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Monday Fulham Stuff - 11/11/19...

Started by WhiteJC, November 10, 2019, 01:58:10 PM

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WhiteJC


WhiteJC

Leeds competing with two other Championship sides for player already in the division

Fulham, Leeds United and Stoke City are all interested in a move for Middlesbrough defender Daniel Ayala when the transfer window reopens in January, a report from TEAMtalk has claimed.

Ayala is out of contract at The Riverside Stadium at the end of this season, and it is thought that 'Boro are not currently in a position to offer him a deal to match the one he is currently on at the club.

As a result, Middlesbrough will instead look to cash in on the 29-year-old when the window reopens in January, rather than lose him for nothing in the summer.

That is something that has apparently caught the attention of a number of their Championship rivals, with Fulham, Leeds and Stoke all said to be monitoring the defender's situation.

It is understood that Fulham are the most likely to complete a deal for the Spaniard, but that Leeds' director of football Victor Orta is also a fan.

Since joining Middlesbrough from Norwich City in 2013, Ayala has featured 206 times in all competitions for the club – which includes appearances in 15 of 'Boro's 16 league games this season – scoring 22 goals.

Ayala helped Middlesbrough win promotion to the Premier League in the 2015/16 campaign, although the club were relegated back to the Championship the following year, after just a single season in the top flight.

The Verdict

This would be a very smart signing for one of these three sides.

Ayala has been around at this level for quite some time now, so he would surely be a reliable option for any of these sides should they win the race for his signature.

Indeed, having won promotion before with 'Boro, that experience could be crucial for either Leeds or Fulham in the second half of the season, with both clubs expected to challenge for a place in the Premier League this season at the very least.

The fact that Middlesbrough find themselves in this situation where they look set to be forced to offload Ayala does not look good for them however, and even if this is a necessary decision, it is unlikely to be a popular one.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/leeds-competing-with-two-other-championship-sides-for-player-already-in-the-division/

WhiteJC

Leeds United, Stoke City and Fulham interested in Middlesbrough defender

Middlesbrough defender Daniel Ayala is attracting interest from various Championship clubs.

The likes of Leeds United, Stoke City and Fulham are all monitoring his situation, according to a report by TEAMtalk.

Middlesbrough could cash in on the experienced centre-back in the January transfer window to get him off their hefty wage bill.

Ayala, who is 28 years-old, is in his seventh season at the Riverside and has made over 200 appearances for Boro.

He helped them gain promotion to the Premier League in 2016, a campaign in which he got into the PFA Championship Team of the Season, but couldn't prevent his side from an immediate relegation back to the second tier.

Ayala started his career in his native Spain with Sevilla but moved to England in 2007. He made his top flight debut in a league fixture against Tottenham Hotspur in August 2009 and went onto make a further four appearances for the Reds.

He gained first team experience out on loan as a youngster at Hull City and Derby County before leaving Anfield on a permanent basis to join Norwich City for a fee of around £800,000 in August 2011.

Ayala struggled to nail down a regular spot with the Canaries and was loaned out to Nottingham Forest prior to his switch to Middlesbrough in 2013.

He is an established defender at this level and would be a shrewd signing for one of Leeds, Stoke or Fulham if they decide to move for him this winter.



https://the72.co.uk/148529/leeds-united-stoke-city-and-fulham-interested-in-middlesbrough-defender/


WhiteJC

Fulham boss Scott Parker praises "absolute animal" Aleksandar Mitrovic

Fulham boss Scott Parker has hailed his striker Aleksandar Mitrovic after his winning goal against Birmingham City yesterday.

The Serbian international struck in the 52nd minute at St Andrew's yesterday to give his side all three points.

Mitrovic has now scored 12 goals this season and has helped the London side climb up to 8th in the league, two points off the Play-Offs.

Parker, who has had some fans doubting him over recent weeks, has praised his key man, as per a report by FourFourTwo: "He looks like an absolute animal, chasing things down, and if that is the base, the goals will come. That's what we want from him; he is the talisman, the guy everyone looks to and the pressure is on him. He needs to understand what he gives to the team."

"For all his goals, for everything that goes round him, all I ask of him is forget the goals, just go and turn up and be the Mitrovic he can be."


He added: "We came here and showed real character in tough conditions and were worthy winners," he added. First and foremost you must show character, desire and passion and if you have that, you will be all right, because there's no doubt we have technical, gifted players."

Fulham will be pleased to go into the international break on a positive result. They take on rivals QPR at Craven Cottage when they return.



https://the72.co.uk/148541/fulham-boss-scott-parker-praises-absolute-animal-aleksandar-mitrovic/

WhiteJC

Breaking down the next five fixtures for Leeds United and their promotion rivals

It's set to be a huge period when the Whites return to action following the international break

To say that Leeds United have not experienced every emotion possible in their opening 16 Championship matches this season would be an understatement.

