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

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Fulham and Everton keen on Torino defender Gleison Bremer

Everton have been linked with a move for the Torino defender Gleison Bremer earlier this month and it seems that Fulham have joined the chase as well as per Tutto Mercato Web.

We covered Everton's interest in the player earlier and it will be interesting to see if Fulham can beat the Toffees to the defender's signature in the coming weeks.

It is no secret that Fulham need to improve at the back and Bremer could prove to be a decent addition for them. Scott Parker's side were comfortably beaten in their season-opener and they must look to improve the squad before the window closes.

Bremer has done well for Torino and the 23-year-old could be a useful option for the Londoners.

Meanwhile, Everton need to tighten up at the back as well and they have been linked with a number of centre backs already.

It remains to be seen who makes the first move for Bremer this summer. Both clubs have the resources to pull off a transfer like this.

However, Carlo Ancelotti's presence at Everton could tempt the player to move to Goodison. The Italian is a world-class manager and he has an exciting project at his disposal.

Fulham on the other hand are a work in progress and there are no guarantees that they will beat the drop this season.



https://sportslens.com/fulham-and-everton-keen-on-torino-defender-gleison-bremer/314222/

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Four-star Fulham U23s cruise past Reading

Fulham's under 23s got their Premier League 2 campaign off to a perfect start with a 4-0 win at Reading this afternoon.

The visitors got off to a great start when Sylvester Jasper, who signed a new contract with the Whites earlier this summer, gave them the lead inside five minutes – converting a Fabio Carvalho cross after a clever ball from Luca Murphy prised open the Royals defence. Eight minutes later, it was 2-0 with Carvalho providing the finishing touch to Jean-Pierre Tiehi's excellent approach work.

Carvalho grabbed his second on the stroke of half-time after a neat exchange of passes with Jayden Harris and Jasper scrambled home the fourth just after the break when Carvalho's free-kick had been saved by Coniah Boyce-Clarke.

FULHAM U23s: L. Ashby-Hammond; Murphy, McAvoy, Ameyaw, Larkeche; Harris, de Havailland, Davis; Carvalho, Jasper (Abalde 53), Tiehi. Subs (not used): Chisholm, Abraham.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/four-star-fulham-u23s-cruise-past-reading/

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Scott Parker: 'Fulham will not be pushovers this season'

Scott Parker is adamant Fulham will be no pushovers this season but he admitted their trip to Leeds on Saturday is likely to offer a better insight into their standing in the Premier League compared with taking on Arsenal.

After Fulham marked their top-flight return with a 3-0 defeat to the Gunners at Craven Cottage last weekend, a philosophical Parker said his side will "lose more than we win" in the next few months.

But Parker insists Fulham will be fighting for every point in their bid to stay in the league ahead of their visit to Elland Road, where two newly-promoted teams will be vying for their first points of the campaign.

Leeds were also beaten in their first Premier League fixture in 16 years although they came from a goal down on three occasions at Liverpool before being finally vanquished 4-3 by the defending champions in the closing stages.

When asked if Saturday afternoon's clash is a more useful gauge of how they may fare in the division when measured against the loss to Arsenal, Parker replied: "Yeah, definitely.

"(But) saying that, we want to be competitive in those games (too). 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."

Parker has no new injury concerns but was tight-lipped when asked whether Alphonse Areola, Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson could all make their Premier League debuts after featuring in the Carabao Cup win at Ipswich in midweek.

Parker added: "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."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/leeds-united/news/scott-parker-fulham-will-not-be-pushovers-this-season_414936.html

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Parker: Aina and Tete can play in same Fulham team

Fulham have signed Ola Aina and Kenny Tete – who made his debut in the Carabao Cup win over Ipswich midweek.

On paper, it looks as if it's going to be one or other of the new right-backs at any one time.

Not so fast, says Scott Parker.

Former Lyon defender Tete, might have just the one string to his bow, but ex-Chelsea Aina has been pencilled in by his boss for other positions.

"They can both play in the same team," Parker explained.

"Ola was playing in a back three for Torino last season and he can also play as a left-back.

"They have qualities, and both can do well and be in the same side."

