Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 21/01/20...

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Results

Tuesday
Barnsley	0-3	Preston NE
Middlesborough	1-1	Birmingham

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Mitrovic absence is a boost for Charlton Athletic – but Fulham have quality options in their squad

Lee Bowyer has admitted that Aleksandar Mitrovic's absence is a boost as Charlton head into tomorrow's derby with Fulham.

The Serbian striker has racked up the goals in the Championship this season – 18 in 26 appearances – before injuring his ankle at Hull City.

Mitrovic is definitely out of the fixture at The Valley.

Fulham did win in his absence on Friday night as Anthony Knockaert's early goal settled their clash with Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage.

Bowyer said: "He [Mitrovic] is a massive player for them. It's a bit like Lyle [Taylor] being out for us – the main striker in the team, a player who can make the difference

"But they have got so many good players. He'll come out but they'll bring in another Premier League player. They could start with Kamara and he played in the Premier League for them. That's the difference in squads – whoever they bring in will be a good player."

"They looked very good on Friday, didn't they? It could have been seven. They created so many clear-cut chances.

"They looked very good.

"We'll have to be at our very best to get anything out of the game.

"They are a very, very good side but we're at home, I know the fans will get behind us and my players will give everything.

"It was just a bit of quality in the final third which let us down at the weekend. We got into good positions in the second half when we changed shape. If we get any chances against Fulham we have to be ruthless in front of goal.

"They like to dictate possession, which is fine. We did really well over there [earlier in the season]. We've got to be solid and take our chances when they come."

PICTURE BY SEAN GOSLING



https://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/mitrovic-absence-is-a-boost-for-charlton-athletic-but-fulham-have-quality-options-in-their-squad/

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Update emerges in Fulham's pursuit of transfer deal

Burnley have reportedly rejected loan offers for Ben Gibson, according to a Sky Sports reporter.

Keith Downie has today revealed that Sean Dyche has rejected several loan offers for Ben Gibson, with Fulham, Middlesbrough and Huddersfield showing an interest.

It's said to Dyche wants to find a replacement for the defender before he allows him to leave:

Fulham have been in the market for defenders all month – on New Year's Day, Michael Hector completed his transfer from Chelsea, whilst Terrence Kongolo signed on-loan from Huddersfield last week.

Gibson, 27, looks set to become Fulham's third defensive signing of the window – he's not featured in the Premier League all season, and only has one League Cup appearance to his name, having sat most of his season either on the sidelines or on the bench.

It's been a good month for Fulham in terms of transfers – Hector has come straight into the first-team and is already winning over a lot of fans, whilst the permanent signing of Ivan Cavaleiro looks to have given the player and the fans a huge boost.

The verdict

Whether or not Fulham need another defender is debatable, but Gibson would be a fine addition to any Championship squad. He's proven himself at this level with Middlesbrough and it's astonishing how he's been such an outcast at Burnley this season.

Fulham could be a good fit for Gibson, and alongside Hector it could make for a promotion-winning partnership.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/update-emerges-in-fulhams-pursuit-of-transfer-deal/

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Manchester United 'preparing £43m bid' for Moussa Dembele as they look to hijack Chelsea's pursuit of Lyon star

    Manchester United are heavily depleted in attack after Marcus Rashford's injury
    The Red Devils are reportedly eyeing up Lyon striker Moussa Dembele
    The Chelsea target has scored 13 goals in 28 games for Lyon this season

Manchester United have joined Chelsea in the race for Moussa Dembele by 'preparing a £43million bid' for the Lyon striker.

According to Foot Mercato, the Red Devils are set to make an initial offer of £43m plus bonuses for the former Fulham and Celtic forward.

United's problems in attack have increased in the past week following Marcus Rashford's injury after the England striker was ruled out for up to three months with a double stress fracture in his back suffered in their FA Cup third-round replay win over Wolves.


Manchester United are 'preparing a £43million bid' for Lyon striker Moussa Dembele


According to Foot Mercato, United's offer will include bonuses for the 23-year-old forward

The 22-year-old striker has struggled with a back problem for some time and uses a Melmak fracture healing device to ease the pain with ultrasound.

And with Rashford out for the foreseeable future, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has only Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood at his centre-forward disposal.

And in a bid to ease the burden on Martial and Greenwood, Solskjaer has reportedly turned his attention toward luring Dembele to Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old, who is also a Chelsea target, has scored 13 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions this season - including the decisive strike in their 4-3 Ligue 1 win at Nantes on Saturday.

Despite the wide-ranging interest in the striker, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has ruled out selling Dembele in January.

Speaking on RMC last week, he said: 'We have not changed our minds. We already made this issue clear in August.

