Saturday Fulham Stuff - 19/12/20...

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This is why Scott Parker senses an opportunity at Newcastle United
Scott Parker has spoken about his time at Newcastle United ahead of his first return to St James's Park as a manager.

Parker spent two years at the club during his playing career, and the 40-year-old – who guided Fulham to promotion last season – knows it's a "tough" place for away teams – when full.

The stadium will be empty for tomorrow's game, but Parker is wary of Steve Bruce's team, who were beaten 5-2 by Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday night.

"They're a good side, a very well-organised side, with individuals in their team that can cause you problems," said Parker. "They've got a manager in Steve, who's done a fantastic job throughout his career.

"Look, it's a tough place to go, St James's Park. I played there for a couple of years so I understand what it's like there. They've got quality, so it'll be a tough, tough game for us, but one we're looking forward to."

Fulham are 18th in the Premier League with nine points, but Parker senses an opportunity for his team.

"It's definitely a game where we want to go up there and try and win," said Parker. "It's a game that we want to try and take points from

"Newcastle have had some up and down results, like a lot of teams this year, but they're a very good side who will cause teams problems.

"They've got some very good personnel in their team. But. saying that, we're in a good run, we're in a good vein of form, so for sure we're going to go up there and try and win the game."



https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/why-scott-parker-senses-opportunity-newcastle-united-3072488

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Fulham boss Scott Parker offers Aleksandar Mitrovic hope over increased role during busy festive period


leksandar Mitrovic has struggled for goals and game-time at Fulham of late / Getty Images

Scott Parker has opened the door for Aleksandar Mitrovic to return to the Fulham team, saying it will be impossible not to rotate his squad over the festive period.

Last season's Championship Golden Boot winner has not scored in the Premier League since mid-September and has not started a game since early November due to a run of poor form and slight injury.

Since the Serbian was dropped from the side, Fulham have improved under Parker and his former star striker faces a fight to regain his starting berth.

However, as Fulham prepare to face Mitrovic's former side Newcastle this weekend, Parker offered the 26-year-old hope.

"He is in a good place and getting up to speed and no doubt that with a lot of games coming up he is going to be in and around it when called upon," said Parker. "From my point of view it is something we need to look at.

"The period we're coming into is a busy, busy period with a lot of games and it is physically impossible for a player to go and play as many games as those scheduled.

"We'll have to rotate the squad and see what is best where we can to freshen things up."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-scott-parker-aleksandar-mitrovic-increased-role-festive-period-b369470.html

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Aleksandar Mitrovic recall decision pivotal to Newcastle United chances

Fair to say that Aleksandar Mitrovic divided opinion in his time at Newcastle United.

The boyhood Newcastle fan getting his dream move to Tyneside in summer 2015 but a chaotic season ended in relegation.

A half decent nine Premier League goals in his first season in England from only 22 starts and 12 sub appearances.

However, despite dropping down a division, Rafa Benitez went for a different approach, bringing in Dwight Gayle to lead the charge back to the Premier League.

Aleksandar Mitrovic only starting 11 Championship matches in 2016/17, named on the bench 24 times, scoring four goals.

The next season back in the top tier it was no PL starts, named on the bench 10 times, scoring one goal, before a loan move in January 2018 which ended up with a permanent move that summer.

Rafa Benitez  preferring a mobile Dwight Gayle who could get around the pitch better and do more team work, instead of a less mobile Aleksandar Mitrovic who could hold the ball up and arguably is easily the better finisher.

Ahead of this season, Aleksandar Mitrovic was probably the first name on the team sheet for Fulham, 95 league starts and only named on the bench three times, scoring 49 goals in those league (Premier and Championship) games.

This season was looking the usual, starting seven of the first eight games he was available for, on the bench just once.

However, those seven starts saw six defeats and only the one win against West Brom, Aleksandar Mitrovic with only two goals, both against Leeds in a 4-3 defeat.

Scott Parker deciding things just weren't working and so it is now six weeks since Mitro last started a Premier League match, Parker switching to a high energy, quick running and passing style, that the Serbian doesn't exactly fit into. the striker left out of the last five starting elevens.

Also, midfielder Tom Cairney has been left out the last four PL matches and dropped to the bench. A very decent midfielder, however, he has no pace and relies on controlled careful passing sequences to try and eventually open up the opposition, once again, the complete opposite to what Scott Parker has wanted to do with his team since early November.

Fulham may have only picked up five points in the five matches since Aleksandar Mitrovic was left out BUT their performances have been far far better. Only very small margins preventing them picking up more points, from a very deliberate slow build up, instead, Fulham are now a very rapid attacking outfit that are capable of causing problems for the very best.

They won 2-1 at Leicester, having more shots on target (5 v 3) than the Foxes.

Against Everton they were very unlucky to lose 3-2, having had more possession (54% v 46%) and more shots (14 v 9).

In midweek, playing against a Brighton side that smashed Newcastle 3-0 at St James Park, they had decent possession (46% v 54%), and the same number of shots (9 v 9) and efforts on target (4 v 4).

Last weekend though I was particularly stunned to see how they played against Liverpool, totally without fear. They absolutely battered the scousers and should have been three or four up by half-time instead of just the one. Liverpool came back into it and dominated much of the second half but Fulham still were very dangerous. The eventual 1-1 scoreline a fair result maybe. Fulham had matched the champions in every department apart from possession, having 10 shots to 12, 5 v 6 on target, 6 v 8 corners.

Newcastle have been hammered by high energy, high pressing teams like Southampton, Brighton and Leeds. On what I have seen recently, I think Fulham have been very much looking similar.

However, salvation may be at hand for Steve Bruce and Newcastle United.

Like all managers, Scott Parker is said to be looking at how best to manage his resources in this very busy spell of matches.

I fear the worst if Parker puts out a team like he did against Liverpool last weekend and tells them to run and run at Newcastle, Bruce's team and tactics could be literally overrun.

The good news though is that the Fulham boss is considering bringing Tom Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrovic back for Saturday's game. No disrespect to Mitro but I far more fancy out chances if up against a striker with so little pace and a team set up to play a very different way than recently, returning to a more slow, slow, careful build-up, rather than fast, fast, hassle and try and run them off their feet.