The manager has admitted he is looking to strengthen the centre of defence, where Aina could get his chance, while defender Cyrus Christie has sniffed the way the wind blows and is set to cement a loan move to Nottingham Forest.

Parker is also keen to bring in another forward before the transfer window closes.

"Defensively, we've not brought in many players," he said.

"We've brought in full-backs, but not in the centre.

"We've improved in midfield, and got a goalie, but the front half and defensively, we're looking to improve".



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-fulham-duo-can-play-in-same-team-and-more-new-signings-are-needed

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Christie joins on loan

Nottingham Forest are delighted to announce the signing of full back Cyrus Christie on a season-long loan deal.

The 27-year-old moves to The City Ground from Fulham having helped The Cottagers to promotion to the Premier League last season.

Christie started out at Coventry City and made over 100 appearances for the Sky Blues before departing for Derby County. He spent three years with The Rams ahead of signing for Middlesbrough and then going on to help Fulham win promotion via the play-offs in 2017-18.

After a season in the top flight, Christie helped Fulham return at the first attempt last season and the Republic of Ireland international now joins up with the Nottingham Forest squad for the 2020-21 campaign.



https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/news/2020/september/nottingham-forest-complete-loan-signing-of-fulham-defender-cyrus-christie/

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Christie joins Forest on loan

Fulham defender Cyrus Christie has signed for Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan, the club have confirmed this evening.

The Republic of Ireland international moves to City Ground after the summer signings of Kenny Tete and Ola Aina reduced his chances of first-team football at Craven Cottage. The right back, who has been part of two Fulham sides that have won promotion from the Championship in his time in west London, has made 67 appearances for the Whites, scoring two goals.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/christie-joins-forest-on-loan/

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Cyrus Christie: Nottingham Forest sign Fulham full-back on loan

Cyrus Christie has twice won promotion to the Premier League with Fulham

Nottingham Forest have signed Fulham full-back Cyrus Christie on a season-long loan deal.

The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international joined Fulham from Middlesbrough in January 2018 and has twice helped them win promotion to the Premier League.

He started his career with Coventry before a spell with Derby.

Christie is the second player to join the Reds this week after goalkeeper Abdoulaye Diallo.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54211382

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Three Things Marcelo Bielsa Must Do In Order For Leeds United To Secure A Win Over Fulham

After a shocking defeat to Hull City in the Carabao Cup, Leeds United will host Fulham on Saturday, hoping to return to winning ways. The Whites had lost their opening fixture to Liverpool, but against a fellow newly promoted club, they will be desperate to seal all three points as it could help them build some confidence among the camp.

In this article, we will talk about three things Marcelo Bielsa must do to secure a win over Fulham this weekend.

Liam Cooper Must Play

Liam Cooper's absence from the game against Liverpool turned out to be a massive blow for Leeds United as his deputy Pascal Struijk failed to deal with the threat of Mohamed Salah.

This time around, Cooper is available and must feature in this game if the Whites are to secure all three points this weekend. The club captain is yet to play alongside new signing Robin Koch, but the two should combine well given their contrasting style of play.

Cooper's experience and leadership will help Koch to earn more freedom, which, in turn, should allow the German international to impose his technical qualities on the game, thereby improving Leeds United's build-up play and ball retention in the defensive half.

More Focus On Attack

Defenders like Koch, Stuart Dallas and Struijk had a hard time dealing with the Liverpool attackers in the last game, so it is only natural for Marcelo Bielsa to take up a more cautious approach when it comes to allowing defenders the freedom to move forward.

However, that might not be the right thing to do against a club like Fulham. The Cotaggers have shown real weaknesses in their defence and organisation so allowing players like Dallas to make darting runs on the flanks could spell trouble for Scott Parker's men.

In fact, Bielsa could even employ the method of a three-man backline during the possession-phases, with Dallas moving forward to join the attackers and Luke Ayling providing support to the centre-backs. Koch and Kalvin Phillips could also have the license to march forward.

Patrick Bamford Ahead Of Rodrigo

After joining from Valencia in a record deal, Rodrigo Moreno is yet to impress the onlookers, notably coming up with an underwhelming display against Hull City. Although the Spaniard did lack supply, there are clear signs that he may need some time to get used to the pace and physicality of English football.

