Monday Fulham Stuff - 25/11/19...

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Results

Sunday
Middlesborough	2-2	Hull

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Scott Parker "really pleased" for Aboubakar Kamara after match-winning brace

Scott Parker insisted both Fulham and Aboubakar Kamara have put last season's controversy behind them after the striker scored twice to sink QPR 2-1.

Kamara's Craven Cottage career looked over in January after a series of bust-ups, one of which saw him arrested, banned from the club and then sent on loan to Turkish side Malatyaspor.

Yet Cottagers boss Parker has reintegrated Kamara into the squad and, with 12-goal top-scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic suspended, turned to the Frenchman to lead the line against Rangers.

Parker was rewarded with a goal in each half as Fulham came from behind to beat their west London rivals and climb up to fourth in the Sky Bet Championship table.

Parker said: "I'm really pleased for him. He has not been a problem since I stepped into the role.

"You have to manage him differently but he gives you everything and he topped off his performance with two really good finishes. The perception is very different to the reality.

"What happened last season with Abou is well documented but he has come back into the squad with the blessing of the players. They are fully on board.

"He has not been involved much this season, and he has his moments, but he is a grafter and he works hard and he deserved his goals."

Rangers were ahead inside three minutes, when Todd Kane drilled a low centre across goal and Jordan Hugill, on a season-long loan from West Ham, arrived at the far post to steer the ball into the net.

But when Denis Odoi crossed from the right Kamara – making only his second start of the season – headed his first Fulham goal since netting the consolation in a 4-1 defeat at Arsenal on New Year's Day.

Fulham's tails were up and five minutes later Tom Cairney fed Ivan Cavaleiro, who got beyond Grant Hall but crashed his shot against the near post.

Their pressure told in the 65th minute when Rangers goalkeeper Joe Lumley's poor clearance fell straight to the feet of Stefan Johansen.

The Norwegian midfielder played the ball through to Kamara, who took a touch before beating Lumley inside the far post.

QPR boss Mark Warburton said: "It's very frustrating to be leaving with nothing.

"We know about the quality in the Fulham squad, but we had to be brave and you saw us being brave.

"We got the early goal, created chances, matched a high-quality team in possession and been very, very good – but we've lost 2-1.

"In that first period we could have been two or three up. Had we left with a point, I'd have been frustrated."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/scott-parker-really-pleased-for-aboubakar-kamara-after-match-winning-brace_380299.html

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Parker praises players after derby win over QPR

Scott Parker was full of praise for his team after they overcame London rivals QPR at Craven Cottage on Friday night.

Fulham, who were without the suspended Aleksandar Mitrovic up front, secured all three points in a 2-1 win with stand-in striker Abou Kamara betting both goals for the home team.

Parker's men had fallen behind within the opening three minutes as Jordan Hugill gave the Rs the lead but the home team equalised in the middle of the first half before Kamara found the winner in the 63rd minute.

The win sends Fulham up to 4th in the table just four points behind leaders West Bromwich Albion.

Parker admitted that his team started poor before improving and he was full of praise for Kamara who stepped up to the plate in Mitrovic's absence.

He told West London Sport: "I thought the first 15-20 minutes we were really poor. QPR started very well and we changed things but the longer the first half went on we were better," said Parker.

"The second half we put in a performance that was worthy of the win. We had a few words at half time as we were a bit sloppy and we didn't pick up second balls.

"I'm really pleased for Kamara and the fact you have to manage Abou differently.

"When he goes over the white line he gives you everything. The reality here rather than the perception from outside is that he's a well respected and appreciated member of the squad. He's not been involved a lot this season but he's a grafter and works hard."

Although Fulham are right in the mix for promotion, Parker refused to get carried away about his team's chances of getting back to the top flight.

He said: "My team showed a real desire tonight. We have players who are flamboyant, but you need something deep rooted and that's a mentality and a desire which makes good football clubs.

"I've seen a side to us that is top and a side that is a work in progress. It's important in this league to have a good mentality and drive.

