Saturday Fulham Stuff (24/11/18)...

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 08:08:21 AM

PREVIEW: Fulham vs Southampton – 24/11/2018

Fulham vs Southampton

Date: 24/11/2018

K/O: 15:00

Venue: Craven Cottage

Referee: Michael Oliver

The Cottagers play host to Southampton this weekend in a game which depending on the result, could really invigorate either side's season.

With a combined 13 points between the two teams, Saturday's match is going to be a battle of the bottom feeders. Fulham have only managed to score two goals in their last four appearances in the Premier League, and these came in a 4-2 defeat to Cardiff over a month ago. On the flip side, Southampton's goal scoring record is nothing to marvel at, scoring two goals in their previous five Premier League appearances.

Mark Hughes will feel hard done by after the Saints last appearance in the Premier League, coming out with only one point against Watford, after conceding a horrendous deflected goal with ten minutes of play remaining. Southampton's fans frustration were personified by Charlie Austin in the post-match interview as many will feel a poor refereeing decision cost the side an extra two points.

Depending on other results, a win for the Saints on Saturday could lift them to 14th place, which looks far better from a fan's perspective than one place above the relegation zone.

As for Fulham, they are a side who have underperformed to an extreme extent. Spending upwards of 100m in the transfer window in an attempt to strengthen their squad and sitting bottom with five points do not correlate. If there was a game that Fulham can grasp with both hands, it's this one. With Southampton struggling to score it is an opportunity that should not be missed. A win for the Cottagers could lift them out of the relegation zone, but they would need to win by at least a three-goal margin to jump above Saturday's visitors.

Charlie Austin's rant after the incorrectly ruled out goal against Watford was probably the most exciting thing about their encounter last time out and the international break could have served the Saints either way. Frustrations could have been quickly turned in to a performance as it provides immediate motivation to succeed, and emotions may have settled. On the contrary, emotions may have been channelled into some serious training and only increased the desire to remain in the Premier League.

With the departure of Les Reed still fresh in the Southampton dressing room, there is still a huge opportunity for Mark Hughes to win the fans respect and trust back. While it may only be Fulham, who are bottom, three points can ensure a tremendous amount of confidence; especially into a side who have been struggling such as Southampton.

With the captain Ryan Bertrand banned, Matt Targett will get an opportunity to showcase his talents. With a third of Southampton's assists this season, he may provide a slightly different attacking dynamic to this Saints side. Yoshida may also get a start over Stephens. Danny Ings picked up an injury in the previous game, however, he may still start ahead of Charlie Austin. Gabbiadini will surely be included from the off as he managed to score their first goal from open play in six games in their encounter with Watford.

PREVIEW: Fulham vs Southampton – 24/11/2018
By Niall HenryFeaturedFulhamGW13 PreviewPreviewSouthampton | 23 November, 2018

Fulham vs Southampton

Date: 24/11/2018

K/O: 15:00

Venue: Craven Cottage

Referee: Michael Oliver

The Cottagers play host to Southampton this weekend in a game which depending on the result, could really invigorate either side's season.
Embed from Getty Images

With a combined 13 points between the two teams, Saturday's match is going to be a battle of the bottom feeders. Fulham have only managed to score two goals in their last four appearances in the Premier League, and these came in a 4-2 defeat to Cardiff over a month ago. On the flip side, Southampton's goal scoring record is nothing to marvel at, scoring two goals in their previous five Premier League appearances.

Mark Hughes will feel hard done by after the Saints last appearance in the Premier League, coming out with only one point against Watford, after conceding a horrendous deflected goal with ten minutes of play remaining. Southampton's fans frustration were personified by Charlie Austin in the post-match interview as many will feel a poor refereeing decision cost the side an extra two points.

Depending on other results, a win for the Saints on Saturday could lift them to 14th place, which looks far better from a fan's perspective than one place above the relegation zone.
Embed from Getty Images

As for Fulham, they are a side who have underperformed to an extreme extent. Spending upwards of 100m in the transfer window in an attempt to strengthen their squad and sitting bottom with five points do not correlate. If there was a game that Fulham can grasp with both hands, it's this one. With Southampton struggling to score it is an opportunity that should not be missed. A win for the Cottagers could lift them out of the relegation zone, but they would need to win by at least a three-goal margin to jump above Saturday's visitors.

Charlie Austin's rant after the incorrectly ruled out goal against Watford was probably the most exciting thing about their encounter last time out and the international break could have served the Saints either way. Frustrations could have been quickly turned in to a performance as it provides immediate motivation to succeed, and emotions may have settled. On the contrary, emotions may have been channelled into some serious training and only increased the desire to remain in the Premier League.

With the departure of Les Reed still fresh in the Southampton dressing room, there is still a huge opportunity for Mark Hughes to win the fans respect and trust back. While it may only be Fulham, who are bottom, three points can ensure a tremendous amount of confidence; especially into a side who have been struggling such as Southampton.

With the captain Ryan Bertrand banned, Matt Targett will get an opportunity to showcase his talents. With a third of Southampton's assists this season, he may provide a slightly different attacking dynamic to this Saints side. Yoshida may also get a start over Stephens. Danny Ings picked up an injury in the previous game, however, he may still start ahead of Charlie Austin. Gabbiadini will surely be included from the off as he managed to score their first goal from open play in six games in their encounter with Watford.
Embed from Getty Images

Claudio Ranieri will attempt to better Fulham's fortunes on his return to management in the Premier League. His first home game, hosting Southampton, is a perfect opportunity to win the love and respect of the fans instantly. When Ranieri was appointed at Leicester City, it was in an attempt to keep their status in the Premier League, and what happened the following season will never be forgotten. It would be incredibly optimistic to assume he will do the same for Fulham; however, everyone can dream. Winning four and drawing four of his first nine games in charge of Leicester puts him in good stead for rescuing Fulham's dismal start to this season's Premier League campaign.

It's difficult to pinpoint why Fulham are not living up to their potential, with players like Andre Schurrle and Aleksander Mitrovic in the side, who have both previously played huge parts for their respective international sides. With no significant injuries Ranieri will have the pick of the bunch to try and put one over on the Saints this Saturday; however, Bryan and McDonald are doubtful but may still feature in this weekends fixture.

Starting Predicted XI's

Fulham (4-2-3-1): Rico; Christie, Odoi, Mawson, Le Marchand; Anguissa, Chambers; Schurrle, Cairney, Sessegnon; Mitrovic.

Southampton (4-2-3-1): McCarthy; Cedric, Yoshida, Hoedt, Targett; Hojbjerg, Lemina; Gabbiadini, Armstrong, Redmond; Ings.

Score Prediction: Fulham 2 Southampton 3

With both teams eager for three points it could be an incredibly closely fought game with plenty of intent to attack, but with Southampton beginning to score again and confidence coming back into the side I believe that they will scrape the three points from Fulham this weekend.

https://90maat.com/2018/11/23/preview-southampton-vs-fulham-24-11-2018/

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 08:10:42 AM

After 2011 snub, Fulham will relish the opportunity to heap pressure on Mark Hughes

When Southampton travel to Craven Cottage for a relegation six-pointer on Saturday, the reunion between Mark Hughes and Fulham will take centre stage.

Fulham will relish the opportunity to heap pressure on the struggling Saints manager, a figure who is widely despised at the club.

The Welshman spent an eventful season in SW6 in 2010/11, where he oversaw a top-half finish but shocked the Fulham faithful when he acrimoniously resigned in June 2011.

According to comments reported by the Telegraph at the time, Hughes said Fulham lacked ambition and he was eager to manage at a club with greater aspirations.

Hughes' conduct after leaving the club infuriated Fulham fans, and a great deal of animosity exists between the supporters and the former Whites boss.

