Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 27/08/19...

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Five players who will be out to impress against Fulham

After winning their first Premier League match of the season on Saturday, Southampton's attention immediately turns to Tuesday evening's Carabao Cup clash against Fulham.

Ralph Hasenhuttl's men won 2-0 away at Brighton and Hove Albion at the weekend and will be keen to carry forward their momentum as they travel to Craven Cottage in the second round of the League Cup in midweek.

Saints are likely to heavily rotate their side to not only provide crucial first-team players with a chance to rest but also to hand fringe players opportunities to stake their claims ahead of further involvement in Premier League fixtures.

Fulham's priority this season will undoubtedly be securing promotion back to the Premier League after suffering relegation last term. As such, Scott Parker may be tempted to give the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Tom Cairney and Anthony Knockaert rests.

Nevertheless, on the back of a 2-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Championship on Saturday, a win over an established Premier League club in the cup would undoubtedly do the Whites' morale some good.

Southampton will be the favourites heading into the game, though, as they attempt to string some wins together in the opening exchanges of the season.

Here are five players who could get chances to shine, and will need to impress Hasenhuttl, at Craven Cottage.



https://readsouthampton.com/2019/08/26/five-players-who-will-be-out-to-impress-against-fulham/

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Talking Points: Forest

Gamesmanship, penalty shouts, and Aleksandar Mitrović's technique are just three of the topics from our Nottingham Forest 'Talking Points.'

1. Mitro on fire

Aleksandar Mitrović's consolation won't win any goal of the season awards, but he deserves enormous credit for what will likely be something of an underrated effort. The ball was coming at him quickly from the left and, with little time to react, he instinctively guided it into the far corner. To get that accuracy with the outside of his right boot – especially considering the number of red shirts in his proximity – is remarkable, and shows just what Mitrović is capable of after his first three goals this season were poacher's efforts.

2. Forest's gameplan

Nottingham Forest weren't the first and certainly won't be the last team to impose a frustrating gameplan upon Fulham at Craven Cottage. The eight minutes added on at the end went just some way to demonstrating how the visitors managed their time throughout the fixture. (Rumour has it goalkeeper Brice Samba missed the coach home as he was still waiting to take a goal-kick...)

3. A decent enough display

Despite having nothing to show for their efforts, the lads put in a good shift on Saturday. It's one of those fixtures that on another day we win comfortably. Scott Parker is a calm individual and will have seen plenty of positives from the day. A big advocate of the 'it's how you react to a defeat' philosophy, he'll be hoping his squad show the same response that they did after the opening day loss at Barnsley.

4. Penalty shouts

Several of the lads felt that Fulham should have been awarded a penalty in the Saturday sun, with no fewer than three decent shouts waved away by the referee. The clearest one came late on when Jack Robinson appeared to charge down Tim Ream's volley with a raised arm. The players' reactions seemed to say it all, with Harry Arter, in particular, in disbelief that a spot-kick wasn't awarded.

5. Credit to Forest

Although much of their tactical approach was anti-Fulham, Forest's opening goal was a delight. Like Anthony Knockaert's against Millwall, every single player had a touch before Lewis Grabban tapped home at the far post.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/august/26/talking-points-nottingham-forest

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No new worries for Parker ahead of Saints clash

Fulham boss Scott Parker appears to have no fresh selection concerns ahead of the Carabao Cup meeting with Southampton.

Midfielder Kevin McDonald and forwards Bobby Reid and Aboubakar Kamara are among those pushing for starts following the weekend defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Josh Onomah, who joined the club as part of the deal which took Ryan Sessegnon to Tottenham, could come into contention for his first Cottagers appearance.

Defender Denis Odoi has missed the last three games with a knee problem and is likely to remain sidelined.

Morocco winger Sofiane Boufal could made his first Southampton start since March 2018 at Craven Cottage.

Boufal spent last season on loan at Celta Vigo after falling out of favour at St Mary's but impressed as a substitute in Saturday's win at Brighton.

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has suggested he will make changes for the second-round tie, which may mean opportunities for goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, defender Cedric Soares and midfielder Stuart Armstrong.



