Saturday Fulham Stuff (08/12/18)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Mourinho's squad update for Fulham clash

Jose Mourinho has confirmed he is waiting on the fitness of several players ahead of Manchester United's Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday.

The Reds were boosted when defenders Eric Bailly, Matteo Darmian, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo returned from the treatment room to play in Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Arsenal, but Anthony Martial came off in the second period with an apparent problem.

Phil Jones and Luke Shaw missed the midweek home game against the Gunners due to problems sustained at Southampton last weekend.

Speaking to MUTV's Mark Sullivan before his pre-match press conference at the Aon Training Complex on Friday morning, the boss admitted he will be faced with another difficult team selection for the visit of the Cottagers.

""[We are] s"till waiting for conclusions, still waiting for people like Martial, Smalling, Jones – people with these kind of doubts,"" said Jose. ""But there is a good spirit and people are putting themselves on the line like Chris did in the last match and Jones did against Southampton. That's important when we have so many matches and problems with some players."

Ashley Young is back in contention after missing the Arsenal match to serve a one-match ban for accumulating five yellow cards in the league. However, as the boss has mentioned previously, the Reds are still expected to be without the injured Victor Lindelof and Alexis Sanchez.

PRESS CONFERENCE UPDATE
Following his MUTV interview, Mourinho briefed the wider football media at the Aon Training Complex and told them: ""The training session at 11am will give us some answers on Smalling, Jones, Martial and Bailly.

""Of course, Lindelof and Alexis, we don't even speak about them, but we need answers and for sure we are going to play with players not at the maximum of their potential, but players that will make themselves available like Smalling and Jones did. Players with some difficulty will make one step forward to try to help the team."""

HOW ARE FULHAM SHAPING UP?
Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri, who complimented his 'friend' Jose Mourinho in his pre-match press conference, reported a clean bill of health on Thursday.

Dutch defender Tim Fosu-Mensah, who is currently on loan at Craven Cottage from the Reds, is ineligible to face his parent club as per Premier League rules.

On-loan Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico, who played against United at Old Trafford in the Champions League last season, could make a seventh successive start since earning the number one jersey from Marcus Bettinelli.

English defender Calum Chambers, who is on loan from Arsenal, has played the last three matches in a midfield role in the absence of Scotland international Kevin McDonald.

Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has seven league goals this season and has netted once in three previous games against United for Newcastle – in a 3-3 draw in 2016.



https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/team-news-update-ahead-of-man-united-v-fulham-8-december-2018

[WhiteJC]

 
Jose Mourinho faces Claudio Ranieri having become the Premier League's new tinkerman... so what changes could he make for Manchester United's must-win clash with Fulham?

    Jose Mourinho has made 46 changes in 15 Premier League games this season
    Manchester United are winless in four league games ahead of Fulham clash
    Mourinho has a number of injury problems to consider for his team selection

Could Claudio Ranieri push Jose Mourinho over the edge once again? The under-fire Manchester United boss locks horns with his old foe on Saturday with the pressure swelling at Old Trafford.

It was Ranieri's Leicester who put the finishing touches to Mourinho's second Chelsea reign in 2015, a 2-1 defeat ending the Portuguese's Stamford Bridge return.

And they meet again with the United manager now very much the tinkerman this season, having made 46 changes to starting line-ups in 15 Premier League games.


Jose Mourinho has made 46 changes in 15 Premier League games at Manchester United


Mourinho plays Claudio Ranieri's Fulham have taken over the 'tinkerman' mantle

While injuries have forced Mourinho's hand, it is also a reflection of the uncertainty engulfing United's first-team ranks. A shift to a 3-4-2-1 formation has yielded two 2-2 draws against Southampton and Arsenal; more is needed against bottom of the table Fulham.

Here, Sportsmail assesses five selection quandaries Mourinho has to ponder for the match.


CENTRE-BACK

The array of injuries Mourinho has at the heart of defence is unenviable - Victor Lindelof is out for Fulham while Chris Smalling played against Arsenal with a fractured bone in his foot. Is he able to play two games in four days?

And what about the fitness of Eric Bailly? He was very good against Arsenal in his first appearance for two months but Mourinho confirmed that along with Phil Jones and Smalling, he is a doubt.

Mourinho could be forced to move Nemanja Matic back like he did at Southampton but the Serbia international did well in midfield against Arsenal.

Mourinho would rightly be reluctant to dislodge him from there but quite simply, he may have no alternative. A lack of options may prompt him to scrap the three at the back as well and return to a 4-3-3.

RIGHT BACK

Diogo Dalot stood firm when handed a baptism of fire with his first league start coming against an Arsenal side unbeaten in 19 prior to Wednesday's draw.

Mourinho, after the match, underlined Dalot's potential by claiming United 'has a right back for the next 10 years.'

But could he be tempted by turning to experience with Antonio Valencia, who was left on the bench for Wednesday's draw? The Ecuador international has only played six times this season but fresher legs and Premier League nous may tempt Mourinho into another switch with a threadbare backline.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD

Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic were used as the holding two against Arsenal as Paul Pogba was dropped to the bench.

Matic particularly was an assured figure in the centre but much will depend on how things are shaping up at the back. If Matic has to play centre back, it would surely pave the way for Paul Pogba to return.

The France international has been poor in recent appearances — where he lost possession 14 times against Southampton.

As for summer signing Fred, he didn't even make the squad for Arsenal and Mourinho said in his Friday press conference that he will play more when there is less need for a tight defence.

'The day we are stronger defensively I think the horizons for Fred change completely,' Mourinho said.

Marouane Fellaini and Scott McTominay are also alternatives but Fellaini seems to serve Mourinho best off the bench, bolstering either attack or defence with his physicality.


