Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 10/12/19...

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Fulham take another look at AFC Sudbury Academy star Harry Critchley following his West Ham United trial

Highly-rated AFC Sudbury Academy left-back Harry Critchley is currently in high demand, after being invited to spend a second week at Championship club Fulham.

The second-year scholar, who burst on to the first-team scene at the Yellows this season, went to over to west London on the back of completing a trial at Premier League club West Ham United at the end of last month.

He did enough to be invited back for a second week successive week at Fulham, which accounted for his absence from the senior sides on Saturday.

In the summer AFC Sudbury manager Mark Morsley described him as 'one of the brightest prospects I have seen in a long while' and of his trials said: "Fair play to him. It is a watch this space situation."

Critchley was one of the standout players on the academy's USA Tour in the summer, where they won the Albion Las Vegas Memorial Day Cup.

With fellow left-sided academy talent Ross Crane unexpectedly leaving the club for rivals Bury Town, it led Morsley to promote him into his first-team squad in pre-season before putting him in for his debut in their BetVictor Isthmian League North Division opener at Coggeshall Town.

He went on to play eight of AFC's opening nine games before a broken wrist put him out until making his first-team return in the Buildbase FA Trophy 2-1 defeat at higher-league Kingstonian on November 23.

He will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Tyler French, who became the academy's first graduate to sign a professional contract at a Football League club, on sealing a move from Sudbury to Sky Bet League Two Bradford City in the summer.



https://www.suffolkfreepress.co.uk/sport/isthmian-league-extended-fulham-trial-for-afc-sudbury-academy-star-9092971/

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David Prutton share's his prediction for Preston North End's clash with Fulham

David Prutton has backed Preston North End to secure a point against Fulham on Tuesday evening.

The Lilywhites made an excellent start to the Championship season but have fallen off the pace in dramatic fashion in recent weeks.

Alex Neil's side are currently on a run of four defeats in a row, meaning that a positive result would be well overdue.

For Fulham, things continue to get better as the season unfolds.

An inconsistent start has been followed up by a string of good results which has propelled them up to third in the Championship.

While there's a significant gap between the Cottagers and the top two, they'll be hopeful that a good result at Deepdale can continue their good form – something which David Prutton says could continue in Lancashire.



Writing for Sky Sports, he said: "The fortunes of these two are heading in separate directions at the moment and it's not looking great for Preston.

"They were right up there at the start, but are dropping away at pace and haven't been able to score for love or money over this last month.

"When Fulham were promoted in 2018, they started to pick up pace in the latter half of the season, but Scott Parker's men look to be reaching similar levels already.

"Will it be enough to help them towards the automatic places?"

David Prutton's prediction: Preston North End 2 – 2 Fulham

The verdict

It's a clash that could have everything.

Preston's positive start to the season has faded away, while Fulham are going great guns as they look to build a push for the automatic promotion spots.

It could be an exciting game and a huge three points for the winner.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/david-prutton-shares-his-prediction-for-preston-north-ends-clash-with-fulham/

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All the latest Fulham injury news right here

Fulham travel to Preston North End in the Championship tonight, as Scott Parker's side look to bounce back from their weekend defeat.

It was Bristol City who ended Fulham's four-game winning streak, and took themselves level on points with 3rd-place Fulham.

Goals either side from Josh Brownhill and Famara Diedhiou were enough to see Lee Johnson's side to victory, with Aboubakar Kamara scoring a late consolation.

The defeat leaves just three points between Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday in the final play-off spot, and Parker's side now eight points off Leeds United in 2nd.

They head up north to face a Preston side who've finally slipped out of the top-six with their fourth-straight defeat to nil at the weekend, giving QPR their first win in seven and first clean sheet of the season.

Unavailable for the trip to Deepdale are three first-team players for Fulham: Harry Arter, Maxime Le Marchland and Bobby Reid.

Arter, on-loan from Bournemouth, hasn't been named in a matchday squad since mid-October and his return date is unknown.

Frenchman Le Marchland has also been absent from recent matchday squads after sustaining a muscle injury in his side's 1-0 win at Birmingham City last month.

Arguably Fulham's biggest miss of the three is Reid. The Jamaican international finally got off the mark for the club against Derby County last month but came off after less than an hour, and hasn't featured since.

The 26-year-old is thought to have a slight muscle injury and to be available for selection again before the New Year.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/all-the-latest-fulham-injury-news-right-here/

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Can Preston North End keep Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic quiet at Deepdale?

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is a man in form which isn't exactly music to the ears of Preston North End.

The Serbia international has found the net 23 times in 24 games this season for club and country.

In campaigns gone by, the powerful frontman found a liking for scoring against PNE.

