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Saturday Fulham Stuff - 07/11/20...

Started by WhiteJC, November 04, 2020, 08:27:40 AM

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WhiteJC

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WhiteJC

Fulham Manager Scott Parker Confirms Injury Doubt For Trip To West Ham

West Ham welcome capital rivals Fulham to London Stadium on Saturday evening and the visitors could be without midfielder Mario Lemina, as confirmed by his manager Scott Parker.

As reported by Football.London, the Cottagers boss and former Hammers midfielder could be without the 27-year-old for the trip to Stratford.

Parker said: "The only one who is a little bit touch and go is Lemina, who came off on Monday night and felt a little bit of a problem."

Lemina has appeared four times for Fulham this season in the league as the Gabon international finds his feet at a new club following his move from Southampton.

The Cottagers will also be without striker Aboubakar Kamara, who is serving his second game of a three-match suspension.

The visitors picked up their first league win of the season on Monday night as they beat West Brom 2-0, but they are still languishing in 17th in the table.

West Ham manager David Moyes could welcome back Mark Noble to his squad after the captain missed the trip to Liverpool. However, the Irons will remain without Michail Antonio, although the striker is expected back earlier than first envisaged.

READ WEST HAM VERDICT

Although Lemina doesn't present a potent threat to West Ham, his potential absence from the Fulham squad could be felt by Parker's men.

The 27-year-old former Juventus midfielder has played against the Irons on four occasions and been on the winning side just once.



https://readwestham.com/2020/11/06/mario-lemina-injury-doubt-fulham-west-ham/

WhiteJC

Scott Parker hopeful over Fulham transfer plan... even if club suffer Premier League relegation again


POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Scott Parker believes Fulham's transfer business this summer has put the club's future on the right track – even if they are relegated from the Premier League this season.

Fulham's last top-flight return, in 2018, was marked by a lavish £100million spending spree which failed to keep them in the division.

The Londoners have relied heavily on the loan market this time around, while spending far smaller sums on young players such as Antonee Robinson, Tosin Adarabioyo and Kenny Tete, and Parker believes it is a strategy that will bear fruit whichever league they are in 12 months from now.

"With the business we've done, there's been a real balance about things," Parker said.

"If this year we weren't to stay in the division, those [loan] players obviously leave but I think what we've done has been very good, the players we've signed and brought to the club in Harrison Reed, Tosin, Tete, Antonee Robinson - young, good quality players.

"I just think there was a plan behind it. The money wasn't there to spend like it was last time and like some other teams are.

"Of course, our aim this year is to stay in this division and we want to give ourselves every opportunity to do that but at the same time we're also thinking about the long-term future of the team and the squad and the football club and we have to look at that as well."

Monday night's win over West Brom, a first of the season, lifted Parker's men out of the relegation zone and they travel to London rivals West Ham on Saturday night looking to go into the international break on the back of successive victories.


(Low-cost signings such as Antonee Robinson have signalled a shift in Fulham's transfer approach / Getty Images )

Parker, however, is not getting carried away.

"My main driver has been to try and stay very level," he added. "I understood where we were last year and what I saw as a failure and a success and it's the same this year really.

"My experiences as a player and in my short experience asa young manager, I think I understand the ebbs and flows of this season and what it's going to bring.

"What's vitally important is that during these moments and times you've got to have a levelness about you and understand where you are."

Parker will check on the fitness of Mario Lemina after he was forced off against the Baggies, while Neeskens Kebano and Ivan Cavaleiro are fit and available but Terence Kongolo and Tete remain out.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/scott-parker-fulham-transfers-premier-league-relegation-b51695.html


WhiteJC

West Ham United: @ExWHUemployee believes Said Benrahma should start against Fulham

In-the-know podcaster @ExWHUemployee has claimed that Said Benrahma should start ahead of Pablo Fornals for West Ham United against Fulham.

During the recent transfer window, the Hammers acquired Benrahma's services from Brentford on a season-long loan with an obligation to make the move permanent (per BBC).

Since his arrival at the London Stadium, the Algerian attacker has made just one appearance for the Hammers and that was in the recent 2-1 defeat against Liverpool (per Transfermarkt).

In their next tie in the top flight, David Moyes' side welcomes Scott Parker's Fulham to the London Stadium (per Premier League).

Despite Benrahma's appearance against the Reds being just a short cameo, @ExWHUemployee aired his belief that he should start against the Cottagers in the latest episode of The West Ham Way Podcast.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2020/11/blogs/premier-league/west-ham-united-exwhuemployee-believes-said-benrahma-should-start-against-fulham-pablo-fornals-david-moyes/

WhiteJC

Parker: Fulham have learned from past transfer mistakes

Scott Parker insists Fulham have learned the lessons of a disastrous 2019 Premier League campaign when they spent £110m and still got relegated.

Close to £25m alone was spent bringing Maxime Le Marchand and Jean-Michael Seri from Nice.

One is on the periphery of the squad, and Seri didn't even make the 25-man Premier League cut following his loan with Galatasaray last season.

It's therefore no shock the club has spent a tenth of that this time, while bringing in six loans.

The logic is that younger bargain players will be developed regardless of the division Fulham are in next season – and the loans will return to their parent clubs if the worst happens.

"We brought in good quality in the Reeds, Tosins, Antonee Robinsons; and on the flip side the loan players give you that extra bit in this league," the head coach said.

"If we weren't to stay in this division, players would leave. We've been very diligent in this matter.

"There was a plan behind it; the money wasn't there to spend like it was last time.

"So, we got good value for players we can develop while using the loan market.

"We want to stay in this division, but we're also thinking about the long-term future and what's best for the club."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-fulham-have-learned-from-past-transfer-mistakes-and-theres-a-plan-if-they-go-down

WhiteJC

Scott Parker wants 'relentless' Aleksandar Mitrovic to add assists to game

Scott Parker has praised Aleksandar Mitrovic's "relentless" work ethic but would like to see the forward providing more assists.

Mitrovic missed a penalty and conceded another against Sheffield United on October 18, but the Serbia international bounced back on Monday with two assists as Fulham recorded their first league victory of the season – a 2-0 win against West Brom.

