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Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 24/06/20...

Started by WhiteJC, June 24, 2020, 08:42:10 AM

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WhiteJC

Nate Silver predicts Leeds clash v Fulham & how Championship ends after latest results

Just eight games stand between Leeds United and the Premier League, and data expert Nate Silver still thinks they are overwhelming favourites to go up as champions.

That comes after the latest round of results that saw Leeds slip up against Cardiff and West Brom leapfrog them with a 0-0 draw against Birmingham.

However, on his prediction website FiveThirtyEight.com, Silver thinks that Leeds are 97% to win promotion and 70% to lift the Championship.

That represents just a minor drop down from 98% during lockdown.

It also takes into account the fact that, "This league is currently playing matches in empty stadiums. Home-field advantage has been reduced by 60 percent to reflect this change."

Silver has also predicted the outcome of the blockbuster game on Saturday when Leeds host Fulham at Elland Road.

Silver thinks that Leeds, despite home advantage being reduced, have a 59% chance of winning, with a 25% chance of a draw. Fulham have a 16% shot of springing a surprise.


16% still too big for us

Silver has us down as champions with a three-point lead over West Brom. he also thinks we'll turn round their superior goal difference.

To do that we're going to need to find some goals from somewhere after a disappointing afternoon for Bamford last weekend.

Beating Fulham is a big part of that prediction and he has Leeds down as big favourites to do that. 16% for Fulham is still too big for our liking, though, especially after the Cardiff game.

To be honest, we don't really care about the title at this point in the season, just promotion.

The good news is that Silver has a nine-point buffer between us and the team he thinks will finish third, Brentford.

If that came to pass it would ensure that promotion doesn't go all the way down to the wire and would be settled with at least two games to go.

That would see promotion secured under the lights at Elland Road on July 15 against Barnsley.



https://motleedsnews.com/matchday/nate-silver-predicts-leeds-united-clash-v-fulham-how-championship-ends-after-latest-results/

WhiteJC


Cottage Talk Post Match Show: Fulham Lose 2-0 Against Brentford

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

n this episode, Yannis Tjanetis and Max Cohen analyze the 2-0 loss for Fulham against Brentford.

Lastly, you can listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/6/23/21300133/cottage-talk-post-match-show-fulham-lose-2-0-against-brentford

WhiteJC

Fulham boss Scott Parker makes bold Leeds United confession ahead of crunch Elland Road clash

Scott Parker will be aiming to complete the double over Marcelo Bielsa on Saturday afternoon

Scott Parker - the Fulham manager - has admitted that the challenge of facing Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday is the biggest game of their season so far, as the promotion race in the Championship intensifies.

The Cottagers blew the opportunity to bridge the gap on the automatic promotion spots on Saturday as they fell to a 2-0 home defeat to West London rivals Brentford, as the Bees netted two late goals through Said Benrahma and substitute Emiliano Marcondes.

The defeat for the Craven Cottage club meant that they missed the opportunity to cut the gap on both West Bromwich Albion and Leeds - who both dropped points at the weekend - to four points.

But Fulham can ill-afford to get too downbeat from the weekend's setback, as they face the Whites at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon in a game that could go an awfully long way in deciding the promotion shake-up.

And ahead of the long journey north on Saturday afternoon, Cottagers boss Parker, who guided his side to a 2-1 success over Marcelo Bielsa's side in the reverse fixture back in December, has admitted that their is "no bigger" challenge than facing Leeds.

"Of course, it's an important game," Parker told Fulham's club website following Saturday's reverse to Brentford. "But today [Saturday] was important, the following week is going to be important, the next eight games left are going to be vitally important for us.

"They come no bigger [than Leeds] because you're playing against a team who are top of the table, the challenge is there for us. Every week you have that.

"The games come thick and fast and they're tough games. We'll prepare this week as best we can, and we'll go and try to put a performance in next week to try and win the game."

Saturday's highly-anticipated encounter at Elland Road will, of course, see Leeds play in an empty stadium as the home team for the very first time, with the supporters not allowed to attend because of the coronavirus pandemic.

