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Sunday Fulham Stuff - 01/11/20...

Started by WhiteJC, October 30, 2020, 11:19:17 AM

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WhiteJC

Results



Saturday
Sheff Utd
0-1
Man City
Burnley
0-3
Chelsea
Liverpool
2-1
West Ham

WhiteJC

'My god' – Dimitar Berbatov predicts result of West Brom clash v Fulham

Ex-Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov has predicted his former club will beat West Brom at Craven Cottage on Monday night

The Bulgarian football legend said he thinks Fulham will win 1-0 against the Baggies, a result that would be nothing short of a disaster for Albion.

While doing his weekly predictions for Metro, Berbatov claimed the game is 'winnable' for his former side and tipped Fulham to go down if they don't start winning soon.

He said, "My god, Fulham- what can I even say? I'm going to keep picking Fulham until they finally win! This is a winnable game for them, and is an opportunity to at least try and build. If they don't turn it around quickly, they are going down. 1-0."

Berbatov played with Fulham boss Scott Parker during his time at Craven Cottage and we think there could be a hint of bias in the Bulgarian's prediction.

Fulham have been woeful this season and are frankly lucky to have a point. Yes, in theory, the Cottagers could win, but they will have their work cut out against an Albion side that is improving week on week.

Baggies new boy Karlan Grant scored against Fulham for Huddersfield Town last season, his former side lost that game 2-1 and the forward will hoping to be on the right side of a win on Monday.

He grabbed his first Baggies goal on his second outing in last Monday's 1-1 draw with Brighton. He only needed one chance to score for Albion and against Fulham's defence, he should have more than one chance.

Berbatov may think Fulham will see their upcoming game as 'winnable', but so will the Baggies. Both sides are hungry for their first league win of the season and both teams will fancy themselves, hopefully, we see plenty of attacking and plenty of goals, rather than two teams standing off each other and playing it safe.



https://www.westbromnews.co.uk/2020/10/31/my-god-dimitar-berbatov-predicts-result-of-west-brom-clash-v-fulham/

WhiteJC

Fulham v West Brom: match preview


Scott Parker thinks Fulham are "moving in the right direction" but that needs to start translating into results. Defeat to West Brom, themselves in need of a first win, would bode particularly ill and this already has the feel of one that could define their season. "I think this game has a little bit extra," Parker said. West Brom are in decent nick after a draw at Brighton but Slaven Bilic's relationship with his board remains tense after the controversial sale of Ahmed Hegazi. Nick Ames

Monday 5.30pm Sky Sports Premier League

Venue Craven Cottage

Last season Fulham 1 West Brom 1 (Championship)

Odds H 6-4 A 2-1 D 5-2

Referee Simon Hooper

This season G1 Y1 R0 1 cards/game

FULHAM

Subs from Rodak, Fabri, Le Marchand, Hector, Odoi, Christie, Robinson, Cavaleiro, Reed, Bryan, Decordova-Reid, Reed

Doubtful None

Injured Tete (calf, 7 Nov), Kebano (unknown, 7 Nov), Andersen (ankle, unknown), Kongolo (foot, unknown)

Suspended Kamara (first of three)

Discipline Y13 R1

Form LLLLDL

Leading scorer Mitrovic 2

WEST BROM

Subs from Bond, Button, Phillips, Grosicki, Austin, Harper, Edwards, Peltier, Kipré, Gibbs, Robinson, Bartley, Sawyers, O'Shea

Doubtful None

Injured Robson-Kanu (elbow, 21 Nov), Field (knee, 28 Nov)

Suspended None

Discipline Y5 R1

Form LLDLDD

Leading scorer Robinson 2



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/oct/31/fulham-west-brom-match-preview-premier-league


WhiteJC

Fulham duo thrown potential lifeline by boss Parker

Stefan Johansen and Michael Hector could still have a future at Fulham, according to boss Scott Parker.

Johansen has been out of favour for some time and was unsurprisingly omitted from the Premier League 25-man squad.

And Hector, so impressive for the Whites in the Championship, has lost his place in the side after a poor start to the top-flight season.

Hector has fallen down the pecking order of centre-backs following the recent arrivals of Tosin Adarabioyo and Joachim Andersen.

Parker now wants to see the former Chelsea man force his way back in.

"Hec will be the first to admit the quick turnaround and the amount of games saw him struggling a bit," Parker told West London Sport.