It appeared the 26-year-old had added another dimension to his game. He was the Sky Bet Championship's golden boot winner last season but mustered only three assists across the campaign.

Asked whether Mitrovic had been working on becoming more of a provider, Parker said: "Not really, no.

"I think Mitro would be the first to say he's very disappointed with his performance (against Sheffield United). It can happen to anyone, but he probably put a lot on himself, which you often find that a lot of players do.

"Since then there's been a real credit and a real drive in him. I think he's been at the forefront of everything and I think you see that definitely on Monday night.

"A player who was relentless in his work ethic, his all-round play for the team was very good and he comes away with two assists, which was very pleasing as well.

"He's been first class and needs to maintain those levels, which I'm sure he will, and keep helping us in this division."

While Mitrovic has not been working specifically on teeing up chances for others, Parker would welcome it as an added weapon at his disposal.

"He needs to add that to his game, he's that sort of player that can bring people into play," said Parker.

"(He's) the sort of player who, if the ball goes in the box, he's likely to at least challenge or get first contact on that ball against the defenders.

"He's got the capabilities of making more assists and it's something I'm sure he'll want to do."

West Ham currently sit 14th in the top flight, having won two matches and earned hard-fought draws against Manchester City and Tottenham, and Parker expects a difficult challenge when his side head to the London Stadium.

"It'll be a tough game against a very good opposition who have done very, very well of late," the Fulham manager said.

"So a tough game, but one which going into the international break we could do with trying to get something out of it, regroup, work a bit harder over the international break."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/scott-parker-wants-relentless-aleksandar-mitrovic-to-add-assists-to-game-1604656829000


WhiteJC

First team duo out of Fulham clash

Mark Noble has been ruled out of this weekend's London derby against Fulham and is one of two players set to miss out.

The club captain, who was missing from last week's squad at Liverpool is unavailable once again after failing to recover from a rib injury; he will be joined on the sidelines by Michail Antonio, who is currently recovering from a groin problem.

However there was good news concerning Aaron Cresswell, who was a minor doubt for the forthcoming clash against The Cottagers.

"Noble had a a bit of a rib injury which he picked up in training and I don't think he will be available for the game," confirmed manager David Moyes during Friday's pre-match press conference.

"We expect [Aaron] Cresswell, who has been training to be fine and [Michail] Antonio is doing much better and we hope he'll be back shortly."

The injury to Noble and Antonio will however allow recent arrival Said Benrahma to be involved in the 18-man squad. Moyes, as is his policy with new signings, refused to introduce the former Brentford man right away - but admitted he is likely to be involved at some stage against Fulham.

"We've got a squad of players with good competition," he said. "Said is part of that, he got an introduction the other day and he's getting closer to match fitness. He's integrating well and he'll be in and around the squad again."

West Ham will otherwise be at full strength against a team still searching for their first away win since being promoted to the top flight in last season's Championship play-off final.

Yet Moyes believes that the current system of three available substitutes should be relaxed once again - as it was during Project Restart last season - to allow for five replacements per match.

"I made the point after the game on Saturday that we felt five subs was always suiting the clubs that have bigger squads," he added.

"I recommended to our board to vote for three subs per game and no more - but I have to say my mind has changed now because of player welfare. I didn't expect so many injuries."



https://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=135060

WhiteJC

West Ham United v Fulham

With the country facing lockdown, the Americans managing to mess up a perfectly straightforward election because it has as many as TWO candidates, and Liverpool now entering a record run without winning an honest point we could all do with someone coming along to cheer us all up. While we are waiting here's Preview Percy with his look at Saturday's visit of Fulham...
Hello. Fulham next at the Olympic. Kick-off on Saturday evening is 8pm, the game being on Sky Box Office for the princely sum of ?14.95. Or you could donate the money to the foodbank and watch whichever of the Brains Trust are working on Eyes Up Mother Brown on Saturday night. Let's face it the pubs are shut and even that lot would be a better option than having to watch Dancing For Idiots or whatever that stupid programme that Matron insists passes for entertainment these days on a Saturday.

Fulham then. It's not been the brightest of starts for Scott Parker's boys since their return to the top flight, though they did manage to escape the congested confines of the bottom three with a 2-0 win over West Brom, whose attempts to disguise themselves as Melchester Rovers fooled nobody on Monday night. The Cottagers' only other point this season came by way of a 1-1 draw up at Sheffield United.

Otherwise it's been red ink all the way with home defeats to Arsenal and Villa (both 0-3), and Palace (1-2), and away at Leeds (4-3) and Wolves (1-0). All of that has left them sitting above the trapdoor in 17th place with 4 points from the 7 played so far. Tellingly their points gained so far have come from 2 of the three sides below them, which means they are probably looking forward to whenever it is they play Burnley.

Their return to the top division came courtesy of their 2-1 defeat of neighbours Brentford at Wembley when they finally got around to playing the play-off final. As one might expect the promotion prompted a venture into the transfer market, presumably in the hope of building a side that will be capable of preventing their traditional fairly prompt return whence they came. However, if that were the case, some of the the names arriving would appear to be less than inspiring.

Daisy, the socially-distanced personal assistant with the beautiful smile, tells me that no fewer than seven permanent deals and five loan deals were signed during the window. The Arrival of Anthony Knockaert from Brighton was an odd one. Knockaert had spent 2019-20 on loan from the Seagulls with the deal being made permanent in July 2020, when the player put pen to paper on a three year deal. Having paid something north of ?10m for the player one might have expected Fulham to have been making plans to include him in their squad. Instead, with the player only having featured in the League Cup, he was dispatched off to Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of January. Odd that.

We had been linked at one stage with right back Antonee Robinson, who came in from Wigan for ?2m in the summer. As Wigan's finances collapsed it appeared that pretty much any old offer would be accepted for anyone. The relatively low fee must have been particularly galling for Wigan, who had earlier agreed a fee with Milan for around ?10m only to see the deal collapse when the player failed a medical.

In what may well have been one of those "ill-wind blowing good" moments a hitherto undiscovered irregular heartbeat was discovered. Thankfully following a spot of surgery all was well and the player was able to resume his career, with the down side of playing at Craven Cottage rather than the San Siro being put into some perspective by the possibility of a dreadful alternative.

