Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 26/01/21...

[WhiteJC]

It's time to ditch five at the back
After another game without a goal, Mike says it's time for Parker to go on the attack.

I recently watched the ITV mini-documentary series, Boiling Point. It is a fly on-the-wall documentary following Gordon Ramsay's leap into opening his own restaurant and pursuit of greatness. Short of cash, he'd agreed to let ITV film him across several months.

He was chasing the prize of being the youngest British chef to achieve the coveted three Michelin stars. In the show, his mentor, Marco Pierre White, makes the prescient remark that to acquire the prize Gordon must go on the "offensive".  By this, he meant that Ramsay had to be brave and creative with his dishes to achieve his goal.

In Scott Parker's case, the prize is Premier League survival. In Ramsay's world, and to achieve his goal, he has access to the finest of ingredients and the most succulent of produce. Scott Parker does not have this luxury. He's confined to working with some considerably more basic ingredients.

This is exemplified by having to utilise Ivan Cavaleiro as his main striker. It's the equivalent of Chef Ramsay having to work with an overdone, dry chicken breast. It fills a hole, sure, but three Michelin stars would have proven to be elusive for Ramsay if that were what he had to work with. So, too, could Premier League survival for Scott Parker.

Tactics gone sour
It's not just the lack of talented personnel that has us struggling.

After early season drubbings from the likes of Aston Villa and Arsenal, Parker was quick to rejig his tactics and resorted to a back five. The team has benefited from this reinforced defensive posture, looking more competitive and conceding fewer goals. However, the cost of such a tactic has seen our attack become impotent. It suffocates our attack more than the oppositions.

The switch to the back five stemmed the wave of defeats, but has only added one victory, bringing our total for the season to just two. The defensive set-up also invites pressure, whereas if we were to be more attacking, it would give the opposition something to worry about.

To bring some spunk back to the attack it could be time for Parker to drop one of the back five. The defence has been playing consistently together for a while now. Both Tosin and Joachim have developed a nice partnership. Taking one piece out will surely not see the whole defence capitulate like a precarious Jenga tower?

On paper, our best three attackers are Lookman, RLC and Mitrovic. Between a combination of poor form and match fitness, they have not played together often. Only Lookman has really satiated our appetite for a reliable attacking threat along with the hardworking BobbyDecordova-Reid. Lookman is our main attacking ingredient. However, we rely on him too much, and our attacking approach is very one dimensional as a result.

Refire to survive?
Ola Aina, despite a few iffy spells, has done reasonably well in recent weeks. However, with Kenny Tete back in the fray it could be ample time for Mitrovic to regain his place in the side at Aina's expense. This would see us become more offensive and attacking. Mitrovic with Cavaleiro would see the latter less isolated and could eke out some better form from them both.

If Scott persists with Cavaleiro as the lone striker, then another alternative to make us more threatening would be to bring Lemina into the fold. This would allow either Reed and Lemina, or both, to sit and encourage Anguissa and RLC to push up closer to the lone striker.

However, all this talk about potential line-ups and tactics is the equivalent of rearranging brussels sprouts on a plate to make them more appetising. It's futile. We need a decent quality addition or two to help us. Unfortunately, it doesn't look as if reinforcements will be forthcoming for Parker and the team.

Fresh meat needed
We are not "remotely close" to signing anyone, Parker said as of last Friday. Our efforts in strengthening aren't helped by COVID, but also because our larder is full of obsolete, but hard to shift, players. Ignoring past contributions, the likes of Kevin McDonald, Stefan Johansen, Michael Hector, Maxime Le Merchand, Seri and Fabri are expensive rots on a finite wage bill. None of those players really have a claim to coming back into the fold, so Parker is left to whip up a winning recipe with what he has.

This is not a call for a gung-ho, Rambo-style, all-out attack and kamikaze approach. It's a call to try and revitalise an otherwise dull and insipid attack.

The will is there, but not the quality. The heat and pressure are not getting to Parker and he continues to plate up solid performances. But these solid performances are nothing more than that. They're certainly not going to notch up three Michelin stars – and they don't look like notching up three points either. It's time for him to have a rethink to see if he can develop a new winning recipe.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2021-01-25-ditch-the-five-at-the-back/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham bid £11.5m for Drogba-esque forward; also make offer for £21m ace

Fulham have failed with an £11.5 million bid for Spezia striker M'Bala Nzola while also making an unsuccessful loan offer for Hertha Berlin's Krzysztof Piatek.

While Scott Parker deserves huge credit for transforming the Cottagers into a competitive Premier League outfit – one that took points off Tottenham and Liverpool before putting the fear of god into table-topping Manchester United – the lack of a reliable goalscorer threatens to undermine all that good work.

