Friday Fulham Stuff - 19/12/19...

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Fulham man yet to really prove worth for Scott Parker's first-team: Comment

Josh Onomah has been enjoying a run in Scott Parker's Fulham side at the moment, but is the 22-year-old good enough to keep his spot?

On the final day of this season's transfer window, Onomah came to Fulham from Tottenham Hotspur as a part of the deal which saw Ryan Sessegnon go the other way.

He's an experienced pro at 22 – he's over 50 caps for the England youth teams from U16 level to U21, having won the U17 European Championships and the U20 World Cup with England.

At Tottenham he was never anything more than a prospect though. He graduated through the youth academy and went on to make a handful of appearances under Mauricio Pochettino, but spent most of his time there on-loan at the likes of Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.

He's proven to be a good player at this level in the past and now that he's enjoying a run in the Fulham first-team, fans are getting a good look at one of their only permanent signings of the summer.

But not everyone's been impressed with the Englishman – he's been playing alongside the likes of Tom Cairney and Stefan Johansen in midfield, but it's been difficult to decipher Onomah's role in the team.

Often in games, Onomah just puts himself about, uses his physical attributes to make an impact on the game and doesn't really see much of the ball at his feet.

And he's a bit clumsy even at that. There's no doubting his work-rate or commitment to the cause, but there is doubting in his technical ability, his positioning and general midfield play.

In fairness, Onomah is a more attacking midfield and Parker is playing him as a much more all-round midfield player, who chips in to the defensive aspect of games.

Having lost the last three though, Parker is coming under some real scrutiny at Fulham and this game against Leeds United at the weekend could well be his last.

He, his team selection and his tactics have taken a lot of stick so far this campaign and Onomah has been a bit of a scapegoat for Parker in the last few outings.

Onomah is clearly a player with ability and potential but it's a classic case of mis-management – Parker's persistence with his 4-3-3, possession-based football makes for nice football at times but for players like Onomah, he simply doesn't fit into that system.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-man-yet-to-really-prove-worth-for-scott-parkers-first-team-comment/

[WhiteJC]

André-Frank Zambo Anguissa is tearing it up for Villarreal

There is quite a bit of variance in Villarreal's expected goals difference. At least there was. Javi Calleja took back his old job last season and while there has been turbulence, the Yellow Submarine are now floating above the clouds and trending toward a more steady second half to their season.



Calleja was sacked in December 2018 after 15 months in the job and replaced by Luis García, who lasted less than two months before the club brought back Calleja. The returning coach guided them to safety in La Liga and then went about replacing some key losses during the summer. Pablo Fornals, one of Spain's most exciting talents, went to West Ham in the Premier League, and both Nicola Sansone and Roberto Soriano left for Bologna. They overhauled their defence with players like Raúl Albiol and Alberto Moreno. Perhaps most significantly, they took advantage of Fulham's relegation from England's top flight to bring in a player who, since signing on loan, has been sensational.

André-Frank Zambo Anguissa arrived at Craven Cottage in August 2018 and never settled at the club, being played out of position and never receiving a decent run of games to showcase his ability. There were glimpses but there were also complaints that he wasn't good enough. Or that he wasn't worth the money spent on him (close to €25 million). The problem was Fulham's complete lack of vision upon their return to the Premier League unless, of course, you consider buying lots of expensive and exciting players and throwing them on the field together a "vision". At Villarreal, Anguissa has a role. He's started all but two of the team's games in La Liga this season, including the last 14 straight.

Around Anguissa, Villarreal have some of the most exciting footballers in Spain, and Calleja has them playing a thrilling style of football. Santi Cazorla remains brilliant. Gerard Moreno is playing like an elite attacker, Ekambi is constantly dangerous and the whole of the latter's partnership might even be greater than the sum of its parts.

They also have a high-functioning and energetic midfield with players like summer recruit Moi Gómez and the precocious Samu Chuckwueze, but Anguissa might be the most important.

On Sunday, during a surprising win over Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Anguissa played as the right central midfielder in a 4-1-4-1, protecting Vicente Iborra and picking up the pesky and intelligent mover, Franco Vázquez, as he dropped between lines. He was forced to be more reactive than usual, creeping silently into dangerous spaces, but was also proactive in chasing Éver Banega in an attempt to prevent him from influencing the game.

