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

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Today's Football Fixtures Monday 14th May 2018: Fulham v Derby Play-Off Semi-Final Live

So, that's it. Another Premier League season over, and a moderately underwhelming final day of the season, with nothing of significant interest for the majority of clubs to really play for; the title long wrapped up and the relegation spots all but confirmed. Most football fans will now allow their attention to glide their attention over to the Championship play-off games still remaining, which is generally one of the most exciting and absorbing times of the footballing calendar; the time when fingernails are completely worn down as season-long dreams and aspirations are crushed and heroes are made.

Fulham versus Derby County is the obvious highlight this evening in the second play-off semi-final game at Craven Cottage, after having played the first leg on Friday night at Pride Park.

No-one can argue that Fulham deserve to go up to the Premier League based on their constantly attractive performances across the course of the season, but a lot of top tier clubs will be hoping this isn't the case. Their eye will be firmly on poaching the talent in Fulham's squad should they fail to rise up. The Cottagers have Newcastle-loanee Aleksandar Mitrovic; the Serbian has scored more goals in the Championship than any other player since his move in the Winter transfer window.

Fulham manager Slaviša Jokanović has done an excellent job and garnered a lot of respect. Credit must also be paid to Derby manager Gary Rowett, despite their extremely poor run of form in the final half of the season, that dropped them down from an automatic promotion spot. He has, after all, managed to make the possibility of a first Premier League return in ten years a possibility, in his first full season in charge of the Rams. Fulham fans will not need to be reminded however of their lacklustre play-off performances; they failed to win any of their six previous play-off matches before this year.

However, perhaps the best match to keep an eye on is over in the Danish Superligaen, where there's a potential title-decider with a top two battle between Brondby and Midtylland to provide the entertainment on a comparatively barren football day. Both teams have won the same amount of games, but it is Brondby who are currently sitting pretty atop the table. Even with a win, Midtjylland will need to win by five goals to overturn the goal difference to leave them leaders with two games remaining. Brondby will not want to be the bridesmaid of the Superligaen for the second time in successive seasons.

In Turkey, Fenerbahçe can try to continue to push Galatasary close for the Super Lig title with a win away at bottom-placed Kardemir Karabukspor. Fenerbahçe are currently three points behind the league leaders, with their title their only option for silverware after surprisingly losing 3-2 in the Turkish Cup against Akhisarspor last week.

You can view all of today's fixtures on The Sportsman, with live scoring during the matches.



https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/today-s-football-fixtures-monday-14th-may-2018-fulham-v-derby-live

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Fulham fancied for play-off recovery against Derby County

Fulham face Derby County in the second leg of the Championship play-off semi-final on Monday aiming to recover from a one goal deficit from their first meeting.

Derby's Cameron Jerome scored his fifth goal in four games, powering home a delightful header from Craig Forsyth's cross following a slick first-half move.

Sky Sports' pundit David Prutton believes the tie is far from over and has tipped Fulham to progress to the final at Wembley after a penalty shoot-out (14/1 with Sky Bet).

"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," he said.

"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."

The two sides fought out a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage back in November, although Fulham's form improved significantly during the second half of the season.

Fulham are priced at 8/13 to win the game, with Derby on offer at 9/2 and the draw available at 29/10.



http://sportslens.com/fulham-derby-county-championship-2/232711/

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Fulham set to battle with Serie A side in pursuit of in-demand midfielder

Fulham are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Auxerre midfielder Ousoumane Camara this summer, according to reports emerging from France.

French media outlet France Football is reporting that Fulham are joined by a number of European clubs in the hunt for Camara, who will be available on a free transfer this summer when his contract expires with Auxerre.

Serie A side Genoa – who are set to finish in mid-table in the Italian top tier – are also keen on the midfielder with Belgian outfit Sint-Truidense V.V. reportedly set to make a move too.

Camara is yet to make his first-team debut for Auxerre – who finished 11th in Ligue 2 – but he is the captain of their reserve side.

But with the 19-year-old's contract coming to an end, Fulham could make a move for him, although they face competition from Genoa, Sint-Truidense and a number of Ligue 2 sides.

Fulham are currently vying for a spot in the Premier League as they go through the Championship play-offs, having fallen just short of automatic promotion on the final day of the season.

The Cottagers trail Derby County by one goal going into the second leg at Craven Cottage and they face an uphill task to reverse the deficit and book their place in the final at Wembley.

The Verdict

Camara is highly-rated in France but he lacks first-team experience.

If he arrived at Fulham, he would definitely go straight into the academy set-up rather than compete for a first-team spot.