"You need to realise where you are at moments like these.

"He needs to keep improving and learning from the step up.

"I'm sure he's not pleased, not happy, but it's what players like Hec learn from this that will make a difference."

Johansen is nursing a back injury but could get a chance to re-establish himself later in the season, Parker says.

"There is a problem at the moment, but he's not going for surgery," Parker explained.

"He needs to get on top of it, but he's got some time (until January) and it's not a massive problem.

"Does it mean Stef has no future part to play? Definitely not.

"He needs to get as fit as he can and make my decision difficult whether to include him or not."



https://londonfootballnews.co.uk/fulham/fulham-duo-thrown-potential-lifeline-by-boss-parker/

WhiteJC

Another basement battle sees Baggies visit the Cottage

A third successive Monday evening PPV fixture for the Baggies sees them travel to Craven Cottage to take on bottom side Fulham. It will be the first time this campaign that Albion take on a fellow promoted side, and both teams will feel that this is a real opportunity to get their first Premier League victory of the season.

With rumours of another national lockdown about to be imposed, it could be Albion's last game for a while if the government decides to bring a halt to professional sport once again.

Scott Parker has endured a tough return to the Premier League with the Cottagers' two opening home games resulting in 3-0 defeats to Arsenal and Aston Villa sandwiching a 4-3 defeat to fellow promoted side, Leeds United, at Elland Road. They then went to Molineux and were edged out 1-0 in a fairly drab game before earning their only point of the season so far away to Sheffield United – that is the Blades' only point of the season as well. Last time out, they were beaten 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace although it was not as close as the scoreline suggests with Tom Cairney's consolation goal, their only one at home so far this campaign, coming deep into stoppage time.

With fourteen goals conceded so far this season, no one has conceded more than Fulham, although they are level with Albion and, remarkably enough, second-placed Liverpool. Equally disturbing for Parker will be the goals for column with just five scored, three of which came in one game against Leeds. They look like the prime opponents to register a first victory against, but I'm sure that Fulham will consider the Baggies equally attractive opponents.

However, Slaven Bilić's team have been making incremental improvements in each game, excepting the poor performance at Southampton, culminating in the excellent second half performance at Brighton that could have easily produced that elusive first victory. If the players can pick up where they left off, there is every reason to hope that this match could bring three points.

Having lost a player he expected to keep last weekend, Bilić now has a player available that he had expected to lose. The FA have not approved Kamil Grosicki's loan move to Nottingham Forest and the Pole returned to training at the Hawthorns this week. I'd be surprised if he went straight into the squad for Monday's match, but he could be a useful alternative option as the season progresses.

I don't expect to see any changes to the starting line up from the Brighton match, although there is a chance that someone has particularly impressed Bilić in training. Having said that, Albion looked much improved at the Amex with Pereira playing more centrally, and I wonder if the Croat might tweak things to allow that to happen from the start. Last week, that was principally done by replacing Livermore with Robinson and it would be a big call for Bilić to start without his skipper, but I would expect to see a similar change should Albion need a goal in the second half.

Predicting the Fulham line up is somewhat tricky given the number of changes that Parker has made this season in search of a winning formula. He has favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation but tried 3-4-3 against Villa and it was more of a 4-3-3 last time out against Palace. Only Mitrović and Anguissa have featured in every game although goalkeeper, Areola, usual skipper, Cairney, Cavaleiro and Ream have started five of the six league games this season.

Former Baggie, Tosin Adarabioyo, has played their last two games while new loan signing, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, is also likely to be a fixture in the starting line up going forward. Another loan signing, Ademola Lookman, has also started the last two games, scoring against Sheffield United – he has a point to prove back in the Premier League having made just 13 appearances for his parent club, RB Leipzig, last season following his move from Everton.

Another player that Albion fans will be watching carefully is left back Antonee Robinson. The former Wigan man chose Fulham over Albion in the summer and all Baggies will be hoping that he will be regretting that decision at the conclusion of this match, and of the season.

