Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 08/09/20...

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 Ola Aina: Fulham set to sign ex-Chelsea youngster on loan
23-year-old, who has won 17 international caps for Nigeria, will return to Premier League


Ola Aina joined Torino on a permanent deal last season

Fulham are close to completing a deal to sign Torino's Nigeria international defender Ola Aina.

The ex-Chelsea youngster is set to join the Cottagers on an initial season-long loan, with the deal expected to be completed by the middle of the week.

Fulham will have the option to make Aina's loan a permanent transfer for a figure in the region of £11m.

Former England youth international Aina is a graduate of Chelsea's academy and spent over a decade at the club.

He spent the 2017-18 campaign away on loan at Hull before making a season-long loan move to Torino the following year.

The Serie A side took up the option to make Aina's move from Chelsea permanent in June 2019. The 23-year-old made 37 appearances for Torino last season.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12065651/ola-aina-fulham-set-to-sign-ex-chelsea-youngster-on-loan

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EPL New Boys Fulham Linked With Summer Move For Third London-Born Nigerian

RB Leipzig winger Ademola Lookman is the latest London-born player of Nigerian descent linked with a summer move to English Premier League newcomers Fulham.

According to matching press reports in England and Germany including German newspaper Bild, Lookman is on the wish list of Fulham who are interested in signing him because of his pace and his experience of previously playing in the Premier League.

Newcastle United courted the 2017 England U20 World Cup-winning winger in the January transfer window but RB Leipzig refused to sanction the move.

In truth, Lookman has struggled in his second spell with RB Leipzig, with only two starts from a possible 47 in all competitions over the course of the 2019-2020 campaign.

The biggest stumbling block to the winger joining Fulham is that the RB Leipzig squad is currently light ahead of the new season, with 18 field players plus three perspective players available for selection.

The Cottagers have also been linked with the London-born Aina brothers, Ola and Jordan, with the Torino defender set to be unveiled in the coming days after agreeing personal terms.

Jordan, who is on the lookout for a new club following his release by Chelsea, trained with Fulham U23 team in pre-season, featuring in test games against Brighton & Hove and Reading.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=37301

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The lowdown on Albion's Premier League opponents: Part Two

With the Premier League season fast-approaching for Slaven Bilić's Baggies, learn more about some of the teams they will face in the top flight this season.

This is the second part of the rundown of every Premier League side's boss, how they fared in 2019/20, their key man and a memorable encounter against Albion.

You can view Part One here, or continue reading for Part Two.

Everton

The gaffer...

Carlo Ancelotti is currently in charge at Goodison Park. The Italian is one of only three managers to have won the Champions League three times, claiming it twice with AC Milan and once with Real Madrid. He has been in charge of clubs such as Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Napoli, winning domestic titles in Italy, England, France, Spain, and Germany.

He arrived at Everton last December, with the club placed 15th in the table and he guided them to a 12th-placed finish.

Last season...

Everton's most recent campaign ended with their lowest-placed finish in the Premier League since the 2003/04 season, however they did achieve two more points than in 2014/15 and 2015/16, when they finished 11th in the table.

The Toffees got to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, but lost to Leicester City on penalties. In the league they struggled for consistency, failing to win more than two games on the bounce all season.

Star man...

Richarlison bagged 13 Premier League goals last season, matching his tally from his first campaign with the club in 2018/19. The 23-year-old Brazilian forward signed from Watford after just one season in the Premier League with the Hornets, having previously played his football with Fluminese after coming through the ranks at América Mineiro.

Memorable clash...

In November 2010, Albion beat Everton 4-1 at Goodison Park. Paul Scharner fired the Baggies ahead before a beautiful Chris Brunt free-kick extended the advantage. Tim Cahill pulled one back for the Toffees just before the break, but the defining moment would come just before the hour mark as Mikel Arteta was sent off for Everton.

With an extra man on the pitch, Albion added to their lead with Somen Tchoyi and Youssouf Mulumbu finding the back of the net, only for the latter to see red a minute later, though it mattered little, as the away side saw out the final moments.

Fulham

The gaffer...

After playing for Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham, Spurs, Fulham and England in an impressive playing career, Scott Parker was handed his first managerial role at Craven Cottage in February 2019, initially as caretaker manager.

Parker won three of his nine games in charge and despite Fulham being relegated, was handed the job on a permanent basis. In his first full season at the club, the 39-year-old guided Fulham back to the Premier League via the Play-Offs, beating Brentford 2-1 in the final thanks to two extra-time goals from Joe Bryan.

Last season...

Most Albion fans will be familiar with how the Cottagers performed last term; when Slaven Bilić's men looked over their shoulders, Fulham and Brentford were normally sharp on their heels. A fourth-placed finish meant the Londoners faced Cardiff in the Play-Offs. A 2-0 win away from home meant despite a 2-1 loss at home they progressed to Wembley, where they beat Brentford to return to the the top-flight.

The two times the Baggies faced Parker's men last season the scores were tied; 1-1 at Craven Cottage and 0-0 at The Hawthorns.

Star man...

Aleksandar Mitrovic finished the last campaign as the top scorer in the Sky Bet Championship with 26 goals to his name. The powerful Serbian striker was also on fine form for his country, and recently netted in their Nations League match against Russia at the start of September.

Memorable clash...

Albion moved up to fourth spot in the Premier League after nine games by beating Fulham in October 2010. Zoltan Gera scored Fulham's opener; his effort came back off the post, hit Scott Carson and trickled in. But Youssouf Mulumbu equalised with a low shot and Marc-Antoine Fortune slotted in after a cut-back from Jerome Thomas to secure the win for the Baggies.

Leeds

The gaffer...

Marcelo Bielsa's footballing philosophy has impressed everyone since moving to England in 2018. Nicknamed 'El Loco', the 65-year-old has developed and successfully implemented his own style of high-intensity football, winning two titles at Argentinian side Newell's Old Boys, leading Spanish side Athletic Bilboa to Europa League and Copa Del Rey finals as well as international projects with the Chilean and Argentinian national sides. He also mentored managers such as Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino.

