Friday Fulham Stuff - 28/02/20...

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Match Officials: Fulham Away

The match referee for this weekend's trip to face Fulham at Craven Cottage is David Webb.

We are seeing David for the third time this season, having had him officiated the Carabao Cup second round penalty victory over Hull City at Deepdale back in September and out last victory in London, November's 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic.

The Hull City tie was his first game at Deepdale since 2016, when he had the whistle in PR1 for our 2-0 home win over Peterborough United in the middle of the 2015/16 campaign.

    Last season he officiated two PNE games, the away matches at Birmingham City and Derby County.

Overall then he has refereed the Lilywhites on 12 occasions, some of the most memorable games including the FA Cup win at Wycombe Wanderers, when Kevin Davies scored a stunning strike from 35 yards, and a 3-2 home win over Crewe Alexandra in 2011 in the league cup.

Overall this season, he has taken charge of 27 games, issuing 69 cautions and no red cards, with this being his third trip to Craven Cottage this season, the others being their 1-1 draw with West Brom early in the campaign and a 1-0 success over Middlesbrough in January.

He will be assisted at The Valley by assistants Geoffrey Russell and Adrian Waters, whilst the fourth official will be experienced Championship official Gavin Ward.



https://www.pnefc.net/news/2020/february/match-officials-fulham-away/

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We've Met Before: Fulham Away

Preston North End face Fulham at Craven Cottage this weekend, the 66th meeting between the sides in league competitions.

The Cottagers lead the head-to-head with 29 wins, to the Lilywhites' 24, the first game being back in November 1912, when the home side were 3-1 winners.

PNE's first win on the Thames came in March 1915, when they win 2-0, in one of four seasons we have done the double over Fulham, the last being in 1994/95, with a chance to make it five times this weekend, following December's 2-1 success.

All the games down the years have been tight, with our biggest victory being a 3-1 win in 1972, just a year after our famous 1-0 promotion success at the Cottage, when Ricky Heppolette's diving header secured promotion.
But one of the most remarkable wins in West London was actually our last, back in 2000, when David Moyes' side inflicted Fulham's first defeat of the season.

    And it was Michael Appleton who proved the match-winner, with a bizarre 68th-minute winner. The now Lincoln City boss scored direct from a corner, as Fulham left the near post unguarded to dent the hosts' great start to the campaign.

After winning the first 11 games Fulham could only manage a draw at Wolves the previous weekend and then tasted defeat. In truth no-one could begrudge North End their win as they harried and chased and attacked with vigour.

Although the goal was a trifle fortunate, they came close on other occasions and with better finishing might have doubled the score.

The Londoners had more of the play, but too often spoiled good moves with a final misplaced pass.

Even so they had their chances, but Barry Hayles hit two shots tamely wide and Louis Saha put two over the bar.

David Lucas, in the PNE goal, made some good saves, notably from Saha and from his own defender Sean Gregan who came dangerously close to scoring an own goal.

And it was all Fulham in the closing minutes, but Preston North End held out for the three points in a season that saw Jean Tigana's side promoted as champions and the visitors lose out in the Play-Off Final to Bolton Wanderers.



https://www.pnefc.net/news/2020/february/weve-met-before-fulham-away/

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How To Follow The Game: Fulham Away

If you have been unable to get a ticket for Saturday afternoon's sell-out away trip to Craven Cottage, don't worry, we will have full coverage on PNE.Com of the Lilywhites' clash with Fulham.

Due to this being the main game on QUEST and being broadcast overseas – check your local listing for details - there is no live video coverage on iFollow PNE for either UK or overseas fans.

However, all subscribers can listen to the game rather than watch it. Audio commentary for the fixture will have Jonathan Breeze and former North End defender Paul Sparrow on air from 2.45pm.

    Subscribers can also watch the full game back online, with the commentary, from Sunday at 12 noon – with the full 90 minutes of action available.

As well as this, our matchday centre on PNE.Com will be up and running from our arrival at the stadium, with the team news from 2pm and then full minute-by-minute coverage.

Plus, we will have all our usual coverage on our social media channels of Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. You can interact with us on any of these channels.

This week, to preview the game, we have interviews on the website with manager Alex Neil and striker David Nugent, with the videos available without the need for subscription.



https://www.pnefc.net/news/2020/february/how-to-follow-the-game-fulham-away/

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Talking Points: Swansea

The biggest of grand-stand finales means that there are a series of talking points after our crucial win over Swansea City.

1. Positive Attacking Approach

Fulham answered any questions over their lack of attacking instinct by putting on an aggressive display. Scott Parker%u2019s side registered 16 shots and for the most part met Swansea%u2019s stopper Freddie Woodman in excellent form.

Parker echoed this in his post-match press conference stressing the authority stamped on the game.

%u201CI thought the way we played tonight was very good, I thought we were exceptional. Over the last few games we%u2019ve had a control about us but probably not moved the ball as quick as I%u2019d like, but certainly in the first half today I%u2019ve seen a team that was really forward thinking.%u201D

2. Joe%u2019s Defensive Influence

The marauding full-back has earned all his plaudits for his forward play and crossing. However, last night highlighted his desire to defend. The crucial last-ditch tackle on Conor Gallagher in the dying embers facilitated the move at the other end that proved to be decisive.

3. Abou%u2019s Pinpoint Accuracy

Aboubakar Kamara%u2019s impact from the bench has been a productive one in recent games. The powerful front man provided Mitrovi%u0107 with two goals in as many games, starting with the cross at Pride Park, and the wonderfully crafted ball for the Serbian against Swansea.

