Wednesday Fulham Stuff (24/04/19)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Tottenham favourites to sign Ryan Sessegnon ahead of Juventus

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly facing competition from Juventus for Ryan Sessegnon.

According to The Express, Juventus are now prepared to battle Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon this summer.

Juve were stunned last week as Ajax knocked them out of the Champions League, and the Turin giants will now be expecting some reinforcements this summer to make another push next season – and appease Cristiano Ronaldo.

Juve may well need to think about the future after Ronaldo though, and adding a young attacker to mould for after the 34-year-old's exit would be ideal.

Now, The Express report that Juventus are interested in Fulham talent Sessegnon, and are prepared to take on Tottenham in the race for his signature this summer.

Juventus allegedly want some youth adding to an ageing group, and think speedy Sessegnon could fit the bill even at £40million despite Fulham's relegation from the Premier League.

However, it's noted that Spurs are still favourites to land Sessegnon this summer, with boss Mauricio Pochettino a big fan of the 18-year-old, who has been tipped for stardom.

Sessegnon didn't quite take the Premier League by storm, failing to really nail down a spot in the Fulham side either at left back or on the left wing, but did contribute two goals and six assists.

His displays still showed that there's plenty of potential there, so it's no surprise that Juventus are now keen – but Spurs seemingly still hold the advantage.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/04/23/report-tottenham-still-favourites-to-sign-ryan-sessegnon-ahead-o/

[WhiteJC]

 
Newcastle in hunt for Babel

Newcastle United are in the hunt for Fulham winger Ryan Babel this summer, according to Football Insider.

The reputable football site reports that Rafa Benitez is keen on signing the 32-year-old, but only if he remains as the club's manager beyond the end of the season.

The report adds that the Magpies are amongst some of the clubs keeping track of Babel, a player Benitez signed from Ajax while he was in charge of Liverpool in 2007.

Babel – who is available on a free transfer this summer when his deal ends – has said that he would prefer to stay in the Premier League next season after the Cottagers were recently relegated.

OPINION
Babel has scored four goals since he arrived at Fulham in January, also making four assists in the process. However, it remains to be seen why Benitez is chasing the winger – he is 32, and he is not the type of player Newcastle need in order to progress. Besides, Mike Ashley is not too keen on sanctioning moves for players who are over 30-years-old, with a permanent move for Salomon Rondon still hanging in the balance. Babel would not add anything to the team that they already have, and to be honest, he does not have much of his playing career left. It would be a big risk if they signed the Dutch player in the summer, and the fans are not going to be too pleased about the possibility of signing him either. Benitez may know what he is capable of, but Newcastle definitely need to be signing better players.



https://nothingbutnewcastle.com/2019/04/blogs/newcastle-in-hunt-for-babel/

[WhiteJC]

 
Impressive Aleksandar Mitrovic statistic could convince dubious West Ham fans ahead of summer move

West Ham United reportedly want Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic this summer but many fans do not.

With Fulham having been relegated, Mitrovic has been linked with West Ham.

According to The Sun, the Hammers are leading a clutch of Premier League clubs interested in securing the services of the Serbian.

The former Newcastle United striker has not only been an ever-present for the Cottagers this season but has also scored 11 goals and provided three assists.

Some Hammers fans unsure over Mitrovic

But many West Ham fans are dubious about the potential signing. Like West Ham's current forward line, Mitrovic lacks pace.

And it has been consistently highlighted this season just how much Manuel Pellegrini's side need an injection of speed if they are to progress.

Hammers fans are not alone either.

Last week Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson agreed with that assessment.

Thompson was talking about Mitrovic on the Gillette Soccer Saturday show on Sky Sports Football last Saturday afternoon (1:22pm, April 13, 2019): "I still think they need pace up front. Mitrovic is not going to give you that.

'I just think West Ham need someone else'

"He is good at what he is, like that target man, backs in, holds the ball, but he has got no pace whatsoever, and I don't think he understands this high press, how to press. Yes, he would be a decent signing, but I just think they need someone else."

But a new statistic has emerged suggesting Mitrovic would be a very astute signing indeed.

Only three players have been involved in a higher percentage of their team's goals this season than the 24-year-old forward.

Impressive statistic could convince fans

Mitrovic has had a hand in a remarkable 42% of Fulham's goals and assists combined.