Last season...

Much like the aforementioned fellow-promoted side Fulham, most Baggies will be aware of the ins and outs of Leeds United's season, as they claimed promotion back to the top flight after 16 seasons away from it. Bielsa's men went on to claim the Sky Bet Championship title, finishing the season with 93 points. They beat Bilić's Baggies by a single goal at Elland Road, while at The Hawthorns on New Year's Day it ended in a 1-1 draw.

Star man...

Record signing Rodrigo stands out as the one to watch for the West Yorkshire side this season, but Kalvin Phillips' recent call-up to the England national side makes him a standout performer. A combative defensive-midfielder, Phillips has come through the youth ranks at Leeds to establish himself as one of the first names on the team-sheet. The 24-year-old played a vital role dictating and breaking up play to help Leeds lift the title last year.

Memorable clash...

The Baggies put on an entertaining show at The Hawthorns towards the end of 2018 as they sent a message to the rest of Championship following a 4-1 thumping of Leeds. Hal Robson-Kanu, Matt Phillips, Harvey Barnes and Dwight Gayle grabbed the goals to secure a special victory in B71.

Leicester

The gaffer...

Brendan Rodgers landed his first senior managerial job at Watford in 2008. Since then he has managed Reading, Swansea City, Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester. Rodgers' highlights so far include guiding Swansea to the Premier League for the first time, taking Liverpool from a seventh-placed finish to the cusp of winning the title, and securing Celtic's first-ever 'double treble'.

He has been at Leicester since February 2019 and built on their ninth-placed end to the 2018/19 campaign to narrowly miss out on Champions League football last term. He currently has a win ratio of more than 50% with the Foxes.

Last season...

Leicester City finished fifth last season. They were just four points off third-placed Manchester United, but also only three points ahead of seventh-placed Wolves. A run of eight wins through October, November and into December meant the Foxes were in second position in the table, but they didn't put more than two league wins together for the rest of the campaign.

Rodgers' men also had good cup runs in both domestic competitions, reaching the semi-final of the Carabao Cup only to lose late on to Aston Villa, while they were beaten by Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Emirates FA Cup.

Star man...

A name that is synonymous with Leicester City, Jamie Vardy had another wonderful season for the Foxes, scoring 23 Premier League goals. The peak of his goalscoring form coincided with Leicester's best spell of the campaign as he netted 11 times in their eight-game winning streak, notably notching a hat-trick against Southampton in their 9-0 thumping of the Saints at St Mary's Stadium.

Memorable clash...

In November 2016, Albion won 2-1 at the King Power Stadium against Leicester, who at the time were Premier League champions. The Baggies took the lead when James Morrison headed in Matt Phillips' cross, but moments later Riyad Mahrez provided a similarly accurate delivery for Islam Slimani to nod in.

However, with 18 minutes remaining Phillips dinked a shot past keeper Ron-Robert Zieler to secure the win for Albion.

Liverpool

The gaffer...

Jurgen Klopp has earned deserved cult-status amongst the Liverpool faithful during his five-year tenure on Merseyside. Last season's historic and long-awaited achievement adds to a fine list of silverware for the former Mainz 05 player and manager. Major success consisted of lifting two Bundesliga and two German Super Cup trophies over a seven-year stint with Borussia Dortmund before he claimed further accolades with the Reds, most notably lifting the UEFA Champions League before last year.

Last season...

The trophy that mattered the most to Klopp and Liverpool was their first title during the Premier League era last term and their first in 30 years. During the journey which secured their 19th league triumph, the Merseyside club broke several top-flight records; most consecutive wins and home victories, as well as showing their efficiency by clinching the title with more games remaining than any other side have done before (seven).

Star man...

Mohamed Salah's successful period with Jurgen Klopp's men has given him the platform to unleash his world-class potential after a lack of action at former English club, Chelsea. Liverpool's acquisition of Salah has brought him countless individual accolades in addition to the club's achievements since the Egyptian's move; the FIFA Puskás award, FWA, PFA Liverpool and the PL's Player of the Year/Season awards, in addition to two golden boots.

Memorable clash...

Who could forget that thrilling night at Anfield in 2018 which saw the Baggies produce a remarkable display and run out winners of a five-goal thriller in the fourth round of the F.A. Cup?

Roberto Firmino fired Liverpool ahead, but Jay Rodriguez instantly struck a double to turn the tie in Albion's favour. Craig Dawson thought he'd handed the Baggies a two-goal advantage, but VAR disallowed his goal.

The home side were then awarded a controversial penalty via VAR, but Firmino's spot-kick bounced back off the crossbar, before the Baggies did eventually extend their lead - with Joel Matip credited with an own goal for the final touch.

Salah offered the hosts hope when he netted 12 minutes from time, but Albion held on to progress to the next round.

Manchester City

The gaffer...

Serial winner Pep Guardiola's widely-renowned success has been built off his captivating style of football. This has been evident in the more than four years he's been in charge of the blue side of Manchester and it has won the Spaniard an abundance of accolades despite only managing three clubs during his career; 14 trophies with Barcelona, seven with German powerhouse Bayern Munich and now eight with Manchester City, including three consecutive League Cups and two Premier League titles.

Last season...

The Citizens failed to make it three consecutive top-flight titles in a row last season as they surrendered their crown to Liverpool, finishing 18 points behind in second spot. Although they were knocked out of the FA Cup in the semis at the hands of Arsenal, City dispatched Aston Villa to lift the EFL Cup but fell short on the European front, bowing out to French side Lyon in the Champions League quarter-final.

Star man...

Sergio Aguero and Gariel Jesus stayed among the goals last season, but England international Raheem Sterling has maintained exceptional form under Guardiola. For the last three seasons, the attacker has managed at least 20 goals along with countless assists. Last year proved to be the most prolific season of his career, netting 31 goals across all club competitions.

Memorable clash...

City have shown Albion no mercy during recent times and 2008 was the last time the Baggies defeated them in the top-flight during a 2-1 win at The Hawthorns courtesy of Roman Bednar's injury-time goal.