No-one in Fulham's squad has scored more than four, with Aleksandar Mitrovic, the most expensive and high-profile centre-forward at Parker's disposal, netting twice in 14 matches.

With only a week of the window remaining, reports suggest Fulham have made a new number nine their top priority.

Gazzetta dello Sport claims the Londoners have offered £11.5 million for Nzola, a powerhouse Frenchman who has earned comparisons to Didier Drogba and Romelu Lukaku during a brilliant debut season in Serie A.

Nzola has scored nine times in 13 matches, including a recent winner at Napoli. Gazzetta claims another, unnamed Premier League club, are wiling to offer closer to £14 million.

Piatek, meanwhile, is enduring a miserable season at underperforming Hertha Berlin, missing a penalty in the recent 3-0 defeat to Hoffenheim.

Fulham want the Poland international on loan but, as an unexpected relegation battle looms, Onet claims Hertha have no intention of letting the £21 million Piatek leave on loan.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/01/25/report-fulham-bid-11-5m-for-drogba-esque-forward-also-make-offer-for-21m-ace/

[WhiteJC]

'Looks like it': Agent says promotion-specialist could join QPR; manager comments too

Fulham boss Scott Parker said Stefan Johansen could be set for a loan move to Queens Park Rangers, while speaking to West London Sport.

If there is no place in the Cottagers' squad for a 30-year-old play-maker, then the Norway captain could find a loving home just a few miles away from Craven Cottage.

Reports broke last week suggesting that QPR were keen to sign Johansen on loan from their West London neighbours.

Speaking after Fulham's 3-0 FA Cup fourth-round defeat to Burnley on Sunday, Parker admitted that a two-time promotion-winning midfielder could be packing his bags and making the short trip to Loftus Road before the upcoming transfer deadline.

"It seems that there is some talk there. I have been with the team for the last two days preparing for this game so I am not really up to speed, but it seems that (Johansen's exit) is a possibility to happen," Parker said of the former Celtic ace, who was left out of Fulham's 25-man Premier League squad in October.

Speaking to TV2, agent Tore Pedersen was optimistic when asked if his client would be a QPR player before the end of the month.

"It looks like it," Pedersen said when quizzed about Rangers' interest.

A 1-0 home defeat to Derby County on Saturday once again highlighted the lack of cutting edge in Mark Warburton's squad, as Bright Osayi-Samuel follows Ebere Eze out of the door with a move to Fenerbahce.

Johansen, should he arrive, will be tasked with providing ammunition to Charlie Austin and Lyndon Dykes for a QPR side hovering nervously over the Championship drop zone. 



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/01/25/looks-like-it-agent-says-promotion-specialist-could-join-qpr-manager-comments-too/

[WhiteJC]

Opoku Loan Extended

Defender Jerome Opoku's loan spell at Home Park has been extended until the end of the season.

The Fulham Academy product, 22, has made 20 appearances since joining from the Craven Cottage club in September, scoring once – the equaliser in the Greens' Sky Sports televised 2-2 home draw with high-flying Portsmouth.

Opoku, who spent last season on-loan at fellow Sky Bet League One side Accrington Stanley, made his debut for Ryan Lowe's Pilgrims playing at left wing-back in the narrow 1-0 defeat at Hull City in early October, but has spent the majority of his time at Home Park operating in central defence.

Argyle manager Ryan Lowe said: "We're delighted to extend Jerome's loan until the end of the season – it was always the plan, and he's done well and is working hard.

"He's a good lad and a good player – on the occasions he's found himself out of the team he's come back stronger. He's made that position his own at the moment, and long may that continue."

Deal subject to EFL approval.



https://www.pafc.co.uk/news/2021/january/opoku-loan-extended/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss Scott Parker impressed with "real driver" Josh Onomah

Scott Parker wants Fulham to put their FA Cup exit behind them as they focus on a crucial midweek trip to Brighton in the Premier League.

Jay Rodriguez struck twice, including from the penalty spot before turning provider for Kevin Long who was able to tap home as Burnley booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-0 win at Fulham.

The result was Fulham's third-successive defeat and they conceded three goals for the first time since a 3-2 loss to Everton on November 22, but the manager wants them to move on from their lacklustre performance.

"We've got some massive games coming up now, every game is going to be big for us this year, certainly now," Parker said.

"We're halfway through the season now and like you said, this game, I hate the cliche of 'let's forget about this game, whack a line under it and move on', but I think that's the fact.