Read more at https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/no-new-worries-parker-ahead-saints-clash#G1Vgw5iey0BRo33a.99

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Fulham Loanee Jean Michael Seri Sent Off As Reigning Super Lig Champions Galatasaray Drop Points Again

Ryan Babel put the Lions ahead on 60 minutes and reigning Super Lig champions looked dominant until Michael Jean Seri was sent off on 75 minutes.

The Fulham loanee was initially shown a yellow card but following an intervention from VAR he was sent off for stamping on Jevtovic's foot.

Seri ended up receiving a red card for the first time in his career in the process.

The Yellow-Reds have now had a man sent off in their first two games of the new campaign, last week Marcao was given his marching orders.

Galatasaray thought they had all three points wrapped up heading into the sixth minute of additional time after the 90 minutes but Jonsson ended up scoring a last-gasp equaliser.

The Lions have yet to win a game this season and have recorded just a single point from their first two games.

Galatasaray will get the chance to try and win their first game this term when they take on Kayserispor away on Friday.

Galatasaray 1-1 Konyaspor

Stadium: Türk Telekom
Referee: Mete Kalkavan, Ceyhun Sesigüzel, Esat Sancaktar

Galatasaray: Muslera, Mariano, Luyindama, Donk, Nagatomo, Nzonzi, Seri, Emre Mor (min. 46 Adem Büyük), Feghouli (min. 90 Jimmy Durmaz), Babel, Diagne (min. 86 Selçuk İnan)

Konyaspor: Serkan Kırıntılı, Skubic, Ali Turan, Anicic, Ferhat Öztorun (min. 84 Ali Yaşar), Jonsson, Jevtovic (min. 80 Ali Çamdalı), Ömer Ali Şahiner, Milosevic, Daci (min. 56 Miya), Bajic

Goals: min. 60 Babel (Galatasaray), min. 90+6 Jonsson (Konyaspor)

Yellow Cards: min. 14 Daci, min. 50 Ali Turan, min. 77 Ferhat Öztorun (Atiker Konyaspor), min. 87 Adem Büyük (Galatasaray)

Red Cards: min. 75 Seri (Galatasaray)



https://turkish-football.com/fulham-loanee-jean-michael-seri-sent-off-as-reigning-super-lig-champions-galatasaray-drop-points-again/

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Obafemi And Adams Up Top: Predicted 4-2-2-2 Southampton Lineup vs Fulham

Southampton secured their first points of the season against Brighton this past weekend in the Premier League, winning 2-0, taking advantage of 10-man Brighton.

Saints manager Ralph Hasenhüttl made a few changes to his team, giving a debut to young defender Kevin Danso, while also reverting to a four-man defence, while Moussa Djenepo came off the bench and scored his first goal for Southampton on Saturday.

The Saints play Fulham in the second round of the League Cup on Tuesday, and we could see the Austrian manager make a few changes to his team for the match:

Predicted Southampton Lineup vs Fulham
Goalkeeper

Angus Gunn has been in good form for the Saints this season, but we could maybe see back-up keeper Alex McCarthy get a chance on Tuesday night.
Defence

After the success of the four-man defence against Brighton, Hasenhüttl could once again continue with the same formation.

Kevin Danso could be moved to centre-back for this game against Fulham, which is his natural position. He could partner Maya Yoshida in the heart of the defence, while Ryan Bertrand could return to the left-back slot after missing the game against Brighton due to an ankle injury.

Cedric Soares, who has been on the bench this season, could also get a start and replace Jan Valery at right-back.
Midfield

Captain Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg could start in midfield, with Stuart Armstrong getting a chance to start for the Saints alongside the Saints skipper.

New signing Moussa Djenepo made a huge impact in the last game against Brighton, scoring a beautiful curler minutes after coming on for Southampton. He could start on the left side of midfield.

Another winger who was a second half substitute for Southampton on the weekend, Sofiane Boufal, was also impressive, assisting the second goal of the game against Brighton that was scored by Nathan Redmond.

