham.

Derby's win gives them a slender lead going into the second leg of the Championship play-off semi-final tie at Craven Cottage tomorrow night.

Andreas Weimann was used as an emergency left wing-back in the absence of the injured Marcus Olsson, but Anya could get the nod in the second leg.

Ironically, the Scottish international played a full season at Watford in that position when Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic was in charge of the Hornets.

Rams manager Gary Rowett believes Anya is the most natural wing-back in the squad and he was pleased with what he saw when the player came on against Fulham.

"Ikechi has only trained for a couple of weeks, but he certainly handled Ryan Fredericks' pace really well," said Rowett.

"He is probably the most natural to play in that role. We will have big decisions to make for Monday."

Anya's last start was in the goalless draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on March 11.

He has made only four starts all season and nine appearances in total.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/could-ikechi-anya-face-fulham-1560703

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'We Hold The Upper Hand And We Need To Protect That'

Curtis Davies has called on his Derby County team-mates to produce another 'brave and bold' performance on Monday evening to protect their advantage gained in the Sky Bet Championship semi-final first-leg against Fulham on Friday.

The Rams' composure and stubborness not to waiver from their game-plan at Pride Park Stadium ensured they head to West London with a 1-0 head start on the Cottagers.

Their reluctance to be drawn in to Fulham's attacking style and ability to stay solid in their shape meant the Rams extinguished all the Cottagers advancements and allowed just two shots on target, both from outside the area.

The Rams' captain proved to be a nightmare for Aleksandar Mitrovic who failed to find the net after he has scored 12 goals in 17 Championship matches since his loan spell began at the end of January.

Davies told RamsTV: "I think we won plaudits for the way we frustrated Fulham.

"A lot of people that watch football and watch the Championship will know that Fulham are a team that will keep the ball against the best, but it's how you deal with it.

"On the night we defended very well as a unit and when we did get the ball into their half we played some good stuff.

"But you can't really defend for another 90 minutes down there, we need to make sure that we pose a threat as well and possibly score a goal."

The Rams may have the lead, but it is only half-time in the semi-final and for the first time, they are the ones with the targets on their backs.

Derby will have to defend their advantage, but the 33-year-old centre-back insists his side won't be sitting back and just keeping the Cottagers away.

"I don't think anything will change for Fulham because that's the way they play, they can only play attacking football," Davies said.

"For us, we are a clean-sheet away from Wembley, but that's not to say we are going to sit there and park the bus with 10 at the back.

"It's a game of chess, at the moment we have got the upper hand so we need to protect that. Fulham will give their all and they are a very tough team to play against.

"It's tough enough for 90 minutes, let alone 180, so we are going to have to go there and be brave, bold and come away with a result hopefully."

Along with the team, 2,010 Rams fans will head to Craven Cottage after the allocation of tickets sold out.

The atmosphere at Pride Park was electrifying, with more than 27,000 in attendance, and Davies hopes the fans will provide the same support away from home.

"The support on Friday was magnificent," he said.

"The fans didn't get upset with things, I think they accepted too that Fulham were going to keep the ball, and they backed us all the way.

"Whenever we did go on those breaks they were right behind the lads and nearly roared us another goal in. Unfortunately, we couldn't get that second one, but come Monday hopefully they will be supporting us again and we do get another goal."

There is one final stop before hopefully moving on to Wembley, however, for Davies, that isn't what Derby are playing for.

"I've always said the prize isn't getting to Wembley, Wembley is nothing. It's promotion.

"It might be a good day out for the fans and family. For me I wouldn't care if it was played in the park across the road, you want to play a game of football and win promotion.

"That is the key to remember."



https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2018/05/we-need-to-protect-our-upper-hand

[WhiteJC]

 
Transfer gossip: Speculation over Sessegnon's future continues


Sessegnon has been linked with several clubs

Speculation continues over the future of Ryan Sessegnon, with The Sun on Sunday declaring that Fulham want £100m for the 'Manchester United target'.

Tottenham are keen to agree a deal to sign Sessegnon this summer and he has been linked with various other clubs.

Those clubs include United, with The Sun on Sunday suggesting they are looking to sign him but have been told he will cost a nine-figure fee.

The Times recently claimed United are hoping to persuade Sessegnon to join them if he decides to leave Fulham.

The Sun previously claimed United were ready to pay £40m in order to land Sessegnon.

The newspaper quoted 'an Old Trafford source' as saying: "The club have been keeping tabs on him and the reports back are fantastic.

"He is even being compared to Gareth Bale at the same stage of his career. He has all the attributes.

