Saturday Fulham Stuff - 09/01/21...

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Scott Parker reveals Fulham are in the market for a new forward amid Dwight Gayle link

The Newcastle United forward has been heavily linked with the Magpies' Premier League relegation rivals

Fulham manager Scott Parker admits a new forward is 'definitely an area' he would like to strengthen in the January transfer window.

The former Newcastle captain's revelation comes amid reports linking the Cottagers with a move for Magpies forward Dwight Gayle this month.

Gayle's future is a hot topic for debate with the 30-year-old out of contract at the end of the season and Newcastle could well decide to cash in this month.

Steve Bruce wants to keep Gayle at the club but West Brom still hold a long-term tentative interest, while reports have also suggested Qatari duo Al-Gharafa, managed by former Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic, and Al-Duhail, led by ex-Nottingham Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi, are both keen, along with Saudi side Al-Shabab.

Should Gayle not sign fresh terms at Newcastle, Fulham are monitoring his situation closely and Parker has done little to cool that talk by confirming his wish to sign some extra forward competition for ex-Newcastle forward Aleksandar Mitrovic.

"I think that is probably true," Parker said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Fulham's FA Cup clash with QPR, when asked if reports he was in the market for a striker were correct.

"If you look at the balance of our squad, we only have one recognised striker in Alex (Mitrovic) in the building.

"A lot of responsibility is on Mitro, obviously Cav's (Ivan Cavaleiro) been playing there and done very well, but it is definitely an area I would like to strengthen."

Bruce is a big fan of Gayle and has tried to sign him for previous clubs he has managed.

Injuries have plagued his time at Newcastle under Bruce, but Gayle's goals per minutes played ratio when he has played is among the best in the Premier League.

He will have to play second fiddle to Callum Wilson but he is thought to be settled in the area and Bruce has no plans for him to leave.

However, the Bosman threat looms large and the Magpies will either have to convince Gayle to stay, risk allowing him to leave on a free transfer or cash in on the former Crystal Palace forward this month.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/scott-parker-reveals-fulham-market-19585019

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Former Nottingham Forest target Dwight Gayle wanted by Sabri Lamouchi

Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle several times in the past couple of years.

Nothing has come to fruition previously and now it looks as though the striker could make a move to another top-flight club.

Fulham are interested in the frontman (Daily Mail), with his chances at Newcastle proving restricted in the wake of Callum Wilson's arrival.

Gayle has also struggled with injury issues and the Magpies could move him on to make room in their squad this month.

Interestingly Al-Duhail, managed by Sabri Lamouchi, are also thought to be keen on the hotshot.

The 31-year-old has played just four times this season, scoring once in Steve Bruce's team.

With the striker entering the latter years of his career a move to Forest now looks to be off the table.

Gayle was linked with the Reds after his loan spell at West Brom during the 2018/19 campaign.

He helped the Baggies to the play-offs, scoring 24 goals and registering eight assists.

At that point, the £40,000-a-week player might have proved a decent acquisition for Forest.

Could Forest still swoop for Gayle?

It looks as thought that ship has sailed once and for all.

Gayle might have proved a decent signing some years ago but now it's a link probably best consigned to the record books.

The ex-Crystal Palace man has scored 34 goals in 99 appearances for Newcastle and Fulham would be getting a steady signing.

Gayle will fancy his chances of continuing in the Premier League and his wages would probably price the Reds out anyway.

Forest have Lewis Grabban and Lyle Taylor both in their thirties and their next addition up front should probably have one eye on the future.

Lamouchi's interest is intriguing. He was thought to be keen on Lewis Grabban in the summer transfer window and signing Gayle would almost certainly end that interest.



https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2021/01/08/former-nottingham-forest-target-dwight-gayle-wanted-by-sabri-lamouchi/

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QPR Matchday Preview

Queens Park Rangers V Fulham | Saturday 9th January 2021 | 3PM | FA Cup Third Round | Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium | #EmiratesFACup

The opposition

    It's been a tricky period for Mark Warburton's side, who have failed to pick up a win since November 24th and, as a result, sit precariously just above the bottom three.
    Nevertheless, they welcome the Whites on the back of a more positive display, holding current Championship leaders Norwich City to a 1-1 draw at Carrow Road before the New Year.
    Scott Parker's men have won three of their last four meetings with the fellow west London side, with one draw, but were forced to battle from behind in order to pick up the three points back in June. Jordan Hugill fired the hosts ahead inside the first minute before Harry Arter and current loanee Cyrus Christie turned the game on its head.

