Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 31/12/19...

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Results

Monday
Derby	2-1	Charlton

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'We shouldn't be forcing him' – Fulham fan pundit recommends next step on 27-y/o's future

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 Fulham fan pundit Charles Jones has provided his thoughts on the future of Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, with the 27-year-old having fallen out of favour under Scott Parker in recent months.

Despite making a total of 14 Championship appearances, Bettinelli now finds himself behind fellow shot stopper Marek Rodak in the pecking order at Craven Cottage.

Something of a club stalwart, the keeper is sure to be dissatisfied with his lack of playing time and as a result there is an air of uncertainty surrounding the player's long term future at the west London club.

We took this opportunity to catch up with our Fulham fan pundit Jones recently to discuss Bettinelli's situation and here is what he had to say on the matter:

"I don't think he's a player we have to prioritise keeping, but we shouldn't be forcing him out of the door by any means.

"He's a great shot stopper, but his distribution leaves a lot to be desired.

"His reflexes and reactions are brilliant, and in a one on one situation I feel very comfortable with him between the sticks.

"Marek Rodak has earnt his spot, but that isn't to say that the door won't open for Bettinelli again in the near future.

"He has to bide his time, and I'm sure he'll get another chance sooner or later.

"The chances of him leaving the club will no doubt hinge on what sort of offer we'd get for him."

With over 100 Fulham appearances to his name, Bettinelli's importance to the club has never been in as much doubt as it is now and that is sure to be something that may hold the key to what the future holds for the 27-year-old at Craven Cottage.

If his game time doesn't improve over the course of the second half of the campaign, we may well see Bettinelli make a move away from the club in search of a first choice role elsewhere.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/we-shouldnt-be-forcing-him-fulham-fan-pundit-recommends-next-step-on-27-y-os-future/

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Decordova-Reid delivers personal verdict following weekend Fulham heroics

Fulham attacker Bobby Decordova-Reid has sent a message to the club's fans after he continued his fine form on Sunday to help the Whites to three points.

He scored the only goal of the game as Fulham saw off Stoke City 1-0 at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon to move back into third place and to within nine points of the automatic promotion spots.

Taking to Instagram after the final whistle, and writing alongside a photograph of his celebrations, Decordova-Reid said: "Enjoyable way to end 2019. Let's make 2020 even better!! 🖤"

The summer signing, on loan for the season from Cardiff, put his side in front just 25 minutes into the clash with The Potters, reacting quickest to tap home after Jack Butland could on parry an Anthony Knockaert effort.

Christmas has been a wonderful time of year for the 26-year-old, scoring three times in two games after netting a brace against Luton Town on Boxing Day.

In total he has now bagged four goals in 21 games for his new side, playing predominantly from midfield, laying on another four assists for his teammates as well.

Scott Parker will be hoping that form can continue into New Years day when Reading visit South West London for what looks set to be an entertaining affair.

The verdict

It is great to see Reid's performances finally being rewarded with the goals they deserve.

He has looked impressive throughout the current campaign but has really thrived since being moved into a slightly more advanced role in recent weeks.

It will not doubt relieve a fair bit of pressure from Aleksandar Mitrovic too with the goalscoring burdon now being shared around more evenly.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/decordova-reid-delivers-personal-verdict-following-weekend-fulham-heroics/

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Scott Parker issues key message to Fulham defenders

Scott Parker has heaped praise on Fulham's defenders after a much-needed clean sheet against Stoke City on Sunday.

The Whites managed to hang on to a 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage, in a result that pushed them back up to third and on the tail of both Leeds and West Brom.

It was a much improved defensive display from the side after they conceded three at Kenilworth Road on Boxing Day. Fulham will now look to keep up this more resolute style when they face an inform Reading side on New Year's Day.

Parker has given all the credit to the defenders, and has expressed how pleasing it was to keep a clean sheet on Sunday.

Speaking to West London Sport, Parker said: "Full credit to the defenders this week.

"Today, I thought they stood up like men. When it was time to roll your sleeves up, do the basics, and keep the ball out of the back of the net, they did that. So that was very pleasing."