But it wasn't just his defensive work that stood out. When Villarreal beat the odds to take all three points from Sevilla at home, they did it despite being subjected to intense pressure and precise passing all night, causing them to struggle for very long patches of the game. Their best moments of the attack, however, often came thanks to Anguissa serving as perhaps their most promising attacking outlet, as the passing map shows.



It was a slog at the Sánchez Pizjuá, but Anguissa persisted in offering Villarreal a dribbling outlet. They needed a big-bodied ball-carrier to protect the ball from Sevilla's fervent pressure and someone with vision to see the runs being made off the ball by Moreno and Chukwueze. They created next to nothing after going 0-1 up. Any time they did get forward, it was Anguissa carrying the load. He had 37 carries, 12 more than Moi Gómez, and received 36 passes, continuing to separate himself from the rest at Villarreal.

After the game, Spanish daily newspaper AS wrote a glowing review showing the world is waking up to how good Anguissa can be. They noted that he's giving the sensation that he has found his place and his best level. The article continued, stating he not only covers lots of ground but has started to manage play, drive the team and arrive in the opponents' penalty area. This shows that, technically, he is amongst the best in his position.

It is difficult to overstate just how good Anguissa is in every facet of the game, doing everything Calleja asks him to do. The Sevilla game isn't an anomaly, it's the norm. Villarreal are the highest-pressing team in the league. There is no team with as many pressures per 90 minutes or as many pressure regains. In attack, only Barcelona and Real Madrid have a higher non-penalty xG. This shows they are proactive in how they understand the game. They don't like to play a game where they are not dictating the terms.



Anguissa also has the highest number of aggressive actions with 21.16. And when it comes to progressing play with the ball, there is just one player, Santi Cazorla, with more deep progressions and carries. Chuckwueze is considered an incredible talent and his dribbling ability is often highlighted, yet Anguissa has more dribbles with 3.3 per game and more successful dribbles with 2.78 per game. He also beats out Gerard Moreno, another exceptionally talented and willing dribbler.

It is Anguissa's presence on the right side of midfield that allows Calleja's tactics to work. Moreno often drifts wide and deep, functioning as a right winger/second striker while Chuckwueze moves past him, leaving Anguissa to cover. It's there where Anguissa applies most of his pressure. He can play further wide, more central as a defensive midfielder, and further forward as well.



Even if Villarreal end up languishing around midtable for the rest of the season, the fact that they have discovered how to draw out the Cameroonian's best form unlocks exciting possibilities for the future. At 24, he's being compared to the best in his position in the league. Fede Valverde has emerged as the high-pressing answer to Zinedine Zidane's midfield and transformed Real Madrid from being a team opponents could easily slice through to a far more tricky opponent to play against. He ain't got nothing on Anguissa though.



The radial suggests that while Valverde has a bigger role in attack, Anguissa presses more—and more successfully—and is better at beating opponents. As we saw at Fulham, Anguissa struggled given his role and circumstance. At Villarreal, he is improving, but we still haven't seen just how good he might be if a team accentuates all of his strengths. Whatever he is asked to do, he does it at a very high level.

For now, he has the side's midfield functioning and is carving out a place for himself as a multi-level threat in LaLiga. The doubts that lingered after his move to Fulham are gone and the club will make a lot of money in the summer after his loan ends. Next season, it will be up to whoever his manager is to help him continue to develop by putting him in a position to succeed.



https://statsbomb.com/2019/12/andre-frank-zambo-anguissa-is-tearing-it-up-for-villarreal/

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Leeds fans react to big news about Liam Cooper ahead of Fulham clash

Leeds have performed superbly in defence this season but a lapse of concentration in the closing stages against Cardiff signalled a lack of composure amongst the backline.

That was partly due to Marcelo Bielsa bringing on youngster Pascal Struijk in place of Gaetano Berardi, which meant there was suddenly inexperience and a lack of leadership in the heart of the defence.

It is that latter attribute which is particularly important, and will be significant in handling a Fulham side which has scored 33 goals in 22 league games.

That's what makes the possible return of Liam Cooper so crucial.

The defender revealed he is fit, hoping to get back into the team after missing the previous three matches, and is taking part in training prior to Saturday's match

Cooper's return is exactly the lift Leeds need after Saturday's huge disappointment that saw them squander a three-goal lead, and though the Cottagers present a difficult challenge, the 28-year-old coming back into the team will act as a confidence boost which should help the defence return to its familiar strength.