'Moussa is an excellent player. A player who we need.

'We are taking explicit measures in our recruitment to not bring someone in who will compete for his position. It is not a question of money. Moussa will be with us.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7911079/Manchester-United-preparing-43m-bid-Lyons-Moussa-Dembele-bid-usurp-Chelsea.html

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Burnley Reject Fulham, Middlesbrough and Huddersfield Offers For Clarets Star

Burnley have knocked back three Championship loan offers for centre-back Ben Gibson and want to sign a replacement before letting him leave, according to Sky Sports News.

Gibson joined the Clarets from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2018, but has made just six appearances for the club since then. 

He is a peripheral figure in Sean Dyche's squad and has only featured once this season in an EFL Cup game, which Burnley lost at Sunderland.

The 27-year-old is keen on a move this month in order to play more football and several clubs in the Championship are interested in securing his services.

The trio of Fulham, Middlesbrough and Huddersfield Town made offers to sign him on loan until the end of the season.

But Burnley have rejected all three offers and for the moment, they want to hold on to Gibson.

Dyche is not prepared to let him go, despite the defender not playing once in the Premier League this season, without signing a replacement.

The Burnley manager is not keen to weaken his squad in the middle of the season and hence, Gibson continues to be at Turf Moor.



Read more: http://www.insidefutbol.com/2020/01/21/burnley-reject-fulham-middlesbrough-and-huddersfield-offers-for-clarets-star/449219/#ixzz6Bfd6oIis

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Report: Fulham and Bournemouth want £8m attacker from Yorkshire-based club

Isaac Mbenza hasn't played a Championship game for Huddersfield Town since October - but is the winger heading back to the Premier League?

Fulham and Bournemouth are showing an interest in Isaac Mbenza with another winger expected to leave Huddersfield Town before the end of the January transfer record, as reported by L'Equipe.

As it stands, it seems only a matter of time before forgotten man Adama Diakhaby is unveiled by The Terriers' Championship rivals Nottingham Forest. Like the former Monaco man, Mbenza swapped French football for the John Smith's Stadium in the summer of 2018 and has failed to make the impact expected in the English second tier.

The former Belgium U21 international, an £8 million signing from Montpellier, has found himself out of favour since Danny Cowley took over in Yorkshire and has not been included in a matchday squad since October.

And reports that Fulham and Bournemouth are interested in offering Mbenza a fresh start will be music to Cowley's ears as the former Lincoln City boss aims to raise funds for new additions.

Bournemouth have scored just once in their last seven Premier League games, a shocking tally which has Eddie Howe's side facing up to the very real threat of relegation.

Star striker Callum Wilson has been starved of service but Mbenza hardly set the world alight in the first division last season and, should he fail on the south coast, questions will once again by asked about a manager whose recruitment remains a real blot against his reputation.

Fulham, meanwhile, may be hoping that the chance to link up with Aleksandar Mitrovic, Anthony Knockaert, Bobby Reid and co will coax the best out of a winger with pace to burn.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/01/21/report-fulham-and-bournemouth-want-8m-attacker-from-yorkshire-ba/

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David Prutton predicts the outcome of Charlton's clash with Fulham on Wednesday

David Prutton has stated that he thinks Fulham will come away with a point from their meeting with Charlton on Wednesday night.

Both teams come into the game on very different form with Fulham fighting for an automatic promotion place whilst the Addicks are trying their best to steer clear from relegation.

Charlton have now just won once in their last 16 games and Lee Bowyer is in desperate need of some new players, with the squad depth struggling to cope with the demands of the division.

Fulham seem to have turned a corner since a defeat to Reading at the start of the January. The Cottagers have now won their last three in all competitions.

Prutton has predicted it to be a close game, and has gone for a 1-1 draw between the two sides when they meet in the week.

Speaking in his Sky Sports column, Prutton said: "Charlton still have some business to do between now and Deadline Day. They still look short a few players and that showed in their defeat against Preston on Saturday.

"Fulham are right back in the thick of things and West Brom and Leeds dropping points will give them real hope of pushing for automatic promotion. This could be the game where they struggle a little without Aleksandar Mitrovic, though. Score draw."

The Verdict

It should be a really interesting game between two sides that have had very different seasons so far, yet both somehow still feel a bit underwhelmed.

Charlton have been poor in recent weeks and the injury toll has effected their season in an unimaginable manner that has seen them creep closer and closer to the relegation zone.

