Saturday Fulham Stuff - 21/12/19...

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Results

Friday
Middlesborough	2-1	Stoke

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Fulham's Festive Giveaway - Day 3

As Fulham's Festive Giveaway continues, we're pleased to announce today's limited time prize is 2 seats in Hospitality for our upcoming Emirates FA Cup 3rd Round tie against Aston Villa.

To get involved with the festive Fulham fun and to be in with the chance of winning, please fill in the form below.

The competition closes at 11.59pm on Saturday 21st December, and the winner will be contacted on Monday 23rd December.
Full terms and conditions can be found online here.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/december/20/fulhams-festive-giveaway---day-3

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Fulham's Scott Parker shares what he's learned from analysing Leeds United games

Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United head to Scott Parker's Fulham this weekend hoping for the Whites to bring three points back to Elland Road.

Ahead of their Championship meeting with Leeds United this weekend, Fulham manager Scott Parker has spoken highly of Marcelo Bielsa's charges and the "massive challenge" they present.

The Cottagers are enduring a poor run of form at present, having lost each of their last three league fixtures to leave them sixth in the table, 12 points adrift of the Elland Road side.

Leeds, meanwhile, are currently in great form, having stretched their unbeaten run to 11 games - indeed, they were close to making it eight wins on the trot at Cardiff last time out.

The Whites did end up relinquishing a three-goal lead at Elland Road to concede first place in the table to West Bromwich Albion, a somewhat uncharacteristic defensive horror show considering how few goals they've conceded this term.

Nonetheless, Parker is expecting a tough game and a difficult back line to break, telling the Fulham website: "When we're analysing their games we see that they've got a very good defence who limit your shots on their goal.

"They're a very good side, there's no denying that. They're an aggressive, experienced team who have been in this league for some time now, they know their way round it and I think you're seeing that in their recent performances."

Leeds have conceded just 13 times in their 22 league fixtures so far and have kept 12 clean sheets, including one against league leaders and highest scorers West Bromwich Albion.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/12/20/scott-parker-on-leeds-fixture-analysis/

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Middlesbrough Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's fixture against Middlesbrough in the New Year are on sale now.

Fulham take on Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage on Friday 17th January (kick-off 7.45pm).

Tickets for this match go on sale to Members at 10am on Friday 20th December. Season Ticket Holders can purchase additional tickets from 10am on Monday 23rd December, before tickets go on General Sale on Tuesday 24th December.

Members can take advantage of a special ticket price of just £15 for this fixture*.

Fans are advised that all tickets for sale are available in home areas of the ground only. The Putney End blocks P1, P2, P3, P4 are designated home seating areas, and away supporters identified in home areas at Craven Cottage will be ejected.

Tickets can be purchased online, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Booking fees, Terms & Conditions apply.

*Special Member price applies to 1 ticket per member.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/december/20/middlesbrough-tickets

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YEP Jury: Leeds United need to be back on the ball to handle Fulham's threat up front
Our fans' panel have their say on Leeds United's clash at sixth-placed Fulham.

ANDY RHODES

After the disappointment of last week, Leeds will go into the final game before Christmas looking to bounce back, and what an opportunity they have.

Beating Fulham away from home would reassert their authority after last week's slip-up, while the Cottagers themselves will be looking to recover, having lost three on the spin.

Those three defeats all came against sides in and around the play-off places so, if they do fear playing in big games, they could be set to struggle again.

After being sorely missed last weekend, Liam Cooper is set to return for Leeds to shore up the defence, while Helder Costa will be looking to keep his recent run of form going.

He'll face former Wolves colleague Ivan Cavaleiro who is one third of a dangerous Cottagers front three.

Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 16 goals this season, while Anthony Knockaert is also a threat.

A return to winning ways would be the perfect Christmas present. Let's hope it's a White Christmas.

Prediction: Fulham 2 Leeds United 1.

DAVID WATKINS

Fulham is the game we Leeds fans have been eyeing for weeks; it marks the halfway point of the season when we'll have tested ourselves against all the other 23 sides in the Championship and, a few weeks ago, the Cottagers looked one of the strongest.

Things have gone awry for them in recent times with three consecutive defeats, albeit to three of the strongest sides in the table: Bristol City, Preston and Brentford, sides we took seven out of nine points from.

So, while Leeds have been disposing of the also rans of the Championship lately, we've built a very useful 12-point gap between us and the sixth-placed London hopefuls.

With Leeds a better side than Fulham's three most-recent adversaries and playing scintillating football even in the draw with Cardiff, we should expect to win. Against that, they will be fired up to get their promotion challenge back on track and the dangerous Aleksandar Mitrovic will need to be watched.

I'm sitting on the fence this time and I'd be well pleased with a point.

Prediction: Fulham 2 Leeds United 2.

MATTHEW EVANS

Only Leeds United fans could be on an 11-game unbeaten run and still be panicking about the team's mentality and what the future holds.

We are mostly incapable of just enjoying the moment and now everybody is looking to Fulham, a game that already had great meaning, to see how we bounce back from surrendering a 3-0 lead.

The rational Leeds fan says that we look good, we're better than nearly everyone we've played so far this season, we look fit and happy and there's every chance that we can go into the second half of the campaign and be the same side.

The rest of us are simply worried that we'll be on the wrong end of a play-off semi-final against Pontus Jansson's Brentford when May rolls around despite having been well clear of third on the Championship ladder at Christmas.

Fulham have been far from convincing in recent months and we are due a win in the capital.

I'm going to Craven Cottage with hope and I think we can deliver the goods.

Prediction: Fulham 1 Leeds United 2.

KEITH INGHAM

Let's not kid ourselves: so far, so good as Leeds sit second with a 10-point gap to third-placed Preston and will hope to extend it even further by getting a positive result at Fulham.

Marcelo Bielsa blamed himself for the collapse against Cardiff City but he shouldn't; the blame is with the players not closing out a game they had in their grip and, hopefully, important lessons have been learned.