Manchester United

The gaffer...

Although his appointment was as a surprise given his previous managerial experience, Ole Gunnar Solskjær certainly proved his credentials last term. A Manchester United legend in his playing days, the former striker embarked on his coaching career with the Red Devils' reserve team before moving onto two stints in his native Norway with Molde, either side of his time managing Cardiff City in the Premier League, before taking the top job at Old Trafford in 2018.

Last season...

United's 66 points during the 2018/19 season only managed to get them sixth place, but last year's exact same tally secured Champions League qualification in third-spot - the second time they've managed a top-three standing since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement. United progressed to the last four in both of England's domestic competitions and the Europa League, but failed in their quest for silverware.

Star man...

Marcus Rashford has become one of the world's most exciting players since bursting onto the scene under Louis Van Gaal in 2016. He netted a brace on his senior debut in the Europa League and followed his emphatic introduction to the first team with another two goals against Arsenal on his top-flight debut just days later. At the age of 22 the attacker has already won four trophies and continues to exhibit his goal-scoring ability, reaching double-figures in his last four campaigns with United.

Memorable clash...

The Baggies spoiled the party during Sir Alex's final match as Manchester United boss as they refused to give their opposition the perfect send-off by giving them a spectacular game which ended 5-5.



https://www.wba.co.uk/news/lowdown-albions-premier-league-opponents-part-two

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Report: Ola Aina close to joining Fulham

Fulham are close to completing a deal for Torino defender Ola Aina this summer.

According to transfer expert Nicolo Schira, the Cottagers have already agreed a deal to sign the 23-year-old wing-back.

Schira claims that a deal has been struck between the two clubs. Fulham, who are cautious with their funds, are signing the former Chelsea player on loan by paying €2.5m, with an option to buy him permanently for €12.5m next summer.

Torino will receive 10 percent of the transfer fee on the future sale of Aina.

According to reports from Sky Sports (transfer live blog, 09:09), Scott Parker's side are expected to complete the deal for Aina within the next 48 hours.

Parker has made four signings already, but it seems he is still looking to make more singings before the start of the new season.

The Fulham boss wants to add quality and depth to his newly-promoted side and getting Aina on loan looks like a cracking piece of business.

The Nigeria International has excelled since moving to Torino. He played 32 times in Serie A last term.

Fulham are also reportedly showing keen interest in signing Austria defender Martin Hinteregger.



https://sportslens.com/report-ola-aina-close-to-joining-fulham/312163/

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Report: £13.4m Fulham and West Ham offers not good enough, Mourinho attentive

Sporting have yet to receive an acceptable offer for the Fulham, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur target, Jovane Cabral, according to A Bola.

It is claimed that both Fulham and West Ham have bid for Cabral, along with Hertha Berlin and an unnamed Italian side, while Tottenham are 'also attentive'.

But those proposals are said to have reached just €15 million (around £13.4m), which is some way short of Sporting's €35m (around £31.4m) valuation.

The Portuguese side would, however, consider selling the winger for €20m (around £18m) if they are guaranteed a percentage of any future sale, according to A Bola.

It is also claimed that while Cabral's departure is still a 'serious possibility' – and the player is described as being 'open' to leaving – he could yet stay and sign a new contract.

Cabral scored or made nine goals in 16 league games for the Portuguese giants last season – all but three of which arrived in an eight-match spell following the June restart – and was quick to catch the eye of both Fulham and West Ham, according to reports.

But Tottenham's interest appears to be more recent. Record reported last week that while the Cape Verde native is 'well-known' to Jose Mourinho, the Spurs manager has 'other goals in mind' this window.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/07/report-13-4m-fulham-and-west-ham-offers-not-good-enough-mourinho-attentive/

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Ceballos & Saliba to start: Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Fulham

Arsenal kick off the new Premier League campaign with a match against Fulham on Saturday, despite heavily disrupted preparations.

Mikel Arteta hasn't really had a single chance to test his starting lineup before the Fulham game. At first, he was missing a number of players for pre-season through quarantine and later returns from holiday. Then many went away for internationals.

The good news is that the summer additions to the squad should all be available. Dani Ceballos featured in the friendly against Aston Villa, as did Willian. William Saliba is one of few to play a full pre-season and Gabriel Magalhaes is free to join full training now.

Let's have a look at our Arsenal predicted lineup for the trip to Craven Cottage.

Goalkeeper
It's worth mentioning here that the behind-closed-doors friendlies may play a part in Arteta's selection process. We don't know if Emi Martinez made six howlers against QPR and Villa, or whether he wasn't even on the pitch for the goals Arsenal conceded.

Bernd Leno is back from injury and starting matches, playing the MK Dons friendly for Arsenal followed by a strong performance against Switzerland for Germany. But at this stage, my prediction is that Martinez will keep his place from the Community Shield game.

Defence
Right now, I'm not expecting Gabriel Magalhaes to start this game. Without playing the recent friendly matches, it just feels like it will come too soon for him. The West Ham home fixture is more likely for his first start for Arsenal.

Instead, Kieran Tierney will return from international duty with Scotland to start at left-centre-back. David Luiz will start in the middle as usual.

The right-centre-back role could go to Rob Holding or William Saliba. Holding appears to be on the verge of a loan move, so I'm predicting Saliba in his place.

Shkodran Mustafi, Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers are all still recovering from injuries. Reports in the media are linking Sokratis Papastathopoulos with a permanent move away.

Midfield
Unlike in defence, the midfield pretty much picks itself, assuming Arteta does stick with 3-4-3. Granit Xhaka is in excellent form with Switzerland, and he has his favourite midfield partner Dani Ceballos back.

With Tierney in defence, Ainsley Maitland-Niles can keep his place at left-wing-back. Hector Bellerin will start on the right.

Sead Kolasinac is another one seemingly closing in on an exit, as is Lucas Torreira. Arsenal are clearly trying to move Matteo Guendouzi on, without much success. Emile Smith Rowe may be heading out on loan.