It is little surprise that the Whites have lost just two out of the 15 games the skipper has played in, with just seven goals conceded in the process – and the last of those defeats came almost three months ago.



https://www.footballfancast.com/championship/leeds/liam-cooper-injury-boost-fulham

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Marcelo Bielsa issues high-praise for in-form Fulham star ahead of Leeds United clash this weekend

Leeds United face a tricky trip to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham on Saturday, in a game which could go a long way in deciding who is to win promotion this season.

The game will see two in-form strikers face off, with both Aleksandar Mitrovic and Patrick Bamford heading into the game with strong performances under their belts in recent weeks.

Mitrovic has 16 goals to his name in all competitions for Scott Parker's side this season, whilst Bamford netted his eighth and ninth goals of the season in the 3-3 draw with Cardiff City last weekend.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference (12:39pm) ahead of their game against Fulham, Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa labelled Mitrovic as 'a great forward' and compared the Serbian international to Bamford.

"He's a great forward. Bamford also. They are goal scorers. They are very aggressive players. You have to take care of them.

"If you have to develop one centre forward, which the characteristics of all centre forwards in the league. You have a difference between the players who are big and don't move a lot."

Bielsa went on to compare Mitrovic to Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah, and was well aware of the threat that Mitrovic will pose to his team on Saturday.

"The more agile players, more technical, but they move more. Mitrovic, Nketiah, Bamford are a mix of both characteristics. When I saw the last match of Eddie. It's the jump of one player at 1.80m.

"Centre-backs are very used to knowing how to face the different centre forwards. It's difficult to find something they didn't face in the past. It's not about how much you know about the opponent, it's important to have the ability to face him and beat him."

A win for Leeds would see them move 15 points clear of Fulham, so you have to feel as though this is a 'must-win game' for Fulham on Saturday, as they look to close the gap on their promotion rivals.

The Verdict:

They're going to have to be at the top of their game on Saturday.

Fulham have been heavily reliant on Mitrovic this season, and without him you have to feel as though they wouldn't stand a chance of finishing inside the top-six.

Bamford has really impressed me in recent weeks, and has certainly silenced his critics and has been fully deserving of retaining his place in the starting XI over Eddie Nketiah.

If Leeds are to come out on top this weekend, then surely they'll win a long-awaited promotion into the Premier League this season?



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/marcelo-bielsa-issues-high-praise-for-in-form-fulham-star-ahead-of-leeds-united-clash-this-weekend/

[WhiteJC]

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa makes Fulham claim ahead of Saturday's clash

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has claimed that Fulham are one of the best teams in the Championship and are similar to the his team in many ways, ahead of their clash on Saturday.

The Whites travel to Craven Cottage knowing that a win could see them regain their place at the top of the Championship, should West Bromwich Albion slip up against Brentford.

Bielsa's men threw away a 3-0 first-half lead against Cardiff City last weekend and had to settle for a draw that allowed the Baggies to leapfrog them into first place.

That result brought to an end a run of seven consecutive victories and you feel Leeds will be determined to get back to winning ways against Fulham on Saturday.

It should be an enthralling game between two sides that both looked prime candidates for promotion in the summer.

Fulham are currently 12 points back from the Whites in sixth place but a win on the weekend could help them begin to close the gap ahead of a busy festive period.

Speaking to Leeds Live in a press conference prior to the game, Bielsa assessed his side's upcoming opponents and revealed he sees similarities between the two teams.

He said: "Fulham are a similar team to us. The value we had last season, their values in this season are the same – possession, chances, quantity of shooting, they are one of the best teams in the Championship.

"For us, this is a great challenge. We need to fix our position in the opposite half of a great opponent."

Bielsa also confirmed that captain Liam Cooper would return to the side after missing the last three games due to injury.

The Verdict

The Fulham game looks set to be a big test for Bielsa's men, facing up against a side that like to dominate possession and have attacking players that can hurt them.

Leeds have looked lethal on the counter-attack this season, so Fulham's possession-heavy style of play may suit them well–if the visitors don't dominate the ball themselves.

