Saturday Fulham Stuff - 19/09/20...

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Scott Parker says new Fulham signings will need time to settle

Scott Parker has urged patience with some of his new Fulham signings, warning throwing too many of them in early in the season could have a long term impact.

Four new arrivals - including goalkeeper Alphonse Areola - made their debut in Wednesday's 1-0 Carabao Cup win over Ipswich , but ahead of Fulham's trip to Leeds this weekend, Parker is wary of working his new signings too hard after a rushed pre-season.

"We'll make a judgement on where we see the players physically," said Parker.

"This is a league where you can't afford to carry players. When you're us you need to be at your peak of fitness. With the quick turnaround in pre-season and players late coming into the building, some are just a little bit short at the moment.

"Hopefully we can get some out there because that will make us stronger but I'm not going to risk long term injury of the players."

After an opening day humbling at the hands of Arsenal, Parker knows it is games such as Saturday's against a fellow promoted side that will really count across the season.

He said: "Definitely. We want to try and get something out of the game. Of course this weekend we're going to a team who are newly promoted as well."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/scott-parker-of-new-fulham-signings-a4550351.html

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Pre-Leeds Press Conference

Scott Parker spoke to the media in advance of Fulham's trip to Elland Road and was asked if this weekend was a better gauge of our standing in the division compared to facing Arsenal.

"Yeah, definitely, [but] saying that, we want to be competitive in those games [too]," he said. "Every game we go into we want to be competitive and get something out of the game.

"Of course, this weekend we go to another promoted team, a team that won the division last year, very handsomely, who have spent a lot of money to improve the team even more.

"The challenge for us is we want to go in and try and get a result in this game, like we will do every game this year, so we'll try and do that and plan accordingly to get a result."

Alphonse Areola, Kenny Tete, Mario Lemina and Antonee Robinson made their debuts on Wednesday night against Ipswich Town, and when quizzed about their potential involvement in Leeds, Parker said: "We will have to see. We got back in the early hours [from Ipswich].

"I'll make a judgement on where I see the players are physically. With the quick turnaround with pre-season, with players coming late into the building, some are a little short at the moment of where they need to be.

"We'll see, hopefully we can get some out there as obviously that'll make us stronger. But I'm not going to take a risk on players and risk long-term injury and risk losing them over a longer period of time."

On transfers, Scott was asked if he was still looking at further additions to the squad before the window shuts in October.

"We are active, it's a tough market," he explained. "The people at the Club are trying their hardest to get the players in to support the team, to support us and give us every chance of being successful this year. We'll keep trying to do that.

"We've brought in full-backs but in central areas we've not brought in many players. Everywhere else around the squad and the pitch we've improved, certainly midfield we've brought in some players, and the goalie as well.

"The front half and defensively, they are areas we are hopefully looking to improve and make us better.

"You do not just want to sign players for the sake of signing them, you want to bring players into the Club that will make us better, and that is what we are trying to do."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/september/Pre-Leeds-Press-Conference/

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Danny Mills Exclusive: I'm certain 'Exceptional' Leeds attacker will start v Fulham

Danny Mills is adamant that Patrick Bamford will start for Leeds United on Saturday when they welcome Fulham to Elland Road.

The former England international, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, suggested new signing Rodrigo Moreno could also feature but from a wide-right position instead of Helder Costa.

Rodrigo was handed his first competitive start last night as Marcelo Bielsa's side crashed out of the EFL Cup on penalties following a 1-1 draw with Hull City.

The club-record £27million signing was a second-half substitute in last weekend's 4-3 loss at Anfield with Bamford preferred to lead the line.

The Spanish striker can also play as a number 10 or a right winger.

However, Mills has "no doubt" that Bamford will be chosen to spearhead the attack on Saturday as Leeds welcome fellow Premier League new-boys Fulham to Elland Road.

"Bamford has done enough to keep his place," he told Football Insider.

"He worked incredibly hard against Liverpool. He got his goal, he put van Dijk under pressure, he chased the full-backs, he looks fit and he looks strong. You cannot knock him.

"Rodrigo is an option for Marcelo Bielsa up top but he could even play where Helder Costa is.

"We have seen Patrick Bamford have some average performances and Marcelo Bielsa has left him in the team. He has played exceptionally well and scored so there is no doubt that he will play.