Fulham are now fighting for the top two, but it took them awhile to get properly started. Although they've been good, they haven't yet shown any reason why they are one of the best in the division and still suffer with inconsistency.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/david-prutton-predicts-the-outcome-of-charltons-clash-with-fulham-on-wednesday/

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AFC Bournemouth battling Fulham to sign Isaac Mbenza, claims report

CHERRIES are battling Fulham to sign Huddersfield Town winger Isaac Mbenza, according to L'Equipe.

The 23-year-old has fallen out of favour with the Terriers, featuring just six times this season.

His most recent outing came in a Championship win at Stoke City in October.

And in a report translated from French publication L'Equipe, the former Montpellier man "is the subject of a fight between Fulham and Bournemouth".

Mbenza joined Huddersfield on loan last season, featuring 22 times in the Yorkshire club's failed attempt at avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

He made his move permanent in the summer, but has not been able to add to his solitary goal for the club, which came in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United in May.

Mbenza featured for Belgium at the European Under-21 Championships last summer.



https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/18175327.afc-bournemouth-battling-fulham-sign-isaac-mbenza-claims-report/

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1 winner and 1 loser if Fulham complete deal for 23-y/o

Fulham are set to fight it out with AFC Bournemouth for Huddersfield Town winger Isaac Mbenza.

The midfielder hasn't played a Championship game for the Terriers since October and is clearly not in Danny Cowley's current plans.

Mbenza has found it difficult to make an impact in the second-tier of English football, and it looks as though the 23-year-old is going to be offered a way out of the Yorkshire club.

Here's ONE winner and ONE loser if Fulham manage to secure a deal for the winger...

Winner – Scott Parker

The manager would be delighted to bring in a player of his calibre who did prove that he could compete at a high level during his days in France. Parker would see this as a big step to filling the void of the injured Aleksandar Mitrovic and a way of adding some more flair to Fulham.

At times they can look very slow on the transition, and Mbenza is a player who could change that and get the ball up the pitch quickly and scare opposition defenders. Just because Cowley couldn't get the best out of him, doesn't mean that another manager won't be able to.

Loser – Anthony Knockaert

It could spell serious worry for Knockaert out on the wing for Fulham. He's a good player and everyone knows the ability that he has but at this current moment in time, he hasn't been as good as previous seasons and disappears to often.

The ex Brighton winger had a good game against Middlesbrough, but he'll have to have more of them if he's going to keep out an energetic Mbenza from the team. If he continues to perform then there's no reason why he wouldn't keep his spot, but he can sulk when not in a starting XI so it'll be interesting to see what effect this competition has on him.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/1-winner-and-1-loser-if-fulham-complete-deal-for-23-y-o/

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Charlton squad news confirmed for Fulham clash

Richard Cawley from the South London Press has revealed that no new signings are expected by Charlton Athletic ahead of their midweek clash against Fulham tomorrow afternoon.

The Addicks have missed the cutoff point, 12pm today, to register new signings that would have been available to feature against Fulham, and Lee Bowyer will have to make do with the same squad of players that has been done him well since the start of the season.

The Championship club are currently showing interest in Peterborough United attacking midfielder Marcus Maddison, and have had a bid accepted by the League One club, however contract talks have stalled lately as Charlton look to get the deal over the line.

Maddison isn't the only player that Charlton have been linked with lately, as Bowyer hopes to add Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty to his squad at The Valley, with the Addicks currently leading the race for him.

Fresh reports also emerged over the weekend that Bowyer is chasing Bristol Rovers duo, striker Jonson Clarke-Harris and central midfielder Ollie Clarke, as he hopes to make improvements to his squad.

The Verdict

Bowyer is hoping for fresh reinforcements to his squad as he aims to pull the Addicks up the table and consolidate their place in mid-table, where they would be safe from relegation.

With the transfer deadline being 10 days away, Bowyer has time on his side and isn't being rushed into any panic buys at The Valley as he has carefully scouted and considered the players that he is showing a firm interest in.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/charlton-transfer-development-emerges-ahead-of-midweek-clash/

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Aleksandar Mitrovic offers insight into recovery from injury as he pushes for Fulham return

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has given an insight into his recovery from an ankle injury that is set to see him miss a handful of games for the Whites.

The Serbian limped off the field when Scott Parker's side beat Hull City 1-0 two weeks ago and, although Fulham managed to beat Middlesbrough without him on Friday, fans will still be eager to see him return as soon as possible.

But Mitrovic was clearly keen to show that he is doing all he can in his recovery, sharing two videos on his Instagram story working on the strength of the injured area.

So far this season the 25-year-old has netted 18 times in the second-tier, proving a crucial cog in the Fulham machine as they look to make an immediate return to the Premier League.

The Whites currently sit in third place with their most recent win against Boro narrowing the gap on the automatic promotion places to just four points.