Only Salomon Rondon (43%),  Raul Jimenez (46%) and Eden Hazard (49%) have better figures.

With Fulham going down to the Championship at the end of the season, it is hard to see the West London club keeping hold of Mitrovic this summer.

Reports suggest the club will demand at least £20 million from West Ham and other suitors for his services.



https://www.hammers.news/club-news/impressive-aleksandar-mitrovic-statistic-could-convince-dubious-west-ham-fans-ahead-of-summer-move/

[WhiteJC]

 
GW36 Ones to watch: Aleksandar Mitrovic

The Scout says Fulham forward is back in form for Cardiff encounter

The Scout is tipping five players to produce big points in Gameweek 36 of Fantasy Premier League.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (FUL) £6.3m

The striker has helped Fulham to wins over Everton and AFC Bournemouth in the last two Gameweeks.

Mitrovic provided an assist against the Toffees and converted a penalty in a 1-0 victory at Vitality Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

That has earned him attacking returns in back-to-back matches for the first time since Gameweek 4.

Growing threat

The underlying statistics further highlight Mitrovic's major goal threat under new manager, Scott Parker.

The Serb has produced 27 shots and 20 shots inside the penalty area since Parker was appointed in Gameweek 29.

Both those totals are more than any other player in FPL over their last six matches.

Shooting star

Mitrovic also fares well when compared with his early-season displays.

His minutes per shot have improved from 25.7 to 20.0 under Parker.

Similarly, his shots inside the penalty area have climbed from 2.5 to 3.3 per match, while his shots on target have increased from 1.2 to 1.8.

Heading for points?

Mitrovic can extend his form at home to Cardiff City in Gameweek 36.

The Bluebirds have struggled to defend set-pieces this season. They have conceded 156 shots from such situations, more than any other side.

Meanwhile, Mitrovic's 52 headed shots on goal sit first among all players.

He looks poised to take advantage of Cardiff's frailties and enjoy more success on Saturday afternoon.

Remember, this week's FPL deadline is 19:00 BST on Friday 26 April.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/1194736

[WhiteJC]

 
A league divided: The Premier League contains five mini-divisions with 19 points between second and third and a whopping 74 between title-chasers Liverpool and relegated Huddersfield

    There is a yawning chasm between the top teams and the rest this season 
    The Premier League has become divided into five clearly-defined mini divisions 
    Liverpool and Manchester City are way out in front and untouchable for the rest
    Then there is the 'best of the rest' with Everton, Watford, Wolves and Leicester

Manchester City were the shortest-priced favourites for any game in Premier League history (1/20) when they beat Cardiff City 2-0 in April – and Liverpool won't be far behind when they meet Huddersfield on Friday night.

It not only signifies the yawning chasm between the top and bottom teams but also how the Premier League has become five clearly defined leagues within it this season.

Liverpool and Manchester City are the unstoppable title-chasers, lagging well behind 19 points adrift are the top-four contenders Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.

They are themselves 15 points ahead of 'best of the rest' competitors Everton, Watford, Wolves and Leicester, while the other half of the division are just happy to stay there.

Fulham and Huddersfield are eight points adrift of the rest and were destined for relegation months ago, now confirmed.

The other eight are scrapping to avoid that one final place. West Ham, Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Bournemouth have survived, Burnley are all but mathematically certain to do so, leaving Southampton, Brighton and Cardiff all in states of anxiety. Brighton will be feeling it at Tottenham on Tuesday night.

Two decades ago, 1998-99, the whole table was spanned by 49 points from champions Manchester United to last-place Nottingham Forest. This season the gap is already 74 points between Liverpool and Huddersfield and likely to get wider at Anfield later this week.

Seventh-placed Everton are as close to Brighton in 17th as they are to Manchester United in sixth – 15 points either way.

THE PREMIER LEAGUE'S FIVE MINI-LEAGUES
TITLE CONTENDERS

Liverpool and Manchester City

Manchester City have won their last 10 league games, Liverpool nine. The perceived wisdom that one or other would drop points in the run-in hasn't happened yet. They are simply too good.

The top two have pulled an incredible 19 points clear of Spurs in third and both are on course for the highest points tally by any Premier League teams, bar City's 100 points last season.

Liverpool have 88 points from 35 games – that is already more than Jose Mourinho's last title-winning team collected at Chelsea in 2015 or Leicester's miracle workers the following year.