There were some more interesting arrivals in amongst the loan arrivals. Ademola Lookman was highly rated by many when Everton swooped to sign the player from Charlton for a reported fee of ?7.5m rising to ?11m with add-ons. He featured in 36 league games over a two-year period, netting just the once in the process. His form didn't impress Everton's manager at the time, a certain S Allardyce, and a deal to send the player out on loan to Derby was arranged.

This didn't impress Lookman that much and he soon set up an alternative with RB Leipzig having expressed an interest. Five goals in 11 league appearances were enough to convince the Fizzy Drinks conglomerate to make the deal permanent. However, his 2019-20 season wasn't as impressive - only 11 appearances in the league were made - and he pitched up just the other side of the river from his Wandsworth birthplace on a season-long loan during the window.

They also picked up Ruben Loftus-Cheek on a year long deal from the Chelsea loan stock. The player - known in these parts as Loftus-Cheat over a penalty he "earned" from an outside the box dive at Stamford Bridge - spent much of 2018-19 on loan at Palace before an Achilles injury put him on ice for most of 2019-20.

Two of their new arrivals are ruled out through injury. Netherlands International Kenny Tete (13 Dutch caps for the traditionalists amongst us) has a torn calf muscle will be missing, whilst Terence Kongolo, who also has Dutch caps despite being born in the decidedly more mountainous environs of Switzerland has a broken foot. Also missing will be Aboubakar Kamara whose nasty stud-raking of Palace's Eze earned him 3 matches off.

Hey let's move on to the wild and wacky world of association football. Manchester United gave their epilepsy-inducing change kit another run-out against a Turkish team that isn't Fenerbahce, Galatasary or Besiktas. The players of Istanbul Basaksenhir stopped laughing for long enough to come away with a 2-1 victory in the so-called Champions League.

To be fair to the Salford moaners, if that kit was designed to have some sort of camouflage effect it worked - you couldn't see hide nor hare of a defender as our old chum Dember Ba raced away to score the opener for the Turkish champions. Interestingly, the club is owned by the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sport, meaning that Man U were effectively beaten by a bunch of civil servants.

Meanwhile the anti-doping agency WADA has copped for a big compensation bill having branded Mamadou Sakho a drug cheat for failing a test for a fat-burning drug that, it transpired, wasn't on UEFA's banned list at the time. Sakho was shifted away from his then club Liverpool faster than you could say "diving cheat" leading to a loss of prestige and earnings, though the way that club conducts its business I'd say that getting shifted out of there would improve one's image and status no end.

Which brings us neatly onto last weekend. Well all the pressure and hypocrisy that Liverpool had been bringing to bear on PGMOL paid major dividends. All this demanding of explanations every time they so much as lost the toss was bound to pay off eventually. Still at least this old excuse trotted out over the past 30 years or so that, if a Liverpool player is involved it is sufficient for there to be contact for a penalty or free-kick to be awarded seems to finally be getting the contempt it deserves.

When the likes of both Souness and Murphy, both of whom have in the past been amongst the ranks of ex-Liverpool players constantly excusing their cheating ways, both bemoan the fact that Salah dived some sort of alarm bells ought to ring somewhere. Klopp of course denied that there had been a dive at all in a process known as "lying through one's teeth". Talking of which, dodgy cosmetic dental work, the constant cheating and the inevitable crying to authority when things don't go his way all begs the question: have Donald Trump and Jurgen Klopp ever been seen in the same room together?

It wasn't just the dive that annoyed - embarrassing though that was. Rice picked up a yellow card - deservedly so - for a foul that broke up a promising move. Fine no problem with that. However, it would be nice if Kevin Friend were shown the 6 or 7 identical fouls perpetrated by the home side and forced to explain why similar sanction was not doled out on every other occasion. Note to PGMOL - although the response "Jurgen Klopp told me not to" may be the accurate answer it is not an acceptable one.

Joking apart if I can predict that there will be cheating at Anfield - and let's face it it was hardly in Nostradamus territory was it? - then officials should be on the look out to punish this sort of thing rather than colluding in it. And that includes you at the FA who should be applying your own rules on retrospective punishment rather than deliberately flouting them. As a serial offender Salah would be looking at 6 or 7 matches if the regulations were applied as written rather than as Liverpool want them to be written. Meanwhile the sooner that club disappears off to a Euro League where they can dive to their heart's content without those of us who love the game that they are dumping all over having to endure it the better.

For our part there was much discussion about the contribution of Haller to proceedings. Now I said we would have to adapt our style of play in the absence of Antonio, what with Haller being more of a target man than a runner of channels. But by God man it would help were you to meet us half-way. There were a number of occasions where some sort of closing down wouldn't have gone amiss. We're not talking scuttling dozens of yards across the back four - just make things difficult for the guy on the ball five yards away for pete's sake.

Antonio will continue to be absent - the murmurings at present suggest that we are looking for a return at Sheffield United after the next international break. This means that we will go into this match with the same squad as last week. Post-match Moyes was hinting at another start for Haller, who actually remains the club's leading scorer this season even if his goals have been more a League Cup sort of thing. Maybe treating this match in the same way as the League Cup might be the way forward.

Also missing last weekend was Mark Noble who almost certainly wouldn't have made the starting XI had he been fit, his absence from the bench being explained as the result of an unspecified knock from which he has now recovered. I'd expect him to take his place in the racing car seats for this one.

So on to the prediction then. Well I know that they are arriving on the back of that win but they will have one eye on the fact that the only people from whom they have gained points are swirling around the bottom Any confidence boost will be tempered by the knowledge that it took a spectacular amount of cheating by the so called champions to beat us and that, we are likely to prove a tougher nut to beat than Slav's Baggies, who have all sorts of internal politics going on up there in the Midlands. Whilst the absence of Antonio was missed against opposition of higher quality, Haller may be more in his element against the Cottagers, especially if he is stung by the criticism that came his way from pundits and supporters alike last weekend.