"He is quick and has an eye for goal. Jose has been impressed with him and he will be a star."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-manutd-sessegnon-sun-130518

[WhiteJC]

 
Derby County's play-off semi-final opponents Fulham put £100m valuation on Ryan Sessegnon

The Cottagers have asked for the staggering amount to ward off interest from Manchester United

Fulham have reportedly placed a £100m valuation on star player Ryan Sessegnon.

The left-sided youngster has been a long-term target of Premier League giants Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, but Fulham are desperate to keep hold of their man.

And, according to The Sun , the Cottagers have now asked for a staggering £100m for his signature.

Sessegnon was largely a peripheral figure in the play-off semi-final first leg defeat at Pride Park Stadium on Friday night.


Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon celebrates scoring against Wolverhampton Wanderers (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Derby County defender Andre Wisdom, who started the game at right wing-back, kept the talented teenager quiet throughout before the Fulham man was replaced in the second half.

Sessegnon made history this season when he became the first player outside the Premier League to be nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year. Leroy Sane of Manchester City eventually won the honour.

He has featured in every Championship game this season for Fulham, and is their top scorer with 15 goals.

After a stellar season in the capital, Sessegnon cleaned up at the end-of-season awards, winning the Championship player of the season, young player of the season and the apprentice of the year.

He was also in both the EFL and PFA teams of the season – and is in line to start against the Rams in Monday's play-off second leg.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/derby-countys-play-semi-final-1561884

[WhiteJC]

 
Why Fulham fans shouldn't despair ahead of Monday's play-off second leg

The Whites lost 1-0 away to Derby in the first leg.

In the aftermath of Fulham's 1-0 play-off semi-final first leg defeat away to Derby County, a feeling of disgust and dismay fell over the Cottagers fanbase.

Despite dominating shots, possession, passes, and corners, Fulham failed to find a cutting edge and continued their shocking winless play-off run.

However, Fulham supporters should avoid the tendency to panic heading into Monday's second leg at Craven Cottage, as the Whites were the better side on Friday night and possess a superb home unbeaten run.

Against Derby, the Whites were at times far too pedestrian, playing football at a walking pace and failing to break down the well-drilled Rams defence.

In addition, a frustrating number of attacks seemed forced down the middle, where Aleksandar Mitrovic was heavily watched all night long and was scarcely given an inch of space.

Nonetheless, Fulham's second-half performance offers lots of encouragement for the Cottagers faithful. The away side clearly came out of the changing rooms with a point to prove and began the second half brightly.

Kevin McDonald rattled the crossbar with a fierce long-range effort, Floyd Ayite nearly converted a first-time volley, and Fulham essentially camped outside Derby's penalty area for three-quarters of an hour.

But it is clear that a shift in mentality and incisiveness is required for Monday night's encounter at Craven Cottage.

Being the better side is useless when one cannot convert a scoring chance; Fulham must look to be more direct at home and take shots on goal whenever possible.

Another area for encouragement is the fortress that Slavisa Jokanovic's side has built at Craven Cottage.

The Whites are unbeaten at home since a 2-0 Halloween defeat to Bristol City, and have beaten the likes of Wolves, Aston Villa, Sheffield United, and Leeds United during that spell.

Jokanovic summed it up best in his post-match comments on the club's official website, urging his team to show belief and fighting spirit.

"We must not let ourselves get too frustrated and remain confident as we showed quality and had a good mentality," Jokanovic said. "What we want to do is now change this story and win the game on Monday night and fight for the opportunity to play at Wembley."

Fulham must not despair after their Pride Park loss; there is still everything to play for on Monday night and their Wembley dream is still within reach.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-despair-second-leg/

[WhiteJC]

 
Bettinelli: Scream & Shout

Marcus Bettinelli has called for a raucous atmosphere at Craven Cottage on Monday evening.

Fulham welcome Derby County to SW6 for our Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg looking to overturn a one goal deficit, and Bettinelli hopes the Whites faithful can give the team the extra push needed to get over the line.

"We just need everyone behind us," he told fulhamfc.com. "We need every corner of the stadium to be screaming and shouting the whole game.

"If we go 1-0 down we need them to keep screaming and shouting for us and get us through this leg. Last season at Reading away the fans were brilliant, cheering us on, so we'll need the same.

"We need the fans on form on Monday, cheering us forward and giving everything they've got, and we'll be doing all we can to get the win for them.

"I can picture the scenes now of us [winning the tie]. We're 1-0 down but we've got to go full force into the next leg.

"We're going to go press, we're going to get our shots away. It's going to be an intense game but I'm sure with the fans behind us we can get the right result."

Fulham enjoyed the better of the play and chances at Pride Park on Friday, and so Bettinelli is remaining upbeat despite the deficit facing his side.

"I think we deserve to be level," he said. "Fair play to Derby, they defended extremely well, but I think everyone could see we were by far the better team.

