Thursday fulham Stuff - 24/12/20...

[WhiteJC]

Fulham defender Joachim Andersen has ban for red card in Newcastle clash overturned

Fulham defender Joachim Anderson has had his one-match ban overturned after he was sent off in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Newcastle.

Andersen was sent off in the 62nd minute in a controversial incident, which saw Newcastle - who were trailing 1-0 at the time - awarded a penalty.

The former Lyon man was adjudged to have fouled Callum Wilson by tugging his shirt as the Newcastle striker drove into the box, but replays appeared to show that the contact had started and finished outside the area.

Referee Graham Scott consulted the pitch side monitor but stuck with his original decision, a verdict Fulham boss Scott Parker described as "criminal" after Wilson converted the spot-kick.

An independent commission has accepted Fulham's claim of wrongful dismissal, meaning Andersen will be available to face Southampton on Boxing Day.

While scant consolation for the points dropped by Parker's side, the Dane's presence will be a boost, with the 24-year-old having helped solidify a back-line which looked all at sea in the opening weeks of the season.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-joachim-andersen-red-card-newcastle-overturned-b445507.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's Festive Giveaway - Day 3

Fulham's Festive Giveaway continues and today sees fans able to win a signed 20/21 Home Shirt!

To be in with a chance of winning, please fill out the form by clicking the button below.

The competition closes on Sunday 3rd January at 5pm with all winners contacted the following week. Full terms and conditions can be found here.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/december/Fulham-s-Festive-Giveaway-Day-3/

[WhiteJC]

Danny Ings injury latest with Southampton sweating over striker ahead of Fulham trip

Southampton are hoping that Danny Ings will return for Saturday's game with Ralph Hasenhuttl set to provide an update this afternoon.

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl will this afternoon provide a full update on the status of injured striker Danny Ings.

Saints are hoping that the 28-year-old will make a full recovery ahead of Saturday's trip to Fulham after he was last seen limping off the field and down the tunnel against Manchester City.

It was first feared that the former Liverpool had once again done damage to his knee in only his third game back after surgery.

Ings injured his knee in the final moments of November's 4-3 win over Aston Villa after overstretching.

The initial diagnosis was that Ings would be out for between four and six weeks, with the striker missing the entirety of November.

His progress impressed Staplewood staff the striker returned to training before the end of the month and was back in the side for early December's trip to Brighton, scoring off the bench.

But, in a boost for Ings and Saints, it is nothing more than a hamstring injury for Ings and not more damage to his knee.

The club believes Ings' hamstring problem has occurred due a lack of match minutes during his injury period being quickly followed by three matched in just six days.

Hasenhuttl revealed after the defeat to City that he did consider dropping Ings for the game but, due to the quality of opponent, decided to risk his star man.

Speaking after the game, Hasenhuttl said: "I can't say now but it looks like a hamstring problem.

"He left the field early enough, we hope. This is the problem, we let him out there today and if it wouldn't have been Man City we wouldn't have done it.

"But we did it and now we get the bill for it. Hopefully, it is not too bad."

Hasenhuttl will provide a full update on Ings injury situation, and his availability for the weekend, this afternoon.



https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/football-news/danny-ings-southampton-injury-latest-4700026

[WhiteJC]

Win a PS5, courtesy of FanTeam!

Fancy winning a PlayStation 5, courtesy of FanTeam?

FanTeam.com, our official fantasy sports partner, are giving away a PS5 to one lucky Fulham fan this Christmas.

To be in with a chance of bagging yourself this fantastic prize, simply enter FanTeam's Fulham versus Southampton 5-a-side fantasy football contest on Boxing Day.

Pick your best 5-man lineup for our Boxing Day tie with the Saints and, if you top the leader board, you'll receive a brand new PS5 in the mail, courtesy of FanTeam.

Be sure to pick and finalise your entry before the 3pm deadline on December 26th.

Best of luck!

18+ Be gamble aware.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/december/Win-a-PS5-courtesy-of-FanTeam-/

[WhiteJC]

Time to mic'em up!

Yesterday we got the welcome boost that Joachim Andersen's dubious straight red card against Newcastle has been rescinded meaning that we won't lose him for any games at all over the busy Christmas period. First of all I was relieved, then came the anger. Anger at what is basically an admission that the wrong decision was made by the on-field referee and the VAR, meaning that in a game were Fulham were comfortable ended up being a scrambled draw with 10 men. We were good value for our lead, and I really believe that we would have walked away with all 3 points against a team who look like they will be dragged down into a relegation battle. Points for any team are crucial, but when you are fighting for your Premier League lives, it can be the difference between survival and going down. These decisions from referees matter.

During the first season of having the VAR in the Premier League, we had a whole load of weird and wonderful decisions. From the armpit offsides to the confusion over handballs and penalties, it was a frustrating time for footballers and fans alike. I do passionately believe that the game will at some stage be better for it but the quality of referees using the technology has to improve. It absolutely has it's use, but I admit that the forensic way that it's being implicated is sometimes ridiculous. It's use for offsides is generally fine (bar the armpit and toenail offsides). Look at last night's Carabao Cup Quarter-final between Arsenal and Manchester City for example. The third City goal was clearly offside but with no VAR in action in that cup competition, it was given as a goal. It's use for obvious offsides is an important part of the game and it's very noticeable when it's not in use. I'm not one of these people who thinks that we should get rid of VAR altogether, but improvements need to be made on how it is implemented.

