Friday Fulham Stuff (09/11/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Why Bakayoko will not move to Fulham in January

Fulham need a lot of players right now, but Tiemoue Bakayoko isn't one of them.

The midfielder has been linked with a move there by CalcioMercato, but it just doesn't make any sense. In players like Tom Cairney and Jean-Michel Seri, as well as summer signing Andre-Frank  Zambo-Anguissa, Fulham already have a plethora of midfield options available.

The last thing they need is a player last seen in England failing horribly. They are looking for calm heads and experience to settle a talented team down, not a player who so far has looked very mentally shaky.

It's a really far-fetched shout, and one that we can't see even a sliver of truth in. Even the termination of the Frenchman's loan seems unlikely at this stage.

Bakayoko is struggling in Milan by accounts, and that's not how one gets a move to a club that is fighting relegation in the Premier League.



https://www.chelsea-news.co/2018/11/bakayoko-will-not-move-fulham-january/

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool vs Fulham Preview: Reds to bounce back from Serbian sorrows?

Liverpool vs Fulham looks like being a stone cold, cast iron home banker. You can get odds of 30/1 for Fulham to win on Sunday. Yet anyone who witnessed the Reds' abject efforts in Belgrade on Tuesday night will think the away side's chances are considerably better than that.

Even so, when looking at the expected goal data for 2018/19, it's easy to see why the bookmakers have come up with the prices they have. You can work out the percentage chance of any score line using the statistics, and doing so suggests a 9-0 Liverpool win is more likely than a 0-0 draw.

The perils of a small sample; 11 games isn't enough to use to make a realistic prediction. However, it certainly illustrates the difference between the teams when it comes to the underlying numbers this season.

Fulham go into the weekend rock bottom of the Premier League table. This is mainly down to them taking just one point on the road this season. Defeats at Tottenham and Manchester City were to be expected, but losses at Cardiff and Huddersfield could prove hugely costly. It may just be that those two sides will have dragged Fulham down with them thanks to those results.

It's not as if the Cottagers were incredibly strong last season either; their expected goal difference was only the sixth best in the Championship. Converting a 62-49 expected goals record into 79 for and 46 against in actual goals propelled them to third in the table. Fulham spent around £100 million in the summer, but it's still a huge gap to bridge.

If they are to have any chance at Anfield, they need to get their record signing on the ball. Jean Michael Seri has created 11 chances on the road this season – no other Fulham player has more than six to his name – so he unsurprisingly lead's Fulham's attack chart for away matches.

Getting the ball will be a big part of the problem though. Slaviša Jokanović's side only had 40 percent possession at Spurs, and just 35 at the Etihad. Liverpool, by contrast, have attempted at least 60 percent of the total passes in every home game bar their clash with the champions, and equalled their record under Klopp with 80 percent possession in their last home game against Cardiff.

With the Reds guaranteed to have so much of the ball, they need to ensure their best players get on it. Enter Shaqiri. The Kosovo born Swiss international was left out of the trip to face Crvena Zvezda. Who knows if he could have rescued a dire Liverpool performance, but he's certainly a man in form.

Shaqiri is Klopp's top attacking performer in the league at Anfield this season on a points-per-minute basis, albeit he has only amassed 90 minutes there so far. He simply has to come back into Klopp's XI for this match.

Liverpool may need to be patient. It might pay off to invite Fulham on to them a little, as only Palace have conceded more counter attack goals than they have in 2018/19. The Reds sealed their win at Selhurst Park in that fashion, and they may have opportunities to do so here too. A 9-0 prediction is obviously going far, far too far, but don't be surprised if Liverpool bounce back from their Serbian sorrows with a comfortable win here.



http://blog.twelve.football/2018/11/08/liverpool-vs-fulham-preview/

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool suffer worrying injury blow days before clash against Fulham

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez suffered an Achilles setback after being called on to face Red Star at half time on Tuesday evening.

While losing to the Serbian outfit was disappointing enough, the news that Joe Gomez came away from the game with a fresh injury makes matters worse.

The 21-year-old has been in sublime form this season and you could make the argument that he has been the best player in the Reds squad since the start of the Premier League campaign.

Gomez hasn't been ruled out of contention to face Fulham this weekend but was on the bench for Liverpool's midweek Champions League clash as a precaution but was called on at halftime.

The Telegraph's Matt Law reports that Gareth Southgate is monitoring the injury before making a decision on whether or not to call the English centre-back up to the England squad for the next international break.

Liverpool are hoping to bounce back from back to back games where points were dropped and there has been the suggestion that Naby Keita will return to the starting lineup to face Fulham which will come as a boost.



https://www.rousingthekop.com/2018/11/08/liverpool-suffer-worrying-injury-blow-days-before-clash-against-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers under consideration at Fulham

Celtic could reportedly receive some interest in Brendan Rodgers if Fulham decide to part company with Slavisa Jokanovic.