Djenepo and Boufal like to play on the left, but both of them can play on the right too; Boufal could start on the right, while Djenepo could play from the left against Fulham.
Attack

Che Adams is yet to open his goal-scoring account for Saints, despite starting all three matches for the Saints in the league. He could get a start and could play alongside young striker Michael Obafemi, while experienced striker Shane Long could also get a look in for Saints.

https://madaboutepl.net/2019/08/obafemi-and-adams-up-top-predicted-southampton-lineup-vs-fulham/

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Fulham claim maximum points

    Youngsters suffer first defeat of the season.
    Solitary goal condemns side to loss at Harrison Park.
    Side next in action on Saturday against Swansea City.

Stoke City's U23s suffered their first defeat of the Premier League 2 season on Monday evening as Fulham left Harrison Park with all three points.

A second half strike from substitute Timmy Abraham was enough to seal victory for the visitors in a match which lacked many clear-cut opportunities.

On a warm evening in the Staffordshire Moorlands the Potters seized control of proceedings from the off, however they could quite easily have fallen behind in the eighth minute.

After pouncing on a loose ball, the Cottagers played it over the City defence to Martell Taylor-Crossdale who raced clear and fired straight at Adam Davies when well-placed.

The hosts continued to enjoy a large percentage of possession, however it was the visitors who fashioned the more clear-cut chances as they aimed to soak up pressure and hit on the break.

One such opportunity fell the way of Taylor-Crossdale who was released down the right and fired narrowly over the bar from inside the box.

As the half drew closer to its conclusion the Potters started to threaten in terms of chances, with Lasse Sorensen testing the handling skills of Luca Ashby-Hammond with an effort from range, while Oliver Shenton fired over when a corner was only half cleared into his path.

The second period followed the pattern of the first in many ways, however the visitors this time took one of their chances on the break.

Fulham capitalised on a loose ball in the middle of the park before working it to Abraham right of goal and the striker drove his effort low and hard into the net.

City tried to draw themselves level and fashioned half chances through Ash Kigbu who saw a shot from an acute angle tipped over, while Oliver Shenton saw an 18-yard effort fly over the bar.

Down at the other end, Fulham were thwarted at the last second following a couple of swift counter attacks, while Adam Davies pulled off a smart one-handed save to keep out Taylor-Crossdale's fierce drive.

With the game deep into stoppage time the Potters almost claimed a point courtest of substitute Patrick Jarrett, but the midfielder curled into the keeper's hands from the edge of the area.

Stoke City: Davies, Pemberton (Wara 20), Corrigan, Forrester, McJannet, Kigbu (Varian 77), Dunwoody, Sorensen, Sankoh, Shenton (Jarrett 85), Jarvis. Unused subs: Nna Noukeu, Macari.



https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/2019/august/Fulham-claim-maximum-points/

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Opposition Dangerman: Fulham (A)

Just six months ago, Fulham and Southampton were still playing against each other in the Premier League.

Two goals from James Ward-Prowse and Oriol Romeu secured the Saints three crucial points in their relegation battle. On Tuesday, these two sides will meet each other once again in the Carabao Cup.

This summer, Fulham brought in many names with Championship experience to help the club return to the Premier League. One of them was Ivan Cavaleiro, a league-winner with Wolverhampton Wanderers two seasons ago.

He has contributed with three goals and registered one assist in Fulham's first five games, and the Portuguese winger is certainly in good form.

In Scott Parker's 4-3-3 formation, Cavaleiro plays in the role of a left-winger. He has the licence to dribble with the ball at his feet in counter-attacks, and his pace is one of the advantages that help him win attacking duels.

Furthermore, his off-the-ball movements attract the defenders' attention and create space for his teammates to move in to. Meanwhile, he frequently positions himself in free space to receive a through ball from midfielders before sprinting towards the goal.

At Wolves, he lined up alongside Raul Jiménez and Diogo Jota in their Premier League front three. Cavaleiro usually cut inside and operated in the half-spaces, leaving the wide area for wing-backs to overlap. He has followed a similar trend at Fulham, as he can move centrally and involve himself in the team's build-up play.

