Monday Fulham Stuff - 27/01/20...

[WhiteJC]

Manchester City 4-0 Fulham

Holders Manchester City continued their FA Cup defence with a dominant fourth-round victory over Fulham in which they became the first major European team to score 100 goals this season.

Any prospect of the Championship side producing an upset was effectively over after six minutes, when defender Tim Ream hauled down Gabriel Jesus in the area and was sent off.

Raheem Sterling and Jesus had missed their previous two penalties, but Ilkay Gundogan avoided making it an unwanted hat-trick when he tucked the ball into the corner from the spot.

City - who made eight changes and started with Sterling, Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne on the bench - soon took total control as Bernardo Silva added a classy second from the edge of the box.

The Portuguese's effort meant City brought up their century of goals in 37 games, two more than it took last season.

Jesus added two second-half headers, capitalising on poor Fulham defending, for a side who have averaged five goals per game in home FA Cup matches under Pep Guardiola.

City will discover their fifth-round opponents when the draw takes place on Monday from 19:00 GMT on The One Show, on BBC One and online.

City's quest for cup treble continues

Sixteen points behind leaders Liverpool but 17 points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United, Manchester City's Premier League fate - and next season's Champions League spot - seems all but certain.

So the challenge now for Guardiola's team is to add all three remaining cup competitions to the Community Shield they won in August.

The FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders are well placed to reach the final of the latter competition - they hold a 3-1 advantage over Manchester United with the second leg of their semi-final to come this Wednesday.

And, predictably, they made light work of Fulham to ensure they remain on course for another lengthy run in the FA Cup too.

Angelino, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden could have made the scoreline embarrassing for the visitors in the first half and their wastefulness might have been the one cause for concern for a perfectionist such as Guardiola.

Bernardo Silva's excellent strike - twisting and turning on the edge of the box before an unerring finish into the bottom corner - was much more like it, though.

Fulham were generous opponents, sticking with their approach of playing out from the back, and Jesus was the second-half beneficiary. First he headed in after the visitors' dallied too long and were dispossessed, then he nodded in to an open net after keeper Marek Rodak could only parry Phil Foden's powerful drive.

City have enjoyed a favourable series of draws since the start of 2017-18 in the FA Cup, and this latest demolition means their tally from games against Burnley (twice), Cardiff, Wigan, Rotherham, Newport, Swansea, Brighton, Watford, Port Vale and now Fulham stands at 40-6.

There will, of course, be tougher tests to come - not least the prospect of Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 in exactly a month's time - but Guardiola will have been grateful for the chance to rest so many key players while advancing with such ease.

A brutal reality check for Fulham

Fulham are third in the Championship and have improved recently, notably knocking Aston Villa out of the FA Cup in the third round.

But for them this was like rewinding the clock 12 months to their torrid Premier League campaign, when they conceded 81 goals - at the rate of more than two per game - on the way to relegation.

Ream endured a difficult season in the top flight and it was the USA defender's rash decision to bring down Jesus - earning him a first red card in more than 300 games in England - which set the course for defeat at Etihad Stadium.

One of the finest moments in the Cottagers' history came at this ground in April 2008 when, 2-0 down at the break and mathematically relegated, they fought back to win 3-2 - and went on to survive.

Though the scoreline was the same at the interval this time, there was never a chance of such a recovery here.

Manager Scott Parker, who was without top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic and opted to start with captain Tom Cairney on the bench, wanted his team to play with "big courage and big heart" but the early setback wrecked that plan.

And, in hindsight, he might consider they were too courageous in playing out from the back against City's high press, as they were repeatedly punished for avoidable mistakes.

Fulham will now turn their attentions back to the Championship promotion race, where they are three points behind second-placed Leeds as they seek an immediate return to the top flight.

Man of the match - Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)

'Nothing but pride for my players' - what the managers said

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola: "After one or two minutes, I thought it would be a tough, tough game. They were incredibly aggressive up front. They are a team with a lot of courage but after the red card it was different. Even then they tried to play.

"Motivation was right. After 2-0, we missed a little bit some of the movements because they defended well and high.

"Hopefully in the next game against United, our fans can come and make the stadium full.

On Aymeric Laporte, left out after returning from a long-term injury at Sheffield United last Tuesday: "He had some fatigue, which is normal after four or five months.

"We are not going to take risks. After four months, he played 75 minutes and we'll see. Until we feel he is ready, he won't play. If he can play against United, he can play."

Fulham boss Scott Parker, speaking to BBC Sport: "Everything we planned for, we had to change after six minutes because of the red card.

"Tim Ream is obviously devastated. He has been immense for us this season. He made a mistake today and in heat of moment you make decisions and sometimes you make the wrong ones.

"You are playing one of the best teams in Europe but I have nothing but pride for my players when they went down to 10 men because I see a team here that has an identity with their commitment and personality.

"I've been in this job for 12 months and I'm trying to build something. OK, we lost the match 4-0 but the bigger picture is there are some big positives to take from it."

Prolific Gabriel - the stats

    Manchester City have won all six of their home FA Cup matches under Pep Guardiola, scoring 29 goals and conceding only three.
    Fulham suffered their heaviest FA Cup defeat since losing 4-0 against Manchester United in the 2008-09 quarter-final.
    It is the seventh consecutive season in which Manchester City have hit 100 goals, the longest run by a Premier League team since Manchester United score 100 or more goals for nine seasons in a row between 2004-05 and 2012-13.
    Ilkay Gundogan has been directly involved in eight goals in just five FA Cup appearances at Etihad Stadium for Manchester City (one goal, seven assists).
    Gabriel Jesus has scored 56 goals and assisted 17 more in 78 starts for Manchester City in all competitions.
    Bernardo Silva has been directly involved in eight goals in nine FA Cup appearances for Man City (four goals, four assists).
    Tim Ream received his first red card in English football - with this game his 306th appearance across spells at Bolton Wanderers and Fulham.
    Manchester City became the first team to score four or more goals in six consecutive home FA Cup matches since Luton Town in December 1928 - Luton's sixth game in that run was also at home to Fulham.

What's next?

Manchester City are at home in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals against local rival Manchester United on Wednesday (19:45 GMT) while Fulham are back in Championship action against Huddersfield on Saturday (15:00).