The second half against Cardiff was extremely poor from Leeds but it should serve as a warning to the squad not to get complacent.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/leeds-united-boss-marcelo-bielsa-makes-fulham-claim-ahead-of-saturdays-clash/

[WhiteJC]

Scott Parker: Fulham's confidence hit by run of defeats

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is the the top scorer in the Championship this season, with 16 goals, but the Whites have fallen away from the automatic promotion race

Fulham boss Scott Parker thinks his players have suffered "self-doubt" after a run of three straight defeats.

The Whites were third in the Championship table but those losses have left them sixth, 12 points off the automatic promotion places.

"Confidence has been hit a little bit," former England midfielder Parker, 39, told BBC Radio London.

"I do see a bit of self-doubt in the players. Ultimately it is my job and my staff's job to try and get that back."

Fulham were relegated from the Premier League in the summer and were among the pre-season favourites for promotion back to the top flight this season.

The Craven Cottage outfit won four games in a row in November to move up to third but were beaten by Bristol City, Preston North End and west London rivals Brentford in their past three games - and have now suffered seven defeats in 22 league games.

"If you lose three on the bounce of course you have concerns because a club like us, and what we want to do, you can't afford to lose matches," Parker added.

"I realise in this division you can lose games and go on these runs but ultimately we are trying to do everything we can to put that mini-blip behind us and try and win some games.

"When you are dealing in a league as volatile and competitive as this one, there are going to be blips."

'West Brom and Leeds are the best'


Scott Parker had spells at Charlton, Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham, Tottenham and Fulham during his playing career

Parker took charge at Fulham as caretaker in February after Claudio Ranieri was sacked, and was then appointed as manager on a two-year deal in May.

He has called for patience as he tries to turn the club's fortunes around.

"Six months ago in the Premier League this club was a mess," he said.

"I realise we live in a world where these days you click your fingers and you normally get what you want.

"You can't just change things with a click of a finger. A lot of these players were here last year and were probably scarred by what happened.

"Over the course of time you can slowly change things - habits and mind-set - but you do need time and the players do as well."

However, Parker believes it will now be "tough" for the Whites to secure automatic promotion this season with them 12 points behind second place.

"There is no denying that West Brom and Leeds are the best two teams in this division," he said.

"They have been the most consistent quality-wise, and squad-wise they are good and mature.

"We need to try and get a bit of consistency, and if we put some together there is a slight chance. It is a tough one and let's see what happens."

Fulham have a chance to close the gap to the top two when they host Leeds on Saturday (15:00 GMT).



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50860579

[WhiteJC]

Match Preview: Fulham v Leeds United. What should be one of Leeds biggest tests of the season.

Fulham have lost their last three, but that doesn't change that they may have best squad in the league on paper.

Match: Leeds United v Fulham

Date: 19th December 2019

Time: 15.00 GMT, 10.00 ET, 08.00 PST.

Venue: Craven Cottage, Fulham, London, England

Streaming: iFollow, LUTV (outside the UK).

This match is also previewed in our latest podcast, which you should definitely listen to and can be listened to here.

Leeds United travel to that there London to face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Fulham have dropped into 6th place in the Championship table after a run of three consecutive defeats. First at home to Bristol City, then away against Preston North End and Brentford FC.

Despite this poor run, it should be noted that all the teams they faced are high up in the table. More important than this however, is the sheer quality available in the squad. Often playing with a three of Brighton and Hove Albion loanee Anthony Knockaert, perennial thorn in Leeds' side Tom Cairney, and Wolverhampton Wanderers' loanee Ivan Cavaleiro behind Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovic - a front four which on paper (in my opinion) is the best in the league. These are backed up by Aboubakar Kamara and Neeskens Kebano, who are both good players in their own right.

It isn't only up top where the squad has quality. Fulham have two strong goalkeeping options in Marcus Bettinelli, who was called up into the England squad in September 2018, and Slovakia U21 international Marek Rodak, who is now a regular in the senior squad. Rodak has been the choice of manager Scott Parker lately.

In defence, at right-back it will probably be a choice between youngster Steven Sessegnon or Republic of Ireland international Cyrus Christie, they also have one-time Belgium international Denis Odoi. I would expect Christie to get the nod.

They are more settled at centre-back, with the pairing of Alfie Mawson (fee could be up to £20m from Swansea City) and experienced USA international Tim Ream. They are also strong at left-back with Joe Bryan who is likely to pose a real attacking threat.