ATTACKING MIDFIELD

Jesse Lingard's goal against Arsenal capped a display full of effort and vigour and he would be unlucky to lose his place for Fulham.

Paul Pogba replaced him after 74 minutes and United seemed to lose an edge with the Frenchman on the pitch. But he is United's star man and capable, on his day, of dictating any game he plays in.

If Matic is used in midfield, could Mourinho be enticed into deploying Pogba further forward?

STRIKER

The dilemma for Mourinho here is whether he can stick with a pace attack of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford or opt to return Romelu Lukaku to his starting line up. 

Martial has a question mark over his availability after limping off against Arsenal but he combined well with Rashford in that match and has had as good a season as any at United so far.

Lukaku is an esteemed replacement and if Martial is absent, United have no other real options to consider.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6471007/What-changes-tinkerman-Jose-Mourinho-make-against-Claudio-Ranieris-Fulham.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Four Manchester United players a doubt for Fulham fixture

Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, and Phil Jones are doubts for Man Utd as they prepare for their Premier League fixture vs Fulham.

Anthony Martial is a doubt for Manchester United's weekend visit of Fulham.

Martial was substituted in the second-half of United's 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Wednesday night and Jose Mourinho claimed: "He doesn't think it is an injury, he thinks it's a pre-injury, he was feeling tight."

However, Martial is among a number of players who could struggle to be fully fit tor the Fulham fixture. Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly started against Arsenal despite carrying injuries and Phil Jones sat out the stalemate, having played through injury at Southampton last week.

Mourinho suggested United would have to start players who are not fully fit against Claudio Ranieri's side.

"I don't know," Mourinho said. "Training session, 11 o'clock will give us some answers. Smalling, Jones, Martial, Bailly, of course Lindelof and Alexis we don't even speak about them, but we need answers.

"And for sure we are going to play with players not with the maximum of their [fitness] potential, but players who will put themselves available for the team like Smalling did last match, Jones at Southampton, players in difficulty who go one step forward to try and help the team."



https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-utd-injury-news-fulham-15519122

[WhiteJC]

 
Manchester United vs Fulham preview: Anthony Martial a doubt

Manchester United could be without Anthony Martial when they look to end their winless run against Fulham on Saturday.

United have failed to win in their last four Premier League matches following a 2-2 midweek draw with Arsenal.

Martial scored against the Gunners but went off in the second half and will be assessed ahead of the weekend.

Reflecting on United's recent form, manager Jose Mourinho said: "The statistics, that are not fundamental, sometimes support our feelings and ideas, but sometimes contradict them. In this case confirmation was the numbers.

"My team of 10 players ran more with higher intensity to press the ball more to give difficulty to the opposition. We were fast in our transitions had that spirit, that mentality that brought our game to a good level."

Fulham drew against Leicester in midweek to make it four points from three matches under new manager Claudio Ranieri.

"We've played three good matches," said Ranieri. "We are a work in progress. I am very confident with my players.

"If you observe the three matches, we improved every match a little more, a little more. I know there is a lot of work to do but we are in a good way."

Team news

Martial, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are among the players that could be absent for Manchester United.

The trio will be assessed on Friday, as will centre-back Eric Bailly after Wednesday's draw against Arsenal. Luke Shaw is hoping to return after missing that match with a knock and Ashley Young is back from suspension.

Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku might return to the starting line-up after being dropped to the bench against the Gunners, but Victor Lindelof (groin) and Alexis Sanchez (hamstring) are out.

Fulham expect to have Kevin McDonald and Floyd Ayite available. McDonald and Ayite have made good progress in their attempts to recover from respective hamstring and groin injuries.

Opta stats

    Manchester United and Fulham last met in February 2014 in the Premier League - a 2-2 draw in which the Cottagers equalised in the 90th minute via Darren Bent.
    Fulham have lost 21 of their last 23 away matches against Manchester United in all competitions (W1 D1) - their only win in this sequence was a 3-1 victory in the Premier League in October 2003.
    In their last meeting in February 2014, Manchester United produced a tally of 81 crosses against Fulham - the most in a Premier League match since the 2003-04 campaign.
    Fulham have only lost more Premier League matches against Arsenal (19) than against Manchester United (18).
    Among Premier League fixtures to have seen at least 50 goals scored, Manchester United vs Fulham has seen the highest percentage of goals in the first half (51 of 86, 59%) - only two of the 26 Premier League meetings between the teams have been goalless at half-time.
    Manchester United have made 46 changes to their starting XI overall this season; including seven in their midweek draw with Arsenal. No side have made as many as the Red Devils this season in the Premier League.
    Fulham are winless in 10 Premier League away games (D1 L9), losing their last six in a row. They last lost more consecutive away in the competition in March 2006 (8).
    This is the 10th meeting between Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho and Fulham's Claudio Ranieri in all competitions - Mourinho has won his last three against the Italian since losing in his final match in charge of Chelsea in December 2015 against Leicester City.

Paul Merson's prediction

I see a return to winning ways for Manchester United against Fulham at Old Trafford. However, if they do not win this game Jose Mourinho will do well to keep his job come Monday. If they can't beat Fulham at home where are they going?

At the moment we are talking about it being a feat if they get into the top four so this is a must-win game. If they don't win the game I would be shocked if Mourinho was there on Monday.

I don't see it coming to that though because if there was one team you'd pick to play it would be Fulham. They did alright against Chelsea but it was just okay, they were never going to win. Fulham have improved under Claudio Ranieri since his arrival but they have to start winning games soon. It won't be this weekend though.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (13/2 with Sky Bet)



https://www.skysports.com/football/man-utd-vs-fulham/preview/390914

[WhiteJC]

 
Man Utd could be without 7 players to face Fulham

Manchester United host Fulham in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday.

We start the weekend's action eight points outside of the top four and winless in our last four Premier League games.