Let's turn to Saturday's events though as it's a clear example of how it isn't being used right. I was furious on Saturday when watching the match when Graham Scott only used the VAR to decide whether or not to give a straight red, and not to check the penalty decision or the clear dive from Callum Wilson. We don't know who made that decision, whether it was Scott himself or the VAR Andy Madley and his assistant Stephen Child at Stockley Park. A lot of people have made comments about why the VAR didn't show any other angles of the incident, but I think that's because the penalty itself, for some bizarre reason, wasn't what was up for debate. They were only deciding whether it was a straight red or not. I believe that there was a foul outside the box. Andersen did appear to tug him back, but when he let him go well outside the box, Wilson continued to run into the box before chucking himself to the floor. This is clear simulation and achieved exactly what he wanted in gaining a penalty. It also meant that the referee decided that the tug wasn't what he was giving the penalty for, it was for a clip inside the box – a clip that we can see didn't happen. Now the decision to rescind the red card shows that there was no clip inside the box which in turn means that a penalty should not have been awarded. Whether the Premier League can now look at the dive is another question entirely. I'm not aware of any other occasion were a red card given through the use of VAR has been rescinded. We do have cases were the Premier League have admitted that penalties shouldn't have been awarded (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53357841) , but to actually rescind a red card only given because of VAR doesn't look good at all from the referees' perspective.

My issue is about how they came to that particular decision on Saturday. On the same day I watched the Ulster Rugby match with Gloucester and there was an example of the TMO (television match official), rugby's version of VAR, being used perfectly. One thing that many other sports that use some sort of video ref does that football doesn't do, is mic up the referees. It means that we can hear the conversation and understand why decisions are made. Hockey, Rugby League and Rugby Union all mic up the TMO/VAR and on-field referee and it is so effective. Below is an example of the TMO and on-field referees working together to come to a decision in a rugby union match in 2019. It's 7minutes long but if you jump to 5minutes in, you'll get the idea.

If football brought this in it would be a huge step forward in my eyes. The decisions being made do not need to be some sort of secret, the referees should have nothing to hide so why not? I also think with full transparency, it would improve the standard of refereeing in general. I don't think the mic needs turned on for the full match like in rugby, but for when the VAR is being used, it would help us all understand how the referees come up with their decisions.

As for Fulham, we need to remember that all teams in the Premier League will have had some dodgy refereeing decisions. That doesn't make it OK, but we aren't the only team to feel aggravated by a decision that looks to have cost us some points. We can only control our own performances and we have to focus on that above anything else. Thankfully Andersen is available for Southampton. It will be a hugely difficult game, but we have to start picking up more points. Every game is an opportunity, eh?

COYW



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/12/time-to-micem-up/

[WhiteJC]

Southampton: Ralph confirms multiple injury issues ahead of Fulham clash

Southampton head to Fulham on Boxing Day and will be looking to get back to winning ways after a narrow loss to Manchester City last weekend.

Ralph Hasenhuttl's side still sit in a promising position of seventh still and will be targeting upcoming games to push back into the top-six.

Ahead of their upcoming fixture with Fulham, Hasenhuttl has confirmed he has a number of injury worries to assess as he prepares his side for a trip to South London.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, he said:

    "After the very intense last week with three games in six days, you can see that some guys are struggling a little bit.

    "It's early in the week, but I can only tell you who didn't train so far; that is Ingsy, Jannik Vestergaard, Redmond. Ori is suspended, so we have a few issues.

    "Stuey (Armstrong) had a problem with his hand, with somebody stepping on it. I think it's not a problem, but we have a few issues, so we must have a look in the next two or three days."

Danny Ings' hamstring problem was always likely to keep him out for this weekend but it will be a blow for Saints to have Jannik Vestergaard and Nathan Redmond nursing knocks too.

Stuart Armstrong's problem does not sound so severe and Hasenhuttl did confirm that he expects the Scotland international to be available to face Fulham.

Potential issues for Ings, Vestergaard and Redmond limit options for Saints though and they also have Oriol Romeu out through suspension after he picked up five yellow cards.

Looking at replacements for these players suggests that huge opportunities may be on their way for some for at least this coming weekend.

Ibrahima Diallo will surely make his first Saints start after signing from Stade Brest in the summer transfer window, whilst Vestergaard could be replaced by Mohammed Salisu or Jack Stephens if he is not fit.

Theo Walcott formed a good partnership with Che Adams whilst Danny Ings was injured before and is the most likely to start upfront if the current situation remains the same.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has always said that he wants a tight squad – two options for each position to keep competition and, therefore, individual performances at a high level.

Now will be the most testing time of the 2020/21 season for his group though as they contend with a heavy fixture list and potential injury problems along the road.



https://saintsmarching.com/2020/12/23/southampton-ralph-confirms-multiple-injury-issues-ahead-fulham-clash/

[WhiteJC]

Ralph Hasenhuttl set to make painful selection decision at Fulham amid Southampton injury crisis

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhutt must pick between his fit players on Saturday with up to five first-team stars missing.

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl still has two training sessions left to pick his team for Saturday's trip to Fulham - and for that, he will be thankful.