And without the backing of their supporters, who can certainly make Elland Road a very intimidating place to go, Parker is hoping his side may be able to exploit that weakness.

"There's certain hostile atmospheres and environments that you can thrive off and Leeds is that place, the fans are superb up there so you can look at it both ways," he continued.

"You can look at it in that it could take the edge off them (Leeds), but at the same time you could look at it the other way that sometimes it's those hostile environments that you want to go into and can make the difference. It's the same with Brentford today.

"We've missed our fans, but, at the same time, they would have probably had three or four thousand Brentford fans shouting for them as away support. It's not ideal for anyone."



https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/scott-parker-fulham-leeds-news-18470271


WhiteJC

Refunds Update

Supporters are advised that individual match ticket refunds have been completed for Fulham's remaining 2019/20 fixtures.

This includes any tickets purchased for Fulham's home matches v. Brentford, Birmingham City, Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday, and away matches/ or coach travel v. Leeds United and QPR.

Funds should now be with supporters, however if you believe a refund you are owed is still missing please contact the Fulham Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm). Please have your client reference number ready.

Season Ticket Holders who opted for a pro-rata refund on their 2019/20 Season Ticket rebate are advised that this refund process will begin from Monday 29th June.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/june/23/refunds-update

WhiteJC

Leeds United's injury and suspension list in full as attention turns to Fulham clash

Next up for Marcelo Bielsa's side is a huge clash against third-placed Fulham on Saturday

Leeds United's 2019/20 Championship campaign returned at the weekend, but not with the result Marcelo Bielsa and company were wanting.

A 2-0 defeat at Cardiff City on Sunday afternoon meant that the Whites failed to take advantage of their two closest rivals in the promotion chase dropping points, after West Brom were held by Birmingham City and Fulham lost to Brentford.

Despite the defeat, Leeds' promotion hopes remain firmly in their own hands, with the Cottagers' defeat meaning Leeds' seven-point buffer in the automatic promotion places is still in tact.

And it is Scott Parker's men who are next up for Leeds, with Fulham visiting Elland Road on Saturday in a match that could have a huge say in the promotion race.

Fitness will be one of the defining factors during the condensed run-in, with Leeds feeling the loss of Pablo Hernandez in south Wales last weekend.

Here's a look at how the squad is shaping up for Saturday's clash against Fulham.

Pablo Hernandez

The Spaniard was absent from Leeds' first match back at the weekend, but Bielsa last week said the 35-year-old should return to training on Wednesday of this week.

We will get a further update from the Whites' head coach when he gives his pre-match press conference on Thursday on how this return went and if Hernandez is fit enough to go straight back into the starting XI. Should he be short of fitness, Tyler Roberts would likely continue.

Jean-Kevin Augustin

It looked like the January signing was another player for whom the layoff came at a good time, as it allowed him to recover from the hamstring problem that had kept him out of Leeds' three matches before the break.

But after returning to full training he reportedly suffered a setback and was assessed by the club. Bielsa gave an update on the loan man's condition last week.

"Augustin is not injured from April, but he is doing individual work," said.

"We think [it] is necessary he does this."

Again, expect an update on his fitness later this week. Augustin was not among the loan players for whom the cub confirmed contract extensions for last week, meaning there are question marks over whether the Frenchman will be permitted to appear after June 30. The club are understood to still be weighing up their decision on his immediate future.

Adam Forshaw

Adam Forshaw underwent season-ending surgery on his long-standing hip problem in February, having not played since September.

Despite the season effectively being extended by more than two months, the former Middlesbrough man is not expected to play a part in the run in, as he targets a pre-season return to training.

Kiko Casilla

The Spanish goalkeeper has returned to training with the squad, but still has five matches of his eight-game suspension left to run. Casilla wil be available to return against Barnsley, the 44th out Leeds' 46th matches.

Illan Meslier continued to deputise for the former Real Madrid man at the weekend.




https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-injury-hernandez-fulham-18361613

WhiteJC

Could Fulham target ex-Tottenham Hotspur man from Swansea City?