Fulham team news

Scott reveals no fresh injury concerns but admits "we're not blessed with numbers." The boss has also hinted at the possible use of some Academy players, with the likes of Sylvester Jasper, Tyrese Francois and Fabio Carvalho all gaining minutes in previous cup games.

QPR team news

Similarly to Scott, Warburton hasn't announced any recent injuries, but defenders Lee Wallace and Osman Kakay remain out.

Coverage

The game will be free to watch on the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer, while commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid is available for FFCtv subscribers.

Player insight

Harrison Reed feels the side were in a positive place before the forced break and is fully aware of the importance of Saturday's cup tie.

"We were going into games full of confidence and proving to be really hard to beat against some very good sides.

"It's a game that we're really looking forward to and we're going out there to win it and keep the good habits. I think it's very important to get some minutes in the legs and get the rhythm back."

FA Cup rule changes

This tie will now go straight to extra-time and penalties in the case of a draw after 90 minutes, rather than going to a replay like in previous years.

Clubs can now name a maximum of nine substitutes, of which five may be used. They will be given only three opportunities to use these in normal time, with one additional switch made available during extra-time.

Form

QPR: LDDLD

Fulham: LDDDD

Pre-match quotes

"It's a very tough game. I've got a lot of respect for Scott and his staff. They've added a lot of quality so it's a tough challenge but one we're going to embrace."

Mark Warburton
QPR Head Coach

"QPR have come off the back of a good result. Games we've played against them in the last few months have been tricky."

Scott Parker
Fulham Head Coach

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/january/QPR-Matchday-Preview/

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FA Cup shambles is the result of football authorities making it up as they go along

A number of ties have been hit with coronavirus worries ahead of third-round weekend and the competition is in danger of descending into farce

On Friday night, two of England's biggest and proudest clubs take each other on in the FA Cup third round.

On paper Aston Villa v Liverpool has all the makings of a cracking tie, especially given the sub-plot of the stunning 7-2 scoreline between the two sides earlier on in the season.

But rather than the spectacle of both teams going at it hell for leather in front of a packed house under the lights, Villa's kids will line up against Liverpool's B-team on an eerily quiet and cold Midlands night.

And meanwhile, up and down the country, viewers may well be scrambling for the remote control to see what else is on.

It should not have come to this.

Firstly, a confession: I am a fully signed up member of the 'FA Cup is still magic' brigade.

At a time where football is more cynical, money-driven and diluted than ever, there is still joy to be had in the sight of Premier League stars cramped up in a Non-League dressing room and part-time teachers celebrating the goal of their lives at a big stadium.

But there is no doubt about it - there is very little magic to be had this season, and there is no way either of the domestic cups should have gone ahead from the start.

Of course, nobody could have predicted that coronavirus cases would have sky-rocketed again just before third round weekend.

But what we did know right from the start of the season is that we are living through a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, and it is a miracle that any form of football is taking place at all.

So why oh why did the powers-that-be not call off the cups just for one season rather than attempting to cram them into an already-overloaded schedule with a typically blasé and short-sighted 'it will probably be alright' attitude.

One tie has already been cancelled, at least three more - including Villa v Liverpool - have been affected, and there could well be more to follow throughout Friday.

And with every game that is tainted by the virus, the meaning of the competition dies a little bit more.

Take Chorley.

The National League North side will play arguably the biggest game of their history when they face Derby County on Saturday.

Yet rather than coming up against Wayne Rooney and co, they will go head-to-head against a collection of U-18 players, with the entire Rams' first-team squad set to miss out due to a coronavirus outbreak.

Would it therefore even be that much of a big deal if Chorley do win?

Probably not.

Meanwhile, the tie with the biggest gulf at this stage of the competition's history sees Merseyside-based Marine take on Tottenham.

Yet there is a sense of overwhelming sadness that fans won't be present to see it.

And rather than spending all week looking forward to the occasion, their manager Neil Young has admitted he has instead been worrying about whether Covid-19 could wreck the whole thing.

This isn't what FA Cup third-round weekend should be about.

Further down the line, one has to question how much pride there will actually be in winning a competition which has seen such an uneven playing field.

There could conceivably be a case where a team makes it to the final having received a bye for two or three of the rounds.

Will there really be cause for joyous celebration when the captain lifts the trophy at a most-likely empty Wembley Stadium?

But hey ho, the show must go on in the season of never-ceasing football.