Cedric Soares will continue to play a backup role for now. Mohamed Elneny has been in strong pre-season form, but he has his work cut out displacing Xhaka or Ceballos. Same goes for Joe Willock.

Mesut Özil may well be getting a second chance, but not starting in this formation, in my opinion.

Forwards
Even though Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah are in good form, I think Arteta will opt for the experience of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe.

They're the trio that finished the season so well, and they're all available.

Willian is an option, but he joined pre-season as late as any of the player's listed above and is still settling in with a new club. It's not impossible he starts anyway, but a substitute appearance this weekend might make more sense.

Gabriel Martinelli is out with his long-term injury.

Full Predicted Starting Lineup

https://dailycannon.com/2020/09/ceballos-saliba-to-start-arsenal-predicted-lineup-vs-fulham/

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Player 'will soon embrace' Fulham after club give him 'green light' to move to Craven Cottage

Signed from Chelsea after a successful loan spell, Ola Aina has played well for Torino when he's featured.

The wing-back, who can play on either side of the defence, featured 69 times for the Serie A side over the past couple of seasons, scoring one goal and picking up six assists.

However, London was calling, and a move back to England for the Nigeria international had been touted for a big portion of the summer.

In the end, it's Fulham who have won the race for the 23-year-old with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting on Monday that Torino have 'given him the green light' to move to Craven Cottage, where he 'will soon embrace' his new club after the two sides settled 'the very last details between Saturday and Sunday'.

It's said Aina felt 'irresistible nostalgia' over the past year, and he will return to this side of the Channel in an 'onerous loan with the right of redemption'.

The details aren't given, but you would expect Torino, who paid €10m to sign Aina in the first place, will want to make a profit on their original expenditure should Fulham decide to keep the player beyond the upcoming season.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/player-will-soon-embrace-fulham-club-give-green-light-move-craven-cottage/

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Fulham fans react on Twitter as club linked to Liverpool winger Harry Wilson
The 23-year-old could leave Anfield permanently this summer.

Fulham are the latest club to show their interest in signing Liverpool winger Harry Wilson this summer, according to The Express.

Loans won't be considered for the tricky wide player this summer, with the Reds keen to recoup in the region of £20 million for their fringe player.

A minor injury has denied the 23-year-old a chance to impress Jurgen Klopp during pre-season and it would seem his mind his now made up.

Fulham secured promotion via the play-offs last season and boss Scott Parker will be busy trying to strengthen his squad further before the big kick-off.

It would seem, however, that the reactions from supporters are more negative than positive when it comes to signing Wilson.

He did score seven goals last season for Bournemouth but the Cottagers supporters aren't perhaps keen on signing the Wales international.

Wilson could be allowed to leave Liverpool for less than £20 million and that might sway more supporters into thinking his signing is a good idea.

Right now, the consensus on Twitter is that Fulham don't really need him and they'd like other targets to be identified.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-fans-react-on-twitter-as-club-linked-to-liverpool-winger-harry-wilson/

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could make surprise Mesut Ozil decision for Fulham clash
Mesut Ozil was linked with an imminent move away from Arsenal after being frozen out by Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal star Mesut Ozil is in line for a shock return to the starting line-up despite recently falling out of favour at the Emirates. Ozil had been frozen out of Mikel Arteta's squad ever since Project Restart and it was suggested that he would be leaving the Gunners come the end of the season.

According to the Daily Star, however, the attacking midfielder may start in the north Londoners' Premier League opener on Saturday against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

This comes after the German ace was handed a surprise start in the 3-2 pre-season friendly defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.

The 31-year-old recently expressed his desire to stay and fight for his position at Arsenal, where he is under contract until 2021.

Ozil previously said: "My position is clear. I'm here through to the last day of our agreement and I'll give everything I have for this club.

"Situations like these will never break me, they only make me stronger. I showed in the past that I can come back into the team and I will show it again."

Ozil struggled throughout last season as he only recorded a total of 23 appearances across all competitions.

Arsenal manager Arteta seemed determined to offload the £350,000-a-week star to free up some finances for incoming transfers but Ozil will stay at the Emirates another 12 months.

The Gunners have been active throughout the summer transfer window as they signed Willian as a free agent following his departure from Chelsea as well as defender Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille for up to £27million.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1332358/Arsenal-news-Mikel-Arteta-Mesut-Ozil-Fulham-Premier-League-Thomas-Partey

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Report: Newcastle and Fulham want three-time Premier League winner Gary Neville called 'aggressive'

Newcastle United and Fulham are keen on veteran defender Rafael da Silva, according to The Sun (6 September, page 63), with the Lyon ace eyeing a return to the Premier League.

With funds often hard to come by at the Magpies, manager Steve Bruce appears to have adopted a 'low risk' approach to the transfer market this summer.

Newcastle have already brought in Jeff Hendrick on a free with Ryan Fraser, Jamal Lewis and Callum Wilson, a trio of proven, top-flight performers, expected to be wearing the famous black-and-white stripes next season.

While Rafael hasn't played a Premier League game since he was dumped by Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, the 30-year-old Brazilian would fit Bruce's brief.

Once Manchester United's first-choice right-back, the three time league champion has fallen behind Leo Dubois and Kenny Tete in Lyon's pecking order.

He made just one appearance as Rudi Garcia's side shocked the continent en route to the Champions League semi-finals, sitting on the bench during those famous triumphs over Manchester City and Juventus.

The Sun claims newly promoted Fulham are also watching the situation closely as Rafael pushes for a return to Britain, although the Cottagers appear to be closing in on another right-back – Torino's former Chelsea youngster Ola Aina.

"I thought when I left that Rafael da Silva was perfect as a Manchester United full-back," former United team-mate Gary Neville said in 2019.

"He was tenacious, aggressive, decent on the ball."



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/07/report-newcastle-and-fulham-want-three-time-premier-league-winner-gary-neville-called-aggressive/

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'Done Deal!' – Fulham close in on former Chelsea defender

Fulham are edging closer to signing Torino defender Ola Aina on loan, according to a transfer expert in Italy.