With tough games against Spurs and Man Utd to follow, assuming football continues beyond this weekend, it is a huge match for Bilić's boys and a great opportunity to double the club's points total for the campaign. A win would also end a 57 year wait for a league win at Craven Cottage – read more about the history and statistics of this fixture.



https://brummieroadender.com/baggies-preview/another-basement-battle-sees-baggies-visit-the-cottage/

WhiteJC

West Brom Matchday Preview

Fulham v West Bromwich Albion | Monday 2nd November 2020 | 5.30pm | #FULWBA

The opposition

    After a difficult start to life back in the Premier League which saw the Baggies ship eight goals in their opening two matches as they were beaten by Leicester City and Everton, things have begun to turn in the right direction courtesy of three draws from their last four outings.
    The squad is largely the same as the one that finished second in the Championship last season. Karlan Grant is one new addition, though, and scored his first goal for the club in Monday's 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion.
    This will be the first top flight meeting between Fulham and Albion in almost seven years. That game finished 1-1 at the Hawthorns, with Matej Vydra's late equaliser cancelling out Ashkan Dejagah's opener.

Fulham team news

Aboubakar Kamara will serve the first of a three-game ban following his dismissal versus Crystal Palace.

Kenny Tete remains sidelined through injury, but there was some positive news regarding Joachim Andersen who has recovered from his ankle injury quicker than expected.

"Andersen trained for the first time [on Thursday], albeit a modified session, so we'll see how he goes in the coming days," Scott Parker revealed.

"[Terence] Kongolo is still getting up to speed after having been out for some time. [Neeskens] Kebano is out still, hopefully to come back to train maybe before Monday."

West Brom team news

The Baggies will be able to call on Dara O'Shea once again following the defender's return to training having missed the Brighton draw with a knee injury. Kamil Grosicki has been added to their 25-man Premier League squad after his move to Nottingham Forest fell through. Hal Robson-Kanu (broken arm) and Sam Field (knee injury) are both out.

Coverage

The game will be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office. Instructions on how to purchase the match can be found here. FFCtv subscribers can also listen to live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid.

Player insight

Harrison Reed understands the magnitude of Monday's match, but doesn't think it's time to start calling games 'six-pointers' yet.

"I think it's a bit early to say that maybe," he told FFCtv. "But looking at where we're at, come the end of the season [West Brom] are likely to be around us, so of course it's a big game, but we can't put too much pressure on it.

"It's like any game, we go into it wanting to win, no matter who it is. But looking at Monday, it's one that we definitely want to win."

Form

Fulham: LLLDL

West Brom: D*DLDD

*Lost on penalties

Pre-match quotes

"Every game is massive for us, but this one has got a little bit extra."

Scott Parker
Fulham Head Coach

"It would be great to win at Fulham. We are a very confident group of players and people. In every game apart from Southampton we have shown that we are good enough."

Slaven Bilic
West Brom Head Coach



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/october/West-Brom-Matchday-Preview/


WhiteJC

New Trust email address

We would like to let you know about an important change to the way you contact the Trust.

As of today, we are moving to a new email address which is

[email protected]

Please could you update our details in your records and use this new address to contact us from now on. You may also like to add the new address to a trusted sender or white list if your email system supports this to avoid messages being diverted to junk or spam mail.

For a short period of transition the old address will be automatically forwarded to the new one so we don't miss any messages, but it will eventually be turned off.

We would like to thank long time Trust member and former board member Michael Gregg for providing the outgoing email facilities over a number of years.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2020/10/new-trust-email-address/

WhiteJC

What Boris Johnson's latest lockdown restrictions mean for the Premier League and its clubs

The Premier League was suspended for over three months after the first national lockdown was implemented in March, while the United Kingdom will now head into a second period of heightened restrictions

The Premier League season will continue despite the government unveiling plans for a second lockdown England.

Boris Johnson has announced a month-long period of heightened restrictions lasting until December 2, to curb the rise in coronavirus cases.

"We've got to be humble, in the face of nature," declared the Prime Minister. "The virus is spreading even faster than the worst case scenario of our scientific advisors.

"From Thursday until the start of December you must stay at home, you may only leave home for specific reasons."

During the first lockdown, which started in March, the Premier League was suspended and it took over three months for the season to resume.

The Premier League are confident they can navigate the latest restrictions without the need for a suspension this time round.

Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, confirmed elite sport can continue, but all leagues below the National League North and National League South will be suspended.

He wrote on Twitter: As the Prime Minister has just confirmed we will be taking additional restrictions from Thursday.

"We understand the anxiety & impact these will have, and will ensure they last not a day longer than necessary.