He's struck six goals in his last four meetings with North End in the colours of Newcastle United and the Cottagers.

Four of those goals came in the space of five days in October 2016. Mitrovic struck twice in Newcastle's 6-0 thrashing of PNE in the League Cup at St James' Park.

The Magpies then visited Deepdale in a Championship game later that week and he scored both goals in a 2-0 win.

In March 2018, by now sporting Fulham colours, Mitrovic netted both goals in the London club's 2-1 win over Preston at Deepdale.

He was on loan then before making his move to Fulham a full-time one in July 2018 in a £22m move from Newcastle.

Mitrovic netted 11 times in the top flight but his goals dried up in the second-half of the season.

Fulham holding on to him after relegation has proved important, with him scoring 15 goals so far this campaign.

The 25-year-old has got eight for Serbia too, helping them reach the Euro 2020 play-offs.



https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/preston-north-end/pne-news/can-preston-north-end-keep-fulham-striker-aleksandar-mitrovic-quiet-at-deepdale-1-10146170

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Fulham have some star quality says Preston North End manager Alex Neil

Preston manager Alex Neil thinks Fulham's squad is one of the strongest in the Championship.

The Cottagers, managed by Scott Parker, make the trip to Deepdale tonight (7.45pm) in third place and looking for a return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Neil says they invested well in the summer, as well as keeping hold of some of those who had played in the top-flight last season.

The £25m sale of Ryan Sessegnon to Tottenham helped balance the books.

Fulham's incoming business in the main was done in the loan market, with Harry Arter, Harrison Reed, Anthony Knockaert, Bobby Reid and Ivan Cavaleiro arriving for temporary stays - five of them from Premier League clubs.

Neil said: "Fulham are a good side and have spent a hell of a lot of money to try and get straight back up.

"They have got guys who they have retained from the Premier League who are used to playing at that level.

"I think what Fulham have shown is that when they are at it, they can beat any team in this league."

Fulham's run of four straight wins came to an end on Saturday when they were beaten 2-1 at Craven Cottage by Bristol City.

The Robins went into a 2-0 lead, before substitute Aboubakar Kamara came off the bench to reduce the deficit and set-up a thrilling finale. But an equaliser eluded them.



https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/preston-north-end/pne-news/fulham-have-some-star-quality-says-preston-north-end-manager-alex-neil-1-10146167

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Half Season Subscription

If you're struggling to think of a Christmas present for the Fulham fan in your life, then look no further than a half-season subscription to the official programme!

This season's programmes have gone down a storm with supporters, with each edition jam-packed with interviews, features and all the latest news from Craven Cottage, and the easiest way to get your copy during the all-important run-in each week is to subscribe and ensure it drops through your letterbox in pristine condition.

The half-season deal includes all home league and FA Cup fixtures from Boxing Day, right up until the end of the season.

Prices start at just £65 which includes UK delivery, and they can be shipped worldwide regardless of where you follow Scott Parker's men.

Subscriptions can be bought via ProgrammeMaster's online store now or over the phone at 020 7121 5000.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/december/10/half-season-subscription

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'Should be looking elsewhere' – Fulham weigh up move for Championship striker: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer has a battle on his hands in January if he wants to hold onto striker Macauley Bonne, with Fulham just one of a number of clubs keen on the 24-year-old, according to a report on talkSPORT.

Bonne arrived at the Valley in the summer from Leyton Orient and has scored six goals in 14 league appearances so far this season, having been given his opportunity following injury to team-mate Lyle Taylor.

So is Bonne good enough to make the grade at Fulham and would he fit in?

We discuss........

Ned Holmes

"I think this could be a really smart signing from Fulham.

"They have two strong forward options in Kamara and Mitrovic but they're both big, physical strikers and Bonne offers different talents.

"West Brom and Leeds have started to pull away at the top of the Championship, so you feel Fulham will need to add more quality in January to try and keep up.

"Bonne is only 24 and should improve over the next few years, so he could be a good long-term option for the London club, particularly as you feel Mitrovic may leave if they don't go up."

Josh Cole

"If Fulham are able to convince Bonne to make the move across London in January, his presence at Craven Cottage may help them with their promotion charge.

"One of Charlton's stand-out performers in recent weeks, the forward has already found the back of the net on six occasions in the Championship and thus has seemingly adapted to this division after a slow start to life at the Valley.

"Whilst Fulham already have a plethora of attacking options to choose from due to the presence of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Bobby Reid and Aboubakar Kamara, there is no reason why they shouldn't swoop for Bonne.

"If the former Leyton Orient man can hit the ground running at Craven Cottage, he could potentially play a key role in the club's push for a return to the Premier League next May."