Fulham boss Scott Parker crossed paths with Swansea City defender Kyle Naughton as players together at Tottenham Hotspur.

As the Cottagers' manager scours the transfer market for potential signings this summer, could he look to reunite with his ex-colleague?

Naughton, who is 31 years old, is out of contract at Swansea at the end of the season and may have to start weighing up his options. He is a vastly experienced full-back who has racked up over 350 appearances in his career to date so may have some clubs monitoring his situation.

He would add more options and depth into Fulham's defensive options for next season and would be a shrewd free acquisition.

The right-back has been with Swansea since 2015 and has been a first-team regular for the Welsh side. However, Steve Cooper's side may have to let him leave this summer to help cut costs.

Naughton, who is an ex-England Under-21 international, started out at Sheffield United as a youngster before being snapped up by Tottenham Hotspur in 2009. He made 74 appearances for Spurs, as well as having loan spells away at Middlesbrough, Leicester City and Norwich City.

Fulham will have to start drafting contingency plans for if they fail to gain promotion to the Premier League this term and Naughton is a player who may be on their transfer list in that scenario.

Although this is an option piece based on Parker's links with Naughton in the past, would you like to see Fulham move for him on a free? Let us know in the poll below.



https://the72.co.uk/174914/could-fulham-target-ex-tottenham-hotspur-man-from-swansea-city/


WhiteJC

Man City tracking progress of Fulham teenager Drameh

The England Under-18s defender is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Championship club despite some impressive youth-team displays

Manchester City are monitoring the progress of Fulham teenager Cody Drameh as they consider a transfer, Goal has learned.

The England Under-18 international is yet to play for the Cottagers, but is seen as one of a raft of promising players coming through at the club.

London-born Drameh has become a regular for the Championship side's U23 team and has caught the eye with seven assists from right-back.

Fulham have built up a strong reputation for producing young talent. with Ryan Sessegnon the standout player to come through the club's academy before his £25 million ($30m) move to Tottenham in the summer of 2019.

City previously signed 18-year-old winger Patrick Roberts from Craven Cottage in 2015, though he is still to make an appearance for the first team after loan spells at Celtic, Girona, Norwich City and Middlesbrough.

Pep Guardiola has already signed a right-back this summer, with Brazilian teenager Yan Couto having agreed to join from Coritiba FC on a five-year deal.

Any move for 18-year-old Drameh would, therefore, likely be followed by him being loaned out so as to gain first-team experience elsewhere.

City, meanwhile are reported to be leading the chase for highly-rated Belgian youngster Romeo Lavia.

The 16-year-old has turned down a contract with Anderlecht, who are now managed by former City captain Vincent Kompany. Lavia, who plays as a defensive midfielder or centre back, has been with the club since the age of eight.

He announced on Instagram last week that he was leaving the club stating: "It's with great emotion that I announce the end of my adventure at Anderlecht."

A number of Premier League clubs have been linked with a move for Lavia, including City, Manchester United and Liverpool.

Belgian outlet Het Laatse Nieuws reported that City have emerged as favourites to sign him on a free transfer and are already in advanced talks.

A busy end-of-season schedule could present an opportunity for City's current academy players to earn first-team minutes, though Guardiola has revealed that only players living close to Manchester were recalled to train with the senior squad due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As well as regular first-team players Phil Foden and Eric Garcia, a group of Tommy Doyle, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Cole Palmer and Felix Nmecha have been training with Guardiola's squad for the past few weeks.



https://www.goal.com/en/news/man-city-tracking-progress-fulham-teenager-drameh/1goakvwb63tw011hwm5wzj4lb3

WhiteJC

How the Championship table REALLY looks: who will get Premier League promotion?

Surely Leeds are safe in the automatic promotion spots? The Championship table can be hard to decipher – let's see what our Long Table has to say about the matter...

After Sunday's 2-0 defeat at the hands of Cardiff City, Leeds United fans are looking at the Championship table and holding their breath. Is it groundhog day for Marcelo Bielsa's army?

Well, West Bromwich Albion are top of the league, but below Leeds there are still seven points separating the top two from Fulham - you can thank Brentford's victory over them for that.