They will have the chance to close that gap to just one point on Wednesday night as well when they travel to Charlton Athletic, although Mitrovic will still be absent from Parker's side.

The verdict

Mitrovic is clearly the type of player who will despise being away from the first-team with an injury, so expect him to be doing everything he can to return to full fitness as soon as possible.

However, he has to be careful not to rush. Missing two or three matches is fine as long as he comes back fully fit. If he hurries it though, he could well end up missing more games altogether.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/aleksandar-mitrovic-offers-insight-into-recovery-from-injury-as-he-pushes-for-fulham-return/

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Exclusive: Fulham man considering future as Lincoln City and Bristol Rovers circle

Fulham goalkeeper Magnus Norman is considering his future with the Whites after making just two appearances so far this season.

A source close to the player has exclusively told Football League World Chief Editor Sam Rourke that the 23-year-old is now considering a move away from South West London this month with Lincoln City, Bristol Rovers and MK Dons all potential destinations for the youngster.

Norman has risen through the ranks of the Whites youth system, enjoying spells out on loan with Franborough, Hayes and Yeading, Stockport and Rochdale.

His spell at Spotland last season saw him rack-up 12 appearances, keeping four clean sheets, and he will have been hopeful of pushing on with his parent club in the second-tier.

However he has only been involved in the match-day squad on two occasions in the Championship and has been limited to appearances in the EFL Trophy and the reserve side.

Marek Rodak, who is the same age as Norman, is the shot-stopper who Scott Parker has shown the most faith in so far this term, starting him in the club's last 13 league outings.

With Jordan Archer arriving in the current transfer window too, Norman will likely see his chances of playing in the first team shrinking even smaller.

With 28 matches played Fulham currently sit on the cusp of the automatic promotion spots, just four points behind second-placed Leeds United.

That gap could narrow to just one point on Wednesday night if Parker and co. are able to see off Charlton Athletic at The Valley, although they will have to continue to do so without star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-fulham-man-considering-future-as-lincoln-city-and-bristol-rovers-circle/

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An obsession with replacing Patrick Bamford with Che Adams, stubborn Marcelo Bielsa repeating last season's mistakes and their famed defence is in meltdown.... Why Leeds United are falling apart AGAIN in their Championship promotion bid

    Leeds have won just one of their last seven games in the Championship
    The gap to third place has shrunk to just four points and they are struggling
    Their recent decline brings up worrying echos of last season's late collapse
    Sportsmail has taken a look at why they have been struggling in recent weeks

Leeds might be second in the Championship but they have won just one of their last seven games and the gap to third place has been shrinking as the weeks go by — they are just four points ahead of Fulham.

It feels like the same situation as last season, when they topped the table at Christmas only to drop into the play-off places by the end of the campaign. After Saturday's loss at QPR, they look incredibly vulnerable to another miserable end to the season.

Sportsmail has taken a look at why they have been struggling in recent weeks...


Leeds are one of the strongest sides in the Championship but have struggled in recent weeks


They have won just one of their last seven games in the league and it is becoming an issue

The sheer lack of goals from Patrick Bamford

As Leeds overcame Birmingham 5-4 in late December, hitting the back of the net did not seem to be much of a problem. Compare and contrast to this weekend, when a sixth straight hour went by without a Leeds player scoring.

Goals have dried up from other positions, with neither Jack Harrison or Helder Costa contributing since that Birmingham clash. But a bigger issue is the form of Patrick Bamford.

Leeds must be the only side in English football — possibly the world — who have just one senior striker. The onus is on Bamford on a weekly basis.

But he is currently on a bad run. The former Chelsea man impresses with his build-up play and on Saturday against QPR did brilliantly to craft an opportunity for himself from a goal kick, only to spoon the ball straight over the bar.

When Bamford is on a run without a goal, he struggles to pull himself out of it. If you look at his record, that is clear. He is a streaky striker.


The goals have dried up for Patrick Bamford, who is the only senior striker at the club

Even taking a penalty on Saturday was not enough to end his run of not scoring since December 21. His tame effort never looked like it would go in.

Bamford might just not be a natural finisher, given the quality of chances he has and the number he scores.

He has bagged two of his 50-plus shots outside of the six-yard box but in the area in this season. He's also got an xG of 15.2 and an actual tally of just 10, so is underperforming massively.

It might be the simplest point of all time, but Leeds are currently facing up to one of the basic rules of football — if you don't score, you won't win. Bamford is an issue there.


Bamford had a penalty saved during the defeat against QPR on Saturday afternoon

Marcelo Bielsa's stubbornness and his insistence on a small squad
It is important to caveat any criticism of Marcelo Bielsa with the fact that without the Argentine, Leeds would simply not be in the conversation when it comes to automatic promotion.