Fulham are bottom of the Premier League so anything less than a win could put Jose Mourinho's job on the line, given our league position and form.

The boss has not been helped by a number of injuries this season. Jose may not be helped out this weekend because as many as seven first team players could be absent against the cottagers.

Defenders have been a key issue of late. Victor Lindelof has already been ruled out of this weekend's game and could also miss the busy Christmas schedule with a muscle injury.

Jose confirmed at his pre-match press conference that fellow centre-backs Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are doubts for the game also.

Left-back Luke Shaw missed our 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal midweek after picking up a knock at former club Southampton last weekend. The England international is a doubt to face Fulham. In his place, Matteo Darmian was moved across the backline against the Gunners whilst Diogo Dlaot impressed on his full Premier League debut at right-back.

Antonio Valencia has been absent in recent weeks following his surgery and the boss has not given an update on the captain's fitness. The Ecuadorian is unlikely to face Fulham following the performance of Dalot Wednesday and with Ashley Young available again following his suspension.

A hamstring injury is keeping Alexis Sanchez out until the New Year, whilst Anthony Martial picked up a knock midweek and was replaced just after the hour. Jose is waiting on the French international to fully recover in time for Saturday's 15:00 GMT kickoff at Old Trafford.



https://redrants.com/man-utd-could-be-without-7-players-to-face-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Manchester United v Fulham
SAT 08 Dec 2018    Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has scored seven goals in his last seven Premier League starts

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United will assess the fitness of Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones, who are all nursing injuries.

Ashley Young is available following a one-match suspension but Victor Lindelof and Alexis Sanchez remain out.

Fulham pair Kevin McDonald and Floyd Ayite are expected to return from respective hamstring and groin injuries.

On-loan defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah is ineligible to face his parent club.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

@alistairmann01: Though it's Fulham who are at the bottom, there are many more questions being posed about Manchester United.

Without a win in four and some 18 points behind their city rivals at the top, a much improved display against Arsenal in midweek is still someway off silencing their many critics.

Considering Fulham's appalling away record and equally depressing recent run of results at Old Trafford, anything other than a United win this weekend seems improbable. However, with four points in three games since Claudio Ranieri's arrival, the Cottagers won't have written off their chances.

With low expectations and pivotal games against West Ham, Newcastle, Wolves and Huddersfield to end December, Fulham will be viewing this game as a free hit.

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho: "I sat here a few weeks ago speaking about December month and no defeats.

"That's a reality: good fights, good spirit, but just one victory against Young Boys and three draws and we need points. But Fulham is the same, they need points."

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri on Jose Mourinho: "He was the first who sent me a message to say welcome back. He is a very friendly friend.

"I know him for a long time, when he came to Chelsea and in Italy, and he was very polite with me. He's a great man, coach, manager."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

United have a few issues with their manager and with different areas of their team but the bottom line is that they just cannot seem to win a game - Wednesday's draw with Arsenal was their fourth league game in a row without a victory.

Surely that has to change at home to the Premier League's bottom club, even taking into consideration that Fulham have improved under Claudio Ranieri.

Prediction: 2-0

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Manchester United have won 21 of their 23 home matches against Fulham in all competitions.
    Fulham's only victory at Old Trafford was by 3-1 in the Premier League in October 2003.
    The Cottagers have suffered 18 Premier League defeats against United - only Arsenal, with 19 wins, have beaten them more often.

Manchester United

    A defeat for the Red Devils would result in their lowest points tally after 16 matches of a Premier League campaign.
    They could draw four straight Premier League matches for the first time since 1992.
    United could also equal the club's longest winless run versus promoted opposition of four games.
    They have made a league-high 46 changes to their starting line-up this season.
    Jose Mourinho is aiming for a 50th Premier League win as United manager in his 92nd game. It took him 63 matches to earn 50 wins in his first spell at Chelsea, and 73 in his second spell.
    United have conceded 10 Premier League goals at Old Trafford this season, already surpassing their total goals against at home in 2017-18.

Fulham

    They are winless in 10 Premier League away games, losing their last six in a row - their worst run for 12 years.
    Fulham's tally of nine points after 15 league games is their joint-worst at this stage of a league season, level with 1993-94 in the third tier.
    They have conceded 36 goals in 15 Premier League games this season - only Barnsley, with 40 in 1997-98, have conceded more at this stage.
    The Cottagers could set a new club record of 20 top-flight fixtures without a clean sheet.
    They have lost 19 of their last 20 matches against last season's top six, drawing the other.
    Claudio Ranieri could become only the third manager to win a Premier League away game at Old Trafford with two different clubs, emulating Martin O'Neill and Rafael Benitez.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46409331

[WhiteJC]

 
Inside Old Trafford

Manchester United season ticket holder Tom Mylles explains why he has a soft spot for Fulham, and assesses what we can expect at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

United's results have certainly been mixed – what's your take on the season so far?   

It's been a very disappointing season so far for United, with not much to cheer about other than a couple of late fightbacks and last minute winners. I thought we would have kicked on after Juventus away, but it hasn't happened.
Why do you think things aren't quite clicking?

It's hard to explain why things are not clicking. There doesn't seem to be any continuity with team selection, although injuries always play a part in this. The defence has had so many combinations of players and of course this can lead to a lack of understanding on the pitch.
Who have been United's better performers?

United top performers have been David De Gea, as usual, Marcus Rashford has a great attitude every time he plays, Anthony Martial when he wants can change a game, and Luke Shaw has done very well.
You have a family connection to Fulham, so does that mean you have a soft spot for us?

Yes, I've always loved going to the Cottage, it's a great place to watch football. We were fortunate enough to be at the Play-Off Final at Wembley against Aston Villa and the fans were brilliant. Some of the football the team played last season was exceptional. My nephews have been fans since they were children and are regulars at the Cottage. The soft spot is so great that my wife is buying a half-and-half scarf on Saturday. I've never understood them... 😀

What have you made of Fulham?