Our Long Table - or Cann Table, as it's officially called - can give Leeds and West Brom fans an easier sleep at night by separating the clubs in the Championship by their actual point difference rather than their placing in the league. Think of it as a game of snakes and ladders - Derby County may be down in 10th, but Preston North End are hanging onto their 6th spot, which would see them in the play-offs. There's really not much in it this season.

At the opposite end of the table, things are looking hairy for Barnsley and Luton Town. Still, there's no rest for Middlesbrough and Hull City above - not to mention the four above them. It's tight at the top and the bottom.


(Image credit: Future)



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/championship-table-long-premier-league-promotion-leeds-west-brom-fulham-brentford-nottingham-forest

WhiteJC

La Liga duo eye Fulham midfielder – Need Cottagers to 'lower their claims' before making move

Atlético Madrid have identified Fulham's André-Frank Zambo Anguissa as a potential target should Thomas Partey leave this summer.

The Ghanaian midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, particularly Arsenal, who reports have claimed are willing to pay his €50m release clause.

Should he depart, Atlético will have to find a replacement, and according to La Razón, they have identified three possible signings.

One of those is Fulham's Anguissa, who has been impressing during a loan spell with Villarreal this season.

The midfielder joined Fulham in a €25m deal last summer but a disastrous first season at Craven Cottage saw him shipped out to the La Liga side last summer.

He's impressed there, establishing himself as a first-team regular and making 32 appearances in all competitions so far.

His form has caught Atlético's attention, alongside city rivals Real Madrid, who could both 'offer Fulham the chance to make money' on him this summer.

It's explained that both see the midfielder as a possible recruit but would be unwilling to pay the Cottagers' €25m asking price.

That has already scuppered a permanent switch to Villarreal, who have turned down the chance to activate a clause in his loan deal at that price and both Madrid clubs want Fulham to 'lower their claims' before they will make their move.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/atletico-madrid-real-madrid-fulham-anguissa-transfer/


WhiteJC

 Sky Sports EFL Podcast: The Championship returns! League Two play-offs fallout & Neil Warnock in at Middlesbrough
The Sky Sports EFL Podcast reflects on the return of the Championship, assesses the managerial change at Middlesbrough and analyses the League Two play-off semi-finals.

Sky Sports EFL presenter Jonathan Oakes is joined by Scott Minto and Don Goodman to discuss the first weekend back of the Championship, following a huge result for Brentford and a poor result for Leeds, which may well shake things up at the top. West Brom also went top despite failing to beat Birmingham on Saturday.

The panel also discuss the managerial change at Middlesbrough - the dismissal of Jonathan Woodgate and the swift appointment of Neil Warnock, and take a look at the battle to avoid relegation, after a massive win for Charlton at Hull, and a big win for Barnsley.

We also hear the thoughts from Middlesbrough fan Dave Roberts, Blackburn fan Mikey Delap and Charlton fan Ollie Cook about their club's returns to action.

Attention then turns to the League Two play-off semi-finals, after Exeter squeezed through to the final by beating Colchester in extra-time. They will face Northampton at Wembley next Monday after the Cobblers stunned Cheltenham.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12013278/sky-sports-efl-podcast-the-championship-returns-league-two-play-offs-fallout-neil-warnock-in-at-middlesbrough

WhiteJC

Ian Poveda issues upbeat Leeds United message ahead of Fulham clash

Leeds United's promotion bid was dealt a significant blow in their first game back in action, as they were beaten 2-0 by play-off chasing Cardiff City on Sunday.

Junior Hoilett and Robert Glatzel scored either side of half-time, as the Bluebirds closed the gap on sixth-placed Preston North End with eight matches remaining in this year's campaign.

Leeds United winger Ian Poveda made his first-team debut for Leeds against Cardiff, as he replaced Helder Costa with 13 minutes remaining on the day.

The 20-year-old signed from Manchester City back in the January transfer window, and will be hoping that he can build on a bright showing for Marcelo Bielsa's side.