With every postponement the fixture list piles up, and although I am usually scathing of teams who decide to play the reserves in the FA Cup, it would be fully justified this time for some to decide they would rather be knocked out as early as possible.

This season's FA Cup is in danger of falling apart, and yet it could have been so easily avoided.

A year without it may have even made us appreciate all the positives it can bring even more.

Instead, all we can look forward to is a timid, half-arsed version of the world's oldest cup competition.

And the FA only have themselves to blame for that due to their catastrophic handling of the situation.

Remind you of anyone?



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fa-cup-shambles-result-football-23283163

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Scott Parker confirms huge boost for Fulham after latest Covid-19 tests ahead of QPR FA Cup tie

The Craven Cottage side are welcoming players back from isolation

Fulham's coronavirus woes are easing ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup third-round tie away to Queens Park Rangers, with Scott Parker confirming that there have been no new positives in the past two rounds of testing.

While the Craven Cottage club will still be without an unspecified number of players at Loftus Road - their identities have been kept secret with Fulham's last game coming on Boxing Day - there are a sufficient number of returnees for the game to go ahead.

"We've had two rounds of testing and been clear in the last two rounds of testing so that's a positive," Parker said.

"I don't really want to go into the details of the numbers, I have stuck to that stance from two weeks ago when we had an outbreak. We had a considerable amount of players [isolating] but due to the delicateness of it there are a number of players. We're now coming out of the other side of that, players are coming back and we're moving forward."

Parker believes that Aleksandar Mitrovic has shown honest remorse having been pictured breaking coronavirus laws when attending a New Year's Eve party with his fellow Serbia international Luka Milivojevic, of Crystal Palace.

The striker publicly apologised and Fulham say the matter was dealt with internally.

"I suppose you'd expect me to say that but I've had a long conversation with Mitro regarding it and I do. There's a genuine and honest apology there," Parker added.

"He knows he's done wrong. He knows he's made a mistake. I do sense that. I also understand that of course people's perception of it is that the people who have done bad are only apologising because they've been caught. I can see that as well.

"What I can tell you is that when I've spoken to him regarding this situation, he's very remorseful. He knows he's made a mistake and he's apologetic for that."

Asked if he can envisage a situation where the FA take matters in their own hands and punish players who have broken the rules, Parker said: "I could understand it. I think we see that now in the press. If you go back to not just football players but the general public, people who are not sticking to the guidelines or restrictions, there seem to be some penalties now in place.

"Of course that is an option and I can see why that may be the case. We're living in a moment that is very serious. A lot of people are losing their lives. I'd understand that."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/scott-parker-confirms-huge-boost-19585701

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Four QPR youngsters likely to feature against Fulham

QPR boss Mark Warburton is expected to give opportunities to younger players in Saturday's FA Cup tie against Fulham, who will also make changes.

Warburton's options are somewhat limited because of Rangers' small squad. But some will get a chance to impress.

Conor Masterson

Masterson has impressed when he has featured for Rangers but the defender is 22 and has started only 16 senior games, having not had any first-team experience at all prior to his arrival after being released by Liverpool in the summer of 2019.

Plans to send Masterson out on loan were scrapped after he was given his chance against Swansea at this stage of the competition a year ago and impressed. QPR are again looking to send him out on loan but in the meantime Saturday's tie is a chance for him to get some game time.

Charlie Kelman

Striker Kelman, who turned 19 in November, made 35 first-team appearances for Southend before joining the R's last summer. He has since made three cameo appearances as a substitute and has obvious potential. With Lyndon Dykes and Macauley Bonne having found the going tough this season, this could be a chance for Kelman to stake a claim.

Faysal Bettache

Bettache is standing by for his first QPR start. The midfielder, 20, has a sweet left foot and isn't afraid to compete physically despite his slight frame.

Stephen Duke-McKenna

Also a midfielder, Duke-McKenna is yet to make his senior debut, having been with Everton and Bolton prior to his move to west London last summer. He has been involved with Rangers' first-team squad of late and might well play some part against Fulham.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/four-qpr-youngsters-likely-to-feature-against-fulham

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Scott Parker vows to give out-of-favour players a chance against QPR

Fulham's forgotten men will get a rare chance to impress, and maybe secure a move away, when they head to QPR in the FA Cup.

Boss Scott Parker needs to trim his over-sized squad with the likes of Stefan Johansen, Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand surplus to requirements.

