Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 01/10/19...

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29-y/o in: The Fulham XI that Cottagers fans surely want to see v Reading tomorrow

Fulham picked up a badly needed three points on Friday night, bouncing back to winning ways against Paul Cook's Wigan Athletic side.

Having surrendered one-goal leads in their previous three matches, the home fans will have been fearful of suffering a similar fate against the Latics.

But a Joe Bryan strike just after half-time and a trademark Tom Cairney screamer made the points safe for Scott Parker's side, bumping them back into the top-six.

On Tuesday night they come up against Reading at the Madejski and will undoubtedly be looking to make it two wins on the bounce against Jose Gomes' Royals.

But how will they line-up?

Well, here is the XI that Fulham fans will surely want to see...

Whilst the win was undoubtedly the priority on Friday night, it was not a performance that particularly impressed.

A clean sheet and a win is never cause for concern but you feel that their game will have to be upped significantly if they are to challenge for automatic promotion.

So, first of all, a switch back to a 4-3-3 is required. Friday night showed a lack of control in the middle of the park from Stefan Johansen and Harrison Reed, so dropping Cairney back into that area to dictate play would make sense.

Harry Arter is also their strongest defensive candidate in that area so, as harsh as it may be on Reed, it is a change that should be made in order to restore some balance.

With Marcus Bettinelli having struggled inbetween the sticks at times, giving Marek Rodak a chance to impress would be of benefit to the whole side and urge others to up their game.

The only other notable change to the line-up should come in the front-three. Not in the personnel, but in the shape.

Whilst Anthony Knockaert and Ivan Cavaleiro have both impressed, they can be very frustrating and easy to defend against when they are constantly cutting inside.

So swapping them over will open up a different dynamic, allowing Parker to exploit the arial threat of Aleksandar Mitrovic.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/29-y-o-in-the-fulham-xi-that-cottagers-fans-surely-want-to-see-v-reading-tomorrow/

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José on trusting the squad and role of home support against Fulham

Manager prepares for Cottagers test

After back-to-back away games against Wolves and Swansea, it's back home at Madejski Stadium this Tuesday evening – we host Fulham under the floodlights in RG2.

Thanks to spirited performances and late goals, the Royals had 1-1 draws at the final whistle on each of those two away matches.

And now, with the Cottagers making the short trip to Berkshire from West London, Reading manager José Gomes is keen to record an important victory in midweek.

"Hopefully we will get the three points back at Madejski Stadium," said the boss. "We will face a very strong team, a good squad and some very good players.

"They have a top striker – who is very strong and who battles – and a good offensive dynamic. So we will see what happens.

"We need to recover now, after a long trip back from Swansea. Fulham played a day before us, so they have 24 hours more than we do to recover. But our medical staff and fitness coaches will help our players to recover properly.

"As I have said before, with the way that we have been working, I trust that my players can get the points we need to think about higher goals."

Remarkably, eight of the Royals' 12 games to date have been on the road this season.

So back on home soil, in front of a partisan Madejski Stadium crowd, he hopes that the Reading fans will show up in good numbers and drown out any noise coming from the away end.

"I would like to see our stadium full when we play Fulham," continued José.

"There will be a lot of fans visiting from London, but I hope that we will be able to hear our fans being louder than them."



https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2019/september/jose-on-trusting-the-squad-and-role-of-home-support-against-fulham/

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Talking Points: Wigan Athletic

Tom Cairney's scoring stats and the Wigan manager's humble assessment - just two of the talking points from Friday's win.

1. Clinical Cairney

Tom Cairney's stunner took his tally for the season to three, meaning he's now netted once every three outings. His best scoring campaign came when he hit 13 in 47 Championship appearances in 2016/17 – at a rate of one goal every 3.6 matches. If he continues with his current form all season, he will beat that total by hitting 15-16 goals come the end of the campaign.

2. Unbeaten in four

Before the game, Scott Parker emphasised how one match can quickly change perspective: "We've not won in five. But how different it is if we get a result on Friday; it means we've not lost in four." He also stressed the importance of turning draws into wins, so the Head Coach will hopefully have enjoyed his weekend after seeing his side manage to do just that against Wigan.

3. Mitro's movement

Aleksandar Mitrović was not on the scoresheet against the Latics, but it certainly wasn't for the want of trying. His movement off the ball created several chances for the striker, and on another day he could have had a hat-trick. When he keeps causing those sorts of problems for defenders, though, the goals will soon come.

4. Four points from the summit

It may have been Fulham's first win in five league outings, but the six points gained in our last four has kept us in the chasing pack. With the way other results went at the weekend we now sit just four points from the top of the table, giving us plenty of motivation for the two fixtures prior to the international break this week.

5. Cook's reaction

Wigan boss Paul Cook was humble in his assessment of Friday night's proceedings, confessing that Fulham deserved the points for how we played. "It was a fair result," he said in his post-match press conference. "I've no problems with the result in any shape or form. I think Fulham are a very, very good side and they played very well tonight and deserved the win."

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/september/30/talking-points-wigan-athletic

[WhiteJC]

Then & Now: Consistent Cottagers

Fulham beat Wigan 2-0 Friday at Craven Cottage to continue a fine run of form against the Latics. Are there other teams we've been equally dominant against? Rhys Daly takes a look at teams who have had the Whites as their bogey side.

Wigan 2006–
Fulham overcame some interesting spoiling tactics from the visitors on Friday to secure a 2-0 victory, and our record against them is nothing short of remarkable.