The Verdict

It was a very impressive defensive display from Fulham, and in the end they managed the game very well. It wasn't a particularly pretty second-half display, but it did the job and that's what they have to do if they're to get promoted this season.

The Whites will have to be at their best against a Reading side who have just come away with three points at Preston. It'll be a tough test for Fulham, and one that will be interesting to watch as a clean sheet may be tough to come by in this fixture.

Parker will hope that this can be the start of a more defensive side to Fulham's game, which can help see them challenge the top two in the coming months.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/scott-parker-issues-key-message-to-fulham-defenders/

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1 winner and 1 loser at Everton if club secure agreement for 18-goal ace

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has quickly identified Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic as the man who would be an ideal striking candidate for Everton to make a move for in January.

Speaking to Football Insider, the now pundit explained that the one thing that the Toffees are really lacking this term is an out and out goalscorer up top, with Mitrovic seemingly fitting the bill.

The Serbian international forward has been in stunning for for Fulham this term, netting an impressive 18 goals in his first 24 league games.

A crucial segment of Fulham's side, Mitrovic is once again showing that he is too good to be plying his trade at Championship level and as such there is a possibility that we could well see the 25-year-old make a move away from the west London side at some point in the not too distant future.

Here, we take a look at ONE winner and ONE loser of Everton clinching an agreement for the 25-year-old in the upcoming transfer window....

Winner

Dominic Calvert-Lewin
One man who would no doubt be a big beneficiary of any move for Mitrovic is 22-year-old striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the young forward having bared the responsibility of providing much of his side's goals for most of the campaign so far.

The addition of Mitrovic would go a long way towards providing Calvert-Lewin not only with a strong partner up top but also another player who can take on the responsibility of scoring goals for the Premier League side, therefore relieving some of the pressure on the former Sheffield United man's shoulders.

Loser

Moise Kean
The former Juventus youngster would surely be the loser of any deal being agreed for Mitrovic, with thew 19-year-old striker having so far failed to make an impact at Goodison Park since making the move from Italy this summer.

The addition of the Serbian forward would surely see Kean's game time at Everton limited even further, with the Italian having only made a paltry total of just three starts this campaign.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/1-winner-and-1-loser-at-everton-if-club-secure-agreement-for-18-goal-ace/

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Talking Points: Stoke City

Five Talking Points from our meeting with Stoke City, as Fulham closed out the decade on a beautiful afternoon at Craven Cottage.

1. Sun sets on 2019

In addition to a very welcome three points, fans enjoyed their surroundings at Craven Cottage on Sunday, as the afternoon sunset led to some beautiful skies, with those in attendance taking to Twitter and Instagram to share some stunning pictures.

2. Seven from nine

Scott Parker's side have responded well after a three-match losing run, and if you had asked supporters how many points they would want from meetings with Leeds United, Luton Town and Stoke City, most would have been satisfied with seven.

3. Decade goes full circle

In a poetic twist, Fulham ended the decade in near identical circumstances to how we started it. On Saturday 2nd January 2010, a lone Bobby Zamora strike secured a 1-0 win over Swindon Town in the FA Cup. Fast forward 10 years and we close out the decade with the same scoreline and another Bobby grabbing the winner.

4. Banishing Stoke memories

Fulham's trip to Staffordshire earlier in the season was an afternoon to forget, so it was pleasing to see the lads right the wrongs from that day, particularly in the first half when they put together some fantastic patterns of play.

5. Players stepping up

The voting for Man of the Match had Anthony Knockaert, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Cyrus Christie and Harrison Reed as the top four performers – four players who have been out of the starting XI for one reason or another this season. Scott Parker will have been delighted with how players are stepping up to the plate when called upon.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/december/30/talking-points-stoke-city

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'What a signing', 'A revelation' – Loads of Fulham fans hail key man's impressive display against Stoke

Fulham made it back-to-back home wins on Sunday afternoon as they edged to a narrow 1-0 victory over relegation strugglers Stoke with Bobby Reid netting the only goal of the game for the Cottagers.