The defender came through the ranks with Chelsea before making his professional debut in August 2016.

Aina made six appearances in all competitions for the Blues under Antonio Conte in 2016/17. He only started two of these games, however, with both starts coming in the EFL Cup.

The 23-year-old could never establish himself in Chelsea's first-team, and he spent the next season on loan with Championship side Hull City.

He made 44 league appearances for the Yorkshire outfit during that campaign, before joining Torino on loan in 2018/19.

After impressing in his debut year, Torino opted to sign Aina permanently for a fee of around £9 million last summer.

The right-back has enjoyed an impressive couple of years in Italy. He has been an ever-present for Torino, as he has made 69 appearances in all competitions.

Nicolò Schira has revealed that Aina is now close to returning to the Premier League with Fulham.

The former Chelsea man looks set to move to Fulham on an initial loan deal, with an option to buy him next summer for around €12.5m.

The report adds that the deal includes a 10% sell-on clause for Torino for any future sale of Aina.

The defender represented England at youth level from U16 to U20. But at senior level, he opted to play for Nigeria, and since 2017 he has been capped 17 times.

Aina will come in to compete with Cyrus Christie to be Fulham's first-choice right-back.

The Cottagers have already been busy this summer having made four new signings. Harrison Reed and Anthony Knockaert have both signed permanently after spending last season on loan from Southampton and Fulham respectively.

Mario Lemina has joined on a season-long loan from Southampton, while Antonee Robinson has signed from Wigan for around £1.9m.



https://www.football365.com/news/done-deal-fulham-close-in-on-former-chelsea-defender

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FULHAM WELCOMES BETVICTOR AS MAIN TEAM PARTNER

Fulham Football Club is delighted to welcome global gaming brand BetVictor as its new Main Team Partner, until summer 2022.

The two-year deal will see the BetVictor logo displayed on the front of the playing shirts worn by the Club's First Team and Women's Team for the duration of the partnership.

As well as presence on the playing and adult replica shirts, BetVictor branding will feature prominently around Craven Cottage on matchdays, as well as on the Club's new official website fulhamfc.com and social media platforms.

BetVictor is an online sports and casino gaming company with a proud history stretching back over 70 years. As the creator of award-winning campaigns and products, their proprietary technology enables them to deliver a premium and safe betting service putting customers at the heart of their business.

As the Club's Main Team Partner, the BetVictor brand will receive extensive global exposure with the Premier League watched by a worldwide audience of over 3 billion people annually.

Of the partnership, BetVictor CEO Andreas Meinrad commented: "We're really excited to be teaming up with Fulham FC and are confident of a successful season ahead for both of us.

"The Premier League always provides compelling drama. We know how much football means to our customers and we share their enthusiasm for the beautiful game. It's all eyes on Craven Cottage for Saturday's big kick-off."

Alistair Mackintosh, Fulham CEO, added: "We welcome BetVictor on board as our Main Team Partner and look forward to working with them this season as we begin our Premier League campaign against Arsenal at Craven Cottage this weekend.

"BetVictor shares our passion for success and we hope to develop our relationship further throughout the duration of the partnership, in order to achieve and exceed our goals."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/september/Fulham-Welcomes-BetVictor-as-Main-Team-Partner/

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Amid a Tumultuous Year, it All Works Out for Antonee Robinson
A failed move to Milan. A heart scare. Relegation. Premier League suitors and a transfer to Fulham. It's been quite a year for the England-born U.S. left back.

It's appeared to be a lost cause at times, and it doesn't look great at the moment. But maybe there's some hope for 2020. If in doubt, ask Antonee Robinson, whose year started out, fittingly, with a medical scare that appeared to cost him the professional opportunity of a lifetime.

It was January. The full onset of the coronavirus pandemic was still a few weeks away, a new decade was dawning and there was limitless possibility. Thanks to a solid performance during a couple U.S. U-23 national team matches in Spain last November, Robinson had captured the interest of scouts from AC Milan. Consequently, toward the end of the winter transfer window, a 22-year-old Wigan Athletic defender who had never played top-tier professional football somehow was on his way to Italy to join the seven-time European champions.

Then he failed his medical exam because of his body's sensitivity to caffeine.

That's right. The irregular heart rhythm detected by Milan doctors that scuttled Robinson's transfer wasn't the result of some urgent, congenital issue. It likely was the product of energy drinks and coffee. Robinson, Milan and Wigan didn't know that at the time, so he was scheduled for a surgical procedure designed to fix the defect. Then during a delay caused by the pandemic's onset, as Robinson feared his career might hang in the balance, his heart corrected itself. So in June, as leagues resumed around Europe, Robinson was back on the field—wearing Wigan blue and white instead of Milan rossoneri.

His focus was on helping Wigan avoid the drop to League One, and his form was testament to that focus. But it's easy to imagine that in between matches—once he got used to the idea that his health and career were on solid footing—Robinson might shake his fist at the soccer gods, furious that something so trivial left him mired in a relegation battle in northwest England instead of racing up and down the left flank at the sunny San Siro.

Except he wasn't bitter. A realization cut through the disappointment.

"I don't feel like I missed out on anything to be honest. It would've been a massive opportunity, but when I think back now, I just had six months at Wigan and a giant club came in for me. Realistically, I would've gone out there and I would've been sitting on the bench," Robinson told Sports Illustrated. "Looking back on it now, I definitely wouldn't have been happy to go out there and not be playing, especially when it wasn't the manager who brought me. The manager [Stefano Pioli] could've taken one look at me and not liked me.

"At the time, I was devastated," he continued. "But after the restart and playing games again and feeling confidence in myself, it was worth seeing who else was interested. Playing in the Premier League was always a dream of mine, so it's good to see how things worked out in the end."

Robinson wasn't sure he'd truly be wanted at Milan. And another chance to showcase his wares in the Championship offered the opportunity to reset and perhaps find a more certain situation. Wigan didn't survive. Although the Latics went 5-1-3 after the restart (Robinson started all nine games), a 12-point deduction imposed because the club entered administration doomed it to relegation. His play, however, ensured Robinson wouldn't be following the club to League One. His boyhood club, Everton, was interested at one point. Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle United and Sheffield United also kicked the tires. But there was one suitor that stood out, and it did so for all the reasons that Robinson eventually developed misgivings about Milan.