On the whole I think we will have too much for them so The ?2.50 that I was going to place on a bet on the date that the result of the US presidential election will finally be announced, will instead be delivered to Mr Winstone's turf accountancy emporium as a wager on a home win - make it 3-1 to us.

Enjoy the game!

When last we met at the Olympic : Won 3-1 (Premier League February 2019)

We were slow out of the blocks and could have been 1-0 down even before Babel put them ahead with three minutes on the clock. That was about as good as it got for them, though there was controversy over Chicharito's equalizer which involved an element of handball that would have ruled the goal out under VAR. Diop put us 2-1 up before the break and we ought to have had a few more before Antonio stuck a late header away to give the score a more meaningful look.


Referee: Rob Jones

Rookie official for whom this appears to be the second ever appearance in the Premier League/-. Let's hope that the blatant dishonesty of his co-workers hasn't managed to percolate through what one hopes is his youthful idealism.


Danger Man: Aleksandr Mitrovic

Not that prolific but can be a handful both in a footballing and a less footballing manner


Percy's Poser

Last week we looked at the Liverpool Echo from which we half-inched the following headline

People can't understand why vandals targeted XXXXX XXXXX and XXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXXX.

Congratulations to Mrs Edna Chemical-Rain of Little Thurrock who correctly identified the missing words as "Cilla Black" "Ken Dodd" and "gravestones". It's a right mystery to be sure but I expect it was someone else's fault.

This week we visit the Fulham Palace and Gardens website from which the intriguing headline was nicked:

A tale of two XXXXXXX, a XXXXXXXX and a bunch of XXXXXX

Good luck everyone!



https://www.kumb.com/article.php?id=43886

WhiteJC

Opposition Q&A with Fulham

Unfortunately, missing Michail Antonio West Ham stuttered a bit against Liverpool last weekend. This week we welcome Fulham to the London Stadium for a Saturday evening kick-off. Before the game I called across the street to ask what my neighbor, and long-suffering Fulham fan Jan du Boulay thinks of the season so far, and this game in particular.
Hi Jan. Welcome back to the Premier League. You were ultimately promoted via the Play-off final, but at what stage did you think you had a good chance of being promoted?
Thank you, though most people thought Brentford would edge the final I was quietly confident despite our league results against them but would say I only thought we had a good chance when the second Joe Bryan goal went in!

You've finally got off the mark in the League on Monday night against West Brom, is this season going to be a struggle, or will you now start to push on?
I think it's going to be a struggle though a clean sheet was really important, we have a fantastic keeper and am hoping the centre backs will settle in quickly now, we have the players going forward it has always been our defence that is the issue.

Fulham have made a squad load of signings over the summer, which of last year's stars will remain stalwarts of the team this season?
Mitrovic of course, though he seems to have become more a provider than scorer recently and Tom Cairney who when in form can pick a pass and score some important(and special) goals.

Which players have stood out for you so far this year, and who has yet to step up to the mark?
Anguissa who had a fantastic season in Spain and he has carried that in to the premiership, looks to have really developed from when he joined us though towards the end of that premiership season he started to show his quality. Lookman has been great, dangerous and happy to run at players which is great to watch and also stretches opposition giving other players more space. Ola Aina after his cracking goal at the weekend.

How is West Ham's old player, Scott Parker coping this season after last year's success? Will his long term tenure ultimately depend on keeping you up this year?
I think he is coping ok considering the pressure he will have been under, getting a win will have been a huge relief for him and everyone else at the club. His success in getting us up in his first full season should be celebrated and I am hopeful we have enough success that there is no question mark over his future. I believe consistency is so important(after our disastrous 3 manager season) so am hoping that we stay up and Parker stays on.

Early days yet, but do you think you will still be in the Premier League next year? What position do you think Fulham will finish come next May, and who are your early picks for relegation?
If we do we will just scrape in around 16th or 17th, I would think we are in there with any 3 of the current other bottom 5, Burnley BHA Sheffield Utd and WBA.

While we're at it who are going to occupy the top four places?
Liverpool Spurs Man City Man Utd (not in that order)

West Ham fans of my age will have fond memories of our cup final victory over you a generation ago: do you have any particular memories of West Ham v Fulham matches in the past?
There are a few (not many!) but it has to be the win with Sylvan Legwinksi (who I bumped into once around this time: he was shocked anyone recognised him!) and Steed Malbranque scoring, both fantastic players. That team with Rufus Brevett (who you will all know well) and Barry Hayles have a lot of good memories for me as does the shock and disbelief when we signed Edwin van der Sar. Also I just double checked and John Collins and Collins John were both on the field late on in that game!

Ha ha. Which, if any of the current West Ham team would you like to see playing for Fulham, and why?
I'd take Ryan Fredericks back, he was a fantastic player for us. I admire Michael Antonio for his versatility strength and all round work rate.

How will Fulham line up against us on Saturday? Players/formation please.
Areola
Robinson
Andersen
Adarabioyo
Aina
Zambo
Lemina
Lookman
Cairney
Loftus Cheek
Mitrovic

Will play with a 4 3 3 I think which might well end up more 4 5 1.

Finally, are you confident that you can build on you recent victory when you come to the East of the Capital? Prediction for score please.
I think it will be a tough game and being a realist will go with home win though I think we will score, 3-1.

Well many thanks to Jan for his time and thoughts. It's strange how we've never seen the best out of Fulham players like Frederick's and especially Luis Boa More, who was great for them. Although I suppose there was my near namesake Tony Gale! Anyway, I hope he's right and we can return once more to winning ways. I'm going for 2-0. COYI



https://www.westhamtillidie.com/posts/2020/11/06/opposition-q-a-with-fulham


WhiteJC

Johansen preparing for Fulham exit

Stefan Johansen wants out if he is not part of Fulham's squad in January.

Johansen, 29, told the VG newspaper in his native Norway that he will need to seek pastures new if he remains surplus to requirements at Craven Cottage.

The midfielder was omitted from the 25-man Premier League squad and revealed there was a "long chat" with Whites boss Scott Parker.

"It is clear that it is a small bang when you participate in two promotions and are not allowed to play more," Johansen, who is currently nursing a back problem, has been quoted as saying.