Therefore, it would perhaps be a wiser option for Bielsa to recall Patrick Bamford in the number nine role. The ex-Chelsea starlet may have faced a lot of criticism over his lack of conversion threat, but he is an ideal fit for Bielsa's high-pressing and intense tactical style. He can also score the odd goal, especially against a club like Fulham.



https://the4thofficial.net/2020/09/three-things-marcelo-bielsa-must-do-in-order-for-leeds-united-to-secure-a-win-over-fulham/

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'Shame' - Fulham fans have their say on Nottingham Forest deal for Cyrus Christie

The Reds wrapped up a move for the defender on Friday night

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Fulham defender Cyrus Christie on a season-long loan deal.

The Reds have been looking to bolster their right-back options after selling Matty Cash to Aston Villa and turned to the promotion-winning defender to help fill the void.

Forest could include him in their squad for Saturday's game against Cardiff and he has been given the number two shirt.

Christie played more than 30 games for Fulham last season as they won promotion to the Premier League and he started both semi-finals against Cardiff.

He also came on as a sub in the final against Brentford at Wembley.

Fulham fans were quick to speak out on the defender's departure and we took to Twitter to see what they had to say.

Matt Petitt: Buzzing for @cyruschristie, sure he will show what a player he is. Should've had more opportunities at Fulham, best threat going forward at times in games! Always put in good performances! Good luck mate.

Duncan Paveling: Have nothing but positive things to say about this guy. On and off the pitch he's clearly one of the good guys! Wishing you all the very best!

Leem: One of football's good guys. Wishing you the best of luck in your adventure this season @cyruschristie.

Lynnie: Good luck Cyrus. Sorry to see this but have a great season, you are one of football's very best men.

CairneyHelpYou: Shame, liked him.

Sami: Good luck @cyruschristie been a great player for us! Some huge moments and great memories! Have a great season.



https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/christie-fulham-forest-fans-reaction-4530660

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Leeds United "have spent a lot of money to improve the team even more", says Fulham boss Scott Parker
Scott Parker is adamant Fulham will be no pushovers this season but he admitted their trip to Leeds United on Saturday is likely to offer a better insight into their standing in the Premier League compared with taking on Arsenal.

After Fulham marked their top-flight return with a 3-0 defeat to the Gunners at Craven Cottage last weekend, a philosophical Parker said his side will "lose more than we win" in the next few months.

But Parker insists Fulham will be fighting for every point in their bid to stay in the league ahead of their visit to Elland Road, where two newly-promoted teams will be vying for their first points of the campaign.

Leeds were also beaten in their first Premier League fixture in 16 years although they came from a goal down on three occasions at Liverpool before being finally vanquished 4-3 by the defending champions in the closing stages.

When asked if Saturday afternoon's clash is a more useful gauge of how they may fare in the division when measured against the loss to Arsenal, Parker replied: "Yeah, definitely.

"(But) saying that, we want to be competitive in those games (too). 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."

Parker has no new injury concerns but was tight-lipped when asked whether Alphonse Areola, Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson could all make their Premier League debuts after featuring in the Carabao Cup win at Ipswich in midweek.



https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-have-spent-lot-money-improve-team-even-more-says-fulham-boss-scott-parker-2977133

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Milan in talks with Fulham for Anguissa.

Not only Bakayoko and Torreira on Milan's notebook for Pioli's midfield. There is in fact a new name in the Rossoneri orbit: André Zambo Anguissa, Cameroonian born in 1995 owned by Fulham and who spent last season on loan at Villarreal. In recent days there has been a meeting at Casa Milan with the player's agents. Anguissa can become a strong option with the right transfer formula and figures.



https://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/milan-in-talks-with-fulham-for-anguissa

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Leeds United push Liverpool to the limit, now can they do it against Fulham? - Sue Smith
I have written before in this column the thing I am most looking forward to this season is watching Leeds United and one Premier League game in, Marcelo Bielsa's side have not disappointed.

Fans of Liverpool and Leeds might not have enjoyed it quite as much, but for the neutrals, their opening game at Anfield was a brilliant watch.

