Saturday Fulham Stuff - 20/06/20...

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Fulham man confirms summer exit amid European interest

Matt O'Riley is set to leave Fulham in the summer after rejecting a new contract with the club.

The 19-year-old has been with the club since the age of eight, but after another season spent with the development squad, O'Riley will leave in the summer to pursue new opportunities.

According to Sky Sports, several unnamed Championship clubs are said to be keen on signing him for free this summer, with interest also coming from the Netherlands and Belgium.

O'Riley has long been regarded as one of Fulham's brighter youth products. But the Hounslow-born midfielder has made just one Championship appearance under Scott Parker this season.

His first-team debut came back in 2017 during an EFL Cup clash with Wycombe Wanderers. Aged 16, many were excited by the prospect of O'Riley, but he like several other promising youth players at the club has failed to make an impact on the first-team under Parker.

The one exception being Jay Stansfield – at 17-years-old, Stansfield shot through the Fulham ranks after scoring countless goals for both the U18 and U23 sides, and went on to make his first-team debut in the 2-1 FA Cup win over Aston Villa back in January.

Other recent examples include both Ryan and Steven Sessegnon, with the latter also struggling to get a foothold in the first-team after his brother's move to Spurs last summer.

The verdict

Plenty of Fulham fans will be disappointed with this one. O'Riley has long been regarded by them as a prospect, but like so many other youngsters at the club, he's just not been given his chance. At 19, he still has his whole career ahead of him, and it'll be interesting to see where he moves next.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-man-confirms-summer-exit-amid-european-interest/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham vs Brentford live stream: how to watch the Championship wherever you are in the world

How to watch Fulham vs Brentford live stream, as two promotion chasers face off in a heated West London derby

Fulham vs Brentford live stream, Sky Sports, 12.30pm BST

Reaching the automatic promotion spots remains the target but the Cottagers might have left it just a little too late, with the play-offs more likely at this stage. Four points separate them from second-placed West Brom with nine games remaining. Not an insurmountable gap, but unlikely given the ruthless form of Slaven Bilic's side this season.

Despite the talent in a squad relegated from the Premier League only last year - following a single season back in the top-flight - Fulham remain heavily reliant on the goals of Aleksandar Mitrovic. The big Serb has been in lethal form again this season, leading the scoring charts with 23 strikes. His form makes all the difference and, if he's got himself into peak condition, there is always a chance of stealing an automatic promotion spot.

The West Londers kick their season back off with a tough trio of fixtures. A home derby against Brentford, followed by a trip to leaders Leeds United, before a second derby in the shape of a visit to QPR comes next. Win at least two of those, and Fulham will believe the unpredictable play-offs can be avoided. Fail to, though, and they're almost a guarantee.

Last season's 11th placed finish was the Bees' poorest return since promotion to the Championship in 2014, but this year looks like their best shot at the play-offs since that first season in the second tier.

Losing top scorer Neal Maupay to Brighton last summer was a blow, but 24-year-old Ollie Watkins, challenging for the league's top scorer, could fire Brentford back to the top flight for the first time since 1947. French winger Bryan Mbuemo, only 20, is also enjoying a strong first season in England.

With plans to move into a new all-seater stadium next season, fans may be deprived the chance to say a final farewell to Griffin Park – although introducing the ground with Premier League football would be a decent consolation.

The first two games after the break don't get much harder though: first up is West London rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage, before a Friday night game against 2nd placed West Brom.

Kick-off is at 12.30pm BST and the game is being shown on Sky Sports in the UK. See below for watching details where you are.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fulham-vs-brentford-live-stream-how-to-watch-the-championship-wherever-you-are-in-the-world

[WhiteJC]

From the opposition stand – Brentford FC

Before the original fixture was postponed due to the spread of the coronavrius pandemic, I spoke to Brentford fan Lucas (@lucashesse8) about what we can expect in this London derby.

What do you make of your sides season so far?

    "If I'm honest it's been a brilliant season, arguably our best ever. To think how far we've come and now we're competing for promotion to the Premier League is just mind blowing. If you were to tell any Brentford fan that we would get to the play-offs this year, every single one of them would be over the moon. Our striker, Ollie Watkins, is challenging Mitrovic for golden boot on 22 goals and defensively this year we've been outstanding. Evidently, from viewing our goal difference you can tell how much of an impact signing Pontus Jansson was in the summer! Despite our recent form, I really believe we can aim high for the rest of the season."

You mentioned there Brentford's recent in form – two wins in seven, do you think you have what it takes to stay in the playoff spots?

    "Definitely. We sure have what it takes, but whether we will do it is a different question. However, any day of the week I'll back my team and in my opinion with our quality and the desire to win from all the players is enough to get us over the line and finish the race. Two wins from seven games isn't good enough, we know that. Although, after our 5-0 win over Wednesday and the hope for a return of the skipper against Fulham, I'm sure this is a turning point."

What do you make of Thomas Frank so far this season?

    "Thomas Frank has been class! He's a man that I've been lucky enough to meet in pre-season, his attitude towards Brentford is superb. I think Frank plays a massive part in the success that's occurred this season. This is because of the mindset he has and the passion he has for football. Personally, I think he suits the club brilliantly and is desperate for the squad to thrive. I'd love to see him take us up.

A tough choice considering the strong individuals in your squad, but whose the player Fulham should look out for tomorrow?

    "As you say a very tough choice. Like I said earlier Ollie Watkins has been brilliant in front of goal of this season and is scoring for fun. Bryan Mbeumo, our french winger signed in the summer, has scored 14 goals in his first season. Not to mention Christian Norgaard, our central defensive midfielder, who has possibly been our best signing and could not get enough credit for the amazing performances he displays week in week out. However, I think the player Fulham need to look out for tommorow has got to be Said Benrahma. One of the best players to play at Griffin Park and his consistency is one asset that makes him so good. He plays superb almost every week, he is definitely one to look out for."

And finally, what do you think will happen in the game itself and can we get a score prediction?

    "It's 'The Six Pointer'. Four points separate the two teams and we all know the rivalry between us. There's all to play for, it's just about who turns up to play. All Bees are desperate to see a return of Pontus, which would be a massive confidence booster. I think there will be a sending off, both teams want to win it but I'm putting my faith in the boys to bring 3 points home from Craven Cottage."

My preferred Fulham starting XI; Rodak, Bryan, Ream, Hector, Odoi, Reed, Cairney (c), Decordova-Reid, Knockaert, Mitrovic, Cavaleiro

@LucasHesse8's score prediction: Fulham FC 1-4 Brentford FC

@FFCSeb's score prediction: Fulham FC 1-1 Brentford FC



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/06/from-the-opposition-stand-brentford-fc/