"We lost most games last year in the Premier League because we never had any momentum. We're building foundations."



https://the72.co.uk/149719/parker-praises-players-after-derby-win-over-qpr/

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Fulham 2-1 QPR: Aboubakar Kamara problems in the past, says Scott Parker


Kamara and his team-mates celebrate the striker's winning goal ( PA )

Scott Parker believes Aboubakar Kamara has left the problems of last season behind, heaping praise on the striker after his double sent Fulham into the Championship playoff places.

Starting in place of the suspended Aleksandar Mitrovic, Kamara scored twice as Fulham came from a goal down to beat QPR 2-1 in Friday night's west London derby.

Not so long ago, Kamara's Fulham career looked over, after he was banned from the club and sent on loan to Turkish outfit Malatyaspor following a series of bust-ups, one of which saw him arrested.

The goals were the 24-year-old's first since he was reintegrated into the squad during preseason, and Parker was delighted with his display.

"I'm really pleased for him," Parker said. "He has not been a problem since I stepped into the role.


Kamara's cool finish sealed all three points for the home side. (PA)

"You have to manage him different, of course you do, he's not the same as you manage some of the others.

"But there's one thing you can guarantee about Abou: when he steps over that line, he gives you everything and I think we saw that tonight. He topped off his performance with two very good goals, two really good finishes."

Parker also moved to address any suggestion that, despite his return to the fold, there remained tension between Kamara and the rest of the playing staff. 

"He's a liked member in his squad," Parker added. "You saw it after the second goal, and maybe the perception on the outside is very different to the reality.

"What happened last season with Abou is well-documented but he has come back into the squad with the blessing of the players. They are fully on board.

"He has not been involved much this season, and he has his moments, but he is a grafter and he works hard and he deserved his goals."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-aboubakar-kamara-problems-in-the-past-scott-parker-qpr-a4294601.html

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'Don't care how much he costs' – Many Leeds fans call for club to sign 'class' playmaker in January

Ebere Eze started for QPR against Fulham in the west London derby last night and many Leeds United fans have been calling for the club to swoop for him in January.

Eze's side slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage, with Aboubakar Kamara, who started in the absence of Aleksander Mitrovic, scoring a brace for the hosts.

QPR looked impressive early on exerting some real pressure and creating a number of good chances–with Jordan Hugill giving them the lead after three minutes.

Eze sparkled early on for the R's but struggled to have much influence after Kamara's 27th-minute equaliser.

The 21-year-old playmaker has been in sensational form this season–scoring six times and providing four assists in the Championship, as well as receiving the highest average rating from Whoscored.

After a late-season slump in form saw Leeds miss out on promotion in the 2018/19 campaign, the Yorkshire club may be looking to add some reinforcements in January.

The Whites have struggled in front of goal in comparison to their top-of-the-table rivals, with the top two sides having outscored them by at least eight goals so far.

Many Leeds fans appear to think that Eze could be the answer to that issue and took to Twitter to call for the club to sign him in January.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/dont-care-how-much-he-costs-many-leeds-fans-call-for-club-to-sign-class-playmaker-in-january/

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Cottage Talk Post Post Match Show: Fulham vs. QPR

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

This is our post match show of Fulham's 2-1 victory against QPR. Emilio Di Nello and Max Cohen discussed all of the key moments of this victory.


Lastly, you can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/11/23/20979295/cottage-talk-post-post-match-show-fulham-vs-qpr

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Phillip Cocu provides injury update on Derby County duo; rules Graeme Shinnie out of Fulham clash

Derby County manager Phillip Cocu has provided a brief injury update on Mason Bennett and Graeme Shinnie for RamsTV and rules the latter out of the Fulham clash.

The Rams had an eventful afternoon against Preston as they eventually won 1-0. Both Mason Bennett and Graeme Shinnie had to come off in the first half with injuries.

Shinnie had settled into Derby's first team after an absence at the start of the season. The Scot was in decent form, but his afternoon abruptly came to an end.