According to a report from The Telegraph, Brendan Rodgers could be considered for the Fulham post should the Premier League side part company with Slavisa Jokanovic, but the Celtic boss may prove too expensive to lure away from Parkhead.

Jokanovic is coming under increasing pressure at Craven Cottage just a handful of months after he guided the club to promotion in the play-off final. They have struggled since returning to the top flight and now find themselves bottom of the table.

It must be mentioned that The Telegraph reports that the Fulham board have made no decisions regarding Jokanovic's future, so it seems possible that he could be given every chance to turn their fortunes around.

He has certainly earned that chance given the job he has done so far.

But should they decide to make a change, The Telegraph reports that Rodgers could be on their radar should they look to pursue an experienced manager. The club are not currently keen on names such as Sam Allardyce, David Moyes or Steve Bruce, so the Hoops boss could be someone they turn to.

Scott Parker is said to be the favourite for the position should they make a change with Fulham hoping to keep much of the identity that Jokanovic's tenure has given them.

The Telegraph adds that Rodgers would be an expensive choice. That perhaps hints that Celtic fans should not be too worried should they hear that Jokanovic has gone.

Rodgers is also looking set to enjoy another wonderful season at Parkhead - if recent results are anything to go by. And with Fulham potentially in danger of enduring a difficult campaign spent in and around the relegation zone - they have the quality to stay up however - the finances of a potential approach may not be the only factor that leaves the Hoops boss quickly putting the links to the back of his mind.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/11/08/report-celtic-boss-brendan-rodgers-under-consideration-at-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Scott Parker 'lined up as Slavisa Jokanovic replacement at Fulham'

Fulham are reportedly considering first-team coach Scott Parker as a possible replacement for under-fire manager Slavisa Jokanovic.

Jokanovic's future has come under increasing scrutiny as a result of Fulham's poor start to life back in the Premier League, with the newly-promoted Cottagers sitting bottom of the table after 11 games.

Fulham have lost their last five top-flight matches - including defeats to relegation rivals Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town - and are winless in eight since their solitary victory of the campaign so far.

The West Londoners face a daunting trip to Anfield on Sunday and, while the board have offered no indication that defeat would result in Jokanovic being sacked, The Telegraph reports that they are considering replacements.

Fulham will weigh up their options during the upcoming international break and are thought to favour a managerial novice such as Parker rather than moving for the likes of David Moyes or Sam Allardyce.

The board believe that Parker's style of football is more in line with the team than the aforementioned duo, although the likes of Claudio Ranieri and Brendan Rodgers have also been touted as possible targets too.

Parker, who made 128 appearances over three seasons with Fulham during his playing days, is currently part of Jokanovic's backroom staff and is understood to be fully behind the manager.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/sack-race/news/parker-lined-up-as-jokanovic-replacement_340918.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham plot January swoop for Matt Targett in bid to solve defensive woes


Fulham Targett: The Saints full-back helped Fulham win promotion last term ( Action Images via Reuters )

Fulham are considering a bid to re-sign left-back Matt Targett from Southampton in January, as they search for a solution to their defensive problems.

Targett helped Fulham get promoted and it is understood he is keen on  returning to the club.

The 23-year-old moved to Craven Cottage on loan in January and his arrival allowed Ryan Sessegnon to push up the field to play on the wing, where he flourished during the second half of last season.

Fulham failed with a £15million move to sign Targett in the summer and they have missed him this season.

Fulham instead signed Joe Bryan from Bristol City £6m but he has made just four Premier League starts because of injury and is currently out with a hamstring problem.

In his absence, Slavisa Jokanovic has been forced to play centre-back Maxime Le Marchand and Sessegnon at left-back.

Fulham were struggling defensively when Targett joined last season but his arrived helped them tighten up and they conceded just 11 goals in a 17-match unbeaten run from the start of February.

It is hoped Targett could have a similar impact this season. Fulham have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, having conceded 29 goals in 11 games.

Targett has made just one Premier League start for Southampton this season and his gametime has been limited behind first-choice left-back Ryan Bertrand.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-plot-january-swoop-for-matt-targett-in-bid-to-solve-defensive-woes-a3984296.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottage trip Transfer news: Fulham to attempt shock raid for Chelsea star Tiemoue Bakayoko who is on loan at AC Milan

Cottagers looking to bolster their midfield as they attempt to stave off the threat of relegation

Premier League relegation battlers Fulham have made a shock attempt to try and sign Chelsea loanee Tiemoue Bakayoko.

The France midfielder was deemed surplus to requirements in the summer with Maurizio Sarri unimpressed by the 24-year-old's performances in pre-season.