"But personally, I have no doubt that I want to play matches. So, if there is a similar situation in January, then it is of course appropriate to leave.

"I almost have to take it when it comes. First, the body must return to 100% to be as ready as possible for one or the other.

"Considering the family, that I have a small child, two years left on the Fulham contract and will turn 30 in January, I think there will be one (more) big contract. It will be quite important whether it is here or somewhere else.

"At that age and situation, you will know where to be for the next three or four years.

"We are very privileged that there is so much money in football, so I will not complain about that bit, but a football career is short.

"You have to weigh everything against everything, but the first and foremost is the well-being of the player and that applies for the family."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/johansen-wants-out-if-he-doesnt-get-fulham-recall

WhiteJC

Tale of two strikers may decide weekend game

Only David Moyes knows for sure whether or not he'll go again with the enigma that is Sebastien Haller for Saturday's visit of Fulham – or whether his patience with the big striker is about to run out.

If Haller is given a further opportunity to perform to the standard his original price tag warrants – as looks likely – there will be an interesting match-up to consider between him and Fulham's own likely leader of the line, Aleksandar Mitrovic. A case of what we have – and what we 'might' have had!

The Serbian was said to be a West Ham target when Fulham were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2018-19 season.

His 11 goals weren't enough to keep the Cottagers up, but the Hammers were said to be impressed enough by the big striker, that a move to the London Stadium was widely being speculated.

It turned out differently and instead  Manuel Pellegrini plumped for the more expensive services of Haller.. In the event Mitrovic remained in west London and was instrumental in Fulham's swift return to the top flight – scoring 26 times in 41 Championship appearances last term.

Haller on the other hand struggled last season, scoring just seven times in the league and never really looked like justifying his £45m price tag.

Haller and Mitrovic are similar in build and stature. Both 6'2" tall – and naturally strong in the air because of it. But Haller has been regularly criticised for not using his physical attributes to full advantage, whereas Mitrovic has sometimes been panned for being over-aggressive in his play.

Neither has what you'd call great pace or mobility, one reason why Haller has struggled to fill the boots of the absent Michail Antonio, who has both in abundance.

Mitrovic has regularly played the role of 'leader of the line,' adept at holding the ball up when required, and bringing others into play as a result.

Despite his size Haller doesn't excel in that particular area, and the suggestion has frequently been aired that we will only see the best of him if Moyes plays him in tandem with a partner, creating a similar relationship to the productive one he had with Luka Jovic at Eintracht Frankfurt.

But that's unlikely given Moyes' preference for a different system for the team. With the next transfer window on the horizon, Sebastien must know his chances of proving the doubters wrong are diminishing by the week.

David Moyes' comment at his pre-match press conference, when asked about Haller, couldn't be clearer. "What I want to see is a fully committed and whole-hearted centre forward who we know will contribute to the team,"

Scott Parker knows that's exactly what he'll get from Aleksandar Mitrovic. We can only hope we'll get the same from Sebastien Haller.



https://www.claretandhugh.info/tale-of-two-strikers-may-decide-weekend-game/

WhiteJC

West Ham fans will absolutely love what Scott Parker has just said

Scott Parker spoke to reporters yesterday ahead of his side's clash with the Hammers tomorrow, and described West Ham as a 'special place', as quoted by Fulham's official website.

Parker spent four years at Upton Park. And he won an incredible three Hammer of the Year awards during that time.

The 40-year-old made 129 appearances for West Ham and racked up 12 goals and 11 assists during those outings (Transfermarkt).

Parker was a real fan favourite in east London. And he returns to his old stomping ground tomorrow with his Fulham side.

Ahead of the clash at the London Stadium, the Cottagers boss responded when asked what his time at West Ham meant to him, as quoted by Fulham's official website:

"They've done very well. They're a very good team, a well organised team. With the way they play, they've got some very good players who can cause us problems. I've got amazing memories. It's a fantastic football club where I had four unbelievable seasons. It ended in relegation but that disappointment will not dampen the memories. The fanbase is incredible, Upton Park – where I was playing – was a special place, so I've got many fond memories."

The West Ham fans will obviously love Parker's remarks. And the comments will endear him even further still to the Hammers fanbase.

David Moyes would love to have a player like Parker amongst his ranks at the London Stadium right now.

But in truth, West Ham have a pretty decent central midfield. We are a very string side and far superior to Fulham.

The Hammers must ensure that Parker has an unhappy return to east London tomorrow. Because if we don't, our fine start to the season will have been for nothing.



https://www.hammers.news/club-news/west-ham-fans-will-absolutely-love-what-scott-parker-has-just-said/


WhiteJC

Vote For TC!

Tom Cairney's rocket against Crystal Palace has been nominated for the Premier League's October Goal of the Month award.

Over the years we've become accustomed to our skipper scoring wonderful goals from range, but they're usually finesse rather than force.

This time, however, he opted for power, smashing the ball beyond the helpless Eagles goalkeeper from 25 yards out. A strike that deserved to be more than just a consolation goal.

The winner will be decided by a public vote which is now open. Fans can show their support for TC by voting at this link.

His competition comes from Yves Bissouma, Timo Werner, Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Lanzini, Ross Barkley, Patrick Bamford and Michail Antonio.

Voting closes at 9am on Monday 9th November.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/november/Vote-For-TC-/

WhiteJC


Fulham can go shot crazy at West Ham with Tom Cairney at forefront - Jones Knows

Our betting expert Jones Knows puts forward two bets for the weekend; watch Southampton vs Newcastle, Chelsea vs Sheffield United, Leicester vs Wolves and Manchester City vs Liverpool all live on Sky Sports; Play Super 6 Extra to win £5,000!


Tom Cairney can lead Fulham to a result at West Ham

Our tipster has found a 14/1 Tom Cairney-inspired Fulham bet to attack on Saturday and a 50/1 shot in the Man City vs Liverpool encounter.

How did last weekend go?

First the bad news. Both bets lost.

Burnley (1pt at 11/2) failed to find their spark against Chelsea and Bukayo Saka (18/1 first goalscorer) could not find the net with one of his two efforts against Manchester United. Winners will be around the corner though if keeping on that line of thinking. We were close.