"It does not matter if Rodrigo cost £27million or £200million. If you have got a player that has done what he has been asked to do he will stay in the team."

Captain Liam Cooper was again missing last night but is expected to be fit to return this weekend.

Leeds beat the Cottagers 3-0 in this fixture last season, with goals from Bamford, Ezgjan Alioski and Jack Harrison.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/danny-mills-exclusive-im-certain-exceptional-leeds-attacker-will-start-v-fulham/

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Leeds Matchday Preview

Leeds United v Fulham | Elland Road | Saturday 19th September 2020 | 3pm | #LEEFUL
The opposition

    Like Fulham, Leeds' first game back in the Premier League ended in defeat, although they did play their part in an enthralling clash with Liverpool. Three times they fought back at Anfield, but a late Mohamed Salah penalty meant it was all in vain.
    This summer saw Leeds break their transfer record with the signing of 29-year-old Spain international Rodrigo for a reported £26m fee. It's the club's biggest signing for 20 years, when they previously smashed their record to bring in Rio Ferdinand from West Ham United.
    Fulham will be the first visitors to Elland Road in a Premier League match in more than 16 years. Charlton Athletic were the most recent opposition to visit in the top flight, with the sides playing out a 3-3 draw on Saturday 8th May 2004.

Leeds team news

Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa has said that club captain Liam Cooper could return on Saturday after recovering from a calf injury, but suggested that Rodrigo will have to wait a little longer for a first Premier League start for the club. Midfielder Adam Forshaw remains sidelined following hip surgery.

Fulham team news

With no new injuries, Scott Parker will be judging players on their fitness ahead of Saturday's trip to Yorkshire. Following some impressive performances in the Carabao Cup in midweek, our Head Coach could have some welcome selection dilemmas.

Coverage

BT Sport will be showing the game live, while FFCtv seasonal and monthly subscribers will be able to listen to live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid. Commentary will be available via the match centre or the FFCtv App, with App users reminded to make sure they are using the most up-to-date version.

Pre-match quotes

"The season is very new and the adaptation of the new players is going to take a while, which is the same for everybody. As a result, I don't know whether it's going to be the same Fulham from last season or whether any of the new players will play."

Marcelo Bielsa
Leeds Head Coach

"this weekend we go to another promoted team, a team that won the division last year, very handsomely, who have spent a lot of money to improve the team even more."

Scott Parker
Fulham Head Coach

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/september/Leeds-Matchday-Preview/

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Leeds United's injury list in full after Liam Cooper update issued ahead of Fulham clash

Leeds United play their first Premier League game of the season at Elland Road this weekend

Premier League football is back at Elland Road this weekend as Leeds United host fellow top flight new boys Fulham.

It's been 16 years since Leeds hosted a Premier League match and Marcelo Bielsa will be hoping that his side get their first points of the campaign on the board following Saturday's thrilling 4-3 defeat at Liverpool.

Skipper Liam Cooper missed out at Anfield, meaning that Leeds had to field an untested partnership of Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk.

Bielsa then made a full slate of 11 changes for the midweek Carabao Cup tie against Hull City, only for the team of fringe players and youngsters to be knocked out on penalties.

Here is a look at Leeds' current injury situation going into the Fulham clash.

Liam Cooper - calf

Marcelo Bielsa gave an update on his skipper's fitness during his pre-Fulham press conference.

"We think Cooper will be ready to play the game on Saturday," he said in a boost to a backline which needs to improve from the Anfield defeat.

"There is no new injuries from the last few days," he also added.

Cooper had previously taken to social media to declare that 'gutted would be an understatement' after a calf injury ruled him out of the season opener on Mersetside. .

Cooper suffered the injury while on international duty with Scotland and failed a fitness test ahead of the Liverpool game, but Bielsa is confident he will be ready for Fulham.

Adam Forshaw - hip

Midfielder Adam Forshaw is the only other Leeds player currently out injured as he continues his battle back from surgery in February to correct a hip problem that has bothered him for more than a year now.

The midfielder last played almost a year ago, turning out for the second half of Leeds' 1-0 defeat at Charlton in September 2018.

Bielsa gave another update on Forshaw's recovery ahead of the Fulham match.

"Forshaw is taking part in collective training today apart from any actual playing of football," he said. "Next week his rehabilitation will continue."



https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-injury-team-news-18930294

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Fulham join Everton in race for Brazilian defender, 'strong interest' from Whites

On Thursday morning, we covered a piece from Italian newspaper Tuttosport which reported Everton's interest in Torino defender Gleison Bremer.