Alongside him on the left is Joe Bryan, a left-back who is comfortable making overlaps up the pitch and threatening the opposite team's box with whipped crosses.

Using through passes and long balls, Cavaleiro creates chances for the players around him to convert goals. On average, he has made 36.4 passes per match with a success rate of 85.2%. Although it's just the first five matches of the Championship, it demonstrates the experience that he gained from his time with Wolves, and he is transferring his expertise to guide Fulham back into the Premier League.

With his influence and attacking threat, he should be considered as the main dangerman for Saints to watch out for in this Carabao Cup tie.



https://readsouthampton.com/2019/08/26/opposition-dangerman-fulham-a/

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Hasenhuttl hints that Boufal could start at Fulham – and he deserves his chance

Ralph Hasenhuttl has hinted that Sofiane Boufal could start in Southampton's trip to Fulham this evening.

Saints lock horns with the Championship club in the second round of the Carabao Cup at Craven Cottage, and it seems Hasenhuttl is prepared to give different players a chance to shine.

Boufal came on in the 2-0 win against Brighton and Hove Albion and made a significant impact. He troubled the Seagulls with his pace and assisted Nathan Redmond's goal in stoppage time.

Hasenhuttl, as quoted by FourFourTwo, was asked about whether or not the Morocco international would start against Fulham, and the boss seemed to welcome the idea.

He said:

    Maybe, yeah. Let's have a look. To play from the beginning, it's a little bit different because you must be very, very concentrated also against the ball, and if he has this for 90 minutes, I don't know.

    When I know that I have such a good player from the bench, such a good substitute, then that's a problem. If you're too good as a substitute, the manager always thinks I can bring him later.

Read Southampton's verdict

Cup matches like these are the perfect opportunities for players in predicaments such as that of Boufal to shine. He has looked impressive in cameo appearances, and now it'd be intriguing to see how he fares from the very start.

Hasenhuttl is likely to deploy an attacking setup, and as such, Boufal will fancy his chances against Championship opposition. He would probably line up on the left-hand side if the manager does indeed hand him an opportunity.

Boufal has worked hard in the past couple of months and is deserving of his opportunity. If he does start against Fulham and proceeds to impress, he might just force his way into Hasenhuttl's thinking for the Premier League clash against Manchester United at the weekend...



https://readsouthampton.com/2019/08/27/hasenhuttl-hints-that-boufal-could-start-at-fulham-and-he-deserves-his-chance/

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Cedric Soares has a golden opportunity to shine against Fulham

Ralph Hasenhuttl is likely to make a number of changes to the starting line-up that defeated Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday as he prepares for Southampton's first Carabao Cup outing of the season.

Saints came away with a 2-0 win at the Amex Stadium and now face two games in the space of a week. Firstly, a trip to Fulham in the second round of the League Cup awaits. After that? An exciting home clash against Manchester United in the Premier League.

As a consequence of the fixture pile-up, Hasenhuttl will be keen to flex his squad's muscles and hand some of his fringe players chances to prove their worth at Craven Cottage tonight.

One player who falls into this category is Cedric Soares. Having largely been Southampton's first-choice right-back since 2015, when Nathaniel Clyne moved to Liverpool, he lost his place to Yan Valery midway through last season.

The Frenchman continued to perform on the right-hand side for Saints in his first-ever senior season, prompting Cedric to be shifted by Hasenhuttl in January on a short-term loan deal to Inter Milan.

Having played a bit-part role in Italy, the Euro 2016 winner returned to Southampton and was widely expected to be offloaded, especially given the rapid development of Valery under Hasenhuttl's tutelage.

However, with just a week remaining of the European transfer window, Cedric looks set to stay and has been on the bench for Southampton in the opening weeks of the campaign after featuring in pre-season.

There have been suggestions, rather than clamours, that the experienced defender should reclaim his place in Hasenhuttl's starting line-up. Valery's early-season form has concerned many, and he was sacrificed for Moussa Djenepo as the manager changed Saints' shape in the 2-0 win at Brighton early on in the second half.