"It's a tough place to come and with the run we've been on everyone expects us to just kick teams to the curb and beat them comfortably, but that's not the case.

"Derby are in the Play-Offs for a reason, we're in the exact same position as them and we had one of those days where we tried everything and it just wasn't coming off. On another day we win it 2-1 or at least get a 1-1 draw.

"But it's fine, we're 1-0 down at half-time, we'll go into the next game full of confidence and attack. We've got nothing to lose, we're great going forward, so we're in a positive frame of mind going back to the Cottage."

The Rams played a defensive game in the First Leg, so much so that Bettinelli was effectively playing as a sweeper at times, but he believes they'll struggle to replicate that for the entirety of Monday's encounter.

"That's the way the game panned out, but I'd be very surprised if they can come and do that at the Cottage for 90 minutes," he stated. "We'll watch the video and assess what went wrong on Friday.

"I don't think we did much wrong to be honest. Birmingham was a really bad performance but that wasn't the case this time. We defended well, limited them to very few chances.

"It is what it is, we go back to the Cottage now. I can't remember the last time we lost at the Cottage, so we've got to go into that full of confidence, and why not?

"We've got one last chance to get to Wembley, we're 1-0 down at half-time and we've just got to go in there and give it all we've got.

"Realistically, they're going to sit in and play on the counter, and that's going to suit us. We're very good going forward, especially at the Cottage with the fans behind us."­­­­­



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/13/marcus-bettinelli-scream-and-shout

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Top 50 Players of the EFL – 41st: Kevin McDonald (Fulham)

Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald has been voted by you as the 42nd best player in the EFL.

Over the last month, we have been gathering votes from you to find the best managers and players in the EFL. And after counting the votes, we have discovered you think that McDonald is the 41st best player in the Football League. This is the first time he has been on this list.

There are a lot of Fulham players you can give credit to for their form in the second half of the season. It's very likely that you are going to see some of them later on in this list as well. But one player you shouldn't forget is McDonald who was a key player for them in the midfield throughout the season. He has always been a great player, both Sheffield United and Wolves fans can attest, but he took it to another level by running many of the games they won this season.

Showing those concerns about his injuries are way in the past, he played most of the season, making 45 appearances. In that time he scored three goals and also got one assist. Teams such as Millwall, Barnsley and Burton Albion will be hoping that they never play against McDonald again after suffering against him this season. This was another great year for McDonald and he will be hoping to continue that.

McDonald's season is not over yet. They will be facing Derby County in the second leg of the play-offs and will need to come back from a 1-0 deficit to go to the final.



http://the72.co.uk/102467/top-50-players-efl-41st-kevin-mcdonald-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Derby will not take anything for granted at Fulham, says boss Gary Rowett

The Rams hold a slender 1-0 lead after the first leg thanks to Cameron Jerome's goal.

Gary Rowett insists his Derby side will take nothing for granted when they travel to Fulham for the second leg of their play-off semi-final at Craven Cottage on Monday evening.

Cameron Jerome's goal in Friday night's first leg ensured the Rams take a 1-0 lead into the game and knowing a draw will further their chances of playing in the Premier League next season.

With that in mind, boss Rowett says he will be telling his players to be positive and try not to think about what awaits the Wembley winner.

"You have to approach the game as if it's 0-0," Rowett told the club's website.

"You can't try to just hang on to a lead, we have to go and win the game again, and that has to be our mentality.

"A draw will take us through, but I don't think that you can play for a draw.

"We know that we will have to defend similarly well, because they are a good side, and you can see that they have the players to open you up.

"We have to be positive. We can't go to sit back and defend for the whole evening, and we will make sure our tactics give us a chance to do that.

"Every other team in the play-offs are two games away from the Premier League. It doesn't enter into our thoughts and we don't think about the prize at the end.

"All you think about is the job, and you can't focus on anything other than that.

"We are level-headed and we are down to earth, and we know what we have to do. It will be a tough task and we know that Fulham will probably still be the favourites."

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes his side have to be prepared to take risks if they are to keep their Premier League hopes alive.

"We know how we want to play," Jokanovic said.

"We know how to make more damage. We are ready for the challenge. We need to put them under more pressure and take a little bit more risk.

"We must be brave, strong and show self-belief. We must put our maximum on the field.

"My team has shown many times we have enough quality and we have won many games at home.

"This is an important chance for us and we will push with all our weapons to win the game."

Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, beaten by Jerome's strike in the 34th minute, believes his side will overcome the one-goal deficit and progress to the final.

"We just need everyone behind us," Bettinelli told fulhamfc.com.

"If we go 1-0 down, we need them to keep screaming and shouting for us and get us through this leg.