The Scotland international midfielder stretched for the ball while making a pass out wide. It became evident fairly quickly he was struggling with a hamstring injury.

Talking to RamsTV, Cocu says he won't be available for Fulham away.

It's early. It looks like for [Graeme] Shinnie that it's a hamstring injury. We have to wait 48 hours for the bleeding to settle down and we can see on the scan. We don't count him for Tuesday's game [against Fulham]. Hopefully it's not too bad. Mason [Bennett] is more complicated to say. It's an ankle issue.

Derby County deal with more injuries:

It seemed like the injuries would hamper Derby after they seized control early on. However, George Evans and Martyn Waghorn came on and both played well.

Waghorn ended up scoring the only goal of the game as he bundled in from close range from a corner. It was a rare set-piece goal for the Rams but it was well deserved.

Derby held on to beat Preston and claim their fifth straight win at home. The Rams have turned Pride Park into a fortress, and now they need to perform on the road.

Cocu's side travel to London on Tuesday to face Fulham. Derby's record in the capital has been poor in recent years, and they will go there with a depleted squad.

Shinnie's absence will pave the way for George Evans to start. Kieran Dowell, meanwhile, may find the Scot's injury gives him another opportunity for a first team appearance.



https://www.derbycounty.news/analysis/phillip-cocu-provides-injury-update-on-derby-county-duo-rules-graeme-shinnie-out-of-fulham-clash/

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Five Thoughts: Fulham 2-1 Queens Park Rangers

West London is black and white and we'll never get bored of tagging that in various gloating tweets, at least for a couple more days. Derbies, you've gotta embrace them. Queens Park Rangers are irrelevant, we know this, but they raised gloves for a good ol' fashioned dust up down by the river and boy, what a humdinger we were treated to under the lights.

Legend has it that a disgruntled Rs dimwit growled to one of the Fulhamish lads that he was going to 'wang' them. I don't wish to know what that means, but I imagine it's wholly unpleasant. Then again, if I was on my way back to White City in the gloom of a self-inflicted defeat, I'd probably want to boil my own head in a vat of vomit, so we'll just have to sympathise with that poor, salty soul.

Nothing was pretty about the 3 points but it's been said before, we have to win ugly from time to time if we're going to be taken seriously. Scott Parker has his wish and now Fulham are perched in the play-off spots. Marvellous. Turfing QPR out of SW6 whilst they're picking the bones out of Mark Warburton's painful philosophy? Those kind of obnoxious bragging rights are worth shouting about at 1am in a ropy kebab shop. Come on you shaggin' Whites!

Scott Switches Strategy
Have to admit it, but the opening 15 minutes on Friday evening were without a doubt the worst I've witnessed from Fulham for an extremely long time. QPR raced out the traps and set about Fulham's back four as a pack, strangulating the hosts' rushed spells in possession. It didn't take long for Rangers to reap the rewards of their relentless high press, three minutes, in fact, and as the Whites tentatively jabbed the ball into perilous areas, tails were certainly up in Warburton's camp. Something drastic in Fulham's susceptible system had to change, fast.

Ivan Cavaleiro and Anthony Knockaert rarely tracked back, which in turn allowed Todd Kane and Ryan Manning to venture forward without being shadowed. That's where QPR were evidently most dangerous. Establishing base camp in Fulham's half, the West Londoners limited the Whites to ill-timed, shoddily constructed sequences, a deficiency that altered as soon as Bobby Decordova-Reid entered proceedings for a bruised Harrison Reed in the 54th minute. An impetus emerged and the Jamaica international's effect was instantly recognisable. BDR drops into slight gaps and pockets so naturally and he was the key to unlocking QPR's stubborn, yet accessible, back three. In recent weeks, Rangers' defensive solidity's resembled a bowl of sloppy scrambled egg and Parker, aware of the opposition's defects, threw caution to the wind and challenged the lads to crank up the tempo.