Whilst of course the choice of Newcastle team will be very important, I feel that on this occasion the Fulham one will be even more so, as that will dictate the kind of challenge

NUFC will face in such an important match.

A win for the West London club would lift them to only five points behind Newcastle and with Steve Bruce's team set to then face Man City, Liverpool and Leicester, the PL table could potentially look a lot less comfortable.



https://www.themag.co.uk/2020/12/aleksandar-mitrovic-recall-decision-pivotal-to-newcastle-united-chances/

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Fulham boss Scott Parker hints at Aleksandar Mitrovic recall

Scott Parker has paved the way for Aleksandar Mitrovic to force his way back into Fulham's starting line-up.

Serbia hitman Mitrovic has fallen out of favour at Craven Cottage, having failed to fire a Premier League goal since September while struggling with injury niggles.

Mitrovic came off the bench in Fulham's goalless draw with Brighton on Wednesday, and could start Saturday's clash against former club Newcastle.

The 26-year-old has yet to convince Parker of his form and sharpness this term, but the Fulham boss insisted Mitrovic will have his chance to shine across a hectic Christmas schedule.

"He is in a good place and getting up to speed and there's no doubt with a lot of games coming up he is going to be in and around it when called upon," said Parker.

"From my point of view it is something we need to look at.

"The period we're coming into is a busy, busy period with a lot of games and it is physically impossible for a player to go and play as many games as those scheduled.

"We'll have to rotate the squad and see what is best where we can to freshen things up."

Mitrovic hit nine Premier League goals in the 2015-16 season with Newcastle, and delivered 11 in the top-flight with Fulham in 2018-19.

The target man claimed the Championship golden boot with 26 goals last term as Fulham battled back to the Premier League via the play-offs.

This season Mitrovic has yet to find form or his scoring touch, but he could be inching back to top condition at just the right time.

Former Newcastle midfielder Parker expects a tough examination in the North East, hailing the work done by current Magpies boss Steve Bruce.

"He doing a fantastic job Steve, and he did a great job last year as well," said Parker.

"You often find with Newcastle a negative result often ends up being headline news.

"But they are good side and he's doing a good job."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/fulham-boss-scott-parker-hints-at-aleksandar-mitrovic-recall_427068.html

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Five Newcastle United players set to miss Fulham game
Steve Bruce will be without up to FIVE Newcastle United players through illness when his team takes on Fulham.

A number of players are still recovering from Covid-19 following the recent training ground outbreak ahead of tomorrow's Premier League home game against Scott Parker's 18th-placed side.

"We don't ave any new injury concerns," said head coach Bruce. "We've still got four or five of squad missing through illness. It's a difficult time in that respect. We've certainly got one or two who are finding it a struggle.

"The one thing we're finding is that the virus leaves you fatigued. Not just fatigue, they've got other symptoms too. I don't know. It's a difficult one. It won't be a week or two, it'll be longer than that."

A number of players, including Jamaal Lascelles, Allan Saint-Maximin, Javier Manquillo and Fabian Schar, missed Wednesday night's 5-2 defeat to Leeds United.

Reflecting on the performance at Elland Road, Bruce said: "There's no doubt it was a poor goal, the third one. We've got caught in our own box and got punished.

"The fourth one and fifth one, I can understand as we were chasing the game. When we equalised I thought we'd given ourselves a wonderful opportunity to win the match.

"We've scored twice away from home. At the forward end of the pitch, we're starting to look a threat, but we have to get that balance right, and make sure we defend better as a team."

Newcastle are 14th in the Premier League table with 17 points.



https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/international-football/five-newcastle-united-players-set-miss-fulham-game-3072717

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Scott Parker plans Aleksandar Mitrovic Fulham recall over Christmas games

Scott Parker has paved the way for Aleksandar Mitrovic to force his way back into Fulham's starting line-up.

Serbia hitman Mitrovic has fallen out of favour at Craven Cottage, having failed to fire a Premier League goal since September while struggling with injury niggles.

Mitrovic came off the bench in Fulham's goalless draw with Brighton on Wednesday, and could start Saturday's clash against former club Newcastle.

The 26-year-old has yet to convince Parker of his form and sharpness this term, but the Fulham boss insisted Mitrovic will have his chance to shine across a hectic Christmas schedule.

"He is in a good place and getting up to speed and there's no doubt with a lot of games coming up he is going to be in and around it when called upon," said Parker.

"From my point of view it is something we need to look at.

"The period we're coming into is a busy, busy period with a lot of games and it is physically impossible for a player to go and play as many games as those scheduled.

"We'll have to rotate the squad and see what is best where we can to freshen things up."

Mitrovic hit nine Premier League goals in the 2015-16 season with Newcastle, and delivered 11 in the top-flight with Fulham in 2018-19.

The target man claimed the Championship golden boot with 26 goals last term as Fulham battled back to the Premier League via the play-offs.

This season Mitrovic has yet to find form or his scoring touch, but he could be inching back to top condition at just the right time.

Former Newcastle midfielder Parker expects a tough examination in the North East, hailing the work done by current Magpies boss Steve Bruce.

"He doing a fantastic job Steve, and he did a great job last year as well," said Parker.

"You often find with Newcastle a negative result often ends up being headline news.

"But they are good side and he's doing a good job."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/scott-parker-plans-aleksandar-mitrovic-fulham-recall-over-christmas-games-1608290404000

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Steve Bruce suggests he'd never have sold Aleksandar Mitrovic

Newcastle United transferred Mitrovic to Fulham back in 2018 and he could feature against the Magpies in Saturday's Premier League clash

Steve Bruce has revealed his admiration for Aleksandar Mitrovic - and suggested he would not have sold him as Newcastle United boss.

The Serbia international was sold to Fulham for £27million in 2018 with Bruce believing he was "too good" for the Sky Bet Championship.

Mitrovic returns to Tyneside and the threat of haunting his old club is hovering over St James' Park

Bruce said: "I would have loved the opportunity to work with him.