In central midfield they could use the aforementioned Cairney in a deeper role, but Norway international Stefan Johansen and ex-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Josh Onomah were the pair used last time out. Bobby Decordova-Reid is back in training and he could play as the attacking midfielder if Cairney was to drop back. On loan Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed and fellow loanee, AFC Bournemouth's Harry Arter, are also central midfield options.

For Leeds, it is much simpler. Captain Liam Cooper returns to the squad, and probably the line-up, where you would assume he takes the place of Gaetano Berardi. Jamie Shackleton and Tyler Roberts are fit again but aren't available yet. Other than that, barring a late injury I would expect no changes.

Marcelo Bielsa was at a loss to explain the 30 minute capitulation which saw Leeds throw away a 3-0 lead at home to Cardiff City, but he made sure to point out that for an hour Leeds were as good as they have been all season - which should mean most of them keep their places.

Expected Line-ups

Fulham (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Christie, Mawson, Ream, Bryan; Onomah, Johansen; Knockaert, Cairney, Cavaleiro; Mitrovic.

Leeds (4-1-4-1): Casilla; Ayling, White, Cooper, Dallas; Phillips; Costa, Hernandez, Klich, Harrison; Bamford.

This is one of Leeds toughest tests of the season, and despite Fulham's recent poor form they will be massively up for this. I am going to go for a 2-2 draw.



https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2019/12/19/21030195/match-preview-fulham-v-leeds-united-what-should-be-one-of-leeds-biggest-tests-of-the-season

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'Never really clicked for him' – Cardiff City fan pundit pours cold water on potential return rumours

This article is part of Football League World's 'Regular Punter' series, where we gather original opinions from select, passionate fans of the clubs concerned on matters surrounding their team and share them with a wider audience...

Football League World's Cardiff City fan pundit Rhys Davies has moved to reject the notion of Bobby Reid having a long-term future at the Cardiff City Stadium, with the 26-year-old currently out on loan at Championship rivals Fulham.

Reid of course joined the Bluebirds back in the summer of 2018, moving from rivals Bristol City, however things never really clicked for the forward in south Wales and he now finds himself at Craven Cottage.

The striker has found game time hard to come by under Scott Parker at Fulham, making only a handful of appearances, with most of which coming from the subs bench due to the consistent form displayed by Aleksandar Mitrovic.

We caught up with Davies earlier this week to discuss the player's long term future in south Wales and here is what the Cardiff fan had to say on the matter:

"He doesn't have a future at Cardiff, the fans won't want a player that requested to leave for a promotion rival.

"It's a shame really as the ex Bristol city forward has great qualities such as his dribbling skills, neat link up play and an eye for goal, but it never really clicked for him in his time down in south Wales.

"Cardiff also already have this type of player in Tomlin, whose suddenly become a hero at the Cardiff City stadium.

"Even if Reid did get another chance under Neil Harris, he would not be guaranteed a starting place with Tomlin playing so well.

"I think it would be best for both parties if Reid parted ways with the Bluebirds, it just hasn't worked out."

Reid's days seem to be numbered at Cardiff and with his situation far from ideal at Fulham, the experienced attacker could well be looking for another new club come the summer transfer window, with there sure to be a host of Championship clubs interested in taking a punt on the 26-year-old.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/never-really-clicked-for-him-cardiff-city-fan-pundit-pours-cold-water-on-potential-return-rumours/

[WhiteJC]

3 transfer decisions that Fulham face in January

There's less than two weeks until the opening of the January transfer window, and managers throughout the Football League will be drawing up their wish lists.

For Fulham and Scott Parker, January presents the perfect time to reassess, re-evaluate and restock. Parker's side host 2nd-place Leeds United this weekend in what could well be his last as Fulham manager, having lost the last three in the Championship.

But for now he's the man at the helm and he's the man who'll be calling the shots in January.

It's bound to be a busy month for every club in the Championship and Fulham should be no different – there'll be clubs interested in taking some players from Craven Cottage and there'll be players who Parker thinks can take his team to promotion in the second half of the season.

Here we take a look at three transfer decisions that Parker has to make in January:

Mitrovic's situation
One of the hottest strikers in Europe right now, let alone the Football League, is Aleksandar Mitrovic. The Serb has been on fire for club and country this season with a massive 25 goals and inevitably, it's got a lot of clubs talking about a potential January swoop for the 25-year-old.