I don't expect many changes, but captain Liam Cooper will probably return with Gaetano Berardi dropping to the bench. The rest I'd expect to keep their places; Bielsa isn't one to make changes for the sake of it.

Fulham have had a poor run of results but will know full well that they have the chance to pull three points back from one of the teams that occupy the top-two places in the Championship. They have a very good squad and in Aleksandar Mitrovic they have a striker who worries any defence he is against.

This game is the start of four really tough fixtures over the Christmas period, and to start with a point wouldn't be a poor way to kick it off.

Prediction: Fulham 1 Leeds United 1.

MIKE GILL

After Saturday's freak result, Leeds United head to London.

Unfortunately their trips to the capital have not been too productive of late but maybe it's time for a change.

Unusually, we face the Cottagers on a Saturday which is surprising in itself. Tickets are also hard to come by owing to Fulham's current ground development.

Since beating Swansea at the end of November, the Londoners have lost to Bristol City, Preston and neighbours Brentford.

Therefore you can be assured that Fulham will be fighting hard to turn the tide and become a serious SkyBet Championship promotion contender again. The Whites must return to their Scrooge-like defensive habits as the lurking threat of the ruthless Aleksander Mitrovic will not be far away.

And there will be no room for dithering or uncertainty.

A solid, low-scoring draw would be almost as comforting as a win.

And that is what I'm predicting.

Prediction: Fulham 1 Leeds United 1.



https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/latest-leeds-united-news/yep-jury-leeds-united-need-be-back-ball-handle-fulhams-threat-front-1345583

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Moment of the Decade

Fulham's incredible victory over Juventus has been named as our Moment of the Decade by fans of the Club.

Across two days on Twitter fans were voting for their favourite moments, which culminated in a Final battle between the Juve triumph and our Play-Off Final victory at Wembley.

It was a closely fought contest, but the gap gradually grew overnight to 54 per cent in favour of our 4-1 win over the Old Lady, with close to 5,000 supporters having their say.

Of the 32 moments we selected, the winner was actually the oldest, coming right at the start of the decade in March 2010.

With the Whites trailing 3-1 from the First Leg, the task then looked insurmountable when legendary striker David Trezeguet tucked home a loose ball inside two minutes at the Hammersmith End.

But Bobby Zamora soon equalised, muscling Ballon d'Or winner Fabio Cannavaro out the way like he wasn't there, creating a cacophony of noise inside the ground as fans sensed a lifeline.

Cannavaro was then shown a straight red card for tripping Zoltan Gera as he looked to run through on goal, and Zolly ensured we went into half-time winning on the night when he expertly turned home Simon Davies' centre.

And we were level on aggregate four minutes after half-time when Gera converted from the spot after Brazil international midfielder Diego had handled Damien Duff's cross.

Roy Hodgson then showed his intention to win the tie in normal time when he replaced Stephen Kelly with Clint Dempsey. It proved to be a fairly decent substitution.

With eight minutes to play, Dickson Etuhu – scorer of what proved to be the crucial away goal in Turin a week earlier – clipped the ball to Dempsey who then provided one of the most famous moments ever witnessed in SW6.

The American dinked a sumptuous shot over the helpless Antonio Chimenti and down inside the far corner. Anyone who was there that night swears that it all happened in slow motion, and can still recall the feeling of euphoria when the net finally rippled.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/december/20/moment-of-the-decade

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Championship team of the decade: Who makes your XI?

Who will make your Championship team of the decade?

On the pitch, nothing is won in December, but as we reach the end of a decade it is time for reflection.

Newcastle and Leicester each topped 100 points in winning Championship titles in the 2010s, with Bournemouth and Norwich also entertaining the masses on their way to becoming champions.

We have produced a shortlist of players - based on a combination of statistics, longevity and success - who have featured in at least two full Championship seasons.

So sit back and select your Championship team of the decade below. Be sure to share it on social media using #bbcefl too.

And if you need reminding we have given a short summary of what each player has achieved in this most exciting and unpredictable leagues over the past 10 years...
Championship team of the decade

Pick your XI from our list and share with your friends.

GOALKEEPERS

Julian Speroni Career span: (2000-19) Championship clubs this decade: Crystal Palace Appearances/goals: 158/0 Honours: Promotion (2012-13)

The Argentine kept clean sheets in all three of Palace's play-off games in the 2012-13 season as they beat Watford to reach the Premier League. Speroni holds club records for most clean sheets and most appearances by a keeper.

David Marshall (2000-) Cardiff, Hull, Wigan. 273/0. Promotion (2012-13)

Scotland international Marshall has spent just two seasons outside the Championship this decade. He was an ever-present as Cardiff won the 2012-13 title, keeping 18 clean sheets, and made the play-offs twice more with the Bluebirds.

Kasper Schmeichel (2003-) Leeds, Leicester. 177/0. Promotion (2013-14), team of the season (2012-13, 2013-14)

Schmeichel spent four seasons in the Championship towards the start of the decade, namely with Leicester where the Denmark keeper won the club's player of the year, was named in the division's team of the season on two occasions and gained promotion in 2013-14.

John Ruddy (2004-) Norwich, Wolves. 166/0. Promotion (2010-11, 2014-15, 2017-18), team of the season (2017-18)

Once-capped England keeper Ruddy has been a mainstay in three promotion-winning sides this decade - as runners-up and play-off winners with Norwich and as champions in 2017-18 with Wolves.

Tom Heaton (2005-) Cardiff, Bristol City, Burnley. 164/0. Promotion (2013-14, 2015-16), team of the season (2015-16)

Another goalkeeper with England honours this decade, Heaton was a crucial part of Sean Dyche's Burnley side that won two Championship promotions in three seasons. He kept 20 clean sheets in 2015-16 and was named in the team of the season.
DEFENDERS

Ian Harte (1995-2015) Reading, Bournemouth. 103/16. Promotion (2011-12, 2014-15), team of the season (2010-11, 2011-12)

Ex-Leeds left-back Harte flourished during three years with Reading, with the set-piece specialist making the Championship team of the season in consecutive seasons as the Royals went up in 2011-12.