The Whites flipped the tie on its head but as the clock ticked on, the possibility of QPR spoiling the party also loomed. Our one-dimensional guests lumped long balls in Jordan Hugill's direction but, as Cyrus Christie replaced Knockaert in the 76th minute, Denis Odoi shuffled across from the right to form a back three of our own alongside Tim Ream and Alfie Mawson, a shape that enabled us to banish the Rs' aerial bombardment in the dying embers with a trio of primed centre-halves at the ready. Even the extra time arrival of Kevin McDonald also puzzled Rangers' approach, as it's not very often a stalwart of his stature is second best in any sort of physical duel. Parker managed the game correctly and his defining strategical decisions were shrewd and aligned with the flow and narrative of the game. His tactical judgement and perception was on point and he undoubtedly deserves a heaped helping of praise and gratitude. Word up, Scotty.

Killer Kamikaze Kamara
Cometh the minute, cometh the man. Aboubakar Kamara, I'm gonna tell my kids he's Sergio Aguero. I'll take this moment to apologise on behalf of a vast cluster of our fan base – we've questioned your credibility as a professional footballer, Abou', but that's come with reason and rationality but wow, that is one hell of a way to button our beaks. The mercurial menace with a shaven, polished bonce, played the game of his entire career in a certain Serbian's absence. Rangers weren't ready for that smoke. They really, really weren't prepared for that hefty dollop of sizzling hot sauce on a Friday evening.

An unlikely hero on the night, AK47 was everywhere. Mobility is his main trait but with intelligent movement sprinkled into the pot, the 24-year-old was cooking on gas. Scanning each and every blade of grass for breathing space or a launch pad to propel his broad frame into hyperspeed, there was no force on earth, let alone Toni Leistner, that could suppress the animated attacker. Peeling off his marker on the penalty spot, Kamara adjusted his posture to nut Odoi's exceptional cross past a strained Joe Lumley. Aleksandar Mitrovic had a perfect vantage point from the Cottage and that 26th-minute header was plucked straight from his trusted handbook. Abou' definitely surprised himself with that one but it was executed with supreme technique and poise. Kamikaze devastation.

Cav' and AK regularly alternated throughout, a rotation that distressed QPR's fullbacks greatly. We rely heavily on Mitro's hold-up play and Kamara tried his damnedest to emulate his colleague. Kamara couldn't make the ball stick like Mitro', let's be fair, but he did interlink and combine expertly on the break and then, after strangulating QPR within their 18-yard box, the stand-in marksman was presented with an opportunity to double his tally. Freed by Stefan Johansen, Abou' sized up the target, factoring Lumley out of the equation. He could have squared it to Bobby but a brace was in the offing. QPR's blighted stopper flicked a wrist and grazed ball with latex however, to the Hammersmith End's unbridled delight, the net rippled. In the post-match press conference, you could see how much the victory meant to the scrutinised attacker, that smirk of his has already been embraced as a viral meme. He was utterly beside himself and overjoyed by the raucous reception he received. You won't start every week, but you can hold that head high, Abou'. What a weapon.

Really Rate Rodak
We have a very special stopper in Marek Rodak. The young Slovakia international could have crumbled after seeing Hugill's deflection creep over the line by a matter of inches but he picked himself up, spat on his gloves and remained cool, calm and collected between the sticks, denying QPR further satisfaction with a series of sublime reaction saves. Nakhi Wells charged through Fulham's rearguard and a goal appeared imminent. Darting from his goalmouth, Rodak planted himself, narrowed the gap and called Wells' bluff, forcing QPR's striker to rush his effort. Blockading from point-blank range on the fringes of the penalty area, order was restored.

Just before the break, an alarming cross was whipped in from the right and Hugill lashed a low, driven strike towards the target. Alert and vigilant, Rodak plunged to his right to paw the ball away from jeopardy, a remarkable save that was essential. Fulham were in the ascendancy with momentum in their favour, and if Rodak didn't thwart the West Ham loanee in the 42nd minute, the complexion of the tie would have soured and Dom Betts would've been at the pub come the 55th minute.