It was always going to be difficult for Fulham this season. The change in personnel, the breaking up of last season's squad, and the standard of teams in the Premier League are all contributing factors. However, they competed very well at Liverpool and Chelsea recently and hopefully can take confidence from these performances. Home form will be crucial for Fulham.
How can we expect Jose Mourinho to set his side up?

It's hard to say how United will set up with so many injuries at the moment, but hopefully we're set up to attack from the first whistle and take the game to Fulham.
Which Fulham players do you think could cause United problems?

I think Aleksandar Mitrović is a great player; hard working, tough, skilful and clever. Tom Cairney can influence games, and I like the way Kevin McDonald plays. Ryan Sessegnon will be a star in the future.

Do you have any standout memories from previous United-Fulham encounters?

My favourite was Ruud van Nistelrooy's hat-trick against Fulham at Old Trafford. My worst was a 3-0 defeat at the Cottage and then being stranded at Gatwick for 26 hours.
What sort of match are you anticipating at the weekend?

I expect a good quality attacking game from both sides. Fulham are not the type of team to sit in and defend and United really need to do something to please the fans who, despite the performances, are giving the team great backing.
Can you recommend a good place for away fans to get a pre-match pint?

Fans could do worse than heading over to Media City for a pint. A very good selection of bars and restaurants, and a short walk to the ground and tram links to the city make it ideal.
What score prediction are you going for?

I'm going for 3-1 United. I think Fulham will score and Mitrović will be a danger if he gets service, but I just think United will be too strong and experienced on the day.
Predict the score for your chance to win a signed Sergio Rico jersey

You could win yourself a Fulham Goalkeeper jersey signed by Sergio Rico. Simply predict the score and first Fulham goalscorer and enter your details here.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/december/07/inside-old-trafford

[WhiteJC]

 
Team against Man Utd 08/12
One of the games we've been waiting for, a trip to Old Trafford

over on the forum we've been discussion the possible line-up to face them...

whitejc

the last 3 games have shown better "team" performances but we've been unable to keep a clean sheet.

With Bryan getting some game time mid-week I'd start him on Saturday.

Subs: Betts, Ream, MLM, Kebano, Vietto, Anguissa



come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
http://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?topic=68734.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=526

[WhiteJC]

 
Why Arsenal can't recall Calum Chambers from Fulham loan amid injury crisis

Arsenal do not have a clause to recall Calum Chambers from his loan at Fulham next month as they look to ease the defensive injury crisis head coach Unai Emery is facing.

The Gunners go into Saturday's Premier League match against Huddersfield with only two match-fit centre-backs after Rob Holding suffered a season-ending injury in Wednesday's 2-2 draw at Manchester United.

Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papastathopoulos are both available to Emery, who has indicated Laurent Koscielny could feature in some capacity even though the club captain has not played since injuring his Achilles in March.

With Konstantinos Mavrapanos having also been out since the start of the campaign with a groin injury and Nacho Monreal still nursing a hamstring problem bringing Chambers back next month could have provided Emery with valuable depth, particularly as he has shown an increasing tendency to field a three-man central defence.

However Standard Sport understands that there is no clause in Fulham's loan agreement with Arsenal that would allow the Gunners to bring Chambers back midway through the season.

Even if Arsenal were to attempt to convince Fulham to let the 23-year-old leave early they would find it to be a tough task with Chambers having established himself as an important part of Claudio Ranieri's plans in an unfamiliar position.

Chambers has started each of his new manager's first three games in central midfield, impressing in the 1-1 draw with Leicester in midweek and vindicating first team coach Scott Parker's recommendation.

"I spoke with Scott Parker and he told me he could play there and I believe he is very good," Ranieri said. "He's intelligent and it's good for the team and for me.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal/why-arsenal-cant-recall-calum-chambers-from-fulham-loan-amid-injury-crisis-a4011616.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Oldham Fixture Update

The Club can confirm that our Emirates FA Cup 3rd Round tie vs Oldham Athletic will take place on Sunday 6th of January at 2pm.

Tickets for the fixture at Craven Cottage will go on sale to all supporters from 12pm on Tuesday 11th December.

Ticket pricing information can be found below.

Category	Riverside & Johnny Haynes	Hammersmith End & Putney Stand
Adults	£15	£10
Over 65s	£10	£5
18-21 Years	£10	£5
17 & Under	£10	£1

Fulham Season Ticket Holders will also have the opportunity to secure their normal seat for this game. Seats will be held until 10am on Friday 14th December.

All supporters who have signed up to the Home Cup Scheme will have their credit/debit cards charged automatically and will be sent a paper ticket – The Home Cup Tie is being processed on Friday 7th December.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/december/07/oldham-update

[WhiteJC]

 
How Manchester United loanee Timothy Fosu-Mensah is performing at Fulham

Timothy Fosu-Mensah is on loan at Fulham from Manchester United, and the two teams play at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday.


Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah is on loan at Fulham

Normally when a loan player doesn't feature against his parent club, his manager will have a selection dilemma to make. But for Manchester United loanee Timothy Fosu-Mensah, it is unlikely he would have featured for Fulham even if eligible as the Cottagers visit Old Trafford on Saturday.

United host the Premier League's bottom side Fulham in search of a much-needed win to boost confidence, but a side story will be the struggles of Fosu-Mensah at Craven Cottage.

The 20-year-old started three of Fulham's first four Premier League games, but has only been named in two of their next 11 starting line-ups.

And Fosu-Mensah has not featured at all since being substituted at half time of Fulham's 1-0 defeat at Huddersfield where the youngster scored an own goal and was on a booking.