AC Milan swooped in to sign Bakayoko on a season-long loan deal worth around £3.5million with the midfielder desperately seeking a return to first-team action.

Although he has struggled to impress at the San Siro too, Milan are willing to give Bakayoko time to reverse his early-season misfortunes.

Despite his poor form, Calciomercato have claimed that Fulham are keen to bring in the Chelsea loanee in January as they look to bolster their ranks.

The Cottagers are currently bottom of the Premier League table with manager Slavisa Jokanovic, a former Chelsea defender, facing the axe.

Milan are not expected to cut short Bakayoko's loan deal though, meaning a potential move for the Frenchman could be difficult.

The San Siro giants have the option to complete a permanent deal for around £30million next summer and will give the out-of-form midfielder time to prove himself.



https://talksport.com/football/443468/transfer-news-fulham-to-attempt-shock-raid-for-chelsea-star-tiemoue-bakayoko-who-is-on-loan-at-ac-milan/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham considering January bid to sign Matt Targett

Fulham are set to reignite their interest in Southampton defender Matt Targett during the January transfer window.

The London Evening Standard reports that the Cottagers are looking to strengthen defensively and will prepare a move for the player who previously enjoyed a spell on loan at the club.

Fulham tried to sign the defender permanently in the summer off the back of their promotion to the Premier League.

The report claims that Targett, who has once again fallen out of favour at Southampton, is keen to return to the London club after impressing on loan there.

Southampton refused to sell the player, despite turning down numerous offers from the Premier League new boys.

Slavisa Jokanovic's men were willing to spend as much as £15 million to sign the player in the summer, but it is yet to be seen how much they would be ready to pay in the new year.



https://readsouthampton.com/2018/11/08/fulham-considering-january-bid-to-sign-matt-targett/?poll-results=1

[WhiteJC]

 
What Shahid Khan's previous Fulham sackings could mean for Slavisa Jokanovic's future

Fulham news includes a look how previous sackings might affect the thinking behind Jovanovic's future

Fulham are currently on a six game losing streak, with pressure mounting on head coach Slavisa Jokanovic.

After securing promotion to the Premier League last season, the club have won just one game in the the league this season and now find themselves slumped at the bottom of the division.

They haven't scored in three games and haven't kept a clean sheet yet, with the 29 goals they've conceded far and away the most in the Premier League this year.

Monday night's defeat to Huddersfield, previously winless and goalless at home, added to the pressure surrounding the head coach as he prepares his side for a daunting trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool.

As it stands, Jokanovic will be in charge for that game, with it looking likely that the result on Merseyside won't affect his future too much, although the game with Southampton after the international break looks may or break for the Serbian.

Before the loss to AFC Bournemouth, Shahid Khan publicly backed Jokanovic, stating that he was 'their guy'.

However, Khan has previous in sacking managers at Craven Cottage during his tenure, with four permanent bosses having come and gone since he bought the club in 2013.

Martin Jol, Rene Meulensteen, Felix Magath and Kit Symons have all felt the feel of the chop, and with fans split straight down the middle on whether Jokanovic is the right man to take the club forward, we've taken a look at how long its taken for Khan to make the ultimate decision.


Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

Martin Jol - six defeats in six games

Jol was the first man to get the sack from Khan having suffered six defeats in a row in all competitions in the 2013 season.

He'd only had the extension on his contract activated earlier that year, but he left the club in 18th place in the Premier League in a season where they would eventually get relegated.

Fulham had only won three of their 13 games in the league by the start of December - form that is remarkably similar to the one that the current side are showing having won just the once in 11 games this campaign, with Liverpool and Southampton to come.


Martin Jol during his time at Craven Cottage

If any of Fulham's past sackings are something to learn from when looking at Jokanovic, for me it would be this one.

It was clear something had to change, but sacking Jol lead to a calamitous few years for the club, with relegation to the Championship, the Magath years and near-relegation to League One, before Jokanovic was appointed and steadied the ship.

Out of all of Khan's sackings, I think the lessons learnt from this one will be at the forefront of his thinking when it comes to figuring out what to do in this current situation.

Rene Meulensteen - four wins in 17 games

Meulensteen came to club as head coach, but just three weeks later was replacing Jol as the man in charge of steering Fulham to safety.

It looked a mistake from the off, and only four wins in 17 game saw Khan appoint Magath instead, his third boss in the season, with the statement from the club making no mention of Meulensteen's future.


Rene Meulensteen congratulates his captain after winning at Norwich on Boxin Day 2013 (Image: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Meulensteen's appointment, and subsequent departure, marked the start of a long list of mistakes made by the club on new managers and Fulham's direction, eventually resulting in them languishing near the drop zone in League One.

Again, I can't help but think that, as a shrewed businessman that is sure to learn from past mistakes, whether these past sackings and what they led to will have an effect on his thinking.