It is difficult, though, to justify dropping the Frenchman from Hasenhuttl's preferred setup. He has had some patchy performances, but if the likes of Che Adams and Danny Ings had taken gilt-edged chances in the respective games against Burnley and Liverpool, Valery would have had two assists to his name already – a figure bettered only by Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne in the opening three weeks.

The beauty of cup ties, however, is trial and error. Hasenhuttl has only started Cedric on three occasions – twice against Derby County in the FA Cup – since his appointment in December last year, and there will be few better opportunities to see him in action again than this evening at Fulham.

Cedric has had his fair share of good games for Southampton over the years, but they have mostly been overshadowed by the less impressive performances, mainly noticed during the reigns of Mauricio Pellegrino and Mark Hughes.

He is a gifted technician and has proven to be a capable Premier League right-back, but his defensive deficiencies have cost Saints on numerous occasions.

Valery is by no means perfect, though. He has been somewhat uninspiring in the defensive third this season, and as such, the race to lock down a starting berth on the right-hand side of Hasenhuttl's system – either in a back four or five – is well and truly on.

There is nothing tangible to suggest that Cedric will be given a chance in his preferred position against Fulham. However, it would make a lot of sense to hand him a golden opportunity to shine, and if Hasenhuttl is willing to consider the defender's future at St Mary's, now is the time for him to prove his worth.



https://readsouthampton.com/2019/08/27/cedric-soares-has-a-golden-opportunity-to-shine-against-fulham/

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Hasenhüttl eyes cup progress

Ralph Hasenhüttl wants his Southampton players to give everything to progress in the Carabao Cup at Fulham tonight (kick-off 7.45pm BST).

The boss hopes getting off the mark in the Premier League at Brighton on Saturday will help his team going into the tie at Craven Cottage.

Hasenhüttl is determined to see Saints make their mark on cup competitions, having inherited a survival scrap last season that made Premier League points a major priority.

"It's another focus we have this season," he said.

"We want to be a long part of the competition, but the first cup game is not an easy draw, away against Fulham.

"We are very focused and we really want to give everything to be in the next round."

Hasenhüttl hinted there could be changes to his side that took to the field at the weekend, which is not unusual at this early stage of the competition.

"I have a lot of players, especially in the attacking positions, so there are many options," he added.

"I think it's important that we have won in the Premier League now, and I'm looking forward to an interesting cup game."



https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2019-08-27/ralph-hasenhuttl-pre-fulham-vs-southampton-carabao-cup-201920

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Southampton captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg on the Carabao Cup match with Fulham

SAINTS captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is determined to be in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley next February.

The south coast side start the competition with a trip to Fulham's Craven Cottage tonight.

And Hojbjerg, who was an unused substitute in the League Cup final back in 2017, is hoping for another "beautiful story".

Speaking to the Daily Echo, the Danish international said: "I think the Carabao Cup is beautiful because it has its own story.

"We would like to go as far as possible and would we like to win it? Of course we would.

"Cups are one game at a time and they are very difficult because they have their own lives and stories, but we want to create our own beautiful story.

"Hopefully, we will be winning the game at Wembley in February."

Saints head into the match full of confidence after picking up their first Premier League win of the season against Brighton at the weekend.

Moussa Djenepo and Nathan Redmond ensured Ralph Hasenhuttl's side got off the mark after two defeats in a row.

Saints' last trip to Craven Cottage ended in disappointment, despite taking a two-goal lead in the match.

Fulham completed a dramatic comeback, winning 3-2, and raising the pressure on former boss Mark Hughes.

The Cottagers have managed to retain a lot of the players they were relegated with last season which will give them confidence ahead of tonight's encounter.

Because of this, Hojbjerg insists there will be no complacency within the Saints ranks this evening.

"Fulham are a very good team, especially at home," he added.

"We will respect that, and we will try and make it difficult for them.

"They have a very good team, with good players, and we will also respect that."

After the tough start to the Premier League, the Saints captain believes it's helpful that games are coming thick and fast.

This week will be the first time of the season that Saints will play three games in a short space of time.

And Hojbjerg believes the extra match will only benefit Hasenhuttl's side as they go in search of reaching their maximum level.