The Cottagers, still reeling from the Covid-19 outbreak which saw their last two Premier League fixtures postponed, will use the third-round tie against their Championship neighbours to give fringe players some game time.

"I don't want to mention names but in terms of the squad, there are a lot of numbers here and I'm managing a big squad with numbers who want to play football," said Parker.

"The cup brings a game here for us now where, without the game, we'd have gone three and a bit weeks without playing.

"It's a good opportunity to use what we've been working on over the past couple of weeks in training, but it gives us a chance to use the squad, give people games and keep developing as a team.

"There will be an opportunity to play players who have not played as much. That's not being disrespectful to the competition in any way – we'll play the strongest team possible with an eye on the following week and the fixtures coming up.

"After the last two weeks, the team will be the team that needs to play really."

Staying in the Premier League remains the clear priority for Parker, whose side's next two matches are against Chelsea and Manchester United.

"We've got some big games coming up, there's no denying that our focus is the league," he added.

"Our squad is not blessed in terms of big, big numbers in the sense of quality. In saying that we've had two weeks off and need to get right back up to speed.

"It will be the best team and squad to win the game as well as take into consideration the big fixtures and a lot of fixtures we've got coming up really.

"Should we win? On paper, maybe. There are surprises and shocks in the FA Cup, not that this would be a big shock.

"We played QPR in the Championship last year and had two very good games. Both were tough. It will be a tough game."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/fa-cup/news/scott-parker-vows-to-give-out-of-favour-players-a-chance-against-qpr_429688.html

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Premier League issues warning to clubs over players who break covid rules

Premier League chiefs have introduced strict new measures in response to a steep rise in coronavirus cases across the division and multiple players flouting rules

Premier League clubs have been ordered to crack down on their Covidiots - or risk being punished themselves.

In a hard-hitting letter to all 20 top flight clubs, a stark warning has been issued that any repeat of the Coronavirus breaches from last weekend must be met with stiff sanctions.

It means players could now be suspended for breaking the rules by their clubs.

Mirror Sport understands the Premier League feels it does have the power to come down on clubs and that disciplinary action could be financial or even involve points deductions.

Each situation, however, will be treated on a case by case basis.

The letter read: "It is vital to ensure public, government and stakeholder confidence in the training and match day protocols that individual transgressions by relevant persons are properly investigated and sanctioned by clubs.

"Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action by the league individually against the relevant person where it is appropriate and/or against the club itself where the relevant person's conduct constitutes a breach of the training protocols."

A string of Premier League stars flouted strict rules not to mix households to party over the festive period – making a mockery of the sacrifices the public are making.

They included Manchester City's Benjamin Mendy who staged a party on New Year's Eve, Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic and Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic who met up to see in 2021 and Tottenham trio Spurs' Giovani Lo Celso, Erik Lamela and Sergio Reguilon.

All three met up with West Ham's Lanzini.

Are the new measures enforced by the Premier League strict enough to curb the spread of coronavirus across its clubs? Have your say in the comments.

Coronavirus cases are rising in the top flight as they are across the country, with 40 new positive results returned in the last round of testing.

In response, the Premier League has limited the number of guests in matchday directors' boxes to 10 per team and hammered home the need for substitutes to wear face masks while seated.

Social distancing will be enhanced as players and staff will now be transported across three separate coaches, with risk-assessed travel plans submitted to Premier League officials ahead of every game.

Top-flight compliance officers will also have the right to spot-check players and staff members' clinical passports at training grounds, while indoor meetings must be socially distanced and canteens can only be used the day before matches and on matchdays.

The Premier League will also open investigations into clubs which experience coronavirus outbreaks, saying: "[if there] is evidence of an outbreak within the club's relevant persons, it may instigate an investigation to determine, where possible, the causes of the outbreak and to identify any mitigating actions that should be taken."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/premier-league-players-covid-guidelines-23285987

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Major Nottingham Forest update emerges regarding Anthony Knockaert

Anthony Knockaert is set to stay at Nottingham Forest for the whole season, according to John Percy of the Telegraph.

Knockaert joined Forest on loan from Fulham in October, becoming Chris Hughton's first and only signing in charge to this day.

The winger has made 16 appearances for Forest in the Championship, scoring one goal and chipping in with one assist.

Knockaert – who penned a loan deal until January – saw his deal run out at the City Ground yesterday, but the Reds look set to have him for the remainder of the season.

John Percy of the Telegraph has revealed that both Forest and Fulham have agreed to extend Knockaert's loan deal until the end of the season.