Aston Villa are said to be monitoring the forward but those rumours seem to have silenced, whilst Serie A outfit Genoa have also shown their interest in Mitrovic.

Parker, or rather Mitrovic needs to decide where his future lies – if he's tempted by a move away then he needs to do so in January, as not to disrupt the club in the second-half of the season if he doesn't want to be there.

Jean Michael Seri potentially returning?
Fulham's record signing, Jean Michael Seri, is rumoured to be returning to Craven Cottage for the second-half of the season.

The midfielder is on-loan at Galatasaray after last season's disastrous display in the Premier League but according to Sport Witness, Seri's loan-deal at the Turkish club is set to be cut short after another poor showing from the 28-year-old.

Despite being a huge disappointment in his first season at the club, Fulham fans would love to see Seri have another go in a Fulham shirt – Parker needs to decide whether he'll take a risk on him and keep him at Fulham, or ship him out on another loan deal in January should he return.

Cutting short their current loan-deals?
Fulham have a handful of players on-loan at the club but not all of them have performed as expected, and Parker could well send some of them packing to make way for other loan-players to come in over January.

Anthony Knockaert is the prime example – on-loan from Brighton for the season, the Frenchman has struggled at Craven Cottage but he's not the only one. Harry Arter on-loan from Bournemouth has missed much of the season through injury, and Bobby Reid from Cardiff has been shot of form in-front of goal.

Any of their deals could be cut short by Parker, who might want to replace them with other names before the end of the January window.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-transfer-decisions-that-fulham-face-in-january/

[WhiteJC]

Leeds United set to continue without 28-year-old at Fulham

Adam Forshaw will be absent for Leeds United this weekend, with the midfielder's wait for a return to action continuing.

Leeds have been without Forshaw since their defeat to Charlton Athletic in September, with the midfielder's hip problem meaning his 45 minute cameo at The Valley is the last time he was available to Marcelo Bielsa.

Bielsa had started the season with Forshaw in the heart of his midfield alongside Mateusz Klich and Kalvin Phillips, but his last start was in August, with Leeds forced to battle on in their quest for promotion without the 28-year-old.

And, with Leeds reaching the halfway point of the season this weekend when they travel to Fulham, Bielsa will be without Forshaw again – as per Phil Hay.

Liam Cooper will return to the squad at Craven Cottage after missing three games, whilst Tyler Roberts and Jamie Shackleton are now set to link back up with the main squad after their respective problems.

That leaves Forshaw as the only high-profile first-team absentee from a Leeds squad sitting 10 points clear of third heading into Saturday's round of fixtures.

A win at Fulham will leave them with that gap at least, whilst moving them 15 points clear of the Cottagers.

The Verdict

It is so frustrating for Forshaw at this moment in time, with the midfielder battling with injury for much of the season after a promising start.

Yes, Leeds are doing well, but they are missing his ability to control things, and when he's fit, they are better.

This is frustrating for everyone involved, even if other injury news is positive.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/leeds-united-set-to-continue-without-28-year-old-at-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham man catches eye of prominent scout

Recognised Eredivisie scout Xander Wilkinson has published a list of all the best Premier League 2 talents that he's seen this year, and Fulham's Cody Drameh is amongst them.

Drameh, 18, has been a prominent figure for Fulham's U23 squad in the PL2 this season.

He's one of the few in the squad who's been at the club since an early age and has this season been enjoying his step-up from the U18 squad to the development.

The Dulwich-born full-back has also been involved in England's youth set-up this season, having been called up to the U18 squad back in March.

Today, Wilkinson has picked out Drameh as one of the brighter talents that he's seen whilst scouting the PL2 for the next big things in football, posting this tweet about him:

It's not known which club Wilkinson is working on behalf of but he certainly seems impressed with Drameh, citing the defensive and tactical side of his game as his strengths.

So many young full-backs today are really talented going forward and not so defensively – Drameh seems like the best of both worlds according to Wilkinson, and he'll be a name that Fulham fans will remember after today.

The verdict

Fulham haven't had all that many youngsters come through their ranks of late but Drameh looks like one who could break that mould.