He has changed the club entirely and turned a team of mid-table Championship players into consistent promotion challengers.

But anyone who has followed Bielsa's career knows there is always a down moment in any season and part of the blame has to be put at his door.

The truth is that 'Bielsa burnout', as it is known, is not really a quantifiable issue. Leeds' players ran as much as ever in the second half of last season. The problem might be the lack of players being asked to do that.

Bielsa likes to work with a squad of about 18 senior players and then fill any gaps with youth team players.

That is just not enough for a Championship campaign where teams go through spells of playing every Saturday and Tuesday. It means he has had to turn to the likes of Jordan Stevens in the last two matches to try and change a game. Stevens is 19-year-old with no Championship starts to his name.

Leeds also only have two senior central defenders and planned to have just two senior pure strikers.

Any fan of the Elland Road side would have said one of the issues last season was the small squad and how changes could not be made. Instead of changing his outlook, Bielsa doubled down on it.

Sometimes, his refusal to alter his philosophy can be killer for Leeds.

The lack of squad rotation... and how it cost them with Eddie Nketiah

Mateusz Klich has started 76 Championship and play-off games in a row for Leeds. To put it another way, he has played around 7,408 minutes of football for club and country in a year and a half or about 82 full games.

In the modern game, that is almost unheard of and it is no surprise that Klich ends most games looking as though he has not slept for a week.

Bielsa is not a manager for squad rotation and that has caused two serious problems this season.

Firstly, the players already look tired. Performing at a high level every game is almost impossible and it is mental fatigue that is as much of a problem as any physical issues.

Rotation is great just because it keeps players on their toes. If they know someone can come in the next week if they do not live up to expectations, they ensure they keep performing to a high level.

The other problem is what happened with Eddie Nketiah as a result of the lack of changes. Nketiah made cameo appearances but was not given a start in the first few months of the season.

Then Bielsa decided he would start at Sheffield Wednesday, only for the Arsenal striker to suffer an injury in training the day before the game. His chance was gone.

It would take until Birmingham and an injury to Bamford for him to get a start. He would then play the next game too. But by then Arsenal had told Leeds he would be recalled.

Leeds could have forcibly kept hold of Nketiah in January by ensuring he played enough minutes, per the terms of the loan deal, but that was almost impossible when he was not being given much of a shot in the league.

Some rotation would have changed that.

Transfer market failings and being stuck on Che Adams

The deal for Nketiah must fall into this category, given Leeds paid a fee up front and got none of it back when he returned to Arsenal. What has happened since he left has been as much of a problem.

There was a distinct possibility Nketiah would return to Arsenal from October or November onwards, when the minutes stopped adding up and mixed messages started coming out of the Emirates.

Leeds did start looking for new strikers and told Bielsa they could get hold of Che Adams, who he took a liking to after some analysis, along with a number of others.

Sometimes when Bielsa settles on a player it is impossible to turn him elsewhere — as happened in the summer when he became fixated on signing Helder Costa —  and this is an issue.

Leeds are still in for Adams but Southampton manager Ralph Hassenhuttl is not keen for him to leave. The owners would happily let him go and they are likely to improve up front in the summer yet it is hard to go against a manager who is performing in the league.

It means Leeds are now into the fourth week of January with just one striker and need to get a move on. Bielsa himself said on Saturday: 'If you ask us if we miss Nketiah, of course because he was our second centre forward, or the first one.'

In truth, Leeds are actually having to sign a first-choice striker this window, given Bamford's struggles in front of goal. Bielsa is stuck on Adams. The likes of Andre Gray, another option, might have to be moved on to sooner rather than later.

The defence has collapsed

At half-time in the game against Cardiff just before Christmas, Leeds had gone 441 minutes without conceding. They went 3-0 up at the start of the second-half yet somehow collapsed before the end to draw 3-3.

Since then, they have struggled at the back. They have conceded 10 goals in just six games.

The backline has been unsettled but it has also just not performing as it did. At one stage, teams really did struggle to break through. QPR just walked through time and time again.

Kiko Casilla's form has dipped off, although he was better on Saturday. The first strike he conceded against Sheffield Wednesday was diabolical, sneaking in at his near post.

Leeds have also started struggling from set pieces again, as evidenced by the early goal they conceded at West Brom. In all, their leaky defence is costing them goals and they cannot react.

Injury problems

Part of Bielsa's faith in a small squad is his assumption that players will stay fit — and the fact he will not replace them so they do not find themselves doubled up on when they return to fitness.

In two cases, Leeds are starting to look particularly vulnerable to injury.