Fulham haven't lost to Wigan since a 1-0 home defeat in October 2006, a game which was described as a smash and grab through Henri Camara.

Despite the 13-year streak of not losing, a lot of the clashes have ended in stalemate. Across the 18 fixtures, 10 have ended in draws, including four of the last six. The 3-2 victory in the second to last meeting in February 2017 ended a run of four draws, with cult hero Neeskens Kebano netting a stoppage time winner.

In the eight wins Fulham have earned since Wigan last took three points, the result has never been more than a two-goal margin, so a close game was to be expected on Friday.

Games without defeat – 18

Years without defeat – 12

Norwich 1999-2015
The Canaries had a simply torrid time against Fulham for 17 fixtures until 2015.

The run started in September 1999, with a 4-0 win at Carrow Road. In the dominant win, Paul Peschisolido, Lee Clark and John Collins got on the scoresheet, to kick off a run of brilliant against the Canaries.

12 wins and four draws over the next 16 years made Norwich fans dread taking on the mighty Whites, with a 6-0 drubbing in 2005 condemning them to relegation.

Since Bradley Johnson's brace and own-goal in our 4-2 defeat in 2015, Fulham have gone another four games without losing, probably making Norwich our favourite opponents of anyone in the football league.

Games without defeat – 17

Years without defeat – 16

Huddersfield Town 1994-2018
Fulham's dire performance in the 1-0 defeat at the Kirklees Stadium last season ended a run almost 24 years without a loss.

Starting with a 1-1 draw in Division Two in 1994 the Whites went 11 games without losing, winning seven fixtures.

Of those seven, Fulham registered three wins by a three-goal margin and a memorable 5-0 drubbing in 2016.

The Cottagers have already won twice since the loss last season, with Ivan Cavalerio and Aleksandar Mitrovic scoring in a 2-1 win earlier this term.

Games without defeat – 11

Years without defeat – 23

Charlton Athletic 2005-
Fulham haven't lost to Charlton since a 2-1 Premier League defeat in 2005, in a run of 10 successive fixtures.

Five draws and fives wins have followed, and although some websites count an FA Trophy defeat in 2018, the club bill it as an under-21 fixture.

A 4-0 win in 2012 which included a Clint Dempsey hat-trick (and a memorable Bryan Ruiz dive) is the biggest margin of the bunch, with two 3-0 wins in the following four games.

Scott Parker grabbed one of his six goals for Fulham in 150 appearances off the underside of the bar in 2014, and fans will be hoping for a similar result in 5 days' time.

Games without defeat – 10

Years without defeat – 14



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2019-09-30-then-now-consistent-cottagers/

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Watch Tuesday's Leasing.com Trophy tie on iFollow MK Dons!

Live streaming of clash with Fulham Under-21s just £10...

MK Dons take on Fulham Under-21s at Stadium MK on Tuesday and those supporters not able to be at the game can still watch action courtesy of iFollow MK Dons.

Supporters tune in to watch the Dons take on the Cottagers, in their latest Leasing.com Trophy tie, for just £10. Kick-off is at 3pm.

To enjoy the live coverage on iFollow MK Dons, simply purchase a Video Match Pass and then access the homepage shortly before kick-off - click HERE to purchase your Video Match Pass for the match!



https://www.mkdons.com/news/2019/september/watch-tuesdays-tie-on-ifollow-mk-dons/

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Reading v Fulham
TUE 01 Oct 2019   Championship
Venue: Madejski Stadium

Scott Parker's Fulham are unbeaten in their last four Championship matches

Reading have concerns about the fitness of defender Tyler Blackett ahead of the visit of Fulham after he suffered a hip problem in the draw at Swansea.

Lucas Joao (ankle) is also a concern, but Matt Miazga may return after missing Saturday's draw with injury.

Fulham have no injury concerns and have had an extra day to prepare after beating Wigan on Friday.

Harry Arter could start, having come off the bench twice since a ban, but few changes are likely.

Match facts

    Including play-offs, Reading are unbeaten in their last six home league matches against Fulham (W3 D3 L0) since losing 2-0 in the Premier League in April 2008.
    The last two Fulham managers to win away at Reading in a league match also managed England - Kevin Keegan in April 1999 and Roy Hodgson in April 2008.
    Reading have lost three of their four home league games this season (W1), having lost just one of their last 10 in 2018-19 (W5 D4 L1).
    Fulham have lost each of their last four league games in the month of October, conceding 14 goals in those games.
    John Swift has been directly involved in 60% of Reading's 10 league goals this season, scoring two and assisting four.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49805860

[WhiteJC]

Warland Departs

The Club can confirm that Riley Warland has joined Perth Glory on a permanent deal.

We would like to wish Riley the best of luck on his return to his former side.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/september/30/riley-warland-departs

[WhiteJC]

Ahead of the game | Cottagers coming to RG2

Reading and Fulham to renew acquaintances on Tuesday night

After a solitary season in the Premier League, Reading and Fulham will lock horns once more in a fixture that has proven to be a feisty encounter in recent seasons...

Reading vs Fulham
Sky Bet Championship
Tuesday 1st October 2019
Madejski Stadium
8pm kick-off

Recent history between the Royals and Fulham suggests that Tuesday night's game at Madejski Stadium will be hotly-contested, with the Cottagers hoping to build another promotion-earning campaign to get straight back to the top flight, following relegation at the first attempt last season.

Scott Parker, now in permanent charge of the Whites after his caretaker spell with the club, has led Fulham to 15 points from their first nine games.