Felix Magath - no wins in 11 games

Everyone with Fulham will remember the Magath reign and will need absolutely no reminding what a shambles the whole saga was.

Surprisingly, though, he was given the longest amount of time to try and turn things around, going a whopping 11 games without a win before Khan took the decision to part ways with him.


Walk of appreciation: Scott Parker and Felix Magath at the final home game of the 2014 season (Image: Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

He used 29 different players in the club's start to the Championship campaign, but only managed victory in the League Cup against Brentford, and after a 5-3 defeat at Nottingham Forest, his last at the club, he asked fans for patience.

But Khan's had run out, and he promised he would personally and immediately lead the search for a new manager.

That new manager was Kit Symons, but it turned out to be another appointment that went awry.

Kit Symons -6 wins in 18 games

After guiding Fulham to a 17th placed finish having taken over from Magath, but was sacked in November the following season with the club eight points off the play-offs, having won just six games in 18 matches.

The reasoning given by Khan at the time was that it was 'time to take Fulham to the higher level of success that we expect from our manager and players'.

But it took a long time for Khan to appoint Jokanovic - something that, were he to sack the current head coach, couldn't happen again with the importance of the Premier League season.


Kit Symons at Fulham

That is another thing that will play on his mind - getting a new manager in essentially means starting from scratch, building a relationship between not only the new players and the manager, but also between the players that were there last season.

It also means getting that manager clued up on the Premier League, something that we've seen from the players is no easy task.

Looking ahead to what happens next for Jokanovic, it seems clear to me that Khan is taking all of these past experiences into account when deciding the future of his head coach.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/what-shahid-khans-previous-fulham-15386862

[WhiteJC]

 
Shaqiri starting & aggression in midfield – 5 things Liverpool fans want to see against Fulham

The Reds badly need a response after a poor performance in midweek and a home game against Fulham should be the perfect opportunity to right a few wrongs.

Amid the doom and gloom following the full-time whistle in Belgrade, it should be noted that the Reds are still unbeaten in the league and on course for a title challenge.

All is not perfect, but there are still opportunities ahead to showcase Liverpool's quality and keep in the hunt for the biggest of trophies.

Back in the Premier League on Sunday, and indeed back at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp's men will look to make it 12 unbeaten from the start of the season.

It's not just about the three points though after a dismal 90 minutes, so here are five things apart from victory that supporters want to see from the team.

Xherdan Shaqiri restored to the attack
Liverpool have a better squad this season. There are players fighting for places and, in a few cases, showing that they deserve to be bumped up from support role to starter.

Xherdan Shaqiri is the best example of that so far, and should be held up as such—with his reward being a place in the starting XI.

In recent weeks he has switched in and out with Adam Lallana, as the Englishman bids to regain match fitness. Fine. But Lallana has offered largely nothing of note, while Shaqiri's end product has been tangible and regular.

Get the Swiss attacker back in the side, both for his ability to cause problems and to highlight to other players that a place in the team can be won—if form is good enough.

A midfield with balance and ball-winning ability
Liverpool's midfield has been a source of concern all season, in truth, be it because they lack in genuine creative skills or because one or two have shown underwhelming form at times.

But against Red Star was something new: no bite, no ability to deny the home team time on the ball...no tackles.

Not a single challenge won by the trio of Gini Wijnaldum, James Milner and Adam Lallana, across the entire first half as Red Star scored twice.

That's not good enough, and it needs to change immediately.

Whether that's a personnel switch—Fabinho was certainly winning plenty of duels in his three-game run in the side—or going back to a double pivot, or simply instructing a higher press from the No. 8s which has been absent of late, that centre of the park needs to offer an awful lot more to the team.

Tempo, aggression, intent
Liverpool's best play undoubtedly comes when they get in opposition teams' faces, force quick turnovers and then pounce, in numbers, to attack.

That hasn't really been the case all season long as the manager tries to balance the ultra-draining approach of relentless pressing, with the need to control games and have a more secure defence.

But when the tempo in recent games has dropped to near-walking pace, the Reds don't look any kind of threat at all.

Runners from midfield have disappeared, the forwards aren't exchanging passes at pace and the full-backs don't get forward as much.

It can't all happen at the flick of a switch, but someone on the pitch—and Klopp on the sidelines—has to take responsibility to urge the team to play at a quicker pace.

This team's identity is about being aggressive and offensive: so be it!

Shots on target!
Keeping clean sheets is great, but the team also has the quality at the other end of the pitch to put opponents to the sword.

In theory, at least—but Liverpool took more than hour to have a single effort on target in midweek. No first-half efforts on goal, the first after 70 minutes, four in total—two of which came in stoppage time.

Clearly, that's not something we want repeated too often.

Over the previous five games—from Man City through to Arsenal—the shots on target record (and goals scored) was two (zero), two (one), 11 (four), seven (four), four (one).