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51208514

[WhiteJC]

Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker was proud of his side despite being on the receiving end of a 4-0 loss against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

A daunting test was always going to be lying in wait at the Etihad and after 6 minutes the Head Coach's Fulham side was down to ten men and one goal down.

A tough task got even harder and the hosts cruised to victory. After preparing a gameplan in the build-up to the match all those plans were scuppered. However, Parker felt as proud as he ever has since taking charge of the team, with his side sticking to their philosophy and trying to play his way.

"I think we knew the challenge ahead when we came here to take on a first class team like Man City," Parker said. "The planning and the prep work we had been doing over the last few days went out the window in the first 6 minutes."

"We understand it would have been a hard game even with 11 men here today.

"With ten it becomes even harder.

"But I was very very proud of my team. I have been in this job now for a year  and today is the proudest I have ever been of this team.

"The challenge we had today was massive. I asked for my players to show passion and be brave. 

"I saw a team there today be brave. By that I mean I saw a team that wanted to show their identity and I saw that in abundance.

"It would have been easy to come here and surrender possession like a lot of teams do. We could have come here and booted the ball away and kept men on the edge of the box but we didn't do that.

"We lacked some men in the final third which meant we lacked penetration but we showed how we play which pleased me.

"In the latter stages of the game when a bit of fatigue kicked in we made a few mistakes. When you make mistakes like this you get punished.

"Of course we lost 4-0 but there a still big nuggets for me as the coach to take away from the match.

"When you look at the bigger picture and the journey that we are on it is these moments of adversity where you can take a lot away."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/january/26/scott-parker-man-city-reaction

[WhiteJC]

Fulham successfully fend off Spurs and Aston Villa interest in star man Mitrovic with £40 million price tag

According to a report from the Daily Star, Fulham have succeeded in fending off interest in star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, slapping a £40 million price tag on his head amid interest from Premier League pair Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.

It has been reported by the Daily Star that Premier League duo Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa were both holding an interest in Fulham's star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, with the two sides looking to bolster their attacking options amid injuries to Harry Kane and Wesley respectively.

However, the pair will not be pursuing a move for Mitrovic after being informed of the striker's asking price. It is said that Fulham slapped a £40 million price tag on the Serbian forward, proving too much for Spurs and Aston Villa.

That being said, if Fulham are not able to win promotion back to the Premier League, Spurs and Aston Villa could look to reignite their interest when a clause in Mitrovic's contract becomes active.

Mitrovic has been a star performer since first arriving at Craven Cottage and that has not changed this season. The 25-year-old is the Championship's top scorer with 18 goals in 26 appearances, wearing the armband for Scott Parker's side on a number of occasions as well. The striker is currently on the sidelines with an ankle injury but is likely to return soon.

Parker and Fulham supporters will be hoping that Mitrovic continues his strong form when he returns from injury in the hope that his goals can help fire the club back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.



https://the72.co.uk/155663/fulham-successfully-fend-off-spurs-and-aston-villa-interest-in-star-man-mitrovic-with-40-million-price-tag/

[WhiteJC]

Manchester City 4-0 Fulham: Gabriel Jesus nets twice as hosts cruise into FA Cup fifth round after Tim Ream's early red card

    Tim Ream gave away a penalty and recieved a straight red card when he dragged down Gabriel Jesus
    Ilky Gundogan converted from the spot to give the home side the lead in the eighth minute of the game
    Bernardo Silva then doubled City's lead with a fine strike from the edge of the box in the 19th minute
    Jesus made it three when he headed home from Joao Cancelo's cross midway through the second half
    The Brazilian soon got his second as he finished from close range after Phil Foden's shot was saved

Ilkay Gundogan threaded a pass through for Gabriel Jesus and Tim Ream hauled the Brazilian back in the box. Penalty to Manchester City. Red card for Ream. Game over.

There were less than six minutes gone at the Etihad when the Fulham skipper fouled Jesus and eight when Gundogan stepped up to beat Marek Rodak from the spot, and already we were staring at a foregone conclusion.

It was a silly challenge by Ream after David Silva%u2019s dummy had allowed Gundogan%u2019s pass to run through to Jesus. He didn%u2019t even try to protest his innocence, a resigned glance over his shoulder at referee Kevin Friend telling us that he knew what was coming.


Jesus in bundled over in the box by Fulham defender Tim Ream in the sixth minute of the FA Cup clash at the Etihad


Ream cuts a perplexed figure as referee Kevin Friend brandishes a red card in his direction following the foul on Jesus


The American makes his way off the pitch after being dismissed in the early stages of the fourth round match at the Etihad

The City fans raised a muted cheer when Friend pointed to the spot and again when he produced a red card for Ream.

Gundogan guided his penalty inside Rodak%u2019s right-hand post and the FA Cup holders were on their way to victory against a Fulham team that had to play more than 80 minutes with 10 men.

City don%u2019t need any help winning cup ties. Since a shock FA Cup defeat to Wigan in February 2018, this was Pep Guardiola%u2019s 19th straight win in the cup if you count penalty shootouts.

In six home games in the FA Cup as City manager, his team have now scored 29 goals.

It%u2019s all the more peculiar, therefore, to hear Guardiola suggest scrapping FA Cup replays and the Carabao Cup altogether in recent days having led City to a domestic Treble last season.

They breezed through to the fifth round here with the absolute minimum of fuss and will almost certainly reach the Carabao Cup final on Wednesday night when they play Manchester United at home holding a 3-1 lead from the first leg at Old Trafford.

Guardiola made eight changes against Fulham %u2013 starting with Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling on the bench %u2013 and could easily make eight more against United.

This game was done from the moment Ream grabbed Jesus. Bernardo Silva scored their second and Gabriel Jesus added two more with the excellent David Silva having a hand in all four.

Only Fulham%u2019s determination to avoid a pasting prevented a heavier defeat for Scott Parker%u2019s side who are pushing for promotion from the Championship and knocked out Aston Villa on the third round.

The Etihad fell into a slumber after the first goal and rarely came to. Midway through the first half, City%u2019s redundant goalkeeper Claudio Bravo ventured out of his penalty box for a change of scenery and began limbering up.

Rodak was altogether more busy and he produced a smart save from Riyad Mahrez in the 13th minute after the Algerian had shown some great footwork to work the space for a low shot.