4. Tenacious Belief

Parker would have been particularly pleased with the desire and mentality shown by his side after the penalty miss. The team kept pushing deep into added time and found the net as a reward for that %u2018never-say-die%u2019 attitude.

5. Third League Double

The Swans become the third side of the season to face a league double defeat at the hands of Fulham. Blackburn and Huddersfield the other two victims as we host Preston on Saturday looking for redemption.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/27/talking-points-swansea

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Neeskens Kebano reacts to performance of Fulham teammate after Swansea win

Fulham secured an important victory on home soil on Wednesday night, as they overcame Swansea City 1-0 at Craven Cottage to move back into third place in the Championship table.

Despite missing an 88th minute penalty, top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic once again proved to be the match winner for Fulham, heading in Aboubakar Kamara's cross from the right flank in stoppage time to break the hearts of the 1,500 travelling Swansea fans.

It was the Serbian's 23rd league goal of the season.

The Cottagers had their fair share of possession during the course of the match, and imposed themselves on the visitors for large spells.

However, Scott Parker's side will also feel fortunate that each and every one of Swansea's penalty shouts were turned down by referee Tim Robinson.

The result also brings an end to Fulham's three-game run without a win in the Championship.

Attacking midfielder Neeskens Kebano came on as a 78th minute substitute in place of Ivan Cavaleiro, making his tenth appearance of the season.

The 27-year-old took to Twitter to praise Aleksandar Mitrovic's contribution, sending a positive message to his teammate:

The Verdict

It is clear to see that Kebano as well as the whole team appreciated Mitrovic's contribution last night, as Fulham got a valuable three points.

The Serbian has been the side's standout performer this season, and Scott Parker will be hoping that he continues to score crucial goals in the run-in to give Fulham the best chance of promotion.

Kebano himself has been a bit-part figure at Fulham this term, managing just one start.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/neeskens-kebano-reacts-to-performance-of-fulham-teammate-after-swansea-win/

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Championship: Summer deadline moved back to coincide with Premier League

Benik Afobe agreed his loan move from Stoke City to Bristol City on the 8 August transfer deadline day

English Football League clubs have agreed to push the transfer deadline for the Championship back.

The move follows a similar change by the Premier League earlier this month.

Since 2018, the Championship's window has closed the day before the season began - in 2019 on 8 August - to align it with the Premier League.

The window usually closes at midnight on 31 August, but will be extended this summer to 17:00 on 1 September due to the previous day being a Bank Holiday.

Clubs in League One and League Two will be unaffected as they have been able to acquire players up to 31 August in previous seasons.

"A process for formally adopting the change into EFL regulations will now take place in due course, bringing Championship Clubs in line with the current position for League One and League Two," a league statement read.

The transfer window was moved to the beginning of August in England in 2018 following complaints from clubs and managers that keeping it open after the start of the season was disruptive.

It was hoped major leagues across Europe would also bring their own windows forward.

However, that did not happen and a number of clubs found themselves in the uncomfortable position of knowing their players were in demand across the continent but unable to bring in replacements for anyone they wanted to sell.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51664094

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Anthony Knockaert issues two-word assessment of Fulham's victory over Swansea

Fulham breathed fresh life into their automatic-promotion bid on Wednesday night as they edged to a 1-0 win over Swansea City courtesy of Aleksandar Mitrovic's stoppage-time goal.

It looked as though Scott Parker's side would be forced to settle for a point when Swansea goalkeeper Freddie Woodman saved Mitrovic's 88th-minute penalty, but the Serbian frontman then pounced to nod home Aboubakar Kamara's 94th-minute cross.

The result means Fulham put their recent defeat to Barnsley and draw with Derby County behind them, with Parker's side having now moved back up to fourth in the Championship table as they remain five points adrift of second-placed Leeds after their win.

Anthony Knockaert retained his place in the Fulham side despite being replaced after 66 minutes in the Cottagers' last outing, and the Brighton loanee did offer a threat from the flank before he was once again withdrawn with seven minutes remaining.

The 28-year-old has now taken to Instagram following the west London's side last-gasp victory, with the Fulham attacker describing the result as a "massive win" as the Cottagers get their promotion campaign back on track.

Knockaert has been a regular feature for Fulham this season following his loan switch from Brighton over the summer, with the attacker having scored four goals and registered four assists during his 32 outings for Parker's side.

The Verdict

Fulham definitely needed the three points in order to keep the pace with second-placed Leeds, and they once again relied on the goalscoring exploits of Mitrovic as he pounced at the death to ensure a vital victory for his side in their promotion bid.

It had looked as though it could be a frustrating night for the Cottagers who were particularly dominant in the opening 45 minutes, with the likes of Knockaert and Ivan Cavaleiro showing signs of attacking promise without producing results.

It is important that Fulham keep up their momentum following their last-ditch victory over the Swans, and their four upcoming clashes with promotion contenders Preston, Bristol City, Brentford and Leeds will be vital in deciding their aspirations this term.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/anthony-knockaert-issues-two-word-assessment-of-fulhams-victory-over-swansea/

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'He has to start against Preston' – Loads of Fulham fans call for player swap after impressive midweek cameo

Loads of Fulham fans have heaped praise on winger Aboubakar Kamara following his role in the club's 1-0 win over Swansea on Wednesday.

