Saturday Fulham Stuff (02/02/19)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Club president 'astonished' at Fulham transfer tactics, 'behaved badly' and caused failure

There's been a lot of finger pointing over the past 24 hours between Bordeaux and Fulham regarding the failed transfer of Youssouf Sabaly.

The full-back was wanted by the Cottagers, looking around on deadline day for a new defender, and despite an offer being made, the deal never materialised.

Depending on who you believe, each club has a reason to believe it's the other's fault for the transfer collapsing.

According to Sky Sports News, Bordeaux failed to get back to Fulham for four hours despite Claudio Ranieri's side trying incessantly to get in touch with their French counterparts.

However, according to the Ligue 1 side's president Frédéric Longuépée, the Cottagers are to blame.

He said, relayed by RMC: "I'm astonished that a club dared contact a player without talking to the club first. We received an offer at 8.03pm. There was a clause in his contract that would have allowed us to do a transfer, but Fulham behaved badly.

"Sabaly expressed a desire to go, but we're counting on him for the second half of the season."

Regardless of whose fault it is, the result is the same: the full-back remains at Bordeaux and Fulham didn't get the defender they wanted.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/finger-pointing-starts-failed-transfer-fulham-said-behaved-badly-attempt-sign-defender/

[WhiteJC]

Stefan Johansen and Aboubakar Kamara Go Out on Loan
Two Players That Have Fallen out of Favor Have Found New Teams to Play For

With Claudio Ranieri being at the helm since last November, it was quite clear that he wanted to come in and put a footprint to his style of play at Fulham. With that comes plenty of changes in and out of the club and developing a group of players that he thinks are best to get results. Clearly though, Stefan Johansen and Aboubakar Kamara were not in his plans anymore. Both have not seen the pitch in Premier League play since the New Year and while the former just simply fell too far down the pecking order, the latter made headlines for his exit from the club.

The result has been that Johansen left for West Bromwich Albion on loan deal that will last until the end of the season. Along with that Kamara will be in the Turkish Superliga Yeni Malatyaspor on a similar term. While both players could return to Fulham after this season, Johansen is on the final year of his contract and could leave on a free transfer. Kamara on the other hand, will still be under his current deal until the summer of 2021. Yeah, that's not great at all!

But in the meantime, Johansen will be hoping to return to the heights of the previous two seasons in which he banged in 19 goals and 17 assists in 7,112 Championship minutes. This season, the Norwegian captain was limited to just 411 Premier League minutes and has not recorded any goals or assist this season. And while his black marks from 2017/18 like dribbled past rate and tackling efficiency have improved, the rest of his numbers worsened while trying to be an impact player from the bench and the eye test will confirm that as well.

While at West Brom, Johansen will hope to come in and be either a perfect replacement to Harvey Barnes as someone that can play behind a center forward, or as a creative outlet from midfield. The Baggies are in the thick of the playoff races this season after being relegated from the Premier League the previous campaign. With the goals from Barnes, a now injured Matt Phillips, Dwight Gayle and Jay Rodriguez, they are deemed the entertainers of the league despite playing a three-at-the-back system. If only a certain club down in the Southwest of England would check this club out and see how they do it?

All data from whoscored.com

As for Mr. Kamara, there's nothing else to say other than this is a reclamation project. While the stats will tell you that he's a solid center forward with a good burst of speed, supporters and journalists alike will tell you otherwise thanks to his complete lack of a first touch and a supposed lack of footballing brain.

I for one am more sympathetic towards Kamara and would be even more fascinated to see how someone would go on to suddenly lose it emotionally the way he's done over the previous couple of months. Only Kamara himself can tell you what has caused him to do the things he's done and lead him to be one of the most hated Fulham figures in recent memory. Unless he performs well for the third best team in Turkey, Kamara's contract length and previous transfer fee will forever limit his prospects of finding a better club and for Fulham to turn a profit on him when it's time to sell him. I personally won't forget the impact he had in the second leg of the Championship playoff semifinal against Derby where he ran Derby's aging defense ragged in the first half. When the dust gets settled decades later, we will surely know more about the chaos that ensued this season between Kamara and Fulham.

Until then, I do wish both players the best the rest of this season.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/2/1/18206507/stefan-johansen-and-aboubakar-kamara-go-out-on-loan

[WhiteJC]

 
How Fulham's January transfer window ranked after adding three new faces to fight off relegation

We've gone through all the business that did and didn't get done for Fulham during the January transfer window

Fulham ended the January transfer window in true Fulhamish fashion - pushing through their final deal of the window at the last-minute by signing Liverpool's Lazar Markovic.

It proved to be a tough window by comparison to the summer, where 12 new players were brought into the club, with just three new faces coming to Craven Cottage, all on deals until the end of the season.