"Last season at Reading, the fans were brilliant cheering us on, so we'll need the same.

"We need the fans on form on Monday, cheering us forward and giving everything they've got, and we'll be doing all we can to get the win for them.

"I can picture the scenes now of us (winning the tie). We are 1-0 down but we've got to go full force into the next leg.

"We're going to go press, we're going to get our shots away. It's going to be an intense game but I'm sure with the fans behind us we can get the right result."



http://sport.bt.com/football/derby-will-not-take-anything-for-granted-at-fulham-says-boss-gary-rowett-S11364271476218

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Andreas Weimann opens up about his new Derby County role in crucial Fulham clash

Austrian forward filled in at left wing-back for the Rams' play-off semi-final first leg at Pride Park

It was a big night for Derby County on Friday - and for Andreas Weimann in particular.

The Austrian forward was asked to play in the unfamiliar role of left wing-back in the Rams' Championship play-off semi-final first leg against Fulham.

It was Weimann's 42nd appearance in all competitions this season but the first time he had started a match in this position.

However, he helped Gary Rowett's men secure a valuable 1-0 victory at Pride Park Stadium.

Rowett opted to stick with a 3-4-2-1 formation against Fulham - but was without Marcus Olsson, who is facing a lengthy spell out after sustaining cruciate knee ligament damage in the 4-1 victory over Barnsley.

Craig Forsyth could have been moved to the left but he remained in a back three.

Ikechi Anya was another option but, having only just recovered from a calf injury, he was left on the bench.

So the job was given to Weimann, whose usual role was taken by recalled player of the year and top scorer Matej Vydra.

"It's the first time I've played that position from the start, so it was different," said Weimann.

"I just tried my best, defensively, and then tried to join in as much as I could when we attacked.

"It was hard work and I felt it in the end a little bit - I got a bit of cramp at the end, unfortunately just at the wrong time as I was breaking through!

"But I'll recover now and I'm sure we'll all be ready to go again for the second leg on Monday."

It was surely something of a gamble to throw Weimann in at the deep end - when Rowett might have reverted to a flat back four - but one that appeared to pay off.

"I only did it in training for a couple of days but I think I can play that role and I tried my best," Weimann added.

"It was hard work and I felt it in the end a little bit - I got a bit of cramp at the end, unfortunately just at the wrong time as I was breaking through!

"But I'll recover now and I'm sure we'll all be ready to go again for the second leg on Monday."

It was surely something of a gamble to throw Weimann in at the deep end - when Rowett might have reverted to a flat back four - but one that appeared to pay off.

"I only did it in training for a couple of days but I think I can play that role and I tried my best," Weimann added.

"I think I've got the energy to play it. Obviously, defensively, it's a bit different to playing as a winger, but I thought I did alright out there.

"If I'm in the team on Monday, I'll try to do my best again."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/andreas-weimann-opens-up-new-1560680

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Derby preview: Championship play-off semi-final second leg live on Sky Sports Football

Sheyi Ojo will be hoping to earn a recall for Fulham in their crucial play-off semi-final second leg at home to Derby on Monday night.

Ojo has been sidelined for the last six games because of an unspecified injury and failed to make Slavisa Jokanovic's squad for Friday night's 1-0 first-leg defeat. Floyd Ayite marked his return from a hamstring injury by playing 76 minutes.

Ikechi Anya could return to Derby's starting XI for the first time since the 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest on March 11. Anya came off the bench to replaced Matej Vydra with 22 minutes left to play at Pride Park as the Rams took control of the tie.

The midfielder is available to Gary Rowett should he wish to freshen his side up for the second leg. Defender Marcus Olsson's season is over after it was confirmed he has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Opta stats

Fulham are still looking for their first ever win in the Football League play-offs, having drawn two and lost five of their previous seven games.

The last second tier team to win the play-offs after suffering a semi-final first leg defeat was Bolton Wanderers, who overturned a 2-1 defeat against Wolves in 1995 (3-2 on aggregate), before beating Reading in the final.

None of Fulham's last three results in home play-off games would be enough to see them advance to this year's final (0-4 v Bristol Rovers in 1989, 1-1 v Grimsby in 1998 and 1-1 v Reading last season).

Derby have progressed to the play-off final on each of the previous three occasions they have won the semi-final first leg; all of which have come in the second tier (in 1994, 2007 and 2014).

In all competitions, the Rams have lost just one of their last six games at Craven Cottage (W1 D4), with each of the three games there against Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham side ending in stalemates (1-1, 2-2 and 1-1).

After failing to score in the first leg at Pride Park, Fulham have now netted just two goals across their seven games in the Football League play-offs.

