Monday Fulham Stuff - 18/01/21...

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Results

Sunday
Sheff Utd	1-3	Spurs
Liverpool	0-0	Man Utd
Man City	4-0	Palace
Villa	P-P	Everton

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Fulham rejoin King chase – but may wait until summer

Fulham have rejoined the race to sign wantaway Bournemouth striker Josh King but appear to ready to wait until the summer to conclude a free transfer, according to a report in the Sun this morning.

The Norwegian international, who has refused to sign a contract extension with the Cherries, seems to have priced himself out of a possible move to Everton by demanding £120,000-a-week. The size of his salary demands has led to the Toffees considering moves for other attacking targets as they would consider him an addition to their squad rather than a key player.

Fulham, who are desperate for striking reinforcements in January as they continue to struggle for goals in the Premier League, are watching develops with interest as the 29 year-old forward is also being monitored by Newcastle and Aston Villa. All three of those sides are said to be willing to wait until June when King would be available for free, with King open to that option himself as he eyes a contract similar to the one that his former team-mate Callum Wilson secured at St. James' Park last summer.

King played in Bournemouth's disappointing defeat at the hands of struggling Luton yesterday – making just his tenth appearance of the season for Jason Tindall's side. His only goals came in a 4-1 defeat of Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup last weekend when he bagged a brace. The former Manchester United trainee has scored 52 goals in 181 games since signing for Bournemouth in May 2015 and he has seventeen goals in 51 caps for his country.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/fulham-rejoin-king-chase-but-may-wait-until-summer/

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How full is Fulham's glass?

This might rank as one of the most frustrating weekends since Fulham rejoined English football's elite. The Whites' narrow defeat against Chelsea was infuriating enough, but the outcome would have been hinted at by the history books and the complexion of a competitive contest was radically altered by Antonee Robinson's rash challenge on the stroke of half time when Scott Parker's side were having their best spell of the game. What made the derby reverse all the more galling was the fact that fellow strugglers West Bromwich Albion and Brighton and Hove Albion had already picked up impressive away wins, leaving Fulham just a single point above Sam Allardyce's new charges, four points from safety and five behind Albion.

How terminal that position is remains to be seen. It is important to acknowledge that in this, a season like no other, there is still plenty of football to be played. We are yet to hit the halfway point of the campaign – and Fulham, after weathering a coronavirus outbreak within their own squad, have at least one game in hand on all of the teams around them. The main reason for hope is that Parker's side look unrecognisable from the callow outfit that was swatted aside so easily at the start of the season, having switched their shape and acquired a defensive diligence that is keeping them in games until the very end. Recent results, with determined draws against the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham, suggest that Fulham can compete against the division's top sides, and Parker's men have crucial clashes against both Brighton and West Brom to come before the month is out.

On the flip side, Fulham have only recorded two victories – already the wins against West Brom and Leicester seem a long time ago – and stringing wins together is the only way to mount a successful survival bid. The need for three points grows with every week, especially with our relegation rivals grabbing surprise triumphs here and there. Parker's switch to three at the back might have made his previously leaky defence more solid but he has sacrificed some potency at the other end of the pitch. They have only scored three times in their last five league matches and are desperate for striking reinforcements, something only highlighted by Ivan Cavaleiro's glaring miss against Chelsea.

So, as the conclusion to the January transfer window moves into sharper focus over the next fortnight, getting attackers in – arguably in time for those showdowns against the Albions – becomes pivotal to Fulham's safety bid. Without high quality back up to an alarming out-of-form Aleksandar Mitrovic at the very least, Parker's side will probably continue to fluff their lines in front of goal. Cavaleiro toils manfully up top but he's far from a natural finisher or the nippy number nine that this system requires. The usual links to Dwight Gayle and Josh King have resurfaced in the last week, but we must hope that negotiations to land a forward are carrying on quietly behind the scenes.