Scott Parker's side were well on top during the opening half an hour with Anthony Knockaert, Ivan Cavaleiro and Bobby Reid all seeing efforts saved by Swans' shot-stopper Freddie Woodman.

Andre Ayew and Jake Bidwell came the closest to finding the net for the visitors but it always looked like it would be Fulham who nicked a result, if anyone was going to.

But when Mitrovic saw his 88th minute penalty saved by Woodman, after Neeskens Kebano was fouled by Connor Roberts, it looked like that would be that – only for the Serbian to fire home a brilliant header from Kamara's perfect cross in the fourth minute of stoppage time to claim all three points.

The big winger was only introduced in the 83rd minute but he still managed to catch the eye...



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/he-has-to-start-against-preston-loads-of-fulham-fans-call-for-player-swap-after-impressive-midweek-cameo/

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Fulham Have Characteristics Of Promotion Team – Former Cottagers Star

Former Fulham star Lee Clark believes the Cottagers have the characteristics of a team that want to get promoted to the Premier League.

It seemed the London-based club would slip to fourth place in the Championship as they edged towards a stalemate against Swansea on Wednesday, but a late winner from Aleksander Mitrovic ensured they stayed third. 

Watching the game on from the stands at Craven Cottage was former Fulham midfielder Clark, who was impressed with the Cottagers' resilience on the night.

Delighted with the display, the 47-year-old explained that the result feels like a 5-0 win, lauding the attitude shown by Scott Parker's side.

Clark went on to insist that Fulham have the characteristics of a team that want to earn promotion to the Premier League.

"They have got great characteristics of a team that want to get promoted", Clark told FFCtv.

"They never give up, they keep going even after setbacks, with the penalty, and scored a great goal at a great time [against Swansea].

"Sometimes, as a manager, those type of results feel as good as 5-0 or 6-0 because your team have shown great attitude and resilience and the defence have been focused and kept the clean sheet, and the team have gone right till the end and won the game."

Having won their first game in four matches, Fulham will be looking to build momentum when they host Preston North End on Saturday.




Read more: http://www.insidefutbol.com/2020/02/27/fulham-have-characteristics-of-promotion-team-former-cottagers-star/453227/#ixzz6FAzsiWKF

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Championship Team of the Week

There were some huge results at both ends of the table in another captivating round of fixtures in the Championship, with Leeds maintaining their five-point lead over Fulham, all of the bottom three prevailing and Sheffield Wednesday finally ending their barren run to ease the growing pressure on Garry Monk.

There were plenty of stand-out performances too and here we offer our Team of the Week.
Goalkeeper: Brice Samba

Nottingham Forest picked up a huge three points in their race for the play-off spots by beating Cardiff 1-0 away from home, and they have Samba to thank for it. He made four important saves to keep the Bluebirds out, and also won all three of his aerial duels. It could be the start of a good run for the shot-stopper – this is now two clean sheets in a row.

Right-back: Mads Rasmussen

Brentford may have lost 2-1 to lowly Luton, but it was through no fault of the 20-year-old. The wing-back led the way in terms of key passes (4) and accurate crosses (3), whilst he also provided the assist for Ollie Watkins' strike. The defeat was a blow to the Bees' automatic promotion hopes, but more displays like this from the Denmark international will get them back on the right track.
Centre-back: Christopher Schindler

Huddersfield dragged themselves out of the relegation zone by beating Bristol City, and Schindler was a rock at the back. He made the most clearances (7), as well as four tackles and two interceptions. Incredibly, he lost just one of his 13 duels too. This was a huge three points for the Terriers, and the 29-year-old led them to victory with a captain's performance.
Centre-back: Tom Lees

Chartlon will be heartbroken to concede in the fifth minute of stoppage time against Sheffield Wednesday, but the Owls won't mind. Their 1-0 victory keeps their remote play-off hopes alive, and Lees played a starring role. He provided the assist for Steven Fletcher's goal, whilst also winning 11 of his 14 duels. Wednesday have now brought a run of seven games without a win to an end.
Left-back: Joe Bryan

Another late goal saw Fulham edge past Swansea 1-0, with Aleksandar Mitrovic on target, and left-back Bryan was in stellar form. He was solid defensively, making three tackles and as many interceptions, whilst he also completed two of his three attempted dribbles. Not only that, his last-gasp tackle on Conor Gallagher started the attack that led to the eventual winner.
Central midfield: Barry Bannan

Sheffield Wednesday should have had the game against the Addicks won far earlier as they dominated possession and shots – they led 55% to 45% and 24 to six respectively. Bannan's display in the middle of the park allowed the Owls to control the game, as he landed 90% of his attempted passes, of which two were key. Fortunately, his performance got the result it deserved.
Central midfield: Mateusz Klich

It seems Leeds may just have got over their mid-season blip – they have now won their last three games. Their victory over Middlesbrough was their third 1-0 in a row, and they have Mateusz Klich to thank for the only goal of the match. The Poland international also made three key passes and six tackles, showcasing his all-action style in a well-rounded display. Marcelo Bielsa has started Klich in all 35 league games this season, and his latest display vindicated his manager's faith.
Central midfield: Tom Cairney

Just like Wednesday, Fulham should have had their match against the Swans wrapped up far before Mitrovic's last-gasp header. Cairney contributed to their dominating display – they had 64% possession and 15 shots to six – with three key passes, five fouls won and an 89% pass accuracy. The Cottagers's triumph allowed them to keep pace with Leeds, who remain five points ahead of them.
Right-wing: Anthony Knockaert