While at Queens Park Rangers and later Stoke City, Fulham fans have delighted in Hughes' failures, and Saturday would be the perfect time to put the Southampton manager under serious pressure.

The Saints are without a win in eight league matches and are only outside of the drop zone on goal difference; a Fulham victory on the weekend might very well spell the last match of Hughes' time at St. Mary's.

With Fulham needing the three points perhaps more than anyone else in the division, it would be sweet revenge if Claudio Ranieri's first match in charge led to Mark Hughes' Southampton sacking.

https://tbrfootball.com/after-2011-snub-fulham-will-relish-the-opportunity-to-heap-pressure-on-mark-hughes/

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 08:13:16 AM

Claudio Ranieri: can the Tinkerman tinker once more?

"My team is like an orchestra. To play the symphony correctly I need some of the boom boom boom, but I also need some tweet and sometimes the tweet and boom go well together. Sometimes all you can hear is the boom, sometimes only the tweet. That is not good music."

Claudio Ranieri was the orchestrator of Leicester's classical music in the 2015/16 season. The affable Italian waved his conductor's baton on the touchline of the King Power Stadium like a scholar; etching the Foxes' name into the footballing history books in possibly one of the most extraordinary feats in all of sports. 21 months after being unceremoniously relieved of his duties at Leicester, the veteran gaffer is back in the Premier League; bestowed the task of reviving downtrodden Fulham – who haven't won a league game since August in their 4-2 win over Burnley. Can Ranieri lift the Cottagers well clear of the relegation zone? Or are we all looking upon his appointment with rose-tinted, Ranieri-esque spectacles?

One key area that Ranieri undoubtedly brings to the Fulham dressing room is boosting the team morale and charisma of outstanding players that have looked lacklustre in recent games. With Slaviša Jokanović at the helm, it looked evident through mundane performances after their 3-0 loss to Everton, from the likes of André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Jean Michaël Seri, that the Serbian had lost the confidence of his new-look Fulham side due to an attractive brand of football that struggled to adapt to the top-flight.

Their flaky defensive tactics did not help Jokanović's cause as he leaves the Whites having conceded a total of 31 goals – the highest of any side by a considerable amount. Ranieri's magnetic personality is the obvious choice to rejuvenate a subdued Fulham side, a man whose encouragement and tactics made Marc Albrighton look like Pavel Nedvěd for a season and a man who created a defensive partnership consisting of Wes Morgan and Robert Huth that was one of the most formidable in the league. Claudio could be the shot of adrenaline in Fulham's arm that allows the high-standard of names at Craven Cottage to play at their full potential.

"I'm unsure [if Ranieri can keep Fulham up this season]. We're more than capable as a manager and squad, it's down to the players buying into a new philosophy. We can compete in this league but lack the mentality we showed last season. Honestly, I'm just unsure. Ask me in three months!" – Christian Paul, Fulham fan

Tactically, Ranieri has become synonymous with either a 4-4-2 formation that was slightly staggered in attack – the set up that won Leicester the title – or a 4-2-3-1 layout which he has utilised at other clubs; the former of which could completely change the proficiency of this season's Fulham side. Jokanović, whilst prone to editing his preferred formation in times of desperation, favoured a 4-2-3-1 set up – that could morph into a 4-3-3 with the wingers advancing – with Aleksandar Mitrović as a sole striker.

Mitrović has proven himself as a prolific striking option in the top flights of English football who thrives with balls into the box or balls to his feet as a strong target man, something that seemingly hasn't been utilised this season. On the expectation that Ranieri would implement a 4-4-2 formation, Mitrović would be accompanied by Luciano Vietto in his natural forward position which would allow for interplay between the two strikers and an ever more counter-attacking threat with Vietto staggered ahead of Mitrović in a similar way to how Vardy was partnered with Okazaki under Ranieri at Leicester. Vietto playing more centrally also allows for formidable wingers such as Ryan Sessegnon and André Schürrle to play more prominent attacking roles in an attempt to feed the strikers, as well using their quality to score the goals too.

Away from the attack, the ever-present Tom Cairney and the imposing name of Seri are more than apt to occupy the centre of the pitch and will be expected to work a lot harder than previous performances have shown. This is especially the case for Seri as if Ranieri is to refine Fulham's defence, the Ivorian will need to press a lot harder and cut oppositional passing lanes to not leave Denis Odoi and his defensive partner (most likely Alfie Mawson) isolated as they have been for numerous goals that Fulham have conceded this season. Apart from Cyrus Christie and Odoi who have seemed to put in a shift as apart of the Cottagers' back-four, Claudio will be expected to browse the market to tighten the nuts and bolts of his defence and bulk up Fulham's defensive repertoire of players.

Whilst Claudio Ranieri has been known to work miracles in the Premier League, steering the damaged ship of Fulham is still a demanding task for a manager that is entering his 33rd year of management. For an orchestra to make profound and spectacular music, all areas of the ensemble have to be working tirelessly from the intricate violins in attack to the intimidating and booming percussion instruments in defence.

Fulham's orchestra may be tumultuous at this point in the season, but Claudio Ranieri is now the man wielding the baton and safety is his number one concern.

https://90maat.com/2018/11/23/claudio-ranieri-can-the-tinkerman-tinker-once-more/

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 08:15:14 AM

Fulham v Southampton: Match Preview

Southampton return to Premier League action on Saturday as they face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Both sides went into the recent international break just three points apart and the pair will be respectively targeting this is as a must-win game.

Once more, Saints didn't have too many of the first-team squad away on international duty, so that has allowed for manager Mark Hughes to really work with a core group of players for the two weeks.

Fulham, however, have recently changed their manager, appointing former Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri following the sacking of Slavisa Jokanovic last week.

It's expected that the West London club will have a new manager bounce, but it's imperative that Saints come through this game with a much-needed victory.

Prior to the break, Saints drew 1-1 with Watford following some controversial refereeing decisions. As for Fulham, they were beaten 2-0 at Anfield against Liverpool.

Forward Manolo Gabbiadini was particularly impressive and scored his first goal of the season against Watford. The Italian will be keen to continue performing when the Saints travel to Fulham.

In terms of team news, Saints have worries over the fitness of Mario Lemina and Mohamed Elyounoussi, but the pair are expected to be available for this crunch match.

Also, Ryan Bertrand is suspended for this one, meaning that Matt Targett is set to come into the side.

Shane Long has been ruled out with an ankle injury, while fellow striker Danny Ings is a major doubt after coming off in the draw against Watford.

Southampton manager Hughes has spoken prior to the trip to Fulham and has the confidence that left-back Matt Targett has the quality to come in and make a difference this weekend. As quoted by the clubs' official website, the Saints boss said:

He'll come in and he'll equip himself very, very well. He's going up against a team that he knows and a place where he's played many times, so he'll have a good feeling going into the game.

I just sense Matt, along with everybody else, is really looking forward to the game.

With both sides really needing the three points, I anticipate that this will be an open game, although the two teams will also be wary of not wanting to lose this game and lose ground on the teams around them in the table.

My prediction is that Southampton will narrowly come out on top with a 2-1 win.

https://readsouthampton.com/2018/11/23/fulham-v-southampton-match-preview/

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 08:18:44 AM

Fulham Players on International Duty: November 2018
What have the players done over the past two weeks?

Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images

I'm sure that everyone involved at Fulham Football Club deserve an International Break. The senior team looks broken and a change in management had to be made. Whether Claudio Ranieri is the savior to keep Fulham in the Premier League is another story entirely. For now, the players went on to their respective national teams and took some respite away from the turmoil around them. Let's take a look at how each of them did this month.