His side ended a run of three consecutive draws with a dominant win over Wigan Athletic on Friday night, in a game where Fulham restricted their visitors to the extent that they did not register a single shot on target.

As for José Gomes and his Reading squad, they will have taken heart from a battling comeback against Swansea City on Saturday afternoon that saw them take a well-earned point, thanks to a last-minute rifled equaliser from Andy Yiadom.

Swansea had taken the lead in the early knockings of the game through a Borja Baston header, but the Royals kept up their onslaught on the Swans' goal throughout the second half and it paid off with a deserved point at the end of it.

But the relentless nature of the Championship ensures the next chance for points is always around the corner, with the Royals and Fulham set to do battle once more and renew their intense on-pitch battles at Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night.

It's all set to be a blockbuster encounter between two sides that know each other well, so make sure you're in RG2 on the night to show your support for the boys in blue and white hoops.



https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2019/september/ahead-of-the-game--cottagers-coming-to-rg2/

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 Reading vs Fulham preview: Championship clash live on Sky Sports Football Red Button
Watch live on Sky Sports Football Red Button and the Sky Sports app from 7.55pm on Tuesday; Kick-off is at 8pm

Reading face Fulham in the Sky Bet Championship on Tuesday. Coverage gets under way live on Sky Sports Football Red Button at 7.55pm; Kick-off is at 8pm.

Team news[/b]

Tyler Blackett is an injury doubt for Reading ahead of the visit of Fulham. The former Manchester United defender limped off during the first half of Saturday's draw at Swansea with a hip problem.

Lucas Joao is also struggling to be fit with a knock to his ankle. Defender Matt Miazga is set to return after being left out at the Liberty Stadium.

Fulham boss Scott Parker will make the short trip along the M4 with a clean bill of health. The Cottagers beat Wigan 2-0 on Friday night, giving them a day extra to recover.

Harry Arter could return to the starting line-up if Parker wants to inject some fresh legs, the midfielder having come off the bench twice since returning from suspension. Otherwise Parker is likely to keep changes to a minimum as Fulham look for back-to-back wins.


Harry Arter could return to Scott Parker's starting line-up

Recent form
Jose Gomes' Royals seem to be missing the killer touch in front of goal of late - they haven't won a game since August 24 and just managed to salvage a point against Swansea last weekend, thanks to Andy Yiadom. Last month, they were ousted from the Carabao Cup on penalties by Wolves, beaten 2-1 at home to Blackburn, while Middlesbrough crept past them 1-0 after the international break.

Life back in the Championship started well for Fulham, though slowed down as August ended and September began. A Semi Ajayi goal denied them all three points in a 1-1 draw with West Brom at Craven Cottage after the international break, before a sucker-punch from Atdhe Nuhiu deep into stoppage time a week later produced the same result. The Whites got back to winning ways on Saturday, when Joe Bryan and Tom Cairney netted in a 2-0 win over Wigan.

What the managers said...
Reading boss Jose Gomes: "Hopefully we will get the three points back at Madejski Stadium. We will face a very strong team, a good squad and some very good players.They have a top striker - who is very strong and who battles - and a good offensive dynamic. So we will see what happens.

"We need to recover now, after a long trip back from Swansea. Fulham played a day before us, so they have 24 hours more than we do to recover. But our medical staff and fitness coaches will help our players to recover properly. As I have said before, with the way that we have been working, I trust that my players can get the points we need to think about higher goals."

Fulham boss Scott Parker: "They've been a little bit up and down, I think that's clear. They got a very good result against Swansea, a last minute equaliser, which will obviously bring them some big confidence. It's a team that I think can cause anyone, on their day, some problems. Certainly going forward they've got some very good individuals. No doubt it will be a tough game for us. I think we know what's in store for us.

"It's a strange league in the sense that you can go and put some back-to-back wins together and before you know it you're right up there. I feel we're on a good run and that we're going in the right direction. There have been moments where we've been disappointing, but I think overall we've shown some real quality and control in games."

Talking point - Mitrovic's barren spell continues
When Aleksandar Mitrovic starts for Fulham in the Championship, there's rarely a game that goes by where the Serbian frontman isn't spotted on the scoresheet. He drew a blank as Barnsley ground out a 1-0 win on the opening day, but, in typically ruthless fashion, he followed that up with eight goals in seven games for club and country.


Aleksandar Mitrovic hasn't scored in his last three games for Fulham

Yet since his return from international duty, he's played 270 minutes of league football without so much as an assist to his name. With Tom Cairney picking up the baton as goalscorer across the last two games as well as the Whites avoiding defeat in September, it's not been the end of the world, but one can't help but wonder if Scott Parker's men might have taken more than five points from their three fixtures, however.

Opta stats
Including play-offs, Reading are unbeaten in their last six home league matches against Fulham (W3 D3 L0) since losing 2-0 in the Premier League in April 2008.

The last two Fulham managers to win away at Reading in a league match also managed England - Kevin Keegan in April 1999 and Roy Hodgson in April 2008.

Reading have lost three of their four home league games this season (W1), having lost just one of their last 10 in 2018-19 (W5 D4 L1).

Fulham have lost each of their last four league games in the month of October, conceding 14 goals in those games.



https://www.skysports.com/football/reading-vs-fulham/preview/409460

[WhiteJC]

21-y/o in: The side that Reading fans surely want to see against Fulham tomorrow

Reading take on Fulham at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday and Jose Gomes will be hoping his side can get their first victory in over a month.

The Royals will have been given a confidence boost heading into the fixture after scoring a late equaliser against a strong Swansea outfit.