However, the West London side have scored more league goals than any other Championship team in 2018, with 61% of their total coming in home games (27 of 44).

Aleksandar Mitrovic has been directly involved in seven of Fulham's last 12 league goals at Craven Cottage, scoring six and assisting one.

After scoring just once in his first 15 league appearances for Derby, Cameron Jerome has netted in each of his four outings since (five goals).

If Jerome nets in the second leg, it would be the first time in his league career (inc. play-offs) that he has scored in five consecutive games.

Prutton's prediction

What a great win that was for Derby, especially when you consider the fact they were the first team to stop Fulham scoring in the Championship since December! Gary Rowett's side kept Ryan Sessegnon and Aleksandar Mitrovic very quiet, and Cameron Jerome has started scoring goals again just at the right time.

Fulham will play the same way at Craven Cottage as they did at Pride Park and you imagine that Derby will sit in with their three centre-backs and try to nick a goal on the counter. I have a feeling this one could go to penalties, where I'd have to back Fulham to edge through.

David Prutton predicts: (14/1 with Sky Bet)



http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-derby/preview/389234

[WhiteJC]

 
Ojo hoping to earn Fulham recall

Striker Sheyi Ojo will be hoping to earn a recall for Fulham in their crucial play-off semi-final second leg at home to Derby.
Ojo has been sidelined for the last six games because of an unspecified injury and failed to make Slavisa Jokanovic's squad for Friday night's 1-0 first-leg defeat.
The striker, on loan from Wolves, has scored five goals in 24 appearances for Fulham this season.
Floyd Ayite marked his return from a hamstring injury by playing 76 minutes.
Ikechi Anya could return to Derby's starting XI for the first time since the 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest on March 11.
Anya came off the bench to replaced Matej Vydra with 22 minutes left to play at Pride Park as the Rams took control of the tie.
The midfielder is available to Gary Rowett should he wish to freshen his side up for the second leg.
Defender Marcus Olsson's season is over after it was confirmed he has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/preview?gameId=510427

[WhiteJC]

 
Why former Nottingham Forest man is backing Fulham to reach to play-off final ahead of Derby County

The Rams hold a 1-0 advantage going into the second leg at Craven Cottage

Former Nottingham Forest midfielder David Prutton is backing Fulham to reach the Championship play-off final – by beating Derby County on penalties.

The Rams head to Craven Cottage on Monday with a slender lead after a 1-0 victory at Pride Park Stadium on Friday.

Cameron Jerome's first-half header was the difference and consigned Fulham to back-to-back defeats, after going 23 games unbeaten.

Sky Sports pundit Prutton believes the Cottagers will win on the night, and get to Wembley after spot-kicks.

"What a great win that was for Derby," he said. "Especially when you consider the fact they were the first team to stop Fulham scoring in the Championship since December.

"Gary Rowett's side kept Ryan Sessegnon and Aleksandar Mitrovic very quiet, and Cameron Jerome has started scoring goals again just at the right time.

"Fulham will play the same way at Craven Cottage as they did at Pride Park and you imagine that Derby will sit in with their three centre-backs and try to nick a goal on the counter.

"I have a feeling this one could go to penalties, where I'd have to back Fulham to edge through."

Prutton believes it will be Aston Villa joining Fulham at Wembley.

Villa hold a 1-0 lead against Boro – after victory at the Riverside – and Prutton thinks it will be a 1-1 draw at Villa Park.

"Middlesbrough were awfully flat on Saturday which was a bit of a surprise," he said.

"Aston Villa defended extremely well but it wasn't exactly as though they were under total siege and they fully deserved the win.

"Tony Pulis will rally his side for the trip on Tuesday night and I think they could push Villa really close.

"It will be a tight game that's likely to be decided by the first goal, but I fancy Villa to edge through with a draw."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-nottingham-forest-man-backing-1562287

[WhiteJC]

 
Championship play-offs: How Fulham can overturn Derby County's lead and keep their Premier League ambitions alive

Thanks to a Cameron Jerome header and an inability to take their chances in a second half they controlled, Fulham now find themselves needing to overturn a 1-0 scoreline against Derby County as the Championship play-off semi-final second leg comes to Craven Cottage. It's the London club's second loss on the bounce, after slipping on a Birmingham City shaped banana-skin on the last day of the season, and their record in play-offs suggests this could be terminal. They haven't won a play-off match in the Championship since they began.

A lot rides on this game for Fulham, as it does with any play-off game. However, with the squad and manager they currently have, it's as good a chance as they'll get to go up to the Premier League and stay up. If they lose, they invite the very real prospect of some departures of top players, and a regression. Here's some suggestions as to how they can avoid this.