Senior Teams

G Marcus Bettinelli (England/0 caps)

D Cyrus Christie (Ireland/23 caps, 2 goals)

M André-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon/15 caps, 2 goals)

M Floyd Ayité (Togo/40 caps, 11 goals)

M Ibrahima Cissé (Guinea/2 caps, 1 goal)

M Luca de la Torre (United States/1 cap)

M Jean Michaël Seri (Ivory Coast/22 caps, 2 goals)

M Stefan Johansen (Norway/46 caps, 5 goals)

F Aleksandar Mitrović (Serbia/46 caps, 23 goals)

Once again, Marcus Bettinelli gets called up for England, and once again, he sat on the bench with no appearance in sight. He had a chance to be counted upon in their friendly against the United States, but Alex McCarthy, the number one for Fulham's next opposition in Southampton, went on and got his first International appearance instead. Jack Butland was also called up from Championship club Stoke City, so who knows if Bettinelli will ever get his chance if he keeps not being considered Fulham's first choice once Ranieri gets more acclimated with the club.

Speaking of the United States, Luca De La Torre returned to the senior national team for the first time since June, but was not able to increase his international record beyond his one cap. Meanwhile, Jean Michael Seri's Ivory Coast went head-to-head with Ibrahima Cisse's Guinea with only the former not only playing but also scoring in that contest. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough for Ivory Coast to claim all three points in a tie results in a 1-1 draw. Fortunately, both countries are in good position to move onto the African Cup of Nations Tournament this summer. Meanwhile, Floyd Ayite was also a part of a Togo squad that suffered a 4-1 defeat to Algeria in which Riyad Mahrez scored two goals. Next March's meeting with Benin could determine if Togo qualifies. Lastly, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa was a part of Cameroon's 2-0 defeat to Morrocco, and as long as they defeat Comoros, they should advance. Anguissa did not play in the International Friendly against Brazil and it is believed to have picked up an injury that might cost him selection for Saturday's fixture.

Back in Europe, Cyrus Christie took part in both of Ireland's fixtures that did not see a single goal scored. One of those draws saw them get relegated to League C and see Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane leave their posts as manager and assistant, respectively. Stefan Johansen continued to captain Norway and was able to guide them towards promotion to League B; winning their group after a victory to Cyprus and a draw with Slovenia. Finally, Mitro got back to being on fire by scoring twice in his two games with Serbia. His country went on to secure a 2-1 win over Montenegro followed by a 4-1 win over Lithuania to secure promotion to League B next season. Kevin McDonald and Tom Cairney were not a part of Scotland, but they'll be happy to know that their national team also got promoted to League B.

Youth Teams

F Ryan Sessegnon (England Under-21s/7 caps)

D Steven Sessegnon (England Under-19s/5 caps, 2 goals)

G Luca Ashby-Hammond (England Under-18s/6 caps)

D Cody Drameh (England Under-18s/0 caps)

M Fabio Carvalho (England Under-17s/7 caps)

M Harvey Elliott (England Under-17s/5 caps, 1 goal)

D Connor McAvoy (Scotland Under-17s/4 caps)

At youth level, the Sessegnon brothers continued to build on their reputations with England. Ryan added two substitute appearances in both of England's wins while Steven went on to score twice in England's three fixtures at Under-19 level. Luca Ashby-Hammond did get sent off in England's first Under-18 fixture this month, but was able to return to the lineup in the remaining two games to help guide his country to victory in their four-team Under-18 tournament in Spain. Fulham's latest sensation Cody Drameh was also called up for the Under-18s but did not play in any of England's three fixtures. At Under-17 level, both Fabio Caralho and Harvey Elliott featured heavily in England's three fixtures with the former being captain on two occasions and the latter scoring in their 3-1 win to Ireland. Lastly, Connor McAvoy helped Scotland secure qualification to next Summer's Under-17 European Championship with his couple of appearances.

https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/11/23/18108984/fulham-players-on-international-duty-november-2018

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 08:20:31 AM

Claudio Ranieri won't be afraid to flip tables at Fulham despite Mr Nice Guy persona

The manager has revealed he's done it in the past at Chelsea which left him covered in vitamins

Claudio Ranieri may come across as Mr Nice Guy in front of the press - but that won't stop him flipping tables in the dressing room if he has to.

The Italian manager is preparing for his first game in charge of Fulham when Southampton visit on Saturday and is hoping to stop the rot that has seen the side slump to the bottom of the Premier League on the end of seven defeats in a row in all competitions with just one win to their name in the league.

After being appointed last week, Ranieri has spent the last week and a bit getting to know his new players, instilling a confidence that he feels has been lacking so far this season.

However, he isn't afraid to go the other way and show some tough love, something he did at Chelsea when he flipped a table in the dressing room, spilling vitamins and drinks over him in the process.

Ranieri doubts it's something his new Fulham players will see for the time being, though, and has asked the fans at craven Cottage to help him give the players some confidence because they are 'anxious and nervous' at the moment.

He said: "Don't look at me here, with the smiling. In the dressing room, I am different. It depends what happens. Sometimes I could take this table and flip it in the air.

"Yes, [I did it] at Chelsea. All the vitamins. *Boom! Boom! Boom!*

"Can I remember? No, no, no. Sometimes I enjoy, sometimes I am very strong.

"My players know me. My players know me very well. Have I been tough with them? No. With these players, no. Not yet. Not yet. At this moment, I must give confidence.

"At this moment, when I say our fans must help us, it is because our players need confidence. They need to feel good feelings with the fans because, maybe, they are a little anxious, nervous. That is normal.

"Before coming, I watched matches and said, for me, this is a good team. They lack some energy, something that I can give to them. I hope at the end, I can give a good solution to them."

https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/claudio-ranieri-wont-afraid-flip-15454338

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 08:25:45 AM

Fulham v Southampton
SAT 24 Nov 2018 Premier League
Venue: Craven Cottage

This is Claudio Ranieri's 18th managerial appointment, including two spells at Valencia

TEAM NEWS

New Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri says Joe Bryan is available after overcoming a hamstring injury, though the left-back may struggle to play 90 minutes.

Midfielders Kevin McDonald and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa remain sidelined by injuries.

Southampton striker Danny Ings is doubtful because of a muscle problem.

Saints are hopeful Mohamed Elyounoussi and Mario Lemina will overcome minor injuries, but left-back Ryan Bertrand is suspended.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

@alistairmann01: This weekend one of the game's managerial characters makes his first appearance in the Premier League since February 2017 - "dilly ding, dilly dong" - and, for the record, you can get odds of 5,000-1 on Claudio Ranieri guiding Fulham to the title!

More realistically, the Cottagers are odds-on to be relegated and it will be games like this which determine their fate. Will the 'new manager effect' materialise against another side struggling for form?

Like Fulham, Southampton have won only once this campaign; their three extra draws separate the two teams.

As snow hits the UK this week, it's a sobering thought that you needed sunblock the last time either of these teams earned a league victory!

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri: "Today I said this: restart every time. We can win, lose and restart tomorrow. Forget the past.

"I showed to them some videos from the previous game and I said what is right and what is wrong.

"One thing is to watch, but after we have been on the pitch to repeat the movement and slowly, slowly they get better.

"It's not possible for everything we do on the pitch to repeat, there will be some mistakes and I hope [after] these mistakes there isn't a goal."

Southampton manager Mark Hughes on Charlie Austin's comments after the last game: "It's important sometimes that people looking from the outside understand when things go against you and decisions have affected you, like they did against Watford.

"It's right and proper that people see how we feel close to an event that's concerning everybody.

"Charlie was just saying what he felt from the heart and what he felt as a part of a group of lads that had done their best to try and get maximum points.

"That was where the frustration for him and for us lay, so his reaction didn't surprise me."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Claudio Ranieri is a bit of a feel-good appointment for the fans, and I am expecting him to have an instant impact at Craven Cottage after replacing Slavisa Jokanovic.