The club needed to do something drastic to change their fortunes in the Premier League this season, where they currently sit in 19th place with the worst defence in the league having conceded 53 goals so far this season.

Fulham are five points off safety and face a tough task of staying in the league, but Claudio Ranieri and the recruitment team will be hopeful that the three players signed will help them complete that mission.

January is never easy, but there has been an air of disappointment around fans of the club as the dust settles on the 2019 January window with some feeling the problems in the side, especially in defence, haven't been addressed.

Here's our round-up of how Fulham's transfer window has rated.

Players signed

Ryan Babel (Besiktas, six-month contract)

Lazar Markovic (Liverpool, six-month contract)

Players sold

Cauley Woodrow (Barnsley)

Stephen Humphrys (Southend United)

Players loaned in

Håvard Nordtveit (Hoffenheim, six-month loan deal)

Players loaned out

Aboubakar Kamara (Yeni Malatyaspor, six-month loan deal)

Stefan Johansen (West Brom, six-month loan deal)

Elijah Adebayo (Stevenage, six-month loan deal)

Aron Davied (Maidstone United, six-month loan deal)

How business compared to rivals

All the clubs down the bottom of the Premier League were busy trying to bring in recruits to save them from relegation, but like most clubs in that position they all seemed to struggle.

Newcastle United and Crystal Palace both seem to have good windows - Newcastle broke their transfer record for Atalanta's Miguel Almiron while Palace got firepower in in the shape of Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi.

Both sides completed good business and it should be enough to see them safe from the drop.

Cardiff City's transfer business was hit by tragic circumstances with the news of Emiliano Sala, but they also managed to strengthen with the captures of Leandro Bacuna from Reading and Oumar Niasse of Everton.

Southampton didn't bring anyone in but new boss Ralph Hasenhüttl choosing to cut his squad rather than add to it, while Huddersfield sign Karlan Grant from Charlton and Jason Puncheon from Palace.

Burnley, meanwhile, strengthened up top with the veteran Peter Crouch joining.

Unlike their rivals, Fulham's problems have been at the back so that's where they should've strengthened, but those recruits failed to sign for the club.

Business that didn't get done

Youssouf Sabaly, Bordeaux - Fulham thought they had his deal over the line but couldn't get through to his club to rubber stamp the deal.

Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui, Slavia Prague - He flew to London for talks but a move fell through at the final minute for the defender.

Gary Cahill, Chelsea - Fulham made him their number one target but he didn't want to move to Craven Cottage and will see out his deal at Stamford Bridge.

Conclusion

Ryan O'Donovan, Fulham reporter: Fulham desperately needed defenders in this window, but after a month of looking the only player to arrive in a defensive sense was Nordtveit.

All previous experience of the Norwegian points to him being better as a defensive midfielder rather than a centre back, which is the key area Fulham had to sign new players in.

Babel has looked a decent signing so far but Markovic is a real punt for the club - he's not really found his feet since arriving at Liverpool and with only a six-month contract it remains to be seen whether he will be a success.

All in all, I think the club haven't had the best of windows and problems that have been clear all season still haven't been addressed - it could be another tough second half of the season.

Sam Inkersole, West Ham reporter: Claudio Ranieri didn't panic too much in the January window and bring too many new players in though is it enough for survival? I'm not sure.

Ryan Babel has a point to prove after underwhelming in his previous Premier League stint with Liverpool and has certainly improved as a player since he left Anfield so he could be crucial to Fulham's survival hopes.

The signing of Lazar Markovic is a strange one with only 34 appearances in five years in the top flight, I'm not sure what he will bring to Fulham. No-one is, really.

Havard Nordtveit will be a good signing for Fulham if he plays in defensive midfield. He's seemingly been bought as a centre back, where he can play and does for Norway, but in 2016/17 at West Ham he was truly terrible at centre back and right back. He did impress in midfield though with limited chances but will Ranieri push Callum Chambers to centre back to accommodate Nordtveit? Unlikely.

I think Fulham could have done with proper Premier League experience, Babel has the most but not a lot, signing someone like Gary Cahill would have been perfect.

Overall, I just don't think Fulham will have quite enough to stay up, though after what happened against Brighton in midweek, the rest of the season is anyone's guess.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/how-fulhams-january-transfer-window-15766697

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool flop Markovic will bring even more out of Mitrovic

Fulham have confirmed the signing of Lazar Markovic from Liverpool, per their official website.

What's the word?

Markovic moves to Fulham after a miserable spell at Anfield. Signed in 2014 for a £20million fee from Benfica, Markovic has struggled to make an impact on Merseyside.

During his five-year stay at the club, the winger played just 34 times and was repeatedly sent out on loan, per Transfermarkt.