The Austrian boss has plenty of head-scratching to do between now and then as he looks to find a solution for the club's new injury crisis.

A fast run of fixtures has taken its toll on Hasenhuttl's players with Saints now forced to deal with a packed injury room at Staplewood, brimming with senior players.

Jannik Vestergaard, Danny Ings and Nathan Redmond are all now major doubts for the weekend with Stuart Armstrong also now needing to play through the pain on Boxing Day with after an accidental training ground stamp on his hand.

Oriol Romeu will also be absent, missing through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last time out against Manchester City.

Those missing stars could see Hasenhuttl forced into making anything up to five changes against Fulham doing great damage to his selection consistency and the spine of his team.

Vestergaard and Romeu have both been crucial during Saints' early-season form.

The Danish defender has used his ball-playing talents to push Southampton up the pitch with precision long balls and confident marauding runs.

And when Hasenhuttl's side have been without possession, nobody has proven more effective at winning it back than Romeu, winning more tackles than any player in the Premier League so far this season.

WHO FILLS THE VOID?

For Romeu, Southampton already has a player waiting in the wings to fill the void: Ibrahima Diallo.

Diallo is not at all like Romeu so will provide a different dynamic to the club's build-up play, partnering James Ward-Prowse in the middle.

VESTERGAARD INJURY SET TO BRING STYLE CHANGE

But Saints can expect a greater change in approach at Craven Cottage due to Vestergaard's likely omission, with Hasenhuttl set to make a difficult decision that will leave one player feeling forgotten entirely.

The Austrian must pick between Mohammed Salisu and Jack Stephens, a decision that is likely to hinge on style.

Salisu has been billed as a very different player to Stephens, not as confident on the ball but more physical and dominant in his defending.

Stephens has not featured since the 2-0 win against Newcastle United in November, when he played out of position at left-back with Ryan Bertrand out injured.

It is his teammate, Salisu, who is currently the front runner to plug the gap but Hasenhuttl refused to pick a side during his Wednesday press conference.

PROBLEMS DO NOT END THERE

His selection problems do not end there, though, with the 53-year-old looking to use these final days of training to decide who will partner Che Adams in attack.

Theo Walcott was Hasenhuttl's go-to man during Ings' time sidelined with a knee problem, but Nathan Tella was given the nod to replace Ings against Manchester City with young Dan N'Lundulu also used as support.

Tella struggled to make a big impact on that game - but perhaps a first-ever Premier League start against Fulham would do wonders for his confident and spark a boost in performance.

So, with all things considered, here are Hasenhuttl's three options for Saturday's festive fixture at Fulham...

OPTION 1: PLAY IT SAFE

Theo Walcott leads the line alongside Che Adams with Stuart Armstrong and Moussa Djenepo behind.

Mohammed Salisu remains on the bench with Jack Stephens preferred to line-up alongside Jan Bednarek in defence.

Ibrahima Diallo, yet to start under Hasenhuttl, partners James Ward-Prowse in the heart of midfield.

OPTION 2: TRUST IN YOUTH

Nathan Tella makes his first career start for Southampton as Theo Walcott keeps his place in midfield.

Stuart Armstrong is preferred over Moussa Djenepo with Che Adams in attack to offer Tella support.

In defence, Mohammed Salisu starts alongside Jan Bednarek.

OPTION 3: THE LIKELY ELEVEN

The most likely option for Hasenhuttl on Saturday, Theo Walcott and Che Adams lead the line at Craven Cottage as Ibrahima Diallo and Mohammed Salisu make their first Saints starts.

Stuart Armstrong and Moussa Djenepo partner each other in attacking midfield with Nathan Tella on the bench.

Diallo starts alongside James Ward-Prowse with Jan Bednarek partnering Salisu at the back.



https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/football-news/southampton-mohammed-salisu-ibrahima-diallo-4829070

[WhiteJC]

Hasenhüttl discusses challenge of facing Fulham

Southampton may head into their Boxing Day meeting with Fulham 11 places above their opponents in the Premier League, but Ralph Hasenhüttl knows that does not tell the story of how tough a challenge it will be to get a win at Craven Cottage.

Scott Parker's team might be in 18th position right now, but they are also in their best moment of the season, having lost only one of their past five matches – a 2-0 defeat at Manchester City – while their recent run of three consecutive draws has included a 1-1 tie at home to champions Liverpool.

"They didn't have such a good start and needed a little bit of time to adapt to the Premier League, but then they showed how tough they are to beat," said Hasenhüttl.

    " even teams like liverpool struggle to win there. it's a tough place to go. "
    Ralph Hasenhüttl
    Southampton manager

"They are well organised against the ball, with the ball they have good quality and are calm on it. They produce good opportunities with quality in front and they don't give a lot of chances away, so even teams like Liverpool struggle to win there.

"It is a tough place to go, but, as always, there is a chance to win, and if we make a good job and concentrate on our qualities that we have then we have also shown that we can beat such teams."

Saints have some injury concerns ahead of the game, notably Danny Ings, Jannik Vestergaard and Nathan Redmond, while Oriol Romeu is suspended, but Hasenhüttl is pleased to at least have had a full seven days to prepare for Fulham, after an intense week in which his team played Sheffield United, Arsenal and Manchester City.