Scott Parker's side were aiming to cement their spot in the Championship play-off zone after picking up four points from their previous two games, and Reid's 26th-minute effort sealed the three points for the West London outfit.

Reid joined Fulham on an initial season-long loan deal from Cardiff over the summer, and he has really started finding his feet at the club in recent matches after scoring three goals and registering an assist in his last three appearances.

The 26-year-old netted a vital brace during the 3-3 draw away at Luton on Boxing Day, and he was once again on target in Fulham's final match of 2019 as the attacker tapped home Anthony Knockaert's rebounded effort.

Plenty of Fulham supporters took to Twitter to share their reactions to another impressive performance from Reid, while many of them continued to praise the club's business in securing the attacker's services from Cardiff back in August.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/what-a-signing-a-revelation-loads-of-fulham-fans-hail-key-mans-impressive-display-against-stoke/

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3 things we learned about Fulham after their win over Stoke

Fulham managed to cap 2019 with a win yesterday, beating Stoke City 1-0 in the Championship.

Bobby Reid scored his third goal in two games to seal the win for Fulham just before the half-hour mark, a win which takes them into 2020 on the back of three unbeaten and in 3rd-place.

The month couldn't have started worse for Scott Parker and Fulham though – three-straight losses had them out of the top-six and Parker under some real pressure.

But wins against Leeds and now Stoke have them back-on-track, and back chasing the automatic promotion places – here we take a look at three things we learned about Fulham after yesterday's win:

A new hero
In Reid, Fulham look to have found a new hero. He had to wait a long time for his first Fulham goal but when he found the net against Derby last month, fans believed that they'd now see a completely new striker.

And that's what's happened – getting going in a Fulham shirt has given the Jamaican a new lease of life and in the last two games he's shown glimpses of the striker that burst onto the scene with 19 Championship goals in the 2017/18 season for Bristol City.

It takes some of the pressure off Aleksandar Mitrovic whose goals have dried up a touch, but in him and Reid Fulham have two really capable forwards.

Knockaert looking hungry
Anthony Knockaert rejoined the starting eleven yesterday after seeing his spot fall to the bench. The Frenchman had struggled in recent weeks and it seemed like his place on the wing was now Aboubakar Kamara's.

But his fellow Frenchman was dropped to the bench yesterday and Knockaert impressed on his return, looking sharp and creative throughout and a constant danger in the final-third.

Everybody at the club knows his qualities especially at Championship level, but too often this season it seems that Parker hasn't been able to get the best out of him – hopefully Knockaert is back at it again, and his form will be vital in Fulham's promotion push.

Odoi out-of-favour for Christie
Dennis Odoi was named on the bench yesterday after serving his three-match suspension for a red card against Preston earlier in the month, but Cyrus Christie seems to have snapped up that right-back spot.

The Irishman was't in Parker's plans at the start of the season but he's stayed patient, and is now enjoying a good run in the first-team – he's started the last five games in the Championship.

He showed again yesterday that he's a full-back with plenty of ability both in attack and in defence and after Odoi was slated for his cynical red at Preston, Christie looks set to retain his starting spot for the New Year.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-things-we-learned-about-fulham-after-their-win-over-stoke/

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Parker hails Decordova-Reid as Fulham assess injured duo

Bobby Decordova-Reid's fourth goal in five games was enough for Fulham to see off Stoke – and Scott Parker has hailed the Jamaica international's ability to be in the right place at the right time.

A near carbon copy of his last-gasp goal that rescued a point on Boxing Day, the Cardiff loanee reacted quickest to finish from close range in the first half after goalkeeper Jack Butland parried a ball from Anthony Knockaert.

Boss Parker said: "Bobby's probably one of the only players who could score that goal.

"He's always in that right area. He anticipates things very well. When the ball is in and around the box, nine out of 10 times he's there. The equaliser against Luton is a similar one.

"We've missed Bob, and we've missed Harrison Reed as well – two players that have been injured over the period when we've struggled a little bit. But they've come back into the team and given us something."