Adam Forshaw, who Bielsa views as one of the most important players in the Leeds squad, has been out since before the Derby match on September 21. His hip issue was only meant to rule him out for that game.

There is little indication of when he could be back. It is leaving a gaping hole in the squad.

Tyler Roberts, meanwhile, is another key player who has been out. He's a crucial creative option in midfield and can play up front. If he was fit, it would not be a surprise to see him take over from Bamford.

But Roberts has managed just 11 appearances all season and has got into a worrying habit of returning from injury, playing for a few weeks, and then finding himself out again. He played just 10 minutes on his return at Birmingham before being ruled out.

It is likely no more than bad luck for both yet misfortune is costing Leeds.

Players being played out of position

Stuart Dallas, a winger, has played at full-back, in central midfield and on the wing this season. Gjanni Alioski, another winger, has also played in those three roles.

Pablo Hernandez is primarily a forward but often operates as a central midfielder. Full-back Gaetano Berardi has only played in the centre this season.

Leeds have failed to nail down a left-back all campaign and it is costing them, with that position looking particularly vulnerable. Barry Douglas has been the only orthodox player used there, and the choice to rotate between Dallas and Alioski in his absence has not helped.

Bielsa's willingness to experiment has benefited certain players, but at other times the lack of nous that comes with a position you've played your entire life rears its ugly head.


Results mean the gap between Leeds and third place has shrunk to just four points



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7907201/Why-Leeds-falling-apart-Championship-promotion-bid.html

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Leeds United and Fulham bizarrely linked with West Brom midfielder

West Brom transfer news | Leeds United and Fulham are among four clubs in the Championship who have been credited with an interest in Albion midfielder Rekeem Harper

West Brom midfielder Rekeem Harper has been the subject of speculation this month regarding a potential loan spell.

It's understandable, of course, that Albion might seek to find a taker - preferably at Championship level - so that the teenager might get some regular game-time in the way that teammates Sam Field and Jonathan Leko have done at Charlton Athletic this term.

It's bizarre, however, that Leeds United have been credited with an interest in taking Harper on a loan basis until the end of the season.

The Sun this week claim that the Whites are considering contacting the Baggies over his potential availability, while Fulham, Charlton and Queens Park Rangers have also been linked.

Regardless of how crucial or otherwise Harper is to Albion's immediate set-up, the likelihood of them parting with a player to strengthen the hand of a fellow promotion candidate, in the form of Leeds or Fulham, is remote indeed.

Harper has played in the cup games against Millwall back in August and at the Addicks earlier this month, but his only league appearance was as a late substitute on the opening day win at Nottingham Forest.


Rekeem Harper of West Bromwich Albion is held by James Vennings of Charlton Athletic

Harper, who was given a fair crack under Darren Moore and latterly Jimmy Shan in the Championship last season, hasn't been able to maintain those standards and Slaven Bilic has spoken previously about how he needs more by the way of application to be considered for match-day duties in the first team.

That said, Bilic did add after the win over Charlton at The Valley, where Harper played all but the entire match, that he'd been keen on retaining him this month if he was able to offer up such performances in the future.

"That's why I clapped him at the end," Bilic said, after that FA Cup victory at the beginning of January. "I thought he was very powerful, dominant in midfield alongside Barry.

"He didn't make mistakes on the ball, he was very aggressive, he was almost never out of position. He got a big plus.

"If we think about him and only him, then a loan could help him, but I have to put the club in the first place. Especially when he plays like this, I would rather keep him. Definitely."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/leeds-united-fulham-bizarrely-linked-17604925

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Fulham join race to sign attacker

Fulham are eyeing up a move for Huddersfield Town's Isaac Mbenza, according to L'Equipe.

The 23-year-old hasn't featured for the Terriers since the start of October, and now Fulham along with Bournemouth are said to be lining up a move for the winger.

He swapped southern France for the north of Yorkshire two years ago, joining Huddersfield from Montpellier for £8 million.

A representative of Belgium at U17, 19 and 21 level, Mbenza's Premier League dream didn't go accordingly and now he finds himself an outcast at a team facing relegation to League One.

But Fulham could hand him a lifeline this month. Scott Parker has already overseen an impressive transfer window, with Michael Hector arriving from Chelsea, Ivan Cavaleiro making his loan-move from Wolves permanent, and Terrence Kongolo coming in on-loan from Huddersfield.

The verdict

Mbenza has played just five games in the Championship for Huddersfield this season, but has played just twice since Danny Cowley's appointment back in September – under the ex-Lincoln City boss, Mbenza has amassed just 65 minutes of league football.

