Friday Fulham Stuff - 30/08/19...

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Aussie teen's Fulham debut

Australian Tyrese Francois has made his first-team debut for Fulham, coming off the bench in a 1-0 Carabao Cup loss to Southamtpon.

Francois, who is only 19, was introduced in the 80th minute against the Saints.

The midfielder and his family moved from Sydney to the UK six years ago.

Highly-rated, Francois has come through Fulham's academy and starred for the club's youth teams.

Cottagers boss Scott Parker said after the cup tie: "The most pleasing thing for me was that the young players got a chance to be involved and around it.

"This football club's known to give young players an opportunity and it's certainly something I believe in.

"I want every young player at this football club to understand that if they do things the right way, work hard, they'll get an opportunity.

"When you are young, it's about opportunity, so it was a big plus to see the young boys on tonight, even if it was for two or three minutes, it's still a massive experience for them."

Tyrese's father Jean told FTBL he and his wife are very proud parents to see their son earn his first-team debut.

"From a little boy in Campbelltown now playing in the first-team for Fulham in Craven Cottage," he said.

"It's just amazing, he deserves it as he has been training very hard to get where he is now. I guess everything is possible if you put your heart and soul into it.

"We're very very proud  and happy for him."

Last week Francois received Fulham's Johnny Haynes Academy Player of the Year award, which takes into account performances on the pitch as well as all-round character.

This award was voted for by Academy staff and players in the club's U16 to U23s age group.



https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/aussie-teens-fulham-debut-530286

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Josh Onomah speaks about his Tottenham Hotspur exit and pre-season

Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino didn't even take Josh Onomah on pre-season tour with his side.

Josh Onomah has admitted to the London Evening Standard that spending pre-season with Tottenham Hotspur was difficult and he was 'happy' to move on in the end.

Onomah was not named in Tottenham's pre-season squad, which was the first sign that Mauricio Pochettino had decided that he had no future at Hotspur Way.

Onomah was told to stay back at Spurs, as Tottenham looked to find him a new club.

It was only in the last minutes of the transfer window that Onomah finally got his move though, as he ended up joining Fulham.

And the youngster admits that he feels he is making a good step for his career.

"I had a difficult pre-season at Tottenham, but I always had faith the deal would get done. I was happy to move on deadline day and I'm happy to get started," Onomah said.

"Every boy's dream is to play in the Premier League and, yeah, that's my dream too, but sometimes you have to take a step back and build to get to the top."

Onomah made his Fulham debut on Tuesday, after leaving Tottenham.

The England youth international's first appearance did not go according to plan, as Fulham were beaten by Southampton.

But the Spurs academy graduate will be hoping that his performance did enough to convince Scott Parker to keep him in Fulham's starting line-up for their next match, which comes against Cardiff City tomorrow.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/08/29/josh-onomah-speaks-about-his-tottenham-hotspur-exit-and-pre-seas/

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Young Foxes Narrowly Defeated By Fulham In Burton

Ethan Fitzhugh found the net, but Leicester City's Under-18s suffered a 2-1 defeat by Fulham at St. George's Park on Wednesday evening.

The young Foxes, still searching for their maiden win of the season, were in front for over half-an-hour in Burton-upon-Trent, although a late turnaround from the visitors sealed the points.

With 33 minutes on the clock, Liam Loughlin played in Fitzhugh to convert past George Wickens in the Fulham goal at the England national team's training centre at St. George's Park.

However, two goals in two second-half minutes, a brace from Jay Stansfield, means that City's youngsters continue to search for a first three points after four matches in U18 Premier League South.

As a result, Leicester are in ninth place in the South standings with two points so far this term - gathered in earlier draws with Norwich City and Reading - while Fulham sit top with 10 points.

The young Foxes now have a two-week break from action before welcoming Arsenal to the Club's Belvoir Drive training ground on Saturday 14 September (11:30am BST kick-off).

They then head to Beaufort Road on Saturday 21 September to tackle Swansea City (11am BST kick-off), before hosting Chelsea on Saturday 5 October (12pm BST kick-off).

The details

City: Odunze, Murch, D. Gyamfi, Gbadebo, Sams, Fitzhugh, Leathers, Arlott-John, Loughlin (Ewing 84'), Flynn, Tavares (c)

Subs not used: Aisthorpe, McAteer, Lane, Russ

Goal: Fitzhugh 33'



https://www.lcfc.com/news/1328279/young-foxes-narrowly-defeated-by-fulham-in-burton

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Cardiff City injury update as Nathaniel Mendez-Laing to miss Fulham clash and Neil Etheridge out for another month

Cardiff City's squad are carrying several knocks

Neil Etheridge is at least a month away from returning to full training after sustaining a hamstring injury in Cardiff City's opening-day clash with Wigan.

Elsewhere, several knocks were picked up during Cardiff's 3-0 defeat to Luton Town on Tuesday, with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing looking to be out of the running for the clash with Fulham, while Callum Paterson is being assessed on Thursday.

Here's the latest on Cardiff City injuries and potential return dates

Neil Etheridge

Cardiff's number one has been sidelined with a hamstring injury after being forced off midway through the second half of the opening-day defeat to Wigan Athletic.

Asked if he had a return date for Cardiff's star goalkeeper at his pre-Fulham press conference on Thursday, Warnock said: "Not really.

"He's probably the worst [in terms of overall injuries]. He's doing stretches now and things.

"His was a bad one, really. I imagine he will still be another four or five weeks before training properly."

Callum Paterson

"We had to play him in central midfield, we had no one else on the night, and he got a good work out", Warnock said.

"Once again, a couple of knocks, he does, doesn't he? He gets knocks walking down the street, Pato, so he's not trained since. We will see what he's like this morning [Thursday]."

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Mendez-Laing looks to be out of contention for Cardiff's trip to Fulham, to ensure he is given the international break to get back to 100% fitness.