George Harbey

"I think Fulham should be looking elsewhere in January to be quite honest.

"They already have so much firepower going forward – Aleksandar Mitrovic has been exceptional and has scored so many goals this season, and Aboubakar Kamara has also impressed when called upon.

"They also have Bobby Reid who is able to play up top on his own, so it's not as if Fulham are short of options in the final third.

"Bonne has been impressive in the Championship with Charlton this term, and he has exceeded my expectations as I thought the step-up was too much for him to be honest.

"But I wouldn't want to leave Charlton for Fulham if I were him – Lee Bowyer clearly rates him as a player, and he is settled at The Valley."



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/should-be-looking-elsewhere-fulham-weigh-up-move-for-championship-striker-the-verdict/

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'Amazing' – These Fulham fans feel another star is coming through

Fulham fans have reacted to a video of academy player Jay Stansfield scoring his first goal for the development squad against West Ham United in the Premier League 2.

Stansfield is a name that's being banded around Craven Cottage this season. A striker who's scored 18 in 11 games for the U18 side this season was called up to the Fulham U23 and on his debut, against PL2 leaders West Ham, scored his first goal after coming off the bench.

The 18-year-old almost scored just four minutes after coming on but soon found the net after 11 minutes, driving a fierce shot into the back of the net from the edge of the penalty box:

It's heightened interest in the striker at the club and plenty of fans want to see him in action for the first-team.

He certainly looks a talent and one that could well feature in Scott Parker's first-team depending on their January business.

Take a look below at what Fulham fans are saying about Stansfield's goal:



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/amazing-these-fulham-fans-feel-another-star-is-coming-through/

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Three words that sum up Scott Parker's spell as Fulham manager so far

Fulham will be eager to ensure that their stay in the Championship is a short one and that Premier League football will soon be returning.

And it is a case of so far so good for Scott Parker in his first full season in management. With 20 games played, the Whites sit in third place in the Championship, eight points behind the top-two.

So, with the half-way point in the campaign approaching, we take a look at THREE words which sum-up his time at Craven Cottage so far...

Attacking

It is very clear which element of the game Parker has put more emphasis on since taking over permanently at Craven Cottage.

The summer saw him bring in the likes of Anthony Knockaert, Bobby Reid, Ivan Cavaleiro and Josh Onomah as well as give Aleksandar Mitrovic a bumper new deal, whilst only one defender was signed.

It is far from a bad thing, with the Whites often managing to blow away teams with their attacking prowess and it has led to some brilliantly entertaining displays so far.

Stubborn

It is clear that Parker has one way he wants to play and is determined to perfect it.

Anyone who has been to Craven Cottage this season will tell you how is insistance on playing out from the back can regularly frustrate the fans, with Alfie Mawson and Tim Ream often completeing seven or eight consecutive passes between eachother.

When it works, it looks brilliant. But when it doesn't, it perhaps exposes Parker's failure to instill a plan B in his side just yet, which is something he needs to work on.

Admirable

This is perhaps more aimed at the Fulham board.

It was admirable of them to give Parker the job full-time in the summer. Some viewed it as a cheap or lazy option but I think they saw after their spell in the Premier League that they needed a galvanising figure in the dug-out.

And, slowly but surely, Parker is proving himself to be that man. Whilst there continue to be slip-ups, it is hard to deny that his side are continuing to improve over the course of the campaign.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/three-words-that-sum-up-scott-parkers-spell-as-fulham-manager-so-far/

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Is this Fulham man's starting spot at Craven Cottage at risk after latest performance? Comment

Fulham's winning streak came to an untimely halt at the weekend, and it brought to light the slight demise of one player.

Looking for a fifth-straight win at home to Bristol City at the weekend, Scott Parker's side were brought back down to earth by Lee Johnson's.

The Robins came to Craven Cottage on the back of a 5-2 win over Huddersfield Town and left deserved of the win. Goals either side of half-time from Josh Brownhill and Famara Diedhiou was enough to see them home, with Aboubakar Kamara netting a late consolation goal.

Fulham were frustrated on Saturday as they kept pressing and pressing at the Bristol City back-line with no luck – Aleksandar Mitrovic was marked out of the game, and the likes of Ivan Cavaleiro and particularly Anthony Knockaert failed to have an impact.

Another man who's performance was below par on Saturday was that of left-back Joe Bryan. Bryan is one of those full-backs who's consistently consistent – he rarely comes under the spotlight. But he was the weak link in the Fulham defence against his former club at the weekend, and it's not the first time that he has been this season.

A quality left-back on this day, capable of both defending and attacking to great effect, Bryan hasn't fully settle back into the Championship. He like so many others at the club had a torrid time in the Premier League last season and maybe the hangover from that has carried on into this?