"We have a difficult week so far, with a few problems with injuries, but it's a good week to work on some new things, and having a normal week for training is never bad for us," he said.

"Especially the last game was by far the highest test in terms of running, sprinting and working hard for the team, and this being the third game of the week I think it was tough for the players and maybe the reason now we have some issues with injuries.

"We're still disappointed we didn't get anything for the hard work the guys did, but we have shown what we have improved so far in this season and over the last couple of months, but it's now a completely different game against what is also a very, very strong side.

"We played them before the season in a friendly and it was a 2-1 defeat and it was tough to play there, so we are warned and we go there with hopefully a better plan and a better way of playing football."



https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2020-12-24/ralph-hasenhuttl-preview-fulham-southampton-premier-league-202021

[WhiteJC]

Bristol City boss offers 'positive' injury update regarding on Alfie Mawson

Bristol City boss Dean Holden is hoping to welcome back on-loan Fulham defender Alfie Mawson in the New Year.

The 26-year-old joined on-loan from Fulham in the summer.

Having fallen out-of-contention, Fulham boss Scott Parker had no plans for Mawson upon their Premier League promotion, and so he planned a loan deal for the defender.

He joined up with Bristol City and in his first five Championship outings he'd really impress the watching fans.

But Mawson would soon pick up a knee injury – the Englishman would return to Fulham to continue his rehabilitation, before undergoing surgery.

Speaking to Bristol Live about Mawson, and Bristol City's other sidelined centre-back Nathan Baker, Holden gave this update:

"I would hope so [that they're back in the New Year]. Baker was out doing some light work with the physio this morning and Mawson's been continuing in the background with his fitness work off the back of his operation – and I would hope that we might see those two back from mid-January with the group again."

Having started the campaign off strongly, Bristol City have since proved inconsistent.

Holden's side go into Christmas in 9th-place of the table having lost their previous three Championship outings and without scoring in any, losing four of their last five in total.

Times look to be getting hard for Holden at Ashton Gate but with January around the corner, it could provide a much-needed pit stop for the Robins.

With incomings expected to be announced, Holden could be dealt another player boost with Mawson and Baker returning to training as well.

Mawson in particular looked a real signing, and his return could give Bristol City that extra solidity to snatch a top-six spot.



https://the72.co.uk/210072/bristol-city-boss-offers-positive-injury-update-regarding-on-alfie-mawson/

[filham]

We have replaced Mawson with Kongolo, a sicknote for a bigger sicknote at centre back, is that Fulhamish.

[WhiteJC]

Vestergaard Set To Miss Fulham Trip ! But Who Will Replace Him

Ralph Hasenhuttl was dealt a big blow with the news that Jannik Vestergaard may miss the trip to Craven Cottage on Boxing Day, but the real question is who will replace him, will it be Jack Stephens or will Ralph go for the shock selection of Mohammed Salisu.

Unknown to Saints supporters Jannik Vestergaard has been carrying a knee injury in the last few games and after playing 3 games in only 6 days, it has caught up with him and in the words of the club become "Unmanageable" whatever that means.

But the news gets worse as it seems that it will be week on the sidelines for the Danish central defender and he has been a key element of our surge up the league this season.

"He is definitely a player who was in unbelievable shape. I think nobody expected him to play like this and it will be a big loss, no question," Hasenhuttl told HampshireLive.

"I don't know how serious it is, we don't know yet - but say it is a few weeks, it doesn't make sense for me to tell the players every week: 'Don't forget, Jannik is not there!'

"I think we have seen the team at the top of the league (Liverpool) play for two months without Virgil Van Dijk and everybody said this was not possible, that you could not play without him. They are not really less successful than before, so everything is possible."

Hasenhuttl is yet to make his decision as to who could replace Vestergaard at the back with two training sessions, today and Friday, still to take place before Saturday's game.

It seems that Ralph now has to make a straight choice to replace Vestergaard, will he go for the tried, tested but not completely convincing Jack Stephens or the summer signing Mohammed Salisu, a completely unknown quantity in this country and this level.

Ralph continued

"Maybe the game will change slightly because Jannik with the ball has fantastic passes and solutions but we must adapt our game always to ever circumstance that is there - but we must trust in the other ones.

"Salisu is a completely different player. He is left-footed so a left-footed one makes it on the left a little different with the angle of how you play the ball.

"But we have Jack Stephens who is a very similar ball-player to Jannik. I have not decided yet what I will do," he admitted.

"We must have a look. We will not be able to make a one to one change as this is not possible."

It will be a tough decision for Hasenhuttl, but more worryingly one that could send Saints season on a downward spiral, on one hand Stephens is a good club player , one who has never truly made the position in the centre of defence his own and for most of this season has been a squad player, from this perspective it could be said he is part of a time when we were defensively awful, but he is experienced.

On the other side we have a promising new signing, but one who hasn't played a game of any sort since July and is untried at this level.

Both the injury and the lack of game time not only for Salisu but also Ibrahima Diallo who is likely to replace the suspended Oriol Romeu highlights an area that we have fallen down a bit in and that is resting players and giving those that can replace them some game time.

This will be a lesson that Ralph Hasenhuttl will learn, but it might be an expensive one with two games coming up against Fulham & West Ham that will see us either still in the fight for a top six place or potentially drop down into the mid table.