"(It was) 3-0 today and we were worthy of the result (against) Burnley. We huffed and puffed and were never really able to get in the game, now it's full focus onto Brighton, West Brom and the other games we have coming up in the league."

Parker made eight changes from his side's narrow 2-1 defeat to Manchester United midweek, but many of the fringe players failed to impose themselves on the game and impress their manager.

"I thought Josh Onomah played well today," the Fulham boss said when asked if any of the players brought in for the game could be pushing for a place in the upcoming league matches.

"I thought after being out for some time he came in for QPR and I thought he was a real driver with his head down and worked hard in which was a tough game no doubt, a very difficult game.

"Frank Anguissa I also thought was very, very good but overall I don't think there's anyone who jumped out of the page at any of us really and that's the way the game panned out really."

Burnley goalscorer Rodriguez said the squad was "buzzing" after they booked their place in the next round after building on their shock league victory over Liverpool at Anfield midweek.

"It's another game to look forward to now," the 31-year-old told the club website.

"The lads are buzzing we got through to keep the run going. I always think cup runs are amazing, everything about them, and especially the FA Cup.

"You respect both teams. Whoever gets through to the next round will deserve to be there so you respect them fully and it will be a tough game. But everyone loves a cup run, so hopefully we do well."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/burnley/fa-cup/news/fulham-boss-scott-parker-impressed-with-real-driver-josh-onomah_432072.html

[WhiteJC]

Opoku extends Plymouth loan spell

Fulham defender Jerome Opoku will remain at loan at Plymouth Argyle for the remainder of the season after the Pilgrims extended his stay at Home Park.

The 22 year-old has made twenty appearances for Argyle and has recently firmly established himself in the heart of manager Ryan Lowe's three-man central defence, having initially broken into the side at left back. Lowe has been delighted with Opoku's progress and told the Plymouth official website:

"We're delighted to extend Jerome's loan until the end of the season. It was always the plan, and he has done well and is working hard. He's a good lad and a good player. On the occasions he has found himself out of the team he has come back stronger. He has made that position his own at the moment, and long may that continue".

Opoku, who has previously captained Fulham's under 23 side, spent last season on loan at Accrington Stanley, making 25 appearances. His current contract at Craven Cottage expires in the summer, but Fulham have an option to extend it by a further year.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/opoku-extends-plymouth-loan-spell/

[WhiteJC]

Exclusive: Sheffield United, Fulham & Forest ready bids for 13 goal/assist forward

Sheffield United and Fulham have joined Nottingham Forest in the race to lure Siriki Dembele from Peterborough United by next Monday's transfer cut-off, Football Insider understands.

The 24-year-old attacker wants out of the League One club and, as revealed by this site on 4 January, has already handed in a transfer request.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Premier League duo United and Fulham are preparing bids for Dembele and Forest are also readying a new move.

Football Insider revealed last week that Forest have offered a £250,000 loan-to-buy deal for Dembele.

Director of football Barry Fry has claimed his club would never accept that but admitted Forest's interest in his in-demand attacker.

Dembele is keen to push through a permanent exit from London Road in the next week.

He does not want to wait until the summer, although the player's stance has not gone down well with Posh chiefs.

Celtic and Rangers are also keeping close tabs on Dembele, whose younger brother Karamoko is on the books at Parkhead.

But they are now lagging behind their rivals in the race to lure the forward in this window.

Dembele signed a three-year deal when he joined from Grimsby in 2018 and that would ordinarily expire this summer.

But both Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson and Fry have recently claimed he has "18 months" left on his deal, suggesting a 12-month option could have been triggered at some point.

A versatile winger who can operate on either flank, Dembele has scored six goals and provided seven assists from 23 matches this season.

He has continued to be a starter in Ferguson's side and played 89 minutes of Saturday's 1-0 win over Ipswich Town.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/celtic-exclusive-sheffield-united-fulham-forest-ready-bids-for-13-goal-assist-forwad/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'readying bid for Dembele'

Fulham are among a number of clubs preparing an offer for in-demand Peterborough forward Siriki Dembele, according to reports this afternoon.

Football Insider claims that the Whites, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest are all keen on signing the 24-year-old, who submitted a transfer request earlier this month. Dembele, who can operate as a conventional striker or on either wing, has scored six goals in twenty appearances for the League One side this season and has been a longstanding Fulham target.

Celtic are also keen on reuniting Dembele with his brother Karamoko at Parkhead and Old Firm rivals Rangers are reported to be monitoring his availability as well. Peterborough dismissed a £250,000-loan-to-buy approach from Forest last week and, although Dembele is keen to leave London Road by the end of this transfer window, Posh will be seeking a substantially improved offer to part with a player who remains in their first-team plans.