Speaking in a recent interview (quotes sourced from the Yorkshire Evening Post), Poveda labelled his debut as 'bittersweet' moment.

Regarding my debut I feel like it was bittersweet. Obviously the result wasn't the best but I'm really grateful for the opportunity the manager gave me.

"Regarding my performance I feel like I have a lot more to offer. I'm excited to keep improving and keep showing what I can do.

"My performance is not something I'm proud of, but I'm learning from it and I know what I can bring to the team. I'll just keep working hard and pushing on."

Poveda went on to admit that the defeat to Cardiff hasn't affected their confidence levels, and insisted that they're looking forward to getting back to winning ways, starting with a positive result against promotion rivals Fulham this weekend.

The Cottagers are seven points adrift of Leeds in the Championship table, and so it could be a crucial game for the Whites in deciding which team is to have serious ambitions of winning promotion into the Premier League this season.

"I don't think our confidence has shattered one bit.

"Everyone is still working hard, we know what we can do, we just have to go and execute it."

"We're looking at every game, taking it game by game, we don't look who we have in four games time, just who the next opposition is.

"We're just looking at the next one, we're going to go in and give 100 per cent and smash it, to come away with three points and a good result.

"That's what we train for, why we give our all in training, the coaching staff and players. That's our focus right now, we've got Fulham next and that's what we're going to do, go in and give 100 per cent and smash it."

The Verdict:

I think he's got a bright future ahead of him.

Poveda has been unlucky not to have featured more for the first-team with Leeds, but he's

Leeds can't afford to dwell on this result though, as they simply cannot let their performance levels slip at such a crucial stage of this year's campaign.

They've done it in the past, and it's vital that Bielsa's side respond to this defeat in the best way possible, which is to be picking up three points against promotion rivals Fulham this weekend.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/ian-poveda-issues-issues-upbeat-leeds-united-message-ahead-of-fulham-clash/

WhiteJC

Games of Interest 27/06
This weekend we travel up to Elland Road to take on Leeds at their place.
Neither team got the re-start to the season that they would have wanted, both with 2-0 defeats, so they'll be looking to bounce back this weekend.

Leeds are 7 points ahead, with a +12 goal difference, so it's still a tough ask for us to catch them.
However, recent history favours Fulham with 3 wins, 1 loss and 5 draws.

COYW's

Games of Interest...
Friday 26th

Brentord v West Brom

Saturday 27th
Charlton v QPR
Preston NE v Cardiff
Swansea v Luton
Leeds v Fulham
Wigan v Rovers

Sunday 28th
Forest v Huddersfield


come on over to the forum and join in the discussion...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=1.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1175


WhiteJC

Exclusive: Bielsa tipped to axe Leeds attacker v Fulham amid big Thorp Arch development

Michael Brown believes Pablo Hernandez could make an immediate return to the Leeds United starting XI against Fulham this weekend.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, admits it is "risk v reward" when it comes to the 35-year-old's fitness after his injury layoff but that he is the sort of player needed to put the Cottagers to the sword.

The Spanish maestro missed the 2-0 defeat to Cardiff City but on Sunday, as confirmed by Bielsa last week, is set to return to training at Thorp Arch tomorrow.

With Leeds set to play host to Fulham on Saturday afternoon, Brown believes that the attacking midfielder could step straight back into the side at the expense of one of his teammates.

Brown told Football Insider: "With a player like him, you've got to say you want him on the pitch, you want him in that XI but only the in-house people will know how many minutes, can he be included straight away?

"It's risk v reward with regards to pushing somebody for one game. I know it's against a Fulham side who are very, very close, against Brentford suffered a poor result so they'll be looking to get a result.

"You've got to be ready, you don't want to lose them for longer. I don't see too many changes, Bielsa will be trying to limit those – unless he sees something like he freshens it up in key areas."

Hernandez has played 28 times for Leeds this season, with six goals and six assists to his name.

