Thursday fulham Stuff - 04/03/21...

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Results

Wednesday
Burnley	1-1	Leicester
Sheff Utd	1-0	Villa
Palace	0-0	Man Utd

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Stuttgart winger Silas Wamangituka has 'sparked interest of Everton and Fulham' after impressive form draws comparisons with Arsenal's Nicolas Pepe

    Stuttgart ace Silas Wamangituka has caught the attention of Everton and Fulham
    The 21-year-old star is under contract at the Mercedes-Benz Arena until 2024
    He has scored 11 goals in 22 league matches, averaging a goal every other game
    Everton and Fulham will, however, face competition from other clubs in Europe

Stuttgart midfielder Silas Wamangituka has caught the attention of Premier League clubs Everton and Fulham.

The 21-year-old, who is under contract at the Mercedes-Benz Arena until 2024, has scored 11 goals in 22 league matches this term.

Having established himself as hot property across Europe, Everton and Fulham will face stiff competition for the youngster -  who has been compared to Arsenal's Nicolas Pepe.


Stuttgart ace Silas Wamangituka (above) has caught the attention of Everton and Fulham

According to Eurosport, Everton and Fulham are said to be keeping tabs on the midfielder, who can also function as a winger and a centre-forward.

It is believed the Premier League scouts were attracted to Wamangituka because of his pace and finishing ability.

The Congolese ace is averaging a goal every other game during the 2020-2021 season so far.


He has scored 11 goals in 22 league matches this term, averaging a goal every other game


The 21-year-old midfielder has also been compared to Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe (above)

However, some of the Budesliga's top clubs are believed to have also registered an interest in Wamangituka.

Everton may hold the advantage amid an impressive campaign that could see them qualify for Europe next season.

As it stands, Everton are seventh in the table with only two points separating them from the top four.

While Fulham are struggling to cement their place in the Premier League as they sit in 18th place. 



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9318993/Stuttgart-midfielder-Silas-Wamangituka-sparked-Everton-Fulham-scouts.html

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Bale decision to be made, centre-back change - The Tottenham team Mourinho should pick vs Fulham

Here are the Tottenham teams our reporters would select for Thursday's Premier League game against Fulham at Craven Cottage

Tottenham will be looking to keep up the pressure on the top four on Thursday evening when they travel across the capital to face Fulham.

Excellent on Sunday as they ran riot against Burnley, it won't be as straightforward for Spurs this time as Scott Parker's side have been in good form of late as they look to keep their place in the top flight.

The Lilywhites know all about Fulham after only managing a 1-1 draw against them at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in January.

As the Cottagers have only lost one of their last eight league fixtures, Tottenham really are going to need Gareth Bale, Harry Kane and Co on top form if they are to return to N17 with three points in the bag.

So who would our Tottenham reporters select in their starting XI at Craven Cottage?

Alasdair Gold - Tottenham Hotspur correspondent

The Gareth Bale question is the one that dominates Jose Mourinho's team selection.

Whether the Welshman can start once again just four days later will be decided by the player himself.

Ultimately it's likely to be a choice between whether he starts at Fulham or against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The away game might be seen as the trickier to navigate of the two and the one he's needed for the most.

Dele Alli could come into the team, either instead of Bale or Lucas Moura, who also impressed against Burnley.

Another decision to be made is whether Toby Alderweireld can play three games in a week, something Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino before him rarely did after his serious hamstring injury.

That could bring Eric Dier back into the team alongside Davinson Sanchez, who impressed Mourinho on Sunday.

The rest of the team is likely to remain the same as the one that swept past the Clarets.

Gold's team: Lloris; Aurier, Sanchez, Dier, Reguilon; Ndombele, Hojbjerg; Bale, Dele, Son; Kane.

Rob Guest - Tottenham Hotspur reporter

Jose Mourinho has key calls to make over Gareth Bale and Dele Alli's place in his Tottenham team against Fulham.