Nobody who saw the Whites in the Championship would have been at all surprised by the way they played but it caught a lot of people who only really pay attention to the Premier League by surprise. It shows what I have been saying to people for years – they are missing out by not watching second-tier football.

The big question was always going to be whether Bielsa's methods would work in the top division and although Leeds lost 4-3, to play so well against the champions must have given them huge belief for the matches to come, starting with today's visit of Fulham.

There was plenty of post-match criticism of Liverpool's defence, but Leeds' high-energy pressing made it difficult.

At the start of last season, Norwich City were praised for the way they played against Liverpool, but this was totally different. Norwich only started to pose a threat when the game was beyond them in the second half and even then, they played with such naivety. There was never a point where you did not believe Leeds were still in it.

Leeds played with a real bravery and their man-marking has been highlighted. There are positives and negatives to it, but when Bielsa trusts you to go one-on-one with players of Liverpool's attacking quality, that must give you a lot of confidence.

Mateusz Klich's goal showed how well it can work for a team. I just love Klich as a player and his workrate always stands out when I watch Leeds.

Patrick Bamford scoring was important not just in the context of the match, but for him personally. We know Bielsa is a big fan of his and, hopefully, after some difficult spells in the Premier League, that will get his confidence up.

Teams will have watched Leeds at Anfield, seen the number of players they get into the box and realised how tough they are going to be to play against. Not that Fulham will have needed convincing, having only played them in June.

To play so well without either of last season's centre-backs – Ben White, who returned to Brighton and Hove Albion at the end of his loan, and injured captain Liam Cooper – was another example of the confidence Bielsa has instilled and the trust he has in his players.

Wednesday's League Cup defeat to Hull City raised questions about the squad depth at Elland Road, where fitness will be key this season. I will be a bit more comfortable if they get the couple of extra players they are looking for between now and the October 5 transfer deadline.

Leeds blew up after Christmas in Bielsa's first season, and that probably had a lot to do with their bodies not being used to that way of playing. Everyone was worried if it was going to happen again last season but they looked much stronger, so hopefully it will be the same this time.

Wolverhampton Wanderers showed that working with a small squad, as Bielsa likes to, is possible in the Premier League – and in their case, the Europa League, too.

A lot of credit has rightly gone to the sports science team behind the scenes at Molineux and the same must be true at Leeds, who did not suffer badly at all with injuries in winning last season's Championship.

Some managers do not seem too bothered about going out of the League Cup and seeing Bamford, Jack Harrison and Kalvin Phillips on the bench even as League One Hull got the better of a totally-changed Leeds side in midweek suggests Bielsa will not have lost too much sleep after going out on penalties.

I do not think Leeds are going to be struggling at the lower end of the table but as a newly-promoted side their first aim should still be to get clear of the threat of relegation, then look up.

They will have taken a lot from their first game, and it highlighted a lot of things they have to work on, especially defensively, but this can be another good season for them.



https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/sport-opinion/leeds-united-push-liverpool-limit-now-can-they-do-it-against-fulham-sue-smith-2977128

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'Fantastic', 'Massive positive' – Many Nottingham Forest fans react to transfer confirmation

Nottingham Forest supporters have been offering their reactions to the Reds confirming the signing of Cyrus Christie on loan for the season from Premier League Fulham.

The 27-year-old made 27 appearances for Fulham in the Championship last season as he helped the London club secure an immediate return to the Premier League under Scott Parker, but the Republic of Ireland international was behind Denis Odoi in the pecking order at times and was an unused substitute in the play-off final.

Forest were in need of adding to their right-back options having allowed Matty Cash to join Aston Villa and, with Tendayi Darikwa coming back from an long-term injury, it was important that Sabri Lamouchi brought in someone experienced in the Championship in that position.

Christie is a highly experienced performer at Championship level having enjoyed decent spells with both Middlesbrough and a three-season stint at Derby County – and the 27-year has the ability to get forwards well on the overlap and provide plenty of energy down the right-hand side.