He was replaced by Tyler Roberts in the starting XI against Cardiff, with Kalvin Phillips also returning after missing the last game before lockdown.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-bielsa-tipped-to-axe-leeds-attacker-v-fulham-amid-big-thorp-arch-development/

WhiteJC

Conflict Of Interest

Ethan Georgiou, Fulham's Academy Communications Executive, is a lifelong Leeds United supporter, so we got his unique take on proceedings ahead of Saturday's crucial match at Elland Road.

In the absence of a Yorkshire twang, can we ask how you became a Leeds fan?

My dad is a lifelong Leeds fan, his dad was the same, and that was quickly passed down to me! Despite living in London, I spent six years in the North-West and, during that time, my dad and I were season ticket holders and would make the trip down the M62. Once I experienced Elland Road, there was no turning back really.


After a couple of 'nearly' seasons, how much confidence was there that Leeds could win promotion this year?

I think for most Leeds fans, despite the disappointment of last year's Play-Offs, there was still a really positive feel around the club. And with Marcelo Bielsa staying, I reckon most were pretty confident, including myself. I think the worry that a lot of fans have is that if you'd asked them which areas needed strengthening at the end of last season, most would have said that Leeds needed a proven goalscorer and a safe pair of hands in goal. A year later and the position has pretty much remained the same, which is a concern, particularly as Patrick Bamford is still missing too many chances and Kiko Casilla was still making the same mistakes before his ban. Also, in my opinion, the squad is far too thin, which could become a factor as the games come thick and fast. It's going to go down to whether the players have learnt from last year and can hold it together as the pressure inevitably rises.

You were on a great run prior to lockdown, so the postponement didn't exactly come at a great time...

Yeah, I remember being disappointed when the season was bought to a halt but ultimately there are things more important than football. Leeds were flying. The 4-0 away win against Hull City was as good as I've seen them play and that was followed up by a 2-0 win against Huddersfield Town, with Luke Ayling scoring one of the best goals of the season! Leeds fans were hoping the club would pick up where they left off but clearly that hasn't happened.


What happened against Cardiff?

The pattern of Sunday's game was all too familiar for Leeds fans. Despite being away from home (not that that means as much anymore), we dominated possession and were on top but fell victim to some ridiculously clinical finishing. I saw a lot of Leeds fans complaining about this and that on Twitter, but if I'm being perfectly honest, I didn't expect us to win the game. We haven't beaten Cardiff since September 2016 and have lost four of our last five against them, with one draw. They're the definition of a bogey team! Throw in our shocking record against any team managed by Neil Harris and you have a recipe for disaster. I think one of the worries is fitness, and whether Leeds can continue to play the style of football they enjoy. Squad depth is quite limited too.

With a foot in either camp, what will Leeds-Fulham be like for you?

Weird. It's impossible to be as close to the Fulham players as I am and not feel part of the team and want the best for the players and supporters. While some Fulham fans will be fearful of facing Leeds at Elland Road, rest assured, Leeds fans are feeling just as nervous. Man for man, Fulham are arguably the stronger. Before Bielsa joined, Leeds finished mid-table with pretty much the same side.


What sort of game are you anticipating at Elland Road?

This is an easy one to answer because usually every game that Leeds are involved in is the same. Leeds will dominate possession but struggle to convert chances, and most teams follow the well-known blueprint for beating Leeds which is to play quick, counter-attacking football while defending in numbers resolutely. Virtually every game that Leeds have lost has been in this way. Fulham are brilliantly equipped to achieve this with plenty of pacey, skilful, attacking players, and when you've got Aleksandar Mitrović up top to stick the chances away, it's pretty helpful.


With a strong knowledge of both teams, where do you think the game can be won or lost?

I think Fulham's task is immediately easier when you get rid of the crowd. A packed Elland Road is far more intimidating than an empty one. I thought Harrison Reed was superb on Saturday against Brentford and he'll need to be again to get the better of Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich. Leeds are vulnerable to long diagonal balls towards wingers because the wing-backs often push forward to create overloads. I imagine Fulham will be looking to exploit Leeds down the right-hand side as Stuart Dallas, despite having a strong season, isn't technically a natural left-back. He might struggle to contain players like Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Anthony Knockaert. Most teams that find success against Leeds work hard to press the defenders and stop them from playing out from the back, and Fulham will need to do this I feel. Having said all that, it's been pretty clear what Bielsa's tactics are, yet not many have managed to stop them. Fulham will need to be at their best to pick up a result. It's become a much bigger game now with both teams having lost their first fixture back.