Clint Hill (1997-2018) Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, QPR. 125/5. Promotion (2010-11, 2013-14)

Hill gained two promotions in six seasons with QPR this decade, including a last-minute 2013-14 play-off final win over Derby. The centre-back captained the side.

Bruno (1999-2019) Brighton. 188/6. Promotion (2016-17), team of the season (2015-16, 2016-17)

Spanish full-back Bruno moved to Brighton in 2012 and spent five years in the Championship. He gained individual recognition by being named in the 2015-16 team of the season - a feat he repeated the following year as the Seagulls went up.

Mark Hudson (2000-18) Cardiff, Huddersfield. 226/15. Promotion (2012-13, 2016-17), team of the season (2012-13)

Towering defender Hudson was Cardiff's player of the year in their 2012-13 Championship title-winning season and helped Huddersfield achieve an unlikely promotion to the Premier League four seasons later.

Wes Morgan (2002-) Nottingham Forest, Leicester. 202/6. Promotion (2013-14), team of the season (2010-11, 2012-13, 2013-14)

Former Jamaica centre-back Morgan was one of the league's standout defenders in the first half of the decade, named in the team of the season three times - once while at Nottingham Forest - and leading Leicester to the 2013-14 title.

George Friend (2005-) Doncaster, Middlesbrough. 294/10. Promotion (2015-16), team of the season (2014-15, 2015-16)

One of the Championship's most consistent full-backs this decade, Friend impressed at Doncaster and earned a move to Middlesbrough - playing a big part in their 2015-16 promotion.

Matthew Connolly (2005-) QPR, Reading, Cardiff, Watford. 195/10. Promotion (2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2014-15, 2017-18)

Four Championship clubs, five promotions. Connolly was central to QPR and Cardiff lifting the title in 2010-11 and 2012-13. The centre-back played a smaller role in successes at Reading and Watford.

Richard Keogh (2005-) Coventry, Derby. 417/11. Team of the season (2014-15)

Republic of Ireland centre-back Keogh has made more Championship appearances in the past 10 years than any other player on the shortlist. Missed out on promotion with Derby in dramatic style to QPR in the 2013-14 play-off final.

Sol Bamba (2006-) Leicester, Leeds, Cardiff. 176/14. Promotion (2017-18), team of the season (2017-18)

The man Neil Warnock said was a better defender than Virgil van Dijk. Ivory Coast player Bamba was an ever-present in 2017-18 as the Bluebirds won promotion.

Chris Gunter (2006-) Nottingham Forest, Reading. 359/3. Team of the season (2009-10)

Wales full-back Gunter was named in the 2009-10 team of the season while with Nottingham Forest. He has reached the play-offs on three occasions in the past 10 years, coming closest to promotion when Reading lost to Huddersfield on penalties in the 2016-17 final.

Daniel Ayala (2008-) Hull, Derby, Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough. 216/21. Promotion (2015-16), team of the season (2015-16)

Spanish centre-back Ayala has carved out a career at the top end of the Championship, playing a big part in Middlesbrough going up under fellow countryman Aitor Karanka in 2015-16.

James Chester (2008-) Hull, Aston Villa. 231/16. Promotion (2012-13, 2018-19)

Chester has yo-yoed between the Championship and Premier League this decade, helping Hull and Aston Villa get promoted. Villa paid £9m in 2016 for the centre-half, who missed the second half of last season as Dean Smith's side won the play-off final.

Lewis Dunk (2009-) Brighton. 166/11. Promotion (2016-17), team of the season (2016-17)

Dunk spent half of the decade in the Championship with Brighton, who finished second to Newcastle in 2016-17 to reach the top flight. The centre-back was named in the team of the season.

Ben Mee (2009-) Leicester, Burnley. 149/3. Promotion (2013-14, 2015-16)

Centre-back Mee was part of two Championship promotion-winning Burnley sides in three seasons - and was an ever-present as the Clarets lifted the 2015-16 title.

Kieran Trippier (2010-) Barnsley, Burnley. 174/7. Promotion (2013-14), team of the season (2012-13, 2013-14)

Right-back Trippier was named in back-to-back Championship team of the seasons, making 17 assists as Burnley went in 2013-14.

Ryan Sessegnon (2016-) Fulham. 71/20. Promotion (2017-18), player of the season (2017-18), team of the season (2016-17, 2017-18)

Sessegnon only played two full seasons in the Championship but in that time won promotion, player of the season and made the league's team of the season on two occasions.

MIDFIELDERS

Gary O'Neil (1999-) Middlesbrough, West Ham, QPR, Norwich, Bristol City, Bolton. 170/8. Promotion (2011-12, 2013-14, 2014-15)

O'Neil went up through the play-offs three times in four seasons - with West Ham, QPR and Norwich. Was memorably sent off in QPR's Wembley triumph over Derby in 2013-14.

Peter Whittingham (2003-18) Cardiff. 273/59. Promotion (2012-13), team of the season (2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13)

Attacking midfielder Whittingham was one of the league's outstanding players in the first half of the decade, a consistent scorer as Cardiff were champions in 2012-13. That year was the third time he made the team of the season.

Grant Leadbitter (2003-) Ipswich, Middlesbrough. 301/38. Promotion (2015-16), team of the season (2014-15)

All-action midfielder Leadbitter made more than 300 Championship appearances this decade, scoring a career-high 11 goals in 2014-15 before helping the Teessiders gain automatic promotion the following season.

Wes Hoolahan (2006-) Norwich, West Brom. 148/22. Promotion (2010-11, 2014-15), team of the season (2010-11)

Nicknamed the Irish Messi, playmaker Hoolahan was in his pomp during Norwich's 2010-11 promotion season - a creative and goalscoring force. Repeated the feat four years later to become a club legend.

Adel Taarabt (2006-) QPR. 63/22. Promotion (2010-11), player of the season (2010-11), team of the season (2010-11)

His impact on the Championship was short but sweet, but Taarabt's performances in QPR's 2010-11 campaign will be remembered for his skill and swagger. His 19 league goals saw him crowned player of the season.