City%u2019s second goal arrived six minutes later just in case anyone thought Fulham might find a way back into this game.

Bernardo Silva got the ball following a quick passing move involving Angelino, David Silva and Phil Foden. The Portugal winger was being marked by his old Benfica academy pal Ivan Cavaleiro and led him a merry dance around the box, twisting this way and that before burying a shot in the bottom corner.

It was City%u2019s 100th goal of the season in all competitions, becoming the first team in Europe%u2019s major leagues to reach their century.

We had to wait another 40 minutes before Sterling %u2013 a substitute for Mahrez who needed treatment after a particularly cynical foul from Joe Bryan %u2013 hit the bar after David Silva played him in.

The little Spaniard was starting to pick a tired Fulham apart, and set up another chance for Jesus only to see Terence Kongolo touch the ball off his toes.

Silva was heavily involved again when Jesus struck twice in the space of three minutes to give the scoreline a more realistic look. Fulham tried to play the ball out from the back and Silva stole it off them. Joao Cancelo swung a cross to the far post and Jesus guided a downward header inside the upright.

The visitors clearly hadn%u2019t learned and moments later Michael Hector tried a short pass inside his own box and Silva intercepted again. He slipped the ball to Foden whose shot was saved by Rodak but the ball bounced up invitingly for Jesus to head in.




https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7931423/Manchester-City-4-0-Fulham-Hosts-cruise-FA-Cup-fifth-round.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham player ratings: Terence Kongolo decent after Tim Ream shocker allows Man City to run riot

How we rated every single Fulham player after the FA Cup fourth round 4-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium


(Image: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Marek Rodak

The Fulham goalkeeper could do nothing for the penalty and was offered little protection from the back four in front of him as Manchester City attacked at will.

Probably should have done better for Bernardo Silva's goal, after getting a hand to the shot. 3
Michael Hector

Manchester City poured forward in numbers after the red card, and like many of his teammates, Hector struggled to contain the Premier League champions. 4
Tim Ream

Let his teammates down after the awful decision to bring Gabriel Jesus down in the box.

The resulting penalty and red card gave the Cottagers a mountain to climb with barely six minutes on the clock. 1
Terence Kongolo

Another who had to persevere in difficult circumstances. Was pressed whenever he received the ball and made some sloppy passes in the first half.

The loanee did make a crucial last-ditch tackle to prevent Gabriel Jesus adding a third in the second half, though. Limped off with eight-minute to go, but received a pat on the back from Scott Parker. 5
Joe Bryan

The left-back worked hard, but City enjoyed a lot of joy down his side with Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva threatening throughout the first half.

The introduction of Raheem Sterling offered no respite to the former Bristol City defender, who will be glad to see the back of City's fleet-footed midfielders. Booked for a late challenge on Cancelo in stoppage time. 3
Steven Sessegnon

Not the ideal game for Sessegnon, as he was forced into defensive duties from very early on. 4
Josh Onamah

The former Tottenham midfielder could not get near City's central midfield pair of Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden. Had to receive medical attention in the closing stages to cap off a difficult afternoon at the office. 4
Stefan Johansen

Did not get an opportunity to use the ball as he likes, and was forced to sit deep as City attacked in numbers. Conceded several free-kicks around Fulham's box, as he struggled to deal with Foden's quick footwork. 4
Cyrus Christie

Often Fulham's outlet on the break, but his final ball left a lot to be desired. Like most of his teammates, the wing-back was forced into defensive duties for the majority of the game. 3
Ivan Cavaleiro

Struggled to make any impact as Fulham were starved of the ball and hardly mounted any attacks of note. When he did get the ball, his final pass was often poor. Was replaced with under half an hour to go, with league games in mind. 3
Bobby Decordova-Reid

An isolated figure as Fulham chased shadows for the majority for the game. Probably had the most unenvied job in football - playing as a lone striker when your side are down to 10 men, away at Manchester City. 3
Substitutes:

Tom Cairney - Replaced Cavaleiro in the second half, but made no impact as City scored a flurry of late goals. Misplaced a simple pass towards the end to sum up his side's afternoon. 3

Denis Odoi - A late substitute. N/A

Sylvester Jasper - A full debut for the teenager after replacing Kongolo in the closing stages. N/A



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/man-city-fulham-player-ratings-17633554

[WhiteJC]

Gabriel Jesus-inspired Man City cruise past 10-man Fulham to reach FA Cup fifth round

Man City 4-0 Fulham: Tim Ream was sent off after just six minutes leaving Pep Guardiola's side to canter to victory

Manchester City took advantage of Tim Ream's early sending off to ease into the FA Cup fifth round with a comfortable 4-0 win over Fulham.

The Fulham captain was dismissed after just six minutes at the Etihad Stadium, effectively ending any hopes the Championship side might have had of upsetting the holders.

Ilkay Gundogan put City ahead from the penalty spot after Ream's foul before Bernardo Silva added a second and Gabriel Jesus struck twice in the second half.

City may be out of Premier League title contention but they have no intention of giving up either of the other two domestic trophies they won last season easily.

Their goals took their tally to the season in all competitions to 102 and put them in good heart for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester United in midweek.

City made eight changes, naming the likes of Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne on the bench, but were still far too strong for Fulham.

Yet the visitors contributed to their own downfall with a number of mistakes, not least Ream's disastrous early intervention.

Jesus was played through by Gundogan but before the Brazilian could shoot he was pulled back from the shoulder by Ream. Referee Kevin Friend immediately pointed to the spot and brandished the red card.

Gundogan rolled the penalty into the bottom corner and City piled on the pressure with Angelino, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden all going close.

The inevitable second goal came after 19 minutes. At first it seemed the chance may have gone for Bernardo Silva as he was forced out of the area but his footwork tricked the defenders. He created space with a smart turn and then clipped a shot into the bottom corner, registering City's 100th goal of the season in the process.

City then eased off the gas but Fulham were almost caught out again by another break and Joe Bryan resorted to a cynical foul to halt a Mahrez charge.

Mahrez fired over early in the second half and was taken off soon afterwards, perhaps to get some rest ahead of Wednesday's derby.

But there was no respite for Fulham as Sterling came on to replace him and struck the bar within minutes of coming on after being played in by David Silva.