Warnock said: "Mendez is a strange one, really. He said he was 100 percent fit against Reading, but last half hour we had to put him out on the wing as a passenger and yet they said there was not much wrong with him.

"So we are looking at all the angles, medically, what's caused this or what is it? So that's why we are being extra cautious to keep him away, probably not involve him Friday, because then he's got two more weeks and we can give him two weeks of training and make sure he's right.

"Because if I'm honest I don't think we know. It was a hamstring strain, we thought, but the x-ray doesn't show anything up. So it's a bit of a strange one really. He said he was fit but couldn't sprint. So how could he be fit? It doesn't make sense."

Marlon Pack

Meanwhile, Marlon Pack is ahead of schedule and could return to the Cardiff City side as early as three weeks' time.

The midfielder sustained a grade three hamstring tear against Reading 10 days ago and it was feared he would be out for at least a couple of months.

However, the player, who impressed on his debut against Luton, appears to be responding well to rehab and is hopeful of re-entering the first-team fray in three to four weeks.

It is a boost for Neil Warnock, who has been in the market seeking a short-term replacement for Pack , amid somewhat of an injury crisis at the club.

Matt Connolly

Elsewhere, Matt Connolly was expected to return in October, but it is understood he has suffered something of a setback on his road to recovery.

The player underwent surgery on his ankle in pre-season, but is falling behind in his race to be fit. It is uncertain as yet, but he might have to undergo another procedure to rectify the problem. We will know more in the coming days.

Danny Ward

And finally, the latest update is with Danny Ward. The striker has been rather conspicuous by his absence of late, prompting many to think he had been jettisoned from the squad and was potentially heading for the exit door.

However, we understand the forward has been struggling with an Achilles tendon issue for the past four weeks and is still some way off his return.

Ward, who made 14 Premier League appearances for the Bluebirds last term, has just started training but will not be considered for selection for at least another couple of weeks.



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-bluebirds-injuries-etheridge-mendez-16827149

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Cardiff City set to be without winger for tricky Fulham test

Cardiff City take on Fulham in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Friday evening, where Neil Warnock's side will be looking to find some consistency in their performances this season.

The Bluebirds are set to be without Nathaniel Mendez-Laing for the game though, with the winger still not having recovered from his injury which hasn't seen him involved since the defeat to Reading earlier this month.

In a recent pre-match press conference (quotes sourced from Wales Online), Neil Warnock issued an update on Mendez-Laing's injury.

"Mendez is a strange one, really. He said he was 100 percent fit against Reading, but last half hour we had to put him out on the wing as a passenger and yet they said there was not much wrong with him.

The Cardiff boss insisted that he was taking a cautious approach with the winger, who is likely to be back in action after the international break.

"So we are looking at all the angles, medically, what's caused this or what is it? So that's why we are being extra cautious to keep him away, probably not involve him Friday, because then he's got two more weeks and we can give him two weeks of training and make sure he's right.

"Because if I'm honest I don't think we know. It was a hamstring strain, we thought, but the x-ray doesn't show anything up. So it's a bit of a strange one really. He said he was fit but couldn't sprint. So how could he be fit? It doesn't make sense."

It's certainly going to be a tough test for the Bluebirds, against a Fulham side who will be hoping to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Nottingham Forest in their last league game.

The Verdict:

They'll be wanting him to return to action at the earliest of opportunities.

Mendez-Laing hasn't been at his best in his two league appearances this season, but when he does return to the squad, he'll have a point to prove.

I'm still not convinced by Gavin Whyte, and it'll be interesting to see if Mendez-Laing comes straight back into the starting XI when he is deemed fully fit by Cardiff.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/cardiff-city-set-to-be-without-winger-for-tricky-fulham-test/

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Scotty Parker's Loan-ly Whites Club

This image from the first home game is truly poetic. Mitro and TC, goalscorers and spine of this Fulham team, framed perfectly in the centre. Behind them, Blackburn goalkeeper and defender are slumped in resignation. Beyond, Fulham FC are building something...

However, it's the periphery which has caught my eye. Anthony Knockaert frozen in mid-leap, like he was born on the halfway line at Craven Cottage, and Bobby Reid thrilled to be finally allowed to celebrate a Fulham goal. Both players are on loan. As is Arter. As is Reed. As is Cavaleiro.

If you haven't seen Tony Khan talk about the transfer window on the club website yet, it's 23 minutes well spent. He makes a fairly compelling case that this window has been an overwhelming success in our pursuit of promotion. Strong defensive showings against Blackburn and Huddersfield certainly added to his case that we are not dire straits along the back. Whilst I don't understand the ins and outs of Financial Fair Play, from the sounds of it TK has prudently added firepower without tipping us over the line. Honestly, I'm thrilled.

I do have one concern, however.

Not wishing to look a gift horse in the mouth, I wonder how the loaning system affects the formation of a team identity. Consider the fact that we bemoaned a lack of identity when we languished in the Prem, and consider the fact that a commentator could have called a Fulham match last season thusly;

"Rico rolls it out. Chambers picks it up, passes it on to Seri... to Anguissa, lays it to Babel. Hits it wide to Schurrle... shoots from 40 yards! ... Out for a throw."

In 2019, that has become;

"Reed, to Arter, passes it to Bobby Deca-... Decador-... Bobby Reid. Lays it wide to Cavaliero. Long ball to Knockaert... Shoots from 40 yards! ... top bins!"

Who knows what August of 2020 might look like. Our saving grace is the 'loan to buy' option we seem to have written into these contracts, where Fulham are able to trigger a purchase at a pre-agreed price. However, we need to be promoted to be able to buy them and still comply with FFP. It's a roll of the dice. If we don't get promoted, we won't be able to buy them, and will have to drop in another batch of players. Start the process of building an identity all over again.

I am borderline financially illiterate, and so I am content to trust TK on that front. But in the modern game, wise economic decisions often trump wise footballing decisions. Let's hope that Scotty Parker's Loan-ly Whites Clubs isn't a flash in the pan, where the short term is prioritised over the long term goal of a club with consistency and a strong sense of identity.