Jonny Howson (2006-) Leeds, Norwich, Middlesbrough. 249/30. Promotion (2014-15)

Howson emerged at hometown club Leeds before a big-money move to Norwich. Helped the Canaries back to the Premier League in 2014-15 but has since become a Championship stalwart with Middlesbrough.

Andy King (2007-) Leicester, Derby. 178/37. Promotion (2013-14), team of the season (2010-11)

King was a consistent scorer during Leicester's Championship years, with 15 goals in the 2010-11 campaign, and was a regular in their title-winning season under Nigel Pearson.

Albert Adomah (2007-) Bristol City, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest. 409/65. Promotion (2015-16, 2018-19)

Winger Adomah has spent near-enough the entire decade giving Championship full-backs a difficult time. The Ghana international was an integral part of promotions at Middlesbrough and Aston Villa.

Matt Phillips (2008-) Blackpool, QPR, West Brom. 200/43. Promotion (2013-14), team of the season (2011-12)

Scotland winger Phillips made the 2011-12 team of the season with Blackpool before moving to QPR, playing a part in them going up in 2013-14. Has seven goals this season as West Brom chase promotion.

Pablo Hernandez (2008-) Leeds. 144/30. Team of the season (2018-19)

Spanish playmaker Hernandez has lit up the Championship in recent campaigns. Last season's 12 goals earned him a spot in the team of the season and he continues to spearhead a Leeds side looking for a Premier League return.

Matt Ritchie (2008-) Bournemouth, Newcastle. 123/36. Promotion (2014-15, 2016-17), team of the season (2014-15)

Goalscoring winger Ritchie made his mark in 2014-15 - his 15 goals catapulting Bournemouth towards the title. He dropped back to the Championship with Newcastle, once again reaching double figures to claim more silverware.

Wilfried Zaha (2009-) Crystal Palace. 129/15. Promotion (2012-13), team of the season (2012-13)

Ivory Coast man Zaha had three full seasons in the second tier towards the start of the decade, and was key in Crystal Palace going up via the play-offs in 2012-13.

Tom Cairney (2009-) Hull, Blackburn, Fulham. 278/42. Promotion (2012-13, 2017-18), team of the season (2016-17, 2017-18)

Cairney was a bit-part player in Hull's 2012-13 promotion season but became a creative force after joining Fulham, scoring 19 goals over two seasons to make consecutive team of the seasons and help the Whites go up.

Oliver Norwood (2010-) Coventry, Huddersfield, Reading, Brighton, Fulham, Sheffield United. 294/22. Promotion (2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19), team of the season (2018-19)

Northern Ireland midfielder Norwood won his third consecutive Championship promotion last season with Sheffield United, having already helped Brighton and Fulham to the top flight. Was named in the team of the season in 2018-19.

Tom Ince (2010-) Blackpool, Nottingham Forest, Derby, Stoke. 273/76. Team of the season (2012-13)

Forward Ince has played his best football in the Championship this decade, his 18 goals for Blackpool in 2012-13 a highlight. Has been a regular scorer for a number of sides in the league, namely Derby.

Anthony Knockaert (2012-) Leicester, Brighton, Fulham. 174/35. Promotion (2013-14, 2016-17), player of the season (2016-17), team of season (2016-17)

French winger Knockaert took home all the individual awards in 2016-17 as his 15 goals steered Brighton towards promotion. Also impressed as Leicester won the title three years earlier.

STRIKERS

David Nugent (2002-) Portsmouth, Leicester, Middlesbrough, Derby, Preston. 308/88. Promotion (2013-14, 2015-16)

Nugent has had several prolific seasons at Championship level this decade. Scored 20 goals to fire Leicester to the 2013-14 title and is back with Preston in the autumn of his career.

Glenn Murray (2004-) Crystal Palace, Reading, Brighton. 143/67. Promotion (2012-13, 2016-17), team of the season (2012-13)

Evergreen striker Murray has been the talisman in two promotion campaigns - scoring 30 league goals as Crystal Palace won the 2012-13 play-offs and adding another 23 in Brighton's run to the Premier League.

Billy Sharp (2004-) Doncaster, Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Leeds, Sheffield United. 252/96. Promotion (2011-12, 2018-19), team of the season (2018-19)

Sharp played for six sides in the Championship this decade, scoring goals everywhere he went - with the exception of a disappointing season at Leeds. His 23 goals were pivotal in Sheffield United going up last term.

Ross McCormack (2004-) Cardiff, Leeds, Fulham, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest. 284/99. Team of the season (2013-14, 2015-16)

McCormack's goal record saw Fulham spend £11m on him in 2014 and Aston Villa pay £12m for his services two years later - both while in the second tier. Made the team of the season twice, including in 2013-14 when he scored 28 league goals.

Lewis Grabban (2005-) Millwall, Bournemouth, Norwich, Reading, Sunderland, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest. 200/83. Promotion (2014-15)

Played a part in Norwich's play-off success in 2014-15 but has enjoyed more prolific spells at this level with Bournemouth, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest - scoring 22 league goals in 2013-14. Grabban has already reached double figures this season.

Troy Deeney (2006-) Watford. 207/78. Promotion (2014-15), team of the season (2014-15)

Watford legend Deeney reached 20 Championship goals in three successive seasons in the first half of the decade, culminating in the Hornets being promoted in 2014-15.

Jordan Rhodes (2007-) Blackburn, Middlesbrough, Norwich, Sheffield Wednesday. 276/108. Promotion (2015-16, 2018-19)

Rhodes has had around £27m spent on him this decade and contributed to promotions for Middlesbrough and Norwich. Enjoyed his best form at Blackburn, scoring 83 goals in 159 Championship appearances.

Chris Martin (2007-) Norwich, Crystal Palace, Derby, Fulham, Reading, Hull. 322/87. Promotion (2010-11)

Target man Martin hit 22 goals as Derby reached the 2013-14 play-off final and added 33 goals over the next two seasons. He was part of the Norwich side that went up in 2010-11.