The goal came through an unlikely source in Andy Yiadom, and Gomes will be hoping that it was a turning point after a wretched run of games.

Tyler Blackett was forced off injured, whilst Lucas Boye went off at half-time after a lively start to the fixture.

Both will be unlikely to start on Tuesday, with the substitutes playing a pivotal part of the Royals' draw on Saturday.

Here's the side that the Royals supporters would surely like to see against Fulham on Tuesday night...

The team that Gomes should put out is how the Royals lined up at the start of the second-half in their fixture at Swansea.

Reading started that game in a 5-3-2 formation but soon switched to four at the back after Blackett picked up an injury that he failed to shake off. Lucas Joao replaced the defender, much to the surprise of the supporters and even the players themselves, but it seemed to work in offering the Royals more of a threat in the second-half.

Josh Barrett was another who impressed at the Liberty Stadium after coming on at half-time and he looked very dangerous coming in from the left, and was able to cause the Swansea defenders problems with his direct running.

The Royals' midfield picks itself with the creative John Swift and Ovie Ejaria taking the ranks after being sensational so far this season.

The two strikers up top will be hoping to find their goalscoring boots again, after hitting a blank patch in recent times. George Puscas missed a great chance at Swansea in the first-half and is becoming a frustrated figure at the top end of the pitch.

Saturday's goalscorer Yiadom will definitely keep his place in the side and play in the right-back position and hope that he can contribute to some more goals for the Royals.

So, just the two changes for the Royals as they look to hit some form after earning a good point at Swansea on Saturday.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/21-y-o-in-the-side-that-reading-fans-surely-want-to-see-against-fulham-tomorrow/

[WhiteJC]

Gomes' rallying call to Reading FC fans for Fulham clash

Royals' boss wants as many supporters to come out and back the team on Tuesday night

Reading manager Jose Gomes says he wants to see a full house at Madejski Stadium for the visit of Fulham on Tuesday night.

Royals make a swift return to league action this week following the 1-1 draw at Swansea City last Saturday as they host Scott Parker's side in Berkshire (8pm kick-off).

It is more than a month since Gomes' side last won in the Championship but confidence has been lifted following the last-minute equaliser at the Liberty Stadium.

And the boss says a full crowd for the Fulham game will boost the side's chances of coming away with all three points.

"I would like to see the stadium full," he said. "There will be a lot of fans coming from London, but I hope we will be able to hear our fans be louder than theirs.

"They have very good players - a top striker (Aleksander Mitrovic) who sometimes looks slow but he's not.

"He is strong and can use the spaces very well. It will be a very good fight for us. But I trust my players can get the points we need to think better and achieve higher goals.

"Fulham played a day before us [at the weekend], so they have 24 hours more than we do to recover, but our medical staff and fitness coaches will help our players to recover properly.

"I said this after the first defeat and after the new players arrived - we just need to help the players and be patient with them."

The highest attendance this season at the Madejski has came on two occasions - against Charlton Athletic and Blackburn Rovers.

The figure was 16,906, which is still some way short of its 24,161 capacity.

Reading two other home league games this season has seen crowds of 16,319 for the opening game against Sheffield Wednesday and 14,252 for the visit of Cardiff City.

Last season's biggest crowd came against Aston Villa at the start of February, when 17,458 were at the Mad Stad.

Reading are languishing in 20th spot in the league table and can move up to 14th with a victory while Fulham could go as high as second if they run out winners.



https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gomes-rallying-call-reading-fc-17006047

[WhiteJC]

Stat puts Fulham and Leeds acres ahead of the rest of the Championship

Fulham and Leeds United are acres ahead of the rest of the Championship in terms of the number of successful passes made in the 2019/20 campaign.

Both clubs will be targeting promotion to the Premier League this season and will be hoping to be in the ascendancy in every game they play.

That seems to be reflected in the number of successful passes they have made this season as, according to Championship Stats on Twitter, Fulham and Leeds are the only clubs to have made more than 4,000 successful passes.

After nine games, Scott Parker's Fulham side have made by far the most successful passes, with 4,900, while Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds are second with 4,127.

There is then a significant drop down to Swansea City with the third-most, 3,538, and West Bromwich Albion, 3,398, just behind them.

For all their passing prowess, Fulham haven't quite been able to turn it into results and sit 10th in the Championship, however, they're still just four points off league leaders West Bromwich Albion.

Leeds have fared slightly better in the league and are fourth in the table, two points below the Baggies.

The Yorkshire club welcome West Brom to Elland Road tomorrow for what looks set to be a tasty affair.

The Verdict

Given the strength of the two squads and the desired style of play of both Parker and Bielsa, it is perhaps unsurprising that Fulham and Leeds have opened up quite the gap at the top in this category.

Nonetheless, both managers will likely be pleased with how well their sides have moved the ball this season and may be hoping that better results will follow as the campaign wears on.

Both sides have some challenging fixtures heading into the international break. After their meeting with the Baggies, Leeds travel to the Den to face Millwall on Saturday, while Fulham face Reading tomorrow evening and then Charlton Athletic on the weekend.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/snack-poll/who-will-finish-highest-this-season/

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Inconsistency stands between Fulham and play-offs: Comment

Scott Parker's had a mixed start to his first full season in football management, but his Fulham team still has the potential to go far this year.

Fulham didn't expect to be in the Championship this season. Having won promotion from this level in 2018, Fulham returned to the Premier League and spent in excess of £100 million to ensure that they wouldn't need to again. But a campaign which saw three different managers take charge, Fulham flew back down, and now under a young manager in Scott Parker, will try again.