At 26-years-old he's soon to enter the 'prime' of his career but as his form looks to be stalling, is his first-team spot at Fulham at risk?

Maxime Le Marchland is the first name that springs to mind when doubting Bryan's spot in the starting line-up. The Frenchman replaced him early on in last months defeat to Hull City and started the next with Bryan injured, but picked up an injury himself that game and hasn't featured since.

Another candidate to potentially fulfil the role is Cyrus Christie. A right-back by trade, and another name who will want to forget last season, Christie is yet to start a league game this term. He's a player with good Championship experience and though his cameos have been brief, he still looks a decent enough player.

Competition is good in any squad and maybe it's time that Bryan saw some of his own. He's not the only name in the Fulham defence that's been questioned this season but his form has certainly been regressing, and he's well overdue a solid performance against Preston tonight.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/is-this-fulham-mans-starting-spot-at-craven-cottage-at-risk-after-latest-performance-comment/

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3 tweaks Parker must consider for Fulham ahead of Preston clash

Fulham travel to Preston on Tuesday night looking to get back to winning ways after facing defeat to Lee Johnson's Bristol City last Saturday

It was a game that they would have hoped to have at least have gotten a draw out of having been the home side in the fixture.

However, the Cottagers weren't able to do so and that meant that they fell behind in the race for automatic-promotion in the Championship as both Leeds and West Brom found victories.

Here are THREE tweaks that Scott Parker should consider making ahead of Fulham's clash at Preston...

Start Aboubakar Kamara
The forward has been in fine form, and when he steppe din for the suspended Aleksandar Mitrovic he was superb and managed to lead the front line really well. He deserves another opportunity from the start, and his link-up play with the other attackers could cause Preston all sorts of problems.

Kamara has the ability to play anywhere across the frontline which means that Parker can still have option of playing some of the attackers who deserve to stay in the lineup for the next match.

More defensive width
The full-backs are good and like to get forward a lot, but Fulham could do with Denis Odoi staying in a better shape and to use him in his actual position as a centre-back.

They have a very capable player in Cyrus Christie who can play in that position and although certain aspects of his defensive game haven't been to the standard of Odoi, he can push them up the pitch with his athleticism.

Make substitutions earlier
If it's not going right for the side the manager has to be able to make substations at an earlier stage in the fixture, it didn't feel like Fulham were ever going to score until then and when he came on and then Neeskens Kebano, the Cottagers looked much more lively around the opposition penalty area.

It should be interesting to see how Parker approaches the game and to see what he decides to do if things are going wrong for his Fulham side.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-tweaks-parker-must-consider-for-fulham-ahead-of-preston-clash/

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Alex Neil issues claim over trying to rectify Preston North End's form

Preston North End will look to end a run of four successive defeats when they travel to Fulham on Tuesday with manager Alex Neil openly admitted his side are in a difficult spell.

A run of four straight defeats have seen the Lilywhites slip from second to seventh in the Championship table and face another tough test when they host third placed Fulham on Tuesday evening.

North End lost their first home game last time out at Deepdale and will be looking to turn their form around when the Cottagers arrive in Lancashire on Tuesday evening.

Speaking to the Lancashire Evening Post, Neil said: "This is a difficult spell for us, we know that, I did say a few times before this spell that we'd had to change and tinker the side quite a lot this season."

"There has been a lot of tinkering in there, sometimes it has worked and sometimes it hasn't like at the moment," Neil continued.

The Preston boss revealed that there are some issues he is struggling to get right at the moment and injuries are not helping his current predicament.

"We have missed two of our technical midfielders who give us that extra link in the middle, our ball-playing central defender Ben Davies has been missing which means we haven't been able to build," he told the Lancashire Evening Post.

Discussing the impact of certain players missing, Neil said: "Ben gives us pace and he covers the flank down his side too which he is great at, Darnell Fisher hasn't been there so we've had to flip full-backs and we've only just been able to move Joe Rafferty back to the right after he's been playing at left-back."

North End could move back up into the play-off places with a victory if results also go their way, before hosting Luton Town on Saturday.

The Verdict

There is no coincidence that North End's form has tailed off as their injury crisis has worsened, but have however faced tough trips to Hull City and QPR as well as West Bromwich Albion at home.

Tuesday night will be another tough test as Fulham head to Deepdale looking for a third successive away win, and the pressure mounting on the Lilywhites to end their difficult run.

A draw may be a satisfying result for Neil as he continues to ponder on his side's balance, whereas another defeat could set potential alarm bells ringing.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/alex-neil-issues-claim-over-trying-to-rectify-preston-north-ends-form/