"He was great up here and you can understand why he's a cult hero.

"He's different. Big, tough, strong, fiercely competitive, has a bit of an edge to him, a bit like the North East."

Mitrovic has bagged 40 goals for Fulham since leaving Newcastle.

Bruce reflected: "He transformed Fulham in the Championship

"He was too good for the Championship."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/steve-bruce-newcastle-mitrovic-fulham-19482697

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Newcastle United v Fulham

Fulham signed Aleksandar Mitrovic from Newcastle for an initial £22m in July 2018

TEAM NEWS

Newcastle head coach Steve Bruce says he is still without up to five players because of coronavirus.

Jonjo Shelvey, Miguel Almiron and Emil Krath are all pushing for recalls after being among the substitutes at Leeds.

Fulham boss Scott Parker has suggested he may rotate his squad given the busy festive fixture programme.

Bobby Decordova-Reid has a minor thigh muscle injury and could miss out, with ex-Newcastle forward Aleksandar Mitrovic an option to replace him.

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Fulham have picked up a couple of decent draws in the past few days, against Liverpool and then Brighton, but they were hanging on in both games.

Newcastle fell apart at the end against Leeds in midweek but they are at home this time and they will expect to win this game - their recent record at St James' Park against teams below them in the table is pretty good.

Prediction: 2-0

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

    Newcastle have lost just one of the past five Premier League meetings, winning three times and drawing once.
    However, the Magpies have registered only one win in the most recent five encounters in all competitions, with Fulham completing the Championship double over them in 2016-17.
    Fulham failed to score in four of their last five Premier League fixtures between the sides.
    The clubs played out a goalless draw when they last met at St James' Park in December 2018.

Newcastle United

    Newcastle can reach 20 points after 13 Premier League fixtures for the first time since 2013-14.
    Steve Bruce's side are attempting to win a fourth home game out of six.
    The Magpies are without a clean sheet at St James' Park in 10 attempts.
    They have won their final pre-Christmas league match in each of the past five seasons.
    Newcastle face a newly-promoted side for the third consecutive fixture.
    The Magpies have opened the scoring in their past three matches.
    Callum Wilson has either scored or assisted 10 goals in his 11 league appearances for Newcastle.

Fulham

    Fulham have lost only one of four league games and have recorded back-to-back draws.
    They have been beaten in 22 of their past 27 Premier League away games, winning twice and drawing three times.
    The Cottagers have won just four of their last 25 top-flight matches played in December.
    Fulham could keep back-to-back Premier League clean sheets for the first time since April 2019.
    They have registered just two clean sheets in their past 43 top-flight away games, albeit one of those was at Newcastle in December 2018.
    Fulham are the only side yet to concede a goal from outside the penalty area this season.
    The Cottagers are one short of 300 top-flight away defeats.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55268101

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Newcastle manager Steve Bruce fears two of his stars are suffering long term effects of Covid-19 and that he still has up to FIVE players missing through illness ahead of clash with Fulham

    Newcastle United could have up to five players missing for clash with Fulham
    Steve Bruce has not named the players affected long term by the coronavirus
    An outbreak of the disease earlier this forced Magpies to postpone a game

Steve Bruce fears two of his Newcastle players have 'long-term Covid' and does not know when they will return.

The Magpies boss has revealed that some infected players cannot even walk for half an hour without needing to go back to bed.

At least 10 players and staff have been affected by the virus at the club and Bruce says it is 'frightening' the impact it has had on two of them, with concern remaining for their long-term health.


Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce fears two of his players have long term effects from Covid

'My thoughts are with the two players, and the welfare of them,' he said. 'It's frightening when you think they are young and fit and absolutely supreme athletes. If anybody needs reminding of how serious this is, then we have witnessed it.

'We've had vomiting, sores, mouth ulcers, no smell, no taste, but the big thing, and which is the worrying, is the welfare of one or two of them. It's not great at all.

'That long-term Covid is something which you wouldn't think possible in young, fit, athletes. Unfortunately, it is so.

'They go for a walk for half an hour and then they want to go back to bed. It's as brutal as that. The fatigue is the one thing that has hit them all. For two of them, it's beyond that. We hope there's light at the end of the tunnel, but some are finding it a struggle.'

Asked when the two players would return, Bruce said: 'I really don't know. It's had a damaging effect. So it won't be a week or two - it's going to be longer than that.

'We hope they recover properly and I will give them the time to recover because it's about the welfare of them and their long-term health.

'If one or two of them have got long-term Covid, like it seems, then it's very difficult to manage.'




https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9067791/Newcastle-manager-Steve-Bruce-fears-two-stars-suffering-long-term-effects-Covid-19.html

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Every word Scott Parker said on Bobby De Cordova-Reid worry, Tom Cairney and fitness gambles

The Whites boss was speaking ahead of Newcastle vs Fulham

On a point against Brighton

It was a point. A point in the Premier League is always big. I think we went into the game to win it, every game this year we're wanting to get three points. I think the way the game panned out for both teams it was a cagey affair. Both playing the same sort of style in terms of the shape we played, and we probably cancelled each other out for large parts. The ebbs and flows of the game, Brighton had some very good chances, and we did as well. A draw was a fair result on reflection, maybe both of us are sitting there thinking we could have nicked the three points. There were a lot of positives from our side. It was a good, solid display, a clean sheet which is very pleasing. Of course, there were things that certainly we can improve on as well.

Fewchanges from Liverpool, did we see a hangover from then?

I think I said that after the game. I did feel we looked a little bit jaded. I thought our possession, and the work rate and the effort were incredible. Just that real sharpness, certainly with the ball, from the big effort against Liverpool. From my point of view, it's something I need to look at. The period we're coming into, it's a busy, busy period. There's a lot of games, it's physically impossible for a player to go and play as many games as what's scheduled so we'll have to rotate the squad and see what's best where we can to get the job done.

Team news for Newcastle trip

Bobby-Reid's got a little bit of an issue with his quad which he picked up in the first half. It's a recovery day so we'll see where he is a little more tomorrow and see where he improves from there. Other than that, everyone else is fit and well, tired of course but no injury concerns.