The 24-year-old played for Fenerbahce, Sporting CP, Hull City and Anderlecht in that time, and will now attempt to help the Cottagers avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Claudio Ranieri's men are currently 19th, six points behind 17th-placed Burnley.

Mitrovic link-up

Fulham claim in their statement announcing Markovic's signing that they "received very good recommendations from Aleksandar Mitrovic regarding the player".

Markovic, who has won 22 caps for Serbia, will now join with his compatriot at Craven Cottage.

Mitrovic has scored ten goals thus far this season and linking up with Markovic could see him further elevate his already prolific vein of form.

It could also provide a big boost to Markovic himself, who has looked completely bereft of confidence ever since his arrival on Merseyside.

The club needs to start winning games soon if they are to stay up and putting the two Serbian stars together could end up being a recipe for survival.



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/fulham/liverpool-flop-markovic-will-bring-even-more-out-of-mitrovic

[WhiteJC]

 
Timothy Fosu-Mensah was Manchester United's transfer window loser

What a puzzling month it has been for once top Manchester United prospect Timothy Fosu-Mensah.

Fosu-Mensah has remained out on loan at Fulham, where he currently has little chance of regular playing time.

Since Claudio Ranieri took over, Fosu-Mensah has played just 34 minutes of Premier League football, with Cyrus Christie preferred.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's appointment at United as interim manager gave rise to the possibility of a recall for Fosu-Mensah.

Fosu-Mensah made his debut under Louis van Gaal in 2016 after a series of terrific performances for the under-23s.

He made good progress, even featuring for United in the FA Cup semi-final win over Everton.

Jose Mourinho's appointment was terrible for him, barely used in 2016/17, and then sent out on loans to Crystal Palace and Fulham.

This January was a chance for Solskjaer to bring him back and re-integrate Fosu-Mensah to the first team, or find him a new loan club.

United chose not to do so, which is worrying for Fosu-Mensah's future.

There was reportedly interest in him from elsewhere. The Times reported Bayer Leverkusen were keen.

The Manchester Evening News report Fosu-Mensah rejected the chance to join Huddersfield, because he wants to fight for his place at Fulham.

That approach is admirable, but it might not get him anywhere, with his opportunities at Fulham limited.

Fosu-Mensah at 21 can barely afford another wasted season. Yet it looks like that is exactly what is playing out.



https://www.unitedinfocus.com/news/timothy-fosu-mensah-was-manchester-uniteds-transfer-window-loser/

[WhiteJC]

 
Yet more failed Fulham transfer interest revealed, were keen on Tenerife defender

Although the day after the transfer window is full of rumours which could carry on until the summer market, there's also some stories which should come to an end now.

When reporting the race for CD Tenerife defender Jorge Saenz today, outlet La Opinion makes it clear that Brentford and Fulham aren't threats to take the player from the Spanish side in the future.

They claim that Valencia and Espanyol are both interested in the player, whose contract with Tenerife expires in 2020. But the English is just a thing from the winter market.

Brentford got closer, willing to pay €3.5m for the player, but the reason things didn't go through are not revealed. Meanwhile, Fulham's chase is only mentioned as 'the interest' from The Whites.

La Opinion says both chases failed, without any signs of a possible deal in the future. But it looks like Saenz should soon be playing in Spain's top division.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/yet-failed-fulham-transfer-interest-revealed-keen-tenerife-defender/

[WhiteJC]

Mitrovic can earn move to "a good team" by keeping Fulham up, says Ranieri

Fulham boss Ranieri reckons 15 goals on the run-in and Mitrovic can be thinking Champions League next season, not Championship

Claudio Ranieri has urged Aleksandar Mitrovic to score 15 more goals this season and earn a summer transfer to a "good team".

And the Fulham striker will now have the support of his former team-mate Lazar Markovic after the Liverpool winger signed until the end of the campaign.

Mitrovic netted twice against Brighton on Tuesday to take to his tally to 16 and give Fulham fresh hope in their relegation fight before visiting Crystal Palace on Saturday.

He will have extra scoring responsibility after his penalty-taking rival Aboubakar Kamara was offloaded to Turkey on deadline day. But Ranieri insisted he had no concerns about the ex-Newcastle forward – who celebrated his first anniversary at Fulham this week - attracting the interests of Champions League sides.

The Italian said: "I hope he can score another 10 goals from here to the end of the season and some good teams bring him. I hope. Ten-15 goals. If he scores 15 goals, maybe we can see!

"I said when I arrived, he is a very good champion. Only 24 years old! He's ambitious, he trains very well. In England, if strikers don't fight, they don't score.