Hojbjerg explained: "I think it's important.

"I know from day one that you want to be at the maximum and it's always nice to get the wheels going and to work yourself to be where you want to be."



https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/17861288.southampton-captain-pierre-emile-hojbjerg-carabao-cup-match-fulham/?ref=rss

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Ralph Hasenhuttl ahead of Southampton's game with Fulham

Ralph Hasenhuttl insists Saints will take the Carabao Cup seriously this year but that the competition represents an opportunity for a few more members of his squad to get playing time.

The Saints boss admitted that cup success was not on his mind after taking over last season with Hasenhuttl's team being dumped out in the third round of the FA Cup at the hands of Derby not long after the Austrian took charge.

But without a relegation battle to worry about Hasenhuttl wants Saints to focus on progressing as far as they can.

"I am prioritising them in a high way this year," he said ahead of tonight's Carabao Cup second round tie away to Fulham

"Last season it wasn't that bad that we didn't play in the FA Cup but this year we want to get as a far as possible.

"We concentrate absolutely on this cup competition."

Hasenhuttl is set to take a strong squad to Craven Cottage tonight but could give some big names who have been without game time a chance to show what they can do.

"Absolutely. I know I have a lot of options at the front but also at centre back positions. It can be that we change a little bit," he admitted.

"I will have a look at how intense the Brighton game was because it was very hot and we invested a lot in the game but sure it's now easier for me to make a change with Manchester United next Saturday.

"We want to come in the next round of the Cup for sure and that's the reason I take the best possible team for Tuesday."

There is a clamour for Sofiane Boufal to be given a chance to start after two promising appearances from the bench following his return from a season long loan spell at Celta Vigo.

However, Hasenhuttl isn't sure he is ready to play 90 minutes

"Maybe. Let's have a look," he reflected.

"I think to play from the beginning is a little bit different because you must be very concentrated also against the ball and if he has this for 90 minutes I don't know.

When I know I have such a good player from the bench as a substitute then that's a problem – if you are too good as a substitute the manager thinks 'I can bring him in later.'"

A second round tie away to Fulham is a tricky draw for Saints with the Cottagers having only been relegated from the top flight last season but a defiant Hasenhuttl insisted: "If you want to win this cup then you must win against every opponent you get. No problem. We go there and do everything."



https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/17861280.ralph-hasenhuttl-ahead-southamptons-game-fulham/?ref=rss

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Fulham's insistence in including clause was the reason why deal for winger collapsed

Fulham's pursuit for Sporting winger Jovane Cabral was one of the many rumours which faded away once the Premier League transfer window closed.

The Championship side were said to be in talks to sign the player on a loan deal, and at the time, the Portuguese press didn't come up with a reason as to why the negotiations collapsed.

But the story is recalled by newspaper Record today, who explain the transfer didn't happen because Fulham insisted in getting a buying option for the player.

The outlet explains that Sporting still see a lot of potential in the 21-year-old, so although he hasn't had a lot of playing time lately, the club believe he shouldn't leave permanently.

Record's story talks about an interest from Saint Étienne, which was first reported by France Football and then confirmed by the Portuguese outlet.

The Ligue 1 side are willing to pay €500k to get Jovane on a loan deal, and Sporting are said to be open to this possibility.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulhams-insistence-including-clause-reason-deal-winger-collapsed/

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Head Coach Southampton Preview

Scott Parker is looking forward to tonight's game against Southampton in the Carabao Cup and taking a closer look at some players he hasn't had a chance to use so far this season.

The Fulham Head Coach is expecting a tough game against Ralph Hasenhuttl's Southampton side but wants to see his players push themselves for a chance to start against Cardiff City on Friday night.

"Tonight's match gives us an opportunity to give some minutes to some of the players that have had a good pre-season and deserve to play," Parker told fulhamfc.com.

"At this early stage in the season some players haven't managed to get in the team at this present moment in time.

"The match provides them with some game time and it also gives us an opportunity to bring in some youngsters to the squad as well.