Different athletes are motivated by different things. Michael Jordan saying "It became personal" has become a meme. For Robinson, it isn't slights or conflict that draws the best out of him. It's feeling wanted. He's inspired by a club and coach who have confidence in him. This summer, that club was Fulham, a Championship rival of Wigan that was heading up instead of down. And that coach was Scott Parker.

"When I spoke to Parker it sounded like he was desperate to get me. In January, they wanted me as well, but because Milan were in they didn't bother," Robinson recalled. "He just sounded really excited to try to get me in. I've always wanted to go somewhere where I was wanted by the manager. The way he made everything sound, he thought I'd get better as a player, I'd develop and he had high expectations for me."

After speaking with Parker, Robinson called the one Fulham player he knew—Tim Ream. They'd crossed paths with the U.S. national team during the summer of 2019.

"If he thought it was a bad idea, he wouldn't have told me to come," Robinson said of Ream. "But all the things Scott said about development, the style of play, Tim essentially repeated all of that. It sounded like he was in the room with Scott reading the things he'd just said. It was scary how good Tim made it sound."

Speaking to U.S. reporters on a conference call last month, Ream said, "Both times we played them this year, our guys have come off saying, 'What a player.' As long as he continues to develop in that same vein, it can only mean big things. ... For him to come to Fulham would be great."

On Aug. 20, Robinson signed a four-year deal with the Cottagers. At last, he was a top-tier player. And the Fulhamerica tradition was strengthened.

Robinson has become fully aware of the fascinating, historic ties between the West London club and American soccer only recently. He said he enjoyed watching Clint Dempsey, but he hadn't always realized that Dempsey was following in the footsteps of Brian McBride, Carlos Bocanegra, Kasey Keller, Eddie Lewis, Eddie Johnson, Marcus Hahnemann and more, and that he was part of a lineage that included academy kids, Ream and younger countrymen like Emerson Hyndman. Signing Americans isn't Fulham policy—Robinson called it a "cool coincidence"—and the trend began well before U.S. businessman Shahid Khan acquired the club in 2013. But the bonds are unmistakable, and they strengthen Robinson's ties to a fun piece of U.S. soccer tradition just as he's looking to make his mark with the senior team.

It makes for a cool story, because Robinson's ties to American soccer are unique, and he's eager to firm them up. He's not the first USA international to be born and raised in Europe as the son of an American. But what's a bit different about Robinson's story is that his father wasn't born in the U.S. either. Marlon Robinson is from England as well but moved to White Plains, N.Y., as a teenager to live with his Jamaican mother. He played soccer for Duke University then returned to Liverpool, where Antonee and his siblings grew up. Marlon was in the U.S. for about a decade. But that was enough time to secure citizenship, and eventually he was able to pass that passport on to his children.

Antonee remembers taking a couple trips to the U.S., and he said his older brother and sister have laughed about the fact that when he was around 6 or 7, he adopted a "faux American accent" because he was "watching too much Disney Channel at the time." Otherwise, his citizenship was mostly a piece of trivia. He noted his American eligibility when signing his scholarship papers at Everton, and didn't give it much more thought until the U.S. Soccer Federation reached out.

"I hadn't really developed. I was quite small, didn't play a lot. I had trouble with my knees. I wasn't one of the kids they were thinking was going to go and be a Premier League player. I was just there. I don't really think they had very high hopes for me," Robinson said of his academy days at Everton.

"Then I got the call-up from the U.S. under-18 team. That was the first time I felt like someone had hopes for me, that I could be a good player. And it's the reason I wanted to play for the U.S. over England [once the FA showed interest]," he continued. "That the U.S. would give me a chance and believed in me. That gave me a lot of confidence."

There it is again—the inspiring power of feeling wanted. The mind trick for the player nicknamed "Jedi" is real. Robinson was capped just once by the U-18s, but it reinvigorated him at Everton, where he was the club's U-18 player of the season in 2014-15. Knee issues sidelined him for most of the following term, however, and in the summer of 2017 he was loaned to Bolton Wanderers. In 2018, he got his first taste of senior international soccer, as USA interim manager Dave Sarachan fielded Robinson in six friendlies—among them the 1-1 draw with soon-to-be world champion France in Paris.

"Just being able to cope in games like that—that was [after] my first season in men's professional football with Bolton. Going from a first season in the Championship to playing against France and ending up drawing, we coped really well in the game, and it was just a real eye-opener that we could have the makings of a really good team," Robinson said.

Like anyone who follows U.S. soccer, Robinson can rattle off the names of the rising young stars and the big clubs for which they play. He sees trophies in the team's future, and desperately wants to be a part of winning them. But he knows it's not a given, and that a manager's faith has to be earned. His international career hit a speed bump last summer. Sarachan was gone, Gregg Berhalter was in place, and after he struggled as a wingback—an unfamiliar role—in a friendly loss to Jamaica, Robinson was cut from the Concacaf Gold Cup team. He hasn't played for the senior side since.

"It was the first time I worked under Gregg. It was interesting getting used to his coaching style, because it was a lot more depth and detailed," Robinson said.

A November call-up to the U-23s reminded Robinson that he was still in the program's plans. McBride, the Fulham legend, cemented that fact this spring when, in his new role as national team GM, he checked in with Robinson following his health scare. Robinson's appeal isn't just a function of his obvious technique and speed, and the way he's adapted and then flourished with each step in his career. It also has a lot to do with his position. He offers what the USA needs: a left back. The player pool is so thin at that spot, in fact, that Ream—a central defender—started there nine times last year.

"In my first camp, Dave Sarachan was like, 'There's not a lot of people at your position in the team.' I've known for a while," Robinson said. "It's been sticking with me, that over time I could really cement my place being the starting left back for the U.S. That's pretty much what I'm aspiring to."