He was a proven goalscorer in France and a player that held so much promise, but Huddersfield made some terrible signings in the Premier League, and their misfortune and over-spending has them back at square one.

Whether or not it's a signing that Fulham need right now is debatable, but Mbenza's quality and potential is not – he looks to be fed up with life at Huddersfield and who can blame him, after their dismal showing in the Premier League last time round.

Teams always need numbers going into the business end of the season, but are Fulham ready to pay up for Mbenza? They've got two weeks to decide.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-join-race-to-sign-attacker/

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Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker wants Fulham to focus on our own results, ahead of the midweek trip to Charlton Athletic.

With Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion both losing, victory at the Valley would move the Whites to within two points of top spot in the Championship.

Parker, though, knows the importance of keeping feet on the ground.

"We're in a good position at this moment in time and we go there on Wednesday night with a positive result," he said. "We're looking at the right end of the table, but ultimately we can only control what we control.

"If Leeds or West Brom are slipping up or are out of form then you need to react to that and you need to get results.

"First and foremost we need to concentrate on us, and let's see where it gets us. I realise the dynamics of this division, and as soon as you take your eye off it then this league has got a habit of biting you.

"We understand the difficulties [Wednesday] is going to bring. A London derby, a team at the other end of the table, but Lee Bowyer – who I know very well – will have them fighting.

"They're going to give everything and we'll have a battle on our hands come Wednesday night. We're going to have to earn the right at times and try and stamp our authority on it."

Parker was a hero in SE7 after coming through the youth system, but some Addicks fans have still not forgiven his departure to Chelsea in January 2004.

"I've been back as a player, and it's always special to go back to Charlton where it all started for me," he stated.

"I was at the football club when I was eight years old and got the opportunity to make a name for myself and do something I love doing.

"I didn't leave on the best of terms, it's fair to say, and when I have gone back I've not got the best reception.

"Time goes on, I now go back for the first time as a coach. I'm looking forward to it, of course I am. There'll be some familiar faces along the way as well, so it should be good.

"I had some amazing years there. Every time I put the shirt on I gave everything I had, and those days were very good for me."

When asked by the press if Aleksandar Mitrović or Aboubakar Kamara could return for the match, Parker replied: "Neither of them will be ready for the game against Charlton.

"Mitrović is progressing well but still not ready for this game, and the same with Kamara.

"Other than that, we're a little bit light, we've got some injury problems; Harrison Reed, Max Le Marchand, there's a few out."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/january/21/head-coach-press conference

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Lyon issue fresh Moussa Dembele transfer update amid new Man Utd links

The former Fulham and Celtic forward has been linked with switches to Chelsea and Manchester United, with the latter now suffering injury issues

Lyon have again insisted that forward Moussa Dembele is not for sale amid mounting links with Manchester United .

The former Fulham and Celtic forward, who has also been linked with a January switch to Chelsea , has found himself at the centre of more speculation around a move to Old Trafford after it was confirmed that Marcus Rashford will face an extended spell on the sidelines.

Rashford is set to be out for up to three months after picking up a stress fracture in his back in last week's FA Cup third round win over Wolves , leaving United short of cover in attack.

But Dembele won't be making the move to Manchester this month according to Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas.

"Our players are often targeted," Aulas told reporters.


Dembele has been linked with United and Chelsea (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

"We want Moussa Dembele and Lucas Tousart [the midfielder who has been linked with Hertha Berlin] to stay.

"The latter has received significant offers. If he leaves, we will have to replace him first.

"But I think they will stay. Now is not the time for us to weaken our team."

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faced mounting calls to strengthen the squad after the 2-0 defeat at the weekend, including from his former Old Trafford teammate Gary Neville.

But the Norwegian hit back on Tuesday .

"For me now, we've lost to Liverpool , a team you all say are fantastic and we've been in the game until the last kick of the ball," said Solskjaer.

"Of course we're disappointed after losing the game, we don't want be behind them in the league but there were signs there we are on the right track.

"Now is not the time to speak about recruitment. We're looking to playing Burnley now.

"We're always looking to improve the squad and the club but now is not the time for Gary and that discussion."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/lyon-issue-fresh-moussa-dembele-21326774

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Fulham join Bournemouth in the race to sign Huddersfield Town winger Isaac Mbenza

Fulham have joined Bournemouth in the race for Huddersfield Town winger Isaac Mbenza according to L'Equipe.

Mbenza joined the Terriers from Montpellier for £8million two years ago but has failed to make a real impact at the Yorkshire club and has not featured for the club since October.

Huddersfield are in danger of being relegated to League One and could consider a move to promotion chasers Fulham to bring an end to his unsuccessful stay with Danny Cowley's side.