It was claimed the Serie A side are pretty open to the possibility of letting the player go this summer, as they're looking to cash in with several sales.

Now an update from Tutto Mercato Web claims that another Premier League side are in the race for the player, and that's Fulham.

The website writes that there's 'a strong interest' from the Whites, and they'd try to overcome Everton in this battle.

Just like Tuttosport, Tutto Mercato Web doesn't seem to know how much Torino are demanding for the move. The Italian club spent €5.8m to sign him from Atlético Mineiro two years ago, and he's now valued by Transfermarkt at only €5m.

It's also not clear if the Brazilian would be able to get a work permit for the Premier League, as he doesn't have any caps for the national team. But with two clubs now following him, we expect his agent to be optimistic about it.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-join-everton-race-brazilian-defender-strong-interest-whites/

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Fulham eyeing EFL man and Spurs player in planned late window action

Fulham could look to sign both Craig Dawson and Juan Foyth this transfer window with a few weeks left in the current market, as per Peter Rutzler on Twitter.

The Lilywhites are back in the Premier League and looked okay at times against Arsenal on the opening weekend but the Gunners' extra class eventually told as they ran out winners.

It appears, then, that Scott Parker is eager to add to his defensive options before the deadline and both Dawson and Foyth could be on his shopping list.

The Athletic's Fulham reporter Peter Rutzler revealed:

Fulham are very much in the market for central defenders this window and I understand that the club are interested in a loan move for Watford's Craig Dawson, and a permanent switch for Tottenham's Juan Foyth. #FFC

— Peter Rutzler (@peterrutzler) September 18, 2020

The Verdict

Fulham have some good players in defence like Michael Hector but it would perhaps be wise to add players that have a bit of experience of the Premier League.

Dawson obviously does whilst Foyth is a player that seems to have potential but isn't really getting much of a chance at Tottenham right now.

Both could well end up at Craven Cottage in the coming weeks of the window, then, and we'll just have to wait and see how Parker's squad looks at the end of the market to really assess how they're going to do this season.

Certainly, it's an important few weeks for them that lie ahead.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-eyeing-efl-man-and-spurs-player-in-planned-late-window-action/

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EFL boss details update on 28-year-old's potential exit, Aston Villa and Fulham previously linked

AFC Bournemouth have fielded no offers for Josh King, despite a number of reports confirming that there's interest in the forward from clubs in the Premier League. 

King scored six goals and registered four assists last year in the Premier League, but the 28-year-old was unable to halt the Cherries sliding towards relegation and the Sky Bet Championship.

The Telegraph have noted that there is interest from Aston Villa and Fulham, with that pair keen to take the forward back into the Premier League.

However, Jason Tindall has confirmed to Sky Sports' Mark McAdam that there's been no offer for King at this stage of the summer. If that remains the case it is expected that the forward will dust himself down and focus on returning Bournemouth to the Premier League.

King has been a Bournemouth player since 2015 and has made 170 appearances for the Cherries in that time. He's also scored 50 goals, with 48 of those coming in the Premier League.

The forward's best goal return came in 2016/17 when he scored 16 goals and registered two assists in 36 Premier League appearances.

The Verdict 

King is a talented forward and with around a month left of the summer transfer window, you've got to imagine that something will give in terms of interest in him.

Maybe clubs are waiting to see if he can shake off his niggles before making their move?

He'd be an asset for either Villa or Fulham.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/efl-boss-details-update-on-28-year-olds-potential-exit-aston-villa-and-fulham-previously-linked/

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Former Scotland forward Ross McCormack joins non-league Aldershot

Former Scotland international Ross McCormack will play his football in the Vanarama National League this season after signing for Aldershot.

The 34-year-old frontman, who began his career at Rangers and joined Fulham from Leeds for £11million in July 2014 before heading for Aston Villa for £12million two years later, has committed himself to the club for the 2020-21 campaign.

A statement on the club's official website said: "Aldershot Town are delighted to announce that Ross McCormack has agreed to commit to the club for the 2020-21 season!

"The former Scotland international has a very established career at Championship level, scoring lots of goals in a number of productive seasons for Cardiff City, Leeds United, Fulham and Aston Villa.