"We want people to recognise that there is an opportunity for young players at this club and there will be tonight, be it people playing or on the bench and this is a competition for us to put this trust in to some of the players."

As well as seeing how some youth prospects will face up to senior opposition, Parker wants some of his more experienced players to make a mark on the game tonight.

"It's important for the senior players to come in and stake a claim and to give them an opportunity to show what they are about.

"It will be a difficult game for us tonight, we all understand the challenge ahead against Premier League opposition with a big squad.

"We'll go out and give the best show of ourselves and hopefully try to get a result," Parker said.

Tickets are available for fans to purchase on General Sale, priced at £20 for adults, £15 for concessions, and just £5 for juniors.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/august/27/scott-parker-preview-southampton

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Ralph Is Taking The Cups Seriously This Season

Saints travel to Fulham looking to have another good run in the League cup, after all it's our best shot at glory this season, but what side will Ralph Hasenhuttl put out.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has stated that he intends to take the cup competitions seriously this season, he gets his chance to prove that with a trip to Fulham, one of the better teams in the Championship.

The Austrian has admitted that when he arrived last season he had eyes only on avoiding relegation, but now he is setting his sights higher and that includes the cups.

"I am prioritising them in a high way this year," he said ahead of tonight's Carabao Cup second round tie away to Fulham

"Last season it wasn't that bad that we didn't play in the FA Cup but this year we want to get as a far as possible.

"We concentrate absolutely on this cup competition."

The manager has stated that although there will be a strong squad travelling to Craven Cottage, he will be giving one or two a game who haven't yet played much this season.

" I know I have a lot of options at the front but also at centre back positions. It can be that we change a little bit," he admitted.

"I will have a look at how intense the Brighton game was because it was very hot and we invested a lot in the game but sure it's now easier for me to make a change with Manchester United next Saturday.

"We want to come in the next round of the Cup for sure and that's the reason I take the best possible team for Tuesday."

Sofiane Boufal seems to be the flavour of the moment after 10 mins at Brighton saw him make the second goal at the Amex and he will hope to be given a chance to start after his return from a season long loan spell at Celta Vigo.

However, Hasenhuttl isn't sure he is ready to play 90 minutes

"Maybe. Let's have a look,"

"I think to play from the beginning is a little bit different because you must be very concentrated also against the ball and if he has this for 90 minutes I don't know."

"When I know I have such a good player from the bench as a substitute then that's a problem – if you are too good as a substitute the manager thinks 'I can bring him in later.'"

"If you want to win this cup then you must win against every opponent you get. No problem. We go there and do everything."



https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/50757/

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Saints At Fulham The Preview

Saints are taking the cups seriously this season says Ralph Hasenhuttl, this evening we will find out with a challenging trip to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has publicly stated that he will be taking a strong squad up to London this evening, however he has also admitted that he needs to give one or two a game who have not featured much so far both in attack and at the back.

Fulham have started the season well and sit in 5th place although so far Saints loanee Harrison Reed has played little part only coming off the bench so far and not at all in their last two games including their home defeat on Saturday to Nottingham Forest.

Last season we travelled there in the League and lost 3-2 , in hindsight the last nail in the coffin for Mark Hughes who was replaced shortly afterwards.

Saints have to do better this year, back then some appalling marking cost us three goals and we can't afford to be so generous again.

I would expect Alex McCarthy to get a game in goal to keep him sharp and I would not be surprised to see the likes of Cedric, Yoshida, Stuart Armstrong and even Michael Obafemi in line for starts as well.

Pre match comments from Ralph Hasenhuttl though suggest that one player who might not be on the pitch at kick off is Sofiane Boufal, the Austrian expressing concern that the Morroccan is up to a full 90 minutes at the moment.

That could tell you something about the future Boufal has at the club, given that he has only played 27 minutes football out of 270 Premier League minutes so far, he should be raring to go, such is modern football and social media those 27 minutes have been treated by some like the second coming, but are they enough to convince Ralph.

There will be several key moments in the next week that will decide whether Boufal has a future at St Mary's, the first will be tonight and the truth is if he isn't on the pitch then he isn't going to be able to convince Ralph and the second is whether anyone makes a reasonable offer for a player who has not produced much in a Saints shirt since his arrival.