UPDATE: Peterborough director of football Barry Fry says that Fulham scout Brian Talbot, who watched Dembele during Peterborough's 1-0 win at Ipswich on Saturday, has told him the Premier League club will not be making an offer in this window.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/fulham-readying-bid-for-dembele/

[WhiteJC]

Tete believes in Fulham's 'quality'

Kenny Tete was delighted to bring his three months of injury hell to an end and believes that Fulham can string together positive results to boost their survival bid.

The Dutch defender had been missing since picking up a calf injury in the 3-0 defeat by Aston Villa back in October but returned to good effect at right wing-back in the narrow defeat by Chelsea earlier this month. He was pleased to bring his period on the sidelines to an end and told FFCTV that he was 'almost there' in terms of reaching full match sharpness:

"It was really hard for me to be honest. It was a long three months outside, pain every day but I did well. I think we played well, we deserved more, but individually I think I played well and I look back with a good feeling."

Tete knows that Wednesday's trip to Brighton is a big game, but feels Fulham can more than match the south coast side as shown in their goalless draw at Craven Cottage before Christmas:

"I think it will be a hard game, a tough game for us. They need points, we need points so it is going to be a battle. I think our defence is really solid and we have to keep improving that. We need to get some goals – we are working on that and I believe in this team."

He stressed the togetherness of Scott Parker's squad and feels Fulham have more quality to unleash in the coming weeks.

"We are all together. We speak a lot. We have a lot of quality in our squad. We believe in each other, we believe in the coach and everything has to fall into place."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/tete-believes-in-fulhams-quality/

[WhiteJC]

Time to Shine

To say that Fulham are in a precarious situation would be a massive understatement. Ignoring yesterday's terrible performance in the cup against Burnley, we have been much improved in the league, but with little to show for it. We now sit five points off Brighton in the position above us and have West Brom breathing down our necks. The next two games against the teams either side of us in the league are season defining. There is no escaping that. To be honest we are beyond being able to play well but not win. Those matches against Southampton, Brighton and Newcastle for example were real positive signs of Fulham moving forward, but we can't afford slip-ups any more. Draws aren't good enough anymore against certain teams. Win our next two games and the confidence will be back. Win one and draw/lose the other and the fear will still be lingering. Draw or lose them both and we are in full-crisis mode. That might sound like a bit of an overreaction, but given where we are in the table, we can't afford to let the gap between ourselves and Brighton grow bigger. I fully believe that Newcastle will be in this fight as well, unless they make a managerial change soon, so it's certainly not just the bottom four in the relegation mix right now.

Let's start with Brighton. There is something very unbalanced about the Seagulls. They have some incredibly talented players in Trossard, Maupay and Lamptey but they don't seem to have the right cohesion throughout the squad to sail away from their relegation fears. If he could sort his hot-headedness out, I'd quite like Maupay at Fulham. He could fill the large hole we currently have up front and is without a doubt will be a real danger man for them come Wednesday night. Last time we played them we were very fortunate to come away with a draw with two Brighton goals ruled out rightly for offside. In a pre-VAR world we would have lost that night. Brighton also have the benefit of a win at the weekend, albeit against lower league opposition in Blackpool. As they say, winning breeds winning, so their confidence will certainly be higher than Fulham's will be based on yesterday's display. They also won last time out in the league against Leeds, so this is a team in much better form than us. It's therefore a great chance for us to bring them back down to earth with a bang by taking all three points off them on Wednesday night. After this game they face Tottenham Hotspur and then Liverpool so this is an opportunity for us to really put the pressure on.

As I've already alluded to, and pretty much on everyone's mind at the minute, is Fulham's lack of a goal scorer on form right now. I say that as I do believe that Mitrovic could still have something to offer us, but we absolutely have to get the service into him. Yesterday he barely had scraps to work off, so really what more could he do? He was unfortunate to have a goal ruled out in the first half as well. I'd like to see what he could do with Lookman and BDR on the flanks and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has been improving, just behind. We know Tete can deliver a good ball, and Bryan combined with Mitro plenty of times last season, so with those two in the wing back positions we could make Mitro a threat again. Defensively we have to be miles better than yesterday. Thankfully we won't have to rely on Hector (what on earth has happened to him?) and Ream as Aina and Andersen should be back in after their weekend rest. The triple A team of Aina, Andersen and Adarabioyo has been exceptional since being put together so we need another big display from them tomorrow against a speedy attack.

I have no doubt that results will come from this side. We just need them to come sooner rather than later or it will be too late. Come on, boys. It's time.