On defensive progress with clean sheet

Very, very pleased with that. At the start of the season at times we couldn't withstand a little bit. It's been a work in progress with all the defenders, the whole group every day are working together and trying to become a little more solid as a team and as a group. [I'm] very pleased, certainly for 15 minutes after the break in that second half we came under it. We didn't fold, we kept ourselves in the game, stayed solid, which is very, very pleasing. We know we can't afford to have to go and score two or three goals to win games in this division. For one it's probably not going to be possible at times but also you need to give yourself a platform really and we've managed to do that over the last six or seven games so it's good.

Mitrovic cameo against Brighton

I thought he did very well when he came on. All his quality on the pitch with what we see. He's in a good pace and he's getting up to speed. No doubt like I said we have a lot of games coming up and he's going to be in and around it when he's called up.

On Slaven Bilic being sacked by West Bromwich Albion

Sadness for Slaven. It's incredible to think that the man took that club last year in the Championship, the job he did to get them out of that league, everyone probably thinks it was given but that was an amazing feat last year. [He] got them out, and as quick as he got them out, he slips two points out the relegation zone and he gets the sack. It doesn't surprise me because we're in football. I'm not sure where West Brom expect themselves to be this year. He's done a fantastic job there and it's a shame to see he's lost his job. It doesn't surprise us - this is football, they have the right to decide what they want to decide. He's a good man and a very, very good manager and I'm sure he'll go back into work very soon.

Newcastletrip

A god side, an organised side, very well organised. They have individuals in their team that can cause you problems. A good manager in Steve who has been in and around it and has done a fantastic job his entire career. It's a tough place to go to St James' Park, I played there for a few years, so I understand what the place is like there and they've got quality. It's going to be a tough game for us but one we're looking forward to.

[It's] definitely a game we want to go and try and win and get points in. Certainly Newcastle have had some up and down results like a lot of teams this year. They're a very good side who cause teams problems and they have personnel in their teams that can cause problems. In saying that we're in a good run. We're in a good vein of where we are and for sure we'll go up there and give everything.

Are you willing to gamble on players for the game that aren't recovered yet?

We're in a position where we have to do that due to where we are. We're a team that has just got promoted into the Premier League. We brought in some players but in terms of depth of squad in the demands of this league, this is the way we're going to go. We have to recover, do work and get back out there and the same over the Christmas period that's the way it is.

Areola's performances

It's very important, he's come in and brought a lot of experience in his stature as a keeper and again as a human being and in that keeper, he has a big presence about him. He's been vital. He steps in the building along with the back four, along with a new unit, now you're starting to see elements of the work that's being done and them understanding the division well. He'll play a big part for us this year.

Positive steps made since the start of the season?

I still understand the challenges we'll face this year. My words haven't changed from the outset when I sat here in the first game against Arsenal. Three/four games in, whatever it may be, right until the end of the season I have a real understanding of where I see us this year and how I see this season panning out in that sense. I also see improvements; I see us taking small steps. Challenges ahead? I'm sure there will be but as long as we keep adopting, keep improving and being hard to beat – that's the one thing that has come about is in the last few results. [Against] Leicester we got a win, Liverpool, Brighton yesterday and the ones before that. There have been improvements and that needs to continue.

On Premier League clubs voting against five substitutes but for concussion substitutes

The three subs are something I was in favour of and the club way anyway. Regarding the nine it gives you a bit more scope and a bit more licence on the bench so [there's] more to choose from. Regarding the concussion I think it's probably a good decision. We're getting to the point where there's been a couple of incidents, so I totally understand that one. To have that flexibility as well to increase that to five if there is a concussion or injury to the head, I see that as a real positive.

More on being opposed to five substitutes

For me and my club where it is for us, I wasn't in favour of five subs. At the same time, I understand that if there was evidence to suggest that the wellbeing of players - the general wellbeing - is being affected during this time and obviously fitness-wise or injuries if it's a massive increase, or we were [at a point where] the evidence showed that a lot of clubs were using their three subs and there was an actual real impact then I understand. For me it wouldn't be an advantage to us, not that I feel it's an advantage now because it isn't, but certainly I felt it would have been an advantage for top teams. The depth of squad of the top clubs have what comes with Champions League football, a lot of football is a lot more money and it comes with a bigger squad and bigger depth of squad. Selfish maybe but that's the way it is.

With more ex-pros being diagnosed with dementia are you personally worried for your own health?

I'm not worried. I understand the concerns but for me personally, there's not one bit of me concerned. I played football for 20 years and had an incredible career, I enjoyed every single minute of it. If it is proven that there's risk in that, that's where it is. I understand if there is proven data [that] comes out, I understand there may be things put in place to eradicate that further down the line. But regarding myself it's not something I think about it all.

Will you now air even more on the side of caution when there's a head injury?

I can imagine so definitely. It gives you the opportunity if you've already made three subs. I think there's protocols in place for players in. Certainly since I've been a manager and even as a player there were always strict protocols in place. I've never been involved or around anyone in a game where someone had been knocked out. Denis Odoi was a player last year who had a concussion and straight away procedures [were] in place; neck braces and he was straight off the pitch. Certainly I think this will help, [having] five subs. If you've already used three it probably takes the steam out of things. Players want to play football, in the heat of the situation like boxers sometimes you need someone else to really say 'listen'. If there's things in place that can ease that tension and drive to say you want to stay on then I can only see that as a good thing.

Should the clubs who are allowed to have fans turn them away to create a level playing field for everyone?

No, I don't think so. For sure it's definitely an advantage, I think we saw that against Liverpool. I also feel that could be the case going to an away ground and having that atmosphere still. We've been in this sterile situation for such a long time in terms of playing in empty stadiums. Whether the support is with you or against you I think it can be a positive. I also don't think we're at a point where you should be saying no fans. If there's fans allowed in certain stadiums, then bring them in. It can only help people and football. We want fans back in stadiums so no, I don't see it as a real negative or a level playing field. I'd love to go and play in an away stadium with fans even if they are cheering against you.