"Everyone at the club would like to welcome Ross on his commitment to the Shots for the 2020-21 season."

McCormack, who has 13 senior caps, made just 24 appearances for Villa in a difficult three-year stay during which he was loaned out to Nottingham Forest, Australian clubs Melbourne City and Central Coast Mariners and later Motherwell before leaving in June last year.

He said: "It wasn't a hard decision to make to be honest (on joining the club), but now is the right time to come back and get going again in England.

"Having spoken to Tanns [former Motherwell team-mate Craig Tanner], the gaffer and speaking to the staff and the lads here, I feel like it's right place to do it."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/former-scotland-forward-ross-mccormack-joins-non-league-aldershot-1600424620000

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Leeds United v Fulham

The home side won on both occasions when Leeds and Fulham met last season in the Championship

TEAM NEWS

Leeds expect to have captain Liam Cooper available again after he missed the opening match of the season against Liverpool with a calf problem.

Adam Forshaw is nearing a return to action after his long-standing hip injury.

Fulham head coach Scott Parker has confirmed he has no new fitness concerns in his squad.

There could be Premier League debuts for Alphonse Areola, Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson.

Former Chelsea defender Ola Aina may also be involved for the first time since completing a loan move from Torino.

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

These two promoted teams both lost last weekend.

Those results do not really tell the full story, though. Leeds could not really have had a much more positive return to the top flight, despite their defeat at Anfield.

I'm backing Marcelo Bielsa's side to get the win this time, especially because they are playing at Elland Road.

Prediction: 2-0

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Leeds are seeking back-to-back league victories against Fulham for the first time since December 2003, when the Whites were last in the Premier League.
    The home team has not lost any of the previous eight league meetings.
    In the past 31 Premier League matches between two newly promoted clubs, the away side has managed to win just twice - both of which came at relegated Norwich last season.

Leeds United

    This is the first Premier League fixture at Elland Road since a 3-3 draw against Charlton confirmed Leeds' relegation in May 2004.
    Leeds have lost their opening match at Elland Road in only one of their previous 12 seasons in the Premier League, a 2-0 defeat by Sheffield Wednesday in August 1996.
    Marcelo Bielsa's side conceded only one goal in their final eight Championship home fixtures last season.
    They won 33 tackles against Liverpool last Saturday and covered a distance of 114.6km, the most of any side in the opening round of Premier League matches.

Fulham

    Fulham have lost 15 of their past 19 Premier League matches.
    They have only won their opening away match in two of their 26 top-flight seasons, against Portsmouth in 2009-10 and Sunderland in 2013-14.
    Tom Cairney has been directly involved in seven league goals against Leeds, scoring four and setting up three - more than he has against any other opponent.
    Head coach Scott Parker scored a 90th-minute winner at Elland Road in December 2002 in his only victory in six Premier League appearances as a player against Leeds, which all came for Charlton.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54127845

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Fulham interested in loan deal for Watford defender

Fulham are looking to sign Watford defender Craig Dawson on a loan deal according to The Athletic's Peter Rutzler.

The London club looked incredibly suspect defensively in their opening day defeat to Arsenal at Craven Cottage and manager Scott Parker is eyeing up quality additions in defensive areas ahead of the transfer window closing.

Fulham are also looking at Tottenham Hotspur defender Juan Foyth as another possible option to bring into the club.

Fulham do have some good options in their defensive ranks with the likes of Michael Hector and Joe Bryan but they are lacking Premier League experience and top flight nous in that particular area.

Although Foyth hasn't played a lot for Spurs he is highly rated by the club's hierarchy whilst Dawson has a wealth of Premier League experience from his time with Watford and West Bromwich Albion.

Dawson was left out of the Hornets squad for their opening game against Middlesbrough with rumours that he could be set to leave as he looks for a top-flight move.

Although Dawson has flattered to deceive on some occasions whilst in the Premier League he does offer versatility with him being capable of playing at centre-back or right-back which could be an asset to Scott Parker's side.

It is unlikely that either player will require too much of a transfer fee and if Fulham could bring in both or either of them on a loan deal then it could represent shrewd business for the club.



https://the72.co.uk/192824/fulham-interested-in-loan-deal-for-watford-defender/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham looking to buy Tottenham defender and take Watford man on loan

Fulham want Tottenham defender Juan Foyth, according to Sky Sports News.