Forest do have the option to buy Knockaert at the end of his loan spell, but for now, they are set to have the Frenchman's services for the remainder of the season.

The Verdict

This is a massive boost for Forest.

Knockaert perhaps hasn't been at his absolute best since joining Forest, but he has still been one of their better players and their most creative outlet.

He is a quality football who possesses real talent, and if he was to leave, it would have been a blow as it would have left Forest short of options out wide.

It's a good start to the window for the Reds, who will be keen to add more options to their attacking armory going forward.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/major-nottingham-forest-update-emerges-regarding-anthony-knockaert/

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Report: Fulham are keen on Newcastle striker

Fulham are keen on signing Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle, according to The Chronicle.

The 31-year-old has recently returned to the bench for the Magpies after recovering from a knee injury. His current contract at St James' Park is due to expire at the end of the season, which has led to reports that Steve Bruce may be willing to listen to offers in this window.

Gayle has been on the books at Newcastle since 2016 and has proven to be a prolific scorer at Championship level. However, he has not managed to emulate his successes in the second-tier in the Premier League.

He managed 23 goals in 34 games in all competitions during the 2016/17 season for Newcastle in the second-tier.

Gayle then went onto excel in the Championship again during a loan spell with West Bromwich Albion in 2018/19. He scored 24 goals in 41 games for the Baggies. 

Altogether, the Englishman has managed just 11 Premier League goals for Newcastle during his time with the club.

Fulham are in the relegation zone and will be looking to bolster their side this month to boost their survival chances. Should Gayle arrive at Craven Cottage, he could provide back-up for Alexandre Mitrovic, who has struggled with injury problems throughout the season.



https://ninetyminutesonline.com/report-fulham-are-keen-on-newcastle-striker/

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Nottingham Forest agree fresh deal for winger

Nottingham Forest transfer news: The Fulham man's initial contract with the Reds expired this week but he will now remain at the City Ground

Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal to keep Anthony Knockaert on loan from Fulham for the rest of the season.

The winger's initial contract with the Reds expired on Thursday, after he had joined on domestic deadline day in October.

Forest had an option to buy the 29-year-old, but have instead agreed an extension to his loan which will keep him at the City Ground until the summer - despite reported interest from abroad.

Knockaert has improved as time has gone on during his spell Trentside, having made 16 appearances and scored one goal.

Asked about the player in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, boss Chris Hughton said: "We are very much in a period of January where we are looking at the options - and all of the options we have.

"What I will say about Anthony is he has certainly given us something in this period of time, different to the other wide players we've got.

"Over the period of time he has started to have more influence.

"But we are in a January period where we have to start making decisions. And we hope there are decisions to be made."

He added: "This is a player we've had here since the start of the season and he's got better in the period of time he's been here.

"But we have to look at all of the options, or potential options, we have.

"That's why, on most occasions, it's very difficult to be clear about anything, because there are so many different permutations that come into anything.

"But I'll reiterate, I think he's got better in the period of time he's been with us."



https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/transfer-news/nottingham-forest-transfer-news-knockaert-4870122

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Anthony Knockaert: Nottingham Forest agree to extend Fulham winger's loan

Anthony Knockaert also played under Forest boss Hughton when they were at Brighton together

Nottingham Forest have agreed to extend the loan spell of winger Anthony Knockaert from Premier League side Fulham until the end of the season, reports BBC Radio Nottingham.

The 29-year-old, who arrived in October, has played 16 times, making 10 starts and scoring one goal.

Manager Chris Hughton has said the Frenchman offers "something different" to the other wide players at the club.

"He's certainly given us something," Hughton told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"And I think over the period of time, he's started to have more influence."

Meanwhile, defender Nicholas Ioannou has left the club to join Greek side Aris Thessaloniki on a loan deal which runs until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old joined from APOEL in September but has made just five appearances, with his most recent coming against Luton in October, during which he was sent off.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55590019

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Parker: Rodak can learn from Areola

Marek Rodak has been urged to learn from the keeper who took his Fulham place.

Chances are the Slovakia international will make a rare appearance between the posts for Whites when they face QPR  in the FA Cup.

Last season, Rodak played in both Championship games against the R's.

But this season he was dropped after the first Premier League game.

He subsequently got a couple of Carabao Cup run-outs, but has otherwise been forced to watch from the bench as Alphonse Areola has gained fans and plaudits game after game.