Neither of which are quantifiable on a spreadsheet...



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2019-08-29-scotty-parkers-loan-ly-whites-club/

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Stahl Makes Loan Switch

Academy goalkeeper Toni Stahl has completed an International loan to German side FC Energie Cottbus.

The German 'keeper featured heavily in pre-season and made an impressive string of saves in the Under-23s' stalemate with Nottingham Forest.

All the best for the season, Toni!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/august/29/toni-stahl-loan

[WhiteJC]

Cardiff City vs. Fulham | Player Focus: Heiðar Helguson

Born on August 22nd, 1977, Heiðar Helguson began playing football as a youth at his local football club, UMFS Dalvík, in the north of Iceland.

The young striker fit into the club's youth setup from the age of 8, and after many years developing as a player, he made his senior debut aged 16, going on to make 11 senior appearances in the 1993-94 season, scoring 5 goals in league matches.

At the end of his debut season in the professional game, Helguson made a move to Reykjavik side Þróttur in the following year. His move proved fruitful for the club, as the striker managed to score 31 goals in 54 league appearances across two seasons at the club.

Following a season at Norwegian outfit Lillestrøm, Helguson joined Premier League side Watford midway through the 1999-2000 season.

Graham Taylor's second stint at the Hertfordshire club had resulted in the Hornets being promoted in the season prior to Heiðar joining, and despite the club being subsequently relegated, the striker made a good first impression at the club, scoring on his debut in a 3-2 defeat against Liverpool.

Scoring 6 goals in 16 appearances for the Hornets, Heiðar became the club's top goalscorer by the end of the season despite not being in the side at the start of the 1999-2000 season.

His positive form continued into the following season, as Watford went 15 matches unbeaten to open the campaign with a look to regain Premier League status.

Despite injuries, the Icelandic striker managed to score eight goals in the season, with Watford missing out on a First Division play-off spot by only five points, as Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers were promoted to the Premier League.

With the hiring of manager Ray Lewington in time for the 2002-03 season, Helguson's form picked up once again as he recovered from injury, starting to make appearances in September 2002.

With 11 league goals scored in the season, Heiðar scored an additional two in the Hornets' FA Cup campaign, where the club reached the Semi-final following victories in earlier rounds against Macclesfield Town, West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland and Burnley before losing 2-1 against Southampton at neutral ground Villa Park.

Despite making only 22 league appearances in the 2003-04 season, Heiðar once again managed to score regularly for the Hornets, finishing the season with eight goals scored.

In the FA Cup he helped force Chelsea to a third round replay, scoring against the Blues with only five minutes played in a 2-2 draw at Vicarage Road.

The striker's final season with Watford in his first stint at the club was arguably his finest, when he scored 16 goals in 39 league appearances in the inaugural season of the newly-renamed Championship.

He was subsequently named the club's Player of the Season as well as its top goalscorer and left for Premier League club Fulham after six years at Vicarage Road.

The Cottagers finished 12th on the Premier League table at the end of Helguson's first season at the club, during which time the striker fit in well, scoring eight goals, including a brace against West Brom and a penalty against league title holders Chelsea.

Heiðar left for fellow Premier League club Bolton Wanderers at the end of the following season, and following a two season stint there he moved once again to Championship side Queens Park Rangers.

The striker was loaned back to Watford for a spell in the 2009-10 season, during which time he scored another 11 goals for the Hornets in 29 appearances.

Following this display he was featured heavily in QPR's following campaign, as he helped the club to promotion to the Premier League in the 2010-11 season, scoring 13 goals in 34 matches.

Scoring eight goals in 16 appearances in the top flight, Heiðar made the move to Cardiff City in time for the 2012-13 season.

The move to the CCS saw the striker continue with his good form as the Bluebirds reached the Premier League for the first time in their history at the end of the season, topping the Championship table with 87 points.

Helguson scored eight league goals for City during this period, and retired from playing professionally at the end of the season.

Between 1999 and 2013, Heiðar Helguson made 380 league appearances whilst playing in England and Wales, during which time he scored 114 goals. In addition to this, he earned 55 caps playing for Iceland and with 12 goals scored is in the top 10 record goalscorers for his country.



https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/cardiff-city-vs-fulham-player-focus-heidar-helguson

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Fulham player completes temporary move away from Craven Cottage

Fulham academy goalkeeper Toni Stahl has completed a loan move to German side FC Energie Cottbus, the London club have now confirmed via their official club website.

The 19-year-old arrived at Craven Cottage from Bundesliga side Red Bull Leipzig last summer, having impressed for the German side's academy team as well as for the Germany under-18 national side.

The young shot-stopper featured for Scott Parker's side in pre-season this summer, but he has now sealed a temporary move back to Germany to sign for Energie Cottbus, who play in the German Regionalliga North Group.

Fulham have a number of talented goalkeepers on their books who will have been beneficial in terms of passing on knowledge and experience to Stahl in pre-season, with Marcus Bettinelli and Fabri both established goalkeepers, particularly at Championship level.

Stahl has been a regular for Fulham's under-23 side in recent times, and with his contract at Craven Cottage expiring at the end of the season, he will be eager to impress back in his home country.

Fulham face Cardiff City on Friday night, as Parker's side look to get back to winning ways after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

The Verdict

Right now, a loan move away from Fulham will definitely prove to be the best move for both parties, as he looks to further his development.

He will feel settled back in Germany, and a loan move could do him the world of good in terms of maturing as a player and gaining regular game-time.

It's a good move for him as it's a decent standard of football, and he will be hoping to come back and fight for a place in the first-team sooner rather than later.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-player-completes-temporary-move-away-from-craven-cottage/

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Arter: Mentally Prepared

Harry Arter spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Cardiff City, and the midfielder knows Fulham will have to be ready for a battle on Friday night.