"I think Fulham is in Premier League it's because everyone worked so hard, but Mitrovic scored goals and without them you can't achieve. Mitrovic was important last season and is important for the rest of the season. When Mitrovic is on the pitch, you feel he can score or do something good."

Mitrovic recommended his former Partizan Belgrade team-mate Markovic to Fulham and the 24-year-old, who has not played this season, will provide the supply line to the striker along with fellow ex-Liverpool star Ryan Babel.

The Dutchman joined earlier in the window and has already impressed Ranieri with his performances on and off the pitch.

"He's a very good guy with his team-mates," said the Fulham coach. "For me, he's a leader.

"When you see him in the training session, he was speaking to a player who was 18 years old and saying, 'You have to do this, you have to do this'. It's fantastic. That means he is involved in this project. It's not only for himself.

"When I choose him, I listened a lot around about him and heard he was a good guy who was training very well.

"I didn't know he would come with this spirit and I'm very, very surprised but also very happy."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/mitrovic-can-earn-move-a-13939434

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Sign Lazar Markovic and Havard Nordtveit
Gun... Meet Fish in a Barrel

Oh boy!

So Fulham had the opportunity to strengthen their squad for one last push out of Premier League relegation. They were in the hunt for Gary Cahill and Scott Dann to improve the back three Claudio Ranieri wants to employ. They were in the hunt for Divock Origi or Michi Batshauyi before the club signed Ryan Babel. Even at deadline day, they were in the hunt for Bordeaux fullback Youssouf Sabaly and Slavia Prague center back Michael Ngadou-Ngadjui. Both would have been deemed major improvements to what Fulham currently have at their disposal.

Instead, literally on the final hour of deadline day, Fulham went on to sign outcasts from notable football clubs outside of Europe hoping to take advantage of one last opportunity in the big time. First, the club signed defensive midfielder/center back Havard Nordtveit on a six-month loan deal. Then, Lazar Markovic came aboard from Liverpool on a free transfer until the end of the season.

For Nordtveit, he comes from being a bit player for Hoffenheim after being found wanting at West Ham United. The Norway International has only played eight times in the Bundesliga this season and has generated not so great results while out at center back. If anything, it has been a struggle to even get a starting place in Julian Naglesmann's side; even as they too play a three-at-the-back system. Even back at West Ham, Nordtveit struggled to get ahead of the likes of 33-year-old James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna and 33-year-old Jose Fonte to partner with Winston Reid during that 2016/17 campaign. Back then, the Hammers were one of the worst defensive teams under Slaven Bilic and really could have used a younger defender out there that could get the job done.

Sadly, Nordtveit just isn't good enough to do so at center back and will give away plenty of fouls in inopportune times along the way. Even worse, he is just like Calum Chambers in that he is much better off as a holding midfielder, assuming all the data stands as the full truth. According to his transfermarket profile, Nordtveit has played 174 career games in that position while he has only played 51 times as a center back. But if that is the case, why should Fulham own two of the same thing?

Is it expected now that Ranieri pushes the ball-playing defender in a double pivot with Chambers? If so, what does that do with Jean Michael Seri and Tom Cairney? Does that also give Fulham a more defensive posture once more; such as a 3-2-3-2 or a 4-2-3-1 with only Cairney or Seri playing in the number 10 role?

Or if we keep this simple, Nordtveit is probably there just to replace Denis Odoi while Alfie Mawson is on the mend for almost the rest of the season. Perhaps that works out because Odoi is only good in the air and not much else while Nordtveit is only good on the ball and not much else. To me, it just feels like such a low grade signing that will just struggle to create any improvement in the team, at best.

As for Lazar Markovic, where on Earth do I begin?! It has been reported that Markovic was suggested by new teammate and fellow Serbian Aleksander Mitrovic to sign with the club. Let's hope the star man knows how to analyze players better than Tony Kahn or Craig Kline because my goodness does this look like a gamble not worth going after. Even at age 24 and under contract with the league leaders, Markovic just hasn't been able to put a mark down in Premier League football since arriving as a 20-year old from Benfica. And even when he's had his opportunities, you wonder what type of player he is besides being a good passer and dribbler. Cool story, sounds like any other wide forward in England these days!

Again, Markovic is 24 years old. This is the time he should be establishing himself by now in terms of where he is in world football. Instead, he seems like a prospect that has gotten dramatically worse as the seasons go by and he essentially has no choice but to take a free contract that only lasts six months. If this opportunity passes him by, don't be surprised to see him not return to the big five leagues in Europe in quite some time. It has been so bad for Markovic that he hasn't played for his country since November 2016. If he makes an impact, it will be by usurping Andre Schurrle or Ryan Sessegnon from the matchday squad, which I just don't see happening at all. I hope I'm proven wrong, but man it just feels like Fulham signed someone that is only there just to make up the numbers and that isn't good enough at all for their predicament.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/2/1/18206508/fulham-sign-lazar-markovic-and-havard-nordtveit

[WhiteJC]

 
Claudio Ranieri buoyed by Fulham signing Ryan Babel

Claudio Ranieri believes the surprise signing of Ryan Babel is already proving Fulham's shrewdest move of the transfer window.