"The changes mean people should work from home where possible. But where this is not possible, travel to a place of work will be permitted... this includes (but not exhaustive) elite sport played behind closed doors, film & tv production, telecoms workers."

Measures introduced in the second lockdown include shutting hospitality venues and preventing outbound international travel apart from work trips.

Travel for work within the United Kingdom is permitted for work purposes, meaning Premier League clubs should be able to make the journey for away fixtures.

Teams should also be allowed to stay overnight before fixtures, as overnight stays away from home are allowed for work trips.

Elite sport is already exempt from certain restrictions such as quarantine periods, while the season will continue despite the likely imminent lockdown.

But the news means the return of fans to stadiums - which had been originally scheduled for this month - is likely to be pushed back further until 2021 at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters believes the top flight is well prepared to continue during a second lockdown.

Strict testing measures are already in place, with thousands of Covid-19 swabs carried out each week for players and club staff.

Masters recently said: "We don't feel the closed doors model is at risk at the moment.

"We think we've got a proven model that worked in Project Restart, and at the moment we're happy, and so are government, that we can continue."

However, lower down the English football pyramid, where clubs have been severely hit, financially, by not being allowed to have fans return, the situation could be more dire.

Elsewhere, UEFA has extended the deadline for teams to complete Champions League and Europa League group-stage matches until 28 January.

If clubs cannot host home matches in their own country due to national restrictions, then a neutral venue must be found to avoid forfeiting the fixture 3-0.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/boris-johnson-lockdown-premier-league-22936895

WhiteJC

Football in Lockdown: Boris Johnson update, Premier League stance and possible changes

The Prime Minister has confirmed that a national lockdown will be imposed from the early hours of November 5, lasting until December 2

Boris Johnson has confirmed that as of Thursday November 5, England will go into a national lockdown, following a significant rise in coronavirus cases across the country.

The Prime Minister announced a new set of guidelines that closely resemble the lockdown that the country was forced into earlier this year.

In March, Premier League bosses took the unprecedented decision to suspend the league season, with the EFL and the rest of the footballing pyramid following suit.

After intense negotiations, Project Restart signalled the resumption of the top two divisions after a three-month absence, with Liverpool going on to wrap up their first title in 30 years.

But with new restrictions set to come into effect by the end of the week, Mirror Sport have looked at some of the key issues surrounding the ongoing campaign.

What did Boris Johnson say about sport in latest lockdown announcement?

During the delayed news conference Johnson gave a thumbs up and said "Yes to the Premier League", when the question of the season resuming was asked.

Shortly after the televised press conference, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden went into more detail on the impact the new guidelines would have on elite sport.

"The changes mean people should WFH (work from home) where possible," he posted on social media. "But where this is not possible, travel to a place of work will be permitted - e.g. this includes (but not exhaustive) elite sport played behind closed doors, film & tv production, telecoms workers."

It means that in the immediacy at least, elite sport will continue as it has since Project Restart in June, with games being played behind-closed-doors under strict Covid friendly guidelines.

What will change?

For now, not a great deal. The restrictions still allow travel for work in the United Kingdom, meaning teams can make journeys for away fixtures.

Teams should also be allowed to stay overnight before fixtures, as overnight stays away from home are allowed for work trips.

It does however mean that the idea of spectators returning to stadiums in the near future appears very unlikely.

Petitions had been signed in order for the government to potentially change their minds, but that is likely to be pushed back until 2021 at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters believes the top flight is well prepared to continue during a second lockdown.

Strict testing measures are already in place, with thousands of Covid-19 swabs carried out each week for players and club staff.

Masters recently said: "We don't feel the closed doors model is at risk at the moment.

"We think we've got a proven model that worked in Project Restart, and at the moment we're happy, and so are government, that we can continue."

What will happen if the Premier League season can't continue?

Should the situation change and football is forced to be halted again, it is understood that there are plan to null and void the 2020/21 season.

In September,the 20 top-flight clubs were set to vote on protocols in the event of another suspension this season. Rules were written for such a scenario back in August, but more votes will now be required before a final decision is made.

First of all, clubs will need to decide how many matches need to be played in order for the campaign to be played to completion and not declared null and void. It is believed that figure stands at around two thirds, meaning around 25 matches will need to be completed for the season to not be made void.

The 25th game week of the Premier League season in 2020/21 is set for the weekend of February 20, while the 28th game week occurs in mid-March.