In fact, he has not been named in the matchday squad for any of new manager Claudio Ranieri's three games in charge.

There is clearly an excellent player in Fosu-Mensah, and he is still learning his trade, it should be remembered.

Last season at Crystal Palace, the defender made 24 appearances in the Premier League as he had spells in and out of the team.

If he can force his way back into the team as he did on different occasions last season, there is still a chance Fosu-Mensah can still make a positive impact at Craven Cottage.

The first step is to impress Ranieri, however, and he will have to wait until after Saturday to do that as he can't play against his parent club. Instead, he will probably be sat in the Old Trafford stands with plenty to ponder.

Judging by his latest Instagram update, where he is admiring a sunset over Craven Cottage, he doesn't seem to have intention of giving in just yet.



https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-utd-fulham-fosu-mensah-15521616

[WhiteJC]

 
Man Utd v Fulham: Whites duo return, United have injury worries

Fulham expect to have Kevin McDonald and Floyd Ayite available for Saturday's Premier League fixture against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

McDonald and Ayite have made good progress in their attempts to recover from respective hamstring and groin injuries.

Manager Claudio Ranieri is expected to make few changes to the team that showed signs of improvement in Wednesday's 1-1 draw at home to Leicester.

Provisional squad: Bettinelli, Rico, Fabri, Fosu-Mensah, Christie, Odoi, Chambers, Mawson, Ream, Le Marchand, Ayite, Bryan, R Sessegnon, Seri, Johansen, De La Torre, McDonald, Kebano, S Sessegnon, Schurrle, Vietto, Mitrovic, Fonte, Cairney, Kamara.

Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are among the players that could be absent for United.

The trio will be assessed on Friday, as will centre-back Eric Bailly after Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Arsenal.

Luke Shaw is hoping to return after missing that match with a knock and Ashley Young is back from suspension.
Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku will be hoping to return to the starting line-up after being dropped to the bench against the Gunners, but Victor Lindelof (groin) and Alexis Sanchez (hamstring) are out.

Provisional squad: De Gea, Romero, Grant, Darmian, Dalot, Valencia, Smalling, Bailly, Jones, Rojo, Shaw, Young, Matic, Pereira, Herrera, Pogba, Fellaini, Fred, McTominay, Mata, Lingard, Martial, Rashford, Lukaku



http://londonfootballnews.co.uk/fulham/man-utd-v-fulham-whites-duo-return-united-have-injury-worries/

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Talk: View Of The Opposition - Simon Peach Breaks Down Manchester United
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

This episode is an interview with Simon Peach, who is the chief football writer at the Press Association, and he covers Manchester United for them.

During the intervew, he shared his views on Manchester United so far this season. He also talked about the press conference for Jose Mourinho as he was there, and shared what he learned from the Manchester United manager. We ended the show with Simon sharing his thoughts on this upcoming the match, and he gave a prediction. This is our preview show for this match.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/12/7/18130964/cottage-talk-view-of-the-opposition-simon-peach-breaks-down-manchester-united

[WhiteJC]

 
Huge boost for Fulham as Manchester United squad is revealed and two key men are missing

Claudio Ranieri's men look set to come up against a weakened Manchester United side

Fulham will be hoping to continue their good form under new manager Claudio Ranieri when they travel to Old Trafford tomorrow.

And they will be boosted by the news that Manchester United look set to be without two of their key men for the clash.

The Whites have won one, drawn one and lost one since Ranieri took charge at Craven Cottage, but remain rooted to the foot of the Premier League table.

They head to Old Trafford to take on a Manchester United side 18 points adrift of the top of the table and without a win in their last three matches.

Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho is under increasing pressure, with the bookmakers making him the favourite to be sacked next in the Premier League.

And it will not please Mourinho that he looks set to be without Anthony Martial and Eric Bailly for the game with Fulham this weekend.

According to our friends at the Manchester Evening News , the duo did not arrive with the provisional United squad members at the Lowry Hotel on Friday night.

Martial will be a particularly bad loss to Mourinho, having scored seven goals in his last eight league games. He was forced off in the second-half of the Wednesday night draw with Arsenal and Mourinho revealed after the game Bailly had started his first game in almost two months with an injury.

peaking about the duo during his press conference, Mourinho said: "I don't know. The training session will give us some answers. [Chris] Smalling, [Phil] Jones, Martial, Bailly, of course [Victor] Lindelof and Alexis [Sanchez] we don't even speak about them, but we need answers."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/huge-boost-fulham-manchester-united-15523711

[WhiteJC]

Ranieri believes Seri will be crucial in turning Fulham's season around

The midfielder impressed against Leicester.

Claudio Ranieri is focused on building the confidence of the "very, very important" Jean Michael Seri in his attempts to inspire Fulham to safety.

Seri, the club's marquee summer signing, finally impressed throughout Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Leicester when in a holding midfield role alongside Calum Chambers he excelled in spreading possession and dictating their tempo.

It was an inability to get the best out of Seri that contributed to the sacking of former manager Slavisa Jokanovic, but Ranieri on Wednesday even dropped the influential Tom Cairney and would have been encouraged by Fulham's display.

On Saturday at Manchester United, Seri's abilities could again be crucial against a team struggling for balance and Ranieri said of the classy 27-year-old, who interested Barcelona before moving to Craven Cottage: "It's important he continues to play, because I believe he can improve more.

"In Nice he played so well two years ago; he was fantastic. In the newspapers it was that Barcelona wanted him. Maybe he stayed there in Nice and his confidence went down a little; maybe he wanted to go, but he stayed in Nice, and the second year was so-so.

"The Italian papers and the French said Barcelona were interested in Seri. I always believe them.

"For this reason Fulham had the chance to buy him, and for me he's a very, very important central midfielder. He's a key player, because a lot of the play goes through him, and the other midfielders.