Given their expenditure last season, Parker has been left with very little in the transfer kitty. Michael Hector was the sole signing of the summer, though Parker's made good use of the loan market. Ivan Cavaleiro has arrived in southwest London from Wolves for the season and already has three goals and three assists to his name, whilst Anthony Knockaert has arrived from Brighton and has also proved a shrewd move by Parker.

After a run of three-straight draws in the Championship, Fulham set the record straight with a 2-0 win at home to another former Premier League side in Wigan on Friday. The win took Parker's side to 10th in the Championship, though it probably should, and definitely could be higher – Fulham have shown their strength this season but have too often been unable to convert performance into points.

Their last two games before the win over Wigan both saw Fulham drop points from a winning position – in 1-1 draws at West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday respectively. Dropping points in games regularly will be a huge concern for Parker, whose side would be top of the Championship table if 1-0 leads at West Brom and Wednesday were seen through.

The verdict

Despite some criticism this season, Parker has impressed in his first full season in charge of Fulham. He's recruited well in financially testing times, and his team have shown their potential against some the league's best. Inconsistency continues to be Fulham's downfall this year, but if Parker can get some routine form from his squad, they'll be up there challenging by the end of the season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/inconsistency-stands-between-fulham-and-play-offs-comment/

[WhiteJC]

3 ways Reading can hurt Fulham tomorrow night

Reading have endured a largely frustrating start to their Championship campaign, with Jose Manuel Gomes' side having picked up two wins, two draws and five defeats this season.

The Royals head into tomorrow night's clash with the west Londoners off the back of a positive 1-1 draw away at high-flying Swansea City, with defender Andy Yiadom having rescued a point for the Berkshire based side in the 90th minute at the Liberty Stadium.

Whilst, on the other hand, Fulham come into the game in good form, having picked up a routine 2-0 victory at home to Wigan Athletic on Friday night at Craven Cottage, with both Joe Bryan and Tom Cairney scoring the goals for the Whites.

However, despite their early season form, Fulham still have a few chinks in their armour that the Royals can take advantage of and as such we have picked out THREE ways that Reading can look to hurt Fulham tomorrow night...

Look to get in behind

One way that Reading can look to hurt Fulham is to get players running in behind the Fulham backline, as this has been proven to be a big weakness of the Whites so far this season, with Nottingham Forest taking advantage of Fulham's high line during the game between the two sides earlier this season.

Gomes should look to instruct the likes of Ovie Ejaria and John Swift to make penetrating runs beyond Fulham's centre backs into the space behind, which will help to create problems for the Fulham backline, which will, in theory, cause them to become disorganised due to the overload of Reading players making forward runs.

Look to hit them on the counter-attack

Reading could also look to hit Fulham on the counter-attack as this has been identified by WhoScored.com as one of the west Londoner's main weaknesses, particularly because the Whites like to commit a lot of men forward to attack thus leaving them vulnerable in defence with the midfield often leaving the backline exposed.

Gomes should look to instruct both Obita and Yiadom to stay high and wide, as this will provide Reading with good outlets from which they can start counter-attacking moves that will be supported again by the attacking runs made by Messrs Puscas, Boye, Ejaria and Swift. This will allow the Royals to catch Fulham off guard at the back when they commit too many players forward when in possession.

Exploit weakness in aerial duels

Lastly, the Royals should look to exploit Fulham's weaknesses in the air, with data from WhoScored.com indicating that the Whites are particularly weak when it comes to winning aerial duels, which could largely be attributed to the fact that Tim Ream isn't the strongest in the air.

This is a weakness that both Puscas and Boye should look to play on, with both players good at doing flick-ons and lay offs, this match provides a great opportunity for the strikers to knock balls on and down to supporting players from the midfield, whilst Reading's wide players can also look to get floated crosses into the Reading area at every opportunity to take advantage of their aerial presence up front.

By doing this, it also opens up the opportunity for Reading's midfielders to take advantage of the second balls which will come about from Fulham's defence clearing the ball aerially.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-ways-reading-can-hurt-fulham-tomorrow-night/

[WhiteJC]

View From The Town End: Fulham

Cottagers fan Russ Goldman thinks his side can "contend for automatic promotion" this season.

Having returned from Swansea with a point at the weekend, it's a quick turnaround for Reading as they host Fulham on Tuesday evening, aiming to to make it three wins from three against the relegated sides.

Ahead of the game, we spoke to Fulham fan Russ Goldman to get the lowdown on the Cottagers.
What have you made of Fulham's start to the season?

It has been average so far, as they have a very talented team, but they are still learning to play together and I think we are seeing growing pains. With that said I still see a team that can go on a long run, and contend for automatic promotion.
What do you think of the job Scott Parker's done so far as manager?

He is a young manager and I think the jury is still out on him as a Fulham manager. I still need to see much more before making a judgement on him. I was not in favour of hiring him because I wanted an experienced manager, but I will give him time to prove me wrong.
Who are the key players we should look out for?

It is easy to look at the three up front but I am going to focus on the midfield three because they are the key to our possession game and getting the three up front involved. Tom Cairney is very important to Fulham as he is a player who is creating centrally. Harrison Reed has been a pleasant surprise as he is the defensive midfielder and has done a nice job. The other member of the three could be between Harry Arter and Stefan Johansen. If the midfield three do their job and control the play, Fulham have a great chance to win any match.
What are Fulham's main strengths as a team?