His distribution was positive and practical. Lengthy punted clearances sailed into our attackers pathways and, in turn, our defensive department was able to reset themselves for Rangers' next impending advancement. His short game was also rational and convincing. The Whites build from the back and Rodak is a purveyor of that concept. Marcus Bettinelli has a lot to learn from his younger teammate, because in the few games where Rodak has featured (discounting his erratic display against Middlesbrough), the fledgling 'keeper has matched England's unofficial 4th-choice in every given aspect.

Determined Denis Delivers
A manager's dream. That's what they call him. Denis Odoi's innate adaptability enables him to action his duties at any capacity across the back four and the diminutive Belgian, guarding the right flank behind Knockaert from the off, embodied the fight, enterprise and desire you'd expect from a squad member that understands the rudiments for success at this level. Stamping his authority and ploughing into Eberechi Eze wherever possible, the 31-year-old stickler was a well-rounded initiator with the ball at his feet.

A few lazy, white-knuckle swipes at the ball cannoned from Odoi's right in the opening minutes but those flashy orange and black Pumas were only just getting into the swing of things, literally. Pirouetting Manning, leaving him in a neighbouring postcode, Odoi hurtled forward and shifted into David Beckham mode. Wrapping his unassuming wand around the ball, Odoi dispatched an exceptional in-swinger into the 18-yard box, a peach that assisted AK's opener. Odoi relishes the chance to surge forward, often aimlessly, although that was mesmeric sorcery. The ball got the treatment.

Off the ball, Odoi held his discipline and if Manning, Luke Amos or Wells broke free, the versatile handyman bolted in retreat, busting his lungs to freeze QPR's progression. Inexhaustible, workmanlike, Odoi always rises to the occasion and never squirms at the prospect of getting grass stains on his shorts. I enjoyed watching him steam into 50/50 challenges with a face of thunder and I certainly savoured the way he made Eze his bitch on a retractable leash. He still reminds me of that kid who'd Naruto run through corridors at school, weirdly, but at least he has a final product in his locker and not a pornographic manga strip.

Surely Should Score
I thought I'd sign out on a subtly sinister note and that's the realisation that no matter how many opportunities we carved out against QPR, we're still struggling to kill games off routinely. Now, the lads worked as a unit to claim three points and it was fully deserved, but how about that crazy 5 minutes after AK's second? Surely, thriving on momentum, we should have compounded Rangers' plight with another goal to seal the victory. A goal's gap will never be enough. It goads the opposition and it often lulls us into a false sense of security.

QPR, like Fulham, also had chances to widen the deficit but with Cav' wracking the post in the first-half and Knocky shaving the woodwork in the 66th minute, the Whites could have lamented their uneconomical nature in front of the target. A multitude of basic, elemental phases fizzled out and with the explosive firepower we have at our disposal, we shouldn't have to scavenge. We're due a comprehensive steamrolling but we have to awaken that killer instinct.

Perhaps we were missing Mitro's prowess and maybe it was purely a night for close shaves and could be/would be moments, but it's not exactly like QPR shut up shop. We were shaky in spells, but they left the front door wide open with the till unattended. We manipulated Rangers, dismantling them with a swift patterns and strenuous pressure although further reward evaporated with one too many touches or step-overs. Knockaert, love him, but he doesn't know when to give and receive possession effectively. He wriggles to the byline with a clear window to pierce the penalty area, but he doesn't seem to trust his cross. This goes for everyone: beat your man, lift your head and gamble on one of your teammates to address the ball at the back stick. The downpour of goals would be torrential, I promise.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2019-11-23-five-thoughts-fulham-2-1-queens-park-rangers/

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Profit Players: Tim Ream has become a new American hero at Fulham

This article forms part of our Profit Players feature series, which is where Football Transfer Tavern takes a look at how well a player has fared since being signed or sold, using statistical figures and statements from pundits to prove how good of a deal the club managed to achieve.