Three wins from five – how would you assess the season so far?

I think it's a good start. The Championship's such a tough league, the games are relentless, so consistency is always tough to get. I always feel that the first 10 games are not always a true reflection of how the season will pan out, so it's good that we've picked up some wins from really good performances. Even the Nottingham Forest game, the performance level was really high and on another day, without a doubt, we would have won.

You obviously know Cardiff well – what are you expecting on Friday?

It will be a tough game, physically. It's quite obvious that they play a direct sort of football. I don't feel there's a right or wrong way to play football, it's what the manager feels is the strongest philosophy for the group of players he's got. It was very effective last year at times in the Premier League, and I've no doubt it'll be the same this year. The Cardiff lads will be really up for the game. They were rivals a couple of years ago with Fulham pushing for that automatic promotion spot, so the rivalry will be there for that alone. It will be a good game.

Are you still in touch with any of your old teammates?

I speak to a few of the lads there; Josh Murphy and Sean Morrison are the main two really. Obviously we've got Bobby [Decordova-Reid] now which is a great capture for us. I know a lot of the Cardiff lads and fans were disappointed to see him go. He's someone that I feel has settled in really well here, so it's a shame he can't play on Friday

I'd normally ask if yourself or Bobby have given Scott Parker any insights, but he's so meticulous in his preparations that he likely knows it all already!

Yeah, he's someone who probably knows more about the structures and the details than I do, even though I was there for a year and he would have just been watching them along with Wellsy [Matt Wells]. They're very detailed in their work, which gives us a great platform to go and perform. It doesn't give us any excuses. The only thing he asks of us is work rate and giving 100 per cent effort. We have to make sure we're mentally prepared for a physical game, rather than just playing total football like we have been. We've kept the ball really well and created a lot of opportunities to score goals, but we need to make sure we take care of that side of the game, giving our all on the pitch.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/august/29/harry-arter-cardiff-preview

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Why Cardiff City and Neil Warnock need a big showing against Fulham after worrying start to season

Bluebirds' shocking League Cup result and tiny crowd against Luton has ramped up matters ahead of Fulham clash

In a variety of ways, Neil Warnock has done more for Cardiff City than perhaps any manager in the club's 100-plus years history.

More important than even winning promotion to the Premier League was bringing Wales' capital club back together again, fans, manager, players and Board of directors as one.

As such Warnock deserves more latitude than anybody else involved in Welsh football right at this moment in time.

It is why, when the Bluebirds were relegated from the top flight, the fans sang his name with gusto during the final two games against Crystal Palace and Manchester United.

Teams don't get relegated with harmony like that. The love for Warnock was, if not quite unequivocal, certainly stronger than the bond shown for any Cardiff manager since Eddie May's time in charge.

Probably eclipses that, too.

But, football being what it is, grumblings of discontent have started to emerge amongst some supporters over Cardiff's less than impressive start to the 2019-20 campaign.

Results, style of play, and level of performance have come under the spotlight.

Not even Neil Warnock, it appears, is totally bullet proof, although he still has more rope than any other manager in the Championship.

Tuesday night's shocking 0-3 League Cup defeat, to a Luton side who were in League Two a couple of seasons back and yet dominated 70 per cent of the possession, played out in front of a paltry crowd of just 4,111 has seen little cracks appear.

Cardiff have a proud Wembley history in the past 11 years, reaching the finals of the League Cup and FA Cup. On Warnock's watch they've lost at home to Gillingham, Norwich, Fulham, Burton Albion and Luton, while only drawing 0-0 with Mansfield.

The cups clearly are not the manager's priority. Nor should they be. Evidently, though, that mind-set filters into the dressing room. How else can you explain away such awful results against some mediocre opposition?

The league is where Warnock really earns his corn and he will know more than anyone a massive result - and performance - is needed from his Bluebirds when Fulham visit Cardiff City Stadium on Friday night.

It's far too early to judge Cardiff, but the mantra during the summer was to keep the best players, build on that and have a right old crack at automatic promotion again.

It sounded good and plausible. With Bobby Reid and Josh Murphy on board, this team indeed looked a whole lot better than the one which previously achieved promotion under Warnock.

But Reid has gone, Murphy didn't feature for a single minute in a 3-0 loss at Reading and Robert Glatzel and Aden Flint have yet to prove they are upgrades, or even comparable to, the departed duo of Kenneth Zohore and Bruno Manga.

At best, Cardiff's league results thus far have been mixed. Three goals conceded at Wigan and Reading, a 0-0 draw with Blackburn, last-gasp home winners versus Luton and Huddersfield.

Don't expect too many of those sides to finish in the top half of the table. One or two might even be in the bottom five.

But there are no easy games in the topsy-turvy nature of Championship football, a league Warnock knows better than anyone, and plenty of Cardiff fans will continue to trust him to get things right.

Which, Warnock's imperious record tells us, he hopefully will. Cardiff may be 14th, already languishing six points behind arch-rivals Swansea City, but he knows nothing is won or lost after just five games.

You can make a much more reasoned judgement about what's likely to be in store after 10 matches. The Bluebirds follow Fulham on Friday night with further home clashes against Middlesbrough and QPR, and away games at Derby and Hull.

On paper, it's a far more daunting sequence of fixtures than the opening five matches, but if the Bluebirds can build up a head of steam they are more than capable of winning a fair few of them.

However, for that to happen Warnock will be as aware as anyone major improvement is required upon what we have witnessed thus far.

Clearly he will not deflect from his route one style, which if anything has got even more direct this season. Some fans love it, others hate it.

Whatever, within that game plan Cardiff have still got to show more creativity, Glatzel has to start scoring goals, the doubts over the Sean Morrison-Aden Flint partnership at the back need to be erased and the midfield have to begin bossing games.

A prolonged run in the team for Lee Tomlin, who could turn into the unexpected talisman, will certainly help provide a spark in the final third that has sometimes been missing.