Head coach Scott Parker admits it has been tough on 24-year-old Rodak, who more than played his part in the promotion back to the top flight.

Parker said: "Marek was first class last year. He's very young but we decided to bring someone in and he's had to sit behind him.

"But in terms of coming in every day and improving, the person in front of him has vast experience and he can learn from him.

"Of course he's disappointed. But when you are so young and as a goalie, he can use this moment to push and develop and go up another level to where he is."

Another player set to come in from the cold is Terence Kongolo, who is on the way back from injury.

Parker said: "Terence is good. He's had a full week of training and he's come through it OK.

"We need to see where we are with him, but he's close. Saturday could be an option to look at him."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-rodak-can-learn-from-areola

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QPR striker Lyndon Dykes doesn't believe Fulham's extended rest will be any advantage when the two sides meet in the FA Cup this weekend.

The Cottagers have not played since Boxing Day with games against Tottenham and Burnley postponed due to a coronavirus outbreak at the club.

Things are slowly getting back to normal for Scott Parker's side but in what is normally a hectic festive schedule, they haven't played for a fortnight.

They face west London rivals QPR at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Saturday at 3pm – with commentary live on talkSPORT 2.

QPR themselves have not played since December 29 with matches of their own having been postponed due to coronavirus.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Dykes said: "With the virus there has recently been more (cases) and games have been postponed and there's games getting cancelled, you can't really do much to be honest.

"You just have to look at the next game as it is and if you get a couple more days than the other team then it could help and sometimes it could not.

"I'm sure Fulham will be raring to go because they haven't played in a while.

"I don't think it's an advantage but it is what it is at the moment with this virus.

"I'm looking forward to it. It's a big game for the boys and the club as well. It's really good being able to play against a Premier League team and hopefully we do well and we get to the next stage."

Dykes joined QPR in the summer in a £2million transfer from Livingston and has so far netted five times in 14 appearances.

The Scotland international, who was born in Australia, is enjoying his time so far at the Championship club but is missing not having seen a full capacity since joining.

"I'm really enjoying it and it has been good since going there. I fitted straight in and the boys have been great.

"For myself as well, it's another step up in professionalism and all in all it has been really good and a shame fans haven't been at the games. I'm really enjoying it so far.

"It would have been really amazing (to have fans back). Even since I've come to QPR I haven't had a full capacity of fans in the stadium.

"We had a little stint with 2,000 fans there and it was amazing but that went quick with the lockdown again.

"It would have been amazing but I think the players are used to not having people in the stadium.

"It's so hard for the world at the moment with a lot of people stuck inside and not being able to work and kids not being able to play sport among a number of things.

"For me, I'm privileged that I can go out and play football, something I love to do, and we are in a lucky enough place that we can get tested and have the protocols so we can play."



https://talksport.com/football/fa-cup/814882/

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Fulham midfielder Josh Onomah to return vs QPR and fight for Premier League role



Josh Onomah is set to return to action for Fulham for the first time since October when they face Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup on Saturday.

The midfielder, who shone in the latter stages of last season and during the successful play-off campaign, was left out of Scott Parker's 25-man squad for the first half of the Premier League season following a knee ligament injury.

Onomah made two Premier League and two Carabao Cup appearances in the early weeks of the season before injury saw him cut from the squad list, which can now be changed with the January window open.

The former Tottenham man has been back training with Parker's squad in recent weeks and is in line for a chance to impress this weekend.

While a number of other players to have been left out of the squad - including Jean Michael-Seri, Stefan Johansen and Kevin McDonald - could leave on loan this month, Onomah has no interest in leaving and is determined to force his way back onto the 25-man list for the remainder of the Premier League season.

Asked about Onomah's position at the club, Parker said: "He was injured, he needed to get back up to speed and really it has worked pretty well. He wasn't in the squad due to that.

"He has now been training with us for a few weeks so an opportunity for him at the weekend to get some minutes and game time and put himself there to get into this 25 man squad and help us for the remainder of the season."

Those who are looking to get themselves a move could also be given a chance to show any suitors what they're capable of in the west London derby.

"[That] definitely could be the case," said Parker. "In terms of a game and where we are, there's no denying we need to trim the squad down a little bit. We've got a big squad and a lot of bodies in there.