The third Fulham player in this Team of the Week is Belgian Knockaert. On the right flank, he made a game-leading five key passes, whilst also completing all three of his attempted dribbles. This was a big win for Scott Parker's men – it is their first victory in four matches.
Left-wing: Joe Lolley

Forest's game away at Cardiff was evenly matched – both sides had the same amount of shots and possession – but it was performances like that of Lolley that gave the visitors the edge. He completed three key passes, whilst also completing 100% of his attempted dribbles. Defensively, too, he proved his worth, winning eight from 13 ground duels.
Striker: Hal Robson-Kanu

The Wales international may only have had 31 touches of the ball, but he made his time in possession count. His ninth-minute strike set West Brom on their way to a 2-0 victory, whilst he also managed one key pass and won two fouls. The eight duels from 14 he prevailed in shows he gave the Preston defence plenty of problems, as well. Now, the Baggies are nine points clear of the play-off spots – the Premier League is within touching distance.

https://cdn.footballfancast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/TOTW-graphic-for-the-Championship-this-week.jpg

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Harvey Elliott to sign new three-year Liverpool deal as Jurgen Klopp rewards teenager for rapid progress

    Harvey Elliott will put pen to paper on a new deal with Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool
    The 16-year-old signed for Liverpool in summer 2019 after leaving Fulham
    The playmaker will commit his career to Merseyside for another three years
    Elliott has made six appearances this season in the cup and one in the league

Harvey Elliott will sign a three-year contract this summer to reward the excellent start he has made to his life at Liverpool.

Elliott, who became the youngest player to appear in the Premier League when represented Fulham last May, turns 17 in April but Liverpool will wait until the seasons ends to rubber-stamp the deal, as that will allow the terms to run until the summer of 2023.

A three-year contract is the maximum Elliott can sign but once he turns 18, the terms could potentially be extended by a further two years. Given the positive impression Elliott has made since arriving at Anfield last summer, there is every likelihood that will happen.


Harvey Elliott will sign a new three-year deal at Liverpool in summer following rapid progress

Though he has only made one substitute appearance in the Premier League, Elliott has been used in all Liverpool's domestic cup matches and he particularly caught the eye in a Carabao Cup success against Arsenal, as well as the FA Cup third round defeat of Everton in January.

Jurgen Klopp has described Elliott as being 'an unbelievable talent' and a sign of how well he is doing is reflected in the fact that the Football Association sent a delegation to watch him – and his team-mate Curtis Jones – in the FA Cup fourth round replay against Shrewsbury earlier this month.

He is being considered for a first England Under-21 call up, as the Young Lions have Euro 2021 qualifiers next month against Andorra and Turkey; there is a possibility, however, that Elliott will end up playing for England's Under-20s in this round of fixtures.

Elliott moved to Anfield last summer when his contract at Fulham elapsed. Liverpool will have to pay compensation, despite signing him on a free transfer, and Fulham hope a tribunal will find that they receive a fee in excess of £7million for the gifted forward.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8052395/Harvey-Elliott-sign-new-three-year-Liverpool-deal.html

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Preston North End striker Sean Maguire hoping that Fulham trip can get him back on the goals trail
A game against Fulham can be regarded as one of the toughest on the fixture list but for Preston striker Sean Maguire it could well kick start his season.

The Republic of Ireland international has found this campaign a struggle when it comes to goals.

He has found the net only four times despite an injury-free season which has brought him his best run of games in his time with the Lilywhites.

Maguire's last goal was on December 10 against Fulham at Deepdale.

It is the Cottagers who PNE play on Saturday and Maguire seems to enjoy facing them.

In his first season with North End, he scored home and away against the London outfit.

Then came his goal in the 2-1 victory before Christmas.

It is not on the same scale as team-mate David Nugent's liking for scoring against Ipswich.

But for a player a bit low on confidence, Saturday's visit to the banks of the River Thames could be just what he needs.

"I particularly like playing against Fulham," said Maguire.

"I've played against them three times and scored three goals – not that I'm counting!

"I like Craven Cottage itself, I've only played there once but I went a few times as a kid to watch matches.

"It's the atmosphere and surroundings I like.

"It would be nice to score there on Saturday but it's the three points which come first.

"If it was a choice of three points or five goals for myself, it's three points every time.

"The games against Fulham I've played have been entertaining ones.

"Fulham are in the top two or three sides in this league for possession and length of passes. I've heard that we are taking 2,000 fans with us and it gives me confidence knowing the away end will be packed.

"Hopefully I can keep my scoring run going against Fulham if selected.

"In general I enjoy playing against the teams nearer the top than the ones lower down.

"If you think of some of the games, against Hull and Charlton at home for example, the first thing they did after scoring first was to put 11 men behind the ball.

"It was tough going to find a way through but we managed it."

Maguire scored three goals in the first few weeks of the season in the wins against Wigan, Brentford and Birmingham.

Then came a wait of nearly three months until finding the net against Fulham – a game which was 10 against 10 for half of it after red cards for Denis Odoi and Joe Rafferty.

Two-and-a-half-months later, he could do with the proverbial ball off the backside-type goal.

"I could have scored one like that against Hull," said Maguire. "Darnell Fisher played it across to me and I let it go in off my hip.

"Usually there wouldn't have been a guy there to kick it off the line but 
there was on that occasion."

Being a player who operates either up front or on the wing, Maguire does not need telling that his goals return needs to be better.