But on a free transfer and regarding him as one for the future, this is a low risk move which could pay off long-term.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-set-to-battle-with-serie-a-side-in-pursuit-of-in-demand-midfielder/

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Fulham boss issues defiant message ahead of play-off second leg against Derby County

Slavisa Jokanovic's side trail 1-0 from the first leg at Pride Park Stadium

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has issued a defiant message ahead of tonight's play-off semi-final second leg against Derby County.

Jokanovic's side trail 1-0 from Friday's first leg when Rams striker Cameron Jerome headed the only goal of the game.

He knows the task and says Fulham will not change their style as they look to turn the tie around and book a place in the final.

"We know what we must do to get to Wembley," said Jovanovic.

"I can expect something similar. Derby are going to try and catch us in the transition and set pieces.

"Derby don't give you too many spaces. We must show patience and move the ball, but sometimes we will take more risks.

"We don't need any revolution. We've followed this style, and it's not necessary for us to change. We'll try and find better solutions than Friday and create more things.

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

Fulham are still without a win in play-off matches, but Jokanovic is looking forward and not back.

"I don't think it can affect us. I'm not thinking so much about the past. I'm thinkng about present, what is in front of us," he said.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-issues-defiant-message-1560606

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Luca Into Euros Semis

Fulham Academy goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond has helped England reach the semi-finals of the Under-17 European Championships.

The Young Lions beat Norway 2-0 with a strong performance in Burton-On-Trent on Sunday afternoon.

Ashby-Hammond has played every minute of this campaign for the Young Lions, Bobby Duncan and Xavier Amaechi scored to put England through to the final four.

Steve Cooper's side took the lead in the first half through Duncan's header, and soon after the restart Amaechi fired into the back of the net for the second.

In the other quarter-finals Italy beat Sweden, the Young Lions beat the Azzurri in the group stage.

England will face the winner of the Netherlands v the Republic of Ireland at 7pm in Chesterfield on Thursday evening.

The final semi-final place against the Italians will be made up of the winner between Belgium v Spain.

You can watch the highlights of Ashby-Hammond reaching the semi-final by clicking here.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/14/luca-into-semis

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Fulham try to lift onus off Ryan Sessegnon in bid to overhaul Derby

The gifted teenager and his teammates will need to shake off Derby's semi-final first-leg shackles and a 1-0 deficit if they are to reach Wembley


Derby's Richard Keogh takes a hands-on approach with Ryan Sessegnon of Fulham during the Championship semi-final first leg. Photograph: Conor Molloy/Action Plus via Getty Images

Ryan Sessegnon turns 18 on Friday. Not old enough to get a tattoo, but old enough to face the muscular men of the Championship, arms mostly covered in legally obtained ink, 47 times. Sessegnon notched up his half‑century in all competitions for the season in Fulham's play-off semi‑final first leg 1-0 defeat at Derby, and his season might not nearly be over yet: he has an outside chance of being named in England's World Cup squad on Wednesday.

It is a lot to take for a kid, and watching Sessegnon in the last few weeks of a gruelling season, it's tricky not to come to the conclusion that it all might be a bit too much, too soon. Sessegnon was substituted after an ineffective performance against Derby, similar to Fulham's last few games of the regular season.

This, it should be made clear, is nothing like a criticism. To physically and mentally get through a season in this most bruising of divisions is tough enough for even experienced souls, but to try it when you are legally still a child seems almost impossible.

But Sessegnon has already achieved the impossible in that sense: he has been one of the Championship's best players all season and is Fulham's top‑scorer, his 15 league goals all the more remarkable when he played half the campaign at left-back. A defender‑turned‑winger with a goal poacher's instinct, there's little doubt that he will be a special player.

Will he be special now, though, when Fulham need him to be? Slavisa Jokanovic, who deserves much praise for ignoring Sessegnon's age and trusting his talent all season, did the sensible thing and deflected attention, but he could be forgiven for feeling worried.

"It's a big game for myself, for my assistants, for the whole team," the Fulham manager said when asked if the second leg on Monday night will be a big game for the youngster. "He doesn't need any more pressure on him.

"The game doesn't only depend on what Sessegnon will do. To put all this responsibility on the back of one kid – we don't need that. He showed many times he's a great lad, a great footballer, a great worker. We trust he'll be at his best level. This man is 17 years old. This man is top-scorer for Fulham. This man has a very important future in front of him."

An important present, too: you would not back against Sessegnon pulling out something special, but the next question is whether he will be allowed to by Derby. Their defence was superb in the first leg, smothering Fulham's passing game and limiting their best players' chances to excel although the Derby manager, Gary Rowett, suggested his team would not simply sit on their advantage in the return.