All three of the Whites' substitutions on Sunday were forced through injuries to Alfie Mawson and captain Tom Cairney, while an unwell Josh Onomah was withdrawn after just 36 minutes.

"Josh came to see me said he wasn't feeling well," Parker added. "We spoke to him and said 'let's do the warm-up and see where you are after that'. He said he was okay and wanted to give it a go, but after the game starts and with the pace of the game, he wasn't right.

"We'll have to see where Alfie is tomorrow, and Cairney as well."

Asked whether or not the incoming Michael Hector could help cover for Mawson as soon as the New Year's Day fixture against Reading, Parker said: "He's not eligible for Wednesday. He's eligible as of next weekend against Aston Villa [in the FA Cup]. He'll be a big help for us, especially in these moments. You need your squad of players to help out.

"The demands we're asking of these players – after 75 minutes today, both sets of players were running on empty. Forty-eight hours ago was the last time we played, and now we've got another 48 hours before we play again. It's relentless, really. It's tough.

"We're in dangerous territory at this present moment in time, and it's the same for every team. You're running out there with your fingers crossed, hoping you don't get any big injuries because the bodies are struggling a little bit. But hopefully we'll get some recovery in, and go again on Wednesday."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-hails-decordova-reid-as-fulham-assess-injured-duo

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'Fantastic again' – Confident display from 27-y/o earns high praise from Fulham fans

Fulham made it three league games unbeaten in the Sky Bet Championship, after overcoming Stoke City 1-0 at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Bobby Decordova-Reid's third goal in two games for the Cottagers in the 26th minute was enough to separate the sides, as Fulham moved ahead of Brentford to retake 3rd spot in the league table.

It was Fulham's fourth home win in five games. Scott Parker's side are back at Craven Cottage on New Year's Day as they take on an in-form Reading side who have won their last three.

One player who has grown in confidence in recent weeks for Fulham has been Cyrus Christie, who produced another excellent performance for the Cottagers at right-back against Stoke.

After not featuring as much as he would've liked at the start of the season, Christie has played the ninety minutes in Fulham's last five consecutive matches.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fantastic-again-confident-display-from-27-y-o-earns-high-praise-from-fulham-fans/

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Parker delivers injury update on key Fulham stars

Fulham manager Scott Parker has delivered an injury update following their weekend win against Stoke City at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Josh Onomah, Tom Cairney and Alfie Mawson all had to be withdrawn during proceedings owing to injuries and illness in the case of Onomah, and Parker has revealed the latest status of the trio.

"Josh came to see me said he wasn't feeling well," Parker told West London Sport after the full-time whistle.

"We spoke to him and said 'let's do the warm-up and see where you are after that'. He said he was okay and wanted to give it a go, but after the game starts and with the pace of the game, he wasn't right.

"We'll have to see where Alfie is tomorrow, and Cairney as well."

All three players have been regulars throughout Fulham's campaign so far, helping them rise into third place with half of the season now elapsed.

Mawson has made 25 appearances in all competitions, with Cairney racking up 23 and Onomah 16.

The Whites sit just nine points off the automatic promotion places and will be looking to make it back to back wins against Reading on New Years day.

The verdict

Sunday's win was a big one for Fulham after what was a dreadful run of form so these injury blows could very much be a problem for them.

Cairney in particular would be a huge loss. The midfielder is arguably as important as Aleksandar Mitrovic to Fulham, with no one else in midfield offering anywhere near as much creativity.

At the same time, Parker and co must be careful not to excaserbate the problem. Losing him for one game over a busy period may not be too bad, if the alternative could be losing him for weeks.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/parker-delivers-injury-update-on-key-fulham-stars/

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New Deals For Fulham Pair

The Club is delighted to confirm new contracts for both Aboubakar Kamara and Kevin McDonald.

Kamara has agreed terms on a deal which ties him to Fulham until the summer of 2024, while McDonald's runs until 2021.

24-year-old Kamara has really shown his value to the squad this season, notably when he admirably filled the sizeable boots vacated by Aleksandar Mitrović with a brace in our 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers, and he now has 15 goals to his name for the Club.