Charlie Austin (2009-) Burnley, QPR, West Brom. 148/77. Promotion (2013-14)

Austin is one of only two strikers on the shortlist to average better than a goal every two games at Championship level this decade. His 25 goals for Burnley in 2012-13 earned a move to QPR, where Austin was top scorer as they went up.

Chris Wood (2009-) West Brom, Barnsley, Birmingham, Bristol City, Millwall, Leicester, Ipswich, Leeds. 208/77. Promotion (2009-10, 2013-14), team of the season (2016-17)

Wood has spent time at eight clubs in the league in the past 10 years. Did not play a major role in promotions for West Brom and Leicester but scored 41 goals in two seasons at Leeds to earn a £15m move to Burnley.

Andre Gray (2009-) Brentford, Burnley. 90/42. Promotion (2015-16), team of the season (2015-16), player of the season (2015-16)

Gray was Championship player of the season in 2015-16 - his 25 goals guiding Burnley to the title - though he also scored 17 the previous season as Brentford reached the second-tier play-offs.

Matej Vydra (2011-) Watford, Reading, Derby. 192/67. Promotion (2014-15), team of the season (2012-13, 2017-18), player of the year (2012-13)

Czech striker Vydra has enjoyed three champagne Championship seasons this decade, being named player of the season in 2012-13 as his 22 goals took Watford to the play-off final and helping the Hornets go up in 2014-15, before finishing 2017-18 as the league's top scorer with Derby.

Patrick Bamford (2011-) Derby, Middlesbrough, Leeds. 149/54. Player of the season (2014-15)

Bamford's 17 league goals in 2014-15 took Middlesbrough to the play-offs and helped earn him the Championship player of the year award. Now first-choice striker at high-flying Leeds.

Dwight Gayle (2012-) Peterborough, Newcastle, West Brom. 101/60. Promotion (2016-17), team of the season (2016-17)

Gayle scored 13 goals for relegated Peterborough in 2012-13 before spearheading Newcastle's title triumph with 23 goals four seasons later. Scored 24 on loan at West Brom last season.

All stats correct as of 19 December, 2019.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50823353

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Fulham Star Wants To Hurt Leeds United Feels Former Whites Coach

Former Leeds United youth coach Greg Abbott believes being released from the Whites means that Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney is always keen to hurt the Yorkshire giants.

Cairney was 16 when he was released by the Leeds academy, but he bounced back at Hull City and went on to establish himself as a consistent performer in the Championship. 

He has been at Fulham since 2015 and is currently the club captain as he and his side look to chase down Leeds for an automatic promotion spot this season.

There is regret around Leeds about Cairney's development away from the club and Abbot admits that it was a surprise to see Leeds release him when they did.

But he did concede that such things do happen at academies and sometimes good players do slip through the fingers of clubs.

However, Abbott also believes that being released from Leeds did play a key role in pushing Cairney to prove himself somewhere else and gave him the edge he needed to succeed.

The former Leeds academy coach told The Athletic: "I was really surprised to hear he'd gone from Leeds because he was one of the best players we had there.

"You'd have to call it a mistake but it happens at academies and the time when you're handing out scholarships — or in his case, not handing out scholarships — is terrible.

"Every time a player I worked with was released, I wanted them to prove me wrong. Academies give these things a lot of thought but they can't get every decision right.

"Tom's so determined in the way he thinks that (being released by Leeds) will have driven him massively.

"He's a smashing lad but I'm sure he'll feel like he wants to hurt Leeds every time he plays against them because they hurt him. There's nothing wrong with that. You need to have an edge."

Cairney will look to inflict hurt on his former side when Leeds visit Craven Cottage to take on Fulham   



http://www.insidefutbol.com/2019/12/20/fulham-star-wants-to-hurt-leeds-united-feels-former-whites-coach/446211/

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Fulham may have Aleksandar Mitrovic but Scott Parker envies Leeds United

The Cottagers manager thinks it will be 'tough' for his side to break the Whites and West Brom's stranglehold at the summit

Leeds United are favourites to seal automatic promotion to the Premier League in the eyes of Fulham boss Scott Parker, with the former England international admitting it will be difficult to topple Marcelo Bielsa's side.

The Whites sit second in the Championship, just behind league leaders West Bromwich Albion, and 10 points ahead of their nearest rivals in pursuit in the play-off places.

Though United were unable to write history after surrendering a three-goal lead in last weekend's draw against Cardiff City at Elland Road, they remain in prolific form as they enter the festive period.

Fulham host Leeds this weekend, with the Cottagers looking to arrest a run of three consecutive defeats, with Parker's side sat on the bottom rung of the top six after their dip in form.

Asked ahead of their encounter about his side's chances of finishing in the top two, the ex-midfielder acknowledged there is a current gulf in consistent quality between his team and United, along with the Baggies, leaving them favourites.

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

"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."

Leeds face Fulham on Saturday, with Bielsa looking to further consolidate his team's place over Christmas.



https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/scott-parker-fulham-leeds-united-17451421

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Fulham v Leeds United
SAT 21 Dec 2019  Championship
Venue: Craven Cottage

Leeds are unbeaten in 11 league matches, although they lost a 3-0 lead to draw with Cardiff in their most recent game

Fulham have defender Denis Odoi missing through suspension as they look to end a three-match losing run.

Bobby Decordova-Reid and Harrison Reed (adductor) are back in training, while fellow midfielder Harry Arter (calf) is edging closer to a return.

Second-placed Leeds United, who are unbeaten in 11 league games, can welcome back captain Liam Cooper.

The defender has missed the last three matches after suffering a calf strain prior to the 2-0 win at Huddersfield.

Forward Tyler Roberts and Jamie Shackleton remain sidelined, but are close to recovering from hamstring injuries and could be back on Boxing Day.

Shackleton's fellow midfielder Adam Forshaw is still missing because of a hip problem.

Fulham remain inside the play-off places on goal difference despite their run of defeats, but the west London side head into the match 12 points off the automatic promotion places.