Prediction: 2-1

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

Southampton are unbeaten in their past six league and cup games against Fulham, winning the last three encounters without conceding.
Fulham have only lost one of their last 14 home league fixtures against Saints, though that came in the most recent top-flight clash on 1 February 2014.

Fulham

Only two sides have ever accrued fewer points than Fulham's five from their opening 12 Premier League games: Everton (1994-95) and QPR (2012-13) both had four points at this stage.
The Cottagers could lose seven successive league matches for the first time since an 11-game losing streak between December 1961 and February 1962.
Fulham are one of just two teams yet to keep a clean sheet in English league football this season, along with League Two Macclesfield.
They have gone 16 top-flight matches without a clean sheet and have conceded at least twice in 14 of those fixtures.
Fulham's next win will be their 300th in the top flight.
Claudio Ranieri's first league games in charge of Chelsea and Leicester both featured six goals; the former drew 3-3 with Manchester United in 2000 while the latter beat Sunderland 4-2 in 2015.
Twelve of Aleksandar Mitrovic's 14 shots on target in the Premier League this season came in Fulham's first six games, with just two in the subsequent six matches.

Southampton

Saints are winless in their last eight league games, losing four of those matches.
Mark Hughes has won three of his 20 league games in charge of Southampton (D7, L10).
Saints have only managed 47 goals in their past 56 league matches.
They have won just one of their last 10 league games versus newly-promoted sides (D6, L3), with that solitary victory coming against Middlesbrough in May 2017.
Danny Ings has been directly involved in 63% of his team's eight Premier League goals this season - scoring four and assisting one. It's the highest percentage of any player this season.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46244414

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 08:27:01 AM

Southampton manager admits he left Fulham too soon

MARK Hughes revealed he should have stayed at Fulham longer than he did.

Saints' boss took charge of Fulham in July, 2010 but resigned at the end of his first season at Craven Cottage.

In his spell there, he took them to eighth in the Premier League, but felt the club wouldn't match his ambition in the transfer window.

Hughes explained: "I have good memories of my time at Fulham.

"It was just circumstances at the time and it was well documented that the ownership were looking to sell and it was quite an old group that I had.

"I knew there were key elements of the team that needed to be replaced and maybe that was misinterpreted in the signs that I was getting.

"I interpreted that it was better for me to leave and to leave the club in a good position in my view and see where the rest of my career would go.

"I probably got it wrong as I asked for a player to be bought and they were a little bit slow in deciding whether or not they were going to do it.

"I interpreted that in the wrong way and below and behold two weeks later they spent £10m on a player.

"And I thought, 'hmm, maybe I should have hung around there a bit longer'."

Despite leaving the club after a year, Hughes still holds Fulham in high regard.

He added: "It's a good club and I have a lot of time for the people there."

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/17244508.southampton-manager-admits-he-left-fulham-too-soon/?ref=rss

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 08:29:43 AM

Three Players to Watch: Matchday 13 vs. Southampton
Can our new manager deliver the goods in his first game in charge?

So after getting accustomed to the fact that Claudio Ranieri is the new manager, Fulham will get back to it for a home fixture against Southampton. Simply put, this will be the first of many six-pointers the rest of the season the rest of this Premier League season. That's what happens when you are sitting 20th in the table, have lost to Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City, and have been among the worst defenses in the first 12 games in Premier League history. Simply put, this football club has to regroup and develop a consistent system that works for every player involved at the club.

Whether Ranieri can develop that system and get results will be determined later on, but for now, Fulham will have to worry about their opposition first. While the Saints might have only scored a joint-second worst eight times this season, their expected goals tally of 15.74 is good enough for 12th in the league. If anything, their defense that has conceded 21 goals, 20.29 expected goals and 112 opposition passes within 20 yards from goal are among the five worst in the league. So a mediocre attach and an even worse defense has resulted in Mark Hughes' side with just eight points in the table.

Did I forget to mention the injury list that looks to be mounting for the Saints? Ryan Bertrand seems to be out while Danny Ings, Mario Lemina, Shane Long and Mohamed Elyanousi look doubtful. Essentially, those are five starting players, including their leading goal scorer out for tomorrow's contest.

On Fulham's end, Kevin McDonald, Joe Bryan and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa look to be out as well. We're at a place where the grind of the Premier League is starting to take its toll, but it's fair game for both teams. So there are no excuses for both sides to not be ready to play. It will be interesting to see what starting XI Ranieri will come up with, though I will say that having Calum Chambers as a holding midfielder was good for Fulham against a surging Liverpool. To have a temporary midfield with him, Tom Cairney and Jean Michael Seri would be good to see but it will be critical to have the latter two succeed in the system Ranieri chooses. Either way, there will be plenty of anticipation at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

On that note, among those healthy from Southampton, just which three players should Fulham watch out the most?

Cedric Soares

At right back, Soares has been a dependable defense-first player throughout his time at Southampton. He has never scored for the Saints, but he has been solid in the tackle and it has been the bread-and-butter that's lead to his 33 Portugal caps. Along with that, Soares was a member of Portugal's 2018 World Cup squad and 2016 European Championship team. Before his exploits in England, he racked up 84 appearances with Sporting Lisbon. Soares was a part of his boyhood club since he was eight years old and stuck around until 2015, where he claimed a Portuguese Cup back in his final season with the club.

Pierre-Emile Højberg

Next up is an up-and-coming central midfielder in Højberg. Last season was the most league minutes he ever played in league play with 1,671 minutes and his 797 minutes already are well on pace to surpassing that total. And with two goals, Højberg is on pace for having his best offensive season of his career as well. It has just this season where he has started to become a regular for Denmark's National Team, where he already has 22 caps and will be seeing his country play in League A in the 2020-21 Nations League. It would be nice to see Højberg improve his game even further for him to be well respected throughout the Premier League, but at 23 years old, and already with 181 club appearances with Southampton and in the Bundesliga, he'll have plenty of time to be able to make that happen.

Nathan Redmond

All data from whoscored.com

Lastly, we take a look at one of the most unfortunate attacking players in the Premier League. It wasn't that long ago when Nathan Redmond was considered one of the up-and-coming English attacking players like Ryan Sessegnon. But like Andros Townsend, Redmond's shooting has been very subpar and his finishing fell along with it. He's still a great dribbler and he will get his chances to deliver a killer pass. But until then, Redmond has to improve dramatically from his abysmal 1.61 shots per contest and 15.8% shot-on-target ratio. Otherwise, aging attackers like Charlie Austin and Shane Long will have to get the job done if Southampton will be able to get out of their scoring slump on Saturday.

https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/11/23/18108536/three-players-to-watch-matchday-13-vs-southampton

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 08:32:20 AM

Premier League strugglers Fulham ready to make fresh bid for Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata in January

The Cottagers had a £9million bid for the defender rejected in August
Boyata is in the final year of his contract and could leave for free next summer
Claudio Ranieri replacing Slavisa Jokanovic as Fulham boss last week

Fulham are preparing a new push to sign defender Dedryck Boyata from Celtic in January.

The Belgian international is in the final year of his Parkhead contract and could leave for free next summer.

Currently bottom of the English Premier League, the Cottagers had a £9million bid for Boyata rejected in August.

Fulham had a £9million bid for defender Dedryck Boyata rejected by Celtic in August

Sportsmail understands, however, that the London club remain interested in signing the 27-year-old for a lower fee in the next transfer window despite Claudio Ranieri replacing Slavisa Jokanovic as boss last week.

Unhappy with Celtic's refusal to sell him last summer, Boyata refused to travel to Greece for a Champions League qualifier in August but has been an impressive performer on his return to the Parkhead first team.

Speaking at Celtic's AGM this week, manager Brendan Rodgers admitted that the player is likely to leave Glasgow in search of a bumper deal elsewhere.