If I had to call it I would say Stephens will play, he has the experience, but he is a good squad player rather than a truly consistent performer over a long period, but he can put in a shift, no one knows whether Salisu is the new Virgil Van Dijk or the new Vegard Forren.



https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/news/53760/

[WhiteJC]

Season's Greetings from the FST

Life is meant to be a journey of new experiences with highs and lows. As Fulham fans, we are well used to that – it is rare for us to have an uneventful year. But 2020 may be the oddest we have ever experienced.

On the field, it started in the Championship with 'traditional' mixed form and hopes rising and falling game by game. It ends, in the Premier League, with a team that is improving and giving us hope that it might be a game-changing season for the Club after all.

A lot happened in between, including a football lockdown and a final game of the season in August, at Wembley, that saw a momentous win against the media darlings Brentford. Thank you, Joe Bryan.

Sadly, we were not there to experience it. People have lost a lot during this crisis, but Fulham fans lost the opportunity to again walk up Wembley Way and recreate the 'White Wall' for the second time in three seasons.

This year has definitively shown that football is not the same without fans. We matter, both to the financial viability of the game and our on-pitch performance. We knew that; it now feels like others have woken up to it too.

Behind the scenes, we have been working relentlessly alongside rival fans through the FSA network to represent your views, campaign to get the games we were missing broadcast and make the case for a safe return of fans to grounds. We were also an important voice in pushing back on dangerous proposals from 'big' clubs within the Premier League to change the game as we know it.

We continue to meet regularly with the Club to represent all supporters. That relationship remains healthy. We helped ensure season ticket payments could be refunded to those who needed funds in difficult times. And we are proud to have played a role in a small – and sadly short-lived – return for fans to the Cottage this month.

That experience was not just a positive one on the pitch. 2,000 fans sounded like 10,000 as they resoundingly supported the Whites and touchingly paid tribute to Papa Bouba Diop, doing so in a safe manner in a ground that has changed since we were last there in February.

Like our defence, the new Riverside stand has grown in stature while fans have been gone. It is a huge and much welcome investment, and we continue to liaise with the Club's management team to ensure the views of fans are represented throughout the build and fit out stage (lobbying for a bar accessible to supporters post-match), and as preparations are made for Riverside season ticket holders to be able to return to watching from their touchline view.

Despite everything, it has been business as usual for the Trust. We have moved to virtual meetings and successfully hosted two webinars with former players and journalists with a soft spot for our Club. We raised funds and showed solidarity for Wigan when their club was endangered. And we conducted our second annual fan survey to take stock of your opinions. We aim to present ideas for an annual home matchday celebration and commemoration of those lost from the Fulham family during the preceding year.

We also encouraged fans to raise money for Glass Door rather than pay the ill-thought through additional PPV broadcast fees – supporting the homeless in Fulham – and, in this most unusual of years, held two AGMs and election processes.

This year, more than any, has shown just how important it is to have fans represented throughout the game. The continuing difficulties the country is facing from COVID-19 will undoubtably have repercussions for football and we are committed to sustaining our work with other fan groups to explain the importance of ground ownership and the steps we have taken to build a relationship with the Club.

It will be vital that all our supporters continue to be heard in 2021. Please make a New Year's resolution to help us encourage more of our fanbase to join the Fulham Supporters' Trust to ensure that happens.

It is never dull being a Fulham fan. There may be a difficult start to the year off the pitch for us all, but let's celebrate what we have achieved in difficult circumstances and hope that, despite everything, our on-field exploits will see us smiling by the end of the season.

Wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas and a slightly duller New Year, and please do keep a close eye on our website and the twitter feed over the Christmas period for some special messages from the Fulham family.

Tom, Ian, Hayley, Owen, Jerry, Sue, Gavin, Dan, Farrell, Simon, Derek, Chris
FST Board




https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2020/12/seasons-greetings-from-the-fst-3/

[WhiteJC]

A Frank Conversation

We sat down with the in-form Frank Anguissa to discuss life at Fulham ahead of our Boxing Day encounter with Southampton.

How would you describe Fulham's season so far?

For me, I'm not really happy with where we are in the table currently, but I think we are improving game by game. We have to continue like that and I hope that we are going to improve our league position, starting by winning the next game.

Are you enjoying playing under Scott Parker?

Yeah I have a very good relationship with him. I try to give all my best for the team and for him, I told him this, and I will continue to do that.

Does it help that Scott was also a box-to-box midfielder?

Yes, every day he speaks with me to try and give me some of his experience. That's something I really appreciate.

We saw you with the Captain's armband after Mitro went off against Newcastle...

I have to be honest, I don't give a lot of attention to things like this. I like to think I'm a natural leader so to me it does not matter if I have the armband or not. That's not to say I wasn't happy to wear it in Newcastle, I was happy, but I always try and lead on the pitch regardless. It was good, though, as it shows that the Manager trusts me, so I was happy.

Your first season was a difficult one for the Club, but you seem very settled now?

I'm happy. When I came here, I wanted to show that the Club could believe in me. I want to show that I have the quality to play here, to play in the Premier League. I wanted to show to everybody that I'm a top player and what I can do on the pitch. If I took a decision to stay here then it's to help the team. I will fight for the team, for me, and for everybody who believes in us.