"I'm happy to have signed and extend my time with Fulham Football Club," Kamara said. "I'll do my best for this Club, give my maximum and will continue to keep working hard."

Tony Khan said: "I'm so happy that I've been able to reward Abou's hard work and dedication to Fulham with a new contract, which he thoroughly deserves.

"He has been a true professional for us this season, coming in and making a difference when he's been called on, always giving 100 per cent on the pitch both during games and in training, and around the Club.

"I spoke to him at length through the summer and knew it was the right decision for the team for him to come back, and I know that he will continue to deliver for his teammates, the Club and especially you, the fans. Thank you Abou!"

A highly respected member of the squad, McDonald has 116 Fulham appearances under his belt and has been a major contributor to our successes since his arrival in 2016.

"I'm delighted," he told fulhamfc.com. "I had a good chat with Tony [Khan], Alistair [Mackintosh] and Scott [Parker] and we worked out where we wanted to go.

"They were keen for me to stay around and, although I've been out with a little knock recently, they know I'm a big influence off the pitch and in this dressing room.

"Of course I want to play and I want to get in the team but the main thing for me and for everyone else involved at the Club is that the team is doing well.

"And if that happens – with or without me in the team – then I'm happy."

Tony Khan commented: "Kevin is a very important member of our squad, adding great leadership qualities in the dressing room and has an awesome work ethic which he instils in his teammates.

"He may not have had as many starts as in previous seasons, but I know that when he's called on he will give everything for Fulham and that he believes in what this team can achieve.

"Having the right mentality in our squad is vital if we are to push on this season, and I believe that Kevin has a big part to play for us, so I am really happy that he's agreed to extend his stay with Fulham!

"Come on Fulham!"



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/december/30/new-deals-for-aboubakar-kamara-kevin-mcdonald

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Huddersfield Town Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's home fixture against Huddersfield Town in February 2020 go on sale to 19/20 Members from 10am on Tuesday 31st December.

Fulham take on Huddersfield Town at Craven Cottage on Saturday 1st February (kick-off 3pm) and tickets for the match go on sale to Members tomorrow, before Season Ticket Holders can purchase additional tickets from 10am on Thursday 2nd January.

Remaining seats will go on General Sale from Monday 6th January.

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.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/december/30/huddersfield-town-tickets

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Games for New Years Day 01/01/20
The "traditional" New Years Day game is against Reading at the Cottage.

Well the Stoke game was more difficult than it needed to be but a wins and win and with other results going our way we're back up to third.

It will be interesting to see if Hector gets to play, depending on how serious Mawson's knock was and if he's eligible as the "window" opens on the day of the game and he may need to be registered 24 hours previous to kick-off? Either way I hope he improves the back four but he may take some time to "bed in".

Off the pitch there are a group of Reading and Fulham supporters walking the 40 miles from the Madejski to Craven Cottage!
"This will be the fifth walk between the two clubs which shows his huge passion for the cause."
The team are keen for people to join them at Griffin Park for the last stretch of the walk and talk at 11am on New Year's Day; to show a strong message of unity towards male suicide prevention, and encouraging openness of the battles with mental health.
If you want to take part, get in touch with the team via Twitter @walkandtalkMMH or Instagram @walkandtalk_MMH
You can donate to the team fundraising page and follow their progress using the hashtag #WalkAndTalkMMH

COYW's

Games of Interest...
Wednesday 1st
Birmingham City v Leeds
Fulham v Stoke
Millwall v Brentford
Nottm Forest v Wigan
Preston NE v Reading
QPR v Hull
Sheff Wed v Cardiff
Swansea v Barnsley
West Brom v Middlesborough

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=1041

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Fulham: Aboubakar Kamara and Kevin McDonald sign contract extensions

Aboubakar Kamara scored twice in his second league start for Fulham this season, which was a 2-1 win against QPR in November

Aboubakar Kamara has signed a new Fulham contract less than a year after the French striker's time at Craven Cottage looked over.

The 24-year-old, whose new deal runs until the summer of 2024, was arrested in January after a clash at Fulham's training ground, banned from the club and subsequently loaned to Malatyaspor.