Most Nottingham Forest supporters appear to be pleased with the addition of Christie despite his prior connection with rivals Derby, and the right-back seems like another solid addition that has been made by Lamouchi's side this transfer window as they look to mount a promotion challenge.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fantastic-massive-positive-many-nottingham-forest-fans-react-to-transfer-confirmation/

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Do This And We'll Beat Fulham Comfortably – Former Leeds United Star

Former Leeds United star Ben Parker is confident that the Whites can beat Fulham comfortably if they can replicate their performance against Liverpool from last weekend.

Marcelo Bielsa's men have set their eyes on earning their first win of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign when they host former Championship rivals Fulham on Saturday.

Leeds began their league campaign with a 4-3 defeat to defending champions Liverpool and will be looking to take the positives out of last weekend when they lock horns with the Cottagers.

While the Whites are considered by many as favourites going into the game, former Elland Road star Parker has stressed the need for the team to maintain the same level of mentality they showed at Anfield last weekend.

Parker views the Fulham game as a great opportunity for Bielsa's side to bag their first three points of the season and is confident that they can do so if they replicate their Liverpool performance.

The former full-back wants the Whites to go into the game as if they are facing Liverpool or Manchester City and earn their first win of the campaign.

"We are the favourites going to the game but you have got to have that same mentality", Parker said on LUTV.

And he stressed that Fulham represent a good opportunity to collect three points.

"It is about picking up points and this is a great opportunity, get the first win of the season under our belt, it gives you a nice platform to go into the rest of the campaign then.

"But, we have got to do all the basics well; closing down, do it for 90 minutes, do all the quality things in the final third, don't give them anything easy going forward as well.

"So look, as a collective performance, replicate Liverpool, we should beat them comfortably.

"But you have got to have that mindset as if you are playing a Liverpool or a Manchester City."

While Leeds suffered a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Liverpool, Fulham were handed a 3-0 loss by London rivals Arsenal in their season opener.



https://insidefutbol.com/2020/09/19/do-this-and-well-beat-fulham-comfortably-former-leeds-united-star/472908/

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Up next: Leeds United (a)

If we were dealing in footballing clichés, this would be your classical six pointer. It may only be the second weekend of the season but a clash between two of the newly promoted sides at Elland Road already appears pivotal. Leeds, who received plenty of plaudits for their swashbuckling style as they nearly embarrassed Liverpool on the opening day, will view this as an ideal opportunity to get their Premier League return up and running and, after the damaging 3-0 reverse that dealt such a blow to Fulham's hopes of automatic promotion after lockdown earlier this summer, Scott Parker will be under no illusions as to the size of the task in front of his players.

Marcelo Bielsa reportedly told the Fulham boss that the result should have been other way around after the Whites had dominated the first half of that open encounter, only to be felled by their familiar defensive frailties. It is one of the oddities of a shortened summer that Fulham have failed to address their vulnerabilities at centre half heading into a top flight campaign and Parker will probably have little choice but to pair Tim Ream and Michael Hector together again in Yorkshire this afternoon, despite both looking far from the standard required in last week's loss to Arsenal at Craven Cottage.

Bielsa, a master tactician whose innovation and eye for detail are second to none, will probably seek to exploit the space between Fulham's full backs as well. Leeds ruthlessly targeted the right flank in June, eventually profiting from the areas vacated by Joe Bryan in particular, and the visitors will need to be prepared for another stern examination of their durability. To date, Bielsa has remained largely loyal to his Championship winners where possible – and, in fairness, he continues to coax extraordinary levels of players from many of his players.

Consider the consistency of Luke Ayling, who raised his level when Leeds looked like they were wobbling in pursuit of promotion, and the fact that Stuart Dallas, a scourge of Fulham from his Brentford days, is now considered a more than dependable option at left-back, despite being far from a natural in that position. Nobody should need reminding of how Bielsa has converted Kalvin Philipps into one of the country's most promising holding midfielders and few players in recent years have been more deserving of elevation to the England squad. Even Patrick Bamford, a willing worker up front whose place in the side was largely expected to be filled by recent record signing Rodrigo, delivered an emphatic message to the doubters with a lovely finish at Liverpool. There are plenty more figures whose own outstanding performances have crept under the radar, including Mateusz Klich, who offers both energy and quality in midfield.