Excellent in his time on the pitch against Burnley as he hit a double, the head coach really needs to come to a decision over whether he starts Bale against the Cottagers or Crystal Palace as three starts in one week will be a big ask for him.

As Fulham are playing well at present despite their place in the bottom three, the Welshman should start on Thursday in west London as Spurs look to build up some momentum in their quest for a top-four finish.

Dele Alli should also be handed a start as he deserves some minutes from the off, with Lucas Moura, following some good displays recently, unfortunately the man to make way.

Toby Alderweireld's minutes should also be managed and that means Eric Dier comes in for him, while Matt Doherty could replace Serge Aurier at right-back as it may be better to build up the Ivorian's pitch time rather than starting him with only a few days between games after his injury return.

Guest's team: Lloris; Doherty, Sanchez, Dier, Reguilon; Hojbjerg, Ndombele; Bale, Alli, Son; Kane.



https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/fixtures-results/tottenham-team-fulham-bale-mourinho-19949445

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Taylor-Crossdale and Plange on trial at QPR

QPR are looking at Fulham forward Martell Taylor-Crossdale and Arsenal youngster Luke Plange.

Both players look set to leave their respective clubs at the end of the season and could be set to join Rangers, who have taken them on trial.

Chelsea academy product Taylor-Crossdale (pictured) has featured for QPR's Under-23 team and appears to be on his way out of Fulham, having not made a league appearance for the club.

The 21-year-old moved to Craven Cottage on a two-year deal when his Chelsea contract expired in the summer of 2019 and hopes were high that he would make an impact.

He was highly rated at Chelsea, where he was a prolific scorer at Under-18 level, but wanted to move on in order to play first-team football.

He was set to sign for Hoffenheim but backed out of the move to Germany and instead joined Fulham, who appeared to have pulled off something of a coup.

However, Taylor-Crossdale has not made an impact and Fulham appear to be ready to let him go.

A Carabao Cup appearance as a late substitute, against Southampton in August 2019, is his only first-team outing for Fulham.

And he didn't even manage a first-team appearance during a loan spell at Colchester.

The player clearly needs a fresh start and could get it at QPR, whose transfer policy has largely hinged on developing players who have failed to make the grade at other clubs.

Plange, meanwhile, is also a striker and recently played for Rangers' Under-18 team.



https://londonfootballnews.co.uk/news/football-wls-young-arsenal-and-fulham-forwards-could-join-qpr/

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Kane aims to continue perfect record against Fulham

Team news

Fulham's Tom Cairney is still struggling to overcome a knee injury, while goalkeeper Marek Rodak has a finger problem.

Giovani Lo Celso is back in training following a muscle injury, but this match comes too soon for the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder.
Did you know?

Fulham have conceded only one goal in their last five PL matches, keeping clean sheets in both at home.

Fulham have won just one of their last 14 PL derbies with Spurs (D3 L10).

Jose Mourinho has never lost four consecutive away league matches in his managerial career.

Harry Kane has scored in all of his four matches for Spurs against Fulham, producing six goals in total.
Match officials

Referee: David Coote. Assistants: Dan Cook, Nick Hopton. Fourth official: Peter Bankes. VAR: Jarred Gillett. Assistant VAR: Peter Kirkup.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/2040744

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Can we keep our all-star defence together?
If the Premier League table was organised by the fewest goals conceded we'd be in the running for Europe. Marco De Novellis scrutinises the contracts of our top defenders to figure out if we can keep the band together.

When Tony Khan of All Elite Wrestling cobbled together a fifth- and sixth-choice centre-back pairing, along with some bloke from Torino at the end of the last transfer window, few of us had major expectations.

Back then, the triple As – Joachim Andersen, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Ola Aina – were an unknown entity; never before tested in the Premier League.

But it couldn't be any worse than Tim Ream, the very much faded post-Trump American dream, and that chap who swung from the crossbar at Wembley right?

Right. What's followed has been a revelation, as much down to Scott Parker's belief in his new recruits as the players themselves.