It essentially comes down to how positive you feel. Is Fulham's glass half full, or half empty? The optimists will point to Parker's bravery in switching to five at the back and the fact that the best teams in the land have struggled to breach Fulham's defence in the past few weeks. His achievement in knitting together an entirely new back three, as well as the masterstroke of deploying Bobby Decordova-Reid as a roving wing-back, certainly shouldn't be understated. But goals win games and Fulham aren't scoring enough of them. A gap has started to open up between the Whites and safety at just the wrong time – so if you are pessimistic in nature, the signs of another demotion from the top flight, are probably all already flashing. Parker is probably accruing a decade's worth of managerial experience from his first job – but it will rank as one of the best achievements in top flight history should he guide the Whites to safety.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/how-full-is-fulhams-glass/

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Cottage Talk Post Match Show: Fulham Go Down 1-0 To Chelsea

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

This episode is an in depth look at the 1-0 loss for Fulham against Chelsea. Later on, we discussed if we are a glass half full or half empty supporter.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2021/1/17/22235871/cottage-talk-post-match-show-fulham-go-down-1-0-to-chelsea

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Scott Parker wants Fulham transfers done 'early' to avoid another deadline-day rush


Parker: "Hopefully we can get some help because we do need it in certain areas" / POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Scott Parker hopes Fulham can avoid another last-minute shopping spree as he looks to sign a striker in this month's transfer window.

The Cottagers made 11 new signings in the summer, but several of them did not arrive until the Premier League season was well under way, with deadline day moves for Joachim Andersen, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tosin Adarabioyo coming after Parker's men had already lost their first four league games.

"We were three or four games in before we did a lot of our business and a lot of points were at stake really," Parker said.

"So, of course, we'd like to try and get the business in early because it gives you an opportunity to work with the player, gives them a quicker time to settle in, and obviously you don't miss as many games.

"We understand the difficulties of this window and it is a short turnaround but I'd like to do business early, I'd like to get players in.

"Hopefully we can get some help because we do need it in certain areas."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-news-january-transfer-window-scott-parker-b900080.html

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Fulham's transfer hope as Scott Parker plans to cause Manchester United problems

The Whites boss would like to complete some transfer business

Fulham boss Scott Parker is hopeful that his side can complete some transfer business during the January window - preferably before the final moments.

Only Harrison Reed from the starting XI against Chelsea was on the pitch for the first whistle against Arsenal on the opening day, with many of the team not even at the club yet.

The Cottagers can be pleased with many of the transfers they made but the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Joachim Andersen, Ademola Lookman and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were unable to play a game until October.

They have provided the core of the Whites team in recent weeks as Fulham's form has improved, and the 40-year-old coach hopes he can enhance some areas sooner, rather than later if business is possible.

Parker said: "Yeah, of course. Three or four games before we've done a lot of our business and at that point a lot of points were at stake really.

"So, of course, we'd like to try and get the business in early because it gives you an opportunity to work with the player, gives them a quicker time to settle in, and obviously you don't miss as many games.

"We understand the difficulties of this window and it is a short turnaround but I'd love to do business early, I'd like to get players in. Hopefully we can get some help, we need it in certain areas."

Despite this, Parker's belief in his side is striking.

While Fulham have struggled to pick up three points this season, they have shown their mettle and earned draws against Liverpool and Tottenham, while defeating Leiecester. Only Manchester City have scored more than one goal past Alphonse Areola in their last eight Premier League matches.

So, Parker has no fear heading into the clash with Manchester United.

He said: "No, definitely not and that goes for last time. Liverpool, Man City and Leicester. Now we've had another group of games Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United who are playing exceptionally well. I don't think my team should be scared in any way.

"You need to adopt a certain way about you and I think we've adopted that over the last few weeks. It's a team evolving, improving, we're getting better.