Yes he has undoubted talent, but sometimes that is not enough, if we don't get a decent offer then he will be a good option off the bench at times, but sometimes you have to cut and run and this may be one of them.

The game itself is an interesting one, in many respects it is about as tough as we could have got in the draw, but for Fulham the priority is promotion, from this viewpoint and with a tough trip to Cardiff on Saturday, they might be resting a few players themselves, so this might be a good time to play them.

The League cup offers us our best shot at glory this season, Saints as a club need to get the fans back on side after the last couple of seaons, they need to get the feel good factor going again, a good run in this competition is a good way to do just that.



https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/50758/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham player has already travelled to complete exit – Could be announced today

Earlier this summer we covered a report from La Voz de Galicia concerning Fulham defender Marcelo Djalo.

The newspaper reported that the defender was out of favour at Craven Cottage and his former club Lugo were looking at signing him.

They claimed that the Spanish club were looking to add a defender after Miguel Vieira departed and Djalo was one that those higher up the club had talked about. However, his 'excessive' wages were something of a problem.

It seems they've managed to overcome that issue, though, as AO Contrataque, the sports show on Radio Galega, are reporting  Djalo is close to returning to his club.

They claim he is already in Lugo to finalise the move and it should be announced at some point today.

That information came via a tweet on their official account and didn't provide any details behind the move. Futbolistos cover the radio show, though, and give a bit of extra information.

They say Radio Galega confirmed the player is unwanted at Fulham and they have been looking to sell him all summer.

Lugo have been interested and want a loan deal for the 25-year-old, and the two clubs are 'close' to an agreement, suggesting the Cottagers are happy to let him leave on a loan basis.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-already-travelled-complete-exit-announced-today/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: No new injury worries ahead of Southampton cup clash

Fulham have no new injury concerns ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Southampton this evening.

Scott Parker will have the vast majority of his squad to choose from, with long-term absentee Denis Odoi likely to be Fulham's only missing man ahead of the cup clash, according to FourFourTwo.

The Whites take on Ralph Hasenhuttl's side at Craven Cottage for a place in the third round of the competition, with Parker's men looking to bounce back from their weekend defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Championship.

Southampton, meanwhile, enter the fixture having notched their first win of the season away at Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest has given Fulham's campaign a mixed outlook following their relegation from the Premier League, with Lewis Grabban's double halting a run of three straight victories that had seen the Whites rise to the upper reaches of the Championship table.

Tonight's game gives the side an opportunity to bounce back against a team they beat at Craven Cottage last season, with Aleksandar Mitrovic's double helping Fulham towards a 3-2 success over the Saints back in November.

However, Parker may well ring the changes for this midweek match-up, with the likes of Bobby Reid and Aboubakar Kamara – both substitutes during the weekend defeat at the hands of Forest – pushing for a starting place.

Recent arrival Josh Onomah is once again in the running for his first senior appearance in a Fulham shirt having been overlooked for the previous games against Forest and Millwall.

The Southampton game sees Fulham divert their attention from the league campaign for the first time this season, and with Hasenhuttl ready to ring the changes for his side's trip to West London (via Evening Standard), perhaps Parker will be tempted to do the same, with an away day at Cardiff City to come on Friday night.

Therefore, the likes of Reid and Onomah could be in line for their first starts for the club with a packed week ahead for the Championship high-flyers before the season's first international break.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/fulham/fulham-no-new-injury-worries-ahead-of-southampton-cup-clash/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham fixture sold out

Tickets have now sold out for Albion's trip to Fulham.

The Baggies will be backed by just under 2,000 supporters at Craven Cottage on Saturday, September 14 (ko 12.30pm).

Thank you for your exceptional support.



https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2019/august/fulham-fixture-sold-out/

[WhiteJC]

Djalo Departs

The club can confirm that Marcelo Djalo's contract has been terminated by mutual consent.

Everyone at Fulham Football Club would like to wish Marcelo all the best for the future.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/august/27/djalo-departs