"But at the same time, it's a big opportunity for them to show their quality and help us for the season."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-vs-qpr-josh-onomah-to-return-premier-league-squad-b763076.html

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Cottage Talk: Friday Night Fulham Returns

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

In this episode, we talked about the situation with Mitro and Fulham. We also had a discussion on the January Transfer Window. The second half of the show we were joined by Jamie Reid from FFCtv who helped us preview the upcoming FA Cup match against QPR.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2021/1/8/22221453/cottage-talk-friday-night-fulham-returns

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From Fulham to Sunday League and Millwall via AFC Wimbledon – Tyler Burey ready to grab chance

IF Tyler Burey makes his full Millwall debut at Boreham Wood this Saturday, he will play with the same fearlessness that has brought him this far.

It's the way he has always played the game.

When Burey, 19, left Fulham's academy as a schoolboy, he went into Sunday League football, seeking games "as much as possible" to try to catch the eye of scouts.

That determination paid off when AFC Wimbledon noticed his talent. Burey played in a trial game and on the back of that was offered a six-week academy trial. Four weeks in, the Dons had seen enough, and signed him on a two-year scholarship.

As a 16-year-old he trained with the first team, a group that included former Millwall defender and now Lions coach Paul Robinson.

"It was hard because I was in an academy environment from very young," Burey tells NewsAtDen. "Fulham were in the Premier League when I was there, and it was any young player's dream to play in the Premier League.

"But then situations happen and sometimes things happen that are outside of your control. Once I left Fulham I just went back into Sunday League. I played football as much as possible. Anywhere I could play – Sunday League, tournaments – literally any football I could play I would."

His mum, Stephanie, was and is a major influence. The head of sport at Stanmore College, and a former teacher, she knows what makes youngsters tick, the kind of encouragement they need to take them towards their goals.

"My mum's helped me all the way", Burey says. "My mum's taken me training, my dad as well. My mum tells me to keep working, there's going to be a chance.

"I had to work on myself as much as possible. I had to go back to grassroots to get back to where I wanted to be.

"My mum knew how you had to be mentally strong. With my education as well she always helped me. It was the best of both worlds with my education and football."

Burey reflected on his journey after he made his senior professional debut, a 4-0 EFL Trophy win against Stevenage in November 2018.

"That was the start of any professional football for me, I was over the moon," he says. "I was thinking, 'I did it'. It's the dream growing up to make your first-team debut or even just have your name on the back of your shirt.

"All the hard work, all the setbacks had come down to then and it just felt like a big comeback. When I took the drop from Fulham I knew it was going to be a very, very hard road back to where I wanted to be."

Burey joined Millwall for compensation after his terms ran out at the end of the season.

"Millwall came in for me and they were just so keen on my ability," he says. "Sometimes you have to take the next step in your career to better yourself. So I said my goodbyes to everyone who had helped me at Wimbledon.

"It's one of the best steps I've taken. It's been a rocky road but it's been a good one as well."

Burey's determination to succeed is such that, between seasons, he takes on a trainer for individual sessions, working on "winger-based stuff: crossing, playing off one touch, finishing, dribbling with both feet.

"After training I do a lot of extras, including shooting. Whenever is the right time to do extras I'll do extras."

After joining the Lions in the summer of 2019 – when Neil Harris welcomed him to the training ground – Burey's objective was to make his first-team debut. He did well with Kevin Nugent's under-23s, but then football's suspension in March put his ambitions on hold.

Not that Burey was ever going to let time drift passively by until the return.

"It was quite hard, but I'm quite independent and do a lot of stuff on my own. It was a time when you had to train on your own, make sure you stayed fit," he says. "You couldn't be unfit because at any moment you could get a call to say you're back in training.

"I was doing my own stuff as well after the sessions we had been given. It was important to put your head to your work. You had to stay focused."

Burey finally got his chance on the last day of the season when he came on in the 4-1 win over Huddersfield at The Den with 10 minutes left.

He explains how he felt when Gary Rowett told him to warm up. "My emotions were high, thinking, 'this could be my chance'. But I was also telling myself if I didn't get a chance, to stay humble, it's another learning curve. The most important thing is to be ready.

"Everyone has nerves but everyone deals with them differently. When I got my chance I wanted to try to do what I could with the minutes I had. It's the same as the games this season, I want to make as big an impact as possible and play with no fear. If I lose the ball, how quickly can I recover it?

"Playing with no fear is something I picked up from when I was young. I'm a one-v-one player so I like to get the ball to feet a lot, run at players as much as possible. The gaffer and Jed [Wallace] have helped me with things like, 'play quickly, take one touch then move again', to get into a one-v-one.