WalesOnline columnist and Bluebirds fans' favourite Nathan Blake argues Cardiff are forced to chase games because their direct approach means they lack midfield control.

These are the Cardiff possession stats from the matches thus far - 44 per cent v Wigan, 37 per cent v Luton, 48 per cent v Reading, 39 per cent v Huddersfield, 40 per cent v Blackburn, then that 30 per cent against Luton again in the cup.

If a team is not winning but playing well, you know things will eventually turn in your favour. It's when you appear to be outplayed, and aren't winning, when things need to be addressed.

Warnock will argue the possession stats are irrelevant. Despite having limited ball versus Luton and Huddersfield at home, they still found a way to win.

But his Bluebirds do need to begin imposing themselves far more on the opposition, in every sense. More resolute defence, tough-tackling and physical in midfield, a danger at every set-piece, goal threat in the final third.

That mantra, coupled with the depth of squad available, was meant to drive the Bluebirds to the top. Warnock, and the Bluebirds hierarchy, feel it still can.

Others are beginning to express doubts.

It is why the showdown with Fulham takes on extra significance.

This is 90 minutes of football right up Warnock's street. The fashionable London club who are title favourites, boast a glittering array of talent, play stylish tiki-taka and over the past two years have been locked in an intense rivalry with his Bluebirds.

Tom Cairney, Harry Arter, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Anthony Knockaert, Ivan Cavaleiro. These are Premier League quality players.

Bobby Reid can't even get into their team.

Despite back-to-back defeats of their own, Fulham will arrive in the Welsh capital as favourites, full of confidence, planning to play Cardiff off the park with their brand of easy on the eye football and fully expecting to win.

But it's Cardiff City Stadium, the usual rip-roaring atmosphere for a Friday night game and the kind of backs-to-the-wall approach Warnock has positively thrived on down the decades.

The team who crashed against Luton contained a glut of first-teamers - Aden Flint, Will Vaulks, Callum Paterson, Gavin Whyte and Junior Hoilett amongst them. Six million pound man Gary Madine didn't even get on until the 65th minute.

It was a woeful evening and needs to be banished from the memory banks.

The best way to do that is to beat Fulham.

It would be typical of Warnock to suddenly produce the performance of the season just when it is least expected.

Cardiff City certainly need it.



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-neil-warnock-need-16826358

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Fulham 'facilitated' player's exit – Explains process was 'calm' and 'pleasant'

Former Fulham defender Marcelo Djaló was presented by Spanish side Lugo this Wednesday.

The 25-year-old has returned to Spain with a smile on his face, saying it was his wish, and thanking Scott Parker's side for making the transfer easy.

"I had been wanting to return for quite some time. We have a good relationship with the president, with everyone, the possibility arose and I decided without thinking", Djaló revealed in a press conference this Wednesday (via El Correo Gallego).

The player has claimed the process of his Fulham exit was 'calm' and 'pleasing', saying he's ready to help his former club.

"At Lugo I feel like I'm at home, back. I know the guts of the club, I know how it works, how they work and I'm delighted to start over."

Djaló joined Fulham on a €800k move from Lugo back in 2017. He could never really impress at Craven Cottage, having made only four appearances in his first season for the club.

At the start of the 2018/19 season, he was made to La Liga 2 side Extremadura, where things weren't very different, since he's played only 19 games.

He then returned to London, but wasn't used by Fulham, who are said to have 'facilitated' his exit this summer, clearly wanting to get the player off their books.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-facilitated-players-exit-explains-process-calm-pleasant/

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Charlton Athletic & Luton Town Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's October home fixtures against Charlton Athletic and Luton Town go on sale from Friday 30th August.

Fulham's first home match of the month sees a London derby against Charlton Athletic on Saturday 5th August, kick-off 3pm followed by the visit of Luton Town on Wednesday 23rd October, kick-off 7:45pm.

Fans are advised that tickets will be available to purchase in the Hammersmith End and Johnny Haynes Stand only, and go on sale as follows:

    10am, Friday 30th August: On sale to 2019/20 members
    10am, Monday 2nd September: On Sale to 19/20 Season Ticket Holders (max 4 tickets per person).
    10am, Wednesday 4th September: General Sale (max 4 tickets per person)

In addition, 19/20 Members will receive a £5 discount on their match ticket, with a £2 discount available on Over 65 and 18-21 ticket. Discount applies to one ticket per member, per game.

Supporters will be available to purchase tickets online, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Supporters are reminded that the Putney End blocks P1, P2, P3, P4 are designated home seating areas. Away supporters identified in home areas at Craven Cottage will be ejected.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/august/29/charlton-athletic-and-luton-town-tickets

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 Cardiff vs Fulham preview: Championship clash live on Sky Sports Football
Watch live on Sky Sports Football from 7pm on Friday; Kick-off 7.45pm

Cardiff face Fulham in the Sky Bet Championship on Friday. Coverage gets underway live on Sky Sports Football from 7pm, while kick-off is at 7.45pm.

Team news
Cardiff boss Neil Warnock expects to be without goalkeeper Neil Etheridge for up to five more weeks. Etheridge sustained a hamstring injury in the Bluebirds' opening-day fixture against Wigan and has not featured since, with Alex Smithies expected to return in goal after Joe Day played in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

There are fears for the fitness of a number of players who featured in the 3-0 midweek defeat to Luton. Callum Paterson has not trained since playing the full 90 minutes in that match. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is also unlikely to play, with Warnock admitting the club have been left stumped by a mysterious injury that was initially diagnosed as a hamstring problem.

Scott Parker will not be able to call on the services of Bobby Reid against the forward's parent club. The Fulham boss appears to otherwise have no fresh selection concerns for the trip to south Wales.

Harry Arter could face his former club, having spent last season on loan at the Cardiff City Stadium from Bournemouth. Defender Denis Odoi has missed the last four games with a knee problem and could be absent again.