Andersen impact and improved defending

It's been a lot of work on the training field. As a team and obviously as a defending unit. Joachim is one of them, a top defender who has done very, very well and is a top-class player. He's helped no end and will do moving forwards.

Are we talking about football more than managers at the moment?

It does seem like that. I think the reason we talk about managers is because everyone has become so heightened and it's the news. Everyone has become so immune to managers losing their job after one defeat. You go back five, ten years ago and that wasn't the case. Now everybody is reactive. Two bad results and everyone will report that the job is on the line. The reason that is is that over the last three/four/five years owners are very quick to change managers. I think we all realise, I certainly realise, it's the nature of the job. We're in a results business and you need to go and get results while not taking your eye off a long-term goal. If you want to build brilliant football teams and brilliant football clubs, you need to have half an eye on the longer-term view and the foundations. Especially if you're trying to set and get that stability. If you always have your eye solely on the result, win or lose, then you know what you'll. You'll get some results, stay in the league one year, you get relegated, you get promoted, but ultimately your journey is very rough, and it's a bumpy one, it's a rollercoaster.

Tom Cairney and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are in the same position but what are their different qualities?

I think they are both different in different ways. I think Tom is a very technical player. I think they are different as midfielders. I think Ruben's attributes are more breaking the lines from deep, whereas Tom is more controlling a game for you, he dictates the game in the classy way he is. Both have got similarities, but both have niche things they possess more than each other. Both are very, very good players.

Will having no fans in St James Park be a favour for Fulham?

You can look at it the other way. It's a place where, if it isn't going well, it's hostile. I go back being there as a player and the opposition was always a factor, can you quiet the crowd down? It works both ways. When that place is bouncing they are one of the best supported teams out there club-wise with everyone behind them.

Mitrovic label of being too good for Championship but not good enough for Premier League unfair?

I think it's unfair. 12 games into this season and Mitro would be the first to say he's got off to a slow start. The last time we were in the Premier League he got 11/12 goals. Internationally he can score - his goal record there is second to none. I think it's unfair to suggest that. He has got it all to prove like a lot of the players. A lot the squad, players that have been in and around the Championship for some time. I have no doubt he can score goals in this league and be a Premier League centre forward.

Steve Bruce doing a good job but still facing fan pressure, do you have extra sympathy given your own spell there?

Yeah definitely. It was a factor for me. I think I was playing some of the best football of my career, I gave everything on the pitch and ended up being captain of that football club and in a very short space of time it changed very quickly for me and it went the other way for some reason. We were in a bit of a bad turn at the time in terms of results, but nothing was too much of a crisis. Before you know it, I had to leave. It's a passionate club, it's a passionate city. It's an unbelievable city and an unbelievable club at the same time. Sometimes like I said I have sympathy for Steve. He's from that way so he probably understands it a little bit more, but it can be a negative or a positive sometimes. People find it too hard to perform up there or certainly the pressures of that, the relentlessness of it is difficult. Steve's been in and around it for such a long time, he has fantastic experience, he's done a fantastic job last year and this year as well in the climate with the stuff they've had over the last few weeks as well, I'm sure he'll be fine.

Reflecting on transfer business

Very important for us. To get the players in, in the places we did, was crucial. We needed to improve in areas and we still need to do that moving forward for us to keep moving like any club you're always looking at areas you can improve in and strengthen in certain places. Certainly the last window and the importance of those players coming in and the importance of those that stayed as well, working constantly, pushing the new ones, setting standards and showing them the way. The whole group has come together really well so it's massive.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/every-word-scott-parker-said-19483716

[WhiteJC]

Ademola Lookman is one Newcastle United missed out on - and he's now showing his worth at Fulham

Ademola Lookman could partner Aleksandar Mitrovic up-front against Newcastle United this weekend

Newcastle United may have missed out on Ademola Lookman last January, but Fulham are slowly beginning to see what talent he has.

A loan deal fell through and the RB Leipzig striker was only afforded 142 minutes of game time in the second half of the season, finishing the campaign with zero goals to his name.

Fulham, Newcastle's opponents this weekend, snapped the 23-year-old up on loan in the summer as they looked to build-up a squad capable of surviving relegation.

He's expected to play a part in the game on Saturday evening, and Fulham fans are starting to see the best of the former Everton man as Football London's Scott Trotter explains.

"It hasn't taken long to realise why there isn't an option for a permanent deal," Trotter told Chronicle Live.

"The RB Leipzig striker has record two goals and two assists this season but his quality just shines when he's driving down the wing to beat a man or two.

"He offers a penetration that you can often accuse Fulham of lacking and provides a great outlet when Parker does want his team to counter-attack.

"Maybe he felt a little too comfortable when stepping up for that paneka penalty but he is definitely a player that stands out as having class."

That panenka penalty against West Ham is arguably Lookman's most memorable moment - albeit for all the wrong reasons - in the Premier League - and it didn't go down too well.

"About as well as you would expect In the immediate aftermath there were no punches pulled in the anger and disappointment of both Parker and supporters," Trotter adds.

"It was a massive opportunity missed.

"With the ability, Lookman has shown since he does have some goodwill, however.

"Parker has regularly spoken about how Lookman took his medicine following the incident and showed his character to come back for it.

"While it remains a baffling moment, I think for the most part it has been moved past, and although it wasn't that long ago, the squad's mindset, on the whole, seems to have developed to deal with the pressures of the Premier League."

Lookman may partner former Toon player Aleksandar Mitrovic up-front on Saturday and it's something that Fulham fans may welcome.

"It sounds good, and when Mitrovic comes into the side we've got to see it.

"In the past Fulham's method of attack could possibly be accused of being predictable with Mitrovic but with Lookman offering an alternative avenue, and the likes of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Tom Cairney in the supply chain the team have options.