#COYW



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/01/time-to-shine/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham sanctioning a loan exit for their £25m star would be the ideal step for both parties

Why Fulham should sanction loan exit for Jean Michael Seri in January
According to Sky Sports, Fulham are willing to listen to offers for out-of-favour midfielder Jean Michael Seri in the January window as Scott Parker looks to cut down his wage bills.

As per the report, the Cottagers have entered into talks with Galatarasay over a potential loan deal for the Ivorian enforcer. The 29-year-old was axed from Fulham's 25-man Premier League squad for the first half of the season back in October.

Seri's decline at Fulham
Fulham grabbed the headlines in the transfer market when they forked out a then club-record £25m fee to sign Jean Michael Seri from OGC Nice in the summer of 2018. The Ivory Coast international had established himself as one of the best box-to-box midfielders in France and came through the door at Craven Cottage with a lot of expectations on his shoulders.

Seri started his career in English football on a bright note but his influence gradually waned over the course of the 2018-19 season. The 29-year-old managed only a solitary goal and two assists in 32 PL appearances as Fulham suffered relegation straight back down to the Championship.

Considering that Seri had cost Fulham an awful lot of money, he was widely criticised as one of the main reasons behind the club's ill-fated campaign in the top-flight. Following the club's relegation to the second-tier, he was loaned out to Galatasaray, where he made 37 appearances in all competitions last season.

The midfielder would have expected to be handed a second crack of the whip to prove himself in the Premier League this season after returning to Fulham. But Parker omitted the Ivorian from his PL squad for the campaign after securing a permanent deal for Harrison Reed while Mario Lemina also joined the ranks on loan from Southampton.

Time for a change?
It's clear that Parker doesn't rate Seri as a player capable of making an impact in the Premier League. The Ivorian still has a contract until 2022 with the option of a further year, but Fulham shouldn't hesitate to cut their losses on him if he isn't in the manager's plans at all.

While cashing in on the flop would be ideal, the current financial crisis triggered by the pandemic makes that quite difficult in January. Hence, Fulham should be more than happy to sanction a loan exit for the 29-year-old, who has only featured twice in the EFL Cup so far this season.

Looking at things from the player's perspective, Seri still has a lot to offer at 29. He might have struggled to establish himself in the Premier League but has enough time on his side to redeem himself at some other club. He played regularly on loan at Galatasaray last season, so a return to the familiar shores in Turkey would definitely make sense.

Verdict
It hardly makes any sense for paying Seri the wages for simply gathering dust on the sidelines. The January window presents a good opportunity for Parker to get rid of the deadwood and the 29-year-old certainly falls within that bracket. Having said that, Fulham agreeing a loan deal with the Turkish giants for their big-money flop would be a fair settlement for all parties.



https://www.mediareferee.com/2021/01/25/why-fulham-should-sanction-loan-exit-for-jean-michael-seri-in-january/

[WhiteJC]

Johansen has medical ahead of QPR move

Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen has had a medical ahead of a loan move to QPR.

Rangers stepped up their interest in Johansen following Tom Carroll's injury and a deal is now in place for him to move to W12 for the rest of the season.

The Norway international, who recently turned 30, has been out of the first-team picture at Fulham for some time.

Johansen has not made a league appearance this season and is keen to play first-team football.

He is under contract at Craven Cottage until 2022.

QPR have been looking to bring in an experienced central midfielder, having already agreed loan deals for striker Charlie Austin and centre-back Jordy de Wijs.

The club's need to make a signing has increased now Carroll has been ruled out for three months after undergoing knee surgery.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/johansen-has-medical-ahead-of-qpr-move

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Talk Special Episode: The Relegation Battle

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

This episode is a discussion about the relegation battles for Fulham, West Brom, and Brighton & Hove Albion. We were joined by supporters of the two other sides, and we debated each clubs chances for survival.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2021/1/25/22249480/cottage-talk-special-episode-the-relegation-battle

[Bassey the warrior]

It's time to ditch five at the back
After another game without a goal, Mike says it's time for Parker to go on the attack.

I recently watched the ITV mini-documentary series, Boiling Point. It is a fly on-the-wall documentary following Gordon Ramsay's leap into opening his own restaurant and pursuit of greatness. Short of cash, he'd agreed to let ITV film him across several months.

He was chasing the prize of being the youngest British chef to achieve the coveted three Michelin stars. In the show, his mentor, Marco Pierre White, makes the prescient remark that to acquire the prize Gordon must go on the "offensive".  By this, he meant that Ramsay had to be brave and creative with his dishes to achieve his goal.