"This is very, very important, because he always shows for the ball, plays with the ball, and is important for his team-mates.

"I give him a lot of confidence, and him to his teammates. It's very important to have the confidence of the manager. He is very, very important. If you (climb) off the bottom, confidence gets higher and we can do something more."

While the lawyer behind the Bosman ruling has written to the Football Association to request they investigate Seri's transfer, Wednesday's performance suggests Seri remains focused, and he could be joined at Old Trafford by a further midfield option as Kevin McDonald is expected to be fit.

United are again under pressure following a run of four Premier League matches without victory, but even with the growing optimism surrounding his team and the fact that they are bottom of the table, Ranieri considers their fixture against his friend Jose Mourinho a free hit.

"For us it's a free match," the Italian said. "But you know, when the bottom team plays with the biggest teams, everything you can achieve is good.

"I hope to make a very good performance and of course I hope to make the first clean sheet but we have to do the perfect match."



http://sport.bt.com/news/ranieri-believes-seri-will-be-crucial-in-turning-fulhams-season-around-S11364316335507

[WhiteJC]

 
It's time for Jean-Michael Seri to stop floating through games and show why Chelsea wanted him

Claudio Ranieri knows the importance that the Ivory Coast midfielder has to Fulham

Jean-Michael Seri may have yet to show Fulham fans why he nearly completed a dream move to Barcelona in the past but Claudio Ranieri is under no illusions to how important he is to his new side.

The 27-year-old hasn't had the start to life at Craven Cottage many fans though he would have when he completed a big money move to west London from Nice in the summer - a transfer that turned heads across European football.

At the time it seemed that Tony Khan had pulled off the coup of all coups.

Only the week before Seri had still continued to be linked with the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea while the year previously he had nearly made the switch from the south of France to the Nou Camp.

In the past, Xavi, the Catalan legend who won pretty much everything there is to win with club and country during his time with Barcelona and Spain, described Seri as having 'Barca DNA' and believed the midfielder had all the qualities to make it in Catalonia.

"He would do so well at Barca. He can play anywhere in the middle. He is fantastic. He has what they call the Barca DNA," Xavi explained to Le Parisien at the time of his links with Barcelona.

"I'm not used to seeing such talent in midfield any more. The short game, long game, tactical intelligence, long-range shooting, personality, organisation of the play..."


(Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images)

We've seen all of that at Fulham at one stage or another, but not regularly enough for Seri to be considered a successful signing at this stage in time.

His long-range effort against Burnley was stunning, but it's the only goal he's scored this season and while his intelligence on the football pitch is clear to see with his disguised passes, it hasn't adapted to the quick pace of the Premier League yet which was painfully obvious when both Fernandinho and N'Golo Kante won the ball off him in midfield to hit Fulham on the counter-attack in the Manchester City and Chesea losses.

Ranieri's success at Leicester City was hinged on Kante - the Frenchman was brilliant in the deep midfield role, winning tackles and recycling possession as the Foxes won the most unlikely of Premier League titles.

He doesn't have that at Fulham. In fact, there's very few teams in world football that possesses anywhere near that kind of player, but in the past Seri has been described as a Xavi/Kante hybrid - he's able to unlock a defence with one pass but has a formidable work ethic when it comes to breaking down opposing attacks and regaining the ball.

His new manager knows how important that rare skill set is and ahead of the trip to Manchester United on Saturday, Ranieri wants to see Seri continue to improve week by week.

"In Nice he played so well two years ago; he was fantastic," Ranieri said

Jean-Michael Seri's season so far

So far this season Jean-Michael Seri has:

    Made the joint most appearances (15, with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon)
    The second most amount of game time (1,175, Mitrovic has the most with 1,346 minutes)
    The most amount of passes (836, Denis Odoi is next with only 569)
    The most touches of the ball (1,046, Maxime Le Marchand is next with 828)
    The second most amount of tackles (27, Le Marchand has the most with 30)
    The third most amount of blocks (six, behind Alfie Mawson (10) and Odoi (12))
    The fourth most amount of interceptions (17, behind Odoi (17), Odoi (18) Le Marchand (23) and Chambers (26))

"In the newspapers it was that Barcelona wanted him. Maybe he stayed there in Nice and his confidence went down a little; maybe he wanted to go, but he stayed in Nice, and the second year was so-so.

"I think for this reason Fulham had the chance to buy him, and for me he's a very, very important central midfielder.

"He's a key player, because a lot of the play goes through him, and the other midfielders.


Jean Michael Seri (L) vies with Guingamp's midfielder Lebogang Phiri (R) (Image: VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images)

"This is very, very important, because he always shows for the ball, plays with the ball, and is important for his team-mates.

"For me it's important he continues to play, because I believe he can improve more. If he improves more; my job is to try to improve all my players. If I improve all my players, I improve the team."

There is certainly room for improvement from Seri.

Too often this campaign he's floated through games and had no real impact on stringing things together for his side, while defensively teams have found it too easy to play through him in the midfield.

But since Ranieri has come in, he's changed formation to a 4-2-3-1 where Seri has reverted to the defensive midfield position he played regularly for Nice and is supported by Calum Chambers.

That seems to have sparked Seri back into life - he is free to work with Chambers and break up play knowing he will be supported by his partner which has given him a confidence boost in the middle of the park.

It's also allowed him to play from deep again which is where he works best.

We saw against Leicester just what Seri is about when he put himself about the pitch, breaking up attacks before receiving the ball in pockets of space and splitting open the defence with those disguised passes that the Ivory Coast man himself has said are his speciality, having copied Xavi's skill.

"Xavi did it all the time for Barcelona and I tried to copy him. It's a trick I've worked hard at and tried to master," Seri has been quoted as saying in the past.