The forward arrived from Besiktas to further strengthen their already strong attacking options when it was a defender, with the way they continue to leak goals, that they were expected to prioritise in January.

Babel excelled on his debut in the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham and was again influential against Brighton in Tuesday's crucial 4-2 win and Ranieri is impressed with how the former Liverpool player has fitted into the squad.

Ranieri said: "Babel's a leader. When you see him in the training session; he was speaking to a player who was 18 years old and saying 'You have to do this, you have to do this'.

"It's fantastic. That means he is involved in this project. It's not only for himself. He came here and has tried to give everybody his experience. That is important.

"I didn't know he would come with this spirit and I'm very, very surprised but also very happy.

"I want a positive man. Leaders, because we need leaders. If you are a leader, you think about everything.

"You don't think only for yourself. I knew him a long time ago. When we asked if he wanted to come, he said, 'Yes! I want!' Oh, fantastic! I want a player who wants to come."

Fulham visit Crystal Palace on Saturday, when they will be hoping to secure another victory in their battle to avoid relegation straight back to the Sky Bet Championship.

The trip to Selhurst Palace is followed by the visit of Manchester United to Craven Cottage, with away trips to West Ham, Southampton and the west London derby with Chelsea then coming up.

Even with that intimidating run of fixtures, Ranieri believes his team are finally prepared, having been further strengthened by the arrivals of the versatile Havard Nordtveit and winger Lazar Markovic and now playing in the way he wants them to.

"I am confident because every day I see the team is more compact, with the mentality," he added.

"What happened against Brighton was something I was waiting for. At that time, all the team was compact.

"Before, when we conceded a goal, we wanted to do something not as a team, but as individuals. They ran more without doing anything.

"Against Brighton, we played one or two touches. All the players tried to help team-mates and played very easy, as I want.

"We went very early on the flank to make crosses or when the opponent was put out; we went between the lines. All [were] together and understood.

"If we carry on in this way, we are stronger and can get a lot of confidence."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11625464/claudio-ranieri-buoyed-by-fulham-signing-ryan-babel

[WhiteJC]

Three Players to Watch: Matchday 25 vs. Crystal Palace
Can Fulham Finally String Some Wins Together?

Well that was a fantastic win by Fulham last Tuesday, followed by a very underwhelming transfer window. Still, I don't think the fans and the supporters should be too down on how they feel about Saturday's contest over at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace. It's a return fixture against the same opponents Fulham played against at the beginning of the season and I personally felt like they did about as well as they could for the opening 25-30 minutes. However, Roy Hodgson knew everything about Fulham all the way up to where we'd like to score in the second half and they counter-attacked us to pieces 2-0.

Tomorrow's contest may be no different, in spite of the fact that Wilfried Zaha will not play due to a red card suspension. That could open the door for new loanee Michi Batshuayi to make his Palace debut, but it is more likely for Jordan Ayew to take his place instead. What we do know is that it does look like any other season for the boys South of the Thames as they'll be resolute in defense and looking to attack teams when they least suspect them.

It is the lone difference between them and Fulham's previous opponents, Brighton. While Chris Hughton's team lacks depth in attackers that know how to finish with consistency and while in peak age, Palace can hurt you in so many different ways. It is why they generate 12.8 shots per contest while Brighton could only muster 9.1.

In defense, in spite of just having the ball 47.2% of the time, they are able to be resolute by giving up just 12.6 shots per contest and an eighth-best 32.5 expected goals in the league. Hodgson loves to play with three attacking players up front, but they're wide forwards do a solid job supporting their fullbacks and are quite comfortable playing in a reserved 4-5-1 formation.

Which goes back to asking: what Fulham should try to do? They truly were at their best on Tuesday when they were completely on the front foot and not worrying about what happens when they lose the ball. However, that may go against the grain when it comes to how they should play against a Palace team that is so comfortable being attacked in waves on open play and then capitalizing on any mistake. If either the players or Claudio Ranieri can get a system that is not only comfortable for everyone in the squad for tomorrow, but also for the rest of the season, it could go a long way to their chances are for staying up.

On that note, here are three players to watch representing the Selhurst Park faithful.