"We'll try to be as brave as possible – what we can't do is go down there and try to protect the lead," said Rowett, who hinted he would make changes to his starting XI in order to maintain the same physically demanding performance.

Will the way Derby neutralised Fulham alter the home side's game plan? "We don't need any revolution in my team," Jokanovic said. "We followed the same style for the last few years, so it's not necessary to change much. We will analyse today's game, we'll try to find a solution, to be more clinical. We must be ready for everything."

This is a beautifully balanced tie, likely to feature that sort of glorious chaos synonymous with the play‑offs. The winners will face either Middlesbrough or Aston Villa in the final, Villa taking a 1-0 advantage into their second leg, to be played on Tuesday.

Before this season, Rowett's last involvement in the second‑tier play-offs was as a player, scoring for Birmingham as they vainly tried to overturn a 4-0 semi-final deficit against Barnsley. That was on 18 May 2000, the day Sessegnon was born. What a remarkable story it would be if Sessegnon decided the game on Monday.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/14/fulham-ryan-sessegnon-derby-championship-play-off

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Jokanovic believes Fulham know exactly what they need to do to reach the play-off final

Fulham must overturn a 1-0 deficit if they want to reach the play-off final and the head coach insists they know what is needed

Slavisa Jokanovic believes his Fulham side know exactly what they need to do to reach the Play-off final at Wembley when they face Derby County tonight.

The Whites have to overturn a one goal deficit after losing 1-0 at Pride Park on Friday night, as well as break their run of having never won a play-off game before, if they want to reach the final in a couple of weeks time.

Derby got their game plan spot on in the first leg, defending deep and containing Fulham's key players like Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon, and the hosts are expecting similar tonight at Craven Cottage as the Rams look to defend their 1-0 lead.

After a poor first half, Fulham bombarded the Derby box in the second but couldn't find a breakthrough, and despite time Jokanovic says now isn't the time for revolution and that the Whites will continue to play the Fulham way.

"We know what we must do to get to Wembley," said Jokanovic.

"I can expect something similar. Derby are going to try and catch us in the transition and set pieces.

"Derby don't give you too many spaces. We must show patience and move the ball, but sometimes we will take more risks.

"We don't need any revolution. We've followed this style, and it's not necessary for us to change. We'll try and find better solutions than Friday and create more things.

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

Jokanovic has no fresh injury concerns ahead of tonight's game but could make changes as he looks to overturn their first leg deficit, with Lucas Piazon and Neeskens Kebano vying for a starting spot after coming on from the bench on Friday night.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/jokanovic-believes-fulham-know-exactly-14653796

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'Biggest game of our lives,' says Fulham's Kevin McDonald ahead of Derby decider
'We battered Rams in first leg,' claims midfielder


Kevin McDonald (c) is confident Fulham can overturn a 1-0 deficit against Derby to reach Wembley

Kevin McDonald says his Fulham team-mates are braced for the "biggest game of their lives" when they face Derby in Monday's Championship play-off semi-final decider.

Cameron Jerome's lone goal in Friday's first leg means the Rams take a narrow lead into the crunch Craven Cottage clash - live on Sky Sports Football - with a place at Wembley on the line.

But Scottish midfielder McDonald claims Fulham "battered" their rivals at Pride Park and is confident they have the mentality, as well as the talent, to prevail.

"We expected to take a positive result [on Friday] but it's half-time in the game and we've still got a massive chance," McDonald told Fulham's official website.

"They had one or two chances and scored one. We had more possession but we have to be more clinical, try more shots from outside the box because they defended deep. We had 90 minutes of the ball, we battered them, but they preyed on our mistakes.

"We're still well in the game. It's up to us. The Cottage will be bouncing. We'll give all we've got. It could be the biggest game of our lives."

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic delivered his own rallying call, urging his side to take risks to keep their Premier League hopes alive.

"We know how we want to play," Jokanovic said. "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. This is an important chance for us and we will push with all our weapons to win the game."

Gary Rowett insists his Derby side will take nothing for granted, despite holding a slender advantage.

"You have to approach the game as if it's 0-0," County boss Rowett told his 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.

"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."



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/11372220/biggest-game-of-our-lives-says-fulhams-kevin-mcdonald-ahead-of-derby-decider

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham are better than West Ham and Watford... this is their time for Premier League promotion


Hot streak: Fulham went 23 games unbeaten before their final-day defeat at Birmingham (PA)

How good are Fulham? They are probably the fifth best team in London. They are better than West Ham and Watford. They might even have finished above Crystal Palace if they were in the same division.