Foyth has struggled to establish himself as a first-choice player under Spurs boss Jose Mourinho and could be set to move on.

Fulham are keen to improve their defence following the club's return to the Premier League.

Sky say the Whites are looking to sign Foyth on a permanent deal and would also like Watford defender Craig Dawson on loan.

There are also likely to be departures from Craven Cottage before the transfer window closes.

West London Sport reports that Stefan Johansen looks likely to leave Fulham but André-Frank Anguissa is
set to stay.

"Given the squad at the moment – it's big, and while the window's still open there might be opportunities for players who might not be getting game time," Parker explained.

"I don't want anyone who didn't want to be here.

"The door's open for players who want to come in – and players who want to leave."

On Anguissa, Parker added: "The club want him to stay, and I want him to stay.

"He would be the first to say he has his struggles when he first came here, but we haven't seen the best of him by a long way.

"The Premier League is the best place for him to showcase his talents."



https://londonfootballnews.co.uk/tottenham/fulham-looking-to-buy-tottenham-defender-and-take-watford-man-on-loan/

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Under-23s undone by Fulham in first home game of the season

Fulham too strong for Mehmet Ali's young side at Bearwood Park

Under the guidance of Mehmet Ali, the Royals U23s played their first league match of the 2020-21 league campaign at Bearwood Park this afternoon, but fell to defeat against a strong Fulham side.

A very young side had been beaten by a Norwich team that included a number of first team acquisitions in the season's opener, but a number of the players who had been included in Veljko Paunovic's squad for the Carabao Cup clash on Tuesday night started in the sunshine at Bearwood Park this time.

The Cottagers however opened their account with only five minutes gone – Sylvester Jasper converting a deep Fabio Carvalho cross to beat Coniah Boyce-Clarke from close range.

And after a quarter of an hour it was 2-0 when Carvalho latched onto a loose ball after Boyce-Clarke had been robbed of possession inside his area – the maker of Fulham's first squeezed a shot inside the near post and beyond the dive of the recovering Royals keeper to double the visitors' lead.

Good defending from Nelson Abbey prevented a third with a late block and Boyce-Clark was down well to his right to save a drilled effort moments later. At the other end, Femi Azeez's deflected effort flew wide and, from the resultant corner, Abbey shot on the pivot but couldn't' hit the target.

Yet having worked hard to get a  foothold in the game, Fulham added a third on the stroke of half-time when Carvalho collected an intricate one-two from Jayden Harris and Boyce-Clarke could only take the sting out of his stabbed effort before watching it roll over the goalline for 3-0.

Fulham found a fourth early in the second half when Jasper scrambled the ball home following a good Boyce-Clarke save from a set piece that wasn't cleared quickly enough. Azeez forced the Fulham keeper into a good claim when his delivered a tasty cross from the left looking for Melvin-Lambert, but Boyce-Clarke was at full stretch to deny Carvalho his hat-trick on a breakaway.

Lawless connected with a low cross from the left but couldn't keep his effort down to trouble Ashby-Hammond in the Fulham goal. Azeez and Onen combined to nearly force their way through a crowded Fulham box but to no avail.

Pendlebury did well to get in behind the defence down the right with five minutes of the game remaining, but as he bore down on goal he could only find the side netting from a narrow angle.

East dragged a late effort wide as the organised Cottagers were proving impossible to penetrate and time for any sort of reply ran out.

Our Under-23s are next due in action at Aston Villa on Monday 28th September.

Reading Under-23: Boyce-Clarke, Watson, Bristow (Sackey HT), Samuels, Abbey, East ©, Pendlebury, Azeez, Onen, Ajose (Lawless HT), Melvin-Lambert (McGiff 77).
Subs: Holden, Ashcroft.
Yellow: Bristow, Pendlebury, Lawless

Fulham Under-23s: Ashby-Hammond, Murphy, McAvoy, Ameyaw, Larkeche, De Havilland, Harris, Davis, Carvalho, Jasper (Ablade 53), Tiehi.
Subs: Chisholm, Abraham.
Yellow: Ashby-Hammond



https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2020/september/under-23s-undone-by-fulham-in-first-home-game-of-the-season2/

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Report: Fulham battling Carlo Ancelotti to sign talented Brazilian

Fulham are ready to do battle with Premier League rivals Everton for the signature of Torino's Serie A centre-back Gleison Bremer, according to Tuttomercatoweb.