Reflecting on how the season has gone, Maguire said: "For the type of player I am who gets judged on goals, assists and chances created, my goals record this season hasn't been up to my standards.

"I wouldn't change the season because at the end of the day, we are a team who are sitting sixth in the Championship.

"But taking my own form into consideration, it hasn't gone as well as I would have hoped."

It was suggested to Maguire – lightheartedly it must be said – that a change of haircut during the season might not have helped him.

Not quite Samson losing his strength but clearly it is something which has crossed the 25-year-old's mind, having ditched the swept-back look for a shorter comb forward.

"I'm on it but the barber said it will take a couple of months," said Maguire.

"I don't think I've scored since I've had this haircut."



https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/preston-north-end/preston-north-end-striker-sean-maguire-hoping-fulham-trip-can-get-him-back-goals-trail-2001955

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Exclusive Tom Barkhuizen Preston North End column: Happy memories of my first goal at Craven Cottage
Craven Cottage, home of our opponents Fulham this weekend, provides a reference point in my career – it was the place which saw me score my first ever goal for Preston.

It is almost three years to the day since that strike and although it did not contribute to three points as we lost 3-1, it was a big moment for me.

I arrived at Deepdale in the January transfer window from Morecambe looking to make a big impression.

In the five previous games, I had come off the bench and the gaffer back then, Simon Grayson, decided away to Fulham was the time to throw me in from the start.

I remember the goal v
ivdly.

It came in the 68th minute and put us back in the game at 2-1.

Aiden McGeady played a nice ball through to me where I had split the line.

That is something which we had worked on and which is probably still my biggest strength – my movement off the ball.

I managed to latch on to the ball and stick it past the goalkeeper with the outside of my foot.

I guess it was a typical goal that I score and it was great to get my career at Preston off and running.

I think I went on to score another five in the next five games and I have not looked back since.

In the three years since I have played a lot of games – I think I went on to play 80-or so games in a row and have well over 100-plus appearances to my name for the club.

That must show that I am doing something well because the team has done well in that time yet I am still managing to keep my place in the team,

I think I am definitely 
a much better player 
nowadays than I was 
when I first burst onto the scene.

Under the previous 
manager, we were much more of a counter-attacking team and that in fairness suited my game.

I played up front in a 
two a lot of the time but under the current gaffer, his attention to detail has made me a much more complete player.

I feel like I have evolved as a player and it is something that I am looking to continue.

I have been pleased with my goal return this season, which currently stands at 11 – it is my best tally in the Championship and there are plenty of games still to go.

It will be great to get my 12th this weekend at Craven Cottage.

It is a chance to close the gap on third-placed Fulham to just one point, if we could get the win.

Our record there has not been too bad in recent seasons.

I think we have had two draws there and one of them was a 96th-minute equaliser for the home side.

In many respects, they have been a little hit and miss, like us, this season.

They are a good passing team and it's going to be a very intense game.

There's a lot riding on it. Fulham will still feel that they have a chance of catching the top two and will be looking to make home advantage count.

But if we can get the win then we can really squeeze things up in the play-off positions.



https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/preston-north-end/exclusive-tom-barkhuizen-preston-north-end-column-happy-memories-my-first-goal-craven-cottage-2001795

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Team News: Fulham Away

Manager Alex Neil received positive news ahead of his side's trip to Fulham, with an independent FA panel rescinding the red card received by Darnell Fisher at West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night.

The unanimous decision of the panel came after the club appealed the 64th sending-off issued by Kevin Friend at the Hawthorns and the result means the right back is available for selection at Craven Cottage.

Billy Bodin (Achilles) is getting closer to a return, whilst Josh Harrop, who missed the trip to the Black Country with a tight hamstring, is expected to be available for the match against Scott Parker's men.

Long-term casualties Louis Moult (ACL) and Tom Bayliss (ankle) are both unlikely to feature this season as they continue their different stages of rehabilitation after respective operations on their injuries.

    Cottagers boss Parker confirmed that Josh Onomah had surgery last week following a knee injury picked up against Barnsley, and he is likely to be sidelined for at least six weeks.

Also for Fulham, Terrence Kongolo played just ten-minutes of Championship football, before being sidelined for the remainder of the season with a foot injury after being loaned from Huddersfield Town in the January window.

The hosts also have another defensive absentee in Maxime Le Marchand – the Frenchman has been Fulham's long-term casualty this season, having now missed over four months of football with a back injury. He's nearing a return to action, but likely won't feature until next month, but Harrison Reed could well make his return before then.

The Southampton-loanee has been sidelined with a calf injury. He hasn't featured since New Year's Day, though he's expected to be nearer a return to action than Le Marchand.



https://www.pnefc.net/news/2020/february/team-news-fulham-away/

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David Nugent Expecting 'Great Atmosphere'

Preston North End forward David Nugent is looking forward to playing in front of a big away following at Craven Cottage on Saturday and is looking forward to the test Fulham will provide.

Speaking to iFollow PNE ahead of the trip to the capital the Lilywhites' No.35 looked back on the game between the sides back in December, when he was on the scoresheet, and expects a similar sort of style when they line-up against Scott Parker's men on the banks of the River Thames.

"I saw bits of the game [against Swansea City on Wednesday night]," he said. "We know how to play against them; we put on a good performance against them at home and won 2-1 – there was also a couple of red cards in the game, but we got the win that day and hopefully we can go to Craven Cottage and do exactly the same.