Only earlier this week Ranieri asked fans to be patient with their 27-year-old summer signing, quoting Arsene Wenger who said it takes six months at least for player to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League.

There's no doubting that Seri has improved in the short time he's spent under Ranieri, but with a busy Christmas period coming up and with Fulham desperate for points, they need their talented man to start turning the Burnley and Leicester performances in more often.

We saw against Leicester just what Seri is about when he put himself about the pitch, breaking up attacks before receiving the ball in pockets of space and splitting open the defence with those disguised passes that the Ivory Coast man himself has said are his speciality, having copied Xavi's skill.

"Xavi did it all the time for Barcelona and I tried to copy him. It's a trick I've worked hard at and tried to master," Seri has been quoted as saying in the past.

Only earlier this week Ranieri asked fans to be patient with their 27-year-old summer signing, quoting Arsene Wenger who said it takes six months at least for player to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League.

There's no doubting that Seri has improved in the short time he's spent under Ranieri, but with a busy Christmas period coming up and with Fulham desperate for points, they need their talented man to start turning the Burnley and Leicester performances in more often.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/its-time-jean-michael-seri-15516880

[WhiteJC]

 
Three Players to Watch: Matchday 16 vs. Manchester United

In a game that really saw Leicester struggle mightily to get out of first gear, it was quite disappointing to see Fulham only take a draw from last Wednesday's fixture at Craven Cottage instead of a comfortable win. But as has been the case all season, the defense can be blamed as much as it wants, but if the attack can't be able to prop this football club towards respectability, finishing 20th in the table is what it deserves. They will need to find that endeavor and then some against a Manchester United side that is begging to reach their normal standards again.

When you're used to having complete stability at manager and winning 24 major trophies in that man's tenure, surely not reaching those same heights in the five years afterwards has got to be flat out miserable. Jose Mourinho was supposed to be the perfect successor to Sir Alex Ferguson, but instead he has brought turmoil and chaos throughout the entire senior squad and the remainders of a once impenetrable football club. Now they are struggling to claim a spot within the Premier League's top six, lack a cohesive policy for every transfer window, and struggle mightily to have a playing system match with the players that are within Mourinho's disposal. Did I mention Manchester United finished second last year?

But that's the nature of the Premier League. If everyone is so used to you reaching such a tier of success, anything worse than that is considered a complete failure and those criticisms will never go away until you reach those exact same heights again. That's what Liverpool been dealing with since their last league title back in 1990 and it's what United have been dealing with since 2013.

In some ways though, there is plenty to blame for United's failures. The club have constantly splashed plenty of cash on players either well past their primes, or predictably unable to fit in with the rest of the squad at a much higher rate than when Sir Alex Ferguson took charge, that it has stymied any positive progress the club could have for its future, otherwise.

Now surely, Fulham couldn't care less about dealing with United's problems. Although United have shockingly conceded more shots than they have generated themselves, the traveling squad will know that they will be up against some of the best players in the world when they are at their best. The positive spin for Fulham is that United's best might not be able to blossom at all if things go their way.

But they will have to find a way to score much more at will without the help of Aleksander Mitrovic. Surely, Calum Chambers can't be Fulham's second or third best option in attack. It was great to see Aboubakar Kamara score, but more will be required of him and the rest of his teammates if they are to be able to stave off relegation, let alone tomorrow's fixture at Old Trafford.

On that note, let's look at three of United's best players.

Anthony Martial

If this were as early as 2016, Romelu Lukaku easily is considered Manchester United's best goal scorer. Nowaday's I'm not even sure that's true anymore as Martial is finally living up to the world class potential he had since arriving from Monaco as an 18-year old. After coming out of Mourinho's dog house, or whatever you called that mess of a saga between the two, Martial was finally given playing time and has answered with seven goals off of just 18 shots. Now 12 of those shots have gone towards goal, but those are such comical rates that surely his numbers will drop. Even Understat has Martial only racking up 3.55 expected goals.

Still, it just feels like all United needed to do was play this kid and he was going to be fine. In typical Jose Mourinho fashion, he had to be begrudgingly convinced that he was good enough to play for his team. Now if he could ever become a volume shooter like all elite attackers are, watch out!

Paul Pogba

All data from whoscored.com

Next up is the most scrutinized player in the Premier League. But sadly, Paul Pogba's underlying numbers justify his criticisms. That said, when you only have Marouane Fellaini and an aging Nemanja Matic flanking you every match day, why wouldn't his performances be expected to drop. Simply put, United have stacked so much talent up front that they have forgotten to invest in the rest of the senior squad. And when Manchester United don't have the ball, they are in complete trouble as they don't have the horses to develop a strong pressing game.

Pogba at his best is willing to join in on defensive duties, but he needs better teammates around him to collect the ball for him. Matic was supposed to be the answer, but that hasn't happened at all. Fellaini is basically a fluke goal scorer at his best and a belligerent aerial winner at minimum. Ander Herrera can put in good shifts, but there's nothing special about him to ever become "Man United" good. So that's the quandary with Paul Pogba. He should be good enough to do everything well on his own, but his skillset requires others to help him out too.

David De Gea
Finally, just like how things were with Chelsea, Manchester United's back four just isn't good enough to be a Champions League qualifier every year. Chris Smalling is amazingly about to turn 30 soon and never reached the heights of a consistent starter for a top six club. Victor Lindelof is injured and either hasn't settled in beforehand or is stuck in Mourinho's doghouse too. The exact same can be said of Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo.

At fullback, Luke Shaw finally looked like he was living up to his billing only for him to get injured again while Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia's are aging wide forwards in disguise. Simply put, this ain't the Neville brothers, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic. In fact, it will be a miracle if any of the current iteration will ever deserve to be compared to the past greats. That's where David De Gea comes in, regardless if this season has been a downgrade for him.