The problem is that they are not in the Premier League. They are in the Championship play-offs. Fulham are two games away from the promised land after a four-year exile. The top flight feels tantalisingly close but it could disappear like a mirage very suddenly. The dream could fade as soon as Monday night. Fulham must overturn a 1-0 deficit against Derby in the second leg at Craven Cottage.

Their owner, Shahid Khan, comes from the world of American sport where the golden rule is 'reach the play-offs'. In the Championship that is often a recipe for disappointment.

Fulham's 23-game unbeaten run ended on the final day of the campaign with a 3-1 defeat by Birmingham but their dominant performances in 2018 hinted at how good they can become.

They were 12th in the table on New Year's Day. Never mind the last-day defeat, just a couple more points in the autumn could have secured that coveted automatic promotion spot. On Monday, they must assert themselves. Fulham had more of the ball in the first leg but could not turn possession into supremacy. Patience and a clinical approach will be crucial at the Cottage.

It is the right time for Fulham to go up. Slavisa Jokanovic's reputation as a manager is growing. The Serb's style of play is as impressive as his attention to detail. Bigger teams will come calling if he remains in the Championship. There are a number of prominent London clubs who could do worse than speaking to the 49-year-old.

It will be difficult to hold on to their best players. Ryan Sessegnon draws the most attention and the 17-year-old is raw but has huge potential. Tom Cairney has been more influential, though, and at this stage would be a bigger loss to Fulham. Cairney makes them tick. Half-a-dozen Premier League clubs would like to see the 27-year-old in their colours.

There are massive financial ramifications. A quarter of the entire Championship's revenue comes from parachute payments. The wealth gap has grown bigger since Fulham were relegated. Khan is empire building in London — his attempt to buy Wembley shows the range of his ambition — and having a Premier League team would be a huge boost towards achieving his objectives.

Fulham have the class to see off Derby — and either Aston Villa or Middlesbrough in the final — but they can be outmuscled. They are less physical than their rivals and vulnerable in the air. Derby are likely to sit deep again.

If  Sheyi Ojo returns from injury, the Liverpool loanee could make a big difference. Ojo's pace gives Cairney more options and would mean Derby could not pay so much attention to Sessegnon. Fulham are good but if they stumble it may be a while before they can reach this standard again. This is an opportunity they cannot let pass.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-are-better-than-west-ham-and-watford-this-is-their-time-for-premier-league-promotion-a3838271.html

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Will Ryan Sessegnon make the England World Cup 2018 squad? Here's the odds

Sessegnon has been in superb form for Fulham in the Championship this season

Ryan Sessegnon is the talk of the Championship - but will he earn a place on England's plane to the World Cup?

Players plying their trade in the second tier rarely get selected by England but Fulham whizz kid Sessegnon could be about to buck the trend.

Sessegnon, 17, has taken the Championship by storm this season and has already bagged 14 goals in 41 appearances.

Plenty of Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on the youngster, who is reportedly rated at £50million.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Spurs are among a host of clubs to be linked with Sessegnon, who broke into Fulham's first team last season.

And bookies have him down as an outside bet to gatecrash Gareth Southgate's England squad headed for Russia.

The left-sided starlet is as short as 6/1 to be on the plane with Betfair.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/world-cup-squad-ryan-sessegnon-14433446

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EFL pundit makes exciting Fulham prediction ahead of tonight's crucial clash with Derby County

David Prutton is expecting Fulham to progress to the Sky Bet Championship play-off final, despite trailing Derby County following the first-leg of the semi-final.

Writing in the his prediction column for Sky Sports, Prutton has hinted that he is expecting Derby to take Fulham all the way in tonight's clash, but the Cottagers to progress via a penalty shootout.

Friday's first-leg saw Derby, who finished the regular season in sixth, grasp control of the play-off semi-final, with Cameron Jerome's powerful header the difference between the two sides at the Pride Park Stadium.

However, despite trailing 1-0, Prutton is expecting Fulham to make home advantage count this evening, predicting Slavisa Jokanovic's side to progress to the Wembley final later this month.

Derby last travelled to Craven Cottage in November, when Matej Vydra's 50th minute goal cancelled out Oliver Norwood's opener, securing a 1-1 draw for Gary Rowett's side.

A repeat of that result this evening would see the Rams progress to Wembley.

Prutton is predicting an exciting clash at Craven Cottage this evening, as Fulham look to work their way back into the tie.