"It doesn't necessarily sound like it will be the first choice for every match, but what is becoming clear is that Fulham have options of how to play and we might see something different at Newcastle."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ademola-lookman-one-newcastle-united-19483747

[WhiteJC]

Newcastle Matchday Preview

Newcastle United v Fulham | St James' Park | Saturday 19th December 2020 | 8pm | #NEWFUL

The opposition

    Results have been mixed for the Magpies so far this season, but they currently sit on a healthy points tally of 17, having won five Premier League matches already.
    Wednesday's 5-2 defeat by Leeds United looks like a bit of a thumping on paper, but it was quite an even encounter until Newcastle were caught chasing the game late on. They also had a very strong shout for a penalty turned down while the scores were level.
    Scott Parker spent two seasons at St James' Park in his playing days, the only non-London side he played for permanently. It was a fairly successful time for the club as they finished seventh and 13th, whilst Parker also lifted the prestigious Intertoto Cup having succeeded Alan Shearer as captain.

Newcastle team news

Illness has plagued the United camp recently and they are again expecting to be without the likes of Javier Manquillo, Jamaal Lascelles, Allan Saint-Maximin and Fabian Schar on Saturday. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is a long term absentee, but Karl Darlow has impressed in his place, making 51 saves already this season, the second most in the Premier League.

Fulham team news

Bobby De Cordova-Reid will be assessed after picking up a quad injury against Brighton & Hove Albion, while the game may come too soon for the returning Kenny Tete and Terence Kongolo.

Coverage

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, while commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid is available for FFCtv subscribers.

Player insight

Ola Aina is expecting to see a reaction from Newcastle on Saturday, but insists that won't affect Fulham's objective of leaving St James' Park with three points.

"We know it's going to be a tough game up there," he told FFCtv. "They've got decent players so we'll approach it the same we have every game this season.

"It's a game we'll look to get a result in. We won't be taking them lightly."

Form

Newcastle: LLWWL

Fulham: LWLDD

Pre-match quotes

"Fair play to the Manager because they are certainly better in recent weeks. It'll be another tough game."

Steve Bruce
Newcastle Manager

"Look, it's a tough place to go, St James' Park. I played there for a couple of years so I understand what it's like there."

Scott Parker
Fulham Head Coach

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/december/Newcastle-Matchday-Preview/

[WhiteJC]

NEW FOF'cast 🎙🎧 Well that was a bit 'Gull'

On this episode of FOF'cast, we are joined by regular co-hosts Owen Smith and Gerry Pimm as we discuss the following Fulham FC related topics:

⚽ The difference between the Liverpool and Brighton games

⚽ What's up with Ruben Loftus-Cheek?

⚽ Why is Aboubakar Kamara the go to sub?

⚽ Is West Bromwich Albion appointing Sam Allardyce a cause for concern?

⚽ Owen's experience of returning to Craven Cottage

⚽ Saturday's game v Newcastle United

⚽ Newcastle United predications

Thanks once again for listening, and don't forget to subscribe to catch any future shows.



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1557

[WhiteJC]

Newcastle v Fulham: match preview

Scott Parker was once an integral part of Newcastle's midfield but he returns to St James' Park on a mission to ease Fulham's relegation worries. Should Aleksandar Mitrovic, also returning, score against his old club, Steve Bruce will have reason to be worried. Although Newcastle look safe enough things remain fragile and Wednesday's 5-2 thrashing at Leeds served as a reminder of their limitations. With festive fixtures at Manchester City and at home to Liverpool and Leicester looming, Bruce could do with a victory. Louise Taylor

Saturday 8pm Sky Sports Premier League

Venue St James' Park

Last season n/a

Odds H 8-5 A 9-5 D 11-5

Referee Graham Scott

This season G5 Y15 R3 3.6 per/game
NEWCASTLE

Subs from Gillespie, Murphy, Dummett, Carroll, Hendrick, M Longstaff, Yedlin, Joelinton, S Longstaff, Gayle

Doubtful None

Injured Dubravka (ankle, unknown), Manquillo (illness, unknown), Lascelles
(illness, unknown), Saint-Maximin (illness, unknown), Schär (illness, unknown)

Suspended None

Discipline Y24 R0

Form WLLWWL

Leading scorer Wilson 7
FULHAM

Subs from Rodak, Fabri, Le Marchand, Ream, Hector, Odoi, Christie, Lemina, Cairney, Bryan, Kebano, Mitrovic, Kamara

Doubtful Decordova-Reid (thigh)

Injured Tete (match fitness, 26 Dec), Kongolo (ankle, Jan)

Suspended None

Discipline Y26 R1

Form LLWLDD

Leading scorer Decordova-Reid 4



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/dec/18/newcastle-fulham-match-preview-premier-league

[WhiteJC]

Scott Parker reveals why he quit Newcastle and the 'relentlessness' of life at United

The former Magpies midfielder brings his Fulham side to St James' Park this weekend

Scott Parker has revealed why quit Newcastle United back in 2007.

The Londoner was skipper under Glenn Roeder in his second season at the club following his switch from Chelsea in 2005.

But a dip in form resulted in Parker being sold to West Ham weeks after Roeder parted company with the Magpies.

Parker used the word "relentlessness" when describing how he saw life on Tyneside.

Asked at his Press conference whether he had "sympathy" for Steve Bruce, Parker said: "Definitely, I have sympathy. It was a factor for me.

"I went up to Newcastle and was playing some of my best football.

"Every week I gave nothing but my everything and ended up being captain of that football club.

"In a very, very short space of time, it changed very, very quickly for me. It went the other way, for some reason.

"Obviously, we were in a bit of a bad turn at the time in terms of results but nothing that was too much of a crisis. It did turn and before you know it, I had to leave.

"It's a passionate club, it's a passionate city.

"It's an unbelievable city and an unbelievable club at the same time.

"But I have sympathy for Steve, totally. He's from that way so he probably understands it a little bit more."

Parker then expanded on the pressure of life as Newcastle.

He said: "It can be a negative or a positive sometimes (the Newcastle fan pressure). People may find it too hard up there to go and perform.

"The relentlessness of it is difficult.

"But Steve's been in and around it for such a long time with vast experience.

"He did a fantastic job last year and this year as well with the stuff they've had to deal with with Covid.