The bookmakers, and most of the pundits, see this as a mismatch. Fulham, possibly much more suited to playing away from home in Parker's preferred system, are a 5/1 shot to bring home three points this afternoon. Parker has plenty to ponder, as he acknowledged during Thursday's pre-match press conference. He has some dilemma in goal, even if Marek Rodak is expected to keep the starting spot for now, despite the arrival of Alphonese Areola. You would bank on Kenny Tete coming in at right back, particularly after he fizzed in the sort of ball Aleksandar Mitrovic thrives on to secure progression in the League Cup at Ipswich on Wednesday. The Fulham head coach could play Robinson behind Bryan to give Bielsa something else to think about on the other flank as well as shoring up one of those historical weaknesses.

Midfield is the most interesting area for me. Parker has yet to make significant changes to the side that clinched promotion, but the temptation to pair Andre-Frank Anguissa and Mario Lemina in central midfield after their encouraging performances at Portman Road must be huge. This feels like the sort of game where Fulham could do with a powerful double pivot to screen the back four and it appears to be the fixture tailor made for Anguissa to showcase how his own game has developed during that season in Spain. Getting the balance of that midfield will be vital and Tom Cairney, still with plenty to prove in the Premier League, might no longer be an automatic pick, as Chris argued in this piece earlier in the week. The skipper seems to raise his game against Leeds, fuelled by the lingering memories of being released by them on account of his size as a teenager, and has lost ten once in ten appearances, having a hand in seven goals.

To stand any chance of springing a surprise this afternoon, Fulham need to do more than simply prove more diligent than they were against Arsenal. A threat in the opposition box was sorely lacking last weekend, something that Mitrovic's mere presence should help with, but the Serbian striker – assuming he avoids another flare up with a centre half this time – will need numbers around him regularly. Parker's system has far too often isolated their most proven Premier League performer. That can't happen again today.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Tete, Bryan, Hector, Ream; Reed, Anguissa; Kamara, Kebano, Cairney; Mitrovic. Subs: Areola, Odoi, Robinson, Lemina, Onomah, Cavaleiro, Knockaert.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/up-next-leeds-united-a-3/

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Nottingham Forest hold option to buy Fulham defender

Nottingham Forest have an option to buy Fulham loanee Cyrus Christie, according to The Athletic journalist Paul Taylor on Twitter (see tweet below).

The Reds have signed the defender on a season-long loan from the Cottagers.

Christie, who is 27 years old, has been allowed to leave Scott Parker's side following their promotion from the Championship last season.

He will now be hoping to help Forest do the same this term under Sabri Lamouchi.

Christie is an experienced full-back and has racked up over 300 appearances so far in his career. He started out at Coventry City and had loan spells in non-league at Nuneaton Town and Hinckley United as a youngster.

He then broke into Coventry's first-team before moving onto Derby County in July 2014.

The Republic of Ireland international became a key player for the Rams and spent three years at Pride Park, playing 117 games and chipping in with two goals.

Middlesbrough then came calling in 2017 but he spent just a single season at the Riverside Stadium before his move to Fulham.

Christie was part of the Fulham side promoted to the top flight in the last campaign but finds himself down the pecking order at Craven Cottage.

He is a shrewd signing for Nottingham Forest on loan and they could make his move to the City Ground permanent next year.



https://the72.co.uk/192984/nottingham-forest-hold-option-to-buy-fulham-defender/

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Liam Cooper could make first Leeds appearance this season against Fulham

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.

Leeds provisional squad: Meslier, Cooper, Koch, Ayling, Dallas, Klich, Phillips, Costa, Harrison, Hernandez, Bamford, Rodrigo, Struijk, Shackleton, Roberts, Casilla, Alioski, Poveda.

Fulham provisional squad: Rodak, Areola, Bryan, Le Marchand, Tete, Christie, Hector, Odoi, Cairney, Reed, Knockaert, Onomah, Decordova-Reid, Lemina, Mitrovic, Ramirez, Ream, Robinson, Kebano, Zambo, Anguissa, Kamara, Cavaleiro, Aina.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/liam-cooper-could-make-first-leeds-appearance-this-season-against-fulham-1600449663000

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Scott Parker adamant Fulham will not lie down on return to top flight

Scott Parker is adamant Fulham will be no pushovers this season but he admitted their trip to Leeds on Saturday is likely to offer a better insight into their standing in the Premier League compared with taking on Arsenal.