Andros Townsend
With Zaha suspended for tomorrow, it will be up to the 27-year old former Tottenham man to get the goals from up front. In spite of so many years of Premier League experience, Andros Townsend has struggled to consistently perform in attack at an elite level. This season in particular, he is averaging just 1.65 shots per 90 minutes with just a 30.8% of them going on target. Add in a career 5.8% goal conversion rate, and you wonder why it is such a struggle for him to get over four goals in a Premier League season.

Townsend's hit that mark already, but his shot rate has struggled to go over two per contest since 2015/16 and his current goal conversion rate is almost double his normal rate at 10.3%. Either he has to improve his game or his luck has to continue to stay abnormally hot. At the prime of his career, you wonder if the 13 times capped England International has any ability left for him to improve.

Luka Milivojevic
Welp, since Mr. Townsend only has four goals and the suspended Zaha surprisingly has three, somebody has to do much better in contributing to Crystal Palace's wins. Fortunately, there is one midfielder that is doing, but he's also contributing defensively on account of the fact that he's, oh I don't know, PLAYING THE HOLDING ROLE! How Roy Hodgson can you get when Luka Milivojevic just so happens to be their most consistent attacking outlet. Not only has he contributed six goals this season, but the 30-capped Serbian International also recorded ten tallies in 2017/18. That is 0.27 goals per 90 minutes during that span; good enough for even some of the more league average attackers in any given season.

Along with contributing up front, Milivojevic is also holding his defensive responsibilities by being third among key Palace players (only counting those that have played one-fourth of the club's total EPL minutes played) in tackle rate and second in interception rate. Lastly, only Max Meyer better's his 0.17 xG Buildup and plays such a prominent role in Hodgson's thin rotation. If there's anything going on in open play, almost certainly will Milivojevic be involved.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Lastly, we take a look at one of the finds of the season. At 21 years old, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has already become one of the best defensive fullbacks in the Premier League and it could be a matter of time before he garners national team recognition. Right away, he has lead all key Palace players in tackles and interceptions and knows how to bomb forward when he needs to.

Let's not forget that it was his dribble past Ryan Sessegnon and his pass that set up Palace's second goal against Fulham that was converted by Zaha. From here the England Under-21 International's stock has continued to rise as his performances have become more consistent. Despite representing the country of his birth, he is also of Congolese descent and has played for that country's Under-20 team once. Thus, it is still up for debade between which National team he will play for. He will have to deal with Kyle Walker and fellow up-and-comers Ben Chilwell and Trent Alexander-Arnold to get any game time for England at his right back position, so Under-21 appearances would be best for him at the moment. Or would he go the way of Zaha, Alex Iwobi and Victor Moses and play for his ancestral country so that he can get more playing time? If anything else, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a talent that can't be ignored and he'll surely see his reputation grow for the years to come.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/2/2/18206509/three-players-to-watch-matchday-25-vs-crystal-palace

[WhiteJC]

 
TT Battle: Wilfried Zaha vs Aleksandar Mitrovic

The Premier League returns this weekend after taking a week off for the FA Cup last week, and with the transfer window now shut we can start looking at the race for the title, the top four and a relegation battle. The two players we're focusing on here, though, will be firmly involved in the latter as we compare Zaha and Mitrovic.

Wilfried Zaha is commonly viewed as one of the best players in the Premier League outside of the top six clubs, whilst Aleksandar Mitrovic is a ruthless goal-getter who has proven that when he plays he delivers. For today's clash between Palace and Fulham, Zaha is unavailable due to suspension, yet we'll be comparing the two to see who's more likely to keep their side up this season.

ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC
Mitrovic is exactly what you expect him to be. The Serbian striker is an aggressive centre-forward who gives as good as he gets. Whilst Fulham may have become one of the Premier League's whipping boys so far this season, there isn's a central defender in the country who looks forward to playing against the ex-Newcastle man on a Saturday afternoon.

This season has seen Fulham's star man bag ten times as he's featured in every single game for the Cottagers in the Premier League. The only worry with the Serbian is that he often loses his head, and when the red mist comes down there's no telling what he'll do. At the age of just 24 he's accumulated five red cards across his career, and whilst he's yet to do so for Fulham, it's still a worrying record.

TT GRADE: B

WILFRIED ZAHA
If you want to see goals, assists, flair and trickery but don't want to watch the top six sides in the Premier League, Selhurst Park is the place to be. Wilfried Zaha has built a reputation for scoring goals and dazzling the East London crowd that get drawn in to watch the Eagles. Palace are currently enjoying their longest ever spell in the Premier League and it's all because of Zaha's brilliance.

The Ivorian has spent time away from the club before he ultimately he always comes back. At the age of 26 he's approaching his prime years, and whilst he may have received a pathetic, yet deserved, red card for sarcastically clapping referee Andre Marriner against Southampton, he is still the man who Roy Hodgson will be looking to keep his side in the Premier League.