When signing from Bolton Wanderers in August 2015, Tim Ream was looking to follow in the footsteps of Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra and become another successful American export at Fulham.

Having been told he was free to leave the club upon the arrival of Slavisa Jokanovic at Craven Cottage later that year, it may have seemed unlikely he would significantly add to the history his compatriots had made at the club.

But fast-forward to the present day, and Ream is an integral part of the Fulham defence, and captain of the United States.

And what was a mere £1.5m signing (according to Transfermarkt) turned out to be arguably the piece of the puzzle that helped Fulham temporarily regain their top-flight status.

He had to work his way into Jokanovic's plans, and arguably did not manage to claim a regular starting spot until a year into the Serbian's tenure, which led to Fulham suffering play-off heartbreak at the hands of Reading in the 2016/17 season.

Everything came together in the following campaign, as Ream's part in Fulham's long unbeaten stretch of games and run to the Championship play-off final saw the American become the club's Player of the Season as they secured promotion to the top tier.

His performances in that campaign had fans and journalists singing his praises:

While last season would end in despair, Ream has continued to front the fight for promotion once again, playing in all but one of Fulham's league fixtures as they strive to bounce back immediately under Scott Parker.

Ream's status in the squad represents a remarkable turnaround for a player who Jokanovic had not initially wanted, and considering the small fee that brought him to Craven Cottage, it is nothing short of a great success story for the 32-year-old, who remains a vital component of the team after relegation.

And by recently extending his deal at the club until 2021, Fulham will surely be hoping they can continue to profit from their wise decision to recruit the USA international over four years ago.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/fulham/profit-players-tim-ream-has-become-a-new-american-hero-at-fulham/

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Games for Mid-Week 26/11
Tuesday evening at the Cottage, this time we take on Derby County.

After a shaky start Friday evening the lads eventually came good with AK47 getting a couple of well taken goals.
Scotty Parker will have to think hard and long about his inclusion in the starting eleven now that Mitro has served his one match ban.
If the two of them could form a partnership they would be truly frightening to any team.

Derby also had a home win, their fifth successive home win, against Preston North End on Saturday however they've not had too much success on the road.

COYW's

Games of Interest...
Tuesday 26th
Fulham v Derby
Luton v Charlton
Millwall v Wigan
Reading v Leeds

Wednesday 27th
Blackburn v Brentford
QPR v Nottm Forest


come on over to the forum and join in the discussion...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=1.0



https://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=994

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'Perfect signing' – Exclusive: Bent urges Aston Villa to swoop for in-form attacker

Darren Bent urged Aston Villa to swoop for Fulham attacker Aleksandar Mitrovic as he would be the "perfect" January signing for the club.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Laura O'Leary, the former Villans striker shared that Dean Smith needed to recruit a new centre-forward and revealed he believes Mitrovic would be the ideal fit.

Mitrovic has been in red-hot form for Fulham this season as he has racked up 12 goals in his first 16 Championship appearances of the season.

Bent explained that he thought Mitrovic was too good to be playing in the Championship and suggested that he'd be a sure thing for Villa as you know if you give him service, then he will score goals.

"For me, the perfect signing would be Mitrovic," Bent told Football Insider.

"I think he's too good in the Championship and I think Villa need a centre-forward who can potentially score goals, obviously Wesley has done okay but he hasn't really set the world alight as of yet.

"But we know what Mitrovic can do if you give him the service,  he can score goals so for me if I was Villa, I'd try and go out and get him as he'll be the ideal fit."

The 25-year-old has been with Fulham on a permanent basis since joining from Newcastle United in July 2018, after previously impressing for the Cottagers on loan.

Mitrovic has racked up a total of 35 goals in 75 outings for the London club and is contracted to stay at Craven Cottage until 2024 after signing a new deal in July.




https://www.footballinsider247.com/perfect-signing-exclusive-bent-urges-aston-villa-to-swoop-for-in-form-attacker/

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'Problem' - Fulham boss drops selection hint ahead of Derby County clash

Fulham boss drops selection hint ahead of Derby County clash

Fulham boss Scott Parker says striker Aboubakar Kamara has given him a problem ahead of Tuesday's clash with Derby County.