Jurgen Klopp's side have been miserly at the back, just 20 goals conceded and only one defeat, at City. Pep Guardiola's men have only let in two more – and scored 87.

Between them, the two clubs also boast four of the division's top six scorers this season; Sergio Aguero, Mohamed Salah, Raheem Sterling and Sadio Mane.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CONTENDERS

Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United

This quartet make up the Premier League's Big Six, far too good for the rest but nowhere near consistent or strong enough to challenge Liverpool and City.

Mauricio Pochettino's side are favourites to grab third spot given their next two games are at home against Brighton and West Ham.

But they haven't the depth of squad compared to those at Anfield and The Etihad, and are without England captain Harry Kane for the run-in.

Chelsea and Arsenal have had new managers this season, Maurizio Sarri and Unai Emery, and been inconsistent largely because of that.

With players of the quality of Eden Hazard and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the two London clubs have been good enough to steamroller most teams but are liable to the occasional off-day, as latest games against Crystal Palace and Burnley proved.

Manchester United have been another head-scratcher. Last seasons' runners-up were unsettled by Jose Mourinho's pessimism going into the season.

He was later sacked but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is experiencing some of the same problems of players not performing up to reputation.

BEST OF THE REST

Everton, Watford, Leicester, Wolves

The race for seventh is intriguing, particularly as a final Europa League spot will depend on it should Manchester City beat Watford as expected in the FA Cup final.

Everton and Leicester have the only positive goal differences outside the Big Six and will have ambitions under Marco Silva and Brendan Rodgers to close the gap significantly on the teams above them next season.

Wolves and Watford have been the division's surprise packages, raising the reputations of their managers, Nuno Espirito Santo and Javi Gracia.

They have also enjoyed tremendous FA Cup runs and the semi-final between them was a Wembley classic, Watford coming from behind to win 3-2.

Wolves have bucked the usual trend by doing well against the top six, twice beating Manchester United at Molineux. But Watford have found it harder.

Their visits to Spurs, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City have yielded five defeats with 14 goals conceded. They still have to go to Stamford Bridge.

HAPPY TO SURVIVE

West Ham, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Burnley, Southampton, Brighton, Cardiff

The most condensed part of the table with the eight clubs separated by a dozen points.

West Ham will baulk at the 'happy to survive' tag but the reality is they've rarely looked like breaking into the top half, and would have settled for security after losing their opening four games.

In this section, anyone can beat anyone. Bournemouth did the league double over Brighton but were beaten 3-1 at home by the Seagulls in the FA Cup.

Newcastle defeated Southampton 3-1 at St James' Park last weekend but slipped up to Crystal Palace in their previous home game. To complete the circle, Saints have taken four points out of six against Palace!

All these teams will be glad just to have another go next season. West Ham, Palace, Newcastle and Bournemouth are all now guaranteed survival after some sticky moments this season, Burnley are almost certainly safe as well, leaving one from Southampton, Brighton and Cardiff to take the drop.

THE NO-HOPERS

Fulham and Huddersfield

Huddersfield will be relieved they beat Wolves 1-0 on February 26 because it took them to 14 points – above the Premier League's worst-ever tally, Derby in 2008. Since then, Huddersfield have lost their last seven and new coach Jan Siewert must be wondering why he ever left the Bundesliga.

Fulham and Huddersfield both had relegation confirmed a while ago and Fulham's position only looks healthier now because they've won a couple of games once there was nothing to play for. Their £100million spending spree last summer will go down as one of the worst recruitment periods in English football.

Huddersfield are now a massive 20 points from safety, Fulham 11 points below Brighton in 17th position. The Terriers next go to Liverpool where the old adage that there are no easy games in the Premier League will be put to the test from an Anfield perspective.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6950475/A-league-divided-Premier-League-contains-five-mini-divisions-bottom.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Juventus keen on Premier League teenager

Juventus are plotting a shock move for Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon this summer, claims The Daily Mirror.

Fulham are set to lose Sessegnon at the end of the season after failing to avoid relegation back down to the Championship.

Tottenham are leading the chase from the Premier League contingent of clubs interested in Sessegnon but could now be rivalled by Juventus.

Juventus are planning another summer of big investment after crashing out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

The Old Lady have already secured Aaron Ramsey's services on a free transfer at the end of the season and may return to the Premier League for more additions.