Fulham boss Scott Parker told BBC Radio London:

"There is no better game for us. Leeds are a big team with vast quality and will bring a massive challenge.

"There is no denying they are a very good side, an aggressive and experienced team who have been in this league for some time now.

"They know their way around it and you are seeing that in their recent performances.

"Ultimately we need to be right at it to get anything from the game and we need to improve from where we have been over the last couple of games."

Match facts

    Five of the last six league meetings between Fulham and Leeds have ended as draws, with Fulham winning the most recent meeting 2-0 in April 2018.
    Leeds have only won once in their past eight away league visits to Fulham (D3 L4), a 3-0 win in March 2015 under Neil Redfearn.
    Fulham have lost their past three league games, and will be looking to avoid four consecutive defeats in the Championship for the first time since August 2014 (5).
    Leeds are unbeaten in 11 league games (W8 D3) - they last had a longer such run in the second tier of English football between October 2010 and January 2011 (12 games).
    Since his debut for Fulham in February 2018, Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 39 league goals (inc. play-offs), 27 more than any other player at the club.
    Since the start of last season, Leeds' Pablo Hernandez has created more goalscoring chances than any player in the Championship (159), with the Spaniard assisting 16 goals in the process.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50791383

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Have Your Mate's Back

The EFL and Mind are now into a second season of their ground-breaking 'On Your Side' charity partnership which uses the power of football to help improve the nation's mental health and wellbeing.

With one in four individuals affected by mental health problems, the partnership focuses on the following areas:

•          Raising awareness of mental health amongst fans and wider public

•          Helping to improve the approach to mental health in football working with partners across the game

•          Raising funds to deliver life changing national and local support

One of the many ways that the partnership raises awareness of mental health is through Mind's logo featuring on all EFL shirts for the 18/19 and 19/20 seasons. The design incorporates the logo into the player's name on the back of every EFL shirt in the Sky Bet Championship, Sky Bet League One and Sky Bet League Two. This is the first time that a charity's logo has been incorporated into the shirt design in English football.

In addition, the EFL is working with its network of Clubs and community trusts to promote Mind's message of better mental health and its services to millions nationwide. The latest campaign asks fans to 'Have Your Mate's Back', by noticing if friends are acting differently, giving them a call or dropping them a text asking if they are ok. Mind and the EFL are encouraging players, fans and all in the football community to get behind the campaign by wearing their shirt backwards, displaying the Mind logo, and taking photos to share on social media.

Watch the campaign video here.

Mind is also working closely with the EFL to ensure Clubs and Community Trusts have programmes in place to support the wellbeing of both staff and volunteers that can be put into practice throughout the footballing calendar.

For more information about the services and support Mind can rel="noopener noreferrer" help with, please visit: mind.org.uk/information-support/



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/december/19/have-your-mates-back

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Floodlight Update

Following the completion of the phased demolition of the Riverside stand last month, works this week have involved the installation of four temporary floodlights which will be used for the first time this Saturday against Leeds United.

The floodlight located at the corner of the Riverside / Putney has been removed with the removal of the floodlight at the riverside / hammersmith end taking place early in the new year.

The temporary floodlights will be in operation for the duration of the development until the new stand is completed where new floodlights will be positioned along the front of the roof.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/december/20/floodlight-update

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Fulham missing three key names for Leeds United visit

The Cottagers will be without three first-team faces when they host Marcelo Bielsa and his men on Saturday

Leeds United have been handed a prospective boost ahead of their trip to Fulham after opposition manager Scott Parker confirmed a trio of names would miss the encounter.

The Cottagers will be without three first-team names for the visit of Marcelo Bielsa and his men to Craven Cottage in the Championship on Saturday.

Harry Arter and Maxime Le Marchand remain absentees through injury, while veteran Denis Odoi will sit out the clash as he continues to serve a three-match ban for an elbow against Preston North End.

Arter, who is on loan from Bournemouth on the banks of the River Thames, has been out of action since mid-October with what is believed to be a calf muscle injury.

Le Marchand meanwhile limped off during his side's win against Birmingham City and is yet to feature since, with both likely to be out until at least the New Year.

That's where the good news for Leeds ends however, with Parker confirming in his pre-match press conference his side was in ruder health than it had been, with Bobby Reid poised to return to action.

"We're in a better shape than we've been in over the last few weeks," he said. "In terms of injuries, we've got a few coming back into the squad who have been vitally missed.

"Harrison Reed has trained this last week, and so has Bobby Reid, two players who bring a lot to this team."

Leeds will look to return to winning ways against Fulham as they seek to consolidate their top-two berth over Christmas.



https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/fulham-missing-three-key-names-17451740

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24 y/o in? The expected Fulham XI Parker is likely to play this weekend

Fulham host Leeds United tomorrow, as Scott Parker's side look to avoid a fourth-straight defeat in the Championship.

December could not have gone worse for Fulham so far, having played three games resulting in three losses, but somehow Parker's team retain a place in the top-six.

They've already faced three of the current top seven this month and face another in 2nd-place Leeds at Craven Cottage tomorrow.

It's turned into a crucial game for Parker and a loss could really put the pressure on the board to take action, but here we take a look at the expected XI that he'll field tomorrow:

With Parker's classic 4-3-3 coming undone of late, he could revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation for tomorrow.

In the back five, expect to see Marek Rodak in goal with Joe Bryan at left-back and Cyrus Christie at right-back, with Dennis Odoi serving the second of a three-match suspension.

Tim Ream and Alfie Mawson will more than likely start at centre-back again.

In-front of the back-four should be Tom Cairney and Stefan Johansen in another familiar pairing for Fulham, and in the attacking midfield-three we should see the return of Aboubakar Kamara.

The Frenchman has come into the team in recent weeks and been impressive, so expect to see him rejoin just behind the striker with Neeskens Kebano likely to keep his spot on the left and Ivan Cavaleiro on the right.