'He's at the stage where he will assess everything and he is probably going to sign the biggest deal of his life over the next couple of months,' said the Northern Irishman.

It could mean the break-up of Celtic's current stability at the back, as Leicester City have an option in January to recall loan defender Filip Benkovic, who has formed an impressive partnership with Boyata.

Flop defender Marvin Compper also looks set to leave the club. Signed on a free transfer last January, Compper told media in his native Germany this week: 'Unfortunately, I do not play much of a role with our manager and that's why I want to take a look around during the winter break.

'Whether it will be in the Bundesliga, I do not know. I'm pretty open.

'Although I will be 34 in the summer, I still have a lot in the tank.

'Unfortunately, I can not show it at Celtic.

'Right now, it's about looking to where I can continue my career. In any case, I can still play for two more years.'

Wary of being left short at the back as they pursue an eighth straight title, the champions are expected to revive their interest in Scott McKenna after Aberdeen declined to sell the Scotland international in the last window.

Rodgers is also in the market for a striker and right-back, but is unlikely to follow up scouting reports on Swansea City's full back Connor Roberts.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6423437/Fulham-ready-make-fresh-bid-Celtic-defender-Dedryck-Boyata-January.html

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 08:35:30 AM

How Ominous is Fulham's defense?

So we all know why Fulham are struggling and why Slavisa Jokanovic got the sack this past week. You can play all the pretty football all you want, but if the defense ends up being as horrendous as what we have witnessed over the past 12 Premier League fixtures, you're not going to win that many of them, if any. With 31 goals conceded, Fulham are certainly reaching historic heights of bad defending. But what if I were to tell you that their horror is not that dissimilar from teams of the English top flight's past. Since the Premier League has been separate from the rest of the English Football League and became a 20-team league, seven other clubs have either surpassed or were within three goals of conceding the same among of goals as our Craven Cottage brethren. Let's take a look at each one of them, if there was anybody salvageable from their back line, and what happened to them after their calamitous start to their respective campaigns.

2000/01 Derby County (28 goals conceded)

Backline Contributors: Mart Poom (GK), Darryl Powell, Horacio Carbonari, Chris Riggott, Danny Higginbotham, Taribo West, Bjorn Otto Bragstad

There was a time where Derby County were a consistent Premier League team. However, they were coming off of a 16th place finish in 1999/2000 and were hoping to do much better next season. Giving up 28 goals is not a way to accomplish that. During that stretch, Derby did not have a single clean sheet until their November 6th clash against West Ham but not before sitting at the bottom of the table without a single win.

Danny Higginbotham arrived from Manchester United. along with Nigerian Taribo West while on loan from AC Milan, over the summer to fix the defense, but that wasn't happening at all. Luckily, the Rams only gave up 31 from their remaining 26 games and finished 17th. However, manager Jim Smith would only be able to keep his until October of 2001, in which Derby suffered relegation the following season. They haven't been Premier League regulars since.

With regards to who survived footballing hell, Mart Poom had solid outings with Sunderland in the early 2000s while also becoming a fixture at Arsenal and other English clubs the rest of his professional career while being Estonia's most capped goalkeeper. Chris Riggott was only 20 years old that season and went on to be capped nine times at Under-21 level for England. He tried to improve his career by moving to Middlesbrough in 2003, but never improved his reputation as an up-and-coming center back. Higginbotham would garner over 450 club appearances, but not without being a journeyman for clubs such as Southampton, Stoke City and Sunderland. Mr. West, unfortunately, never lived up to the hype from his exploits at National Team level (42 caps and a 1996 Olympic gold medal) and was heavily criticized for his lack of fitness and a possible falsehood about his actual age throughout his career. Lastly, Darryl Powell, Horacio Carbonari and Bjorn Otto Bjargstad didn't seem to do anything substantial after this season. So there were a few young pieces that went on to have solid, but not memorable careers.

1997/98 Sheffield Wednesday (29 goals conceded)

Backline Contributors: Kevin Pressman (GK), Peter Atherton, Jon Newsome, Des Walker, Ian Nolan, Dejan Stefanovic, Andy Hinchcliffe, Earl Barrett

Next up is a Sheffield Wednesday side that also were used to playing Premier League competition, but just didn't have their defense sorted out for some reason. Paulo Di Canio was just making a name for himself in England at Hillsbrough, but this was without David Pleat being on the hot seat before finally getting the sack on November 3rd. Before that, Wednesday had two wins, one clean sheet, a 7-2 defeat to Blackburn, a 5-2 defeat to Derby County and a 6-1 defeat to Manchester United to put the cherry on top of Pleat's tenure.

Two more managers arrived before the club finished the season marginally improving and finishing 16th. They would give up 38 goals, but it is kind of amazing to think that Crystal Palace and another club on this list would go on to concede more than Wednesday's 67 by season's end.

Within their backline, Kevin Pressman was a club legend that would go on to play 478 times for the club and was at the prime age of 30 at the time. Des Walker, at 32, definitely wasn't at his prime after being a mainstay at Nottingham Forest during most of the 1980s and in the early 1990s. Peter Atherton had a solid 578 appearances at club level, but was 28 and went on to Bradford City and Halifax Town before calling it a career a decade later. Jon Newsome was a Norwich City legend during his two seasons at Carrow Road before joining Wednesday, but he never really did much the rest of his professional career. Ian Nolan did receive 17 caps for Northern Ireland, but he never reached the heights of playing for Wednesday after he left the club. Stefanovic was the youngest of all the defenders that frequently contributed at 25, but only went on to be mainly a substitute role while at Portsmouth and even at Fulham in the mid to late 2000s. Lastly, Andy Hitchcliffe might have picked up seven England caps, but he was not able to garner over 100 appearances for Wednesday and he retired from injuries four seasons later while Barrett retired two seasons later. So unlike Derby's iteration, Wednesday had many defenders at the peak of their powers and never really took off afterwards.

1995/96 Wimbledon (29 goals conceded)

Backline Contributors: Paul Heald (GK), Neil Sullivan (GK), Chris Perry, Kenny Cunningham, Alan Kimble, Alan Reeves, Andy Thorn

Amazingly, Wimbledon would go on to finish 14th after their supposed shaky start to the 1995/96 season. I say supposed because the narrative gets lost where they actually won three of their first five fixtures and recorded two clean sheets (the last being against Liverpool of all teams!). From there, Joe Kinnear's team would go on to get outscored 22-6 in their next seven league matches, including a 6-1 defeat to Newcastle and a 4-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Wimbledon got their next clean sheet in a scoreless draw with Middlesbrough on November 18th and had to wait until December 26th to collect another win, against Chelsea. Fortunately, the club would win enough games and score enough goals to get them closer to mid table. But this was without having to ground share with Crystal Palace down at Selhurst Park and be in the midst of their financial struggle that will see them get relegated in 2000 and no longer run as a functioning football club before their resurrection.

This was a club that had some famous names in Vinnie Jones and Robbie Earle, but what about those responsible for the shoddy defending? Kenny Cunningham would actually go on to receive 76 caps for Ireland while playing over 250 times for Wimbledon and over 100 times for Birmingham during their rise to Premier League status in the 2000s. Paul Heald was a newcomer to the club that season and would only play 18 times over previous number one Hans Segers. He would never get this much playing time at club level ever again. Alan Kimble was a solid contributor for the post-Crazy Gang era with over 200 appearances at the club, but he was 29 at the time and never went on to be a regular anywhere else afterwards. Alan Reeves was also in his late 20s this particular season before becoming a solid regular for Swindon Town to round out his professional career. Andy Thorn was 30 by the end of this season and would go on to retire from football two seasons later. Lastly, Chris Perry was the most successful of the lot as he went on to garner many club appearances at Tottenham, Charlton and West Brom before him and his 479 appearances called it a day. So this was a hodge-podge group at best, but at least Cunningham's and Perry's futures make up for the club's failures that season.