"I'm sure he'll be fine."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/scott-parker-reveals-quit-newcastle-19486480

[WhiteJC]

Opinion: Judged too soon? Here's why Scott Parker's Fulham will stay up this season

After a woeful start to the season, encouraging recent performances and results have seen Fulham start a turnaround in their season.

There is no denying that Scott Parker's men had the worst possible start to their campaign back in the top-flight, losing all of their opening three games, conceding 10 goals and scoring just three.

This understandably cast a shadow of doubt over Parker and his lack of managerial experience, only being in charge of the White's since February 2019.

Nobody was more doubtful however that betting company 'Paddy Power', who paid out on all bets placed on Fulham to go down after just three games, claiming they "Might as well put them out of their misery now."

Since these opening fixtures, Fulham have found themselves not necessarily on a good run of results, a good run of performances, claiming six points in the last seven games and climbing out of the relegation zone.

Only 10 games have been played so far in the league, so it is certainly not too late for the former relegation favourites to prove their worth and cement a place in the 2021/22 Premier League Season.

Here are some reasons why they can do it.

1     Impressive Transfer Window

Fulham last got promoted through the 2017/18 Championship Play-Offs.

However, it was the money that they earned from the promotion that ended up being their biggest downfall, as they overspent in the transfer window, totalling a spend of £105m.

Whilst this did include successful signings such as Aleksandar Mitrovic and Joe Bryan, they also splashed out on flops such as Jean Michael-Seri and Alfie Mawson.

With an entirely different look to the squad, the new introductions couldn't gel in time or fill their potential and the Whites were sent straight back down after having three different managers in that season, the last of which being the current boss.

This season, Fulham have taken a different approach in their signings, recruiting quality players but avoiding over-spending.

Some of their summer bargains include Dutch right-back, Kenny Tete, for just £2.8m, Tosin Aderabioyo for £1.4m and the £5.85m signing of Harrison Reed, who was instrumental in securing Fulham's return to the Premier League.

As well as this, the loan signings of big names such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Alphonse Areola and Ademola Lookman have only strengthened the squad further.

All the names mentioned have already made a positive impact on the squad, especially those in the defensive third, an area that has seemed to be a curse on the side for the last few years.

2. Star Quality in The Team

You know you've got a strong squad on your hands when Jean Michael Seri and Josh Onomah don't make your 25-man squad, and Aleksander Mitrovic and Joe Bryan can't make the starting 11 consistently.

Here are some of the stand out players in each segment of Fulham's squad.

Defence:

Fulham's defence is a topic that would force fans into silence after the state of affairs over the last few seasons.

In their last stint in the premier league, the Whites conceded 81 goals, to put that into perspective, Derby County conceded 89 in their infamous 2007/08 season.

However, the partnership of Aderabioyo and Joachim Andersen in front of keeper Areola has tightened up a defence that was once hard to watch.

Aderabioyo has been a particular stand out, and a bargain as well!

The 23-year-old has been dribbled past just once this season, whilst also blocking four shots and producing 42 clearances, not bad for £1.4m!

Midfield:

With Zambo Anguissa, Reed, Loftus-Cheek, Tom Cairney and Mario Lemina at his disposal, Parker has been making the most out of his playmakers, with their statistics being up there with the best in the league.

For instance, Cairney has completed 92% of his passes under pressure, second to only Mohammed Elneny, but the Scotsman finds himself ahead of the likes of Rodri, Jordan Henderson and Andre Gomes.

Whilst Cairney can played in a no.10 role, he is well protected by holding midfield pair, Anguissa and Reed.

Between them, they've successfully intercepted 34 passes in their combined 1,388 minutes of Premier League action.

After a rocky start to life at Fulham, there were question marks over whether the Cameroon midfielder would fulfil his potential, however, after a successful loan spell at Villarreal, Anguissa has been crucial to Parker's side, being at the heart of everything that Fulham have done right.

Attack:

You'd assume that not starting Mitrovic, who scored 27 goals last season, would be detrimental to their attacking play.

Well, quite the opposite.

Thanks to the introduction of Ademola Lookman, Fulham are playing all kinds of free-flowing football, with the RB Leipzig loanee creating 13 chances already in Fulham colours, bagging himself two goals in the process.

Furthermore, Bobby Decordova-Reid has become a man of versatility, playing as an out and out striker, a winger and more recently, a right wing-back, scoring three goals

Parker is clearly bringing out the best of a squad that respects him, and after a big win against Leicester City, Fulham seem to be the dominant force amongst the likes of West Brom, Burnley and Sheffield United.

With plenty of games still to go, maybe Paddy Power will live to regret their decision!



https://toddgilronansport.wordpress.com/2020/12/18/opinion-judged-too-soon-heres-why-scott-parkers-fulham-will-stay-up-this-season/

[WhiteJC]

'Brutal' coronavirus has left Newcastle players struggling to walk – Steve Bruce

Newcastle head coach Steve Bruce has revealed some of his Covid-19 victims have been left needing to lie down after a short walk as they attempt to battle their way through the virus.

The Magpies will once again be without a series of unnamed players for Saturday's Premier League fixture against Fulham at St James' Park as a result of the lingering effects of the coronavirus outbreak which prompted the club to close their training ground at the end of last month.

Defender Federico Fernandez and midfielder Isaac Hayden have retuned to the fold in the last week, but some of their team-mates have not been so fortunate.

Bruce said: "We've had the full range. We've had vomiting, sores, mouth ulcers, no smell, no taste – but the big thing, of course, and which is the worrying thing, is the welfare of one or two or three of them.

"It's not great at all. We're still going to be weeks and that long-term Covid is something which you wouldn't think possible in young, fit, athletes. Unfortunately, it is so.

"I will be governed by the doctors and the medical people, but the most worrying element is fatigue. I think most people will realise, or the vast majority who have got it, the one thing that the virus leaves, even if the virus has left them, is the fatigue aspect.

"They go for a walk for half an hour and then they want to go back to bed. It's as brutal as that. It has been very difficult. It has been a really difficult couple of weeks."