It seems like you're good friends with your teammates, too?

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm happy to be here, I have a good relationship with all my teammates and I hope we continue like that because we are solid, we are a team, everybody is together. We have a good mix of people and there is a good atmosphere. For me, it's the most important thing that the group gets on well together.

The fans have been very happy with your performances – have you been feeling the love from them?

Oh yeah, and that makes me very happy. All I can do is tell them thank you and continue to give all my best for the team whenever I play. Hopefully they can continue to support us, and I will always give my best for Fulham.

How good was it having the fans back for the Liverpool game?

They were very important because we felt them, and we saw that they were with us. Our fight is their fight, so we just wanted to give them all our best. I want to tell them that we are going to fight all season for them. We need them, so let's go Fulham, we need to look forward and stick together.

What are you expecting from Southampton on Saturday?

It's a good team, they have confidence now and are playing well, so we have to be careful. We just have to play our game, like we did against Man City, Liverpool, Newcastle, and try to win the game. We've been playing well and are looking forward to this kind of game.

What do you think Fulham can achieve this season?

I just want to stay in the Premier League, so we have to fight for that. We have to win a lot of games and I hope that we can do that so we stay in the Premier League. I believe that we can do that, of course. We just have to stay together, to fight in all the games like against Liverpool or Leicester. In the Premier League every team is good, so let's fight.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/december/A-Frank-Conversation/

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Blades battling imposing odds to avoid drop but hope for West Brom and Fulham

History suggests at least one of the Premier League's current bottom three will avoid relegation – but Sheffield United must overturn imposing odds.

Since the top flight was reduced to 20 clubs in 1995, only three teams have survived after being bottom at Christmas.

Just over half of the teams in 19th place on December 25 have gone down – West Brom, under new manager Sam Allardyce, occupy that spot – but there is encouragement for Fulham with just over a third of the teams in 18th going on to be relegated, while only twice have all of the Christmas bottom three slipped away.


Only three of the last 25 teams bottom of the Premier League at Christmas have survived (PA graphic)

Twenty-two out of 25 means 88 per cent of the teams bottom at Christmas have been relegated, with the only survivors being West Brom in 2004, Sunderland in 2013 and Leicester in 2014.

None of those were in as bad a spot as the Blades, who have only two points from 14 games and are 10 below the safety line – Albion and Leicester were both five adrift, with Sunderland four points back.

Leicester's recovery was remarkable – they finished 14th under Nigel Pearson, whose replacement Claudio Ranieri then had them top of the tree the following Christmas on their way to their shock title win.

The Baggies, however, were relegated next time around and though Sunderland survived three years, they then suffered back-to-back relegations and remain in League One to this day.

Since Leicester's escape, Aston Villa, Hull, Swansea, Fulham and Watford have all failed to overturn the odds – though Villa and the Cottagers have returned to the top flight.

Looking further back, Nottingham Forest propped up the Christmas table in both 1996 and 1998 – as well as 1992, in the 22-team era – and finished bottom on each occasion. West Ham have also twice been relegated after being bottom at Christmas.

Hope for Fulham and West Brom

Only in 2001-02 and 2012-13 have all of the Christmas bottom three been relegated (PA graphic)

At least one of the Christmas bottom three has survived in every season except 2001-02, when Derby, Leicester and Ipswich went down, and 2012-13 when Wigan – 18th for the third Christmas in succession – QPR and Reading suffered the same fate.

But two of the three have gone down on 15 occasions, 60 per cent of the seasons in our sample, and West Brom will need to buck the recent trend.

The last three years have seen the bottom two at Christmas go down – with the Baggies themselves 19th in December 2017, followed by Huddersfield and Norwich.

But all three of the teams in 18th survived – Bournemouth in 2017-18, Burnley and then Villa last season – meaning just nine of the 25 teams 18th at Christmas have gone down.

That means a 64 per cent survival rate to offer hope to Scott Parker as Fulham bid to avoid another one-season stay, following 2018-19's misadventure.

Thirteen out of 25 19th-placed sides at Christmas have gone on to be relegated, or 52 per cent – Allardyce will look to make that a perfect 50-50 split after this season.

Allardyce's personal record also offers encouragement – he has never been relegated from the top flight, including three seasons in which his team were 19th at Christmas.

Bolton occupied that spot in December 2002, as did Blackburn in 2008. Sunderland, meanwhile, survived under Allardyce having been 19th at Christmas 2015 – but they were 18th the following Christmas under David Moyes and went on to be relegated.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/blades-battling-imposing-odds-to-avoid-drop-but-hope-for-west-brom-and-fulham-1608808226000

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Scott Parker to miss Fulham vs Southampton Boxing Day clash after positive Covid test within household

Matt Wells and Stuart Gray to lead side in Parker's absence with hope that he can return for the London derby at Spurs on 30 December

Scott Parker will miss Fulham's Boxing Day Premier League clash with Southampton after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19.

The Fulham manager has returned a negative test since learning of the positive case among his household, but in line with government guidance he will have to remain in self-isolation for 10 days before being required to return a second negative test to enable him access to the club's training ground.

In Parker's absence, assistant coaches Matt Wells and Stuart Gray will lead the side in the hunt for a victory that could move them out of the relegation zone.