Even if he hasn't earned it yet—even if not wanted desperately—he knows full well that Berhalter, McBride and a significant chunk of U.S. soccer are rooting for him. That's enough for now. And Robinson has started preparing for the Premier League season with Fulham knowing that Berhalter is watching closely. In fact, the coach called Robinson while the player was on vacation in Italy this summer.

"He said, 'We've seen your games after the restart and thought you did really well,'" Robinson said. "He had details from different matches. They clearly watched how I got on since the heart scare, and he just said he thought I'd done really well and that at the next opportunity, that I will get another chance to get called up and stake my place.

"So he has shown a bit of faith in me."

After a brutal start, there's now something to look forward to as 2020 finally hits the home stretch. Robinson is healthy and said his first week of training with Fulham went well. The season kicks off Saturday against Arsenal. And there's a chance the USA might finally take the field this fall. The October window likely comes too soon to get games scheduled, but November friendlies in Europe remain a possibility. That would represent Robinson's chance.

Berhalter is watching and waiting.

"For the national team [Robinson's move to Fulham] is great news," Berhalter said recently. "When you think about that left back spot being open and contested, it's a good opportunity for Antonee to prove he wants to and he's capable of being the left back for the national team."

Said Robinson: "I want to prove that I'm ready and that I want to play for the U.S., and I want to take us to win things.

"You can never tell what's going to happen. But I feel like I'm in pretty good shape. I'm looking forward to the start of the season and the challenge that's going to come with the Premier League. This season is going to be massive for me, for my development, and I feel every season I've played men's football I've gotten better. So to start this season off the back of that, knowing I've got to step up a gear to meet this greater challenge, is just going to make me better."



https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/09/07/antonee-robinson-fulham-wigan-milan-heart-usmnt-berhalter

[WhiteJC]

Nigeria: Aina Returns to London to Join Newly-Promoted Fulham

Super Eagles multi-functional defender, Olaoluwa Aina, according to Football Italia, has agreed to join newly-promoted Fulham, on an initial loan move, with an obligation to buy.

The versatile 23-year-old, who can play both as a left-back, right back, or as a wing-back had to leave Torino for Fulham to get minutes as the Turin-based side just signed Switzerland international left-back, Ricardo Rodriguez from AC Milan.

Aina made 37 appearances across all competitions for Torino in the 2019/20 season and contributed two assists. Meanwhile, Rodriguez, 28 was sent on loan to PSV, in the Netherlands before making the permanent switch to Torino.

He made his breakthrough at Chelsea, with his family, especially his father, having to make a lot of sacrifices to help him succeed. A two-time winner of the UEFA Youth League title with Chelsea in 2015/16 and 2014/15.

Aina has also won the English Premier League title with Chelsea while he made his international bow for Nigeria in 2017 and won bronze with the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations Cup tournament in 2019.



https://allafrica.com/stories/202009070716.html

[WhiteJC]

West Ham and Newcastle target will reportedly join overseas club on Monday, despite EPL desire

The West Ham United, Newcastle United and Fulham-linked right-back, Rafael da Silva, will leave Lyon on Monday, according to L'Equipe.

The Sun on Sunday (6 September, page 61) claimed Rafael wanted to quit the French side and return to the Premier League, where 'West Ham have been linked' and 'Newcastle and Fulham are also keen'.

But L'Equipe reports the Brazilian is heading east as opposed to north-west.

His entourage is said to be negotiating with several clubs in Turkey.

And the French publication expects him to join Istanbul Basaksehir, after he laughed off talk of a move to Besiktas.

It is claimed the departure of Rafael – who played under the West Ham boss David Moyes at Manchester United – will save Lyon a 'significant salary'.

All three of West Ham (Pablo Zabaleta), Newcastle (Jamie Sterry) and Fulham (Cody Drameh) have allowed right-backs to leave since the end of last season.

But the trio, it seems, will have to look elsewhere than Rafael for replacements.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/07/west-ham-and-newcastle-target-will-reportedly-join-overseas-club-on-monday-despite-epl-desire/

[WhiteJC]

From Portugal: Fulham and West Ham must improve €15m+ bids for winger – Player open to transfer

Fulham and West Ham United continue being pointed out as potential destinations for Sporting winger Jovane Cabral.

But for that to happen, it seems both the Cottagers and the Hammers will need to raise their bids for the 22-year-old.

Newspaper A Bola writes today that both Sporting and the player are open to a transfer this summer, as long as there is a good offer on the table.

The outlet claims that the 'concrete' bids made by Fulham and West Ham were of just over €15m, but that won't be enough to take the winger out of Lisbon.

Sporting entered the transfer window demanding €35m for Jovane's departure.

They then agreed to put the price down to €20m, as long as they get to keep a percentage of a future transfer.

Having already done that, they shouldn't make any more discounts.

Besides the interest from Fulham and West Ham, A Bola says Jovane is also followed by Tottenham Hotspur and Hertha Berlin.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/portugal-fulham-west-ham-must-improve-e15m-bids-winger-player-open-transfer/

[WhiteJC]

Palace Under-23s to start season with London derby

Crystal Palace Under-23s will begin life as a Category One Academy with an away trip to Fulham, Monday 14th September, 19:00 K.O.

Shaun Derry's side faced the Cottagers in pre-season, falling to a 2-0 defeat away from home, but will be looking to make amends when they make the trip to the Imber Court Sports Club next week.

The full fixture list for the Development squad's exciting Category One debut season in Division Two can be found below:

September

Monday 14th September, 2020

Fulham v Crystal Palace

19:00 K.O.

Craven Cottage



Monday 21st September, 2020

Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion

14:00 K.O.

Selhurst Park

Friday 25th September, 2020

Norwich City v Crystal Palace

19:00 K.O.

The Lotus Training Centre

October

Friday 2nd October, 2020

Crystal Palace v Aston Villa

19:00 K.O.

Selhurst Park



Monday 19th October, 2020

Burnley v Crystal Palace

14:00 K.O.