Rest Denis Odoi
Denis Odoi had a poor game in the first leg, there's no two ways about it. His decision making was poor, as evidenced by his attempt to turn to beat a striker as the last man, losing the ball in the process late in the second half. He also seemed disenchanted after losing possession in the first half – which his teammate regained to clear – remaining deep as the last man for a while before realising he was playing the entire Derby front line onside. It is perhaps harsh to be criticising Odoi on his defensive attributes, as he is a 5″9′ wing back who has of late occupied a role at centre-half turning defence into attack by bringing the ball upfield.

However, he simply wasn't at the races psychologically and he deserves to be replaced in the second leg, regardless of how reliable and calm he usually is for the side. Fulham can't afford passengers in such a must-win game, and Odoi has suggested he will gift Derby the game by deciding to dribble when he shouldn't, given half a chance. Play Tomas Kalas. In addition, a tall centre-back would add an aerial threat at set pieces that Fulham sorely need. The insistence on taking short corners went from predictable to obvious.

Switch on at the start
Odoi wasn't the only one absent. In the first-half Fulham weren't in control of the game and were struggling a little with the Derby counter-attack. As the 70 per cent possession suggests, they pressed forward and held the ball well, especially in the second half, but to concede a header from so far away at the near post raises some questions about goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli. He did a fine job in the second-half in sweeping and cutting out counter-attacks and it must be conceded that Cameron Jerome's header was a bullet. However, they can't afford another concession like that. Derby County's manager said after the game: "We need to show a bit more quality than we showed. We looked like we could counter-attack every single time but we just lacked the quality of that first decision or first pass to get you on the way. We had some really good opportunities on the break." This was true for the first-half, but in the second, Derby looked tired, permanently under pressure and unable to create goal chances. Fulham need to bring the insensity they brought in the second-half from the begining and cut out Derby's counterattack.

Involve Ryan Sessegnon more
Ryan Sessegnon has been Fulham's best player this season (although Tom Cairney has also been exquisite), and in the first leg before coming off, he had influenced the game the least.

Of Fulham's players he managed the least touches, even less than goalkeeper Bettinelli, and seemed marked out of the game by André Wisdom. He also dropped deep on occasion to assist in mopping up the ball in Derby counterattacks. Ideally, Sessegnon is at his best when he can get on the end of balls into the channel and make incisive runs, or burying chances crossed across the box. All of these were slightly nullified by the fact that Derby dropped very deep in defence. Fulham will hope to bring out more in the best in the wide man by allowing him to drift more central and become more involved in the attacking build up. He's better off receiving the ball with men to beat, rather than searching for a through ball that cannot exist in the space. Fulham should encourage him to dribble and link up with Mitrovic more, and encourage central midfielders like Kevin McDonald and central defenders to start distributing to forwards with a little more urgency.

Take your chances
After the match, Fulham manager Slaviša Jokanović said: "We cannot be frustrated. We played all the football on the pitch and we dominated. They scored a fantastic goal. In the second half we created many things without scoring a goal. "We have to be a bit more clinical. That is the plan. We showed we can play good football but we didn't score the goals." Of Fulham's 13 shots at goal in the first leg, only two were on target. That simply isn't good enough from a side that seeks to control the game with possession. Too many shots were taken from outside the box. Aleksandar Mitrovic is a 'keeper-beating howitzer of a striker, but he also is at his best when he can shoot in the area. Fulham need to concentrate on providing him with good snapshot chances in the area, if possible.

Don't panic
The scoreline is against Fulham, as is their play-off record. But the Whites looked in charge in the second-half against a Derby side scrambling to keep the ball away from their goal. Derby played a physical game, bullying the diminutive Fulham side into submission and committing early fouls to deny closer and more dangerous chances. The Rams succeeded in keeping the ball out of their net for 90 minutes, but conceded 15 fouls and two yellow cards in the process. In another 90 minutes of Fulham attacking with 70 per cent possession, at Craven Cottage with a crowd voicing their disapproval to fouls, they'll be lucky not to concede a red card or a penalty employing the same strategy. Fulham need to trust in their game plan, keep the ball, and not change too much just because they've lost a couple. The goals should come as Derby tire and concede more cards. Derby's mission is very simple. Don't concede in 90 minutes at the Cottage, and maybe grab a goal on the counter to demoralise them into defeat.



Read more at: https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-derby-county-championship-play-off-cameron-jerome-ryan-sessegnon/

[WhiteJC]

 
Curtis Davies handled Aleksandar Mitrovic expertly, says Gary Rowett

Derby County beat Fulham 1-0 at Pride Park on Friday, with Davies particularly immense

Curtis Davies was saluted by Derby County boss Gary Rowett for the way he kept Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic quiet in the first leg of the Championship play-off clash.