Fulham kicked off the season by conceding 10 goals in three games. Since Andersen and Tosin came into the team, we've kept eight clean sheets. We're currently unbeaten in seven away from home. We've conceded an average of one goal per game – only Manchester City have a better defensive record.

If the table was organised by the fewest goals conceded we'd be in the running for a post-COVID, post-Brexit European tour.

Tosin + Andersen

With: Played 20, Conceded 18

Without: Played 6, Conceded 14

There's a catch of course. Many of our all-star defenders are on loan contracts – including our genuine elite-level goalkeeper Alphonse Areola – and those on permanent deals are already attracting the interest of other clubs.

So much of our future hopes of success will be based on our defence. So can we keep the A-team together beyond this season?

Joachim Andersen
Contract: Loan. No option.

Can we keep him? God willing.

Look, it goes without saying: whether we keep our best players ultimately depends on whether we stay up or not. Andersen is currently on loan from Lyon with no option to buy. His contract expires in June, so if we want to keep him we'll have to buy him.

If we get relegated, we have no chance. If we stay up, we could, although we'd be looking at a transfer fee of at least £25 million and likely fighting off interest from other clubs. Lyon broke their transfer record to sign Andersen for €30 million (£26m) including bonuses in 2019 and his Lyon contract expires in 2024.

Parker, however, has done a great job courting Andersen from the start. Joa has spoken of the confidence he feels his manager has in him, and he's captained Fulham for the majority of the season. Meanwhile, Lyon are doing well without him, challenging PSG for the Ligue 1 title with a fairly consistent back line.

Keeping Anderson and Tosin together at Fulham should be the priority. If we stay up and keep Andersen happy – and unless a much bigger club comes in with an offer of first team football – we could pull off our best centre back-signing since Brede.

Tosin Adarabioyo
Contract: Permanent.

Can we keep him? Yes.

You could sign a seven-a-side team of Tosin Adarabioyos for the £15 million we spunked on Anthony Knockaert. At just £2 million, Tosin was the transfer deal of the summer.

We have him on a permanent deal until 2023 with an option to extend by a year. Even if we go down, I can see Tosin staying – the boy wears retro Fulham shirts in his spare time!

Unfortunately, his good performances have attracted the interest of other clubs, notably Juventus in January. City have a 20% sell-on fee from our deal, so if Tony's worth his salt we'd be looking to inflate his transfer fee if we ever sold him. For now, I'm hopeful that we won't.

Ola Aina
Contract: Loan. Option to buy. Reported at £11m.

Can we keep him? Yes.

Get that Nigerian Whites flag back at the Cottage! After a slow start, Ola Aina has developed into one of our most effective and versatile defenders and we have an option to buy him for a reported €12.5 million (£11m).

Fulham is something of a homecoming for Aina. He's back in London, playing alongside fellow Nigerian internationals, and his brother Jordan plays for Fulham's under 23s.

With Torino in their own relegation battle in Serie A, who's to say Aina wouldn't prefer a move back to his South London roots even if we do go down.

His versatility may attract interest from other clubs, but there's a lot linking Aina to a long-term future at Fulham. For both sides, a permanent deal could make sense.

Alphonse Areola
ontract: Loan. Option to buy. Reported at £7m.

Can we keep him? Yes.

PSG, Real Madrid, Fulham. That's a career on the up. Signing Areola on a full-time deal would be a coup of Edwin van der Sar-sized proportions.

The details of the deal are a little murky. While we have an option to buy, both clubs are keeping the exact fee or any conditions private. Various reports put the fee anywhere from £8-to-£25 million.

The Fulhamish prognosis is that the deal is around the €8 million (£7 million) mark, which seems a remarkably good price. Maybe Tony's a good guy after all.

And the rest...?
Full-back pairing Antonee Robinson and Kenny Tete are on permanent contracts with us until 2024 at least (Tete has a one-year extension clause). Both play an important part in our future and we should be able to keep hold of them even if we go down.