Despite being relegated, Fulham will still hope to command in the region of £40m for the 18-year-old in the summer and it remains to be seen whether Juventus are willing to pay that much.

Sessegnon has endured a difficult season in his maiden top-flight campaign and even struggled to get into the team until Scott Parker was appointed interim manager in February.

Of outfielders that have started at least 20 Premier League matches this season, Sessegnon is among the top-10 lowest WhoScored rated players (6.46).



https://www.whoscored.com/News/YT2L55QxxEGW0SX-Kaj68Q/Show/Juventus-keen-on-Premier-League-teenager

[WhiteJC]

 
Games for the Weekend 26/04
Cardiff make the trip along the M4 to visit the Cottage this Saturday

This could be interesting.
After 2 wins and 2 clean sheets we're up against one of our fellow promoties and one of the remaining relegation candidates.
Colin will have his men fired-up for this match as I'm sure they'll believe that this is their most winnable remaining game, Palace and Man U being their last games of the season.
But then I'm sure both Everton and Bournemouth would have thought the same.

Scotty Parker appears to have got the team playing the way he wants and surely can't be doing his 'permeant' manger chances any harm, however this game will show how he/we cope with a team battling for their premiership survival. It'll be a tough physical game that could see Cardiff joining us in the Championship next season, Im certain Mr Warnock and his team will do everything to avoid that result...

COYWs

Games of Interest...
Friday 26th
Liverpool v Huddersfield

Saturday 27th
Fulham v Cardiff
Southampton v Bournemouth
Brighton v Newcastle

Sunday 28th
Burnley v Man City


come on over to the Friends of Fulham forum and join in the conversation...
http://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=1.0



https://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=647

[WhiteJC]

 
Babel won't remain with Fulham due to Netherlands ambitions

Ryan Babel isn't interested in signing a permanent contract with Fulham after their relegation from the Premier League.

The 32-year-old forward joined Fulham from Besiktas in January on a short-term deal as the London side looked to stave off relegation. Babel didn't help them remain in the Premier League but he has impressed with four goals and three assists.

Fulham are reportedly keen on keeping Babel past the summer but the Dutch international told the Daily Mail, "My agent has already had some phone calls. I have to make the right decision at this stage in my career. There are many factors that I have to take into account. "

Babel is hoping to remain in the Netherlands squad for next summer's European Championships and doesn't see a season in the Championship as a wise choice, "That's what I mean. I have to make the right decision for my family and the future. "

Babel thinks he still has plenty to offer despite is age and is hoping to stay in the Premier League, "I think I have two or three years ahead. And if I have the chance to stay in the Premier League, that would be great."



http://www.football-oranje.com/babel-wont-remain-with-fulham-due-to-netherlands-ambitions/

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Fulham value Liverpool target Ryan Sessegnon at £40million

Fulham value Ryan Sessegnon at £40million, the Daily Express claims, and will have several clubs to choose from this summer

Liverpool have long since been linked with the Fulham youngster, a fact repeated by the Express report.

With his contract set to go into its final year at the end of the season, he is being tipped with a summer move.

According to the report, Fulham value him at £40million and that Juventus are also keen on making a bid this summer.

Signing Sessegnon would be a fantastic move for the squad on the whole.

He can play anywhere up and down the left flank and given that he is still just 18 years old, he has an incredibly high ceiling on his potential.

A lot depends on the manager he plays under and the number of minutes he is given in the next three or four years but there is no doubt that he could be a great player in a few years.

Klopp would do wonders with him if his history with young players is anything to go by.

If Sessegnon needs any convincing that a move to Liverpool would be a good thing for his career, he needs only look at Trent Alexander-Arnold's rise to prominence.

The young Scouser has cemented his spot in the Liverpool squad and is now a key member.

It wasn't too long ago that he assisted his first goal for the first team, with a delicious ball to Divock Origi against Leeds United.

While Sessegnon would be a good replacement for the soon-to-depart Alberto Moreno and would also provide squad depth for the front three, he would be a tad expensive at £40m given his contract situation.

If Michael Edwards could negotiate his fee closer to £30m then it would be a great deal for the Reds.



https://www.rousingthekop.com/2019/04/23/report-fulham-value-liverpool-target-ryan-sessegnon-at-40million/