He's a sprightly full-back who suits the modern game and Parker being very much an advocate of that, could well give Drameh his senior debut at the club.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-man-catches-eye-of-prominent-scout/

[WhiteJC]

I Thought Who Do I Want Next And I Want Leeds United – Fulham's Scott Parker Relishing Challenge

Fulham manager Scott Parker has revealed if he could pick any team for the Cottagers to face next it would be Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United, as he actively wants to play the Yorkshire giants.

The Cottagers have hit a mini slump, losing their last three Championship games and meaning they host Leeds at Craven Cottage this weekend in poor form.   

Second placed Leeds, who have won seven and drawn two of their last nine league games, may appear to be the worst possible opponents for Fulham, but Parker actively wants to face the Whites.

He insists the pressure will be firmly on his team to turn up against Leeds due to the opposition's quality, as they bid to return to winning ways in style.

The Fulham boss also warned his players that if they reproduce their displays from recent games then they will experience another poor result.

"I don't think there could be a better game for us", Parker said via his club's official site.

"A big team with vast quality who will bring a lot of challenges to us.

"It's a game where we need to turn up.

"After Brentford at the weekend, I'm looking at it and thinking what's the team we want to play next, and I want to play Leeds.

"You want to play a top team, and I'm looking forward to it.

"There's a massive challenge ahead of us.

"Leeds are sitting second in the league, they're a good side, and we need to be right at it at the weekend to get anything out of the game.

"We need to improve from where we have been over the last couple of games, for sure, otherwise it will be the same outcome."

Fulham have only won six of their league games at Craven Cottage, suffering defeat on three occasions and conceding a substantial 13 goals.

Victory for Fulham would cut the gap between the two teams to nine points.



http://www.insidefutbol.com/2019/12/19/i-thought-who-do-i-want-next-and-i-want-leeds-united-fulhams-scott-parker-relishing-challenge/446162/

[WhiteJC]

Games for the Weekend 21/12
This weekend we welcome Leeds United to Craven Cottage for a 3 o'clock kick off.

After our 3rd defeat in a row we now get to play probably our toughest opponents so far this season!
In some ways our current form could lull Leeds into a false sense? they've been outstanding all season and we're constantly inconstant. If we play to our potential, we have to at some time? and if Leeds are a little overconfident then we will surprise them.

Our recent record against Leeds is interesting, we've won 2, lost 1 and drawn 5 so "history" shows that it should be a tight game.

Leeds captain and key defender Liam Cooper could be back in the heart of their defence, Mitro' will give him a real test and should be an interesting contest between the two of them.

COYW's

Games of Interest...
Saturday 21st
Fulham v Leeds
Huddersfield v Nottm Forest
Millwall v Barnsley
QPR v Charlton
West Brom v Brentford

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=1022

[WhiteJC]

January Transfer Rumour Round-Up: Part 1

Come one, come all, the January transfer market is coming to town and a crammed month of repetitive rumours and frenzied fabrications is destined to consume every single second of our lives until Sky Sports' Jim White digs out his customary yellow tie once again.

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Turkey aplenty and numerous beer bottles emptied, we'll be sure to keep you up to date and blissfully informed amid the festivities as Fulham's stats-bashing recruitment ranks wade their way through the perennial mid-season madness.

Unbuckle that belt, whack the fire up to an unbearable degree and bless each soul that graces this article right here. It may be a little too early for presents and Lynx shower sets, but tenuous tales and wanting whispers will always have a central seat round our table. Spread this on your cream cracker.

James Justin – Leicester City
Think Ryan Fredericks, just younger. Acquired for £7m – a sum that could inflate to £10m in the summer transfer window – from Luton Town before the start of the 2019-20 campaign, Leicester City's James Justin could make a temporary mid-season move, with Fulham being pinned as an alleged suitor.

A report published by Football Insider states that Brendan Rodgers is willing to support the 21-year-old right-back's development. The England U21 international is Ricardo Pereira's understudy and has only made two first-team appearances for the Foxes this term, both coming the the Carabao Cup. Helping the Hatters claim promotion to the Championship, James was justly drafted in the 2018-19 League One team of the year and is an exciting prospect to say the least.

Jack Clarke – Leeds United (On Loan From Tottenham Hotspur)
Another Football Insider scoop suggests that the Whites are tailing Tottenham Hotspur's Jack Clarke, who returned to his former employers Leeds United on loan during the summer of 2019. Clarke broke through at Elland Road last season but has only mustered 3 competitive outings so far upon his return under Marcelo Bielsa.