In Scott Parker's case, the prize is Premier League survival. In Ramsay's world, and to achieve his goal, he has access to the finest of ingredients and the most succulent of produce. Scott Parker does not have this luxury. He's confined to working with some considerably more basic ingredients.

This is exemplified by having to utilise Ivan Cavaleiro as his main striker. It's the equivalent of Chef Ramsay having to work with an overdone, dry chicken breast. It fills a hole, sure, but three Michelin stars would have proven to be elusive for Ramsay if that were what he had to work with. So, too, could Premier League survival for Scott Parker.

Tactics gone sour
It's not just the lack of talented personnel that has us struggling.

After early season drubbings from the likes of Aston Villa and Arsenal, Parker was quick to rejig his tactics and resorted to a back five. The team has benefited from this reinforced defensive posture, looking more competitive and conceding fewer goals. However, the cost of such a tactic has seen our attack become impotent. It suffocates our attack more than the oppositions.

The switch to the back five stemmed the wave of defeats, but has only added one victory, bringing our total for the season to just two. The defensive set-up also invites pressure, whereas if we were to be more attacking, it would give the opposition something to worry about.

To bring some spunk back to the attack it could be time for Parker to drop one of the back five. The defence has been playing consistently together for a while now. Both Tosin and Joachim have developed a nice partnership. Taking one piece out will surely not see the whole defence capitulate like a precarious Jenga tower?

On paper, our best three attackers are Lookman, RLC and Mitrovic. Between a combination of poor form and match fitness, they have not played together often. Only Lookman has really satiated our appetite for a reliable attacking threat along with the hardworking BobbyDecordova-Reid. Lookman is our main attacking ingredient. However, we rely on him too much, and our attacking approach is very one dimensional as a result.

Refire to survive?
Ola Aina, despite a few iffy spells, has done reasonably well in recent weeks. However, with Kenny Tete back in the fray it could be ample time for Mitrovic to regain his place in the side at Aina's expense. This would see us become more offensive and attacking. Mitrovic with Cavaleiro would see the latter less isolated and could eke out some better form from them both.

If Scott persists with Cavaleiro as the lone striker, then another alternative to make us more threatening would be to bring Lemina into the fold. This would allow either Reed and Lemina, or both, to sit and encourage Anguissa and RLC to push up closer to the lone striker.

However, all this talk about potential line-ups and tactics is the equivalent of rearranging brussels sprouts on a plate to make them more appetising. It's futile. We need a decent quality addition or two to help us. Unfortunately, it doesn't look as if reinforcements will be forthcoming for Parker and the team.

Fresh meat needed
We are not "remotely close" to signing anyone, Parker said as of last Friday. Our efforts in strengthening aren't helped by COVID, but also because our larder is full of obsolete, but hard to shift, players. Ignoring past contributions, the likes of Kevin McDonald, Stefan Johansen, Michael Hector, Maxime Le Merchand, Seri and Fabri are expensive rots on a finite wage bill. None of those players really have a claim to coming back into the fold, so Parker is left to whip up a winning recipe with what he has.

This is not a call for a gung-ho, Rambo-style, all-out attack and kamikaze approach. It's a call to try and revitalise an otherwise dull and insipid attack.

The will is there, but not the quality. The heat and pressure are not getting to Parker and he continues to plate up solid performances. But these solid performances are nothing more than that. They're certainly not going to notch up three Michelin stars – and they don't look like notching up three points either. It's time for him to have a rethink to see if he can develop a new winning recipe.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2021-01-25-ditch-the-five-at-the-back/

Probably better to have this as a plan b if things aren't working out, than to abandon the 5 at the back. I think we are creating decent chances, just not taking them. We're also doing a great job in limiting chances.

If we do go 4 at the back I'd favour Aina over Robinson as he's better at defending.

[WhiteJC]

Premier League predictions: Lawro v guitarist Alex Sprogis from post-punk band TV Priest

Is it time to take notice of Everton near the top of the Premier League? They have a chance to move above Liverpool and Tottenham and climb into fourth place when they host fellow high-flyers Leicester on Wednesday.

"Everton have gone under the radar a bit in recent weeks," said BBC football expert and former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson. "They don't get much of a mention when people talk about the top four.

"That might change if they beat Leicester, and Carlo Ancelotti's side have got games in hand too. Also in their favour is their schedule compared to the teams above them, who are all still in Europe. Everton will only have to play once a week and, if they can keep their key players fit, they have got a chance."

Lawro is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.

For this week's Premier League fixtures, from Tuesday to Thursday, he is up against Alex Sprogis, guitarist in post-punk band TV Priest.

Alex is a Liverpool fan and told BBC Sport: "It's something I share with my partner who has had me hooked since we met.