What's the latest on the Champions League and Europa League?

England isn't the only country to impose a new period of lockdown, with Germany and France both implementing similar models in the last week.

UEFA have extended the deadline for group stage matches until January 28, with clubs being told that they have until then to complete their fixtures as a last resort.

International travel will be banned under the new rules – with the exception of work, meaning teams involved in the two major European competitions should be able to make journeys.

This may become more complicated if certain countries introduce new restrictions on movements across the continent.

If clubs are unable to host games due to restrictions then they must look for a neutral venue in which their matches can take place and pick up the costs of any switch.

Should a club not be able to find an alternative venue, they will forefeit the fixture 3-0.

If the group stage is unable to be completed by the new January deadline, then UEFA's executive committee will decide which clubs qualify from the group stages.

What have the Football League said?

The EFL released a statement on Saturday night where they declared that the Championship, League One and League Two would all continue.

The statement said: "During this next phase it has been confirmed to the League by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that elite sport will be able to continue and EFL competitions will therefore remain as currently scheduled (in both England and Wales).

"Professional football has implemented some of the most stringent, robust and regularly reviewed protocols since the restart in June 2020 and our medical experts' advice remains in place to fully adhere to these measures which are specifically designed to mitigate against the spread of the virus.

"The health, safety and well-being of players and Club staff throughout the pandemic has been our first priority and this will continue as we enter this next period of lockdown and beyond.

"In addition, we acknowledge the Government's national efforts in tackling this outbreak and would hope that during this next phase of the crisis, our national sport, negatively affected by COVID-19 like many other industries, can continue to provide some form of welcome distraction and give people in our communities up and down the country a sense of normality in very challenging times."

What about Non-League, amateur, women's and school football?

As it stands, Non-League football can continue, down to National League North and South.

DCMS chief Oliver Dowden has stated that 'elite sport' can continue - and those leagues are the bottom of what is considered 'elite sport'.

However, the National League are yet to comment.

Beyond that, while greater clarity from the Government is required, the latest guidelines state: "There is no exemption for communal worship in places of worship (except funerals and individual prayer), organised team sports, or children's activities."

Thus, with the declaration that, "people can only exercise outdoors in households or with one other person", the implication is that all lower tiers of the Non-League pyramid, Sunday League football and kids sports will have to come to a halt.

For kids, the BBC have reported: "Schools stay open but club sport for children outside of that setting has to stop until December."

Women's Football, at all levels, also needs to be addressed.

The Women's Super League has been played behind closed doors and may well be allowed to continue; but after the FA Cup Final on Sunday, between Everton and Manchester City at Wembley, answers will be required.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/premier-league-lockdown-boris-johnson-22937982


WhiteJC

Scott Parker: 'Fulham have been a bit naive in Premier League'

Scott Parker believes his Fulham side have been "naive" at times during their disappointing start to the Premier League campaign.

After the first six games, the Cottagers were at the foot of the table, having recorded just one point, ahead of their crucial clash with fellow strugglers West Brom on Monday night.

Parker was up front about his perceptions of his side's situation, saying: "This year, our league is our mini league and at this present moment in time the way it is we're about three points off of being top of our mini league.

"The facts are fourth from bottom this year is going to be a huge success and that's our aim and at this present moment in time we need to be comfortable being in and around this position because that's where we are.

"Frustrations along the way – of course but that's the same for every manager. Whether you're at the top or the bottom of the league there's always those frustrations, so that's exactly where we are."

When asked whether he felt Fulham had shown too much respect to their opponents, the 40-year-old said: "I don't know about respect because I think we've turned up for the majority of the games this year, albeit very early.

"I feel we've had a real confidence and been really brave in the way that we've played definitely.

"But certainly, and I think I said it after the Leeds game, sometimes we are maybe a little bit naïve and that's something we need to improve on.

"Respect, I'm not sure about – I don't think that's probably the right word but at times we need to show a different side to us.

"Whether that's (being) street-wise, (or) a know-how and understanding of certain situations, we definitely need to improve for sure, and like I said we'll get there with that."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/scott-parker-fulham-have-been-a-bit-naive-in-premier-league_420596.html

WhiteJC

The six players Fulham could be without for Premier League clash vs West Brom

Scott Parker has a few injury concerns ahead of the Premier League match at Craven Cottage.