Up-front there's no debating who Parker will play, Aleksandar Mitrovic, the league's top-scorer with 16 has only scored one in his last three for Fulham, and will be looking to get back on the mark against Marcelo Bielsa's side.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/24-y-o-in-the-expected-fulham-xi-parker-is-likely-to-play-this-weekend/

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Jeff Stelling and Phil Thompson predict score for massive Leeds clash v Fulham

Leeds United face one of their main promotion rivals when they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday and Sky Sports anchor Jeff Stelling thinks that Marcelo Bielsa's men will come away with all three points.

It's a big surprise that such a massive game hasn't been picked for TV but that means fans get the rare luxury of a blockbuster tie playing out at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon.

The two teams might be rivals at the top of the Championship but they come into the game in vastly differing form.

Leeds are unbeaten in 11 and flying at the top. Fulham have lost the last three and slipped down the table to sixth.

They're 12 points behind Leeds and a defeat for them would leave a huge gap to try and haul back in the second half of the season.

That's exactly what Stelling thinks will happen.

In his Super Six predictions for Sky Sports, Stelling said, "Leeds could extend the gap they hold in the automatic promotion spots, and show no signs of letting up as they are unbeaten in 11.

"Their defence is strong under Marcelo Bielsa and I expect it to stand firm at Craven Cottage."

He thinks it's going to be a very tight game but has Leeds coming out 1-0 winners.

Former players Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson see the match playing out differently. They both predict a 2-2 draw.

Leeds fans would probably take any of those results.

A defeat would be a setback, a win would really cement their status as promotion favourites. A draw would keep a 12-point gap intact at the halfway stage of the season.

Whichever way you look at it, Leeds are in a very strong position.

Leeds are likely to make one change for the game, with Liam Cooper fit. With the threat of Aleksandar Mitrovic up front for Fulham, we think Cooper should come straight back in.

It will mean Gaetano Berardi dropping to the bench, which is harsh on a player who has done well in Cooper's absence.



https://motleedsnews.com/matchday/jeff-stelling-and-phil-thompson-predict-score-for-massive-leeds-clash-v-fulham/

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Cyrus: Stand Up & Be Counted

Cyrus Christie hopes the Leeds United fixture will reignite Fulham's promotion campaign.

Three defeats have seen the gap between ourselves and Saturday's opponents widen in recent weeks, but Christie knows victory over one of the pacesetters would get things right back on track.

"Leeds are in the top-two at the minute and are obviously a good side," he told fulhamfc.com.

"After four wins on the bounce we're now on a bad run, so if we can go out there and put on a performance against Leeds and get the win then it's definitely another momentum starter and confidence boost for the lads.

"[Marcelo Bielsa] has come in and he's done really well. I know a few of the lads who have played under him at Leeds and they said he was really good to work for. He's implemented his style and we've got to match it, we've got be better than them, and I'm sure we can.

"I've seen quite a bit of them this season. Every player knows what they're doing and their roles, the manager's been in place for a while and, like I said, has implemented his style.

"Clearly they're all buying into it and it's working for them as they're up in the top-two, and I'm sure they're going to be in and around it come the end of the season."

Christie continued: "I think they were unlucky last year, they kind of faded off a bit which didn't help them but they've come back strong. We know what we're going to face, we're in for a tough game.

"They're full of confidence while we're probably low on the confidence side on the back of these results, but this is where we've got to stand up and be counted, and show true character to get through the game. If we play how we know we can, there's no reason we can't get the win."

Christie found himself behind Steven Sessegnon and Denis Odoi in the pecking order to begin with this season, but has now forced his way into Scott Parker's thinking.

After an impressive appearance from the bench at St Andrew's last month, the right-back has been involved in every fixture since, starting the previous two.

"The beginning of the season was tough," Christie admitted. "Matchdays I'm out there training on my own and then coming and watching the games. It's tough when you believe that you should be playing.

"Obviously Stevie did well and Denis has done well, so for me it was just about waiting patiently for my time, training well and making sure that I was ready to come in.

"I wasn't getting the minutes that I'd have liked but I still managed to be up there amongst the highest [statistics] with the running stuff, so I've kept myself in decent nick.

"It's now about getting match sharp and hopefully I can help the team and show what I'm capable of. I came on at Birmingham and did well, and think in other sub appearances I've shown what I'm capable of.

"And when I've played recently, I know the games haven't gone well but personally I think I did okay defensively and offensively. Hopefully I can get a run of games now to prove myself."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/december/20/cyrus-christie-leeds-united-preview

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My First Spurs Christmas - Ryan Sessegnon

Our 'My First Spurs Christmas' series is back this week, with Ryan Sessegnon in the hot seat today. In the lead-up to 25 December, we catch up with some of this year's new signings to find out about their plans for the festive period and how they've celebrated in the past. Ryan joined us over the summer from Fulham...
Ryan Sessegnon

England Under-21 international, joined us from Fulham in August, 2019

What will you do on Christmas Day?
"As a squad we meet up a bit later for training on Christmas Day so the family will come to my place in Hadley Wood for a little bit in the morning, we'll have some food, open some gifts and then I'll go off to training. There'll be maybe seven or eight people in the house but my mum will be cooking – I'm not a good cook at all!"

How does this differ from past Christmases for you?
"This is my first time living alone. In previous Christmases I was still living at home in Morden in south London and, again, I would usually train later on, so the family would be at home, we'd eat our food, exchange gifts and then I'd meet up with the squad at Fulham. We trained in the afternoon and then travelled to wherever we had the game on Boxing Day."

What is traditional at Christmas in your family?
"The usual type of thing – dinner, Christmas games. Just traditional Christmas stuff."

What is your favourite festive meal?
"My family background stems from the Ivory Coast so for me, I like all kinds of fish, chicken, couscous and traditional African food like attiéké and foutou, which is like mash. We do have the more traditional British roast as well, but we kind of do a mix and match where we bring everything together and have it on a big table where you can pick food out."

What do you wish for at Christmas?
"Three points against Brighton on Boxing Day!"