Recent form
It has not been the easiest start for Cardiff on their return to the Championship. Neil Warnock's side have just two wins from their first five games, and in midweek they suffered a 3-0 reverse at home to Luton to send them out of the Carabao Cup.

Fulham have lost twice in the last week to bring their good run under Scott Parker to a halt. They were beaten at home by Nottingham Forest in the Championship on Saturday, then beaten at Craven Cottage by Premier League side Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

The managers
Cardiff boss Neil Warnock: "There's no doubt Leeds and Fulham are the two favourites. The best signing they made was keeping Mitrovic, he'll be on hell of a contract but good luck to him.

"If he's not the best striker then he's one of the best strikers at that level and the commitment he shows. He's brought other players in, they've got some quality players really."

Fulham boss Scott Parker: "There's a long international break coming up and really you want to be going into that break with a positive result.

"We're going to go to Cardiff and try and put in a really good performance, and hopefully we can get something out of the game."

Talking point - Sessegnon making a splash
Ryan Sessegnon may have left for Tottenham in the summer, but that has not left Fulham without a Sessegnon in their squad, with Scott Parker handing his twin, Stephen, his first league starts so far.

The right-back had only previously featured in cup games for Fulham, but was thrust in for their win over Huddersfield, then put in a great performance as they thrashed Millwall. There was a slight error against Nottingham Forest, leading to Lewis Grabban's second goal, but it has been a promising start for the 19-year-old. Can he go on to emulate his brother at Craven Cottage? Only time will tell.

Opta stats
The last two league meetings with Cardiff and Fulham at the Cardiff City Stadium have ended 4-2 - Fulham won in December 2017 and Cardiff won in October 2018 by that scoreline.

Fulham are looking to secure consecutive league wins over Cardiff for the first time since November 1996.

Cardiff have lost just once in their last 12 Championship home games, winning 10 in the process (D1 L1).

Fulham have won nine of their last 14 away games in the Championship (exc. play-offs), losing just twice (D3).

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock has won seven of his 10 home Football League matches against Fulham (W7 D2 L1).

Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic has failed to score in his four league appearances against Cardiff, although he's provided two assists in those games.

Prutton's prediction
Cardiff haven't found their return to the Championship quite as easy as they may have thought, although Neil Warnock is more experienced at this level than anyone and knows how tough it can be.

Fulham were shown by Nottingham Forest at the weekend that, even with their attacking talent, they won't just be able to blow everyone away. That being said, I fancy them to nick this one.

David Prutton predicts: 1-2 (9/1 with Sky Bet)



https://www.skysports.com/football/cardiff-vs-fulham/preview/409411

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Cottage Talk: View Of The Opposition - Cardiff City

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

In this episode, we talked to Tom Coleman who covers Cardiff City for Wales Online. He gave the Cardiff City perspective on this match against Fulham. He shared his thoughts in detail on Cardiff City, and shared his prediction for the match.


Lastly, you can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/8/29/20839705/cottage-talk-view-of-the-opposition-cardiff-city

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 Steven Sessegnon interview: Supporting twin brother Ryan and breaking through at Fulham
Watch Cardiff vs Fulham live on Sky Sports Football from 7pm on Friday: Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

Anyone who has a brother or sister will know the feeling of being compared to their sibling.

Imagine, then, both being professional footballers, but your twin brother has already made more than 100 appearances for your club and then sealed a big-money move to Tottenham.

It could lead to jealousy and bitterness among some. For Steven Sessegnon, brother of Ryan, it has only made him want it more.

"Being able to support Ryan on the journey he has had has been brilliant," Sessegnon said, ahead of Fulham's trip to Cardiff on Friday night, which is live on Sky Sports Football. "Looking back on it so far he really did a lot for the club and you can only be thankful for that, and use it as motivation to go on and try and do more.

"I use Ryan's career at Fulham to push me on and try and make me do better."

While Ryan made his debut for Fulham as a 16-year-old in 2016, Steven had to wait a few more years for his break. Scott Parker handed him his first league start against Huddersfield, and he has been in the starting XI for their last three Championship games.

There was a time when he was tipped to have a similar impact to Ryan, but an injury in late 2015 significantly hampered his progress.

"It was for the U16s in America," he explains. "We flew out to Florida and it was my first camp away with England. Then, in my debut against Brazil, about 50 seconds in, I did my MCL in my knee and it took me about eight months to get back in. From there I was playing catch-up.

"But I can't blame it all on that. It just happened the way it did. But I am here now and only thinking about the present. I have got stronger since it happened and things are going well."

He then had to watch from the sidelines as Ryan went from strength to strength, becoming a key component in Fulham's side that were promoted from the Championship in 2018.

But was there ever a hint of jealousy?

"Never," he insists. "Supporting Ryan has probably been my priority over the last few seasons, pushing him on and making sure he is doing everything right.

"It was important for me to see him progress in his career and hopefully hit his prime. I hope there is still more to come from him when he does get to playing again.

"I have learned a lot off him from being around the first team. He did it a few years before me and I've picked up a lot in the conversations we have had. It has made it easier for me."



Steven is actually the older of the two - "by about 25 minutes!" - and they played through the same academy system and in he same school teams until they reached 16.

From there, their paths started to diverge, but now he is keen to make up for lost time.

"It's been steady so far," he says. "I feel like I've had a good start and I've done well defensively, which is something people told me to look at first because I have great belief in myself with the ball.

"It was my aim to be in from the start so I went into pre-season and worked towards that from the first day. I didn't start until the third game but since then it's been good, and I can't complain."

Steven considers himself to be a more technical player than Ryan, with his brother's game being more about athleticism, and he admits his disappointment that his first real error came about from using his feet. It was one of his passes that went astray to allow Lewis Grabban to score his second goal in Nottingham Forest's 2-1 win at Fulham last Saturday.

"I didn't think my first mistake would come from me being sloppy on the ball," he said. "But I've done my best to put it right and hope it doesn't happen again."