2We can give anyone a game, I honestly feel every game we go into we want to cause teams problems however big they are and I think we have shown that over the last few weeks."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-transfer-news-manchester-united-19644810

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Fulham, West Brom and Sheffield United believe Newcastle are the team to catch to avoid relegation

Newcastle fans fear their side are being dragged into relegation trouble and the current bottom three smell blood

Newcastle United head to Arsenal this evening nervously looking over their shoulder at the Premier League's relegation zone.

True, the Magpies still hold a seven point gap between themselves and Fulham in 18th place as we head towards the halfway stage of the season, but their sorry recent form has led to fears from that United could yet still be dragged into relegation trouble.

Newcastle's damaging defeat to Sheffield United last time out was the culmination of a run of eight games without victory and unless something changes, that sort of form usually leads to demotion.

Steve Bruce's side also have to face the Gunners, Aston Villa, Everton, Southampton, Chelsea, Manchester United and Wolves in their next nine matches and unless they can arrest their current form, they could quickly see that seven point gap between themselves and the bottom three erode.

That is certainly the fear among fans, with the Newcastle United Supporters' Trust warning the club in a letter last week that United are 'sleepwalking towards relegation'.

But what is the view of the Magpies from outside of the region?

Do the current three teams in the relegation zone feel they can still escape relegation trouble? And, more worryingly, do those teams see Newcastle as the team they feel they can usurp to guarantee Premier League survival?

Chronicle Live spoke to reporters who cover Fulham, West Brom and Sheffield United to get the inside track.

Fulham
Fulham, of course, are in 18th place and remain Newcastle's benchmark for the gap between themselves and the bottom three.

Scott Parker's side have lost just two of their last nine games in all competitions and there is a belief in West London that they can still pull themselves out of danger - despite being four points adrift of safety.

"I think there is definitely belief that Fulham can still survive," Scott Trotter, Fulham reporter for Football.London, told Chronicle Live.

"Scott Parker and the tenacity the team has shown in recent months has definitely buoyed supporters even though the Cottagers have struggled to pick up goals and three points.

"The Whites' commitment in defence has left them in a position where they are rarely out of a match. Only Manchester City have scored more than one goal against them in their last eight league matches which has led to points against the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham.

"Draws against Newcastle and Brighton are the only disappointment in a tough run they have navigated pretty well since beating Leicester at the end of November.

"No doubt Fulham still have a mighty task on their hands, but the points tally to stay up this season looks like being lower than usual.

"Parker has suggested he is content with his team improving week on week and isn't concerning himself with the table until there are 10 games or less to go.

"With Brighton and West Brom in Fulham's next three Premier League fixtures they might have an indication of how things are going pretty soon, however."

The Cottagers aren't targeting any teams per se, but the view from Craven Cottage is that Newcastle are certainly vulnerable to being dragged into a relegation battle.

"Brighton had hinted at being the main contenders before picking up three points at Leeds at the weekend.

"Newcastle certainly look vulnerable and Steve Bruce's comments ahead of Arsenal definitely give a signal that all isn't well at St James' Park. Certainly, many at Craven Cottage will still feel aggrieved they didn't pick up three points against the Magpies.

That said, they are still seven points clear of Fulham and have the type of player in Callum Wilson that Parker has sorely missed in front of goal.

"Leeds down are still very much risk in the Premier League table but the benefit Bielsa's side, Crystal Palace and Wolves have are points on the board.

"Overall, I don't think the Cottagers will be thinking about who they will catch, and will simply be focused on converting draws to wins. If they can show their qualities against teams in the bottom half with 21 games still to go - they might just get a reprieve from a couple of their rivals."

West Brom
West Brom, of course, sacked Slaven Bilic just days after the Baggies' 2-1 defeat at St James' Park last month and replaced him with former Newcastle and Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce.

'Big Sam' has a proven track record of guiding Premier League clubs to safety having helped the likes of Bolton, Blackburn, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Everton beat the drop in recent years.

There was a fear among Baggies fans that he had bitten off more than he could chew this time around but after Saturday's spirited 3-2 win away at Black Country rivals Wolves, the Baggies are now just five points adrift of safety.