From the disappointment of being beaten 2-1 by Millwall at The Den, which was largely overshadowed by the controversial red card brandished in Gaetano Berardi's direction, to the 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion at Elland Road, Leeds' Championship campaign has been packed full of drama - as it always the way with this club.

But after a run of three wins in five games, the international break may have come at a bad time for the Whites, with it potentially interrupting their rhythm. Nevertheless, it will offer a chance for Marcelo Bielsa's players to rest and get themselves ready for a crucial period in the season.

But how do the upcoming schedule look for both Leeds and their promotion rivals? We have a look...
Leeds United's next five fixtures

Luton Town (away) - Saturday, November 23

Following the international break, Leeds will resume their Championship campaign with a trip to relegation-threatened Luton Town.

Luton, who secured promotion to the Championship last term in blistering fashion, have struggled to adapt to life back in the second-tier so far this term, taking just 14 points from their opening 16 games.

For Luton, they will welcome the Whites to Kenilworth Road aiming to half a four-game losing run, the latest game of which saw them hammered 3-0 by Reading at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Reading (away) - Tuesday, November 26

Of Leeds' next five games, a trip to the Madejski Stadium to face Reading may be their toughest assignment - but you would not have predicted that a few weeks ago.

The Royals have made a strong start to life under new boss Mark Bowen, taking 10 points from his first four matches in charge.

But Leeds will be hoping history can repeat itself, with the Whites securing an impressive 3-0 win in Berkshire last season.

Middlesbrough (home) - Saturday, November 30

Leeds will conclude a busy, action-packed week by returning to Elland Road for a home clash with Middlesbrough on Saturday, November 30.

In previous years, this could have been highlighted as a stern test in Leeds' schedule, with Boro often regarded as one of the Championship's most likely promotion contenders.

But Boro have endured a torrid season so far under rookie boss Jonathan Woodgate, with the Riverside club currently inside the division's bottom three, having amassed just 13 points from their first 16 matches.

Huddersfield Town (away) - Saturday, December 7

A very tasty looking Yorkshire derby against a rapidly improving Huddersfield Town at the John Smith's Stadium live on Sky Sports looks to have the makings of a great game.

Only recently, you would have banked on Leeds taking all three points from this game, with Huddersfield struggling at the foot of the Championship table.

But despite the Terriers' 3-1 reverse to Preston North End on Saturday, they are making improvements under the guidance of the Cowley brothers, meaning that, plus the spice of a derby match, Leeds will not have things all their own way.

Hull City (home) - Tuesday, December 10

Another game, another Yorkshire derby. After the weekend clash with Huddersfield Town, Leeds will return to Elland Road just three days later for a meeting with Hull City, who stunned the Whites with a 2-0 victory at Elland Road last term.

Whilst Grant McCann's Tigers may be 12th in the table, they have been on a solid run of form of late and have proven they have the capabilities to win against the best in the division, as they recently beat Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage.

And if Leeds are to stand any chance of winning that game, they will have to keep Hull's Jarrod Bowen quiet, with the winger having scored nine goals already this term.
West Brom's next five games

Current league-leaders West Brom face a stern set of upcoming fixtures, with four of their next five opponents currently finding themselves in the Championship's current top eight. The Baggies have home clashes with Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City immediately after the international break before a trip to Preston North End. After the trip to Deepdale, a home clash with fellow promotion hopefuls Swansea City looks another difficult test.

But their final game of their next five fixtures is a favourable looking trip to Wigan Athletic, who are struggling for form towards the bottom off the Championship table.
Preston's next five games

Just like West Brom, Preston North End have a tricky looking set of fixtures just around the corner. After the international break, the Lilywhites face away trips to Derby County and Hull City before welcoming West Brom to Deepdale on December 2 for a tasty looking clash.

Preston will then travel to London to face QPR before welcoming Fulham to Deepdale three days later.
Swansea's next five games

Swansea City, currently occupying fourth in the Championship table, face a mix of favourable looking fixtures and some tough assignments as well. Following the international break, Steve Cooper's side, who snatched a dramatic late draw against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, welcome Millwall to the Liberty Stadium before travelling to Hull City a few days later.

But the Swans then face clashes with Fulham (home) and West Brom (away), meaning they could be key games in defining their next run of games.
Nottingham Forest's next five games

Fifth-placed Nottingham Forest face potentially tricky opponents in their next four games, including trips to Bristol City and Millwall, before capping off their next five matches with a favourable looking home clash with Middlesborough on December 10.
Bristol City's next five games

The Robins round out the play-off spots and host Forest in the first game after the international break before a trip to West Brom and a home match against Huddersfield.