If Saturday's opening day humbling against Arsenal was anything to go by, Scott Parker's side are as prone to defensive blunders as the 2018/19 side, which conceded a staggering 81 goals en route to relegation – six more than Norwich let in last term.

At Championship level, Tim Ream and Michael Hector are about as good as it gets.

But Parker's first-choice centre-back pairing were exposed time and again by Arsenal at Craven Cottage and, while there's no shame in being left red-faced by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a worryingly slack display appears to have forced Fulham into the transfer market.

But, given Tah is unlikely to swap Europa League football at Bayer Leverkusen for a relegation battle in west London, it makes sense to identify more realistic options.

Like Bremer, for example.

TMW reports Fulham are battling Everton for the 23-year-old Brazilian, two days after Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti expressed his desire to reinforce an injury-hit back line before the window closes (Reuters).

A solid and reliable operator with the passing range and technical ability you would expect from a man who honed his talents in Brazil, Bremer could be exactly what Parker needs.

A 2017 arrival from Atletico Mineiro, Bremer forced his way into Torino's first team in 2019/20, with 27 Serie A starts to his name.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/18/report-fulham-battling-carlo-ancelotti-to-sign-talented-brazilian/

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'Go with my best wishes': Manager won't stop reported £15m Aston Villa and Everton target from leaving

Bournemouth boss Jason Tindall will not stand in Josh King's way if the reported Aston Villa, Fulham and Everton target is offered a return to the Premier League, he told the Bournemouth Echo today.

The Cherries might have to adapt to life back in the Championship without Callum Wilson, Aaron Ramsdale and Nathan Ake. But, as it stands, it feels increasingly likely that their long-serving Norwegian will be sticking around to take on the Lutons and the Barnsleys of the world.

The Sun (13 September, page 61) reports that King has no shortage of suitors with Aston Villa, Fulham, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur all keen to bring the versatile forward back to the top flight.

While Tindall has admitted that King can leave if an acceptable offer arrives, time is not exactly on the 28-year-old's side, with just a few weeks of the transfer window remaining and those interested parties seemingly focusing their efforts elsewhere for the time being.

"He knows that unless something changes in terms of if the club do receive an offer that's acceptable and he moves on, he will go with my best wishes," says Eddie Howe's replacement after holding 'very professional' talks with King prior to Saturday's clash with Middlesbrough.

"Because any player that can play at the highest level, especially when you come into the latter part of your career is a great thing.

"But he also knows if that doesn't happen, he's fully committed to the football club. Until someone tells me otherwise, I'm absolutely delighted to have a player like Josh King available to me."

The door to Villa Park appears to have slammed shut for King, who famously came oh-so close to a dream return to Manchester United back in January.

Bertrand Traore is expected to arrive from Lyon instead, while Werder Bremen's sporting director also confirmed Villa's interest in £18 million-rated speed-machine Milot Rashica (BuliNews).

Tottenham and Fulham are also prioritising other areas of the pitch at present while Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti said in midweek that there is only one more signing required at Goodison Park.

The Italian wants a centre-back – not a centre-forward.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/18/go-with-my-best-wishes-manager-wont-stop-reported-15m-aston-villa-and-everton-target-from-leaving/

[WhiteJC]

Match Preview: Leeds v Fulham. Against Liverpool we had no expectations, no such luxury this weekend.
The second game of the season is never "must win", but this is one where a result is needed.

Match: Leeds United v Fulham

Date: 19th September 2020

Time: 15.00 GMT, 10.00 ET, 08.00 PST.

Venue: Elland Road, Beeston, Leeds, England, LS11 0ES

Streaming/TV coverage: BT Sport, LUTV.

Leeds United impressed people against Liverpool but came away with nothing. They now welcome Fulham to Elland Road, and now the result is much more important.

Fulham were promoted after beating Brentford in the play-off final - which most would suggest was the absolute minimum based on the squad available to Fulham manager Scott Parker. They were at many times, less than the sum of their parts, and weirdly seemed to play better football when Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovic wasn't in the side - despite him being one of the two standout goalscorers in the division. Mitrovic didn't start against Arsenal but I would expect him to be back in for this game.

Now they are in the Premier League and opened up with a 3-0 defeat at home to Arsenal, despite this result, most people said they played alright and looked a better side than they did at some points last season.