When we're good, the Reds can be very good, but taking so long to get started and play on the front foot inevitably leads to struggles in front of goal.

Solidity in defence
Now, about those clean sheets: Liverpool haven't kept one in three games.

Ordinarily, that wouldn't be a huge issue. Fans are long-since used to watching goalkeepers pick the ball out of the net on a regular basis, even when winning.

But this year started differently. This season, a rigid defence was winning points when the attack was misfiring early on.

More recently, Cardiff scored a late, preventable, unnecessary consolation; Arsenal equalised to snatch a point and then Red Star's improbable win showed up all sorts of deficiencies from individuals and the collective.

Fulham are bottom of the Premier League. They have taken a single point on the road thus far and average less than one goal per game away from home—and concede an average of almost 20 shots per game.

There's no excuse for not beating them, but there's also little reason to expect anything other than a comprehensive, professional, back-to-our-strengths performance which seals the three points and restores confidence around Anfield.



https://www.thisisanfield.com/2018/11/shaqiri-starting-aggression-in-midfield-5-things-liverpool-fans-want-to-see-against-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Jokanovic claims he is unsure about the positional future of Ryan Sessegnon

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has claimed that he is unsure about the positional future of young sensation Ryan Sessegnon.

The Cottagers have so far endured a difficult return to Premier League football and could be in line to face a difficult challenge to retain their top-flight status this season.

They are currently in 19th position on the League standings with 5 points from 10 games and above only bottom of the lot Huddersfield Town.

The 18-year-old is one of the few Cottagers players who has looked decent so far this season though he is still very young and has a lot to learn.

The youngster was also arguably his club's best player during their recent 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat against Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Sessegnon who can play as a left back or left winger is also expected to win selection to the England squad in the near future.

Though he has been playing as a left-back during recent games, Jokanovic has admitted that he is unsure about the positional future of the possible future superstar.

As quoted by The Independent, Jokanovic said: "In this moment, Ryan has some unnecessary high responsibility because many people are focused on this man and how he is going to save the team,"

"Generally, it's not a job for Ryan Sessegnon and this extra pressure on this man is not necessary.

"We trust him, he is a quality man and he is always available to support his team-mates. We must expect other players to support him too and in this way.

"It will be easier for us and easier for him too."



https://sportslens.com/fulham-boss-jokanovic-claims-he-is-unsure-about-the-positional-future-of-ryan-sessegnon/250314/

[WhiteJC]

 
Championship and Ligue 1 clubs chase Fulham's Steven Sessegnon

HITC Sport understands several Championship and Ligue 1 clubs have enquired about taking Fulham defender Steven Sessegnon on loan.

Fulham defender Steven Sessegnon is a loan target for a number of Championship and Ligue 1 clubs in January, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.

Sessegnon, like his twin brother Ryan, has come through the ranks at Fulham and is highly-regarded at Craven Cottage.

The 18-year-old, who made his first-team debut last season, has made two appearances in the Carabao Cup so far this term and was on the bench for last week's cup tie at Manchester City.

The youngster plays mainly as a right-back, but can operate at centre-half and in defensive midfield. He represented England from Under-16 level all the way up to Under-19s, helping England win the Under-17 World Cup in 2017.

The talented teenager is down the pecking order in Slavisa Jokanovic's Premier League plans at present and a host of clubs at home and abroad have made enquiries about his availability for loan when the transfer window reopens in January.

Several sides at the top end of the Championship chasing promotion to the Premier League and a number of French Ligue 1 sides have expressed an interest in taking Sessegnon on loan if he is made available.

Sessegnon has just 18 months left on his current deal at Fulham and the club are keen to tie him to a new deal as they weigh up whether or not to sanction a loan move for the player in January.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/11/08/por-championship-and-ligue-1-clubs-chase-fulhams-sessegnon/

[WhiteJC]

 
Why hiring Scott Parker in place of Slavisa Jokanovic would be a bad idea for Fulham's survival

Reports suggest that Fulham are considering Scott Parker as a replacement should they sack Slavisa Jovanovic

Despite Slavisa Jokanovic still being in the hot seat, rumours are circulating on who his replacement may be as the current head coach comes under increasing pressure.

Six losses on the bounce in all competitions, including a 1-0 defeat in a crucial six-pointer against fellow strugglers Huddersfield Town on Monday night, has put the Serbian in the firing line to be the next head coach to face the chop.

Fulham sit bottom of the Premier League, have conceded the most amount of goals in the division and are now struggling to score, but for the moment, Jokanovic still has his job and will manage the side at Anfield on Sunday against Liverpool.

However, that hasn't stopped speculation as to who his replacement could be, and the latest name on the list is current first team coach, Scott Parker.