Signed by the north-Londoners for £9.5m, It's believed that Spurs are ready to recall the neglected 19-year-old winger and the Whites could make a January swoop to salvage the youngster's stuttered season. Clarke's a raw talent but has ultimately failed to oust Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Helder Costa from Leeds' starting XI.

Macauley Bonne – Charlton Athletic
A three-way skirmish between Newcastle United, Leicester City and Fulham is said to be on the cards for Charlton Athletic's Macauley Bonne. As per a report published by talkSPORT, the Magpies are supposedly edging the race for the Zimbabwe international's services, but there's certainly tangible interest from all cited parties.

Bonne joined the Addicks from fellow Londoners Leyton Orient for just £200k in the summer transfer window and has impressed during Lyle Taylor's absence, netting 6 Championship goals to date. The 24-year-old dispatched 46 goals in two seasons for Orient, a remarkable record that highlights his naturally lethal prowess.

Florent Hadergjonaj – Huddersield Town
Kosovo international Florent Hadergjonaj, subject to an article circulated by Kosovan outlet Telegrafi, is rumoured to be on three notable transfer radars. The trio that are believed to be tracking the driven right-back are Super Lig giants Fenerbahce SK, Serie A titans Atalanta BC and plucky old Fulham, of course.

Hadergjonaj, 25, has seemingly been on the Whites' wish list since the summer and it's thought that the Terriers will allow the fullback to depart the Kirklees Stadium in January if they attain at least £5m for his signature. Featuring against England for his nation in both Euro 2020 qualification clashes, Hadergjonaj has certainly gone from strength to strength during his career on English soil and is an electrifying live wire along the flanks.

Flynn Downes – Ipswich Town
One of Paul Lambert's Ipswich Town hotshots could be on their way to SW6, apparently. Anglican informant TWTD is under the impression that the Tractor Boys' classy 20-year-old craftsman could be on his way to Fulham, after the Cottagers' assistant director of football operations, Brian Talbot, evaluated his performance against Lincoln City in the FA Cup.

An ingenious playmaker, Downes – dubbed 'Flynedine Zidownes' by Ipswich's imaginative fan base – is held in high regard at Portman Road and his slick creative skill set would certainly thrive within Fulham's free-flowing system, which undoubtedly needs rejuvenating over the next 5 weeks or so.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2019-12-19-january-transfer-rumour-round-up-part-1/

[WhiteJC]

Official: Leeds welcome two players back from injury, but neither will feature vs Fulham

Leeds United have welcomed Tyler Roberts and Jamie Shackleton back from injury, but head coach Marcelo Bielsa has stated that neither will feature against Fulham on Saturday.

Bielsa has been without Roberts since our 1-0 win over Reading at the end of November, when the seven-time Wales international was forced off on just 35 minutes after sustaining a muscle issue.

The trip to the Madejski Stadium saw Roberts make his fourth successive league start and ninth appearance of the campaign overall, having suffered an injury-plagued start to the term after coming out of the summer break with a knock on his ankle that required surgery.

Shackleton has likewise been forced to watch the action from the sidelines since late November, having sustained a muscular injury during his one-minute cameo appearance at Reading when he made his return from a hamstring strain.

His various gripes have been enough to keep Shackleton from playing regularly since injuring his hamstring against West Bromwich Albion on October 1, the last of six starts for the 20-year-old in all competitions this term.

Bielsa will not be handing Shackleton his seventh start or Roberts his fifth against Fulham, though, as the boss has admitted that neither will be featuring when Scott Park's Cottagers arrive at Elland Road this Saturday.

"Tyler is healthy, Shackleton also" Bielsa told reporters during his pre-game press conference on Thursday, via quotes by Leeds Live.

"Next week, they will train with the team."

ielsa also added that he had no new information on Adam Forshaw's recovery from a hip injury, which has forced the 28-year-old to play just 45 minutes of Championship football since August and none since September.

The boss will have captain Liam Cooper back in his ranks to face Fulham, though, having been without the 28-year-old for our last three games with a calf strain.

"Cooper is back with the team," Bielsa noted.




https://leeds.vitalfootball.co.uk/injury-news-bielsa-shackleton-roberts-fulham/