David Silva then set up Jesus but Terence Kongolo, making his Fulham debut after moving on loan from Huddersfield, denied him with a fine tackle.

While that was a good moment for Kongolo, he had one to forget in the 72nd minute when he was dispossessed by Bernardo Silva. The ball was worked back to Joao Cancelo and his precise cross was headed firmly home by Jesus.

Fulham made almost the same mistakes again moments later, this time Michael Hector gifting the ball to Jesus. He played in Foden, whose shot was saved by Marek Rodak, but the Brazilian followed up to head in from close range and complete the job.

PA



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/man-city-vs-fulham-result-final-score-goals-fa-cup-fourth-round-highlights-draw-a9302561.html

[WhiteJC]

 Manchester City 4-0 Fulham: Pep Guardiola's side keep FA Cup defence on track
FA Cup holders Man City book their place in fifth round draw, which takes place on Monday before Bournemouth vs Arsenal

Manchester City cruised into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 victory against 10-man Fulham at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola's side's task was made much easier in the sixth minute when they were awarded a penalty after Tim Ream brought down Gabriel Jesus in the box. The Championship side were dealt a further blow as Ream was shown a straight red card, while Ilkay Gundogan made no mistake from the spot (8).

Bernardo Silva doubled City's lead in the 19th minute when he twisted and turned on the edge of the box before finding the bottom corner from 20 yards.

It took the hosts until the 72nd minute to further extend their advantage but two goals in three minutes from Gabriel Jesus (72, 75) added a flourish to the scorline as City kept the defence of the trophy they won last May firmly on track.

How City kept their FA Cup defence firmly on track...

Fulham contributed to their own downfall at the Etihad Stadium with a number of mistakes, not least Ream's disastrous early intervention.

Jesus was played through by Gundogan but before the Brazilian could shoot he was pulled back from the shoulder by Ream. Referee Kevin Friend immediately pointed to the spot and brandished the red card.
Player ratings

Man City: Bravo (6), Joao Cancelo (7), Garcia (7), Otamendi (7), Angelino (7), Foden (7), Gundogan (7), David Silva (8), Mahrez (7), Gabriel Jesus (7), Bernardo Silva (7).

Subs: Sterling (6), Stones (6), Rodri (6).

Fulham: Rodak (7), Kongolo (7), Hector (7), Ream (4), Bryan, Sessegnon (6), Johansen (6), Christie (6), Ivan Cavaleiro (6), Reid (6), Onomah (6).

Subs: Cairney (6), Odoi (6), Jasper (n/a).

Man of the match: David Silva.

Gundogan rolled the penalty into the bottom corner and City piled on the pressure with Angelino, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden all going close.

The inevitable second goal came after 19 minutes. At first it seemed the chance may have gone for Bernardo Silva as he was forced out of the area but his footwork tricked the defenders. He created space with a smart turn and then clipped a shot into the bottom corner, registering City's 100th goal of the season in the process.

Team news

Pep Guardiola made eight changes to his Manchester City side as the holders hosted Fulham in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Veteran David Silva and experienced pair Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan were among those to come in, along with youngsters Phil Foden and Eric Garcia. As in previous domestic cup games this season, Claudio Bravo played in goal. Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero were on the bench.

Fulham handed a debut to loan signing Terence Kongolo but were without a handful of players including Aleksandar Mitrovic, Harrison Reed, Aboubakar Kamara, Anthony Knockaert and Maxime Le Marchand.

City then eased off the gas but Fulham were almost caught out again by another break and Joe Bryan resorted to a cynical foul to halt a Mahrez charge.

Mahrez fired over early in the second half and was taken off soon afterwards, perhaps to get some rest ahead of Wednesday's derby.

But there was no respite for Fulham as Sterling came on to replace him and struck the bar within minutes of coming on after being played in by David Silva.

David Silva then set up Jesus but Terence Kongolo, making his Fulham debut after moving on loan from Huddersfield, denied him with a fine tackle.

While that was a good moment for Kongolo, he had one to forget in the 72nd minute when he was dispossessed by Bernardo Silva. The ball was worked back to Joao Cancelo and his precise cross was headed firmly home by Jesus.

Fulham made almost the same mistakes again moments later, this time Michael Hector gifting the ball to Jesus. He played in Foden, whose shot was saved by Marek Rodak, but the Brazilian followed up to head in from close range and complete the job.

City may be out of Premier League title contention but they have no intention of giving up either of the other two domestic trophies they won last season easily.

Their goals took their tally to the season in all competitions to 102 and put them in good heart for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester United in midweek.

What the managers said...
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola: "After one or two minutes I thought it would be a tough game. It is a team with a lot of courage but after the red card it was a little bit different. They could not run but they tried to play.

"The performance is difficult to analyse. If it had been 11 against 11, it would have been a tough game."

Fulham boss Scott Parker: "We understand the challenge ahead when you come to play a world-class team but the plan and preparation you do goes out of the window after six minutes when you go down to 10 men and they score a goal. It would have been a hard game with 11 men but with 10 it makes it even more difficult. But I am very proud. I have been in this job for a year and it was one of the proudest I have been of them.

"I asked the team to show personality and be brave. I saw a team which was committed and brave, putting themselves in positions and on offer to show what they are about. It would have been easy to come here, surrender possession, boot the ball as far from your goal and sit on the edge of your box. We lacked penetration but we showed a real identity."

Opta stats - Guardiola's fine FA Cup record continues

    Manchester City have won all six of their home FA Cup matches under Pep Guardiola, scoring 29 goals and conceding only three.
    City became the first team to score four or more goals in six consecutive home FA Cup matches since Luton Town in December 1928 - Luton's sixth game in that run was also at home to Fulham.
    Fulham suffered their heaviest FA Cup defeat since losing 4-0 against Manchester United in the 2008/09 quarter-final.
    Guardiola's side became the first team in the top-five European leagues to score 100 goals in all competitions this season - it's the seventh consecutive season they've hit 100 goals, the longest run by a Premier League team since Manchester United score 100+ goals in nine seasons in a row between 2004/05 and 2012/13.
    Gndogan has been directly involved in eight goals in just five FA Cup appearances at the Etihad for Manchester City (1 goal, 7 assists).
    Jesus has scored 56 goals and assisted 17 more in 78 starts for Manchester City in all competitions.
    Bernardo Silva has been directly involved in eight goals in nine FA Cup appearances for Man City (4 goals, 4 assists).
    Ream received his first red card in English football, with this game his 306th appearance across spells at Bolton Wanderers and Fulham.