And the good news? I'm still in a job, despite the calls from a few disgruntled Chelsea fans that I should be dismissed instantly after going against their club.

Don't be like those naysayers. An opinion that blows against the wind should never be discouraged as long as you have evidence to back it up.

Remember, whatever I tip, I back, we're in this together.

20/21 P+L = -4

West Ham vs Fulham, Saturday 8.00pm - 1pt on Fulham double chance, Tom Cairney to have a shot on target and Fulham to have 13 or more shots (14/1 with Sky Bet - bet here!)

I'm not usually one for these type of 'Requestabets' as value can be hard to find.

However, the price on all these three occurrences coming in during Fulham's trip to West Ham have firmly got my attention at 14/1, which has been boosted from 10/1 from the traders at Sky Bet.

Scott Parker filled his trolley with some shrewd purchases at the end of the transfer window. Granted, it's early days in terms of their long-term prospects for Premier League survival but in their three matches since Deadline Day, their attacking output has been among the best in the league. Only Manchester United and Leeds have created more chances (35) than Fulham in that period. And those backing Fulham to have 13 or more shots in their matches will have copped a winner in their last three bets. All at odds-against prices.



The dynamic with Ademola Lookman, Cairney and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa dovetailing nicely around Aleksandar Mitrovic tore West Brom to shreds on Monday night. They will be brimming with confidence coming into this one. I think they can win on Saturday night if replicating their performance levels from the West Brom win. At 16/5 for an away win they should give you a good run, although defensively they have yet to convince which tempers enthusiasm for an outright play.

It was the performance of Cairney that really took my eye against the Baggies.

Usually deployed as a deep-lying midfielder, he was given far more licence to roam closer to Mitrovic with two midfielders protecting him in behind - this free role suits his clever passing game and eye for a goal. With him playing further up the field - his average position was even higher than Mitrovic in the win over West Brom - I'd expect his goal threat to increase significantly over the next few games. That makes him an interesting player when it comes to shot betting.

He's managed a shot on target in his last three Premier League games and with the positional change in mind, plus the fact he's likely to take any free-kicks around the area, the 9/4 is very fair on him having another shot on target at West Ham. It wasn't quite strong enough for me to recommend it outright as a bet, hence my interest in combining three Fulham angles for this game at the inflated price. It should go close.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/12125348/fulham-can-go-shot-crazy-at-west-ham-with-tom-cairney-at-forefront-jones-knows

WhiteJC

Full West Ham squad revealed for Premier League clash against Fulham

David Moyes only has a couple of injury absentees ahead of the London derby in Stratford on Saturday night

West Ham manager David Moyes will have an almost fully fit squad to choose from when they play their London derby against Fulham on Saturday night.

Only Mark Noble (rib) and Michail Antonio (hamstring) are ruled out of the clash as the Hammers take on a side also in the bottom half of the table at kick off for just the second time this season.

Fulham come into the game off the back of their first win of the season after beating West Bromwich Albion 2-0 at Craven Cottage on Monday night. The Hammers meanwhile have come through a brutal run of fixtures with eight points, losing to Liverpool at Anfield 2-1 last time out.

Noble missed that game through injury and was expected to recover, however Moyes ruled him out on Friday morning at his pre-match press conference.

Aaron Cresswell needed treatment for a groin problem at Anfield but managed to complete the full 90 minutes and has been training all week without any issues so is available for selection.

Antonio sustained his hamstring injury against Man City and he is not available for this weekend though there is an outside chance he could return for the game at Sheffield United after the international break.

Moyes said of the striker's progress on Friday: Micky Antonio is doing much better, we hope that he will be back shortly.

"I'm not sure if it's ahead of schedule, we didn't put a timescale on it whatsoever. He is doing really well, he's on the grass at the moment so we are pleased."

Antonio is out this weekend but Moyes will once again have some selection headaches thanks to the number of players available though he is very much set in his ways of not changing a side that is playing well.

Below is the squad that the manager has to choose from on Saturday:

Goalkeepers: Lukasz Fabianski, Darren Randolph, David Martin.

Defenders: Vladimir Coufal, Ryan Fredericks, Issa Diop, Fabian Balbuena, Angelo Ogbonna, Craig Dawson, Aaron Cresswell, Arthur Masuaku, Ben Johnson.

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek, Manuel Lanzini, Pablo Fornals, Robert Snodgrass.

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Sebastien Haller, Said Benrahma, Andriy Yarmolenko.



https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/fixtures-results/full-west-ham-squad-revealed-19235853


WhiteJC

West Ham United v Fulham


West Ham's Mark Noble is struggling with a rib injury sustained in training

TEAM NEWS

West Ham midfielder Mark Noble looks set to miss the visit of Fulham because of a rib injury.

Forward Michail Antonio remains sidelined by a hamstring injury but Aaron Creswell should be available and Said Benrahma is in contention for his first start.

Fulham's Mario Lemina has a minor injury and will be assessed, while Aboubakar Kamara is still suspended.

The Cottagers otherwise have no fresh injury concerns.

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

West Ham were decent in defeat against Liverpool last time out but nothing short of a win will do for the Hammers here.

Fulham got their first league win of the season on Monday but West Ham are a totally different proposition to West Brom - or at least they should be.

Prediction: 2-0

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

    West Ham are unbeaten in the past 10 home meetings, winning six and drawing four.
    Fulham haven't kept a clean sheet in any of their last 15 Premier League fixtures against the Hammers.

West Ham United

    West Ham's tally of 13 goals is their third highest after seven fixtures of a Premier League campaign.
    They can go three home league matches without defeat for the first time since a run of six from January to March 2019.
    The Hammers have kept just two clean sheets in their 13 Premier League home games since David Moyes took charge.
    Moyes has won 12 of his 13 Premier League home fixtures against Fulham.
    West Ham have won just one of their past 12 Premier League matches without Michail Antonio.
    Sebastien Haller has scored in each of his last three home starts in all competitions.