Kongolo is also on a contract until 2024, but whether we want to permanently keep hold of a permanently injured player is another question. Why we bought him in the first place is another question, although he did make one good tackle in our 4-0 FA Cup loss at Man City.

Joe Bryan's contract runs until 2023, with an option to extend by a year. He's a potential starter in the Championship and a decent enough backup option in the Premier League.

As for Hector, Odoi, and Ream, our remaining defenders are relics of a bygone Championship era. If we stay up, they're gone. If we go down, it might be worth keeping hold of one out of the three if we lose our better defenders. I can only assume that's why they're still at the club.

That one would most likely be Hector, who's proved he can boss it at Championship level. Both Odoi and Hector's contracts end in 2022 with an option to extend by a year.

Ream's contract, sadly, ends in June. He's been a great servant to Fulham and was a standout player of the Jokanovic era. At 33 years old however, I think it's thank you Tim and goodbye.

Good teams are built on solid defensive foundations. Ours are there, but they're temporary. We've shored things up on the pitch – let's hope we can shore them up off it, too.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2021-03-03-can-we-keep-our-all-star-defence-together/

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Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs are monitoring the fitness of Gareth Bale but he is expected to play some part in the match

TEAM NEWS

Fulham have no fresh injury problems ahead of their derby with Tottenham.

Reserve goalkeeper Marek Rodak is struggling with the finger injury that caused him to miss the draw with Crystal Palace, while midfielder Tom Cairney remains out with a knee injury.

Tottenham forward Gareth Bale, who has started just three league games this season, will feature but may not start.

Giovani Lo Celso is close to full fitness after a hamstring injury but this game has come too soon.

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Tottenham were very impressive against Burnley on Sunday and if they can repeat that performance, with Gareth Bale, Son Heung-min and Harry Kane all fully fit and playing well, they are going to have too much for Fulham too.

I know Fulham have had a few decent results in recent weeks but it's hard to see them matching the draw they managed with Spurs in January, unless we see a dip from Jose Mourinho's side.

Prediction: 0-2



MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    The 1-1 draw between the sides in January ended Tottenham's run of five straight victories against Fulham in all competitions.
    Spurs have won on five successive league visits to Fulham.
    Fulham have won just one of the past 14 Premier League meetings (D3, L10).

Fulham

    Fulham could go six top-flight games without defeat for the first time since a run of seven in 2010 under Mark Hughes.
    They are vying to keep three Premier League clean sheets in a row at Craven Cottage for the first time in 10 years.
    Since the beginning of December, only Manchester City, Manchester United and Leicester City have lost fewer Premier League matches than Fulham's four.
    Scott Parker's side have scored just eight home league goals this season, fewer than any other team. They have failed to score in seven of their 13 league fixtures at Craven Cottage.
    Fulham have drawn 10 of their past 15 league matches (W2, L3).
    They are winless in their last 21 London derbies in the Premier League, earning just four points.

Tottenham Hotspur

    Tottenham have lost five of their past seven league matches, winning the other two.
    They have suffered three straight away league defeats, scoring just once.
    Spurs have conceded 18 goals in the second half of their league matches in 2020-21, twice as many as they have in the first half.
    Jose Mourinho's side have failed to win any of their four midweek Premier League games this season (D1, L3).
    Gareth Bale has provided four goals and three assists in his last four appearances for Tottenham in all competitions.
    Harry Kane has scored in each of his four appearances against Fulham in all competitions (six goals in total).



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56191316

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Scott's Pre-Spurs press conference

Scott Parker acknowledges the difficulty of games ahead, starting with Spurs on Thursday, but takes confidence from the previous results earlier in the season.

A tough spell includes a trip to Anfield and the visit of the ominous Manchester City, but Parker has every confidence in his team that are in form of their own.

"There are none tougher than these three games we're going to face now," he said. "It is an unpredictable season and there's been some crazy results. I think we can get results. I firmly believe we can give anyone a game.