"It will be a good game. They are flying high again and are third in the league between the two leaders, but we are in confident mood.

"We have a bit of a slip up against West Brom, but the games come thick and fast in this league and there is no better game than to go and play against someone who is above us and try and get the three points and put a bit of pressure on them.

"It will be a great atmosphere. It is always good to play against the best teams in the division and Fulham are right up there.

"They have a unique style of play – playing out from the back – but I think that suits us down to the ground, as we showed when we played them at home. If we play to the best of our ability, I am sure we can go there and get a result."

Nuge has gone from being the young head in the dressing room in his first spell to being the wise old man now and he hopes his plentiful experience at the top end of the Championship will play its part in the remaining 11 games.

"The results went for us the last couple of weeks, but we can't do anything about the other teams, we just have to concentrate on our own results first," he continued.

"Hopefully we can get back to winning ways on Saturday and stay in the top six on merit and try and keep the teams below us and open up a bit of a gap.

"When you are at the training ground, it is a case of looking at one game at a time, but when you are at home, you look at who you have got and where you might pick up points.

"But as players, we have to concentrate on Fulham. It is not going to be easy, they are fighting to get into the top two, but we have to try and put a dent in their aspirations and at the same time, pull away from those behind us who are trying to push us.

"I am trying to guide the lads in a way I can help. I have been involved in a lot of Play-Offs – for most of my career – and it is up to me to lend my experience to the younger players who haven't been there.

    "It is a massive opportunity to be involved in, everyone is watching and it is a chance to try and get to Wembley and get into the Premier League and I will be helping as much as I can on and off the field to try and get a top six place.

"It is roles reversed from my first spell here. I have had a great career so far and if I can help some of the players with a Play-Off experience – if we can get there – then I will enjoy it."

As the manager stated in his pre-match press conference for the game, with ten games to go after this weekend, we are now entering 'squeeky bum time', so is the dressing room feeling any pressure?

"We tend not to feel under any pressure. There are a lot of big clubs in this league who are expecting to be above us, but we are that team that everyone doesn't want to play.

"We have a lot of energy in our team and we have a lot of players who want to play in the Premier League and are really hungry. We just want to show that week in, week out – trying to pick up results and stay in the Play-Offs and I am sure that if we can get in there, we can cause an upset.

"It is all about how you finish the season. This is the time of year when we have to pick up results, to try and solidify our place in the Play-Offs and put the teams above us under the pressure.

"If we go to Fulham and get a result, people will stand up and take a look at the league table and start to fear us, rather than thinking we are just that small team called Preston – if we get a result people will see that we are ready for it," he added.



https://www.pnefc.net/news/2020/february/david-nugent-expecting-great-atmosphere/

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Preview: Fulham vs. Preston North End - prediction, team news, lineups

Arguably the pick of this weekend's Championship action will take place at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon as Fulham prepare to welcome Preston North End.

Fulham, who recorded a 1-0 win over Swansea City on Wednesday night, are currently third in the table, while Preston occupy the final playoff position with 11 matches left.

Match preview
Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a 94th-minute header as Fulham recorded a 1-0 victory over Swansea on Wednesday night to bounce back from a three-game winless run in the Championship.

The Cottagers are currently third in the table, five points behind second-placed Leeds United and nine points from the leaders West Bromwich Albion, who are well placed to secure a return to the top division.

Fulham are seven points clear of seventh-placed Bristol City, meanwhile, and it is difficult to imagine Scott Parker's side dropping out of promotion contention in the latter stages of the campaign.

In Mitrovic, meanwhile, the Cottagers have arguably the best striker in the second tier. The 25-year-old has scored 23 times in the Championship this term and will fancy his chances of harming Preston this weekend.

Fulham suffered a 2-1 defeat when they travelled to Deepdale earlier this season, but they have only lost one of their last eight matches with Preston in all competitions.

Preston have never played in the Premier League, but there is no question that they are a team to be taken seriously when it comes to the race for promotion this term.

Alex Neil's side are currently sixth in the table, three points clear of seventh-placed Bristol City despite losing two of their last three league matches.

They suffered a 2-0 defeat away to the leaders West Brom on Tuesday night, although three victories from four matches between February 8 and February 22 saw them remain in a strong position in the table.

There is a fascinating race developing when it comes to the playoff positions, and a positive result for Neil's team this weekend would leave them in a strong position ahead of two winnable matches against Queens Park Rangers and Luton Town next month.

Fulham Championship form: WWDLDW

Preston Championship form: DWWLWL

Team News
Fulham will again be without the services of Maxime Le Marchand, Josh Onomah, Harrison Reed, Alfie Mawson and Terence Kongolo for this weekend's contest through injury.

The Cottagers did not pick up any fresh concerns against Swansea last time out, though, and it would therefore not be a surprise to see the same XI sent onto the field.

Aboubakar Kamara is perhaps the one player seriously pushing for a spot in the side, although Ivan Cavaleiro and Anthony Knockaert should both keep their positions in attacking areas.

As for Preston, Darnell Fisher's red card against West Brom on Tuesday night will rule him out, meaning that there could be a start at the back for Tom Clarke.

Josh Harrop, Tom Bayliss, Billy Bodin and Louis Moult are also still out, but Neil does have options for change with Scott Sinclair and Jayden Stockley both available.