2011/12 Bolton (29 goals conceded)

Backline Contributors: Adam Bogan (GK), Jussi Jaskelainen (GK), David Wheater, Zat Knight, Gretar Steinsson, Sam Ricketts, Gary Cahill, Paul Robinson, Tim Ream, Dedryck Boyata

The last season Bolton were in the Premier League saw them start the year as poorly as you could get defensively. And in the end, it cost them survival in the top flight as they went ahead to give up 77 goals. If I were to tell you that fellow relegated teams Blackburn and Wolves gave up more than that, you would have been quite surprised. But when you go through eight defenders, two goalkeepers and a manager in Owen Coyle that has turned out to have a poor career behind the bench, it should come as no surprise why Bolton were that poor on the back end.

Jussi Jaskelainen was such a dependable goalkeeper throughout his career, but to see him hit the tail end of his prime at 37 years old was quite painful. He would play for West Ham and Wigan before leaving England, but never while being a club's number one choice ever again. Adam Bogan was an up-and-coming starter and would go on to have another three solid seasons with Wanderers while in the Championship before becoming a backup goalkeeper in Liverpool ever since.

The fact that David Wheater, a career Championship center back, played the most minutes among Bolton defenders in his first season at the club tells you everything about how poor this team was. Ditto to the fact that Tim Ream got so much playing time for them as well. Speaking of beleaguered Fulham players, Zat Knight was a part of this club at age-32 and he stayed at Bolton for another two seasons before retiring in 2015. It didn't help matters that Gary Cahill left the club in his age-26 season and with seven England caps at the time to go join Chelsea in January.

Paul Robinson (the other one will be talked about later) would also move in January, to Leeds United, before playing 175 times for Birmingham City to finish out his career in 2018. Gretar Steinsson would just play nine more times in Turkey after this fateful season and would retire from football at age-31 after no-one else wanted to sign him. Sam Ricketts was also on the wrong side of 30 in 2011/12 but at least he had a couple of solid seasons with Wolves and Coventry City before calling it time in his career in 2017. Finally, Dedrick Boyata was the youngest contributor at the time at 22-years old and is currently building a solid, yet unspectacular career, at Celtic and Belgium. So besides Boyata, Cahill and maybe Ream if he can get on Ranieri's, man was this a poor season for Bolton and their defense.

2012/13 Southampton (30 goals conceded)

Backline Contributors: Artur Boruc (GK), Kelvin Davis (GK), Nathaniel Clyne, Maya Yoshida, José Fonte, Jos Hooiveld, Luke Shaw, Danny Fox

Among the clubs that started off so poorly, yet was able to turn the ship around the best, was Southampton in their first season back in the Premier League. They were led by the always limited Nigel Adkins to start the season, who did guide them towards promotion the season before, until the now legendary Mauricio Pochettino took charge.

It was an odd sacking at the time as Southampton were in 15th position and seemed to have turn things around under Adkins. They drew four times in their last five games of Adkins' tenure, including important points gained against Arsenal and Chelsea, and they only conceded just eight times in their 10 games after their rockey start. However, Pochettino went on to bring the defensive solidity and belief to see the club reach heights they haven't reached since. Southampton's 22 goals in their last 16 contests was enough to clinch survival that has gone on to last for another six seasons and their 60 goals conceded throughout the campaign was much better than what it looked like at the start.

Artur Boruc and Maya Yoshida arrived at the club over the summer and while the latter is still at St. Mary's Stadium with 163 appearances and 88 caps for Japan under his belt, Boruc is not though he did become Bournemouth's number one when they too arrived in the Premier League in 2015. Kelvin Davis played 687 club games in England and played 301 of his final appearances with the Saints while being the first choice in their promotion season before calling it a career in 2016. Nathaniel Clyne looked to be England's future left back when he arrived from Crystal Palace as a 21-year old, but his transfer from Liverpool hasn't been a complete success as injuries and the rise of Trent Alexander-Arnold has seen his potential mostly go to waste. José Fonte became club captain at Southampton and went on to play 36 times for Portugal before moving on to West Ham and then China. Jos Hooiveld was on the wrong side of 30 and never established himself in the South Coast. He is currently playing in the U.S. at Orange County SC. Danny Fox's last great season came in the promotion campaign and it took until a transfer to Nottingham Forest before the Scotsman was able to get regular gametime again. Lastly, Luke Shaw was another future fullback for England before injuries and a difficult transfer to Manchester United stalled that as of today. So by the end of 2013, Southampton not only survived, but discovered a manager and a back four that worked for them for seasons to come. It's the best case scenario that Fulham should look after.

2003/04 Leeds United (31 goals conceded)

Backline Contributors: Paul Robinson (GK), Gary Kelly, Dominic Matteo, Ian Harte, Michael Duberry, Zoumana Camara, Steven Caldwell, Lucas Radebe

We now point out towards the worst case scenario as this is the last time we ever saw Leeds United in the richest league in the world. The football club have never been the same since as financial meltdowns continued to haunt them to this day. And what seemed like a nightmarish defense at the start continued with a league worst 79 goals conceded and a sacking of then manager Peter Reid by November.

Paul Robinson might be the punchline that keeps on giving, but his reputation wasn't soured enough back then as he was just a 23-year old hoping to become England's number one in the near future. Gary Kelly was loyal through and through and stayed at Elland Road until his career came to an end in 2007 with 430 club appearances and 52 Ireland caps. Ian Harte was just at the prime of his career back then and his time at Levante was at least a successful one. The attacking fullback would never reach those heights again, especially after being blackballed by Roy Keane during his time with Sunderland in 2007/08, but he would leave football with 547 club appearances and 64 Ireland caps plus and almost 100 goals for club and country. Lucas Radebe is a cult hero for Leeds, but he was 35 years old by that season's end and would last just another two more campaigns before leaving the game.

2003/04 was Dominic Matteo's final season at Leeds before trying to salvage his career at Blackburn and Stoke City before leaving the game in 2009. Steven Caldwell tried to save United's season as a 23-year old January loan signee from Newcastle, but wasn't able to make it happen. He at least had solid outings with Sunderland, Burnley, Birmingham City and Toronto FC before his career came to an end. Zoumana Kamara didn't really do much as a loan signing from Lens but the rest of his career was decent at Saint Etienne and Paris Saint-Germain before he retired in 2015. Lastly, Michael Durberry led all Leeds center backs in league minutes played with 1,710. He would at least return to England's top flight with Reading in 2006 after having a solid tenure with Stoke City. He also has solid seasons at St. Johnstone in Scotland but he was never able to be a top flight defender after that fateful season. In hindsight, Steven Caldwell and Paul Robinson were the last pieces that had any form of long term value at the club as the rest of Leeds United's back line decayed along with the club.

1997/98 Barnsley (35 goals conceded)

Backline Contributors: Dave Watson (GK), Nicky Eaden, Darren Barnard, Adie Moses, Arjan de Zeeuw, Scott Jones, Chris Morgan

Finally, we need to talk about the greatest culprits of bad defending in the history of the Premier League. We can certainly talk about Swindon Town's 100 goals conceded season in 1993/94, but they played four more games due to a 22-team league. In order to make this comparable with what Fulham will have to face, I only included teams that played 38 games in England's current iteration of the top flight. To this day, no other club that has competed in that format since has given up that many goals in 12 games than Barnsley's only appearance in the Premier League. And the poor old Owls would finish the year with a league worst 82 conceded before never showing their faces in this division ever again.