TT GRADE: A+

TT VERDICT:

Mitrovic may be a goalscorer who can put the ball in the net at the crucial moments, but Zaha is so much more than that. When Palace have the Ivorian fit they're a different entity altogether and his pace, technique and power help him to produce goals, assists and magic moments means he simply has to win this one as his influence for Palace is much greater than Mitrovic's to Fulham.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/features/transfer-battles/tt-battle-wilfried-zaha-vs-aleksandar-mitrovic/

[WhiteJC]

 
How Klopp reacted to Lazar Markovic's deadline-day move to Fulham...

Jurgen Klopp admits he is delighted for Lazar Markovic after he was given a Premier League lifeline by Fulham on transfer deadline day.

The Serbian moved to Craven Cottage on a permanent transfer in a bid to reignite his career after three-and-a-half difficult years on Merseyside.

Markovic had not made a senior appearance for the Reds since May 2015 after finding himself surplus to requirements following Klopp's appointment as manager.

His time at the club saw him manage just 34 appearances across all competitions, all coming in his debut campaign, and included loan spells with Fenerbahçe, Sporting CP, Hull City and Anderlecht.

Having worked predominantly with Neil Critchley's U23s so far this season, the 24-year-old used the January window as an ideal opportunity to seek first team football elsewhere.

Reacting to the move, Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com: "For him, it's brilliant. I can imagine it was unbelievably difficult for him. It was not too easy for me – [though] that's not too important – having a player like him in the wider squad and not using him."

"But it was clear, Lazar knew for a long time how our plans are, and for different reasons transfers didn't work out."

He added: "We were not responsible for that. Now he can go to Fulham and use and show his potential again, which I'm happy for. He's a good lad and a really good footballer – hopefully it will work out for him."

Markovic was signed from Benfica for £20million back in 2014 as Brendan Rodgers re-invested the money garnered from Luis Suarez's move to Barcelona.

Despite a glowing reputation out of Portugal, the winger rarely looked like adapting to the speed and physicality of English football.

Nonetheless, his brightest temporary stint did arrive under the management of Marco Silva as Hull were relegated from the top-flight in 2017.

Liverpool could come face to face with their latest departure, along with ex-forward Ryan Babel, when they travel to face Fulham on March 17.



https://www.empireofthekop.com/2019/02/02/how-klopp-reacted-to-lazar-markovics-deadline-day-move-to-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Club chief confirms he could do €15m deal with Fulham in the next window

Yeni Malatyaspor confirmed the arrival of Aboubakar Kamara from Fulham just before the transfer window closed.

The Turkish club had been strongly linked with a move for Kamara in the last few weeks of the transfer window and they finally managed to get their man on a loan deal until the summer.

The Fulham outcast has spoken about why he chose to sign for Malatyaspor following his transfer as covered by Haberturk: "I came here because I believe in this project. Lots of clubs wanted me but Yeni Malatyaspor was the most passionate one. I have my targets and I think I joined a great club."

Yeni Malatyaspor president Adil Gevrek has also confirmed the Super Kig club have a right of redemption clause to make Kamara's move permanent in the summer: "Kamara had lots of offers but thankfully he decided to join our club.

"I hope he will make a great impact here. He is a very important player and we are believing in him. We have a €15m redemption clause, hopefully, he will do well, and we will consider activating that."

It always seemed likely Kamara would leave Fulham before the window closed after events recently. The player was criticised by Claudio Ranieri for taking a penalty against Huddersfield Town, which went against team orders.

More recently Kamara was involved in an altercation with a Fulham member of staff which has ultimately led to his exit from Craven Cottage.

Kamara is under contract with Fulham until June 2021. They will hope he never returns.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-chief-confirms-e15m-deal-fulham-next-window/

[WhiteJC]

Pre-Match Round-up: Fulham

Waiting for Palace's game with Fulham to kick-off? We've got you covered with everything you'll want to read and watch in one place below.

Starting you off is the perfect pre-match read for the game: the Palace Preview, which provides you with everything you need to know before the fixture takes place, including team news, tactics, stats and more.

Next up, there are two stories from manager Roy Hodgson's press conference. Firstly, he provided an update on injury news, revealing who can and can't play for the Eagles and also commenting on Michy Batshuayi's availability.

And secondly, he told the engaging tale of how the Belgian forward signed for Palace from his perspective.

To watch Hodgson's press conference in full for free, make sure to head over to Palace TV now.
Sticking with perhaps the biggest news of the week, there are tonnes for you to read about Michy Batshuayi. Haven't got time for it all? Watch his first ever interview below and listen to his message for the fans at the end.