There is no doubt that Derby handled the occasion better than Fulham on Friday, with Jokanovic's side looking a shadow of their best.

The first goal tonight is going to be key, and if Derby can land the first blow, it could prove to be decisive.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/efl-pundit-makes-exciting-fulham-prediction-ahead-of-tonights-crucial-clash-with-derby-county/

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Andreas Weimann dreaming of Wembley as Derby County look to finish job at Fulham

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

Andreas Weimann is quietly confident that Derby County can finish the job against Fulham - but knows there is still plenty of work to be done.

The Rams lead 1-0 going into the second leg of their Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final at Craven Cottage on Monday night (7.45pm).

The winners of the tie will progress to the final at Wembley on Saturday, May 26, against either Aston Villa or Middlesbrough.

Fulham, who finished third in the league and just missed out on automatic promotion, have not been beaten at home by a Championship side since they lost to Bristol City at the end of October.

A draw would be enough for Derby, though, while the tie could also go to extra-time and penalties if the aggregate score is level after 90 minutes.

"It's only half-time in the tie, so there's a long way to go - but we're confident that we can go down there and get a result," said Weimann.

"There are still 90 minutes to go, or more. We're 1-0 up, so it's good that we're going into the second leg with a lead.

"But it's going to be very tough down there, I think.

"There's no fear, though. We're here now.

"All four teams that are in the semi-finals are on the same level.

"We're here, we're doing our best and we're halfway there."

Cameron Jerome's 34th-minute header proved to be the only goal of the first leg on Friday night.

Derby defended heroically to keep their lead intact as Fulham dominated possession but could not find a way through.

Weimann believes the second leg could follow a similar pattern.

"We just need to do what we did in the first leg - be compact, hit them on the counter and get another goal," said the Austrian international.

"We'd expect Fulham to have more of the ball again - that's the way they play - but with our attackers and wing-backs, we're confident we can hit them on the break, because we've got the pace. Maybe that suits us.

"Obviously, on Monday, we'll just have to try to take better care when we break. If we do, I think we can get a couple of goals there.

"When we get those chances, we need to make the most of it and, hopefully, extend our lead. I think we will get chances."

Weimann joined Derby from Villa in the summer of 2015, with the aim of getting back to the Premier League.

The Rams reached the play-offs in his first season but were beaten 3-2 on aggregate in their semi-final tie with Hull City.

"That was obviously my plan when I signed for Derby, that I wanted to get back into the Premier League," Weimann added.

"It's massive and every footballer wants to play in that league. Hopefully, we can do it.

"We've got to believe we can do it - otherwise there's no point going to Fulham on Monday!

"We are confident, we're playing well at the minute - but there's still a long way to go.

"We've got a few who have been promoted - Brad (Johnson), Curtis (Davies), Tom (Huddlestone), Cammy (Jerome) - so hopefully they can help us in that second leg to get us to Wembley."

"At the minute, we're confident, we're working hard for each other and there's a togetherness among the group. Hopefully, that will see us through."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/andreas-weimann-dreaming-wembley-derby-1560724

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Can Derby Reach The Championship Play Off Final As They Travel To Fulham With A One Goal Lead?

Gary Rowett got his tactics spot on in the first leg, not just with his formation and starting line-up but also when a change of dynamic was required in the face of a potential Fulham onslaught later on. Cameron Jerome's bullet header after 34 minutes now separates the two sides but just as important was Rowett's double substitution on 68 minutes and sudden switch to a back three.

If this game - and ultimately the whole tie - is going to be settled from the touchline, you'd be odds on about Rowett making the difference over Slavisa Jokanovic. For the Serbian, hope lies in home advantage and generating a head of steam that never quite materialised at Pride Park. If Fulham go through gears, they can overturn a one-goal deficit no problem.

So it's a safe bet that Derby will go about their business the same way, conceding possession for the most part and clogging up the channels to deny the Cottagers space in the areas where they do most of their damage. But their chances of success might well rest in their quality on transitions because another clean sheet at Craven Cottage would be a tall order.

Indeed, Rowett, upon reviewing the first leg himself, has spoken of those moments when the Rams ought to have exploited the spaces in front better and that might be where he has concentrated most of his analysis in preparation for the return. Derby don't have to do anything different defensively to progress but they might have to be more incisive with the ball.

Fulham v Derby - Correct Score    
Draw #1-1    6/1
Fulham #1-0    6/1
Fulham #2-0    13/2
Fulham #2-1    7/1
Draw #0-0    10/1
Derby #1-0    12/1
Fulham #3-0    12/1
Fulham #3-1    12/1
Derby #2-1    14/1
Draw #2-2    16/1
Odds correct as of 14/05/18 11:27:23. Odds are subject to change.