The main strength I think are the three up top as Mitrovic, Cavaleiro, and Knockaert are all Premier League quality. If they are involved and contributing, Fulham will be very hard to beat.
And weaknesses?

I think Marcus Bettinelli is a weakness at goalkeeper as he has cost them more than a few points this season. He has been better lately, but he has made mistakes that have cost Fulham this season. I would also say not being able to kill off games is a weakness as well. Lastly Fulham are still trying to perfect playing the ball out from the back so they do struggle a bit when pressed.
How do you see the game going, and what will the score be?

Fulham have been so close to really putting it together and I have a good feeling about Tuesday Night. I am going for a 2-1 Fulham victory.




https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/9/30/20892100/view-from-the-town-end-fulham-reading-fc-royals

[WhiteJC]

Reading vs Fulham: Match Preview

Everything you need to know in the build-up to a tricky home clash.

Reading's league season continues with the visit of Fulham at the Madejski Stadium this Tuesday, as the Royals look to build on a couple of positive results over the past week.

To take the Carabao Cup game to penalties against Wolverhampton Wanderers is a great achievement, despite Wolves fielding a slightly weakened side. This, combined with a draw against a high-flying Swansea City side at the weekend, has given Reading the platform to go on and get a few good results.

Despite this, the performances haven't been the best recently. Can the Royals change that and go on to get a win in this mid-week game? A victory against Fulham could be the start of a very good run of results if they can perform to their maximum performance levels.

What? Championship Matchday 10

Who? Fulham

Where? Madejski Stadium

When? Tuesday 1st October (8pm KO)

League form
Reading: WLLLD

The only win that Reading have picked up in the past five league games came against Huddersfield Town. Defeats against Charlton Athletic, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers have left the club hovering just above the relegation zone. Although Reading stole a point away at the Liberty Stadium at the weekend, this impressive result wasn't enough to lift the club away from the bottom three. A home win against a very capable side in Fulham will really lift the morale around Berkshire.

Jordan Obita could start again, after going off injured at the weekend with cramp. It's very unlikely that it'll keep him out of this fixture. Tyler Blackett also went off with an injury against Swansea, although Jose Gomes said that it didn't look serious. Lucas Joao is being monitored ahead of Tuesday's fixture, while Matt Miazga could start again after being rested at the weekend.

Fulham: LDDDW

The recently relegated side would have hoped for a better start to this season after investing heavily in their attack. However, they may have to be patient with Scott Parker, who's inexperienced as a professional manager. Anything lower than a playoff finish may be seen as a failure by the Fulham board. It's crucial that Parker can turn draws in to wins. If they can, it could be a very successful season for the London side.

Anthony Knockaert, Tom Cairney, Ivan Cavaleiro and Aleksandar Mitrovic are the deadly attacking quartet who could damage the Royals' defence if they're all on song this Tuesday. All four started last weekend in their 2-0 home win against Wigan Athletic, with Cairney getting the second goal to secure victory.

The last meeting
Fulham 1-0 Reading

Only two of the Reading players that started at Craven Cottage in April 2017 are still playing regularly for the Royals. Vito Mannone, Sone Aluko and Mo Barrow have all gone out on loan, while Tiago Ilori, Liam Kelly, Leandro Bacuna, Dave Edwards and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson have left the club, with Chris Gunter playing for the under-23s. Liam Moore and Omar Richards, who also started that night, couldn't prevent the Royals from losing yet another game in the 2017/18 season.

Fulham went on to win promotion via the playoffs, having secured a vital win against Reading in the latter stages of that season. Stefan Johansen's finish from a Matt Targett cross ensured that Fulham would win all three points that night. This fixture came in the early stages of Paul Clement's tenure, a match that would be made worse by Leandro Bacuna's dismissal in stoppage time for a lunge on Ryan Sessegnon.

Referee (by Charlie Frost)
The man in the middle will be Andy Woolmer, 53, from Northamptonshire. The last time Mr Woolmer came to the Mad Stad was for the Championship clash vs Aston Villa almost 3 years ago, on October 18th 2016. The last time he was in charge of a Royals match was the game with Derby County in Jan 2019 where he showed three yellow cards. The Northamptonshire ref has been in the middle for five games this season already, showing 21 yellow cards and 1 red in a game between Wigan and Barnsley - so the players will have to keep there discipline even more so than normal. This will be game 153 he has been in charge of, in that time he has shown 467 yellow cards and just 8 reds. He will be joined by Matt Foley and Robert Hyde and the fourth official Sam Lewis.

TTE stats

    Reading are unbeaten in four of their last five games against Fulham. The most important win against the away side came in the playoff semi-final second leg in May 2017.
    Reading have taken just one point out of a possible 12 in their last four league games. The only way is up, surely?
    Fulham have scored in eight of their nine Championship fixtures this season.
    However, they have only kept a clean sheet in a third of their league matches so far in this campaign.

Predictions

Likely Reading lineup: Rafael, Obita, Moore, Miazga, Yiadom, Pele, Swift, Ejaria, Barrett, Boye, Puscas

This is probably the hardest starting eleven I've had to predict all season. While a five-at-the-back was working well for us in a run of games earlier this season, it seems to have halted further progress in the Championship in this campaign.

Rafael will definitely start in goal again ahead of Sam Walker and Joao Virginia. Jordan Obita may also start again seeing as he's better defensively than Omar Richards - this is especially important if the Royals are to successfully revert to playing four at the back. Moore and Miazga, who defended brilliantly together in the second half of last season, may return as a centre-back pairing. Last weekend's hero Andy Yiadom will also start in this fixture.