He returned to Fulham this season and has scored three times in 16 games.

Meanwhile, Kevin McDonald, 31, has signed a new deal that runs until 2021.

Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan said Kamara "has been a true professional" on his return to London.

"I spoke to him at length through the summer and knew it was the right decision for the team for him to come back," Khan told the club website.

"I know that he will continue to deliver for his team-mates, the club and especially the fans."

Midfielder McDonald has made 116 appearances for Fulham since arriving from Wolves in July 2016.

Khan said the Scotland international remains an "important member of he squad".

"Having the right mentality in our squad is vital if we are to push on this season, and I believe that Kevin has a big part to play for us," Khan continued.

Fulham are third in the Championship.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50951663

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BBC pundit calls on Everton to move for 18-goal striker in January

BBC Sport pundit Noel Whelan has urged Carlo Ancelotti to make a January transfer move and bring Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to Everton.

The Serbian has netted 18 Championship goals already this season and his rapidly building a reputation as the best striker currently opearating outside the Premier League in England.

And Whelan, a former striker himself, believes he is good enough to slot into the Toffee's front-line.

"One thing that they have to do at Everton is get a goalscorer, get someone that's going to get you 20 goals a season," he said in an interview with Football Insider.

"Mitrovic would be great, he would have been perfect but it looks like he wants to stay at Fulham.

"They need to look for somebody. You've got to have someone who's hitting 20 a season and being more prolific if they're going to make that next step."

During Fulham's one season back in the Premier League Mitrovic managed to net 11 times, despite the Whites slumping to a woeful relegation.

If Everton are to make a move for the marksman they can expect to pay a huge fee for him, with Fulham agreeing a new five-year deal with him during the summer transfer window.

The verdict

It is very easy to see where Whelan is coming from here, and I agree, Mitrovic would be the perfect fit at Everton.

He is strong, good in the air, mobile and deadly, which is something Everton have lacked since Lukaku left for Manchester United.

He would also bring a mean side to the club, which is ultimately essential when aiming to break into that next bracket of elite English clubs.

I am certain he would be a firm fan favourite. But it will come down to whether or not the club will be willing to pay the huge fee for a Championship striker.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/bbc-pundit-calls-on-everton-to-move-for-18-goal-striker-in-january/

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27-y/o Fulham man has secured his starting spot after recent run of games: Comment

Cyrus Christie started his fifth-straight game for Fulham yesterday, as Scott Parker's side beat Stoke City 1-0 in the Championship.

The game was settled after less than half-an-hour when Bobby Reid finished from close-range – his fourth goal of the season, and his third in Fulham's last two outings.

He's a man who's importance to the team has become clear of late and another who fits that bracket is Christie.

The Irishman, like most of his Craven Cottage compadres had a dismal season in the Premier League. He amongst others were slated for their performances last season and going into this one under Parker, Christie was well out-of-favour.

The 27-year-old is in his third season at Fulham and is with his third club in the Championship, having played for Derby and Middlesbrough at this level previously.

But it was Dennis Odoi who had the right-back position on lock-down. He began the season as Parker's preferred choice and after putting in some solid performances, fans were singing his praise as one of the team's more underrated players.

A cynical straight red card against Preston though saw Odoi serve a three-match suspension and looks to have brought his stay in the starting eleven to an abrupt end, with Christie now starting the last five for Fulham – he'd only started twice in the league all season before the start of the month.

Yesterday though showed that Christie still has a place in this team. From the right-hand side he was able to provide some good service for the likes of Reid and Aleksandar Mitrovic in the penalty area, and almost had an assists when the Serb was denied at point blank range.

Parker is a very modern manager. His style of play emphasises possession football, defending high up the pitch and getting full-backs involved in attacks – Christie fits this mould, and looks to have quickly reasserted his spot on the right of the defence.

He has a good degree of defensive ability as well, more so than Odoi. Odoi was just as good going forward for Fulham but like a lot of these modern-era full-backs, wasn't quite as solid going backwards.