Fulham manager Scott Parker, has already bought in Michael Hector from Chelsea, Ivan Cavaleiro had made his loan-move from Wolverhampton Wanderers permanent and Terrence Kongolo has arrived on-loan from Huddersfield Town.

Mbenza has largely been an outcast for Huddersfield and a move away from the John Smith's Stadium may be the preferred choice for the winger to revitalise his career.

He was a proven goalscorer in France and came to England with the promise of having a similar impact but this has so far failed to materialise.

Fulham do have a lot of competition in forward areas but the addition of Mbenza would be welcome with them looking to sustain their push for promotion as they edge closer to the Championship top two.

Bournemouth could provide stiff competition for Mbenza's services as they look to add reinforcements to their squad following a torrid run of form which has seen them slump to second bottom in the Premier League table.

Eddie Howe has endured a frustrating time in recent weeks with their injury list increasing by the game and will be looking to add fresh faces to his squad to avoid a return to the Championship.



https://the72.co.uk/155269/fulham-join-bournemouth-in-the-race-to-sign-huddersfield-town-winger-isaac-mbenza/

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2 Fulham players who could benefit as transfer decision is made

Scott Parker has set about trying to improve his defence this January, as he looks to maintain a playoff push for the Cottagers after an inconsistent run of form in the past month.

The Fulham manager has set his sights upon Burnley centre-back Ben Gibson, however Sky Sports' Keith Downie has reported that the Cottagers have had a loan bid rejected for the defender.

The 27-year-old has featured just twice for Sean Dyche's side this season, and has plenty of previous Championship experience after coming up through the ranks at Middlesbrough.

Here, we take a look at two Fulham players that could benefit following Burnley's transfer decision...

Maxime Le Marchand
The experienced defender hasn't featured as often as he would have liked this season, and following the additions of Michael Hector and Terence Kongolo in the January window already, the 30-year-old would have been fearing for his spot in the squad.

Le Marchand has only featured eight times in the league this season, and with the other options now ahead of him, he would have found it increasingly difficult if Gibson had arrived at Craven Cottage this January.

The defender hasn't featured for the Cottagers since the start of November, and he will already be frustrated with the fact that he is seeing no game-time as it is at Craven Cottage without the arrival of Gibson.

Burnley rejecting the loan bid for Gibson however means that he gets another chance to try and fight for his spot within the squad at Fulham, but he will find it difficult as it is with the competition in front of him.

Alfie Mawson
The centre-back has been a regular in the Cottagers defence during the first half of the season, but he has struggled with consistency and has been tested many times by the opposition attackers.

Mawson would have been welcoming the additions of Hector and Kongolo as the added competition, but he would have felt that Parker adding Gibson to the ranks could have been a step too far,

However, Burnley rejecting the Fulham loan bid for Gibson could benefit Mawson, as it will relieve the pressure on his shoulders and he can concentrate on getting back to his best instead of worrying about his spot in Parker's plans.

The former Swansea City centre-back has the quality to be one of the best in the Championship, and with his eyes being opened as to how unhappy Parker could be about his recent performances, he may see it as a wake-up call and return to his best in the next few weeks.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-fulham-players-who-could-benefit-as-transfer-decision-is-made/

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2 transfer deals Fulham could realistically complete by the end of the week

Fulham's automatic promotion hopes have taken a significant boost in recent weeks with just four points now separating them from the top-two.

Last Friday's 1-0 win against Middledbrough, coupled with Leeds and West Brom both suffering defeats, has reinstilled some confidence in and around Craven Cottage.

So it could well prove that this January transfer window proves the difference for the Whites.

Michael Hector, Terrence Kongolo and Jordan Archer have all already arrived but it does not look like Scott Parker is finished wheeling and dealing just yet.

Connor Goldson
Fulham are said to be very keen on the rock-like Rangers' cenre-back, according to Football Insider, and with their parachute payments still behind them, it is a deal that they could tie up soon if needs be.

With Hector and Kongolo having already arrived, Parker is clearly keen to continue strengthening his back-line. Leeds United are also said to be interested in the 27-year-old but you would have to back the Whites to have the greater financial clout to get a deal over the line.

Isaac Mbenza
Another player who is on the radar of the South West Londoners is Huddersfield's Isaac Mbenza, according to L'Equipe.

They have already raided the Terriers once for Kongolo and considering the winger has not played for Danny Cowley's side since October, a move away could well be on the cards.

With Bournemouth also interested it makes the deal slightly more complicated but the prospect of first-team football could prove too tempting to him, making Fulham the more desirable option.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-transfer-deals-fulham-could-realistically-complete-by-the-end-of-the-week/