We know Fulham can perform well against a Marcelo Bielsa Leeds United side. In Leeds' 3-0 win over Fulham in the run-in at the end of last season, Fulham were comfortably the better side in the first half as Leeds struggled to deal with their high press (Fulham's structure out of possession is discussed here, and in the Twitter thread below).

Fulham's biggest issue when I saw them last season, was that they were slow when building up play and that made it difficult for them to create chances - this did continue against Arsenal, but Arsenal should be a more difficult opponent than Leeds currently are.

Fulham are likely to play Tom Cairney in the deeper role alongside Harrison Reed like they did last season. The Cairney/Mateusz Klich battle could be very interesting in the middle, as I would assume Reed will pick up Pablo Hernandez.

I would expect Leeds to only make one change from the line-up at Anfield, with captain Liam Cooper replacing Pascal Struijk (who did his prospects no harm with his performance).

Leeds will play how a Marcelo Bielsa side play, we know how that is. It will be interesting to see if Leeds look to hit as many early balls out to Jack Harrison and Helder Costa as they did against Liverpool, or whether they will revert to using Pablo Hernandez in the way they did in the games where they were dominant last season.

Harrison and Costa should have easier time chasing back with Denis Odoi and Joe Bryan than they against Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson have been signed so there could be changes at full-back.

PREDICTED LINE-UPS

Leeds (4-1-4-1): Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Cooper, Dallas; Phillips; Costa, Klich, Hernandez, Harrison; Bamford.

Fulham (4-2-3-1): Areola; Odoi, Hector, Ream, Bryan; Reed, Cairney; Kebano, Decordova-Reid, Cavaleiro; Mitrovic.

Leeds need to win this game and I think we will be good enough in attack to break through Fulham's defences. Leeds will in theory have a "full-strength" back four but they still aren't used to playing together so I can't predict a clean sheet.

Leeds United 2 - 1 Fulham (Bamford, Costa; Mitrovic)



https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2020/9/18/21445370/match-preview-leeds-v-fulham-against-liverpool-we-had-no-expectations-no-such-luxury-this-weekend

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'A completely different proposition' – Sky Sports anchor fires Fulham warning at Leeds United

Jeff Stelling has warned Leeds United that they face a 'different proposition' in the form of Fulham this weekend, but he's still expecting them to win.

Leeds impressed last weekend despite a 4-3 defeat at Liverpool, whilst Fulham lost heavily to Arsenal.

Marcelo Bielsa's side have, rightly, earned plenty of plaudits, but as they renew rivalries with Fulham this weekend, Stelling has had a warning for them.

With the 2020/21 back in full swing, Sky Sports' 'Super 6' competition is too.

Stelling is a pundit for that competition, which gives him the platform to share his views on the upcoming fixture.

On the clash between Leeds and Fulham, the likeable Soccer Saturday anchor said:

    Leeds looked magnificent against Liverpool, but Fulham will be a completely different proposition.

    Aleksandar Mitrovic will start so he will be a handful up front, but Marcelo Bielsa's side will have too much quality and get over the line, but only just.

Stelling went on to predict a 1-0 win for Leeds.

Fulham were 2-1 winners when Leeds travelled to Craven Cottage last December, but Bielsa inflicted revenge in June, winning 3-0 at Elland Road.

After the thrill of Anfield, it's quite obvious that this will be a different test.

Fulham are 'at Leeds' level', so we can expect far more control from Bielsa's side, you'd imagine.

Both will want to boss the ball and the first goal is going to be important.

On last weekend's showings, Leeds look far more clinical than Fulham, who never troubled Arsenal really. However, we know not to write sides off.

Stelling is probably right, it's going to be tight, but home advantage could well be made to count.



https://www.leedsallover.com/a-completely-different-proposition-sky-sports-anchor-fires-fulham-warning-at-leeds-united/

[WhiteJC]

FOF'cast – Trust Trouble, Defence is Rubble
On this episode of FOF'cast, we are joined once again by Fulham fans Owen Smith and Gerry Pimm.

However, after the breaking news last Sunday, of Gerry Pimm standing down as Secretary of the Fulham Supporters Trust, we start the show by discussing the reasons behind this.

We then go on to discuss the following topics:

1) The 0-3 loss to Arsenal and Scott's starting 11.

2) Déjà vu with the same defensive mistakes Again.