As such, there's appeal in the score draw at 9/2 (match result and both teams to score) and those who fancy something even more exciting might also want to throw a point at the 18/1 available on the 2-2 correct score. Six teams (including Derby) have landed the former bet at the Cottage this term, while Preston and QPR have also copped the latter.

The one-goal cushion isn't just a mathematical advantage, it's also a psychological one that can enable Derby to be ruthless when it matters. Fulham must now push themselves more than they normally would and, for them, going ahead on the night is only half the battle. Under those conditions, the Rams might conceivably only have two real chances and score two goals.

Recommended bets:

1pt Draw and both teams to score at 9/2

1pt 2-2 correct score at 18/1

Fulham v Derby - Result    
Fulham    4/6
Draw    3/1
Derby    19/4



https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/can-derby-reach-the-championship-play-off-final-as-they-travel-to-fulham-with-a-one-goal-lead

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham, Bees and QPR all keen on Hibs midfielder

Fulham, Brentford and QPR are all interested in Hibernian midfielder Dylan McGeouch.

Aberdeen have been chasing the 25-year-old, whose Hibs contract expires this summer.

But several English clubs, including all three of west London's Championship sides, are keen on McGeouch and in a position to make him a better financial offer.

Blackburn, promoted from League One, have long been interested in him and reports in Scotland have suggested he is likely to move there.

However, QPR have been planning to make him an offer, while Fulham and Brentford have been monitoring him for some time.

He is near the top of a list of players QPR's scouting team are set to suggest to Steve McClaren, who is expected to take over as manager at Loftus Road this week following the sacking of Ian Holloway.

Hibs signed McGeouch from Celtic in 2015 after he had spent a season on loan with the Edinburgh club.

He has played in England, having made eight appearances – all as a substitute – while on loan at Coventry City from Celtic in 2014.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/football-140518-fulham-brentford-qpr-hibernian-dylan-mcgeouch-interest

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Ryan Sessegnon ready to play for England, says Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic believes Ryan Sessegnon is ready to play for England.

Sessegnon has been in outstanding form for the Cottagers this season with 15 goals and six assists in 46 Championship appearances.

The 17-year-old only received his first call-up for England's U21 side in March but Jokanovic believes he should be in consideration for Gareth Southgate's 23-man World Cup squad, which is due to be named on Wednesday.

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

Sessegnon appears destined to play in the Premier League but whether or not that will be with Fulham next season remains to be seen.

Jokanovic's side, who finished third in the Championship, trail 1-0 heading into the second leg of their play-off semi-final against Derby County at Craven Cottage on Monday night.

Fulham fans will be hoping Sessegnon, the club's top scorer, can help overturn the deficit but Jokanovic is wary of putting too much pressure on the teenager's shoulders.

"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," Jokanovic said.

"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."



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11372337/ryan-sessegnon-ready-to-play-for-england-says-fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic

[WhiteJC]

 
Style Guru

In Monday's official matchday programme, there's an extensive interview with Slaviša Jokanović, the man who's helped put Fulham back together again.

The Whites had lost their identity and their way before Jokanović was named the Club's new Head Coach in December 2015.

"It was a very different squad when I took over and a very different situation," recalls Jokanović. "The squad weren't clear about the best way for us to play football. There wasn't much confidence or trust in ourselves. We had to just try and survive and finish the season comfortably.

"It wasn't easy for us, but after my first season we started again from zero. We tried to bring in some intensity to our play and, step-by-step, we played well last season. I personally believe we have improved on that this season. We will now see if this improvement will take us to where we want to be next season."

To read the full interview with Jokanović, in which he also discusses the rise of Ryan Sessegnon, his relationship with Shahid Khan, and how he gets away from the pressures of football, pick up a programme on Monday.

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

    Tom Cairney pens his Captain's Column
    Paul Trollope recalls his stints at both Derby County and Fulham
    Danny Murphy talks us through a Fulham-related photo of himself
    We revisit the time Fulham made a change of manager before a Play-Off Clash
    And Floyd Ayité takes the '9 Dart Challenge'

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

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



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/14/slavisa-jokanovic-derby-county-play-off-programme

[WhiteJC]

 
Andre Wisdom handed 'Ryan Sessegnon challenge' as Derby County eye a Wembley date

Rams defender's strong performance in the play-off semi-final first leg nullified Fulham's talented youngster

Gary Rowett has challenged Andre Wisdom to keep Fulham's talented youngster Ryan Sessegnon quiet again tonight.