Under Parker, however, he knows he has the freedom to progress and express himself. "He opens up the road and gives opportunities to young players like myself that haven't had that for the last couple of years," he continued. "I feel under him that if I hit the ground running I would have the chance to play.

"That first month was a learning curve. Even in the wins there were things we could improve on, and I definitely learned a lot. It is a different game to the youth level I'm used to and it's a big adjustment.

"This has been my dream since I was 10 or 11 and it looked like it could be possible. It is great to get there but there is a long way to go."

Another dream of his would be to play with his twin brother again. But will it ever happen? The question raises a smile.

"We're just going to have to see."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/11795577/steven-sessegnon-interview-supporting-twin-brother-ryan-and-breaking-through-at-fulham

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Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker knows the importance of seeing off this first chunk of the season with a good result.

After our sixth Sky Bet Championship fixture on Friday, there will be a two week hiatus until our next outing due to the international break.

"It's a big game for us," Parker said of the trip to Cardiff City. "There's a long international break coming up and really you want to be going into that break with a positive result.

"We've prepared this week, with a quick turnaround in games, and we're going to go to Cardiff and try and put in a really good performance, and hopefully we can get something out of the game.

"They're a strong outfit with a manager in Neil [Warnock] who knows the league, knows his team, knows how to set up.

"I think we all realise that Friday night away at their place is going to be a very, very tough game for us, there's no denying that."

Parker's Fulham bested the Bluebirds when we met in the Premier League just four months ago, and he has plenty of respect for his counterpart – who has stated his intention to retire at the end of the current campaign.

"Neil's been in it a long, long while," Parker stated "He's got vast experience and seen a lot. Then there's me who's dipping my toe, just starting out.

"He's probably a good one to have a little chat with. Last season I had a little bit of communication with him, and then this year during the summer.

"Like I say, he's vastly experienced and has done very, very well, especially in this league."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/august/29/scott-parker-pre-match-press-conference-cardiff-city

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Cardiff City v Fulham prediction - banking on a goalfest and a 16/1 first scorer

Your best punting preview of Friday night's Cardiff v Fulham action

Cardiff City kick-off the weekend action and could go fifth, albeit briefly, with victory over Fulham in the Friday night fixture.

But will they?

The man who knows Cardiff inside out, Glen Williams, gives his inside punting preview on the big South Wales showdown.
Win, lose or draw?

Cardiff 3-2 Fulham. I don't see Cardiff keeping a clean sheet against that Cottagers attack. But if the Bluebirds get an early goal, from a set-piece perhaps, expect more to fly in - at both ends. A goal in the first 15 minutes, for either side, is 21/10 with the pools.com .

Both Teams To Score and Either Team To Win is a solid 7/5 shot with thepools.com. And if you fancy the 3-2 correct scoreline that's a big 25/1 shot

Who's a good bet for first scorer?

Aden Flint. If Cardiff do score early, a long throw-in could be the catalyst and Flint is invariably the target. He's also a big price, at 16/1 to score first and 6/1 to score any time .

Who's on the naughty step?

Sean Morrison. Fulham's attack is going to be quick and physical, the Cardiff skipper will have his work cut out for him.

Who's on pens?

Likely to be Joe Ralls. If you fancy a successfully converted penalty he's 14/1 first scorer and 9/2 any time .

Will Cardiff keep a clean sheet?

No, their defence has been very leaky so far this season, expect the visitors to score. Both Teams To Score is 8/13 .



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-v-fulham-prediction-banking-16835956

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Remembering Fulham's incredible journey to the 2010 Europa League final

The top Premier League clubs often view the Europa League as the unwanted consolation prize for missing out on the Champions League – but in 2010 it was the holy grail for Fulham.

When Roy Hodgson replaced Lawrie Sanchez and became Fulham manager in December 2007, a European final was the last thing on his mind.

The Cottagers were in the Premier League relegation zone, two points away from safety, and they had only won two league games all season.

Many critics were surprised by Hodgson's appointment and questioned whether or not he was the man to turn Fulham's fortunes around. The veteran coach had enjoyed success across the continent, but he hadn't worked in England since being sacked by Blackburn nine years earlier in 1998.

There was no immediate resurgence at Craven Cottage, but Hodgson eventually managed to steady the sinking ship, with survival confirmed on the final day of the 2007-08 season.

He then bolstered his squad with some astute signings, bringing in Mark Schwarzer, Zoltan Gera, Bobby Zamora and Brede Hangeland.

However, he couldn't have predicted the sort of impact the new influx would make...

Journey into Europe

After their great escape in 2007-08, Fulham carried their momentum into the next season and achieved their highest ever Premier League finish of seventh, conceding just 34 goals in 39 games, securing qualification for the Europa League in the process.

Their first taste of European football under Hodgson came in Lithuania against FK Vetra in July. Fulham strolled to a 6-0 victory on aggregate before they dispatched Russian team FC Amkar Perm in the play-offs.

Some fans expected the group stage to be a bridge too far for the Cottagers, but after a draw against CSKA Sofia in their opening game, Fulham fought back with three wins and a draw in their final five group games to advance into the knockout stages.

Holders Shakhtar Donetsk stood in Fulham's way, and the Ukrainians had a strong side that featured Fernandinho, Luiz Adriano, Douglas Costa and Willian.

Fulham's success, meanwhile, was built around Hangeland's heroic defending, Gera and Damien Duff's creative guile and Zamora's crucial goals.

After Gera's early goal had given them the lead in the first leg, Adriano levelled the scores before a moment of brilliance from Zamora swung the tie in Fulham's favour.

"Dickson Etuhu fed Gera, whose deft pass offered Zamora a chance," read The Telegraph's match report. "The striker looked up, struck the ball from 25 yards with venom, then watched as it curled into the top right-hand corner."

In Ukraine, Hangeland's goal and a back-to-the-walls display completed the job.