They were managed by then 38-year old Danny Wilson and he did go on to be behind the bench for over 1,000 games throughout England. He did give it a go the following season at Sheffield Wednesday but not before he left the club in 2000 and was never seen in either the Premier League or the Championship ever again. Dave Watson seemed like he was going to have a great career in the game before a horrific knee injury in September 1998 curtailed that future and was forced to call it quits at age-28 in 2001.

Nicky Eaden would stay at Barnsley for another two seasons and would go on to garner a solid reputation at Wigan during their run towards top flight promotion, but he never was able to translate his 580 club appearances into more top flight outings. Darren Bernard stayed at Oakwell until 2002 and would play for Wales 24 times in the process, but like Eaden, he couldn't reach those heights again like he did in 1997/98. Adie Moses seemed like one for the future at 22-year old, but injuries limited his opportunities and would only play 380 club games in total before retiring in 2009. Scott Jones also didn't offer that much to the English game besides unmatched potential.

There were two players that went on to have solid careers otherwise. Chris Morgan helped guide Sheffield United towards promotion towards the Premier League in 2006 and would play over 200 times for both the Owls and Blades. Finally, Arjan de Zeeuw was a critical piece of Portsmouth's promotion campaign in 2003 and would go on to garner 553 club appearances of his own. So even the worst defenses go on to find some diamonds in the rough.

——

So in the end, Fulham are joined second worst in goals conceded in this stretch of Premier League play since the league became a 20-team division in 1995/96. That is ominous if you are comparing it to just Bolton, Leeds United and Barnsley, but they have opportunities to turn things around, like Southampton and Derby did. Even if things don't improve dramatically like Sheffield Wednesday or Wimbledon, that doesn't mean relegation is in the cards either. Not all these clubs sacked their manager, but not all these clubs spent so much in the transfer market and expect much more from their attack either.

That's why Fulham are comparable to Leeds United, Southampton and Wednesday in sacking their manager mid-season. Now they need to find a way to make sure the futures of young players like Calum Chambers, Alfie Mawson, Marcus Bettinelli, Sergio Rico and Joe Bryan don't go to waste.

https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/11/24/18021668/how-ominous-is-fulhams-defense

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 08:36:55 AM

Southampton Injury News: Michael Obafemi the natural replacement for Danny Ings

Southampton manager Mark Hughes confirmed in his pre-match Fulham press conference on Thursday that striker Danny Ings is a "big doubt" for his team's crucial Premier League clash against their fellow strugglers at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

What's the word, then?

Well, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to west London to face Claudio Ranieri's men, the 55-year-old said:

"Danny is the big doubt at the moment.

"He's only just got out on the grass so maybe tomorrow we might be able to integrate him into the group. As we stand at the moment, he has to be a doubt."

The 26-year-old summer addition was forced off during the first-half of the 1-1 draw with Watford at St Mary's last time out having picked up a knock during the warm-up, and it appears as though he still hasn't recovered.

What will it mean for Hughes' frontline?

The Welshman knows what an important game this is for both the south coast and himself – reports suggest he is likely to go if his team lose – and they he still has plenty of options to choose from even with Ings potentially missing out and Shane Long definitely absent.

Manolo Gabbiadini is one of those but having impressed and scored against the Hornets from a wide position, he may not be the best choice through the middle for the visitors.

https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/southampton/injury-news-danny-ings-return-date

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 08:38:44 AM

Fulham players need flexible presence - Ranieri

New Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri has insisted his players need confidence in their fight against relegation from the Premier League.

New Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri insists his players will need to be nurtured but also receive a robust appraisal if they are to survive the threat of relegation.

The 67-year-old replaced Slavisa Jokanovic earlier this month with Fulham at the bottom of the Premier League table, having claimed only one win in their opening 12 fixtures.

Ahead of Saturday's match at home to Southampton, the Italian revealed his demeanour must be flexible to get the most out of his playing group.

"In the dressing room, I am different. It depends what happens," Ranieri said. "Sometimes I could take this table and flip it in the air.

"Sometimes I enjoy, sometimes I am very strong. My players know me. My players know me very well."

Asked if he will flip a table during half-time with Fulham - after revealing he did so while in charge of Chelsea - Ranieri insisted this initial stage of his task does not call for bombast.

"With them? No. With these players, no. Not yet. Not yet," he said. "At this moment, I must give confidence. I say our fans must help us, it is because our players need confidence.

"They need to feel good feelings with the fans because, maybe, they are a little anxious, nervous. That is normal."

Fulham have yet to keep a clean sheet since their return to the English top flight, and more than anything, Ranieri is looking for stability and desire at Craven Cottage.

"My plan is to maintain good football but without conceding goals. Maybe it is not possible at the beginning, but it is important to maintain clean sheets," he said.

"We have to fight. Our fans must understand that, at this moment, we have to fight. Our fans must be happy when they see their players fighting on the pitch, win or lose."

https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fulham-players-need-flexible-presence-ranieri

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 08:40:44 AM

Claudio Ranieri's miracle at Parma could be the basis for his plans to get Fulham out of trouble

The Italian saved the club back in 2007 from relegation from Serie A and it suggest he could be the right man for the job

Claudio Ranieri isn't usually the bookies' favourite to take over a club in a relegation battle - but one miracle he performed back in 2007 suggests Fulham might have the right man for the job.

Before performing his miracle in Leicester, Ranieri worked another one in Parma, Italy.

The former Valencia, Chelsea, Inter, Roma and Juventus manager was appointed Parma boss on February 12, 2007 and with 22 games played, the former UEFA Cup winners were down in 19th place in Serie A with just three wins and 15 points to their name:

Pos | Team | Played | Points

17 | Chievo | 22 | 18

18 | Messina | 22 | 17

19 | Parma | 22 | 15

20 | Ascoli | 22 | 12

Things didn't start too well for Ranieri, losing his first game away to Sampdoria 1-0, and that was followed by a run of four straight draws.

It meant that by mid-March, Parma were still in 19th place, five points from safety but with 11 games left to play.

Pos | Team | Played | Points

17 | Chievo | 27 | 24

18 | Reggina | 27 | 22

19 | Parma | 27 | 19

20 | Ascoli | 27 | 19

Things turned around with a 1-0 home win against Siena on March 18 - Parma lost their next game 2-0 away to eventual champions Inter Milan.

Ranieri's side then went on a five game unbeaten run which included three straight wins including a dramatic 4-3 away victory against Palermo.

An away loss to Chievo was followed by two wins and a draw in their last three games of the campaign. By the end of the season Parma's future was secured - at least for the time being - with the Emilia-Romagna side eventually finishing 12th.

Pos | Team | Played | Points

12 | Parma | 38 | 42

13 | Catania | 38 | 41

14 | Reggina | 38 | 40

15 | Siena | 38 | 40

16 | Torino | 38 | 40

17 | Cagliari | 38 | 40

18 | Chievo | 38 | 39

19 | Ascoli | 38 | 27

20 | Messina | 38 | 26

https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/claudio-ranieris-miracle-parma-could-15456004

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 11:48:30 AM

Fulham to bid for Boyata again

Premier League side Fulham are ready to move for Celtic star Dedryck Boyata again in January, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper report that the Cottagers retain an interest in the 27-year-old centre-back after Claudio Ranieri took over from Slavisa Jokanovic as boss, with the club previously seeing a £9million summer bid fall short.

The Mail claim that Fulham will likely look to snap Boyata up for a lower fee in the upcoming market after Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers admitted an exit was likely for the Belgium international in the coming months.

Good move for Celtic?
No, but there is not much they can do in this situation.

The club have two choices regarding the enforcer, and neither is particularly attractive. Either they sell Boyata on for a minimal fee in January to get some return on their investment, or they keep hold of him and watch him walk away for free in the summer.

In all honesty, the second option is likely to be the one which makes most sense, with Boyata being so key to their hopes for the rest of the season.