Plain and simple, United had no business being the second best team in England last season, but if it weren't for De Gea's goalkeeping, United might not even have made it to this season's Champions League. That's why Real Madrid time and again come calling for him and United have had to constantly say "Not for sale". He has been that invaluable to the club in the post-Ferguson era and my goodness who knows how poor this club's rebuild would be if Spain's number one were to leave.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/12/7/18130650/three-players-to-watch-matchday-16-vs-manchester-united

[WhiteJC]

 
The FA have appointed a former top policeman to investigate the allegations of corruption at Fulham

    A former Fulham director has serious allegations of corruption at Fulham
    The FA have appointed a former top policeman to investigate the allegations
    He is Mark Davison, an ex-detective inspector in serious and organised crime

The FA have appointed a former top policeman to investigate corruption allegations being made by former Fulham director Craig Kline.

Mark Davison, an ex-detective inspector in serious and organised crime, is to meet the American whistleblower who has made explosive claims against FA chief executive Martin Glenn as well as his former employers.

Kline, who worked at Fulham as their assistant director of football, has submitted an extensive dossier alleging 'systemic corruption, child endangerment, exploitation and fraud' during his three years at the club between 2014 and 2017.


Fulham owner Shahid Khan has denied the allegations of corruption made by a former director


The FA have appointed Mark Davison, an ex-detective inspector in serious and organised crime

He has claimed the FA failed to act when he initially went to the governing body with his claims because of the relationship he says Fulham chief executive Alistair Mackintosh enjoys with Glenn.

The FA and Glenn deny the allegations and, as Sportsmail revealed three weeks ago, have now moved to launch an independent investigation. Kline's claims were still available in social media posts yesterday.

Kline's allegations are also denied by Fulham owner Shahid Khan and chief executive Mackintosh.

Davison, who had more than 30 years' police experience, recently retired to set up MDA (Mark Davison Associates).

His company is the UK division of Los Angeles-based Solertia International, which describes itself as a 'bespoke' services company which was founded with the conviction to deliver strategic and operational intelligence and security support to our clients'.

Davison has told Kline he has not worked with the FA before or met any of its officials previously and that he has 'been asked by the FA to investigate on their behalf your allegations'.

It is understood Kline plans to meet with Davison next week in London and has said he wants 'to gather all relevant information and evidence that is available in respect of the allegations you have raised with them (the FA)' and will also be 'speaking to any other key witnesses that are able to provide corroborating evidence '.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6473301/FA-appoints-former-policeman-investigate-corruption-Fulham.html

[WhiteJC]

 
This out-of-favour Liverpool ace would fill the void left by Ryan Fredericks at Fulham – Opinion

Fulham would bag a massive coup by signing Nathaniel Clyne

As per a report from The Guardian, Premier League bottom dwellers Fulham are lining up a January move for Liverpool full-back Nathaniel Clyne.

The 27-year-old right-back has hardly been involved this season for the Reds and is believed to be seeking a move away from Anfield in the January transfer window. And Fulham are planning to capitalize on this situation once the window is open for business in less than a month's time. (h/t The Guardian)

Having earned promotion back to the Premier League, the Cottagers are sitting rock-bottom in the top-flight, picking up just 9 points from 15 matches (W2, D3, L10). The club were forced to sack Slavisa Jokanovic, following their poor start to the campaign. They then brought in former Premier League-winning manager Claudio Ranieri to steady the ship and guide Fulham away from the relegation zone.

Under the former Chelsea and Leicester City boss, Fulham have collected four points from three matches, showing signs of improvement. However, there is no question that they will need to address a few concerns within the squad in the January window to set themselves up for a strong finish to the campaign.

The right-back slot has been a bit of a problem for the Londoners this term, following the exit of Ryan Fredericks in the summer. Cyrus Christie was expected to step up to the plate and while the Irishman has performed well in the past couple of games, his general play and the lack of consistency has been a major letdown.

A lot of things were expected from Timothy Fosu-Mensah, who joined on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United. But a shoulder injury and a subsequent dip in form have prevented the Dutchman from being part of the first-team in recent fixtures.

And this is where signing Clyne could prove to extremely beneficial for the Cottagers. The 27-year-old, a graduate of the Crystal Palace academy, went on to make 137 first-team appearances for the Eagles, before joining Southampton in 2012.

The right-back established himself as one of the most promising young full-backs in the country during his time with the Saints and went on to make 104 appearances for the South Coast club, scoring five times and assisting eight more goals. He left for Liverpool in the summer of 2015.

Clyne was the established first-choice in his position in his first two campaigns with the Merseyside outfit. But the emergence of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez over the past 18 months or so, coupled with a serious injury issue, has relegated him to a bit-part role at Anfield.

In the ongoing campaign, the 27-year-old has featured just one time across all competitions. Just one cap away from 100 appearances for Liverpool, Clyne is known for his attacking output and ability to surge up and down the flank all day long. A good crosser of the ball, the England international has the pace and the defensive nous as well to make an impact at both ends of the pitch.



https://www.mediareferee.com/2018/12/08/this-out-of-favour-liverpool-ace-would-fill-the-void-left-by-ryan-fredericks-at-fulham-opinion/

[RaySmith]

Team against Man Utd 08/12
One of the games we've been waiting for, a trip to Old Trafford

over on the forum we've been discussion the possible line-up to face them...

whitejc

the last 3 games have shown better "team" performances but we've been unable to keep a clean sheet.

With Bryan getting some game time mid-week I'd start him on Saturday.

Subs: Betts, Ream, MLM, Kebano, Vietto, Anguissa



come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
http://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?topic=68734.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=526

Like this though wouldn't be dismayed if CR started MLM, but I think Bryan can has a lot of potential..