Kamara scored both goals in Fulham's 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Friday night after stepping in for the suspended Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Mitrovic, the Championship's top scorer on 12, is available to face Derby at Craven Cottage and Parker must decide whether to recall Mitrovic, to keep Kamara in or start with both.

Parker described Kamara's performance against QPR as "fantastic", telling Sky Sports: "I think Aboubakar probably comes under a lot of scrutiny, really. People refer back to last year and stuff what's happened, but since I've been at this football club he has been top-class.

"He's a character which you have to manage – you have to sometimes give him a yard because that's the person he is.

"But ultimately, he doesn't cross a line, and when you put him on the field, he gives you everything he's got.

"We saw that, and that culminated in his two goals. I've got nothing but positive things to say about Abou – he's given me a problem now."




https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-derby-county-aleksandar-mitrovic-3572510

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Aboubakar Kamara nets first Fulham goals since exile in QPR comeback
Fulham 2-1 QPR: The Cottagers came back after Jordan Hugill scored early for the visitors

In brief

    Fulham (4-3-3): Rodak; Odoi, Mawson, Ream, Bryan; Johansen, Reed (Decordova-Reid 54), Cairney; Knockaert (Christie 75), Kamara, Cavaleiro (McDonald 90)
    Queens Park Rangers (5-3-2): Lumley; Kane, Hall (Mlakar 81), Leistner, Wallace, Manning; Ball, Amos (Chair 66), Eze; Wells (Scowen 66), Hugill.
    Goals: Hugill, Kamara, Kamara; Referee: J Linington

CRAVEN COTTAGE -- Aboubakar Kamara struck his first Fulham goals since the start of January to complete the comeback victory over Queens Park Rangers that moved Scott Parker's side up to fourth in the Championship.

Kamara - who appeared on his way out of the club after being arrested following an incident at the club's training ground in January - ensured the Cottagers recovered after they had fallen behind to Jordan Hugill's eighth goal of the season in the third minute.

The striker, deputising for the suspended 12-goal leading scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, was making his first league start since the opening day of the season and responded with a goal in each half to deliver the win Parker hopes will mark the end of his side's frustratingly inconsistent form.

Initially, though, it looked as though they were set for more disappointment as Mark Warburton's visitors started the game with much more purpose, immediately pressing the home side back and forcing the opening goal within three minutes of kick-0ff.

A routine throw-in left Todd Kane with time and space out on the right flank, allowing the Rangers's wing-back to deliver a low ball across the home six-yard box.

Keeper Marek Rodak attempted to cut out the danger but succeeded only in pushing the ball towards Hugill who finished easily from close-range, the ball crossing the line before Denis Odoi hooked it clear.

It was the worst possible start for Parker's side and they would have found themselves further behind had Kane not managed slice his first time effort wide when presented with an open goal after Rodak had parried Nakhi Wells's shot.

The visitors were dominant with Parker's side unable to make an impression on the game and apparently in deep trouble.

The momentum of the game, though, shifted abruptly in 27th minute when Kamara converted his side's first real chance.

Odoi did well to create space on the right and deliver a cross towards the forward who found space between Toni Leistner and Grant Hall and was unchallenged as he directed a routine header past Joe Lumley.

It was now Fulham's turn to take charge and they might have forced the lead in the 33rd minute when Ivan Cavaleiro struck the post after being set up by Tom Cairney.

The home side took charge after the restart and Kamara capped the comeback with a well-struck finish after being freed by Cairney's pass.



https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/aboubakar-kamara-fulham-vs-qpr-goals-aleksandr-mitrovic-jordan-hugill-1321014

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Sunderland coach reacts as Fulham thump Black Cats in FA Premier Youth Cup
Sunderland Under-18s suffered an emphatic 4-0 defeat by Fulham in the FA Premier Youth Cup at the Academy on Saturday, writes Neville Pilkington.