West Brom are in Premier League action on Monday as they travel to London to take on fellow promoted side Fulham at Craven Cottage in the evening kick-off.

The two clubs have had a difficult start to the season after their return to the top division, with both looking for a win in order to kick start their campaign.

Fulham find themselves in 19th position in the Premier League table, having picked up just one point from their opening six games.

Albion, meanwhile, are two positions and two points better off than their opponents going into the game.

Three points could prove to be crucial for either team come the end of the season.

Ahead of the game Fulham manager Scott Parker could have up to six players unavailable for selection.

Winger Aboublacar Kamara will be serving the first match of a suspension after being shown red in the 88th minute of the loss against Crystal Palace last week.

Fulham could also be without another winger, with Neeskens Kebano a doubt for the game with a knock, he has been rated with a 50% chance of being fit enough to feature by PremierInjuries.

Centre-back Joachim Andersen has also been rated with a 50% chance of being available for selection after returning to training this week.

"He trained for the first time today, albeit a modified session. We'll see how he goes in the coming days," Parker said of the defender.

Fulham will also definitely be without full-back Kenny Tete, defender Terence Kongolo and midfielder Joshua Onomah, who are all out of action with longer-term injuries.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-injury-news-west-brom-19201042

WhiteJC

Scott Parker admits Fulham have been 'naive' at times on Premier League return

Scott Parker believes his Fulham side have been "naive" at times during their disappointing start to the Premier League campaign.

After the first six games, the Cottagers were at the foot of the table, having recorded just one point, ahead of their crucial clash with fellow strugglers West Brom on Monday night.

Parker was up front about his perceptions of his side's situation, saying: "This year, our league is our mini league and at this present moment in time the way it is we're about three points off of being top of our mini league.

"The facts are fourth from bottom this year is going to be a huge success and that's our aim and at this present moment in time we need to be comfortable being in and around this position because that's where we are.

"Frustrations along the way – of course but that's the same for every manager. Whether you're at the top or the bottom of the league there's always those frustrations, so that's exactly where we are."

When asked whether he felt Fulham had shown too much respect to their opponents, the 40-year-old said: "I don't know about respect because I think we've turned up for the majority of the games this year, albeit very early.

"I feel we've had a real confidence and been really brave in the way that we've played definitely.

"But certainly, and I think I said it after the Leeds game, sometimes we are maybe a little bit naïve and that's something we need to improve on.

"Respect, I'm not sure about – I don't think that's probably the right word but at times we need to show a different side to us.

"Whether that's (being) street-wise, (or) a know-how and understanding of certain situations, we definitely need to improve for sure, and like I said we'll get there with that."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/scott-parker-admits-fulham-have-been-naive-at-times-on-premier-league-return-1604183440000


WhiteJC

Fulham v West Brom: Inside track on Scott Parker's side

West Brom face a huge Premier League clash with Fulham on Monday - get to know Scott Parker's side here.

We spoke with Russ Goldman, from Cottage Talk, and Ben Jarman, from the Fulhamish podcast, to get a proper look at Albion's next opponents.

See what they had to say here.

How has the start of the season treated Fulham, have things been promising?

RG: Well, the season has not started well at all for Fulham as they have one point in six matches.

However, I do think they are getting very close to that breakthrough win as the performances the last three matches have been much better compared to the first three games.

Fulham have been integrating many new players and it is taking time to get it all together, but they are very close I feel to moving forward.

BJ: Fulham have had a fruitless start to the season, picking up only one point thus far in a run of games where they were expected to perform better.

There have been some green-shoots of life, namely against Wolves and Sheffield United, but came crashing back down to earth against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

What sort of business did the Cottagers do this summer, and what have you made of that business?

RG: On paper I think they have done well, but bringing in three centre-backs with two being injured has not been ideal.

I do think they needed a back up for Mitrovic, but overall they have added quality with Ademola Lookman, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Kenny Tete, Antonee Robinson and the other additions as well.

BJ: Fulham were crying out for a new centre-half from the moment they were promoted, Scott Parker echoed these views from the outset, but did not sign one until deadline day.

Since then, Joachim Andersen has picked up and long-term injury but Tosin Adarabioyo has settled in well thus far.

The recruitment seems to have been a mixture of low-risk Championship ready players in Adoarabioyo (£2m) and Antonee Robinson (£2m), and Premier League standard at a low cost in Kenny Tete (£3M), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Loan) and Ademola Lookman (Loan).