A visit to Fulham is then followed by Millwall at home.



https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/breaking-down-next-five-fixtures-17232375

WhiteJC

Under-23: Fulham 3-4 Watford

By Kevin Affleck

Hayden Mullins felt the team spirit binding this newly-assembled group of players came racing to the fore in the Premier League Cup tie with Fulham as they recovered from falling behind three times to win a thriller.

The Cottagers, who beat holders Everton in their opening match in this group, took the lead through Fabio Carvalho, Jayden Harris and then Tayo Edun, but on each occasion the Hornets came up with an answer. Joseph Hungbo got the first, Kaylen Hinds netted the second, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton got his first at this level for the third equaliser before Hungbo cracked in another fine goal for the winner 18 minutes from time.

Seven of the starting XI at Fulham's Motspur Park training ground were not even contracted to the club at the end of last season, but the integration process has been so smooth and the bond formed already so tight that they look like they have been playing together for a couple of seasons. They were even able to complete this rescue act without Sam Dalby, the striker who limped off before the hour, and captain Jamal Balogun, who was only fit enough to be among the subs.

"Fulham are a good side so this is a result the boys have got to be pleased with," said Mullins. "To come here and score four goals and beat them is a very good testament to the lads. We are in a good run of form, but it all comes from working hard and trying to do the right things at the right time. It all stems from the hard work they put in during the week. Now they are getting the rewards."

The side are eight points clear at the top of the South Division of the Professional Development League and now they are top of a Premier League Cup group that includes Fulham, Everton and Plymouth. The win over Fulham was notable as the hosts are a Category 1 Academy side and boasted Timmy Abraham, the brother of England striker Tammy, in attack.

"It was a good win as one of the things we try and instil in them is to keep going right until the end," said Mullins. "We encourage them to stick to the game plan if they go behind and to keep playing the way we want, which is to attack and press from the front. I thought we did those two things really well."

There is no chance of Mullins allowing this group of players to think they have cracked it before the Christmas decorations have even gone up. He will be poring over the footage to see how they managed to concede three goals despite playing really well defensively, with Bayli Spencer-Adams and Harry Hudson in particular doing well at the heart of the defence.

"I'm really disappointed with the goals we have given away," he said. "All three goals are from us switching off and that's hurt us. We are really disappointed with that, especially when we've had to work hard to break them down to get our goals. The ones we have given them are a bit cheap."

Fortunately, the Hornets had enough guile and firepower at the other end to make up for the three lapses. Hungbo got the first and fourth to take his tally to ten for the season.

"He's not the finished article by any stretch," said Mullins. "He knows there is a lot more to come but he is having a fantastic time and is in a rich vein of form. Long may it continue. He took his goals really well and could have had a hat-trick."

Hinds, who was a highly-rated youngster at Arsenal and who has Bundesliga experience, had his most effective game for the team and showed his versatility by playing both roles in attack. He got the second after a wonderful defence-splitting pass from Callum Whelan.

"Kaylen joined us this season and has showed good intelligence," said Mullins. "He played in the ten role to start with then went up to play nine after Sam went off. He takes it all in his stride and plays both roles equally effective. He got on the scoresheet, which is always good, and I'm pleased for him as he's been brilliant for the group."

Mullins has also been able to integrate Lo-Everton, the Scotland youth international, into a winning side in the last two matches. The playmaker, 17, linked the play nicely after coming on early in the second half and neatly put away the third goal.

"Sonny has been done really well," said Mullins. "He's a player that we like as he's nice and bright in possession. We got him on early today early and it was a good opportunity to play behind Kaylen. He did it to really good effect."

HORNETS: Parkes; Barrett, Spencer-Adams, Hudson, Gordon; Hungbo, Whelan (C), Wise (Adebiyi 72), Bennetts (Trialist 80); Hinds, Dalby (Lo-Everton 52). Subs not used: White and Balogun.



https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/under-23s/under-23-fulham-3-4-watford


WhiteJC

Fulham: Fans prove Twitter post wrong as supporters praise Cyrus Christie performance

Fulham may have edged Birmingham City to record a first win in three weeks, but Aleksandar Mitrovic's winner may not have been enough to secure him the Man of the Match award, if these replies are anything to go by.

After lauding the Serbian for a 'Mitro-inspired' performance, the Fulham faithful seemed to prove the club's following Twitter post wrong, which appeared to determine the Man of the Match award as a one-horse race.

While some fans put in genuine shouts for first-half substitute Cyrus Christie, there were a fair share of more sarcastic replies to the post, including calls for Maxime Le Marchand – who only lasted 34 minutes – as well as Josh Onomah for a supposedly poor passing performance (though his accuracy rate was some 64.3% better than one fan gave him credit for).