He rejoined Fulham in the summer as a first team coach, leaving his role as Tottenham Hotspur's U18s coach to link up with Jokanovic, with whom he spent his final season playing under.

Parker's return was welcomed by Jokanovic and his coaching staff and the players alike, with the 38-year-old a popular character at Motspur Park who has leaped feet first into the role, bringing an enthusiasm with him that is clear to see before matches.

His wish to one day manage is well know, and when that day comes I believe that Parker will be an especially good head coach - he is well suited to it.

And while the rage at the moment is to hire former players as managers (Steven Gerrard at Rangers, Frank Lampard at Derby County, John Terry assisting at Aston Villa and Thierry Henry at Monaco), sacking Jokanovic and putting Parker as the new head coach would be the wrong move.

While it offers continuity for the players and the club, making the transition from a coach, where the relationship players can be relaxed, to a head coach at a club fighting for its life in the Premier League is a huge leap - especially for someone whose experience is limited to U18 football.

It changes everything for Parker and the players too - at the moment, the players will see him as a coach, someone they can enjoy banter with on the training pitches and can go to with problems and concerns.

But as soon as he becomes their manager, all that changes and Parker would have to distance himself from the group, ensuring they understand his new authority and that he can no longer be the same with them.

For someone with no experience, doing that to a group of players looking to escape relegation in the toughest division around, it represents an extremely tough task.

It also raises the question of what Parker could do with this group that Jokanovic can't.

Jokanovic has guided this group of players through the Championship and into promotion, implementing a style of play on them that he himself recognised would suit at the start of the 2016/17 season and continued that to today.

Parker has bought into that, first as a player and now as a coach - would he be able to implement a different playing style on the side, or drill them enough to make them, at the very least, more compact at the back?

It represents a huge risk, to sack Jokanovic, a man who Shahid Khan and the board know is capable of, in favour of Parker, an unknown quantity in the managerial world.

And it's a risk that Khan knows all too well.

After sacking Martin Jol in 2013, Khan employed Rene Meulensteen as his replacement, a first team coach who had only been there three weeks, tasking him with guiding a misfiring squad to safety.

The plan backfired, and after winning just four wins in 17 games, Meulensteen was replaced by Felix Magath and the rest is history.

It's taken four years for Fulham to fix it, and Khan can not afford to make another mistake in the firing and hiring of Jokanovic and a new manager.

If Khan was to sack Jokanovic, the pull of Parker is clear to see - he knows the squad, he knows how they play, it represents continuity, while bringing in a completely new face essentially means starting from scratch with an 11 game deficit.

Had this been the Championship and this situation was occurring, I would say that Parker would be a good choice as the next head coach.

But it isn't, it's the Premier League, and the risk associated with hiring Parker in place of Jokanovic far outweigh the return.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/hiring-scott-parker-place-slavisa-15388955

[WhiteJC]

 
Team against Liverpool 11/11
Over on the forum we've been discussing the team against Liverpool...

whitejc

Subs: Betts, MLM, Schurrle, Ayite, Vietto, Anguissa

I know that many would have both Vietto and Schurrle in their starting 11 however I'm not convinced that either provide enough, Vietto doesn't want to shoot? and Schurrle needs 20+ chances and I think that they don't help the overall shape of the team.


come over and join the debate

http://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?topic=68251.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=476

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League predictions: Lawro v WWE stars Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre

Manchester United will be the underdogs when they go to Etihad Stadium to play neighbours Manchester City on Sunday - but who will prevail?

"I feel that the ball has just started to run for United a little bit," BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson said. "Look at their last-gasp wins over Bournemouth and Juventus this week.

"When you keep scoring important last-minute goals, it is great for you and it also worries the opposition a little bit.

"Yes, City are favourites but I don't think this will be straightforward for them at all."

Lawro is making predictions for all 380 top-flight matches this season, against a variety of guests.

This week's guests are WWE wrestlers Dolph Ziggler and his tag-team partner Drew McIntyre.

Drew is a Rangers fan - and has been from a very early age.

He explained to BBC Sport: "My family supports Rangers and Celtic and, when you are a baby, they leave out the two tops and you crawl towards one of them.

"I believe I crawled to the Rangers top when I was a kid."

The 33-year-old from Ayr is enjoying life under current Gers boss Steve Gerrard and thinks he might bring the glory days back to Ibrox - although it might take a while.

"Gerrard played with his heart, which is something we were missing," McIntyre explained.

"He is drilling it into his team and we are on the rise. In the next couple of seasons I think we are going to be right back in it, competing with Celtic."

"It would be sweet to win something this season but I am being realistic - and it is amazing that we are back where we are right now."

LAWRO'S PREDICTIONS
SUNDAY

Liverpool v Fulham (12:00 GMT)

Liverpool had a bad night against Red Star in Belgrade on Tuesday - in every department.