Christie is a class player at Championship level and one who could be really important for Fulham in their promotion push. Fans will love to see him thriving back in the team, and he looks to be getting back to his best for the club.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/27-y-o-fulham-man-has-secured-his-starting-spot-after-recent-run-of-games-comment/

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Cottage Talk: View Of The Opposition - Reading

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

In this episode, I spoke to Simeon Pickup from The Tilehurst End, who gave his thoughts on Reading ahead of this match with Fulham.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/12/30/21043480/cottage-talk-view-of-the-opposition-reading

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Aston Villa fans react on Twitter to Aleksandar Mitrovic reports

A number of Aston Villa fans have taken to Twitter to comment on reports from the Daily Mail which recently suggested that the Villans are heavily interested in Aleksandar Mitrovic.

January is looking set to be a crucial month for Dean Smith's side. They sit in the bottom three in the Premier League and have lost five of their last six games.

One of the major problems that Smith would surely love to address next month is their striker situation. Wesley has struggled since arriving in the summer. And Smith does not have many other options to turn to.

It would be no surprise if Villa look to sign a new striker next month. And it appears that one player they have their eye on is Mitrovic.

The Daily Mail recently suggested that the Villans are heavily interested in the former Newcastle United man.

And it appears that the large majority of Villa supporters would love to see the Serbia international signed next month.

The 25-year-old is the Championship's leading goalscorer this term, with 18 goals coming in 24 games. He has been a brilliant signing for Fulham, and has previously done reasonably well in the Premier League.

And some Villa fans believe that signing Mitrovic could make a huge difference as Smith's men battle to stay in the top flight.



https://tbrfootball.com/aston-villa-fans-react-on-twitter-to-aleksandar-mitrovic-reports/

[WhiteJC]

Keep Fighting

My mid-season report is coming two games late this year. Christmas has gotten the better of me, obviously. The good news is that while the first half of our season was an inconsistent one, we are already one point up from the second round of matches based on the matches we have played so far. While our 3-3 draw with Luton on Boxing Day was a disappointing result overall, we can be happy at least with the fight the team showed to come from behind on three occasions while the win over Stoke certainly beats our embarrassing defeat away from home in the reverse fixture.

Going into 2020 we find ourselves in the healthy position of third in the Sky Bet Championship, but a full nine points behind both Leeds and West Brom in first and second. With Leeds travelling to West Brom on New Years Day we have a chance to pull at least two points closer to one of them, depending on the result, if we pick up a win at home to Reading. We've had some super results throughout the first half of the season, with the victories over Millwall, Leeds and Reading all showing what we can do, but too many defeats against clubs around the lower end of the table has kept us away from a real automatic promotion battle.

We should have enough to stay within the play-off picture, but we certainly can't take our position for granted. There's only six points between us and Blackburn in 13th, so we need to keep picking up wins. If I was Scott Parker, I'd be telling the team to make sure that they better their points total from the first half of the season. When you think of the amount of silly points that we have dropped, I'd be fully expecting that we have it in our capabilities to put things right. The form of Leeds and West Brom over the first half of the season was superb, but can they sustain this? We have already seen Leeds drop a few points recently, while it was Middlesbrough who ended West Brom's 100% home record on Saturday. Points will be dropped in the coming months, that's certain, but it's by who and how many that matters. If we manage to close the gap to six on Wednesday with a win over Reading and either a Leeds or West Brom loss, then this automatic promotion race is far from over.

In my first season covering football outside Fulham, I was at a match between Crusaders and Dungannon Swifts in the Irish Premiership. Crusaders won giving them a 12 point lead at the top of the league, and afterwards I asked manager Stephen Baxter if the title was won. He gave me the usual, very diplomatic answer of "It's not over until we have our hands on the trophy...." but to be honest nobody really believed him. If they blew it at that stage, it would take a combination of a serious fight from another team and a huge dip in form from themselves. I was also there on the final day of the season when arch rivals Linfield lifted the trophy after an extraordinary run-in saw them somehow pip Crusaders to the title. Crazy things can happen in football. All we can do is control our own results, and if we do that then you never know what might happen.

#coyw



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