And that crucial victory at Molineux has given Albion belief that they can now go on and beat the drop this term.

"If you'd have asked me before Saturday, I'd have said doom and gloom," Joe Chapman, West Bromwich Albion reporter at Birmingham Live, told Chronicle Live when asked about the Baggies' hopes of survival.

"Albion were tanked by Leeds and Arsenal over Christmas and then were dumped out of the FA Cup by Blackpool on penalties.

"Thoughts had begun to cross my mind - had Sam taken on more than he'd bargained for with this challenge? He spoke regularly about the need to invest in the squad, and as we speak they're working around the clock to add sufficiently.

"The result on Saturday has had a huge positive impact, for so many reasons. For the players, they now know that what Sam wants of them can deliver the results, having worked with him for the best part of a month.

"For the fans, to kick-start your reign with a win over fierce rivals certainly does plenty to raise spirits.

"For the manager himself - he has seen that the players at his disposal are capable.

"For the potential transfer targets - Albion aren't a lost cause, they're alive and kicking. They need two or three Robert Snodgrass-esque additions."

Worryingly for Newcastle, West Brom now see the Magpies as 'relegation rivals' and a team that are 'vulnerable' to being dragged into a scrap for survival.

"I've looked at Newcastle for a little while now and thought that they'd have to be looking over their shoulder," Chapman added.

"Having previously taken them for granted as a mid-table outfit, (especially when they beat Albion and Crystal Palace back to back, I couldn't see them being sucked in) I have always put them in the same bracket as Palace, as Leeds and even right now Wolves.

"But the more and more I think about it, and consider their recent form, the more I think that they have to be considered survival rivals. Them, down through to where Albion are in 19th, and everyone in between.

"Sam has intentions to make it as big a scrap as possible, he hopes that Albion with a few results can drag as many sides into it as they're able to. At this moment in time, Newcastle would be vulnerable to that, for sure."

Sheffield United
The Blades are rock bottom of the Premier League and had failed to win any of their first 17 matches heading into last Tuesday's win over Newcastle.

Chris Wilder's side had gained a bit of belief after beating the Magpies but that has since been sapped after they were beaten 3-1 by Tottenham at Bramall Lane.

With just five points on the board after nine matches, Sheffield United remain on course to break the record for the worst ever points tally recorded in a single season.

The mood in South Yorkshire is glum and there is a resignation that they will be playing Championship football again in the 2021/22 season.

"There was a bit of belief starting to creep in following the result against Newcastle," Nathan Hemmingham, Sheffield United reporter at Yorkshire Live, told Chronicle Live.

"It wasn't just the win but the manner of that result, it felt like we were watching the old United from last season with the way they played that night.

"But yesterday's crushing defeat to Spurs when they were really poor and ruthlessly punished and with Man United and Man City away in their next two games saw that hope they gained from the Newcastle victory quickly disappear.

"The team is depleted with injuries and hasn't even been able to fill a bench in recent weeks - the fans are accepting now that they are playing Championship football next season."

That being said, if Wilder's side can perform the greatest of escapes, they believe Newcastle are ripe to be the side they can pull back into relegation trouble.

"If United are to break out of the bottom three they need three things to happen," Hemmingham added.

"They need to somehow put together top six style form to get out of the mess.

"They also need results to go their way such as this weekend. They began nine points behind Brighton and victory over Spurs could have seen that gap reduced to six. But they lost and Brighton beat Leeds away, while West Brom beat Wolves away and the gap is now 11 points.

"They also need a team to drop like a stone in the second half of the season and that team certainly looks like it could be Newcastle.

"I was amazed at how poor they were at Bramall Lane, United were great and to a man performed at their maximum and had two big calls go their way with sending off and penalty which you need at this level.

"That said, Newcastle were poor and all those teams in the bottom three must be looking at Steve Bruce's men and thinking if we can put a little mini run together we can reel them in."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-west-brom-sheffield-united-19646377