Lancashire FA



Monday 26th October, 2020

Crystal Palace v Wolverhampton Wanderers 

14:00 K.O.

Selhurst Park

November

Monday 2nd November, 2020

Leeds United v Crystal Palace

13:00 K.O.

Thorp Arch Training Ground



Monday 9th November, 2020

Crystal Palace v Reading

13:00 K.O.

Crystal Palace Training Ground



Monday 23rd November, 2020

Sunderland v Crystal Palace

13:00 K.O.

Academy of Light



Monday 30th November, 2020

Stoke City v Crystal Palace

19:00 K.O.

Clayton Wood Training Ground

December

Monday 21st December, 2020

Crystal Palace v Newcastle United

13:00 K.O.

Crystal Palace Training Ground



January

Sunday 10th January, 2021

Middlesbrough v Crystal Palace

13:00 K.O.

Heritage Park



Monday 18th January, 2021

Crystal Palace v Fulham

13:00 K.O.

Crystal Palace Training Ground



Monday 25th January, 2021

West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace

14:00 K.O.

Birmingham County FA

February

Monday 1st February, 2021

Crystal Palace v Norwich City

13:00 K.O.

Crystal Palace Training Ground



Friday 5th February, 2021

Aston Villa v Crystal Palace 

19:00 K.O.

Bodymoor Heath Training Ground



Monday 15th February, 2021

Crystal Palace v Burnley

13:00 K.O.

Crystal Palace Training Ground



Sunday 21st February, 2021

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Crystal Palace

12:00 K.O.

Aggborough Stadium



March

Monday 1st March, 2021

Crystal Palace v Leeds United

13:00 K.O.

Crystal Palace Training Ground



Friday 12th March, 2021

Reading v Crystal Palace

13:00 K.O.

Bearwood Park Training Ground



Monday 22nd March, 2021

Crystal Palace v Sunderland

13:00 K.O.

Crystal Palace Training Ground

April

Monday 12th April, 2021

Crystal Palace v Stoke City

13:00 K.O.

Crystal Palace Training Ground



Monday 26th April, 2021

Newcastle United v Crystal Palace

19:00 K.O.

Whitley Park



May

Monday 3rd May, 2021

Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough

13:00 K.O.

Crystal Palace Training Ground



https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2020/september/crystal-palace-academy-fixtures-for-the-202021-season/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham signs BetVictor as main shirt sponsor

Online gambling operator BetVictor has agreed a deal to become the new main team partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for English Premier League football club Fulham.

The two-year agreement will run over the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, and cover Fulham's first team and women's side.

The operator's branding will appear on the front of players' shirts, as well as on other surfaces inside the team's Craven Cottage home stadium and across the club's digital channels.

"BetVictor shares our passion for success and we hope to develop our relationship further throughout the duration of the partnership, in order to achieve and exceed our goals," Fulham chief executive Alistair Mackintosh said.

BetVictor's chief executive Andreas Meinrad added: "We're really excited to be teaming up with Fulham FC and are confident of a successful season ahead for both of us. We know how much football means to our customers and we share their enthusiasm for the beautiful game."

The 2020-21 Premier League campaign kicks off on 12 September, with Fulham playing Arsenal in its first match back in the top-tier, after winning promotion from the Championship last season.



https://www.igamingbusiness.com/news/fulham-signs-betvictor-main-shirt-sponsor

[WhiteJC]

Fulham swaps betting operators in new shirt deal with BetVictor

Online gambling firm BetVictor has been named as the new shirt sponsor of Fulham, the London-based side recently promoted to England's Premier League.

BetVictor was today (Monday) announced as Fulham's shirt sponsor and 'Main Team Partner' in a deal covering the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.

The BetVictor logo will be worn on the front of the first team's shirts and the women's team's shirts, while BetVictor branding will feature "prominently" around Fulham's Craven Cottage on matchdays, as well as on the club's new official website and on social media platforms.

SportBusiness understands that the deal was brokered by the CSM Sport & Entertainment agency, which has a strong relationship with BetVictor and the club.

BetVictor replaces Dafabet, another betting operator, as the club's shirt sponsor.

Dafabet became Fulham's main sponsor when the club returned to the top flight in 2018-19, penning a two-season contract in a record agreement.



https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/fulham-swaps-betting-operators-in-new-shirt-deal-with-betvictor/

[WhiteJC]

Mesut Ozil reportedly hoping to be involved for Arsenal vs Fulham this weekend

Arsenal vs Fulham

Arsenal are set to return to action this coming Saturday.

Despite being afforded a short summer break, and having already played out the 2020 Community Shield at the end of August, Arsenal's next outing will come as the first of the new Premier League campaign.

The Gunners will welcome newly-promoted Fulham to the Emirates for a 12:30 pm kick-off.

The north Londoners will no doubt head into the tie full of confidence, having seen off Chelsea and Liverpool to secure two pieces of silverware last month.

Ozil hoping to feature vs Fulham

One man who did not play a role in any of Arsenal's recent success, though, was Mesut Ozil.

The German had been in and out of Arsenal's starting eleven throughout 2019/20, prior to the arrival of Mikel Arteta.

The Spaniard, at first, seemed to take to Ozil, utilising him fairly heavily prior to the Covid-19 outbreak.

However, since football's return, the 31-year-old hasn't featured in a single competitive fixture for the north Londoners, missing 13 games in total.

As such, with Ozil playing no part for Arsenal, and costing the club a reported £350,000-per-week, the Gunners were no doubt hopeful of moving the former Real Madrid man, who has just one year left on his contract, on this summer.

Ozil's agent, though, was quick to kill such hopes off back in July, assuring that his client will remain at the Emirates until 2021.

Now, with Arsenal seemingly stuck with the German for another year, the question is: Will Arteta give him another chance?

Now, with the experienced creator at least somewhat integrated back into Arsenal's squad, the Standard claim that Ozil is hopeful of being involved in Arsenal's Premier League opener vs Fulham.



https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/mesut-ozil-reportedly-hoping-to-be-involved-for-arsenal-vs-fulham-this-weekend/