If you fancy giving something a read, just click here for everything you could want on Michy's arrival. And if you're looking to kill a little time before kick-off, take our quiz now and see if you can name Palace's Belgian players from years gone by.

The Palace lads have been training hard in a short space of time for today's clash, and you can see them hit the pitch in this stunning training gallery. If you're wanting more, click on the video below where you'll see them train in an impressive, soggy compilation.

Stay in the loop

It's been a busy few days for the Eagles, starting with the date and time of their FA Cup fifth-round clash with Doncaster Rovers being announced. You can buy tickets for it from Monday onwards. Find out more here.

Andros Townsend won ManBetX Player of the Month for January and today, Palace and Fulham fans unite to raise awareness of mental health issues. Read what they're doing now.

And if you're looking to stock up on everything Crystal Palace, now is the time to do so with our mid-season sale having just begun. Click here to buy!

Finally, please note that from today's match onwards, Selhurst Park's food and drink outlets will be going cashless, meaning you must bring a debit or credit card with you to make purchases of these items.

Finally, there are tickets still available for today's game or, if you can't make it, Palace Audio will enable you to listen to full commentary for just £1.49!



https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2019/february/pre-match-round-up-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Tomkins, Meyer & Schlupp start, Batshuayi benched - Predicted Crystal Palace XI vs Fulham

Crystal Palace news takes a closer look at the team Roy Hodgson could pick to face Fulham this afternoon

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has some decisions to make ahead of this afternoon's Premier League clash against Fulham.

The Eagles go into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw with Southampton three days ago, a result which moved them four points clear of the relegation zone.

However, the point did come at a cost.

James Tomkins limped off with a suspected hamstring injury, but Hodgson confirmed the centre-back trained yesterday morning and should be available to face the Cottagers.

"James Tomkins trained this morning," Hodgson said. "We don't think there will be any problems there, the training was quite light though so we need to check him tomorrow."

If the defender comes through that test unscathed then expect him to continue his partnership with Mamadou Sakho in a back four which is completed by Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Patrick van Aanholt and lines up in front of Vicente Guaita who returned to action on Wednesday night.

Cheikhou Kouyate was another casualty from the game at St Mary's as his ankle injury will keep him out of today's game and his place in central midfield could go to Max Meyer.

Wilfried Zaha sits this one out through suspension, so his spot on the left-wing is up for grabs.

Jeffrey Schlupp scored in the reverse meeting at the start of the season and was impressive against Spurs last weekend and could get the nod over the returning Bakary Sako.

Perhaps Hodgson's biggest decision is who plays as the centre-forward.

Effectively he has four options, but it's likely to be a straight choice between two. Does the Palace boss keep faith in Jordan Ayew or hand loan signing Michy Batshuayi a debut?

Given the Belgian international hasn't played since January 8th, Hodgson could opt for caution and use the 25-year-old as a substitute in the second half.

Predicted Crystal Palace XI vs Fulham: Guaita; Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, Sakho, van Aanholt; Milivojevic, Meyer, McArthur; Townsend, Ayew,  Schlupp

https://www.football.london/crystal-palace-fc/players/crystal-palace-team-batshuayi-meyer-15770075

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Waste A Golden Deadline Day Opportunity

With the January transfer window now shut am I the only one who feels more than a little disappointed with our dealings?

With the club nestling in the relegation zone and facing a very difficult task of climbing out, considering that games are fast running out and we have some class opposition to face, I expected the board to dig a lot deeper than they did and bring some real quality into the squad.

Instead, the club brought two players to the squad that are probably quite competent but didn't, when their names were announced, have that wow factor about them.

The first to put pen-to-paper on deadline day was Havard Nordtveit.

The 28-year-old Norwegian international has joined Fulham on loan until the end of the season, from Hoffenheim.

Nordtveit has Premier League experience after making 21 appearances for West Ham United back in the 2016 / 2017 season, but is he really going to make a difference? Is he any better than Stefan Johansen who left Craven Cottage, on deadline day, to join the Championship side West Bromwich Albion on loan?

The second to put pen-to-paper was the Liverpool winger Lazar Markovic,

Markovic, 24-years-of-age, has been at Liverpool since 2014, after being signed from Benfica for £20 million. However, during that time he has made just 34 appearances for the club and has spent time out on loan at Fenerbahce, Sporting CP, Hull City and Anderlecht.

Something of a roving spirit it would seem. But is he going to make a big difference? I fear not.

A disappointing conclusion to a transfer window where I can't help thinking the board were reluctant to spend big after seeing in excess of £100 million virtually wasted in the summer.

Never mind, Easter isn't that far away, perhaps we can all pray for a miracle, although it might be too late by then!

COYW's



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/fulham-waste-a-golden-deadline-day-opportunity/