The performance was as dismal as the pouring rain and the Londoners finished easy winners.

All four Fulham forwards Jean-Pierre Tiehi, Jay Stansfield, Terry Abalde and Mika Biereth each helped themselves to a goal.

The home side started well and Cole Kiernan was through but the keeper saved after five minutes. Sunderland paid the price for the miss as the visitors went straight downfield to open the scoring.

Play was fairly even subsequently but one minute before the break, Sunderland conceded a penalty when Harry Ord brought down an attacker and lead was doubled from the resulting spot kick.

Sunderland made two changes for the second half with Johnathan Krakue coming on for Ord and Joe Hugill for Liam Miller.

Young tall striker Hugill made some good runs and saw one left-footed strike well saved but the game slipped away as Fulham netted a third on sixty minutes.

They added a fourth nine minutes from time with both goals coming from right wing crosses.

Sunderland coach Paul Bryson said: "The second half display was very poor.

"We were down to the bare bones in team selection due to injuries and could only muster three subs, one of which was 16 year old Ellis Taylor making his debut."

Sunderland: Richardson, Smith, Armstrong, Ord (Krakue), Pye, Wombwell, Jones, Foster, Miller (Hugill 46), Kiernan (Taylor), Kompper.



https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/latest-sunderland-afc-news/sunderland-coach-reacts-fulham-thump-black-cats-fa-premier-youth-cup-1321160

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Black Friday Offer

Black Friday starts early this year at Craven Cottage, with Fulham fans now able to enjoy our exclusive retail offer!

Fans can take advantage of our Black Friday sale which sees 30% off everything in store and online from Monday 25th November until 11.59pm on Monday 2nd December.

Items include our full adidas range, the new COPA retro range, our extensive Fulham FC Christmas collection and much more - there's never been a better time to grab a bargain ahead of the festive period!

Happy Shopping!

T+C's:

    Excludes gift card, sale items or existing promotions.
    Sale ends 11.59pm on Monday 2nd December.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/november/25/black-friday-offer

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Why latest victory can't mask the major problems at Fulham right now: Comment

Fulham moved up to fourth in the Championship after a hard-fought victory over QPR at Craven Cottage on Friday night.

Given the high turnover of players at the club in the summer, you could say that Scott Parker has done a very good job since being appointed on a permanent basis by ensuring the team are firmly in the mix for promotion.

However, whilst the win over their London rivals highlighted the scoring ability that the Cottagers have, and also demonstrated the character of the team as they came from a goal down, it was also a concerning night in terms of their performance.

Despite knowing the importance of the game, the hosts just didn't get going initially and they were very fortunate to be just a goal down by the time they had equalised.

Even though the unpredictability of the Championship is what makes it a special division, there is a lack of control about Fulham that is a huge concern.

On paper, they have a squad that the rest of the league will be jealous of, with the firepower they have in the final third bordering on ridiculous.

Aleksandar Mitrovic is far too good for this level, whilst Anthony Knockaert, Tom Cairney, Ivan Cavaleiro and Bobby Reid have all proven themselves to be standout players in the second tier in the past.

So, Parker's job is about building a structure that gives those a platform to perform and a solid base for the team to build on.

But, it's not really happening. He has changed the goalkeeper already this season, the defenders are constantly making individual errors and he is still searching for the right balance in the middle of the park.

As a result, Fulham have been a great team to watch but ultimately they trail second-placed Leeds United by five points and even at this stage that looks a gap that could take some catching when you look at how well the Whites, and West Brom above them, are playing.

And, make no mistake, automatic promotion has to be the aim for the Cottagers this season and until Parker finds the right formula then they won't be able to reach that level.

The victory over QPR was an important one but it won't have convinced any observers that Fulham are the real deal and a productive January window targeting defensive additions may be needed for the side to end the season in the top two.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/why-latest-victory-cant-mask-the-major-problems-at-fulham-right-now-comment/