Either way, it seems that Mitrovic was by no means Fulham's standout star as the Whites scraped victory in the Midlands:



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/championship/fulham-fans-prove-twitter-post-wrong-as-supporters-praise-cyrus-christie-performance/

WhiteJC

Report: Leeds United and Fulham want Daniel Ayala

According to reports from TeamTalk, Leeds are one of the clubs showing interest in signing Daniel Ayala from Championship rivals Middlesbrough in January.

Boro are looking to offload Ayala in January to avoid losing him for free in the summer. Ayala joined Boro in 2014 and has been a key player for them. However, they cannot afford to extend his contract beyond the end of the season, and that's why they have taken the decision to sell him.

Obviously, for a player of his calibre and experience, Ayala won't have a shortage of options. In this case, Leeds United, Fulham, and Stoke City are all vying for his signature.

Ayala has made over 200 appearances for Boro, and he would be a smart signing for Leeds. The defender will be available on cheap given his contract situation, and Leeds may look to take a punt on that.

The defender came through the ranks at Liverpool after joining their academy from Sevilla. He has played for several Championship clubs before joining Boro. After a five-year stay at the club, it looks like he could be set for a new challenge elsewhere.



https://sportslens.com/report-leeds-united-and-fulham-want-daniel-ayala/279371/

WhiteJC

Talking Points: Birmingham City

Aleksandar Mitrović features heavily in Talking Points, with the focus on his paternal instincts, as well as his controversial yellow card.

1. Harsh yellow?

Nobody in the ground really seemed to understand the reasons for Aleksandar Mitrović's booking, and the man himself was unable to shed any real light on it either. "I tried to help [Jude Bellingham] because he had blood on his lips," Mitro told FFCtv. "I told him he had the blood and to stay on the ground so that the referee could come over. Then the referee went to talk to his assistant and gave me a yellow card. I don't know why. I just tried to help." Unfortunately, yellow cards cannot be appealed, which means Mitrović will miss the Queens Park Rangers match having collected five bookings.

2. Plan B

Mitrović's importance to the Fulham team is plain to see, but we will need to switch things up for the West London derby. Bobby Decordova-Reid has played the number nine role many times for his previous clubs, while Aboubakar Kamara provides a different type of option. One silver lining is that the international break will provide Scott Parker with more time than usual to try out new systems and tactics.

3. Christie staking his claim

Cyrus Christie was introduced earlier than he would have expected after Maxime Le Marchand picked up a first half injury, but the right-back delivered an assured performance that influenced proceedings at both ends of the pitch. While contributing to a much craved clean sheet, he also delivered the flighted cross that proved too testing for Lee Camp to hold, allowing Mitrović to turn home the winner.


4. Mitro's paternal instincts

It was a bitter, torrential afternoon in the Midlands, and so when stand-in captain Mitrović realised the Fulham mascot was shivering, he quickly took his jacket off and draped it over the young fan. Birmingham had a whole host of kids in the same situation, and so the rest of the Whites players copied their skipper's example and parted with their tops. (It was perhaps a little surprising the Blues mascots were willing to wear the FFC crest, though, having spent plenty of pre-match booing our media team in the tunnel). 😉

5. First clean sheet for Marek

While Marek Rodák technically kept a clean sheet against Middlesbrough, he'll likely count this shutout as the first official one of his Fulham career in the Championship, and fully deserved it was too. The youngster made a number of saves throughout the encounter, most impressively in the second half when he tipped a Lukas Jutkiewicz header onto the crossbar.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/november/11/talking-points-birmingham-city


FFC1987

Ayala is a name I'd be thrilled to get in January.

ScalleysDad

I hope No.24 managed to find the itch before the game started.

The top swapping thing never got a mention over the weekend but a brilliant gesture. Many, including myself, would suggest it was the decent thing to do under the circumstances but these days something like this is not quite so automatic.

I wonder if the kit man had a meltdown?

Woolly Mammoth

Quote from: ScalleysDad on November 11, 2019, 10:56:41 AM
I hope No.24 managed to find the itch before the game started.


I think he was just having a Roll Call.
Its not the man in the fight, it's the fight in the man.  🐘

Never forget your Roots.


KeenCottager

Quote from: FFC1987 on November 11, 2019, 09:34:06 AM
Ayala is a name I'd be thrilled to get in January.

Maybe not thrilled but a decent recruit and should not cost a great deal.

If we could get him and farm out MLM back to France on loan then that would be ideal .

FFC1987

Quote from: KeenCottager on November 11, 2019, 01:29:05 PM
Quote from: FFC1987 on November 11, 2019, 09:34:06 AM
Ayala is a name I'd be thrilled to get in January.

Maybe not thrilled but a decent recruit and should not cost a great deal.

If we could get him and farm out MLM back to France on loan then that would be ideal .

I really rate him to be honest and expect next to nothing in January so this would be amazing in my book.

Statto

Ayala won't happen. He won't want to come here just to warm the bench for Mawson and Hector