Fulham

    Fulham's 2-0 win against West Brom last time out was their first Premier League victory since April 2019.
    They have won only one of their last 24 Premier League away matches (D3, L20).
    They are winless in their past 16 Premier League London derbies, losing all but one.
    Scott Parker made 109 Premier League appearances for West Ham between 2007-2011, scoring nine goals.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54758064

WhiteJC

Clint Dempsey: the Greatest American Soccer Player Ever?


Artwork by FutDandy

When you discuss the greatest American sportsman of all time, some obvious names come to mind. It could be Tiger Woods. It could be Michael Phelps. Even Muhammad Ali.

You'd have to go quite far down the list, though, to find the greatest American ever to play soccer. Although, it's not something which is ever really disputed. The greatest American ever to grace the football field, according to many, is one Clint Dempsey.

A Texas boy, it took a move to England to really write his name into the record books. His time in the English capital will only be remembered with fondness, for Fulham fans, for Tottenham fans as well, but also fans of the game from across the pond in America. It could be argued he inspired many Americans to take up the beautiful game.

There is a connection, however, that links Dempsey and shores relatively closer afield. He's of an Irish ancestry. But it was in Texas, throughout Ronald Reagan's reign as president, that Dempsey grew up.

And it was humble surroundings as well. It was in a trailer park that Dempsey lived in for most of his childhood. But what this did provide was an opportunity to play football alongside his brother Ryan (five years his senior) and other children from a largely Hispanic community.

His footballing career started after his brother pestered a family friend to join a local Mexican league. Clint followed, but money was tight; the young footballer was forced to quit so his parents could afford his older sister Jennifer's tennis career.

But his life changed less than a month before Christmas in 1995. At the age of just 16, Jennifer died of a brain aneurysm. Understandably, it affected Dempsey greatly. But this was the type of event that could either push him forward or end his dreams of a professional career.

It provided a deeper motivation for him to pursue his dream. After a college career at Furman Paladins, Dempsey was selected by New England Revolution in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft. It really was the point where his professional career kickstarted.

In his breakthrough season, he started 23 of 24 matches, netting seven goals. It was also throughout the year of 2004 that he made his debut for the US national side as he came on for the final 23 minutes of a fixture against Jamaica.

The following year saw Dempsey play a key role in Revolution's run to the MLS Cup final. It was only an extra-time LA Galaxy goal that separated Revolution and a first ever piece of silverware. They made it to the final the following year as well. But there was a familiar narrative; despite an injury-stricken season, it was a stage where Dempsey began to attract the attention of European clubs.

In late 2006, Dempsey made the move to West London when Fulham came calling. And the Cottagers were willing to pay big bucks to get their man; the $4 million offered to Revolution for the services of Dempsey was a record for an MLS Player.

After the Home Office officially granted him a work permit in January 2007, Dempsey officially signed for the club from Craven Cottage. With Chris Coleman at the ship, Dempsey made his debut just days after in a 1-1 draw with Tottenham. Despite victory over relegation rivals Sheffield United at the Cottage at the start of February, things began to turn sour quickly in West London.

That win proved to be Coleman's last in the Fulham dugout. Lawrie Sanchez took over the reins in late April and steered the Cottagers away from relegation – they eventually finished 16th.

The following season for Fulham fans can only be described as one thing: a roller-coaster. As May approached, the Cottagers looked doomed. But a Saturday afternoon in late April changed everything.

It was a day overshadowed by a crucial tie between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge; another side from West London made the trip to Manchester on that day, though. Fulham. A second half comeback against Man City kickstarted a magical great escape – the kind we had only seen in Premier League history from West Brom in 2004/05.

It was clear throughout the summer of 2008 that Roy Hodgson (appointed unexpectedly in December 2007) was building something at Craven Cottage. Seven goals by Dempsey throughout the 2008/09 season propelled Fulham surprisingly into 7th place. That's their highest ever position in top flight history. The reward: Europa League football.

The 2009/10 season was a campaign of dreams for Cottagers supporters. For Dempsey, it was a tale of overcoming a setback and reaping the rewards. A trip to Ewood Park for Fulham in January 2010 may not stand out for many – for Dempsey it does, however. Because it was here when he suffered a suspected cruciate ligament injury. It would not be until March until he returned.

But just seven days after his return, it was his wonder strike that led Fulham into the latter stages of the Europa League. It was a memorable evening at Craven Cottage as they registered a 4-1 aggregate victory over Juventus.

Roy Hodgson guided Fulham all the way to Hamburg that year; only Atletico Madrid stood in the way of Fulham (yes, Fulham) and European silverware. Dempsey's efforts as a second half substitute were not enough, though. Diego Forlan's extra time goal ensured Atletico got their hands on a major European trophy, their first since the 1962 European Cup Winners' Cup.

Later that summer, South Africa beckoned as he represented the US at the 2010 World Cup. And England fans will probably remember his goal on the world stage. In the first group game he scored a crucial equaliser, as Rob Green spilled the ball over the goal line to send the whole of America into raptures.

By 2012, though, it was time for a move away from Craven Cottage. Tottenham declared an interest; what an opportunity to play with the likes of Gareth Bale and Jermain Defoe.

It was on deadline day that summer that he completed his move to White Hart Lane. Once again, he made history in terms of his transfer fee; the $9 million that Tottenham paid was the largest fee ever to be paid for an American. His salary made him the richest American footballer in history as well.

He adhered himself to the Spurs faithful less than a month later. A trip to Old Trafford in September 2012 was a memorable moment that will live with Dempsey forever. Confidence was high for Andre Villas Boas' men going into the game after a run of victories. But this was Manchester United. This was Old Trafford, a ground they had not won at since Gary Lineker's goal gave them a 1-0 win in 1989.

But as the country watched on at that day's lunchtime kick-off, Dempsey rewrote history. His first goal in the white of Tottenham Hotspur was the winner against the Red Devils. What a way to announce yourself to the North London faithful.

From then on, there was something about Clint Dempsey during his time at White Hart Lane and playing against Manchester United. Because – as the snow fell on a bitterly cold Sunday in the following January – Dempsey netted against Sir Alex's men once again.

This might have not been a winner – but it certainly felt like one. His stoppage time equaliser sent the 35,000 crammed inside, and the hundreds of thousands of Americans watching across the pond, into pure delight.