"It's more about realising when to do a one-v-one and when not to. It helps my game develop more."

Burey feels he's in the ideal place for that.

"As soon as I walked into the building I just felt a warm welcome," he says. "Even though Neil is gone now, there's still that same warm feeling, it's a good environment to be around. Everyone wants to help each other.

"That's good for me to become a better player and be the best that I can be.

"I like to set myself targets at the start of the season. I keep them within arm's reach, knowing what I can achieve if I work hard.

"One of the biggest goals at Millwall was to make my debut before the end of the season. I worked hard, I gave myself the best possible chance for the gaffer to give me a shot and luckily he did.

"I use players around and the players who have come up as inspiration that if they can do it, there's nothing stopping me from doing it if I'm working hard."



https://newsatden.co.uk/78396-from-fulham-to-sunday-league-and-millwall-via-afc-wimbledon-tyler-burey-ready-to-grab-chance/?cmpredirect

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FA Cup preview: QPR v Fulham – injury and team news, how to watch, score prediction

QPR host their west London neighbours, and last season's Championship play-off winners Fulham in the FA Cup today.

It's the Rs' first outing of 2021. They saw their New Year's clash v Luton Town called off, whilst Fulham also go into their first game of the New Year.

QPR are winless in nine Championship outings. Mark Warburton has increasingly come under pressure by fans and with his side sitting in 20th, two points above the drop zone, relegation fears are starting to settle in.

As for Fulham, Scott Parker's side at second time of asking are competing in the Premier League.

Claiming an immediate return to the top-flight, Fulham have drawn their last four Premier League outings, kept two clean sheets and find themselves in 18th – but with two games in hand over Brighton, who sit a place and three points ahead of Fulham.

Injury and team news
QPR look to have a near-full strength squad going into today. Liam Kelly has recently departed for Motherwell and Joe Lumley has returned.

Bright Osayi-Samuel could feature against one of the clubs linked to signing him over the summer.

The absentees for QPR are Luke Amos (ACL), Osman Kakay (leg), and Lee Wallace (calf) remain sidelined, but are nearing their respective returns to the side.

Fulham meanwhile have had a stressful time of late, but Evening Express claim that both Marek Rodak and Stefan Johansen will feature tonight, as Parker looks to name a half-strength squad.

Kenny Tete has recovered from a calf problem and could also feature. Terrence Kongolo is ruled out though, but has recently returned to training after a foot injury.

Predicted line-up
QPR: Lumley, Hamalainen, Dickie, Masterson, Kane, Carroll, Cameron, Osayi-Samuel, Chair, Willock, Dykes

Fulham: Rodak, Bryan, Ream, Hector, Tete, Johansen, Cairney, Kebano, Reid, Cavaleiro, Mitrovic

How to watch?
You can watch the match via a BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. If you're watching from the USA, then you can watch all of today's FA Cup games on ESPN+.

Score prediction?
QPR had a good result at league leaders Norwich last time out. Having not featured since, both QPR and Fulham will be raring to go but with Fulham in the bottom-three of the Premier League, expect Parker's thoughts to be on that.

QPR 2-1 Fulham



https://the72.co.uk/214123/fa-cup-preview-qpr-v-fulham-injury-and-team-news-how-to-watch-score-prediction/

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Fulham Coach Parker Names One Nigerian Teenager In Contention To Make Squad

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Fulham boss Scott Parker has revealed that Nigeria-eligible teenager Sylvester Jasper is in contention to be named in the matchday squad in Saturday's third round Emirates FA cup fixture against Queens Park Rangers.

Eligible for Nigeria, England and Bulgaria at international level, Jasper has been named in the Cottagers matchday squad seven times in his Fulham career and went on to make three appearances as a substitute.

Parker says the 19-year-old Jasper and Fabio Carvalho have been training with the first team with a view to their inclusion in the matchday 20.

"They've only just come back working with us over the last week. With the squad being as big as it is, they've been away with the restrictions and bubbles," Parker said.

"They've been with us for the last week, but I think it's been well-documented in terms of them being around that there's an opportunity for them to get some minutes and get some experience. I've always wanted to do that.

"They're two very, very good players who we think a lot of at the club. The academy has done a good job with them, so this could be an opportunity for them certainly to get some minutes or be around it in terms of the game."

Jasper made his professional debut for Fulham in last season's Emirates FA Cup loss to Manchester City, coming off the bench to replace Terence Kongolo in the 83rd minute.

Igho Kingsley



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=38566

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