What's next?

Manchester City are in Carabao Cup action in midweek. They face Manchester United in the second leg of their semi-final at the Etihad Stadium, live on Sky Sports; Kick-off 7.45pm.

Fulham are back in Championship action next Saturday when they host Huddersfield at Craven Cottage; kick-off 3pm.



https://www.skysports.com/football/man-city-vs-fulham/422616

[WhiteJC]

Ten-man Fulham brushed aside by Man City in FA Cup

Manchester City 4 Fulham 0

Tim Ream was sent off inside six minutes as Fulham were brushed aside by Manchester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Gabriel Jesus was the star for the Premier League champions at the Etihad Stadium with two goals and set them on the way by winning an early penalty that saw Ream dismissed.

Ilkay Gundogan converted From the spot after Ream hauled down Jesus before Bernardo Silva doubled the lead ten minutes later.

Brazilian forward Jesus completed the rout in the second half with a quick-fire double to compound a miserable day for the visitors.

A mixture of Fulham's naivety and City's class led to the opener.

Riyad Mahrez nicked the ball on the edge of the box before playing through Jesus who was clumsily brought down by Ream.

The game was all but put to bed when Bernardo Silva left the Fulham defence for dead and unleashed an excellent strike past Marek Rodak.

Raheem Sterling was introduced early in the second half and he nearly made an instant impact when he fired an effort off Rodak's crossbar from a tight angle.

Jesus's double completed the win while Scott Parker's men were only able to register one single shot on target in the game, Bobby Reid hitting a tame effort straight at Claudio Bravo.

Fulham: Rodak, Sessegnon, Hector, Ream, Kongolo [Jasper 83] Bryan, Christie, Onomah, Johansen, Cavaleiro [Cairney 67], Decordova-Reid [Odoi 78].
Subs not used: Bettinelli, McDonald, Stansfield, De La Torre.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/the-man-fulham-brushed-aside-by-man-city

[WhiteJC]

Derby and Fulham to battle it out with Championship rivals for 22-y/o defender

Derby County and Fulham are among four Championship clubs showing an interest in Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The 22-year-old spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Stoke City, however he struggled to establish himself as a regular under Nathan Jones and then Michael O'Neill.

Therefore, it was decided that the USA international would return to Spurs in the New Year.

However, with the centre-back way down the pecking order for the Premier League side another loan move seemed inevitable.

And, TEAMtalk have revealed that Huddersfield, Middlesbrough, Fulham and Derby are monitoring the player ahead of the January deadline.

Whilst they claim that several foreign clubs are also keen on Carter-Vickers, they state the player wants to remain in England so a move to the second tier seems highly likely.

If that is to happen it will be another spell in the Championship for the defender, as Carter-Vickers has featured for Ipswich, Sheffield United and Swansea as well as the Potters.

Clubs have until Friday to complete deals for players this month.

The verdict

Carter-Vickers is a pretty reliable performer at this level and he would enhance the squad of all of the teams mentioned.

You would imagine that his priority will be playing and that should make Derby and Middlesbrough the two favourites for his signature.

Either way, he will have a big decision to make in the coming days and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.

His choice will have an impact on the plans of all the clubs as it's sure to be a very busy end to the window.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/derby-and-fulham-to-battle-it-out-with-championship-rivals-for-22-y-o-defender/

[WhiteJC]

18-year-old Winger Eligible For Nigeria, Bulgaria, England Makes Fulham Debut vs

Promising winger Sylvester Jasper made his professional debut for Fulham as they were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester City in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The 18-year-old stepped out onto the Etihad Stadium turf with the number 58 at the back of his jersey in the 83rd minute as a replacement for Terence Kongolo.

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City were already home and dry prior to Jasper's introduction, with Ilkay Guendogan, Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus (2) getting on the scoresheet to give them a 4-0 lead.

Born in London to a Nigerian father and Bulgarian mother, he is eligible to represent the national teams of Nigeria, England and Bulgaria.

A tricky winger who can operate on both flanks, Jasper first made the matchday squad of the Cottagers against Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup.

He has been on the periphery of Fulham's first-team following his brilliant displays for the U18 and U23 teams, having contributed to a remarkable 15 goals in 17 matches in the U18 Premier League, EFL Trophy, Premier League 2 and FA Youth Cup.

Jasper has played international football for England's U15 national team.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=35090

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's preparation went out the window after early red card – Scott Parker

Scott Parker admitted his gameplan was ruined after just six minutes as Fulham were crushed 4-0 by holders Manchester City in the FA Cup.

The Championship side had little hope of containing the Premier League champions in their fourth-round tie at the Etihad Stadium after captain Tim Ream was sent off in the early stages.

Ilkay Gundogan struck from the resulting penalty, Bernardo Silva added a second and Jesus grabbed two in the second half for the hosts.

Fulham manager Parker said: "We understand the challenge ahead when you come to play a world-class team but the plan and preparation you do goes out of the window after six minutes when you go down to 10 men and they score a goal.

"It would have been a hard game with 11 men but with 10 it makes it even more difficult.

"But I am very proud. I have been in this job for a year and it was one of the proudest I have been of them.

"I asked the team to show personality and be brave. I saw a team which was committed and brave, putting themselves in positions and on offer to show what they are about.

"It would have been easy to come here, surrender possession, boot the ball as far from your goal and sit on the edge of your box. We lacked penetration but we showed a real identity."

Fulham were always facing an uphill battle but Ream's foul on Jesus in the opening moments made it doubly difficult. The American grabbed the City striker's shoulder and pulled him back as he shaped to shoot, denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Parker said: "Tim Ream is obviously devastated. He has been immense for us this season. In heat of moment you make decisions and sometimes you make the wrong ones."

City manager Pep Guardiola admitted his side were given a helping hand by the early sending off.

He said: "After one or two minutes I thought it would be a tough game.

"It is a team with a lot of courage but after the red card it was a little bit different. They could not run but they tried to play.

"The performance is difficult to analyse. If it had been 11 against 11, it would have been a tough game."