But by the summer of 2013, a new challenge lied ahead. Less than a year before he was set to represent his nation in their second successive World Cup, Dempsey made the move back to the states as he signed for Seattle Sounders.

The advantage of representing a side in the MLS is that you can play across Europe during the winter in their off-season. And if there was one place for him to return in Europe, it would have to be Fulham. On Christmas Eve of 2013, he made the move back to Craven Cottage. He went on to make an extra five league appearances for the Cottagers as he aimed to steer them away from relegation. But what an opportunity it was to go back and relive some of the happiest times of his club career.

His happiest memories in an international shirt came in the summer of 2014. The World Cup in Brazil can only be seen as a turning point in US footballing history. And it was Dempsey who played a key part in that, netting against the Ghanaians within 29 seconds, the fifth fastest in World Cup history. He went on to score in the next fixture against Portugal as well before the US were eventually eliminated at the round of 16 stage following an extra-time defeat to the Belgians.

It was the last furore of a glistening career. He hit the headlines 12 months later when ripping up a referee's notebook whilst protesting against a sending off of a teammate. It was something that would cost him the captain's armband for his country. But there's no doubting it, Dempsey still remained so highly thought of on American shores, and still does to this day; he will go down as the greatest soccer player in American history.

Article by Conor O'Grady



https://punditfeed.com/long-reads/clint-dempsey/

WhiteJC

West Ham Matchday Preview

West Ham United v Fulham | London Stadium | Saturday 7th November | 8pm | #WHUFUL

The opposition

    After a slow start to the season that saw them lose their opening two matches, West Ham have been excellent in the fixtures that have followed. They put seven past Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City with no reply, before recovering from being three goals down to draw at Tottenham Hotspur. They then held Manchester City 1-1, before putting in another good display at Liverpool only to be edged out 2-1 by the champions.
    The 3-3 draw with rivals Spurs saw West Ham become the first side in Premier League history to avoid defeat in a game having been 3-0 down as late as the 81st minute.
    Scott Parker would have received a hero's welcome if fans were in attendance on Saturday. Our Head Coach made 129 appearances for the Hammers and won their player of the year award in three of his four seasons at the club.

West Ham team news

Joint top scorer Michail Antonio was absent for the Liverpool defeat, with Saturday also likely to come too soon for the forward. Aaron Cresswell picked up a knock at Anfield but has recovered sufficiently, while a rib injury picked up in training rules out captain Mark Noble.

Fulham team news

Mario Lemina is a fresh doubt after being substituted at half-time of Monday's victory over West Bromwich Albion. Kenny Tete and Terence Kongolo still have some way to go, while Aboubakar Kamara is suspended.

Coverage

The game will be shown live on BT Sport 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

Bobby De Cordova-Reid is aware of the threats posed by a strong West Ham United side, but insists Fulham are heading to the London Stadium in high spirits.

"They're a good team, we know their dangers," he told fulhamfc.com. "We've got to be solid as a unit away from home and try and nick something.

"We've got confidence going into the game, so we'll have a good go and try and get three points.

"With the international break coming up, if we can get more points on the board going into that it would be perfect.

"We're brimming with confidence going into the game off the back of a win, so hopefully we can make it back-to-back."

Read the full interview with Bobby, here.

Form

West Ham: LWDDL

Fulham: LLDLW

Pre-match quotes

"Scott had a brilliant career as a player. He did great to get them promoted last year. He'll take a lot from his career and we wish him a lot of luck, but after the game!"

David Moyes
West Ham Manager

"A tough game, but going into an international break we could do with getting something out of it."

Scott Parker
Fulham Head Coach



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/november/West-Ham-Matchday-Preview/


WhiteJC

Fulham boss Parker backs Decordova-Reid

Bobby Decordova-Reid has been urged to grab his second chance in the Premier League with both hands.

The Fulham forward was in the right place at the right time to notch his second league goal of the season and set up a first win against West Brom on Monday.

The ex-Cardiff City player got his chance because Ruben Loftus-Cheek didn't take his in two lacklustre showings so far.

Decordova-Reid, like Fulham, knows all about relegation from the top flight.

He also suffered with only five goals in 29 appearances for Cardiff as the Bluebirds took the plunge with the Whites in 2019.

But Fulham head coach Scott Parker believes the player can now kick on and help the club survive this time around.

"He brings a different dynamic to the team and he has a knack of being in around the box," Parker said.

"The first goal (against West Brom) reminds of us that really. He's in the box, got good quality – he's a massive part of what we want to do this year.

"It's a big step for him and he played in the Premier League for Cardiff.

"He's an ambitious boy – somebody very willing to listen and learn.

"He can play across the whole of the front, left, right and in the middle, and a midfielder as well.

"But his biggest threat is as a goalscorer. When the ball lands in around the box, he wants to be there."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-man-urged-to-take-his-second-chance

WhiteJC

We're Confident – Fulham Star Upbeat Ahead Of West Ham Clash

Fulham star Bobby Decordova-Reid is wary of the threat posed by the Cottagers' upcoming opponents West Ham United, but insists that his side are heading to the London Stadium full of confidence.

Scott Parker's side will be looking to build on their first league win of the season against West Brom last weekend when they visit West Ham on Saturday.

Having added their first three points on the board against the Baggies, Decordova-Reid feels Fulham are confident going into their game at the London Stadium.

Although confident, the 27-year-old forward, who scored against West Brom, is wary of the threat posed by the Hammers, who he admitted are a good team.

However, despite West Ham posing a difficult challenge, Decordova-Reid insisted that Fulham have their eyes on set on coming away from the London Stadium with the three points.

"They're a good team", Decordova-Reid was quoted as saying by Fulham's official site.

"We know their dangers and we've got to be solid as a unit away from home and try and nick something.

"We've got confidence going into the game so who knows.

"We're going to give it a good go and try and get the three points."

While Fulham will be looking to build on their first league win of the season, West Ham go into the game on the back of a three-game winless run.



https://insidefutbol.com/2020/11/06/were-confident-fulham-star-upbeat-ahead-of-west-ham-clash/480762/