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Rodak; Odoi, Hector, Ream, Bryan; Cairney, Arter; Cavaleiro, Reid, Knockaert; Mitrovic

Preston possible starting lineup:
Rudd; Clarke, Bauer, Davies, Hughes; Pearson, Browne; Barkhuizen, Johnson, Maguire; Nugent

We say: Fulham 2-0 Preston

There is simply no downplaying the importance of this match to both teams. Fulham are, rightly, the favourites to triumph on Saturday, and we are struggling to look past the hosts in this particular contest.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/preview/preview-fulham-vs-preston-prediction-team-news-lineups_391095.html

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Liverpool starlet Harvey Elliott agrees new contract to be signed in summer after turning 17

Liverpool winger Harvey Elliott has agreed a new contract with the club, less than a year after joining from Fulham.

The talented teenager made his Premier League debut last season for the Cottagers at just 16 years and 30 days old, becoming the youngest-ever player in the competition in the process.

A switch to Anfield followed in July, with Elliott since going on to make seven first-team appearances for the Reds, including one cameo in the league.

The new deal will run until 2023 but he will not sign it until the summer, after he turns 17 in April.

This is due to FA rulings, which stipulate players under 17 cannot sign professional contract terms.

Fulham were thought to be asking for between £7-10 million for Elliott in a transfer fee, which would be a record amount for a fee set by a tribunal.

The two clubs were unable to agree terms at the time of Elliott's move in the summer.

Elliott's league debut for the Reds came in January at Anfield against Sheffield United, but he has played a more prominent role in the FA and League Cups so far.

His next such opportunity to feature could come next week, when the Reds play Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-news-transfer-new-contract-harvey-elliott-a9363721.html

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'Strange behaviour', 'Double standards' – Some Fulham fans are far from impressed with key figure following post-match message

Loads of Fulham fans have reacted to a message sent by club owner Tony Khan following their 1-0 midweek win against Swansea City on Wednesday night.

Scott Parker's side were well on top during the opening half an hour with Anthony Knockaert, Cavaleiro and Bobby Reid all seeing efforts saved by Swans' shot-stopper Freddie Woodman.

Andre Ayew and Jake Bidwell came the closest to finding the net for the visitors but it always looked like it would be Fulham who nicked a result, if anyone was going to.

But when Aleksandar Mitrovic saw his 88th minute penalty saved by Woodman, after Neeskens Kebano was fouled by Connor Roberts, it looked like that would be that – only for the Serbian to fire home a brilliant header in the fourth minute of stoppage time to claim all three points.

After full-time, Khan took to Twitter to express his delight with the win, although not all fans were too happy with him piping up with some criticising him for only commenting when they win...



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/strange-behaviour-double-standards-some-fulham-fans-are-far-from-impressed-with-key-figure-following-post-match-message/

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Fulham v Preston North End Match Preview

Preston North End make their third of four trips to the capital in the regular season this weekend as they take on Scott Parker's Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Following an entertaining 2-1 win over the Cottagers at Deepdale back in December, the Lilywhites are looking to do the double over their hosts for the first time since the 1994/95 season, a year David Beckham scored against Fulham – on the weekend his Inter Miami play their first MLS game!

Selection dilemmas for Alex Neil were helped on Thursday when an FA Regulatory Panel decided unanimously to rescind the red card given to Darnell Fisher at West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, meaning he is available for selection.

Fulham will, however, have been buoyed by their 95th minute 1-0 win over Swansea City on Wednesday night and the adrenaline should help the fact they have one less recovery day before Saturday's meeting.

With the two sides at the opposite ends of the Play-Off positions, with just four points between them, it is no surprise that this is the main game on QUEST on Saturday night and it should be some atmosphere, with Lilywhites fans snapping up the full 2,000 allocation in a matter of days and a couple of boat rides to get there adding to carnival spirit!

For Your Information
Match Details: Fulham v Preston North End, Craven Cottage, Saturday 29th February 2020, kick-off 3pm
Competition: EFL Championship (36/46)
PNE colours: Green shirts, yellow shorts and socks, black goalkeeper

Here's all the coverage accessible on PNE.Com in preview of the game...

Ticket Information: Preston North End's trip to face Scott Parker's Fulham at Craven Cottage at the weekend is completely sold out for Lilywhites supporters. Click here for more information.

Match Officials: The match referee for this weekend's trip to face Fulham at Craven Cottage is David Webb. Click here for details of all the officials.

We've Met Before: Preston North End face Fulham at Craven Cottage this weekend, the 66th meeting between the sides in league competitions. Click here for more details of past battles.

How To Follow The Game: If you have been unable to get a ticket for Saturday afternoon's sell-out away trip to Craven Cottage, don't worry, we will have full coverage on PNE.Com of the Lilywhites' clash with Fulham. Click here for details of how you can follow the match.

Team News: Manager Alex Neil received positive news ahead of his side's trip to Fulham, with an independent FA panel rescinding the red card received by Darnell Fisher at West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night. Click here for details of the options.

Manager Alex Neil Calls For Unity In Play-Off Push: Preston North End boss Alex Neil says composure, both on the field and on the terraces will be important as the season reaches its crunch period. Click here for the manager's full interview.

David Nugent Expecting 'Great Atmosphere': Preston North End forward David Nugent is looking forward to playing in front of a big away following at Craven Cottage on Saturday and is looking forward to the test Fulham will provide. Click here for more from Nuge.



https://www.pnefc.net/news/2020/february/fulham-vs-preston-north-end-match-preview/

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Match Preview: Fulham vs. Preston North End

Saturday afternoon sees North End travel down to London to face Fulham at Craven Cottage. A few thousand Preston fans will be making the journey down south with many taking the boat down The Thames as is the tradition.