Wisdom produced a strong performance in the Rams' 1-0 victory in Friday's Championship play-off semi-final first leg.

They face Fulham tonight in the second leg at Craven Cottage and the prize is a place in the final at Wembley.

Sessegnon has scored 15 goals this season, but just one in his last dozen appearances.

Derby, and Wisdom particularly, kept him under wraps in the first leg and the 17-year-old was substituted after 76 minutes.

"Andre is physically talented enough to be able to do that," said Rowett.

"I think that is what we have wanted Andre to do more often, to impose himself on his opponent.

"I don't think you would like playing against Andre because he is so strong, Curtis Davies the same, but Andre is going to have to do the same thing again.

"I think we switched off once second half when Sessegnon got in behind us - you cannot do that against these types of players, just like they cannot switch off for a second when we break."

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic is not concerned about Sessegnon in the second leg.

"It's a big game for me, for everyone," he said.

"Ryan needs the help from people around him. 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.

"He is 17, he is the top scorer. He has a really bright future in front of him, not only for Fulham but probably for England in the future or (even) immediately.

"I won and lost games (as a player), sometimes I played bad or very well, and it's not important."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/andre-wisdom-handed-ryan-sessegnon-1560695

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic calls for evolution, not revolution, in play-off showdown


Rams raider: Ryan Sessegnon, in action during the first leg, has enjoyed a stellar season but Slavisa Jokanovic knows his side cannot rely on one player to overturn the tie (REUTERS)

Slavisa Jokanovic and his players are flirting with danger if they stick to their promise of staying true to their principles against Derby on Monday.

Fulham came away from the first leg of their play-off semi-final at Pride Park  1-0 down but are confident they can turn things around at Craven Cottage.

Jokanovic was encouraged by the way his side dominated possession during Friday's match and the message from the head coach was they just have to play the same way again — only this time take their chances.

"We do not need any revolution," said Fulham's head coach. "We have followed this style and it is not necessary for us to change. We will try to find better solutions than Friday to create more things."

That self-belief in Fulham's passing style took Fulham so close to automatic promotion but it is a risky approach against a Derby side who found a way to neutralise them.

Derby manager Gary Rowett got his tactics spot on in the first leg, as they sat deep and counter-attacked.

Fulham had 74 per cent possession but, for all their approach work, failed to score against a disciplined Derby defence. Kevin McDonald hit the bar and Floyd Ayite missed a good chance but Derby contained their attacking threat well.

The hosts need to find a different way to break down Derby if things are not working. On Friday, they left themselves open to counter-attacks and they will concede chances if they play the same way, so they must be careful that their refusal to adapt is not their undoing.

Fulham were beaten by Reading in the play-offs last season, when substance overcame their style, and the west Londoners need to show they have learned from that disappointment.

Aleksandar Mitrovic was kept quiet by Curtis Davies on Friday and Ryan Sessegnon was marshalled well before the 17-year-old was substituted with 15 minutes left.


Jetting in: Shahid Khan (Getty Images)

Derby let Fulham have the ball out wide and as soon as it went into central areas they nullified space in front of their defence to stop Tom Cairney having a big influence.

"We are not worried about the result," said defender Denis Odoi.

"We would be more worried if we played badly but we played well. Not to sound cocky, we are still confident in ourselves. If they play like that again we will score for sure."

Monday night is the biggest game so far in the young career of Sessegnon. The left-winger can reflect on a remarkable season but he been quiet in recent matches and Fulham will hope he can make one final push to help get them to Wembley.

Sessegnon has played 50 games this season — a huge amount for a player who turns 18 this week— and it would be understandable if he was tired at the end of a long campaign.

There had been indications that Sessegnon could be part of England's provisional World Cup squad but he now looks set to be left out and a break this summer is the best thing for him.

Sessegnon can focus all his attention on the play-offs but, while he will be a player to whom Fulham look for inspiration tonight, Jokanovic says it is wrong to pin their hopes on him.

"Ryan needs the help from people around him," said Jokanovic. "This kid does not need any pressure. He is only 17 and to talk about our possibilities on the back of one kid is not right. He has shown many times that he is a great lad, great footballer and great worker. We trust he will be at his best level."

Mitrovic is another player Fulham need to deliver a big performance tonight. The on-loan striker scored 12 goals in the second half of the season to help Fulham go unbeaten in 23 matches but he was marked out of the game at Pride Park.