Davies marshalled Mitrovic as Derby won 1-0 at Pride Park Stadium on Friday night and the two are set to lock horns again in tomorrow night's second leg at Craven Cottage.

Mitrovic played a key role and he scored when Fulham won at Pride Park in March, but he had much less of an impact on this occasion.

"I thought Curtis was excellent," said Rowett.


Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic (centre) and Derby County's Curtis Davies battle for the ball (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

"I think some of our players said at half time that we had to screen Mitrovic a bit better, but if you do that then it means another player drops deep and all you do is entice Fulham to come onto you.

"We tried to take a gamble. We left Curtis one-on-one with him (Mitrovic) in the middle of the pitch and I thought Curtis did it as well as I have seen anyone do it.

"Mitrovic is so good at using his body and rolling his marker. We didn't want to allow him to do that around the edge of the box, but I think high up we knew Curtis could handle that type of player.

"Curtis has been brilliant this season.

"I thought defensively all game we handled Fulham really well.

"Ryan Sessegnon, with the amount of goals he has scored this season, had very few opportunities."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/curtis-davies-handled-aleksandar-mitrovic-1562336

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Jokanovic content despite Derby defeat

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic was content with his sides showing at Pride Park on Friday, and believes that the Cottagers deserved more from the game.

The Serbian wants his side to remain confident in the reverse leg, but become more clinical in front of goal.

Fulham travelled to Derbyshire on the back of a defeat to Birmingham, who ended their 22 game unbeaten run at St Andrews.

A sole Cameron Jerome goal was enough for the home side to take a lead with them when they travel to Craven Cottage on Monday.

Kevin McDonald struck the bar, and Tom Cairney forced a superb stop from Scott Carson on a fruitless night for Jokanovic's men.

Speaking to the club website, the Whites boss said "Definitely this is not the result that we deserved,

"But this is part of football to and we cannot be frustrated. We played some nice football and dominated Derby.

"They scored after one cross and Jerome (Cameron) scored a fantastic goal.

"We were not clinical enough and especially in the second half when we created many chances without scoring the goal to get things level."

It is still all to play for in the tie, and despite defeat tonight, Fulham will still be considered favourites to progress to Wembley.

We must not let ourselves get too frustrated and remain confident as we showed quality and had a good mentality.

"What we want to do is now change this story and win the game on Monday night and fight for the opportunity to play at Wembley."

Fulham entertain Derby on Monday, in the hope of turning round this first leg deficit.



http://the72.co.uk/102398/jokanovic-content-despite-derby-defeat/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham loan flop reveals why he failed to make an impression at Craven Cottage

Rafa Soares only made three appearances at the club before his loan spell was terminated in January, and he's revealed why he thinks the loan spell flopped

Rafa Soares has revealed he believes his loan spell at Fulham would've been different had he not joined the club while recovering from an ankle injury.

The loan man only made three appearances at Craven Cottage after signing on loan from Porto, with the 23-year-old failing to make an impression on Slavisa Jokanovic and force his way into his first team plans.

His loan was terminated in January after the club signed Matt Targett to fill the left back spot, with Soares heading back to Portugal to play for Portimonense after a uninspiring six months in south west London, but Soares believes it would've been different had he not been nursing an injury.

The club were aware of the injury when they signed him, with Director of Football Operations Tony Khan saying at the time: "We were well aware of his injury during the recruitment process and are more than comfortable moving ahead, as Rafa's talent and body of work as a defender speaks for itself, as evidenced by the interest and buzz around him this summer."

However, Soares failed to impress Jokanovic, and the left back believes that injury is the key reason why his time at the Cottage didn't go to plan.

Speaking to MaisFutebol, Soares said: "What did not go well was the fact that I was injured before going and it was more serious than what was expected, forcing me to be waiting a long time.

"Then obviously it was difficult to join the team because the coach was already eleven, plus two or three that could come in, and I only became available in early November.


(Image: Paul Burgman)

"Coming from an injury is never easy, and more so with so many months of stopping. I think it was mainly this that harmed me.

"I think if I had gotten there with the intensity I was with at Porto it would have been very different.

"I do not have any problems and I have no fear in going out again. I just hope nothing happens to me before I go, like this time."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-loan-flop-reveals-failed-14652875

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Fulham holding out for astronomical £100m for Manchester United and Tottenham target Ryan Sessegnon

Manchester United have been told to splash out a record £100m to land England Under-21 international wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon, according to The Sun.

The Premier League side, who hosted Watford this afternoon at Old Trafford on the final day of the top-flight 2017-18 campaign, have been linked with a mega money move for the highly rated Fulham winger this summer.

The 17-year-old, who made his England Under-21 debut against the Ukraine back in March, has scored 15 goals and provided six goals in 50 appearances in all competitions for the Championship club so far this season.