Ultimately though, the gaping holes in quality that Fulham have in key areas, such and wingers, has been ignored by our Director of Football, Tony Khan.

This game is already being labelled as a huge game for both sets of players, do you think that the pressure will be on show between the sides on Monday?

RG: I think the pressure is on especially with Fulham, but my hope is that the players put all of that to the side and just play.

If Fulham can add a cutting edge to their passing game, then I do like their chances in this match.

BJ: Ultimately yes, it feels like a watershed moment for both teams who will be desperate not to lose to each other.

It'll be cagey and timid, but feels like the game will be settled by a single goal either way, but hopefully in Fulham's favour!

Who are the big danger men to worry about in Fulham's ranks?

RG: Aleksander Mitrovic has to be the starting point and he is overdue for a breakout game.

The player to really watch is Ademola Lookman who already has showed the quality on the ball that Fulham have not seen in years.

If he is on his game then Fulham could be on their way to a victory.

BJ: You really can't look past Mitrovic at this stage for Fulham, 26 goals last season and absolutely on fire for Serbia too.

Aside the Serbian, Ademola Lookman has given Fulham a much needed injection of pace and trickery in one on one situations - he certainly isn't afraid to shoot.

Outside of those two, there is a threat from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tom Cairney and Frank Anguissa is a good creator too.
Are there any injury issues at Craven Cottage?

RG: Injuries have been an issue as Fulham will likely be without Kenny Tete, Terence Kongolo, and Joachim Andersen. Tete and Andersen should be starters when they return.

BJ: Joachim Andersen, Kenny Tete and Josh Onomah are our only immediate injury concerns.

What's your predicted XI?

RG: Areola, Aina, Adarabioyo, Ream, Robinson, Anguissa, Cairney, Loftus-Cheek, Lookman, Mitrovic, Decordova-Reid

BJ: Areola; Robinson, Ream, Adarabioyo, Aina; Anguissa, Reed; Lookman, Cairney, Loftus-Cheek; Mitrovic

What have you made of West Brom from afar, how do you think they'll manage this season?

RG: I think they are in a similar boat as Fulham and are trying to find their way through this division.

Unfortunately, I think like Fulham they will probably be in a relegation battle this season so the pressure is certainly on both teams for this match.

I have much respect for West Brom and I do hope I am wrong about their season.

BJ: There has been a formation change at the Hawthorns and it does seem to have taken a few weeks for the team to get used it.

With Hegazi being sold behind the back of the manager, seemingly, things may not be rosey at the Hawthorns. Unfortunately it seems that both of us will be battling relegation this season.

Your match prediction?

RG: I am going for 2-1 to Fulham as the team is getting close to that first win and I think they get it against West Brom.

BJ: WBA 1-2 Fulham



https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2020/11/01/fulham-v-west-brom-inside-track-on-scott-parkers-side/

WhiteJC

Fulham boss Scott Parker sends message to Aleksandar Mitrovic amid goalless run

The big Serb is without a goal in four Premier League games but working hard for the team ahead of Monday's clash with West Brom


Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored two Premier League goals for Fulham this season

Scott Parker admits Aleksandar Mitrovic's confidence is being tested by his four-game goalless streak for Fulham.

But the Cottagers boss has told the big Serb that hard work and concentration will soon see him back on target.

Parker, whose side take on Slaven Bilic's West Brom in crunch battle at the foot of the table tomorrow, said: "We keep his confidence up by constant messages of hard work, knowing where we are this year and understanding the dynamics of this division.

"It's certainly going to be a real test of one's mental state, really, especially as a forward who is used to scoring goals.

"While he has all the capabilities of scoring goals here, at the same time, things can dent that.


Fulham boss Scott Parker (Image: Getty Images)

"He needs to have some clear non-negotiables in his game and a clear identity in terms of what he brings to a football match every single week.

"Expectation on him and on what he puts on himself can't be just goals.

"He needs to bring a work ethic every day in training, he needs to bring a work ethic on the pitch ever single day.

"People say you earn your luck and that's exactly what happens.

"Of course, he is at this moment had a couple of quieter games.

"But there will be a lot more times this season where he'll have two or three quiet games.

"You need to keep sticking to what gets you out of these moments and what gets you out of them is hard work.

"That's exactly what he'll do."