City's four goals took their tally for the campaign in all competitions to 102.

Guardiola said: "Always we have scored goals since we have been here. Always we have the ability to score. The problem is we concede a few in some games.

"The determination is always there. When we have any chances we are there."

With an attendance of 39,223, the Etihad was some way short of capacity. Guardiola hopes it will be different as City host rivals Manchester United in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

He said: "Now we have three days to prepare for United. Hopefully our fans can come and make our stadium full."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fulhams-preparation-went-out-window-after-early-red-card-scott-parker

[WhiteJC]

Parker proud despite Fulham's defeat

Scott Parker was full of praise for his Fulham side despite being on the receiving end of a 4-0 FA Cup humbling by Manchester City.

The Whites had to play over 80 minutes of the game with 10 men after captain Tim Ream was dismissed for hauling down Gabriel Jesus in the box.

Although Parker's men only managed to create one shot on target in the entire contest, the former England international was extremely upbeat.

He said: "I've been in this job for a year and it's one of the most proud I have ever been of them.

"The challenge ahead today was mammoth and I asked the team to show personality and be brave. I see a team that were committed and were brave in what they were doing."

He added: "They were putting themselves in positions and putting themselves on offer to try and show an identity and show what we're about and I saw that in abundance – that's what makes me most pleased."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-proud-despite-fulhams-defeat-at-man-city

[WhiteJC]

Tim Ream suffers 6th-minute red card in Fulham's FA Cup loss to Man City

US international Tim Ream suffered a short and nightmarish outing on Sunday, picking up a straight red card in just the 6th minute of Fulham's FA Cup fourth-round match vs. Manchester City, setting the stage for a one-sided 4-0 drubbing at the hands of the Cityzens.

Ream pulled down Gabriel Jesus as he spun clear in the Fulham penalty box, dooming the Cottagers to play shorthanded for most of what was already a highly daunting visit to the Etihad Stadium for the underdogs from the English Championship.

As the former New York Red Bulls center back hit the showers, Ilkay Gundogan dispatched the resulting penalty kick, followed not long after by a strike from Bernardo Silva. Jesus would later bag a second-half brace.

Fulham still have plenty to play for in the league, as they remain in the thick of the promotion race, currently sitting in third place in the Championship standings with 49 points from their 29 matches to date.



https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/01/26/tim-ream-suffers-6th-minute-red-card-fulhams-fa-cup-loss-man-city

[WhiteJC]

Spurs priced out of a move for Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic

Tottenham Hotspur have been priced out of a move for Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, as reported by The Daily Star.

What's the story?

Spurs, alongside fellow Premier League outfit Aston Villa, had shown an interest in signing the Serbia international, who is the joint-top scorer in the Championship with Ollie Watkins, on 18 goals.

However, Fulham have priced both clubs out of a move for the 25-year-old with their demands of £40m to prise him away from Craven Cottage.

He scored 11 goals and provided three assists in the top tier last season, and even if third-placed Fulham don't achieve promotion, it seems as though he will get the chance to build on that tally in 2020/21.

That is because the striker has an option to leave in the summer if Fulham don't get promoted – something clubs will likely look out for after being priced out this winter.

Levy in typical form

Daniel Levy is not usually someone to spend extortionate sums of money, as shown by the fact that he had never made a signing of over £40m until the summer of 2019 – when Tanguy Ndombele was brought in.

Even then, with the Frenchman being 22 years old when he was signed by the London club, he will have been seen as somebody who has potential to grow and become an even greater asset for the club.

Therefore, it shouldn't be too surprising to see Levy turning down the idea of signing Mitrovic for such a hefty price, especially when it is considered that he could potentially be brought in for much cheaper during the summer transfer window.



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/tottenham/spurs-levy-aleksandar-mitrovic-transfers

[WhiteJC]

Five Thoughts: Manchester City 4-0 Fulham

There's a good meme I'm thinking of with Bart Simpson holding a cake with 'at least you tried' piped on top. Basically, the cake eventually gets tipped into a bin, and that's more or less where our hopes of progressing in the FA Cup went, as Manchester City smashed four past Fulham without reply.

We weren't genuinely expecting much from our Sunday trip to the Etihad. Anything other than a loss was unfathomable and I could have sworn that I'd dreamt a 10-0 mauling the night before, but that doesn't make the comprehensive defeat any easier to swallow. Pep Guardiola showed respect to Scott Parker's squad and his opposite's favoured approach and the innovative Spaniard picked it apart. No shame in that.

It is a blessing in disguise, though. Now we can focus on our Championship campaign without distractions and it also enlightens us to where we are as a collective. Of course, we had notable faces missing, but we've a long way to go until we're ready to trial ourselves against the country's elite each week, but now we know precisely what to expect if and when we return to the top-flight.

Ream's Repulsive Red
I've no problem in letting Tim Ream know that he let his teammates and the travelling fans down, big time. Not a shred of sympathy for the apathetic American. Ream's experience is meant to safeguard Fulham in moments of insecurity but the 32-year-old's underlying deficiencies stole centre stage and he was only involved for 6 minutes. It's Man City, Premier League title holders, I get it, but this is exactly when your senses have to be sharp, awake and aware to the deadly threat Guardiola's men pose so naturally. One slight lapse, a single millisecond of doubt and you'll be gutted alive and Ream was victimised by his own dereliction of duty.

I don't predict that Ream intentionally meant to throw a massive spanner in the works because he always, without hesitation, gives everything he's got, but something got jammed in his rationale. Flat footed, Ream left the door wide open for Gabriel Jesus to spring through and in a shocking attempt to get goal side of the 22-year-old, the scrambling centre-half hauled the striker to the turf and was presented his marching orders by Kevin Friend. Maybe he was oblivious to the onrushing Marek Rodak, but Ream should have allowed Jesus to strike as the Slovakian 'keeper could well have prevented the opener. We'll just never know.

One of our more experienced, credible representatives blemished a perfectly competitive encounter with a singular instance of blind idiocy. Down to 10 men, Fulham's set-up was unbalanced and penetrable and damage limitation being the newfangled plan of action. Fulham were poised to give as good as they got at the Etihad but that required 11 men to take part. For 84 minutes, the visitors' progressive ambitions were cruelly dashed and Ream is undeniably to blame for decimating our optimistic pre-game blueprints. Well done for making a tough afternoon even more laborious and confidence sapping, Tim. I'd hate it to be, but maybe that was his last game for the club, given the personnel we've conveniently brought in recently.

Deliberating Dutchman's Debut
As far as competitive debuts go, Terence Kongolo couldn't have been handed a more perilous first glimpse to life in Fulham's defensive unit if he'd begged for it. Restraining City, even for the most decorated, disciplined of professionals is a ridiculously straining ordeal but I didn't think the Dutchman had a howler of an outing, not by a long shot. In many respects, the Huddersfield Town loanee was as prepared as you possibly could be and he showcased an observant defensive acumen that thwarted and suppressed the hosts, at least momentarily, anyway.

The 25-year-old began the encounter on the left of a back three but, after his irrational colleague was rightfully sent to the showers early doors, he shifted across to partner Michael Hector in the spine of the formation. City advanced with torrential devastation, but Kongolo held his nerve and wasn't necessarily swept away or overawed by the magnitude of the occasion. The Sky Blues sliced through our unbalanced shape with ease and if it wasn't for our temporary addition's vigilance within his own 18-yard box, we could have been smashed for 6 or 7 without reply.

Raheem Sterling rattled the bar in the 58th minute although the England international was offset by Kongolo's constriction. Gabriel Jesus was also threaded through in the 59th minute and a certain goal was toed away by Kongolo, who nicked the ball from the lethal Brazilian with a last-ditch lunge. City's third arose after the ball squirmed from Kongolo's studs, but I'm not going to blast him too substantially for that, as it's the only recognisable instance where he really strayed out of line and order in his defensive responsibilities. Mistakes were bound to occur and there were others – not naming any particular culprits – that spewed up gravely undignified performances in comparison. A sobering reality check for Kongolo, but there's definite positives to absorb from his introductory outing.

Steven's Sure Showing
Deployed in an alien position upon his long-awaited return to first-team football, Steven Sessegnon coped particularly well in the centre of the park against City's finely-tuned engine room, albeit their second contingent. Sess' had fellow U17 World Cup winner Phil Foden to contend with and the young defender equalled City's brightest prospect stride for stride and didn't appear out of place in a department that demands ungodly amounts of energy, enterprise and enthusiasm.

A right-back by trade, of course, Sess' had to adapt to congested pockets between attack and defence and whilst he could have wilted, he savoured the chance to exemplify his acute technical ability, which is often disregarded out on the channels, where uniformed, linear movement is paramount. The 19-year-old showed for his teammates, gave the ball sensibly and spun out of impending danger, unruffled by City's systematic probe and press.

Now a peripheral figure of Parker's Championship plans, Sess' has to take every given opportunity to reinstate himself upon the Whites weekly matchday selection with both hands, and I thought he gave a very positive account of himself. In City's superior company, you either thrive or you fail and Sess' was by no means an outfought bystander. Could he have closed the gap between Bernardo Silva on the edge of the 18 moments before the hosts' second? Perhaps, but the starlet stood by his unfamiliar midfield obligations, staying afloat when he could have drowned so easily. In summary, I really like the idea of Sess' featuring in the centre of the park more frequently, if fighting for his usual fullback spot is truly futile.

StefJo's Sh*thouse Specialities
He couldn't consistently keep up with the pace and tempo City established centrally, but Stefan Johansen also did was was employed to do for the vast majority of the game. Disrupt and antagonise his direct opponents as much as physically possible. In reality, the game was a lost cause and we had to stem City's flow in one way or another and the wily Norway international wasn't afraid to chuck a spanner in the works at the expense of a set-piece or four if necessary.

Guardiola's camp initiated sweeping counter attacks that left Fulham stranded, but we can always rely on the 29-year-old to rattle a few cages and clip a few heels. Bernardo, David Silva and Ilkay Gundogan all surged towards Fulham penalty area and the all felt the brisk flick of StefJo's pink boots somewhere along the line and, thankfully, the resulting free-kicks sailed harmlessly into the half-empty terraces. On the ball, Johansen had very little effect on the game but off it, he made himself a nuisance to City's innovative playmakers. No ankle was safe in his vicinity.

It's a little sad that StefJo's shithousing specialities made the cut, although his combative industry was an edge our midfield needed, if we were to derail the hosts from their clockwork groove and rhythm. StefJo snipped out sequences, he disturbed City's silverware-worthy assurance and, though he was outclassed in various aspects, he stayed true to himself with a performance of unrivalled, distinctive subjugation. City paraded a compelling panache, Johansen brandished a cynical indiscretion with an extended middle finger for good measure. Remarkably, he wasn't even cautioned for his toe-treading antics. Subtle sabotage at its finest.

Passing Poses Problems
Playing out from the back. It's a risky system that works at home to Millwall, but let's not take the piss away from home, with City as our opponents for 90 minutes. I commend Parker for trusting our possession-based strategy and pitting it against Guardiola's phenomenally domineering philosophy, tried, tested and verified in Spain and Germany as well as in Manchester, but our relatively inexperienced boss' naivety was systematically exposed on national television. Tough break.

Attempting to work our way out from Rodak contributed towards our own downfall and it's a mystery to how and why Parker didn't see that coming. City's entire fold is wired to chase and constrict the most minuet of margins and, as Fulham less-refined centre-halves have the first touch of a brick wall and the passing range of a toddler, we effectively gave the hosts a major boost in their quest to compound our plight, which wouldn't have taken much assistance anyway, let's be honest. We fashioned together a few thoughtfully designed patterns, but we got absolutely nowhere with it. Pretty on the eye, but utterly misleading.

There are times in football where you just have to hold your hands up and say "sod this". What's the harm in lumping it 60 yards to relieve pressure, especially against one of the best, well-drilled outfits in the European game? We've a recipe that we claim as our own but our finished product is more Hungry Horse than Michelin star cuisine, and City dine on that standard of service every single week. How is it even a thing that we thought, or even had the slightest belief, that we could outplay, out pass a heavyweight of the game, like we were even close to their peerless level? Let this be a lesson, Scott, do not take Premier League champions for mugs, particularly when they're actually bloody amazing at making a mockery of teams that do their own grave digging.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2020-01-26-five-thoughts-manchester-city-4-0-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Ream's rash red sets City on easy street

Fulham's task at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon – nullifying the holders in an attempt to prolong their interest in the FA Cup – was herculean enough, even if Pep Guardiola had shuffled his considerable pack before kick off. Any hope the visitors had of springing a surprise vanished when Tim Ream, who had never before been sent off in more than 300 matches in English football, hauled down Gabriel Jesus as the Brazilian burst beyond him to concede a penalty. The stand-in skipper was sent off, Ilkay Gundogan stroked home the penalty and Fulham's afternoon immediately became an exercise in damage limitation.

Scott Parker, like Slavisa Jokanovic before him, sticks to his principles of playing out of the back, but against one of the most potent strikeforces in Europe it was akin to a recipe for disaster. Ream and company had already been caught out at Kenilworth Road on Boxing Day taking unnecessary risks at the back and the American was fortunate not to have been punished even before his sending off when a crazy piece of distribution almost let in Jesus.

The surprise was that City, who appeared able to play through their Championship opponents at will, hadn't added more than a sumptuous second from Bernado Silva by the break. The Portuguese midfielder produced a pirouette even Parker would have been proud of and lashed past Marek Rodak from 20 yards to double City's lead but a perfectionist like Guardiola would have been irritated that they hadn't made more of their numerical advantage. Angelino, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez all wasted good opportunities to increase the home side's advantage, whilst Fulham's only moment of promise came when a spirited solo run from Bobby Decordova-Reid ended with Claudio Bravo saving at his near post.

Ten-man Fulham resisted stubbornly for 27 second-half minutes before conceding two goals in 180 seconds that saw the scoreline more accurately reflect City's overwhelming dominance of proceedings. Michael Hector and Terence Kongolo were steady in the circumstances in their first outing as a pairing at centre back – with the on-loan Huddersfield defender producing one stupendous block to prevent Jesus from rifling home inside the six-yard box. He did just about enough to put off substitute Raheem Sterling when the substitute was played in by the peerless David Silva – the England winger's rising drive cannoned off the crossbar instead.

But Fulham couldn't keep City's constant attacks at bay for much longer. They were the architects of their own downfall once again. Kongolo presented the ball to Sterling on the City right and Joao Cancelo's deep cross was headed home by Jesus, who looked suspiciously close to being offside – but the goal was awarded after a lengthy VAR delay. A fourth arrived after the otherwise impressive Hector was robbed by Jesus. Rodak made a superb save from Phil Foden, but the Brazilian nodded home the rebound.

Parker handed teenage winger Sylvester Jasper a senior debut in the closing stages – but this was largely a day to forget for Fulham, serving as a painful reminder of their brief Premier League sojourn last season. The task to make up ground on the Championship's top two – West Brom and Leeds – begins again in earnest against Huddersfield next week, although it appears unlikely that Aleksandar Mitrovic, Anthony Knockaert or Aboubakar Kamara – so sorely missed over the last week – will be able to play any part against the Terriers.

MANCHESTER CITY (4-3-3): Bravo; Cancelo, Angelino, Otamendi (Stones 74), Garcia; Gundogan (Rodri 75), D. Silva, Foden; Mahrez (Sterling 53), B. Silva, Jesus. Subs (not used): Ederson, Zinchenko, de Bruyne, Aguero.

GOALS: Gundogan (8), B. Silva (19), Jesus (72, 75).

FULHAM (3-4-1-2): Rodak; Hector, Ream, Kongolo (Jasper 83); Christie, Bryan, S. Sessegnon, Johansen; Onomah; Decordova-Reid (Odoi 78), Cavaleiro (Cairney 67). Subs (not used): Bettinelli, McDonald, de la Torre, Stansfield.

BOOKED: Bryan.

SENT OFF: Ream (6).

REFEREE: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).

ATTENDANCE: 39,223.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/01/reams-rash-red-sets-city-on-easy-street/

[WhiteJC]

West Brom and Fulham dealt suspension blows

Two of Leeds United's nearest promotion rivals will be missing key men

West Bromwich Albion and Fulham had mixed fortunes in their FA Cup outings against Premier League opposition this weekend.

However, both sides will suffer something of a hangover when they return to league action as key men for both must serve one-match suspensions after getting sent off.

The Baggies' form has dipped in the league with no wins from their last six Championship outings, but during this rut they've progressed to the FA Cup fifth round with 1-0 wins over Stoke City and West Ham United.

Slaven Bilic enjoyed his return to the London Stadium as West Brom knocked out David Moyes's Hammers, but he'll be frustrated with Semi Ajayi's second yellow 18 minutes before full-time.

The Nigerian international centre-half, who has started all but one of West Brom's league matches so far this season, will now face a one-match suspension for their tricky fixture away to Cardiff on Tuesday evening.

The Bluebirds have only suffered one defeat at the Cardiff City Stadium all season and should provide a formidable test for the league leaders, who will be without the injured Grady Diangana alongside Ajayi.

West Brom recently confirmed Diangana would see through his full-season loan from parent club from West Ham, but he faces another spell on the sidelines after pulling up in the opening minutes of their 1-0 defeat to Stoke City last Monday.

He originally picked up a back injury after scoring in a 3-2 win over local rivals Birmingham City before Christmas, and they've failed to win the six games that he's since been absent for.

Meanwhile Fulham, who are out of the cup following a resounding 4-0 defeat to the holders Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, will be without experienced USA international Tim Ream for their match against Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

The 32-year-old defender will serve a one-match suspension after being shown red for a last-man challenge on City striker Gabriel Jesus, giving his team-mates an uphill struggle on their visit to the Etihad after just six minutes.

    Tim Ream will be filled with regret right now...

Ilkay Gundogan stepped up to slot home the resulting penalty, and from there Pep Guardiola's side breezed to a comfortable victory.

Ream has started every Championship match for Fulham so far this season, but he'll miss out against Huddersfield. New arrival Michael Hector, signed from Chelsea, is a timely replacement, having already made a convincing start to life in the Cottagers backline.

Fulham are currently third, three points behind Leeds, but Marcelo Bielsa's side have an opportunity to extend that gap back to six points when they play their game in hand against Millwall on Tuesday evening.



https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/west-brom-fulham-dealt-suspension-17635399