Sessegnon, who is a youth graduate of the Craven Cottage outfit, has netted 22 goals in 80 games overall for Slavisa Jokanovic's side, operating at left-back and as a left winger.

However, the talented teenager is wanted by Premier League giants United and Tottenham Hotspur this summer, but Fulham are demanding a whopping £100m transfer fee for their prized asset.

Recently named Championship Player of the Year, full-back Sessegnon is understood to be a top transfer target for Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho this off-season.

United's current club-record signing is midfielder Paul Pogba following his £89m return to Old Trafford from Juventus back in August 2016.

Though Young Lions starlet Sessegnon could still be playing in the English top-flight next term with Fulham, with The Cottagers competing in the Championship play-offs this month, despite losing their semi-final first leg 1-0 at Derby County on Friday night.



https://www.shoot.co.uk/fulham-holding-out-for-astronomical-100m-for-manchester-united-and-tottenham-target-ryan-sessegnon/

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Gary Rowett outlines how Derby County will tackle tonight's second leg against Fulham

The Rams head to Craven Cottage with a 1-0 lead

Derby County will look to keep promotion hopes alive tonight.

The Rams take a 1-0 lead into their Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

A place in the final at Wembley later this month is the prize that awaits one of the two teams.

Derby's win in Friday's first leg at Pride Park Stadium was hard earned against a Fulham side that finished third and 13 points ahead of the Rams.

Fulham dominated much of the game, but Cameron Jerome's first-half header meant it was Derby that came out on top.

But the tie remains finely poised.

Gary Rowett says the Rams will be brave in their approach and will look to win the second leg rather than try to hold onto their slender advantage.

"We will try to be as brave as possible tonight," he said.

"What we can't do is go down there and try to protect a lead.

"I think we have to go there and try to win the second leg, it is as simple as that and that has to be our mentality."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gary-rowett-outlines-how-derby-1561136

[WhiteJC]

 
No pressure on Ryan Sessegnon to fire Fulham back to the Premier League, insists Slavisa Jokanovic


Fulham will struggle to keep onto Sessegnon if they do not get promoted, but Jokanovic does not want to pile on expectation Credit: Getty Images 

Slavisa Jokanovic insists there is no pressure on teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon to help fire Fulham back into the Premier League.

Sessegnon is in contention to gatecrash England's World Cup squad later this week and Fulham will face a huge battle to keep the attacker if they fail to achieve promotion.

Fulham are yet to win any of their seven games in the play-offs and will head into Monday's second leg 1-0 down to Derby, after Cameron Jerome's goal.

Sessegnon is the club's top scorer with 15 goals but appeared lethargic in Friday's defeat and was substituted 14 minutes from time.

But Jokanovic, the Fulham manager, said it would be unfair to pile all the expectancy on the 17-year-old ahead of Monday's crunch encounter.


Fulham have not won any of their seven play-off games, but must do on Monday to get to Wembley Credit:  Getty Images

"He has a really bright future in front of him, not only for Fulham but probably for England in the future or even immediately," he said.

"Ryan needs the help from people around him and this kid doesn't need any pressure. He's only 17 and to talk about our possibilities on the back of one kid is not right.

"He's shown many times that he is a great lad, great footballer and great worker. We trust he'll be at his best level.

"I won and lost games, sometimes I played bad or very well, and it's not important. This kid has a really important future. He has a really clear mind.

"We know what is important. We are fighting for the Premier League and Wembley."

Derby have also suffered frustration in the play-offs in recent times, with this season their third experience of the rollercoaster route in the last five years.

But manager Gary Rowett believes his cluster of big-game players, including Jerome, Tom Huddlestone and Curtis Davies, could prove the difference this year.

Rowett said: "I know we have spoken about the 'Derby Way', or whatever that is, but  sometimes that way is about winning in different ways. To do that you have to have players with a very strong mentality.

"We did a lot of our recruitment around the fact I wasn't in a position to go and do what a lot of others [managers] had done, which is go and buy the best players around.

"We had to sell probably our two biggest assets [Will Hughes and Tom Ince] to be able to balance the books and do what we wanted to do.

"But we felt, particularly for this season, it might just give us that little bit of know-how when we need it. So, here we are, and we will find out."
Probable teams:

    Derby (3-4-2-1): Carson; Keogh, Davies, Forsyth; Wisdom, Huddlestone, Johnson, Weimann; Lawrence, Vydra; Jerome.
    Fulham (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett; McDonald, Johansen, Cairney; Piazon, Mitrovic, Sessegnon.



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/05/13/no-pressure-ryan-sessegnon-fire-fulham-back-premier-league-insists/