Two members of Bruce's squad have been hit particularly hard by the virus, and the 59-year-old admits their plight has served to illustrate the gravity of the situation.

He said: "My thoughts are with the two players, and the welfare of them. It's frightening when you think they are young and fit and absolutely supreme athletes.

"If anybody needs reminding of how serious this is, then we have witnessed it."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/brutal-coronavirus-has-left-newcastle-players-struggling-to-walk-steve-bruce-1608310833000

[WhiteJC]

NUFC duo set be hit with one-game ban if they're booked vs Fulham tonight

There are TWO Newcastle United players who'll be walking a bit of a tightrope should they feature against Fulham tonight.

That duo is Jamal Lewis and Isaac Hayden, with both just one yellow card away from a one-game ban in the Premier League.

Both have picked up four yellows in the league this season, meaning they'll be suspended for the Boxing Day trip to Manchester City should either be booked on Saturday night at St James' Park.

Isaac Hayden picked up his fourth yellow of the season in Wednesday's 5-2 defeat at Leeds and had a pop at officials after the game, tweeting..."Not quite sure what the rules are anymore, can't tackle and dare touch the other player?"

As for Lewis, he was booked in three of his first four games following a £13.5m move from Norwich, also picking up a caution for his handbags with West Brom's Darnell Furlong last weekend.

Considering our lack of fit left-backs and the fact Isaac Hayden is arguably our only reliable defensive midfielder, it wouldn't be ideal if both are missing for the daunting trip to Manchester City!



https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2020/12/19/nufc-duo-set-be-hit-with-one-game-ban-if-theyre-booked-vs-fulham-tonight/

[WhiteJC]

Newcastle aim to extend home run against Fulham

Team news

Newcastle United have reported no new injury concerns following their defeat to Leeds United.

Fulham's Bobby De Cordova-Reid is a doubt and will be assessed before a decision is made on his availability.

Did you know?

Newcastle are unbeaten in their last five Premier League home outings against Fulham (W3 D2), with the last such fixture ending 0-0 in December 2018.

Callum Wilson registered his 10th goal involvement - an assist for Jeff Hendrick - in his 11th PL appearance for Newcastle against Leeds (seven goals, three assists), the quickest English player to reach double figures for goals/assists in the competition for the club since Alan Shearer in October 1996 (10th match).

Fulham are looking to keep back-to-back Premier League clean sheets for the first time since April 2019.

Fulham are the only side yet to concede from outside the box in the Premier League this season. In their last campaign in the competition, they were one of five sides to concede at least 10 goals from distance.

Match officials

Referee: Graham Scott. Assistants: Richard West, Derek Eaton. Fourth official: Jarred Gillett. VAR: Andy Madley. Assistant VAR: Stephen Child.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/1939627

[WhiteJC]

Predicted Newcastle team v Fulham has four changes

Looking ahead to tonight's Newcastle team v Fulham.

Steve Bruce come into the game having failed to win three Premier League games in a row for the first time in 12 years.

The late wins in tight games against Palace and West Brom followed by a hammering from Leeds, even though it took the final 13 minutes for them to convert their clear superiority into goals.

Steve Bruce spoke about the injury and fitness situation on Friday morning and said it was good and bad news.

The NUFC Head Coach saying there had been no new injuries picked up in the Leeds match.

However, he also confirmed that there were still 'four or five missing through illness', appearing to indicate that nobody will be added to the squad who wasn't available on Wednesday at Leeds.

So as well as long-term injured Dubravka and Dummett, the likes of Lascelles, Schar, Manquillo and Saint-Maximin will also still be missing you assume.

The Newcastle team and subs v Leeds were:
Darlow, Murphy, Hayden, Fernandez, Clark, Lewis, Hendrick, S Longstaff, Fraser, Joelinton, Wilson (Subs: Gillespie, Shelvey, Carroll, Gayle, Ritchie, Krafth, Almiron)

So when it comes to possibilities for the Newcastle team v Fulham, it looks like the 18 above who were in the squad for Leeds.

Surprisingly, I haven't read anything about Steve Bruce being quizzed on whether he was making this Fulham game, or the Brentford cup match on Tuesday, his biggest priority.

Obviously he would have just given the usual waffle about every match is important but still, surprised it wasn't a main topic of debate.

For example, if say Callum Wilson starts tonight, surely that means he won't be also starting at Brentford. Steve Bruce has once again gone on at length this month about looking after players and using his squad etc, tonight would be a third start in a week for Wilson and Tuesday only three days away.

Personally, I think we will see the full strength Newcastle team v Fulham tonight, or at least a side prioritised over the one to be picked for Brentford.

I see Steve Bruce playing a back five against Scott Parker's side, so in front of Karl Darlow it will be Fernandez and Clark with Hayden I believe dropping in alongside them, with Lascelles, Schar and Dummett all set to be missing again.

My main reasoning is that this would then allow Murphy and Ritchie to play as wing-backs. Lewis has really struggled the last couple of matches and could do with taking out of the firing line. Ritchie isn't great as a left-back but wing-back suits, whilst a similar story on the other side with Murphy. Krafth poor as usual against Leeds and Yedlin vey much on the fringes now.

In the middle of the pitch, Steve Bruce will bring Jonjo Shelvey back in, with Jeff Hendrick set to partner him. Hendrick clearly a big favourite of Bruce's was totally anonymous at Leeds apart from when appearing out of nowhere for the opening goal. Sean Longstaff another who needs taken out of the firing line as he looked totally out of sorts on Wednesday.

I'm expecting (and hoping!) for a new look attacking threat and tonight I fancy we will see Wilson, Gayle and Almiron getting the chance of playing together, with Joelinton benched. Ryan Fraser did ok on Wednesday and helped create both goals, however, two games in such quick succession after a long period out would be surely too much risk.

Making the predicted Newcastle team v Fulham look something like this:

A back five but hopefully used positively, with Ritchie and Murphy encouraged to get forward as often as possible.



https://www.themag.co.uk/2020/12/predicted-newcastle-team-v-fulham-has-four-changes-newcastle-united/