John Swift has performed admirably so far this season and is in line to start again in central midfield. Gomes will have a dilemma choosing between who to play next to him. Both Andy Rinomhota and Pele would feel hard done by if they were left out of the starting eleven in this home game. Even if they play together, one of Swift and Ovie Ejaria would miss out. I've gone for Pele to give Rinomhota a rest. The academy graduate could come on to make an impact in the latter stages of this game.

Josh Barrett and Lucas Boye could play on the wings either side of George Puscas, who hasn't had much luck playing in a two. Could Puscas being the main man up front bring the Romanian forward more goals? The pressure is already on him after scoring just two league goals this season. Can he justify his price tag? Let's hope that he can produce the goods in the upcoming months.

Score Prediction: Reading 1-1 Fulham



https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/10/1/20890301/reading-fc-vs-fulham-match-preview-royals-madejski-stadium

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Tactics Preview: Fulham Full Of Attacking Quality

What do Reading need to do to get the better of Scott Parker's side?

After a poor pre-season with just one win in six, Fulham began their Championship campaign as favourites to bounce straight back to the Premier League. After an £100 million spending spree following play-off final success in May 2018, a 19th placed finish in the top-flight sent the Cottagers back to the relentless and demanding second tier, but if any team are well equipped to gain promotion this season, it is them.

Except for the sale of Ryan Sessegnon to Tottenham in the summer, Fulham have managed to keep the nucleus of the squad that won at Wembley almost 18 months ago. Captain Tom Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrovic remain the star men, while Marcus Bettinelli and Stefan Johansen have come back into the fold after featuring sparsely in the Premier League. Alfie Mawson was signed following promotion, while this summer saw the arrival of two players who have impressed in the Championship previously - Anthony Knockaert and Ivan Cavaleiro on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively.

Following a disappointing defeat on the opening day of the campaign at Barnsley, Fulham recorded three wins from three to propel themselves up to third in the table. However there were to be a few bumps in the road, as an early goal and a mistake helped Nottingham Forest to a 2-1 win at the Cottage, while a dogged Cardiff display earned them a 1-1 draw with the Whites, who struggled to break down Neil Warnock's side. Two more 1-1 draws in two weeks followed as a strong 60 minutes against West Brom was not enough for the three points, while a 93rd minute Atdhe Nuhiu header salvaged a point for Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. On Friday night however, Fulham got back to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wigan - the Latics not managing a shot on target all game.

Fulham have always been a team that play attractive football and in recent years have really stepped that up a gear. They attack with numbers, as their full backs - Joe Bryan and Steven Sessegnon - push high up the pitch to overlap the wingers or get on the end of threaded through balls from Cairney. Knockaert and Cavaleiro meanwhile help make up arguably the most dangerous front line in the Championship. The tricky wingers are able to switch wings to either deliver dangerous crosses (Knockaert even scored from one against West Brom) to the physical Mitrovic, or cut in and shoot, something that was evident in their win away at Huddersfield as Cavaleiro bent in a beauty after cutting in from the left hand side.

To win this game, Reading will have to learn lessons from their clash with Swansea and hold onto the ball far better. Their second half showing was a lot more promising and John Swift and Ovie Ejaria will once more be key in playing through Fulham's lines. Andy Rinomhota will be hoping to retain his place in front of the defence, as his dynamism, tough tackling and reading of the game would suit coming up against the likes of Cairney and the tricky Johansen. Pele, in comparison, hasn't quite found his feet yet in the rapid pace of English football.

Perhaps Gomes will opt for the 4-2-2-2/4-3-3 from the start due to Fulham's width and overlapping full-backs. Three centre-backs may be wise against such an attacking and talented front three, but this was something Swansea seemed to exploit in the first half, and Fulham may well look to drag out Reading's wing-backs and play into the space behind with wide runners. However the Cottagers' full-backs play very high up the pitch so will also leave space in behind which Reading themselves could look to exploit on the counter against a very possession based side.

A 4-3-3 would also match up with Fulham, and you'd have to say that Reading aren't far off them at all in terms of overall quality throughout the XI. So due to these sides' similar styles of play, coupled with home advantage, Reading should be confident coming into the game but also wary about the threats that one of the promotion favourites, who may just have hit some form again, will pose.



https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/10/1/20890261/tactics-preview-fulham-full-of-attacking-quality-reading-fc-royals

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss gives honest verdict on Reading FC ahead of midweek clash

Fulham manager Scott Parker has offered his honest thoughts on Championship rivals Reading ahead of their clash on Tuesday night.

The Royals have made a slow start to the campaign despite carrying out some impressive transfer business, but Parker is not getting complacent, showing Jose Gomes and his side plenty of respect.

"They got a very good result against Swansea [on Saturday], a last minute equaliser, which will obviously bring them some big confidence," he told his pre-match press conference on Monday, reported by the club's official website.

"It's a team that I think can cause anyone, on their day, some problems. Certainly going forward they've got some very good individuals.

"No doubt it will be a tough game for us. I think we know what's in store for us."

Fulham currently sit in tenth place with nine matches played, ten places above their midweek opponents, and will be looking to follow up their Friday night win against Wigan Athletic with another three points.

For the Royals, they will be eager to pick up their third win of the campaign having beaten Cardiff and Huddersfield but have not won since the end of August.

The last competitive meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-0 win for the Whites at Craven Cottage in the season that saw Slavisa Jokanovic's side promoted to the top-flight.

The verdict

I think this is a pretty fair assessment from Parker.