What was your most memorable gift as a child?
"A BMX bike. Me and my twin brother Steven got one each and that was when we first started to ride a bike – we started learning together. Mine was red and his one was blue. We're unidentical twins so, to be fair, there was never much confusion at Christmas. When we were younger we looked a little bit alike but as we've grown, we look nothing alike now!"

Look out for more instalments of 'My First Spurs Christmas' over the weekend, featuring some of the new faces from both our Men's and Women's squads. Tanguy Ndombele and Hannah Godfrey gave us their answers earlier this week – look out for Spurs Women left-back Siri Worm tomorrow...




https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2019/december/my-first-spurs-christmas-ryan-sessegnon/

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Scott Parker delivers Leeds United verdict ahead of weekend clash

Fulham manager Scott Parker has identified tomorrow's opponents, Leeds United, as one of the two best teams in the Championship along with leaders West Brom.

Marcelo Bielsa takes his Leeds side down to Craven Cottage tomorrow and will be looking to deal Parker a potentially job-threatening fourth-straight defeat in the Championship.

Fulham have dropped from 3rd to 6th with three defeats in the league this month, and the gap between the four teams in the play-offs is now only two points.

The gap between the top-two and the rest of the teams though is greater – Leeds are ten points ahead of 3rd-place Preston and West Brom are two ahead of Leeds.

Speaking ahead of the game tomorrow, Parker told BBC Radio London that he thinks Leeds and West Brom are head and shoulders above the rest:

"There is no denying that West Brom and Leeds are the best two teams in this division – they've been the most consistent quality-wise, and squad-wise they are good and mature."

Consistency is Fulham's footfall – after winning four games in a row last month, Parker now faces a fourth defeat in a row and with pressure mounting on the 39-year-old, a heavy defeat tomorrow could well result in his dismissal.

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

Fulham always have a chance at Craven Cottage but Leeds will be coming to the capital full of confidence, and hopeful of taking the three points back up to Yorkshire as they continue their surge towards the Premier League.

The verdict

It's so frustrating for Fulham fans at the moment – they have some of the best players in the league and at times they play some of the best football, just not often enough.

If Parker can get some consistency out of his team then he's onto a winner, but that's easier said than done in the Championship.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/scott-parker-delivers-leeds-united-verdict-ahead-of-weekend-clash/

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Fulham boss Scott Parker shares 'pleasing' update ahead of Leeds clash

Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United head to Scott Parker's Fulham this weekend hoping for the Whites to bring three points back to Elland Road.

Ahead of their Championship meeting with Leeds United this weekend, Fulham manager Scott Parker has issued a "pleasing" update from his side (official website).

The Cottagers are enduring a poor run of form at present, having lost each of their last three league fixtures to leave them sixth in the table, 12 points adrift of the Elland Road side.

Leeds, meanwhile, are currently in great form, having stretched their unbeaten run to 11 games - indeed, they were close to making it eight wins on the trot at Cardiff last time out.

However, Parker was able to confirm that Harrison Reed and Bobby Reid are back in training, while the sickness bug that had affected the Fulham camp appears to have cleared up.

"We're in a better shape than we've been in over the last few weeks," Parker told the Fulham website. "In terms of injuries, we've got a few coming back into the squad who have been vitally missed.

"Harrison Reed has trained this last week, and so has Bobby Reid - two players who bring a lot to this team. And the sickness bug seems to have cleared up, touch wood, so that's pleasing."

Central midfielder Reed has made 13 appearances for Fulham this term and has missed the side's last five games, while attacking midfielder Reid has made 19 appearances for the Cottagers in all competitions this term.

In terms of missing personnel, Harry Arter and Maxime Le Marchand remain absentees through injury, while veteran Denis Odoi will sit out the clash as he continues to serve a three-match ban for an elbow against Preston North End (Leeds Live).



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/12/20/fulham-parker-update-pre-leeds/

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3 ways that Fulham can hurt Leeds tomorrow

Fulham host Leeds United tomorrow, as Scott Parker's side look to avoid a fourth-straight defeat in the Championship.

Having already faced three of the current top-seven this month, Fulham now face their toughest task of December when they welcome 2nd-placed Leeds United tomorrow.

Marcelo Bielsa's side have won seven of their last eight in the Championship and have only lost one of their last 13.

Fulham meanwhile have lost all of their three games this month and have dropped down into 6th – only two points separate the four teams in the play-off places.

It'll be an up-hill battle for Fulham tomorrow and Parker really needs a win to silence some of his critics – here we take a look at three ways Fulham can hurt Leeds tomorrow:

Feed the Mitro
In Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fulham have one of the best strikers in Europe this season, let alone outside of the Premier League. The Serb has 25 goals for club and country and is the leading scorer in the Championship with 16.

He's struggled in recent games though and has only scored one in his last three – he's looked isolated in all of Fulham's defeats this month and if they're to have any hope of taking anything from tomorrow, they need to serve Mitrovic more effectively.

Fulham need to pepper the Leeds penalty area with balls into the box, and get their full-backs high up the pitch.

Forward runs from midfield
Mitrovic can't do it all on his own tomorrow. Leeds are going to be incredibly tough to breach – they've got the best defence in the league having conceded 13 goals all season, and Fulham will need their midfielders to get involved as well.

Particularly Tom Cairney, Fulham have a lot of players behind the striker capable of scoring goals. Alongside Stefan Johansen in midfield, Cairney must be allowed to get forward tomorrow, get into the Leeds box and cause the defence some problems.

He's already scored six this season but has just one in his last seven games. He's got a good finish on him and given the chance, he could be the match-winner tomorrow.

Rough and tumble
Fulham have racked up quite the disciplinary record this season – they've picked up 38 yellow cards in 22 Championship games with three reds.

Obviously these numbers don't make for great reading but it shows the aggression and tenacity that Parker has instilled into his Fulham team. This'll come in handy tomorrow against a notoriously feisty Leeds side and with their travelling numbers, the game could be a very cagey one.

If Fulham can get in the faces of the Leeds players tomorrow and unsettle them at the Cottage, the Parker could be in-line for a much-needed win.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-ways-that-fulham-can-hurt-leeds-tomorrow/