3) Anguissa's Arsenal Man of the Match.

4) Contract Extensions for Bryan, Onomah & Odoi.

5) The 1-0 Ipswich Town Cup Win.

6) Striking Options beyond Mitrovic, what is there?

7) The up and coming Leeds Game.

8) Leeds Predictions.

This show lasts for about an hour, happy listening, and any feedback is appreciated.

http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1423

[WhiteJC]

Leeds United vs Fulham preview, team news, kick-off
Watch match highlights shortly after full time on Sky Sports' digital platforms and YouTube channel

Team news and stats ahead of Leeds United vs Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

Team news

Leeds captain Liam Cooper is hoping to make his first appearance of the season in the home game against Fulham.

Cooper missed the opening-day defeat at Liverpool and the midweek Carabao Cup exit to Hull, but is fit to return after a calf injury.

Marcelo Bielsa, who has no new injury worries, will revert back to his strongest line-up after making 11 changes on Wednesday night. Bielsa confirmed club record signing Rodrigo, who made his first start against Hull, will be
among the substitutes.

Fulham boss Scott Parker has no new injury concerns.

France goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, Dutch full-back Kenny Tete and United States defender Antonee Robinson could all make their Premier League debuts after featuring in the Carabao Cup win at Ipswich in midweek.

Former Chelsea full-back Ola Aina is in line for his first appearance since joining Fulham on a season-long loan deal from Torino.

How to follow

Follow Leeds United vs Fulham in our dedicated live match blog. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.

Watch the Premier League live on Sky Sports

One hundred and forty-six Premier League games will be shown live on Sky Sports in the 2020/21 season, with an additional six matches added in September.

The Premier League has further increased the number of televised games this season from 200 to 231, with over half of the extra fixtures set to be shown live on Sky Sports.

Overall, Sky Sports will be showing 146 Premier League matches live throughout the 2020/21 season, continuing to bring you all the latest twists, turns and shocks at the home of the Premier League.

There will also be two additional midweek programmes - one will be played across the weeks commencing January 11 and 18 and the second will be in the week commencing May 10. All of these games will be broadcast live.

You can also follow the action with our dedicated live blogs on the Sky Sports website and app, and watch free match highlights from every game shortly after full-time on our digital platforms and YouTube channel.

Opta stats
    The side playing at home has not lost any of the last eight league meetings between Leeds United and Fulham (W3 D5), winning the last three in a row. Indeed, in the Premier League, the home team has won each of the last four clashes between the two sides.
    After their 3-0 win over Fulham in June in the Championship, Leeds are looking to win back-to-back league meetings with the Cottagers for the first time since December 2003, during their last Premier League season.
    In the last 31 Premier League matches played between two newly promoted clubs, the away side has managed to win just twice (D9 L20), with both such wins coming at relegated Norwich City last season (Aston Villa 5-1, Sheffield United 2-1).
    This will be Leeds' first home game in the Premier League since their return to the division; they have only lost their opening home match in one of their previous 12 seasons in the competition (W8 D3), a 0-2 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in August 1996.
    After winning their first ever Premier League game in Yorkshire (1-0 v Leeds in April 2002), Fulham have lost their last seven top-flight trips to the county by an aggregate score of 3-18.
    Leeds are looking to avoid losing both of their first two matches to a top-flight campaign for the first time since 1980-81. Indeed, their defeat against Liverpool was their first ever Premier League defeat on MD1.
    Fulham have lost 15 of their last 19 Premier League matches, with three of their four victories in that run coming in consecutive matches in April 2019.



https://www.skysports.com/football/leeds-vs-fulham/preview/428851

[WhiteJC]

Fulham U18s beat Brighton

Fulham's under 18 side warmed up for the new campaign with a comfortable 3-1 win over Brighton in a pre-season friendly this afternoon.

Mika Bierith put the visitors in front with just ten minutes played before midfield Benjamin Jackson was sent off. Defender Ed Turns equalised for Brighton just before half-time but second half strikes from Jaylan Wildbore and Michael Olakigbe sealed the win for Fulham.

The young Whites begin their league campaign with a trip to West Ham on Saturday 26 September.

FULHAM U18s: Las; Trialist, Araujo, Parkes, Bowat; O'Neill, Pajaziti, Harris, Dibley-Dias; Biereth, Bowie.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/fulham-u18s-beat-brighton/