Reading, you feel, have not been playing anywhere close to their top level over the last month or so and Gomes will now be desperate to see a performance similar to the Cardiff one.

If they can reach that level on Tuesday night, I think Fulham could really struggle.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-boss-gives-honest-verdict-on-reading-fc-ahead-of-midweek-clash/

[WhiteJC]

MK Dons Preview

The Clash:

Fulham Under-21s travel to MK Dons this evening in their opening Leasing.com Trophy group game at 7:45pm.
The Opponents:

The Dons occupy 15th place in League One following a 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on Saturday and their exit in the Carabao Cup to a youthful Liverpool side. These games tailed onto two previous defeats to give tonight's opponents a run of four straight defeats.

However, having already beaten Stevenage in their first group game they are top of our group with Wycombe also yet to play.
Our Form:

The boys have struggled to get properly moving this season with two wins muddled between five defeats. The high-scoring win over Reading and gritty one goal victory over high-flying Stoke suggests there is a desire within the group.
Last Season:

We fell at the first hurdle last season after falling to a three-goal defeat in Oxford, a two-goal slide to Northampton and an injury time heartbreak to this year's opponents Wycombe.
The Competition:

The newly branded Leasing.com Trophy sees three League One and Two teams placed in pre-determined groups based on location split across North and South. The 'invited clubs' are the Category One under-21 teams who are drawn into these groups where the top two from each group advance to the knockout phase.

We are placed in Group G alongside tonight's opponents, Stevenage and Wycombe.
Tickets:

Tickets are priced at five pounds for adults and one pound for under-18s and are available to buy from the MK Dons website or on the gate.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/october/01/mk-dons-preview

[WhiteJC]

Reading FC v Fulham preview including team news, manager views, TV details and more

All of the key information ahead of the midweek clash at the Madejski

Reading go in search of their second home win of the season when they entertain Fulham in the Championship.

Royals are winless in five matches in all competitions are are struggling in 20th place in the league table.

Jose Gomes' side battled back to secure a point at Swansea City over the weekend, however, so go into the game in good spirits.

Fulham, meanwhile, ran out 2-0 winners against Wigan Athletic last Friday night although that was their first win in five league matches.

Here is the full lowdown on the midweek clash at the Madejski.

Time, date and location
The match kicks off at 8pm on Tuesday, October 1 at Madejski Stadium.

How to follow the game

Reporter Jonathan Low will be running a live blog throughout the evening with live text commentary, views and reaction. All of the build-up starts at 5pm.
TV details

The game is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Football Red Button and the Sky Sports app from 7.55pm.

There will be highlights of the game from 10.30pm on Quest on Wednesday evening.

More information about the highlights programme and how you can get Quest can be found here
Team news

Reading: Defender Tyler Blackett is a major doubt for the game after limping off with a hip problem at Swansea.

Matt Miazga should return to the starting line-up as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Lucas Joao is struggling with an ankle problem but Danny Loader is back in contention after recovering from illness.

Yakou Meite missed the weekend game in south Wales due to personal reasons so may not feature.

Fulham: The Whites have no injury concerns going into the game.

Harry Arter could be brought into the midfield as boss Scott Parker rotates his squad.
Likely teams

Reading (3-5-2) : Rafael; Moore, Morrison, Miazga; Yiadom, Richards, Rinomhota, Ejaria, Swift; Puscas, Joao.

Fulham (4-2-3-1) : Bettinelli, Sessegnon, Mawson, Ream, Bryan; Johansen, Reed; Knockaert, Cairney, Cavaleiro; Mitrovic.
Managers' views

Jose Gomes : "They have very good players - a top striker (Aleksander Mitrovic) who sometimes looks slow but he's not.

"He is strong and can use the spaces very well. It will be a very good fight for us. But I trust my players can get the points we need to think better and achieve higher goals.

"Fulham played a day before us [at the weekend], so they have 24 hours more than we do to recover, but our medical staff and fitness coaches will help our players to recover properly."

Scott Parker : "They've been a little bit up and down, I think that's clear. They got a very good result against Swansea [on Saturday], a last minute equaliser, which will obviously bring them some big confidence.

"It's a team that I think can cause anyone, on their day, some problems. Certainly going forward they've got some very good individuals. No doubt it will be a tough game for us. I think we know what's in store for us.

"I remember watching them earlier on in the season against Cardiff at home when they put in a very, very good performance. They've been on the backend of some poor results but they're a good side who can cause many a team problems going forward."
Pundit's prediction

Sky Sports' EFL expert David Prutton has gone for an away win - Reading 0 Fulham 1
Reporter's prediction

BerkshireLive reporter Jonathan Low says: "This is going to be a really difficult game for Reading, no two ways about it.

"Royals' home form has been poor and they need to rekindle the spark that saw them thump Cardiff more than a month ago.

"Scoring first is crucial and will give them a decent chance of pulling off a result but even if they do, I can see this ending all square - Reading 1 Fulham 1 "
SkyBet odds

Reading : 12/5

Fulham :  13/5

Draw : 21/20
Last time out

Fulham 1 Reading 0 - Tuesday, April 10

Stefan Johansen's first half strike was enough to separate the sides at Craven Cottage.

Reading's miserable night was compounded with Leandro Bacuna's rash challenge on Ryan Sessegnon which saw him earn a straight red card.

The result meant Royals were still sweating over their status in the Championship with just five points separating them from the drop with four games left to play.
Referee

Andy Woolmer will be the referee for the game, assisted by Matt Foley and Robert Hyde.

The fourth official is Sam Lewis.



https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-fulham-preview-17006704