A Fulham statement confirmed: "The club can confirm that Scott Parker will not be in the dugout for our home fixture against Southampton on Boxing Day.

"Following a member of his household testing positive for Covid-19, and despite returning a negative result, Scott has been self-isolating this week in accordance with the guidance.

"Matt Wells and Stuart Gray will take charge of the team on Saturday.

"Subject to returning a further negative result, Scott Parker will return to the dugout for our away fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on 30 December."

Parker will continue to fulfil his media commitments on Christmas Eve with a virtual press conference, but will have to communicate with his backroom staff from his home ahead of their Boxing Day encounter. However, the four-day gap to next Wednesday's London derby with Spurs should allow Parker enough time to complete his isolation period and return to the dug-out, providing he does not test positive for coronavirus himself ahead of the match.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham/scott-parker-covid-fulham-southampton-b1778605.html

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Fulham boss Scott Parker will NOT be in the dugout for Southampton clash on Boxing Day after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19... but will return for Tottenham fixture if he returns negative test

    Scott Parker will be forced to miss Fulham's next game against Southampton 
    A member of his household tested positive for Covid, meaning he must isolate
    Assistant manager Stuart Gray and coach Matt Wells will take temporary charge
    He could return for trip to Tottenham on December 30 should he test negative

Fulham boss Scott Parker will be absent for his side's Boxing Day clash at home to Southampton after a member of his household tested positive for COVID-19.

The former West Ham and Tottenham midfielder has endured a tough season so far as he bids to steer the Cottagers away from relegation danger, but the team have been dealt a blow after news he has been forced to isolate.

Assistant manager Stuart Gray and coach Matt Wells will manage the team in Parker's place for the visit of high-flying Southampton at St Mary's, the club have confirmed.


Scott Parker will miss Fulham's Boxing Day clash with Southampton after a household member tested positive for coronavirus

   
Assistant boss Stuart Gray (L) and coach Matt Wells (R) will replace Parker for the game

While Parker has returned a negative result, he will still have to sit the game out in accordance with COVID-19 protocols.

He will hope to return for the Whites in their next game - a trip to London rivals Tottenham on December 30, so long as he does not test positive for coronavirus before that fixture.

A statement read: 'The Club can confirm that Scott Parker will not be in the dugout for our home fixture against Southampton on Boxing Day.


The struggling Whites will have to cope without the guidance of Parker in their relegation fight

'Following a member of his household testing positive for Covid-19, and despite returning a negative result, Scott has been self-isolating this week in accordance with the guidance.

'Matt Wells and Stuart Gray will take charge of the team on Saturday.

'Subject to returning a further negative result, Scott Parker will return to the dugout for our away fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on 30 December.'

After guiding the team to promotion in his first full season at Craven Cottage, Parker has been brought back down to reality in the top flight, with his side stuck in the relegation zone following a difficult campaign.


It has been a challenging first season back in the top flight with the Cottagers in 18th place

His side have just 10 points from 13 games and have lost eight times already - looking like one of the early favourites for the drop after failing to win any of their first league games in the Premier League.

Parker's men have struggled to hit the back of the net and had to deal with the embarrassment of fluffing two penalties back to back, which cost them valuable points against West Ham and Everton.

Recent results have been encouraging however, with a morale boosting 2-1 win at Leicester City before holding champions Liverpool to a 1-1 draw.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9085639/Fulham-boss-Scott-Parker-miss-Southampton-clash-household-members-positive-test.html

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Striker Timmy Abraham has Plymouth Argyle loan spell ended early

The 19-year-old from Fulham made just four appearances for the Pilgrims


On-loan Fulham striker Timmy Abraham in action for Argyle during their 3-1 EFL Trophy win against Newport County at Home Park on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 - Photo: Dave Rowntree/PPAUK (Image: Dave Rowntree/PPAUK)

Fulham striker Timmy Abraham has had his loan spell at Plymouth Argyle ended a week early.

The 19-year-old has not played for the Pilgrims since November 10 and would not have featured in the squad over Christmas and New Year.

So the decision has been taken to allow him to return to London to be with his family for the festive period.

Defender Jerome Opoku is also on loan to Argyle from Fulham but his deal does not expire until the end of January.

Argyle manager Ryan Lowe said: "Timmy's is actually up on the second (of January) so we have told him he can go back.

"He has been missing out on the squad but he has been fantastic with his attitude.

"We didn't want him to be disappointed over the Christmas period, away from his family, so he will be going back to Fulham.

"We thank Timmy for everything that he gave us in the few games that he played.

"It's not fair on the kid travelling him up and down the country over the Christmas period when he could be the spare man."

Abraham signed for Argyle on transfer deadline day in October but failed to make much of an impact.

He made four appearances, including two starts, and did not get any goals, with his last game coming in a 3-1 EFL Trophy defeat of Newport County.

Opoku signed for Argyle towards the end of September and has gone on to make a total of 11 starts and four substitute appearances.

He scored a late equaliser when the Pilgrims drew 2-2 with Portsmouth in a Sky-televised League One fixture at Home Park last month.

Lowe said: "Jerome's loan is until the 28th, I think I'm right, so he has got another month with us.

"We will see where he's at, where Fulham are at, and where we are at as well."

Lowe admitted Argyle would not do many deals during the forthcoming January transfer window.