However, Fulham's task was about to get even harder as they were drawn against Italian giants Juventus in the last 16. They'd had a fun ride, but their European adventure was surely coming to end now.

Sure enough, a spirited display against a classy Juventus outfit couldn't prevent a 3-1 defeat In Italy. Hodgson's side had been provided with a harsh reality check and had a mountain to climb going into the second leg.

David Trezeguet's goal after two minutes at Craven Cottage looked to have put the quarter-finals out of reach for Fulham, but the underdogs had clearly not read the script.

Start of the comeback

Paul Konchesky's lofted cross found Zamora in the penalty area. The old school English striker bullied Fabio Cannavaro before bringing the ball down and firing past Antonio Chimenti in the Juve goal.

Cannavaro's night got even worse when the World Cup winner was controversially sent off in the 27th minute, and Fulham's hopes of a comeback were well and truly alive.

Fulham continued to put Juventus under pressure as the atmosphere kicked up a notch at Craven Cottage. Just before half time, Simon Davies pulled the ball back for Gera and his close-range finish gave the hosts the lead on the night.

Minutes into the second half and Fulham were awarded a penalty after Diego's handball. Gera stepped up with all the pressure on his shoulders and confidently smashed the ball past the goalkeeper to level the aggregate score.

Fulham were now on the brink of knocking Juventus out and creating one of the biggest upsets in the history of European football.

With eight minutes remaining and the game heading into extra time, Dempsey picked up the ball on the edge of the area as the Juventus defenders backed off. The American then dinked a delightful chip which sailed over the helpless Chimenti and sparked delirium from the home crowd.

His incredible strike sealed the famous victory and it was a fitting finale to the most extraordinary game while the celebrations carried on long into the night.

"We should just do a Rocky Marciano and retire now because it's not going to get any better than this," Hodgson said at full time.

"This must come close to the greatest night of the club's history. On a personal note, I am not sure I can recall such a recovery. I am on top of the world."

Hodgson had already written himself into Fulham folklore. And the quarter-finals now awaited.

Road to Hamburg

There was a growing sense of destiny surrounding Fulham's Europa League campaign as the footballing gods seemed to be smiling on West London, but they still had other hurdles to overcome.

However, Hodgson's side were unfazed, full of confidence and claimed a 2-1 win over German champions Wolfsburg in the first leg of their last-eight tie courtesy of goals from Zamora and Duff.

And within 20 seconds of the second leg, the talisman Zamora spun past the defender before stroking the ball into the corner to make it 3-1 on aggregate. It proved enough for Fulham to advance again.

Their next challenge was another considerable one as they faced a Hamburg side that were looking to reach a final being staged at their own ground.

A goalless first leg in Germany was a respectable effort, but the lack of an away goal looked to be a problem when Mladen Petrić's stunning free-kick gave the Germans the lead at Craven Cottage.

The odds were stacked against them once more when Zamora was withdrawn with an injury, but yet again Fulham found an extra gear as quickfire goals from Davies and Gera turned things around to complete another memorable night on the banks of the Thames.

Fulham had booked their place in the final and their dream had now become a reality. They would be returning to Hamburg, but this time they'd be playing for the trophy.

"Hodgson has orchestrated the resurrection of this famous old club from the brink of relegation to the Championship into a European final," read the BBC's match report.

"The scale of the achievement is a tribute to the work of Hodgson and his players – and given the compelling performances they have produced in the Europa League, they will travel to the final with genuine ambitions of lifting the trophy."

The final

After 18 games, Fulham had reached their first-ever European final and were up against an immensely talented Atletico Madrid side that included David De Gea and Sergio Aguero.

The discipline, belief and buccaneering spirit that had led them to the final was evident again and the Cottagers weren't to be overwhelmed by the occasion.

Despite Diego Forlan's early opener and Atletico's domination, Fulham fought back bravely and found themselves level at half-time.

Then Gera's lofted cross was deflected into the path of Davies, and the Welshman accepted the invitation by flashing a sublime half volley past De Gea.

The final looked to be going to penalties, but the Spanish side's extra quality soon started to show. Deep into extra-time, Aguero's cross picked out Forlan, whose shot was deflected past Schwarzer, restoring Atletico's lead.

Fulham had bounced back from adversity all season and had become the master of comebacks, but this time it was out of their reach and they were unable to mount a response.

As the full-time whistle went and the Madrid players celebrated, Fulham's heartbreak was confirmed and their Europa League campaign had reached a bitter conclusion.

However, while they may not have a trophy to show for it, those players have still gone down in the club's history for creating an adventure Fulham fans will never forget.



https://www.planetfootball.com/nostalgia/remembering-fulhams-incredible-run-to-the-2010-europa-league-final/

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Cardiff City v Fulham
FRI 30 Aug 2019   Championship
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium

Bournemouth loanee Harry Arter had a spell on-loan with Cardiff last term

Cardiff remain without injured keeper Neil Etheridge (hamstring), so Alex Smithies is likely to return in goal after Joe Day's Carabao Cup appearance.

Winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing could also be absent for Friday's visit of Fulham with an unspecific knock.

On-loan striker Bobby Reid will be unavailable for the Londoners against his parent club the Bluebirds.

Midfielder Harry Arter could face his former team, but defender Denis Odoi is still a doubt with a knee problem.

Match facts

    The past two league meetings with Cardiff and Fulham at the Cardiff City Stadium have ended 4-2 - Fulham won in December 2017 and Cardiff won in October 2018 by that scoreline.
    Fulham are looking to secure consecutive league wins over Cardiff for the first time since November 1996.
    Cardiff have lost just once in their past 12 Championship home games, winning 10 in the process (D1 L1).
    Fulham have won nine of their past 14 away games in the Championship (excluding play-offs), losing just twice (D3).
    Cardiff manager Neil Warnock has won seven of his 10 home Football League matches against Fulham (W7 D2 L1).
    Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic has failed to score in his four league appearances against Cardiff, although he has provided two assists in those games.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49443604