He is probably worth more to the club staying and helping them achieve their aims then leaving, rather than walking away in the middle of the season.

This is Futbol rating: 1/10

Likely to happen?
Rodgers has already admitted that Boyata is likely to sign the contract of his life in the coming months, but it was not clear if he meant in January or the summer.

It is likely that the club would like to keep hold of him in the January window, but that is not explicitly clear as of yet.

Either outcome is a distinct possibility, and only time will tell which solution the club end up going for.

This is Futbol rating: 3/10

https://thisisfutbol.com/2018/11/blogs/scottish-premier-league/fulham-to-bid-for-boyata-again/

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 11:51:54 AM

Fulham vs Southampton: Claudio Ranieri ready to lose his temper to turn Cottagers around

The 67-year-old replaced Slavisa Jokanovic with the Whites struggling at the foot of the table

New Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri insists he will have no trouble getting angry with his players as he looks to guide them to Premier League survival.

The 67-year-old replaced Slavisa Jokanovic with the Whites struggling at the foot of the table having lost their last seven games in all competitions.

It is Ranieri's first job in England since his title-winning spell in charge of Leicester ended with the sack in February 2017.

During his time in the east midlands, Ranieri became synonymous with his friendly demeanour when speaking to the media and interacting with supporters.

But, ahead of his first game in charge against fellow strugglers Southampton, the Italian revealed he can lose his temper if needs be.

"Don't look at me here, with the smiling," he said when asked if he is capable of dishing out rollickings to his players. "In the dressing room, I am different. It depends what happens. Sometimes I could take this table and flip it in the air.

"Sometimes I enjoy, sometimes I am very strong. My players know me. My players know me very well."

After revealing he had flipped a table when he was particularly upset during a match as Chelsea boss, Ranieri seems to be approaching his latest post by putting his arm around his players.

"With them? No. With these players, no. Not yet. Not yet," he said when asked if he had been tough with his Fulham squad.

"At this moment, I must give confidence. I say our fans must help us, it is because our players need confidence.

"They need to feel good feelings with the fans because, maybe, they are a little anxious, nervous. That is normal."

Ranieri is in positive mood ahead of his first game (Reuters)

Fulham have yet to keep a Premier League clean sheet since their return to the top flight and Jokanovic named a different defensive unit in each of the 12 games he oversaw before his dismissal.

Ranieri is looking for an improved display at the back as his target in the early weeks of his tenure as he looks to steady the ship at Craven Cottage.

"My plan is to maintain good football but without conceding goals," he said.

"Maybe it is not possible at the beginning, but it is important to maintain clean sheets at the beginning."

Asked if keeping clean sheets was his number one priority, he added: "Yes, of course. You can play well and lose. Then you can play badly and continue to lose.

"You play badly, get three points. Second match, you get worse than badly, but get another three points. Six points. After three or four matches, you play also well.

"We have to fight. Our fans must understand that, at this moment, we have to fight. Our fans must be happy when they see their players fighting on the pitch, win or lose."

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-vs-southampton-latest-news-claudio-ranieri-premier-league-epl-a8649726.html

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 11:53:30 AM

What pundits are predicting for Claudio Ranieri's first game as Fulham boss against Southampton

Pundits have their say as Ranieri takes charge of Fulham for first time against Southampton

Claudio Ranieri is facing a must-win game for his first match in charge of Fulham against Southampton.

That's the view of former Arsenal and Aston Villa star Paul Merson, who has given his thoughts on the game for his weekly predictions feature for the Sky Sports website.

The Italian takes charge of Fulham for the first time this afternoon (Saturday) as the Whites welcome Mark Hughes' side to Craven Cottage, with just three sides separating the two sides near the bottom of the Premier League table.

And Merson says that makes this a difficult game for Ranieri to come into for his first match at the helm.

"I can't do Fulham, they are all over the place," Merson said.

"The problem I have with this game is, let's be honest, Fulham have to win this game.

"So nothing really changes for me, as they are going to play open and defensively, they are just not good enough.

"This is a hard game for new manager Claudio Ranieri to come into because they have to win it."

But Merson doesn't think they will, with the pundit predicting a 2-1 win for the visitors.

However, BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson has a different opinion on the game, with the former Liverpool defender predicting a 2-1 win for Fulham in Ranieri's first game in charge.

He said: "You nearly always get a bounce when you bring in a new manager, because players who have been in and out of the team feel they have got a chance to persuade him they should be starting.

"Claudio Ranieri is a bit of a feel-good appointment for the fans as well, and I am expecting him to have an instant impact at Craven Cottage after replacing Slavisa Jovanovic."

https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/what-pundits-predicting-fulham-southampton-15459469

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 11:54:31 AM

Limited Southampton Tickets

There's still time to watch Claudio Ranieri's first game in charge of the Whites as we take on Southampton at Craven Cottage this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

A limited number of seats remain in the Putney Stand, available to Season Ticket Holders, Members and supporters with Booking History.

Get behind the boys with tickets on sale from the Fulham Ticket Office located on Stevenage Road.

Come On You Whites!

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/november/24/southampton-tickets

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 01:15:56 PM

LONDONERS EYE UP BOYATA BID

TROUBLED Fulham, who are fighting for Premier League survival, are preparing a new bid for Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata.

However, as CQN pointed out earlier this month, the London club, who had a £9million offer rejected in the summer, are likely to be out of luck again.

Boyata, who is in the final year of his Hoops contract and will be allowed to talk to interested clubs in January, could walk away for nothing in the summer.

However, the rock-bottom Craven Cottage outfit could try again for the 27-year-old Belgian international centre-back.

Former Chelsea and Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri, who replaced the axed Slavisa Jokanovic last week, is also an admirer of the ex-Manchester City prospect who was signed for £1.5million deal by Ronny Deila in the summer of 2015.

Boss Brendan Rodgers admitted at the club's AGM this week that the player is likely to leave the champions in search of a massive contract elsewhere.

The Hoops gaffer said: "He's at the stage where he will assess everything and he is probably going to sign the biggest deal of his life over the next couple of months."

Boyata incurred the wrath of the fans and some former players for apparently downing tools and refusing to travel to Greece for the crucial Champions League qualifier against AEK Athens in August, where Rodgers' side crashed out of Europe's elite on a 3-2 aggregate.

Remarkably, he made a comeback against Hamilton Accies at Parkhead 12 days later and scored the only goal of the game.

Apart from his one-match suspension from the 3-0 Betfred League Cup semi-final over Hearts at Murrayfield following his red card against St Johnstone, Boyata has been an ever-present since his return.

Celtic have not given up hope of persuading the talented defender to agree an extension, but it looks increasingly likely he will be on the move in either January or June.

https://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/londoners-eye-up-boyata-bid/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+co%2FIRuC+%28Celtic+Quick+News%29

WhiteJC · November 24, 2018, 01:17:18 PM

Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham 'have all asked' already about signing ahead of January window

Emiliano Sala has been the subject of several transfer rumours in the English media recently.

The 28 year old Argentine is enjoying a good season with Nantes, and that naturally brings interest from elsewhere.

But, despite the English claims, there hasn't really been much in the French media about a possible Premier League move for the Argentine.

That changes on Saturday, as L'Equipe has a big article on his future.

It's explained he almost left in the summer window, and now things are looking 'intense' ahead of the January market.

Three English clubs 'have all asked', either directly or indirectly, about the player's situation and a potential transfer. Those are named as Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham.

For Crystal Palace, it's stated their interest has been 'continuous' and dates back to last season. There's also interest from China.

Sala earns less than €50k a month, according to the report, and a work permit wouldn't be a problem because he holds an Italian passport.

He's scored 13 goals so far this season, in 14 matches.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/crystal-palace-fulham-west-ham-asked-already-signing-ahead-january-window/