Any new arrivals will depend on players leaving first, as in the case of Abraham.

Lowe said: "We haven't got money to go and spend as everyone knows. We have got to stick to the remit of what we are about, and what we are doing.

"It won't be a massive transfer window for us. It will be a case of if we can we will, if we can't we can't.

"We have got a good group of players. If one or two move on we can certainly look to bring one or two in.

"We are not going to be massively active in the transfer window. It will only be if any injuries pop us, or if it's a must need, or if one or two move on.

"We will keep monitoring it as always. We have got the recruitment team on it and we will keep working away. You never know."



https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/striker-timmy-abraham-plymouth-argyle-4831490

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Fulham v Southampton

Fulham boss Scott Parker has tested negative for Covid-19, but is self-isolating after a member of his household tested positive

TEAM NEWS

Fulham head coach Scott Parker is self-isolating so his assistants Stuart Gray and Matt Wells will take charge.

On-loan midfielder Mario Lemina is also absent as he is ineligible against his parent club, while Terence Kongolo and Kenny Tete are doubts.

Defender Joachim Andersen is available after Fulham successfully appealed against last week's sending off.

Southampton will monitor injury doubts Danny Ings, Stuart Armstrong, Nathan Redmond and Jannik Vestergaard.

Midfielder Oriol Romeu is suspended so summer signing Ibrahima Diallo could make his first Premier League start.



MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Fulham have lost just one of the seven Premier League meetings with Southampton at Craven Cottage, winning four and drawing twice.
    Southampton have won three of the past four league encounters, keeping a clean sheet in each victory.
    Saints have claimed just three victories in 30 away league games against Fulham, drawing 11 matches and losing 16.

Fulham

    Fulham are on a run of three successive league draws, as many as in their previous 34 top-flight games.
    Their solitary home win in the past seven matches came against fellow promoted side West Bromwich Albion.
    They are unbeaten when taking the lead this season, winning two and drawing three of five matches.
    Fulham's last Premier League victory on Boxing Day was a 2-1 win at Norwich in 2013, with current boss Scott Parker scoring their winner.
    The Cottagers have conceded a league-high seven goals in the opening 15 minutes of games.
    They have had five penalties awarded against them in the top flight this season, a joint high.
    Aleksandar Mitrovic is without a goal in 10 Premier League appearances. It's his longest goalless run in English league football.

Southampton

    Southampton have won just two of their past six league fixtures, also drawing and losing twice.
    They can equal a club record by avoiding defeat in a seventh consecutive top-flight away fixture.
    Ralph Hasenhuttl's side have claimed 29 Premier League away points in 2020, a record only Manchester United can better.
    Southampton failed to score for just the second time in 14 league games last weekend.
    Saints have won their past nine league matches against newly-promoted opposition.
    Southampton have won six of their past eight Boxing Day fixtures, drawing and losing once.
    Their last eight Premier League goals have all been scored by different players.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55373756

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Cavaleiro a doubt for Saints game and Kongolo suffers another setback

Fulham are expected to be without three players for the Boxing Day visit of Southampton – with Ivan Cavaleiro a doubt.

The forward was on the teamsheet before the 1-1 draw with Newcastle last week, but pulled up in the warm-up, and is only "doing light work" in training over the last couple of days, according to Scott Parker.

"It may be a bit too early for him," boss Parker said. "But we're going to make a real call tomorrow (Friday) in seeing where he is.

"He's in a better place than where he was, but whether the weekend comes too quick for him, we'll have more an insight a bit later."

The head coach had promised an Under-23 outing for long-term injuries Kenny Tete and Terence Kongolo last week – but neither appeared in the defeat against Leeds.

The good news is right-back Tete's withdrawal was due to his wife having just given birth that allowed him time away.

"He's done a lot of work over the last two or three weeks, and he's in a good place," Parker explained.

"He would have been in and around it this weekend, but with his wife having given birth that's now not going to be possible."

But central defender Kongolo has suffered yet another minor setback and is not expected back in full training for another 10 days.

Loan player Mario Lemina is not allowed to play by the terms agreed with his parent club, so another former Saint, Harrison Reed, is almost certainly likely to take the defensive midfield slot.

Parker himself is going to be absent while self-isolating after a family member tested positive for Coronavirus.

He will have to content himself with a communication system that allows different camera angles of the game on his laptop as well as non-stop dialogue to the dugout where coach Stuart Gray fills the gap against his old club.

"It's disappointing, and the timing's bad, but it is what it is," Parker said.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-forward-a-doubt-for-southampton-game-and-kongolo-suffers-another-setback

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Fulham v Southampton: Scott Parker to miss game after Covid-19 self-isolation

Former Southampton manager Stuart Gray will take charge of Fulham, alongside Matt Wells, against his old club

Fulham boss Scott Parker will not take charge of his team's Boxing Day game with Southampton after someone in his household tested positive for Covid-19.

Parker, 40, tested negative but has been self-isolating this week.

Assistant manager Stuart Gray and first-team coach Matt Wells will take charge of the team on Saturday.

Provided he returns a further negative result, Parker will return to the dugout for Fulham's trip to Tottenham Hotspur on 30 December.

Fulham, who Parker guided to promotion last season through the Championship play-offs, are third bottom after earning 10 points from their opening 14 matches.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55436138