"They have the whole package - flair, spirit and unity. At their best they're consistently a joy to watch, plus Jurgen Klopp has to be the most likeable manager on the planet, with those teeth and that smile.

"My favourite moment as a fan, on top of being the undisputed best team on the planet last year, is probably the 4-0 Champions League semi-final demolition of Barcelona in 2019 - that Trent Alexander-Arnold corner for Divock Origi to score was just amazing.

"What a history of European comebacks we have. My biggest disappointment was missing the Champions League final that year. I was on a plane heading to China and one of our managers was at the game. He's a Spurs fan, which made it even worse. I had the last laugh though.

"Growing up, my family were never huge football fans, with the exception of my grandad, who is still a die-hard Southend United supporter.

"For a young kid they didn't quite have the glamour of all the teams in the Premier League who were on on the football stickers I'd be collecting and swapping at school - so apologies to SUFC for that!

LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Brighton v Fulham (19:30 GMT)

This is a big game at the bottom of the table because a Brighton win would open up a bit of distance between them and Fulham in the bottom three.



I am going to back Brighton to take the points too.

Fulham have been playing well without winning in recent weeks, while Brighton did not just beat Leeds in their previous league game - they more than matched them in every department and got the job done.

Lawro's prediction: 2-0

Alex's prediction: At some point Aleksandar Mitrovic has got to start scoring for Fulham and I like the look of Ademola Lookman this season. A tight game but I think Scott Parker's team will edge it. 0-1



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55755348

[filham]

Always good to see Lawro forecasting  a Fulham defeat, increases our chances enormously.

[davew]

Always good to see Lawro forecasting  a Fulham defeat, increases our chances enormously.

He has been right more than he has been wrong so far this season, if we were playing my local Sunday pub team I expect Lawro for once would predict a draw.

[bobby01]

Fulham boss Scott Parker impressed with "real driver" Josh Onomah

Scott Parker wants Fulham to put their FA Cup exit behind them as they focus on a crucial midweek trip to Brighton in the Premier League.

Jay Rodriguez struck twice, including from the penalty spot before turning provider for Kevin Long who was able to tap home as Burnley booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-0 win at Fulham.

The result was Fulham's third-successive defeat and they conceded three goals for the first time since a 3-2 loss to Everton on November 22, but the manager wants them to move on from their lacklustre performance.

"We've got some massive games coming up now, every game is going to be big for us this year, certainly now," Parker said.

"We're halfway through the season now and like you said, this game, I hate the cliche of 'let's forget about this game, whack a line under it and move on', but I think that's the fact.

"(It was) 3-0 today and we were worthy of the result (against) Burnley. We huffed and puffed and were never really able to get in the game, now it's full focus onto Brighton, West Brom and the other games we have coming up in the league."

Parker made eight changes from his side's narrow 2-1 defeat to Manchester United midweek, but many of the fringe players failed to impose themselves on the game and impress their manager.

"I thought Josh Onomah played well today," the Fulham boss said when asked if any of the players brought in for the game could be pushing for a place in the upcoming league matches.

"I thought after being out for some time he came in for QPR and I thought he was a real driver with his head down and worked hard in which was a tough game no doubt, a very difficult game.

"Frank Anguissa I also thought was very, very good but overall I don't think there's anyone who jumped out of the page at any of us really and that's the way the game panned out really."

Burnley goalscorer Rodriguez said the squad was "buzzing" after they booked their place in the next round after building on their shock league victory over Liverpool at Anfield midweek.

"It's another game to look forward to now," the 31-year-old told the club website.

"The lads are buzzing we got through to keep the run going. I always think cup runs are amazing, everything about them, and especially the FA Cup.

"You respect both teams. Whoever gets through to the next round will deserve to be there so you respect them fully and it will be a tough game. But everyone loves a cup run, so hopefully we do well."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/burnley/fa-cup/news/fulham-boss-scott-parker-impressed-with-real-driver-josh-onomah_432072.html

This Parker insistence on praising onomah who IMO is bang average championship level really worries. He must have watched a different performance to me against Burnley. I hope it's not a case of because I insisted on his signing I must make it work. And for those that will say how much he improved last year, I say he only looked reasonable because he was so abysmally bad to start with.

[alfie]

Fulham boss Scott Parker impressed with "real driver" Josh Onomah

Scott Parker wants Fulham to put their FA Cup exit behind them as they focus on a crucial midweek trip to Brighton in the Premier League.

Jay Rodriguez struck twice, including from the penalty spot before turning provider for Kevin Long who was able to tap home as Burnley booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-0 win at Fulham.

The result was Fulham's third-successive defeat and they conceded three goals for the first time since a 3-2 loss to Everton on November 22, but the manager wants them to move on from their lacklustre performance.

"We've got some massive games coming up now, every game is going to be big for us this year, certainly now," Parker said.

"We're halfway through the season now and like you said, this game, I hate the cliche of 'let's forget about this game, whack a line under it and move on', but I think that's the fact.

"(It was) 3-0 today and we were worthy of the result (against) Burnley. We huffed and puffed and were never really able to get in the game, now it's full focus onto Brighton, West Brom and the other games we have coming up in the league."

Parker made eight changes from his side's narrow 2-1 defeat to Manchester United midweek, but many of the fringe players failed to impose themselves on the game and impress their manager.

"I thought Josh Onomah played well today," the Fulham boss said when asked if any of the players brought in for the game could be pushing for a place in the upcoming league matches.

"I thought after being out for some time he came in for QPR and I thought he was a real driver with his head down and worked hard in which was a tough game no doubt, a very difficult game.

"Frank Anguissa I also thought was very, very good but overall I don't think there's anyone who jumped out of the page at any of us really and that's the way the game panned out really."

Burnley goalscorer Rodriguez said the squad was "buzzing" after they booked their place in the next round after building on their shock league victory over Liverpool at Anfield midweek.

"It's another game to look forward to now," the 31-year-old told the club website.

"The lads are buzzing we got through to keep the run going. I always think cup runs are amazing, everything about them, and especially the FA Cup.

"You respect both teams. Whoever gets through to the next round will deserve to be there so you respect them fully and it will be a tough game. But everyone loves a cup run, so hopefully we do well."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/burnley/fa-cup/news/fulham-boss-scott-parker-impressed-with-real-driver-josh-onomah_432072.html

This Parker insistence on praising onomah who IMO is bang average championship level really worries. He must have watched a different performance to me against Burnley. I hope it's not a case of because I insisted on his signing I must make it work. And for those that will say how much he improved last year, I say he only looked reasonable because he was so abysmally bad to start with.

It's all about opinions.

[Woolly Mammoth]

Fulham boss Scott Parker impressed with "real driver" Josh Onomah

Scott Parker wants Fulham to put their FA Cup exit behind them as they focus on a crucial midweek trip to Brighton in the Premier League.

Jay Rodriguez struck twice, including from the penalty spot before turning provider for Kevin Long who was able to tap home as Burnley booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-0 win at Fulham.

The result was Fulham's third-successive defeat and they conceded three goals for the first time since a 3-2 loss to Everton on November 22, but the manager wants them to move on from their lacklustre performance.

"We've got some massive games coming up now, every game is going to be big for us this year, certainly now," Parker said.

"We're halfway through the season now and like you said, this game, I hate the cliche of 'let's forget about this game, whack a line under it and move on', but I think that's the fact.

"(It was) 3-0 today and we were worthy of the result (against) Burnley. We huffed and puffed and were never really able to get in the game, now it's full focus onto Brighton, West Brom and the other games we have coming up in the league."

Parker made eight changes from his side's narrow 2-1 defeat to Manchester United midweek, but many of the fringe players failed to impose themselves on the game and impress their manager.

"I thought Josh Onomah played well today," the Fulham boss said when asked if any of the players brought in for the game could be pushing for a place in the upcoming league matches.

"I thought after being out for some time he came in for QPR and I thought he was a real driver with his head down and worked hard in which was a tough game no doubt, a very difficult game.

"Frank Anguissa I also thought was very, very good but overall I don't think there's anyone who jumped out of the page at any of us really and that's the way the game panned out really."

Burnley goalscorer Rodriguez said the squad was "buzzing" after they booked their place in the next round after building on their shock league victory over Liverpool at Anfield midweek.

"It's another game to look forward to now," the 31-year-old told the club website.

"The lads are buzzing we got through to keep the run going. I always think cup runs are amazing, everything about them, and especially the FA Cup.

"You respect both teams. Whoever gets through to the next round will deserve to be there so you respect them fully and it will be a tough game. But everyone loves a cup run, so hopefully we do well."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/burnley/fa-cup/news/fulham-boss-scott-parker-impressed-with-real-driver-josh-onomah_432072.html

This Parker insistence on praising onomah who IMO is bang average championship level really worries. He must have watched a different performance to me against Burnley. I hope it's not a case of because I insisted on his signing I must make it work. And for those that will say how much he improved last year, I say he only looked reasonable because he was so abysmally bad to start with.

It's all about opinions.

My opinion is that Josh deserves his place in the squad.