Alex Neil's side endured a tough evening on Tuesday, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat to league leaders West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns. Callum Robinson was in outstanding form, which was almost heartbreaking to see but at the same time, I'm glad he's showing he is too good for this league.

He contributed to both goals, could have scored himself if it wasn't for a top display by Declan Rudd and some would argue that he effectively got Darnell Fisher sent off.

Alex Neil confirmed that club have appealed the red card, and this afternoon it was confirmed that their appeal was successful so Darnell will be eligible for selection on Saturday.

We were second in the form table based on the previous 6 games, sat just behind West Brom, heading into the game on Tuesday night. A disappointing result for us on the night but it was another night where results, on the whole, went for us in the midweek. Having said that we could do with getting at least a point from Fulham.

Of course, this is going to be a very tough game. Fulham have got arguably one of the strongest squads in the division and we know all about their main marksman...

Potential Dangers
They most probably have the best striker in Aleksandar Mitrovic. He's scored 22 goals in 31 Championship games this season, as well as bagging 10 goals for Serbia in European Championship qualification.

North End know all too well about Mitrovic; he has an incredible record against us even going back to his time at Newcastle United. But, more recently, he has 3 goals in his last 2 games for Fulham against us. We will need our defence to be on top form to stop him this time around.

On Wednesday against Swansea City, Scott Parker started with Bobby Reid behind Mitrovic, and Anthony Knockaert and Ivan Cavaleiro on the wings. It's a potent attack to say the least.

Tom Cairney in the middle of the park is the other one to keep an eye out for. Even though he's not having his best season so far this season, he's still capable of scoring from range or picking out a defence-splitting pass to open us up at the back.

Opposition View
This week, we welcome back Jack Collins of Bleacher Report and one of the folks from the Fulhamish podcast. You can find Jack on twitter here – @jackjcollins. He's worth a follow if not for the Fulham take on things, just from a general football point of view.

Without further ado, it's over to Jack...

Grinding our way along is perhaps the phrase that sums up Fulham's season best. It seems weird to say, considering we're third and just five points behind the automatic spots, but there's a pervading sense that Scott Parker just isn't getting the best out of the Fulham squad that he has at his disposal.

And yet, with the teams around us dropping points just as frequently as we are, Fulham remain in the box seat for the chasing pack, which is as confusing to us as it must be to everyone else. Losses to Barnsley and Hull at home juxtapose confusingly with a win over Leeds and doubles over Blackburn and Swansea.

There's still a small but significant chance that Fulham could end up catching one of the top two, and that's clearly the aim, but it's not inconceivable either that we could end up outside of the playoff spots. It's a strange league this year, but that's the Championship.

If you were to push me for a prediction, I think Fulham will finish in the playoff spots, but it doesn't feel like our year right now. Without Mitrovic, we'd be an absolute mess, but when you have the best striker in the division, anything can happen – every game feels like a lottery right now!

My prediction for the XI on Saturday is a 4-2-3-1 as follows: Rodak; Bryan, Ream, Hector, Odoi; Arter, Cairney; Kamara, Reid, Cavaleiro; Mitrovic.

I also think it'll end all square at Craven Cottage, too. I'll say – Fulham 2-2 Preston.

Predictions
After the defeat against West Brom, we could do with getting something from this game. We need to keep the momentum going and hopefully stay in touch with Fulham, as well as Brentford and Nottingham Forest.

If we can do that and then try to increase the gap over Bristol City who have lost their last three then we'll be in a good position heading into the last 10 games of the season.

Our recent record against Fulham is pretty poor actually. Obviously there was quite a gap when they were enjoying Premier League football, but we have only won one of our last eight games against The Cottagers with that win coming at Deepdale earlier in the season.

We've scored in our last nine games against Fulham though, and back in October 2017 we really should have come away with a win. At half time we were 2-0 up after early goals from Seani Maguire and Jordan Hugill and were 2nd in the table at that point. Fulham claimed a point though after a late error from Chris Maxwell.

Despite how strong Fulham are, they've had a few strange results in this season, most notably the recent 3-0 home defeat to Barnsley. I reckon if we score first they may panic, but it's important we don't concede early as we did in the West Brom game on Tuesday night. It'll be tight but I reckon we'll come away with a 1-1 draw.

Sean Maguire was a bit of a passenger in the West Brom game again, however, he does work well with our pressing tactics away from home. Despite that though, I think he may go with Jayden Stockley for this one.

Josh Harrop had a tight hamstring on Tuesday, whilst Scott Sinclair was dropped to the bench. It's a hard one to try and predict but I'm going to go with the following XI in a 4-2-3-1: Rudd; Rafferty, Bauer, Davies, Hughes; Pearson, Browne; Barkhuizen, Johnson, Sinclair; Stockley.

Harrop and Nugent may well get the nod for this one, and Paul Gallagher could be in with a shout but I can't see any of the midfield dropping out for him. As I said, it's a hard one to call, especially on the back of 2 games already played in the week.

How do you think the game will pan out? Let us know over on our twitter page – @fromthefinney.

Finally, if you haven't yet listened to the latest episode of From the Finney Meets... Andrew Lonergan, give it a listen below.



https://www.fromthefinney.co.uk/match-preview/fulham-vs-preston-north-end-19-20/