Parker has ordered his men to learn from the mistakes that keep costing them — and fast — if they are going to finally find a first Premier League win of the season at the seventh attempt.

And he has told them to focus on finishing top ... of the bottom four.

He added: "This year our league is our mini-league and at this moment, we are two points off being top of our mini-league.

"The fact is fourth from bottom this year for us is going to be a huge success and that's our aim.

"At this present moment, we need to be comfortable being in and around this position because that's where we are."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-scott-parker-aleksandar-mitrovic-22932751

hongkongfulham

Quote from: whitejc on November 01, 2020, 08:37:07 AM
Fulham boss Scott Parker sends message to Aleksandar Mitrovic amid goalless run

The big Serb is without a goal in four Premier League games but working hard for the team ahead of Monday's clash with West Brom


Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored two Premier League goals for Fulham this season

Scott Parker admits Aleksandar Mitrovic's confidence is being tested by his four-game goalless streak for Fulham.

But the Cottagers boss has told the big Serb that hard work and concentration will soon see him back on target.

Parker, whose side take on Slaven Bilic's West Brom in crunch battle at the foot of the table tomorrow, said: "We keep his confidence up by constant messages of hard work, knowing where we are this year and understanding the dynamics of this division.

"It's certainly going to be a real test of one's mental state, really, especially as a forward who is used to scoring goals.

"While he has all the capabilities of scoring goals here, at the same time, things can dent that.


Fulham boss Scott Parker (Image: Getty Images)

"He needs to have some clear non-negotiables in his game and a clear identity in terms of what he brings to a football match every single week.

"Expectation on him and on what he puts on himself can't be just goals.

"He needs to bring a work ethic every day in training, he needs to bring a work ethic on the pitch ever single day.

"People say you earn your luck and that's exactly what happens.

"Of course, he is at this moment had a couple of quieter games.

"But there will be a lot more times this season where he'll have two or three quiet games.

"You need to keep sticking to what gets you out of these moments and what gets you out of them is hard work.

"That's exactly what he'll do."

Parker has ordered his men to learn from the mistakes that keep costing them — and fast — if they are going to finally find a first Premier League win of the season at the seventh attempt.

And he has told them to focus on finishing top ... of the bottom four.

He added: "This year our league is our mini-league and at this moment, we are two points off being top of our mini-league.

"The fact is fourth from bottom this year for us is going to be a huge success and that's our aim.

"At this present moment, we need to be comfortable being in and around this position because that's where we are."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-scott-parker-aleksandar-mitrovic-22932751

These are really good words from Scott for me


gerrys

Quote from: whitejc on October 31, 2020, 09:19:14 AM
Fulham v West Brom: match preview


Scott Parker thinks Fulham are "moving in the right direction" but that needs to start translating into results. Defeat to West Brom, themselves in need of a first win, would bode particularly ill and this already has the feel of one that could define their season. "I think this game has a little bit extra," Parker said. West Brom are in decent nick after a draw at Brighton but Slaven Bilic's relationship with his board remains tense after the controversial sale of Ahmed Hegazi. Nick Ames

Monday 5.30pm Sky Sports Premier League

Venue Craven Cottage

Last season Fulham 1 West Brom 1 (Championship)

Odds H 6-4 A 2-1 D 5-2

Referee Simon Hooper

This season G1 Y1 R0 1 cards/game

FULHAM

Subs from Rodak, Fabri, Le Marchand, Hector, Odoi, Christie, Robinson, Cavaleiro, Reed, Bryan, Decordova-Reid, Reed

Doubtful None

Injured Tete (calf, 7 Nov), Kebano (unknown, 7 Nov), Andersen (ankle, unknown), Kongolo (foot, unknown)

Suspended Kamara (first of three)

Discipline Y13 R1

Form LLLLDL

Leading scorer Mitrovic 2

WEST BROM

Subs from Bond, Button, Phillips, Grosicki, Austin, Harper, Edwards, Peltier, Kipré, Gibbs, Robinson, Bartley, Sawyers, O'Shea

Doubtful None

Injured Robson-Kanu (elbow, 21 Nov), Field (knee, 28 Nov)

Suspended None

Discipline Y5 R1

Form LLDLDD

Leading scorer Robinson 2



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/oct/31/fulham-west-brom-match-preview-premier-league

Not like the Guardian to be so sloppy.......Robinson on the field and also on the bench with Christie  :005: