Thursday Fulham Stuff - 06/02/20...

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The race for the Premier League: West Brom, Leeds, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Brentford all in promotion mix
Bristol City vs Birmingham, Wigan vs Preston, Nottingham Forest vs Leeds, Millwall vs West Brom live on Sky this weekend

West Brom and Leeds both looked nailed on for promotion earlier in the season, but a dip in form for both has seen the race for the Premier League become tighter than ever.

With just 16 games to go of the Championship campaign there are a mere six points between West Brom in first and Bristol City in sixth, closer than it has been on this date in any of the past 10 seasons.

Here, we assess the runners and riders in their quest to reach the promised land...

West Brom over a dip?
A 3-2 win at Birmingham on December 14 saw West Brom move on to 49 points from 22 games, having been beaten just once all season - by Leeds - leaving them 12 points clear of third.

The resulting dip in form was almost unforeseeable at that stage, although much of it can be pinned to an injury suffered by Grady Diangana in that game. The West Ham loanee was absent for the following seven games they failed to win - aside from a two-minute cameo before suffering a recurrence of his injury against Stoke in mid-January.

By the time they lost at Cardiff in their final game in January there were just two points between themselves in second and Nottingham Forest in third.

It forced Slaven Bilic's hand in the transfer market, and new loan signing Callum Robinson had an instant impact against Luton on Saturday as they returned to winning ways. However, a home game against the Hatters is as good as a free hit in the Championship this season, so it remains to be seen whether this result will trigger a genuine upturn.

Kamil Grosicki and Lee Peltier also arrived on Deadline Day to bolster Bilic's options, and Leeds' defeat at home to Wigan saw the Baggies return to the top of the Championship. At the moment things are looking up.

Leeds misfiring too
Strangely, Leeds suffered a similar dip to West Brom at almost exactly the same time. Marcelo Bielsa's side were 11 points clear of third ahead of their game against Cardiff on December 14. They were 3-0 up in that one at Elland Road and had kept four previous clean sheets in a row, but three late goals conceded in that one derailed them completely.

Their only win in their next six came in a crazy 5-4 win at Birmingham, while their next win at the end of January against Millwall was wrestled from two goals down. Leeds conceded 10 goals in their first 21 games - while they have let in 17 in their last nine.

Confidence should have been high heading into their clash with lowly Wigan on Saturday. They dominated against the Latics but conceded an unlikely Pablo Hernandez own goal.

Bielsa's side have a habit of dropping points due to unlikely goals or unfortunate refereeing decisions. If they took more of their chances, though, it would be less of an issue. Eddie Nketiah could not break past Patrick Bamford in the first half of the season before returning to Arsenal. Jean-Kevin Augustin created a frenzy at Elland Road after signing on loan from RB Leipzig towards the end of the January window, but the striker has been left out of both squads so far.

Bielsa says he needs his new striker to acclimatise to the Championship first, but to not even put him in the squad against Wigan seemed a strange decision to say the least. They are dominating the Expected Goals (xG) charts, but aren't converting their opportunities.

They still occupy second place heading into the weekend, but that gap has slipped to three points over Fulham, four over Nottingham Forest and five over Brentford and Bristol City. Their next three games? Forest and Brentford away, before meeting Bristol City at home. It is set to be a pivotal week.

Fulham and Forest pushing hard


Fulham are perhaps in-form team in the Championship at the minute, having picked up 17 points from their last eight games. It is their most consistent spell of the season under Scott Parker, who seems to have finally worked out his best team.

He has settled with Marek Rodak in goal ahead of Marcus Bettinelli, while Kevin McDonald has been a regular again in defensive midfield in the last month. McDonald and Michael Hector - a January signing from Chelsea - have both been crucial in Fulham's last four games - including three clean sheets, three wins and just two goals conceded.

Aleksandar Mitrovic has also returned to their attack to provide some much-needed cutting edge. A wobble against Huddersfield on Saturday aside - that saw them nearly throw away an early three-goal lead - they now look an assured side in defence and attack.

Nottingham Forest are a point further back, but would have been better placed had they not suffered a surprise defeat at Birmingham on Saturday to end a seven-game unbeaten run.

They have appeared a little over-reliant on Lewis Grabban and Joe Lolley at times. Those two have provide 23 of their 41 Championship goals, but the January arrivals of Adama Diakhaby from Huddersfield and Nuno da Costa from Strasbourg will hopefully ease some of the attacking burden on those two.

Brentford and Bristol City close behind
Two sides yet to play in the Premier League are also in close proximity. Brentford are the second-top scorers in the league (49) trailing only West Brom (53), with their 'BMW' attack of Said Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins proving lethal so far. Crucially for a club who have become renowned for selling on talent for big money, they managed to hold onto all three throughout January.

Their biggest improvement this season, however, has been in defence. Brentford altered their transfer strategy somewhat in the summer by bringing in experienced centre-back Pontus Jansson from Leeds, and his presence has had a massive impact. They have conceded the fewest goals in the Championship this season, and have by far the lowest Expected Goals Against (xGA) in the division.

Bristol City, meanwhile, are level on points with Brentford despite a far inferior goal difference, but their defence has improved massively in recent weeks. They have won four games in a row without conceding a goal, with Nathan Baker and Ashley Williams proving a formidable central-defensive partnership.

The arrival of Nahki Wells on a permanent January deal should help their return up front, too. He scored 13 goals in the first half of the season on loan at QPR before he was recalled by Burnley and moved on to Ashton Gate. He knows what it is like to win promotion, too, having been a part of the Huddersfield side to win the play-offs in 2017.

The chasing pack
Preston looked like potential top-two contenders at one stage, but inconsistency put an end to that. They have, however, picked up eight points from their last four games to move back to within three points of a play-off spot. Scott Sinclair arrived from Celtic in January and scored his first goal for the club in a draw with Swansea on Saturday, who are currently eighth in the table - a point behind North End.

Steve Cooper's side were another team who started the campaign superbly before drifting away a little. He played the loan market in January to boost his side's credentials. Two came in from Chelsea - 19-year-old centre-back Marc Guehi and midfielder Conor Gallagher, the latter of whom impressed at Charlton in the first half of the season - and promising striker Rhian Brewster from Liverpool.

Brewster, still just 19, won the Golden Boot at the U17 World Cup, under Cooper - and has hit the ground running so far with two goals in his first four senior league games. If Cooper can get the most out of him, Gallagher and the more experienced Andre Ayew, then the Swans have a real chance of sneaking a spot in the top six.

Slightly further back are Millwall, who have been fired up the table by Gary Rowett since his arrival in late October. They were 16th when he took over but now find themselves in ninth, and then Blackburn. Many thought their play-off hopes would have been ended by a long-term injury to talismanic midfielder Bradley Dack, but they are unbeaten in four and remain within touching distance.

Sheffield Wednesday were in the top six not too long ago, but now find themselves in 11th after a dreadful run of results since Boxing Day - picking up just four points from seven games. They brought in Conor Wickham and Josh Windass on loan on Deadline Day to bolster their attack but still have a potential points deduction looming. Cardiff are in 12th but have a squad who were in the Premier League last season and have the capability to go on a late run.

Who will go up?
Despite their recent struggles, Leeds are still the nailed-in favourites with Sky Bet to go up at 1/4, while West Brom are backed to join them at 4/9.

Brentford current sit below Fulham and Forest in the table, but are the third-favourites for promotion at 8/11, while Fulham are 13/8 and Forest are at 10/3.

The market would suggest that is the most likely top five, leaving open one more spot in the play-offs. Bristol City are currently sixth but are only seventh favourites for promotion (at 11/1), behind Preston (8/1).

Then comes Millwall (12/1), Sheffield Wednesday (12/1) and Swansea (14/1). The only other sides priced at less than 100/1 are Blackburn (22/1) and Cardiff (28/1).

There is always hope for all, however. After 30 games of last season Aston Villa were ninth in the table. By the end of May they were celebrating promotion at Wembley. It is the Championship and anything can happen...



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12040/11926140/the-race-for-the-premier-league-west-brom-leeds-fulham-nottingham-forest-and-brentford-all-in-promotion-mix

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Memberships Now Half Price

Make sure you're set for the run in with Official Fulham Memberships now reduced to half price!

As Fulham continue their push for promotion, becoming an Official Member is the best way for Fulham fans to gain priority ticket access for the biggest games remaining at Craven Cottage this season. Upcoming fixtures before the end of the 2019/20 campaign including Brentford, Cardiff City & our final home match against Sheffield Wednesday.

In addition, all Members will receive £5 off their home match ticket (£2 for concessions) and, along with Season Ticket Holders, priority access to purchasing away match tickets. Membership also provides the opportunity to take advantage of an exclusive discount on FFC merchandise in the Stadium Store at Craven Cottage. A full list of benefits can be found here.

Adults can purchase their Membership for £20 (RRP £40) with Juniors now able to secure theirs for £10 (RRP £20)*.

Available to Fulham FC fans all around the world, stay up-to-date with your Club.

*Reduced price memberships no longer include Excusive Gift Packs.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/05/memberships-now-half-price

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Rodak seizes his chance

Fulham liked the look of Marek Rodak almost as soon as he walked through the Motspur Park gates. The briefest of trials at the age of sixteen saw him handed a opportunity in the under-18 side, which he took with both hands. The Slovakian was a confident communicator from the outset – impressive as a youngster speaking a foreign language – and quickly became the first-choice goalkeeper playing above his age group and went on to be Fulham's number one in the under-19 team that lifted the Dallas Cup.

Now 23, Rodak is the sole survivor not just from that successful side but also the one that reached the FA Youth Cup final a year later. He didn't always strike the neutral observer as a natural goalkeeper – skinny and scrawny for his age and sometimes a little hesitant to claim the high ball. But Rodak's phenonomal work ethic always impressed his coaches and his development continued apace as he helped the under-18s win the Premier Academy League.

Having been named on the bench for the senior side at Elland Road in December 2014, Rodak got a taste of senior football on loan at Farnborough before joining Welling United in the second half of the 2015/2016 season. It was with Accrington Stanley, where he helped his new club survive relegation with something to spare as they knitted together a thirteen-match unbeaten run, where Rodak really began to make waves in English football. The goalkeeper's growth continued with Rotherham United, where he became a firm favourite with the Millers' faithful over the course of two seasons on loan.

In his first season with Rotherham, Rodak helped the south Yorkshire side win promotion to the Championship via the play-offs, as they beat Shrewsbury after extra-time at Wembley. The Slovakian missed just a single league game the following season and turned in a number of exceptional displays, but Rotherham's relegation – coupled with Fulham's Premier League demise – always made a return to Craven Cottage look likely after 84 appearances for the Millers, although Marcus Bettinelli seemed set to be Scott Parker's first choice.

Rodak knucked down and impressed again during pre-season and, when Bettinelli was benched following an abject home defeat by Hull City, Parker opted to put his faith in the young Slovakian. He had to show considerable character to bounce back from being sent off just seventeen minutes into his first league start at Middlesbrough, but proved his mettle with a clean sheet at St. Andrew's before producing a number of vital saves in the derby win over QPR.

He has since firmly established himself as the Fulham number one behind what has been an inconsistent defence. Having shone in a narrow win at Swansea, Rodak made a series of crucial stops to preserve a vital advantage against Leeds before Christmas, produced a stoppage-time save to prevent Stoke from pinching a point at the Cottage to close out 2019 and helped the Whites knock out Premier League Aston Villa in the FA Cup.

Rodak had little to do at Hull as Parker's men ground out a scrappy away victory but came up with an excellent stop to deny Jared Bowen late on and he truly excelled himself in coming between Huddersfield and one of the season's most unlikely comebacks last weekend. At times in a second half where Danny Cowley's men piled on the pressure, it seemed as though it was simply Rodak against the Terriers' forwards. He made three remarkable saves from Karlan Grant alone and richly deserved the man of match award voted for by the Fulham fans. Such has been the solidity he has given a previously shaky defence, you may wonder whether Fulham might already be in the automatic promotion places had he been picked from the start of the season.

Rodak has had to wait a fair while in Bettinelli's shadow for a chance in the Fulham first team. It is clear he has all the attributes to succeed in the Championship – and you wouldn't disagree with Paul Warne, his manager at Rotherham, who confidently asserted that Rodak was a top flight keeper in the making. He has all the qualities of a modern goalkeeper. Rodak's distribution was well known for beginning successful counter-attacks at Rotherham and his composure – a quality that was on display when he was handed his first-team debut by Slavisa Jokanovic back in 2017 – is most reassuring. Six clean sheets in seventeen starts represents a remarkable turnaround in front of a defence that was frankly calamaitous earlier in the campaign.

Ever the professional, Rodak will know he has achieved little yet. He'll want to help Fulham chase down the Championship top two and sustain their own push for automatic promotion. But the whispers among the Cottage regulars might now match the knowing looks from those Motspur Park coaches who were so impressed with the Slovakian teenager seven years ago. He might just be Fulham's classiest custodian since Mark Schwarzer and, given the Australian's enduring excellence, that's some accolade.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/02/rodak-seizes-his-chance/

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Aleksandr Mitrovic, Anthony Knockaert, Alfie Mawson - Fulham team news ahead of Blackburn Rovers clash

Fulham were boosted by the return of their star striker


Fulham manager Scott Parker

Blackburn Rovers will have their play-off credentials tested as they entertain Fulham on Saturday at Ewood Park (3pm).

A score draw away to Middlesbrough extended Rovers' current unbeaten run to three matches, but the result was marred by the withdrawal of Lewis Holtby with a knee ligament injury.

Rovers have established Ewood as a fortress so far this season, having not been beaten at home since September - a run that stretches to 10 matches.

They will need to work home advantage in their favour on Saturday as Fulham have harnessed serious momentum in their pursuit of West Brom and Leeds United for a promotion place and sit 3rd in the form table with four wins from six games.

Scott Parker's side achieved a run of results without star man Aleksandr Mitrovic, and the Serbian marked his return from injury with a goal in the 3-2 victory over Huddersfield Town, taking his tally for 19 to the season.

Here's a look at Fulham's injuries and availability for Saturday's encounter:

Aleksandr Mitrovic
Fulham's talisman suffered an ankle injury against Hull in mid-January and there were initial fears that Mitrovic could be out for several weeks.

However, the severity of Mitrovic's injury was not as bad as Fulham had first projected and the striker was back in the starting line-up against Huddersfield Town, scoring and completing 90 minutes in the process.

Tosin Adarabioyo and Darragh Lenihan will have to be at their best if they are to contain the free-scoring Serbian, who ultimately should be operating at a Premier League level.

Anthony Knockaert
The 28-year-old picked up a hamstring injury against Charlton Athletic and Parker has insisted that he does not want to rush Knockaert back into action given the tendency to aggravate his current condition.

The forward has been a regular for the Cottagers since his loan switch from Brighton in the summer and has delivered three goals and four assists so far this campaign.

It was hoped Knockaert might have returned for Huddersfield, but it's expected that he will be out till after the trip to Ewood.

Alfie Mawson
Although not quite as bizarre as when Mawson injured himself putting his boots on when under Claudio Ranieri's regime, the 26-year-old has not featured for Fulham since mid-January and the centre-back is unlikely to be available for Saturday's fixture.

Mawson endured a difficult year last season but has been much improved since Fulham's return to the Championship.

The defender had previously been linked with Liverpool and Tottenham before moving to Craven Cottage in 2018.

Harrison Reed
A recurring calf injury has plagued Reed so far this season, and has kept him out of Fulham's last six matches.

The former Rovers loanee has endured a stop-start tenure due to his calf but the  25-year-old midfielder has been a key figure for Parker's team when he has been available.

It's unlikely that Reed will be back in time for a return to Ewood.

Maxime Le Marchand
The former Nice defender has been sidelined since early November following a back injury he sustained during Fulham's victory over Birmingham.

Le Marchand had featured in eight Championship fixtures prior to that injury, and similarly to Mawson had made a steady start after failing to acclimatise to life in the Premier League.

It was hoped the 30-year-old would be available for the new year, but the centre-back's rehabilitation will continue this month.



https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/football-news/aleksandr-mitrovic-anthony-knockaert-alfie-17692550

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3 Fulham youngsters who will be eyeing up a starting spot next season

Fulham's academy system has become well publicised in recent seasons, not least because of the recent emergence of Ryan Sessegnon.

The now Tottenham man rose through the ranks of the Whites' youth teams, alongside his twin brother Steven, and now plies his trade in North London with Tottenham Hotspur.

After an emergence like that, there is always going to be talk of who will follow him next.

Well, here we take a look at THREE Fulham youngsters who will be eyeing up a starting spot next season...

Matt O'Riley
For a while now the midfielder has been touted as the shining light in the club's reserve set-up and he has threatened to break into Parker's first-team set-up a few times already.

A couple of  impressive appearances in the Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy gave a promising glimpse of his first-team potential whilst a start against Reading in December showed the faith the club clearly have in him.

There are plenty of players ahead of him in the pecking order but O'Riley will be eager to prove himself next season.

Marlon Fossey
The 21 year-old has struggled so far this season with injury but there is no doubt that he will have something to offer the first team this time next season.

He started out as an attacker but was converted into a full-back. However, that blistering pace has not deserted him making him a real menace from the back.

It is a position in which Parker is far from blessed this season and that could well be the factor that sees Fossey make that breakthrough more than anything else.

Timmy Abraham
The brother of Chelsea's Tammy, Abraham will be eager to get his own career in West London up and running next season.

He is currently out on loan with League One side Bristol Rovers which could well prove to be crucial in deciding where he is playing next season.

Although Parker possess Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Serbian's future at Craven Cottage is far from secure and if Fulham fail to win promotion this season, Abraham will be expecting some first-team chances to come his way next term.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-fulham-youngsters-who-will-be-eyeing-up-a-starting-spot-next-season/

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Leeds fans react to announcement ahead of Fulham clash next month

On Tuesday, Leeds United revealed that their Championship clash with Fulham next month has been selected for live broadcast on Sky Sports.

The fixture is due to take place on March 18th at Elland Road, and it is shaping up to a huge clash between the two promotion hopefuls.

As it stands, the Whites are second in the Championship table, three points ahead of third-placed Fulham.

A run of just one win from their last five in the league has seen Leeds' comfortable gap to third evaporate, and some of the club's supporters feel that Sky Sports are desperate to capture what could be another collapse from their team.

Indeed, Marcelo Bielsa's side ultimately fell short in the race for promotion last season despite being fancied for much of the campaign to secure a return to the Premier League.

A number of other fans also took to social media to react to the news, and there were a lot of mixed opinions on the subject, with the majority seemingly not too surprised that the fixture had been picked out.



https://www.footballfancast.com/championship/leeds/fulham-tv-announcement-sky-sports-news-bielsa

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FA Youth Cup: Man City U18s

The Under-18s take on a formidable Manchester City side in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup on Thursday evening.

Both sides sit top of their respective leagues in the Premier League North and South.
The Route:

Manchester City:

City go into the game having already overcome two Category One sides in the shape of Swansea and Aston Villa.

Fulham:

After comfortably dispatching South Shields in the third round, Steve Wigley's side narrowly shaded a tight contest in the fourth round at Sheffield United to set-up Thursday's clash.
What Happens Next:

The winner of the fifth-round tie will welcome Burnley in the sixth round as a home draw.
He Said:

Sylvester Jasper is relishing the challenge, referring to his side's scintillating league form.

"The team is very confident going into the game because of our form lately. We are winning games in the league and also winning them comfortably by playing good football which is a big plus. We all know our abilities and what we are capable of achieving, so we are in a good place. We have a good chance of beating Manchester City tomorrow.
FFCtv:

The game will feature audio commentary for FFCtv subscribers with Jamie Reid providing updates. Video footage won't be available.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/05/fa-youth-cup-preview

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Stansfield Goes Pro

The Club is delighted to confirm that Jay Stansfield has signed his first professional contract.

The 17-year-old striker has made two first team appearances since signing in the summer from Exeter City on a scholarship basis.

After making a name for himself in the Under-18s team, scoring 22 times, Stansfield earned a call-up to the Under-23s side where he scored 11 minutes after coming off the bench.

The form didn't go unnoticed as he made Scott Parker's squad for the FA Cup win against Aston Villa where he played the final eight minutes. He then retained his place on the bench for the next three Championship fixtures and made his league debut against Charlton.

The young forward was bursting with pride following the signing of his deal.

"It's been a great start here and I'm really happy to be able to sign a pro at Fulham." He told fulhamfc.com. "I didn't think the contract would come as quickly as it did. I thought I'd have to settle in and wait at least a season. I've taken my chance and signed my pro, but I didn't think I'd score as many goals as I have.

"I'd put this down to the hard work in training. I practice every morning before training on my finishing. The whole team around me has helped me get to where I am. The defence and midfield around me have been a huge help. Most of my goals have come through the team and I wouldn't have been able to do it without them.

"I hope to start playing regular Under-23 football and get a few more chances with the first team."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/05/stansfield-goes-pro

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Stansfield signs professional deal with Fulham

Jay Stansfield has signed his first professional contract with Fulham, the club has confirmed this evening.

The teenage striker has been a revelation since arriving at Craven Cottage from Exeter City in the summer. The 17 year-old has scored eighteen goals in eleven under-18 appearances and his sensational form for Steve Wigley's side saw him earn promotion to the under-23 team, for whom he scored after coming off the bench against West Ham.

Stansfield's development quickly caught the eye of first-team manager Scott Parker, who included the youngster in his squad for the FA Cup third round tie against Aston Villa. Stansfield impressed as a late substitute as the Whites knocked their Premier League opponents out of the Cup and was named on the bench in Fulham's following three first-team fixtures. He made his league debut in the closing stages of a goalless draw at Charlton Athletic last month.

Stansfield, who has also made his debut for England's under 18 side this season, was delighted to put pen to paper on his new deal. He told Fulham's official website:

It's been a great start here and I'm really happy to be able to sign as a pro at Fulham. I didn't think the contract would come as quickly as it did. I thought I'd have to settle in and wait at least a season. I've taken my chance and signed my pro, but I didn't think I'd score as many goals as I have.

I'd put this down to the hard work in training. I practice every morning before training on my finishing. The whole team around me has helped me get to where I am. The defence and midfield around me have been a huge help. Most of my goals have come through the team and I wouldn't have been able to do it without them. I hope to start playing regular Under-23 football and get a few more chances with the first team.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/02/stansfield-signs-professional-deal-with-fulham/

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Rovers v Fulham: Match Preview

Rovers will be looking to extend their four-match unbeaten run when Fulham visit Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon.

Mowbray's men also have an impressive home record this season, losing just twice at Ewood and they have an unbeaten run extending back to September 2019.

Fulham, meanwhile, sit third in the Championship, just four points off the top of the table.

TEAM NEWS

Lewis Holtby was added to the ever-growing injury list last week as he hobbled off in the draw with Middlesbrough, meaning he'll be unavailable for this fixture.

Joe Rothwell, Bradley Dack and Corry Evans remain absent.

For Fulham, Anthony Knockaert, Alfie Mawson, and former Rover Harrison Reed are expected to miss the fixture with injury.

STATISTICS AND FACTS

– This is the first meeting between Rovers and Fulham at Ewood Park since August 2016, with the visitors winning 1-0 under Slavisa Jokanovic.

– Fulham haven't done the league double over Rovers since the 2000-01 season when both sides achieved promotion to the top flight.

– Rovers are currently unbeaten in 10 league games at Ewood Park (W5 D5), since a 2-1 loss to Luton in September

– Fulham have lost just one of their last eight league games (W5 D2 L1) since losing three on the bounce in December

– Adam Armstrong has either scored or assisted in each of his last five league matches for Rovers (2G 4A)

SUMMARY

If this was away from home and we was facing a visit to Craven Cottage, I'd be backing Fulham to win, but this is at Ewood.

Rovers can beat any side at Ewood, and I'm going to back us to pick up a massive three points.

Prediction: Rovers 2-1 Fulham



http://roverschat.com/rovers-v-fulham-match-preview/

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Rovers v Fulham: Club Connections

Ahead of Rovers' meeting with Fulham, we've taken a look at the people who have either played for or managed both clubs.

Tom Cairney

Coming through the ranks at Hull City, Tom Cairney came to Rovers initially on loan back in August 2013, before the deal was made permanent in January 2014.

His debut came in a 1-1 draw with Derby County, before his first start was an eventful one to say the least, as Cairney scored, assisted and was dismissed (the latter for the first time in his career).

Cairney became a regular in the Rovers XI and therefore, it came as a major shock when he was sold to Fulham in June 2015 for a fee rumoured to be as minimal as £3 million. The midfielder made Rovers regret the decision to sell him, as he became a mainstay in Fulham's team.

He became the captain for the Cottages at the start of the 2016-17 season, a campaign that would see them lose in the play-off semi-finals. The following season was one to remember for both Cairney and Fulham, as he scored the winning goal in the play-off final to send them to the Premier League.

Their top-flight stay only lasted one season, but Cairney still remains an integral part of the side and is expected to play on Saturday.

Damien Duff

Born in Ballyboden in the Republic of Ireland, Duff signed for Rovers as a trainee in 1996 and made his debut aged just 18 on the final day of the 1996-97 season.

Duff was loved by all Rovers fans, and after the relegation in 1998, he stayed with the club and played a major point in helping the club get back to the top flight, and then was part of the squad that won the 2002 Worthington Cup final. He struggled with injury problems in the 2002-03 season, but Duff still finished as Rovers' top scorer in the 2002-03 season with 11 goals, helping the side qualify for the UEFA Cup.

A £17 million move to Chelsea followed in the summer of 2003 after the London-based club triggered his release clause. Duff spent three seasons with Chelsea, and then a further three with Newcastle United, before he was brought to Fulham in 2009 by former Rovers boss Roy Hodgson.

He became a regular part of the Fulham side, scoring a brace in 2011 against Rovers at Craven Cottage. The Cottagers were keen to keep Duff at the club, with the Irishman signing a couple of one-year extensions on his deal.

However, Fulham couldn't keep Duff at the club for the 2014-15 season, as he made the move to Australian side Melbourne City, before Duff played in his native country with Shamrock Rovers, retiring in December 2015.

Ian Pearce

Ian Pearce's career began at Oxted & District FC, before joining Chelsea during the 1991-92 season. However, chances were limited at the west London club, and Pearce signed for Rovers in October 1993 for a fee of £300,000. His Rovers debut came in a League Cup tie in 1993 against Shrewsbury Town, in which Pearce scored the injury-time winner.

The 1994-95 season saw Pearce move to centre-back alongside Colin Hendry, as he made 28 league appearances in the Premier League title-winning season, picking up a medal on the way.

A move to West Ham United came in October 1997 for around £2.3 million, but after a positive first two years, Pearce injured his knee ligaments and saw opportunities limited from there on in.

This lead to a move to Fulham in January 2004 and became the first-choice centre-half for the Cottagers. However, his time at the club was hampered by a back injury and ended up moving back to Oxted & District FC in 2008.

Pearce also played for Kingstonian (twice) and Lincoln City, before retiring in 2012.

Billy McKinlay

After Dundee United were relegated to the second tier of Scottish football in 1995, Billy McKinlay requested a transfer and joined then-Premier League Rovers in October of the same year.

McKinlay spent five years at Rovers, making 92 appearances and scoring three goals, before he moved to Bradford in 2000. During his time at the club, he was selected for both Scotland's Euro 1996 and 1998 World Cup squads, making one appearance in both tournaments.

After Bradford, the midfielder played for Preston North End and Leicester City, with a short move to Clydebank in between the two clubs.

2004 saw Chris Coleman bring McKinlay to Fulham, mainly to help assist the reserve side, meaning he made just two appearances before retiring from football a year later.

McKinlay is currently the assistant manager at Stoke City.

Tony Gale

Tony Gale progressed through the youth ranks at Fulham and received a promotion to the senior side in the 1977-78 season, making his debut in the Anglo-Scottish Cup after replacing Bobby Moore after his retirement.

Fulham were relegated to the Third Division, before gaining promotion back to the Second Division two years later. However, it didn't start off too well for Gale in the third tier, following a dispute with then-manager Malcolm MacDonald saw Gale suspended before being reinstated and playing 44 league matches as the Cottagers gained promotion.

After missing out on promotion to the top flight in the 1982-83 season, and then finishing mid-table, Gale moved to First Division side West Ham.

Gale moved to Rovers in 1994 and spent just one season with the club, which was one to remember as he made 15 appearances and clinched his only ever major honour at the age of 35.

He moved to recently relegated Crystal Palace in 1995, before moving to Maidenhead United and retiring in 1998.

Gale is currently the chairman of non-league side Walton Casuals.

Other notable mentions: Harrison Reed (Rovers 2018-19; Fulham 2019-Present), Chris Coleman (Rovers 1995-97; Fulham 1997-2002), Andy Cole (Rovers 2001-04; Fulham 1991 and 2004-05), Dickson Etuhu (Rovers 2012-14; Fulham 2008-12), Danny Guthrie (Rovers 2015-17; Fulham 2015), Shefki Kuqi (Rovers 2005-06; Fulham 2007-08), Viv Busby (Rovers 1981-82; Fulham 1973-76), Howard Gayle (Rovers 1987-92; Fulham 1980), Danny Murphy (Rovers 2007-12; Fulham 2012-13), Peter Baah (Rovers 1991-92; Fulham 1992-94), Ryan Tunnicliffe (Rovers 2014; Fulham 2014-17)



http://roverschat.com/rovers-v-fulham-club-connections/

[WhiteJC]

Hec Up For Player of the Month

Michael Hector has been nominated for the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month award.

The big centre-back has enjoyed a stellar start to his Fulham career, something that has apparently not gone unnoticed outside of Craven Cottage.

In his three league outings in January, the Whites did not concede a single goal. We also claimed seven points in that spell, beating Hull City and Middlesbrough prior to a goalless draw at Charlton Athletic.

Hec's competition comes in the form of Nahki Wells, Joe Lolley and Josh Harrop, with the winner announced on Friday.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/06/michael-hector-nominated-for-player-of-the-month