Their passing was poor, defensively they weren't great and although they created a few opportunities, their finishing wasn't up to scratch either.

From one to 11, they were ordinary and, as well as the fact they lost, the worrying thing for the Reds was that they looked like a one-trick pony.

They have not suddenly become a bad side, though. It is more that Jurgen Klopp tried to change his team around a little bit and it did not work.

And I don't see them struggling against Fulham either.

The Cottagers are having a disastrous run that has seen them fall to the bottom of the table, and I think they will lose for a seventh successive game on Sunday.

Lawro's prediction: 3-0

Dolph & Drew's prediction: 4-0



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46129408

[WhiteJC]

 
Keown is oblivious after remarking on Liverpool v Fulham clash

OPINION

Martin Keown is oblivious to the problem that helped Liverpool suffer a shock 2-0 defeat to Red Star Belgrade by disrespecting  Fulham when looking ahead to Sunday's clash.

The Reds are set to host the struggling Cottagers at Anfield on Sunday and while they are expected to win, they still need to deliver the goods to get all three points.

However Keown when looking at the clash overlooked Fulham by swiftly moving on to dub Reds' game against Paris St Germain, as the real test for Jurgen Klopp's side.

"While Klopp will be pleased that his team are able to grind out narrow victories, by now he would like to see them click into gear," said the BBC pundit in his column for the Daily Mail.

"They play Fulham at home on Sunday — a game they are expected to win.

"The real test comes a fortnight on Wednesday when they to Paris Saint-Germain."

While PSG would of course provide the Reds with a tougher task than Fulham, the London club shouldn't be disregarded before a ball has even been kicked.

The Reds, at least some of their players, looked like they expected to turn up to face Red Star on Tuesday and simply be awarded the win.

This problem tends to happen to a lot of successful teams as they let complacency creep into their performance and this hands an opportunity to their opponents to make upset.

Keown is disrespectful to Fulham by the way he skims over them as while they're bottom of the Premier League, they do have some players that are capable of doing some damage to the Reds if on form.

If the Reds simply wade into Sunday's match with a similar attitude, for example expecting to win, then they are at risk of another surprise at the hands of the London club.

While Fulham struggled against Huddersfield Town, the pressure is on them to perform and you would think that at the very least they will throw everything they have at the Reds, and that makes them dangerous.

This all means that Keown is oblivious to the attitude problem that seem to effect the Reds in the Champions League on Tuesday by the way he disrespect Fulham ahead of them coming to Anfield.



https://live4liverpool.com/2018/11/view-from-the-kop/keown-is-oblivious-after-remarking-on-liverpool-v-fulham-clash/

[WhiteJC]

 
TT Battle: Roberto Firmino vs Aleksandar Mitrovic

Sunday's early kick off in the Premier League this week will see struggling Fulham travel to face Liverpool at Anfield in what promises to be an explosive encounter. In truth, Jurgen Klopp's side are yet to really get going this season despite being 3rd in the Premier League whilst Fulham are rooted to the table with just one win and five points from 11 games.

It's a huge game for both sides as neither side wants to go into the international break off the back of a defeat and both sides have players that could turn this game in their favour in Aleksandar Mitrovic and Roberto Firmino. The two number nines who have very different roles will be the men that both Klopp and Slavisa Jokanovic will be relying on to deliver in this crunch tie on Merseyside.

Starting with Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Fulham man made one hell of a first impression on the Craven Cottage faithful when he signed on-loan in January and scored no end of important goals to see The Cottagers gain promotion via the playoffs. Then with the injection of Premier League money, the Serbian made his loan move a permanent one for the bargain price of just £22 million, a modest fee in today's extortionate market.

During his time in London, Mitro has enjoyed life much more than he did in the Northeast and with a manager willing to play to his strengths he's bagged himself an impressive 17 goals in 32 appearances, including five in the Premier League in his 11 appearances this season. If Fulham do manage to get out of the drop zone and stay up there's no doubting that Mitrovic will be the man to inspire it, and if he does keep them up he'll have paid off his transfer fee.

It's a huge game for both sides as neither side wants to go into the international break off the back of a defeat and both sides have players that could turn this game in their favour in Aleksandar Mitrovic and Roberto Firmino. The two number nines who have very different roles will be the men that both Klopp and Slavisa Jokanovic will be relying on to deliver in this crunch tie on Merseyside.

Starting with Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Fulham man made one hell of a first impression on the Craven Cottage faithful when he signed on-loan in January and scored no end of important goals to see The Cottagers gain promotion via the playoffs. Then with the injection of Premier League money, the Serbian made his loan move a permanent one for the bargain price of just £22 million, a modest fee in today's extortionate market.