The big question – who do you want to win?

Brutal question. I can honestly say I'd be happy with a draw, particularly as Brentford are playing West Brom on Friday. Ultimately, my dream scenario would be for Leeds and Fulham to go up automatically together. Sorry for sitting on the fence, but what do you expect from a question like that!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/june/24/conflict-of-interest

WhiteJC

West Bromwich Albion: Nathan Ferguson to exit but Garry Barry and Chris Brunt agree short-term extensions

Nathan Ferguson has rejected a new contract with Championship promotion hopefuls West Bromwich Albion and will leave when his deal expires on 30 June.

The 19-year-old defender was on the verge of joining Premier League side Crystal Palace in January but the move fell through because of a knee injury.

Chris Brunt and Gareth Barry have signed deals to the end of the season.

Sporting and technical director Luke Dowling said Ferguson's exit was a "disappointment for everyone here".

He told the club website: "We have made what can only be considered a very attractive offer to Nathan but he intends to pursue his career elsewhere. It is the player's prerogative."

After joining the club at the age of eight, Ferguson progressed through the ranks and was part of the Albion squad that reached last season's FA Youth Cup semi-finals.

He has played 21 games for the Baggies since making his debut in August.

Veteran midfielders Brunt, 35, and Barry, 39, have agreed month-long extensions along with defender Lee Peltier, 33, and goalkeeper Jonathan Bond, 27. All four players' deals were due to end at the end of June.

Bond's fellow keeper Ali Al-Habsi, 38, has been given a free transfer.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53152504


WhiteJC

Neil Warnock replaces Jonathan Woodgate as Middlesbrough boss

Middlesbrough have sacked head coach Jonathan Woodgate and appointed Neil Warnock as his replacement.

Boro are 21st in the Championship after losing 3-0 at home to Swansea City in their first game since the season restarted on Saturday.

Former Leeds, Real Madrid and England defender Woodgate, 40, was appointed last summer but oversaw just nine wins.

Warnock, 71, has been without a club since leaving Cardiff City after more than three years last November.

He now has eight matches to try to keep Middlesbrough in the second tier, with the Teesside club level on points with 22nd-placed Hull City.

His first game in charge will be away at fellow strugglers Stoke City on Saturday.

Boro will be the 16th club of Warnock's managerial career, which started at Gainsborough Trinity in 1980 and has seen him win promotion to the top flight on four occasions - most recently with Cardiff in 2018.

Kevin Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson, who have worked with Warnock at numerous clubs, will be part of the coaching team.

Woodgate, who he replaces at the Riverside, was in his first managerial role having previously been in the club's backroom staff.

His assistant boss, former Republic of Ireland and Tottenham striker Robbie Keane, has also left.

In a statement, Boro said it "would like to place on record its thanks" to Woodgate, who had guided them to victory at Charlton Athletic in their final game before the season was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

He signed a three-year deal when he was appointed as head coach following the departure of Tony Pulis.

Capped eight times by England, centre-half Woodgate's playing career included a £13.4m move from Newcastle United to Real Madrid in August 2004 and promotion to the Premier League with Boro in 2016.

Another 'final' challenge for Warnock?
Speaking in January, Warnock said he was looking for one last job before retiring because he only needed to take charge of 12 more games to reach 1,500 in management.

However, that was not the first time he had sought out a "really tempting" final challenge.

He vowed to retire at the end of the 2005-06 season but, after leaving Sheffield United in 2007, he said "there is another club, chairman and group of fans out there who would relish me taking over" for one last shot at management.

Then, in 2012, he promised Leeds United supporters he had "one big challenge left in me" after his arrival at Elland Road.

Last summer he described the current season as "absolutely" his last in football - but will he want to be stuck on 1,496 matches?



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53149667