Odoi has warned Derby that Mitrovic "will be out for revenge" tonight.  "Davis had a good game against Mitro," said the defender. "I am sure Mitro will be better. He will be out for revenge."

Derby do have a reputation as play-off bottlers — they failed to go up after reaching the Championship play-offs three times in the past five years — and Fulham will hope to prey on any nerves they have tonight.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-calls-for-evolution-not-revolution-in-playoff-showdown-a3838541.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Vs Derby County – Play-Off Semi-Final Second-Leg

Derby County go to Fulham for the second-leg of the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final on Monday night. Over to official betting partner Coral for a summary of the best bets...

Coral make Derby big underdogs to win at Fulham, so there are plenty of big prices to choose from. You'll get a chunky 17/4 for the Away Win and we can do even better by shopping around...

Seven of Derby's eight wins on the road have gone over 2.5 goals so taking the Derby Win & Over 2.5 Goals option makes sense. And will boost your odds to 15/2.

Four of those eight wins were To Nil, available at a slighter bigger 17/2. Alternatively, the Derby Win & Both Teams to Scorepays 8/1.

For bigger prices you should check out Coral's #YourCallfacility via Twitter. All you have to do is tweet @coral with any bet you want and if accepted it will appear in the #YourCall section of the match bets.

For example, Vydra to have 2+ shots, Badley Johnson to win 2+ tackles & Derby to win pays 18/1

And with a busy week of play-off matches, plus the Europa League and Emirates FA Cup Finals you might fancy including this match in a big money accumulator.

If so, don't forget all members qualify for an automatic 10% Acca Boost on all winning four-folds or bigger. So you only need four match bets at odds of around Even Money to generate a payout of up to 16/1 – plus your 10% bonus.

Not a member? No problem, join today and claim an exclusive Welcome Bonus.Simply place a £10 bet and you'll get an instant £30 in free bets.

Dive in.



https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2018/05/fulham-vs-derby-county-play-off-semi-final-second-leg

[WhiteJC]

 
The Fulham starlet who failed to make his mark at Bristol City

The striker on loan from Fulham had a good goals to minutes ratio, but didn't play much

Cauley Woodrow was one of two loan signings Bristol City made at the start of the season along with winger Jonathan Leko.

Woodrow joined on loan from promotion chasing Fulham to gain vital first team experience in the Championship. He previously had a loan spell at Championship strugglers Burton Albion in the 2016/17 season where he scored five goals in 14 games.

In August, Woodrow scored one Carabao Cup goal for Fulham prior to joining Bristol City so he was ineligible for the fantastic cup run that saw Bristol City reach the semi-finals.

Lee Johnson was excited with the loan signing. He stated, "Cauley scored goals in the Championship with Burton last season and he's hungry to perform again."

A successful singing?

Cauley Woodrow was given limited opportunities this season as Bristol City pushed for promotion to the Premier League.

Woodrow scored two goals for the Robins this season.

His first goal came in a 4-1 home victory over Derby County. Woodrow made a promising start scoring in his first start for the club.

Woodrow also netted a consolation goal in the last minute against Preston. Both of his Championship goals came at Ashton Gate this season.

Woodrow only played 329 minutes of Championship football but his goals to game ratio was reasonably good scoring once every 165 minutes, which is the second best at the club from the senior squad behind Milan Djuric.

However Woodrow has also been criticised for some below par performances this season. He missed a glorious chance against QPR that would have secured Bristol City all three points at Loftus Road.

There is an argument to suggest his game time should have been given to forgotten Swedish striker Gustav Engvall.


Cauley Woodrow

Similarly, wingers Jonathan Leko and Ryan Kent took game time away from Nicholas Eliasson who was signed in the summer.

In contrast to Tammy Abraham's very successful loan last season from Chelsea, the Woodrow signing has proved a disappointing one. He was brought in as a backup striker to cover the injuries at the start of the season but failed to push on and hold down a regular first team spot. This was due to the incredible form of striker Bobby Reid.

One fan said Cauley Woodrow was the 'worst player I've seen in a Bristol City [shirt] since Bas Savage, absolutely awful.'

This was an opinion shared by many Bristol City fans. Bas Savage played for Bristol City during the 2005-2006 season playing 23 games and scoring one goal. He will be forever remembered for hilariously falling over in the box clean through on goal in a game vs Yeovil Town.

Overall Woodrow has had a disappointing season scoring just two goals for Bristol City.

Although he was given limited opportunities by Lee Johnson he failed to make a significant impression. It will be unlikely that Cauley Woodrow will return to Ashton Gate next season as Bristol City search for a new striker.



https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-starlet-who-failed-make-1564620