During his time in London, Mitro has enjoyed life much more than he did in the Northeast and with a manager willing to play to his strengths he's bagged himself an impressive 17 goals in 32 appearances, including five in the Premier League in his 11 appearances this season. If Fulham do manage to get out of the drop zone and stay up there's no doubting that Mitrovic will be the man to inspire it, and if he does keep them up he'll have paid off his transfer fee.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/liverpool/tt-battle-roberto-firmino-vs-aleksandar-mitrovic/

[WhiteJC]

 
Keita must come in for Lallana against Fulham after under-par Red Star display

After his first-choice side thumped Red Star 4-0 at Anfield last month, Jurgen Klopp handed three of his fringe players an opportunity to shine for the reverse tie in Belgrade.

Joel Matip, Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana were given rare starts in order to prove their worth to their manager but none of the trio took advantage.

Lallana, drafted in to add creativity in midfield against a side who were expected to play on the back foot, produced a rusty, under par performance which is in stark contrast to the usual energy Klopp demands from his players.

If that was perhaps understandable given Lallana's lack of gametime this season, it doesn't bode well for his hopes of staying in the team when the Reds face Fulham this weekend.

That's why fit-again Naby Keita, who was on the bench in midweek, must come into the midfield in place of Lallana against Slavisa Jokanovic's rock-bottom side.

He has the quality to transform Liverpool's midfield, and will hope to shrug off those injury problems and belatedly kickstart his Anfield career.

Klopp will be looking for a reaction from his side and Keita's energy could be the driving force he needs.



https://tbrfootball.com/keita-must-come-in-for-lallana-against-fulham-after-under-par-red-star-display/

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool vs Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrovic? Completed it mate

Liverpool take on Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday and shouldn't have anything to fear from Serbian bruiser Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Mitrovic is the Cottagers spearhead. He's the big money summer signing and the man who started his league campaign like a house on fire. He's since been put out.

The former Newcastle United forward definitely has a set of skills that'll allow him to present a danger to certain defenses around the country, but after this weekend Dutch mammoth Virgil van Dijk will be able to put Mitrovic as another striker he's completed.

While there is no shame in that – van Dijk has done it to bigger names than the Serb – it'll still hurt Mitrovic. And that's because the Netherlands skipper will be able to take him on at his own game, and van Dijk will win.

Rafa Benitez booted Mitro out of the Toon because he couldn't work hard enough in his forward line. The reason for this? The striker doesn't have enough fuel in the tank to lug his 90kg rig around the field and take chances when they arrive.

And with that, the Serb has nailed his colours to the mast. His strength, his ability to put the ball in the back of the net, his physical attributes are what makes him. But against van Dijk it won't be enough.

The former Southampton man will go toe-to-toe with the strongest, most powerful forwards in the league and come out with barely a scratch.

Hell, if Joe Gomez plays, it won't be enough for Gomez either. The youngster is physical and he's got a turn of pace that'll leave Mitrovic in the dust.

But that doesn't mean it will be easy, because it won't. It'll be a hard slog, but one that Liverpool should consistently win and by the end van Dijk will be able to say 'Mitrovic? Completed it mate.'



https://rushthekop.com/2018/11/09/liverpool-vs-fulham-aleksandar-mitrovic-completed-mate/

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool vs Fulham: Mohamed Salah to swing executioners axe?

Liverpool play Fulham on Sunday with Cottagers boss Slavisa Jokanovic under the pump. Will Mohamed Salah be the one to end it all for the Serbian?

The Daily Mail has reported that Jokanovic has been given one more game to save his job – and that happens to be against the Reds on Sunday.

The newly promoted side lost to Huddersfield Town in their most recent Premier League game, and now the Fulham board are growing restless at the prospect of going down.

With a terrible defence and an attack that hasn't managed to hit the back of the net enough to keep up with proceedings at the other end, Jokanovic may be on his way out of English top flight management.

Maybe this is the right time to play Liverpool and a win at Anfield would go some way to persuading the Craven Cottage hierarchy that he is the right man for the job, but it'll still be some task.

Despite the moaning of Reds fans and the surprise Champions League defeat to Red Star Belgrade this week, Liverpool are still unbeaten in the league and will be firm favourites to collect three points on Sunday.

Fulham don't look like surviving under Jokanovic, who inspired them to boss the Championship last season. They have conceded 29 goals in only 11 games and sit rock bottom of the league with only five points.

If there is any opposition that can reignite the Reds' stagnate attack, it's the ones they will face on the weekend.

Fixing that will be a massive task, not just for their current gaffer but for anyone else who comes in after that. To have players like Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino running at you is any defences nightmare – never mind one has shell-shocked as Fulham's.

This is a big moment for the Egyptian and his pals. If it means getting on the scoresheet and kick starting a strange season, then Salah should be happy to play the role of the executioner.



https://rushthekop.com/2018/11/09/liverpool-vs-fulham-mohamed-salah-swing-executioners-axe/