After Fulham marked their top-flight return with a 3-0 defeat to the Gunners at Craven Cottage last weekend, a philosophical Parker said his side will "lose more than we win" in the next few months.

But Parker insists Fulham will be fighting for every point in their bid to stay in the league ahead of their visit to Elland Road, where two newly-promoted teams will be vying for their first points of the campaign.

Leeds were also beaten in their first Premier League fixture in 16 years although they came from a goal down on three occasions at Liverpool before being finally vanquished 4-3 by the defending champions in the closing stages.

When asked if Saturday afternoon's clash is a more useful gauge of how they may fare in the division when measured against the loss to Arsenal, Parker replied: "Yeah, definitely.

"(But) saying that, we want to be competitive in those games (too). 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."

Parker has no new injury concerns but was tight-lipped when asked whether Alphonse Areola, Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson could all make their Premier League debuts after featuring in the Carabao Cup win at Ipswich in midweek.

Parker added: "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."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/scott-parker-adamant-fulham-will-not-lie-down-on-return-to-top-flight-1600453732000

[WhiteJC]

Di Marzio: Milan add Fulham man to midfield wish list after meeting – the situation

After signing Sandro Tonali, Milan are looking to add one more midfielder to complete the department. Many players have been linked with the Rossoneri in recent weeks, but the chosen one is yet to be revealed.

In addition to Tiemoue Bakayoko and Lucas Torreira, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, Milan have added one more name to their wish list: Andre Zambo Anguissa. The 24-year-old is owned by Fulham but spent last season on loan at Villarreal.

There was even a meeting at Casa Milan recently, where the Rossoneri met with the player's agent to take stock of the situation. However, it was a simple inquiry and they still need to initiate negotiations with Fulham.

Should they reach an agreement in principle on the formula and the figures, then Anguissa could become a concrete option for Milan. It seems, however, that Bakayoko is still ahead and it remains to be seen if Chelsea will budge.



https://sempremilan.com/di-marzio-milan-add-fulham-man-to-midfield-wish-list-after-meeting-the-situation

[WhiteJC]

Leeds vs Fulham prediction: How will Premier League fixture play out today?

All you need to know ahead of kick-off

Leeds United host their first Premier League game in 16 years on Saturday as they welcome Fulham to Elland Road.

Both teams will be looking for their first win of 2020/21, after each tasted defeat to one of the league's top sides last time out.

A 4-3 defeat to champions Liverpool would have given optimism, as well as frustration, to Leeds fans, while Fulham will think there's work to do in the market after a 3-0 loss to Arsenal.

Both sides played in the League Cup in midweek, but it's all about points in the Premier League as far as this season is concerned.

Here's everything you need to know about the game.

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What time is kick-off?

The match kicks off at Elland Road in Leeds at 3pm on Saturday, 19 September.

What TV channel is it on?

The game will be broadcast on BT Sport 1, BT Sport Extra 1 and BT Sport Ultimate.

Subscribers can also stream the match online via the BT Sport website and app.

Team News

Both teams could make changes after opening-day defeats and midweek League Cup clashes.

Rodrigo will hope for a full Premier League debut at the expense of Patrick Bamford, while Liam Cooper could also come into the team after missing the match at Anfield.

Jean Michel Serri needs a fitness check for Fulham, while Alphonse Areola will hope to come in for his Premier League debut in goal.

Predicted line-ups

Leeds: Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Cooper, Dallas; Phillips; Costa, Hernandez, Klich, Harrison; Rodrigo.

Fulham: Areola; Odoi, Hector, Ream, Bryan; Cairney, Anguissa; Kebano, Onomah, Cavaleiro; Mitrovic.

Odds

Leeds 7/9

Draw 31/10

Fulham 5/1

Prediction

Both teams know each other well, but Leeds finished well clear of their promoted rivals last term and had a better opening-day performance too, despite suffering defeat. Leeds 2-0 Fulham



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/leeds-vs-fulham-prediction-premier-league-2020-form-odds-today-latest-b454533.html