"The previous results against Spurs and Liverpool give us confidence. The form table gives me confidence in my team. Spurs at any given moment can be out of form but they can come straight back into it.

"I had a conversation with Jose back in December, we've been given enough time to prepare for this one so we're all good!"

The Head Coach understands the threats Spurs pose having enjoyed time with Gareth Bale back in his playing days.

"You come up against individuals that are special," he stated. "Gareth Bale fits that bracket. I played with him at Spurs and know too well his quality. As quick as you look at him, you turn your eye to Kane, Son and Ndombele. We'll be prepared to face a very good team."

Parker provided a brief update on the squad's fitness with the only absentees being Tom Cairney and Marek Rodák who has a finger problem.

The other health-related story of the week was the news of Kevin McDonald's pending kidney transplant. The 40-year-old wished the Scottish midfielder the very best with the operation.

"Kev has been as good as gold," he added. "I spoke to him a few weeks ago, we've been aware of the situation for some time. He's got a big few months ahead, but the way he is, he'll come out of this as good as ever. The main thing is that he gets better."

An interesting stat that surfaced was the fact that Fulham haven't won a game this season before 4 o'clock. Parker surmised there could be something in that.

"Early kick-offs are different," he pondered. "You're waking up at 8am and the players are eating pasta. I'm always open to looking at certain things. A 12pm is different in terms of routine, training times, and the previous day. It's something I look at but there could be something in that.

"We're at the nitty gritty part of the season, the journey has been brilliant as I've seen a team develop and players grow. The players are in a good place and we have to maintain that."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/march/Scott-s-Pre-Spurs-press conference/

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Scott Parker: 'We must concentrate on our own results'

Fulham boss Scott Parker will not waste any energy worrying about what results their relegation rivals might get as he focuses on securing Premier League survival.

The Cottagers host Tottenham on Thursday night having lost just once in the past eight games.

A new resolve has pushed Fulham to within striking distance of safety, just three points behind Newcastle and Brighton heading into the next round of fixtures.

Parker, though, will not allow any attention to wander to what might transpire elsewhere over their final 12 games.

"Never am I looking at a league table and that will be my stance through to the end of the season," Parker said.

"We got to this point we are now by concentrating on us and what we need to do. Our sole focus is us.

"The energy you lose from worrying about the what-ifs is really negative and it can sink you.

"What if that team do this? What if we do this? If they lose and we draw? In the end you lose sight of what you need to do.

"You lose sight of being bright, of coming with a real attitude to improve and stepping on to the pitch having a real determination about wanting to beat a team, to be better. Anything else for me is a real blur.

"I cant afford to watch a game the night before our game hoping for something to happen or it doesn't happen, then my performance levels drop as a coach of the team."

Parker challenged his squad to seize the opportunities ahead over the closing stages of the campaign.

"We are now getting into the last run of games where everyone remembers – this is the moment," the Fulham boss said.

"The journey this season has been nothing short of brilliant for me, because I have seen the team develop and the players grow, but in this moment now, this is where it is.

"We have got momentum, are in a very good place. We have been through a bumpy road, but have come out.

"What we have done so far to this point will probably be forgotten about at the end – what is important is these next 12 games, that we are ready."

In stark contrast to their early return to the top flight, Parker's men are now much more difficult to break down.

"Coming into this league we conceded a lot of goals, which never really gave us a platform to be competitive and go on to win football matches," Parker said.

"From that outset, the team and players have worked tirelessly to put that right, and we are more solid now."

Parker has marked two years in charge of the Cottagers, his first senior job after moving into coaching, which started out with the Tottenham academy.

"I am constantly trying to improve, learning about different things," said the 40-year-old, who guided Fulham back up via the Sky Bet Championship play-offs last season.

"I understand the challenges which this job brings and the journey you take as a manager.

"Trying to stay level and rational is probably the biggest thing for me, because if you not the road is going to be very bumpy.

"It was certainly easier when you are playing, worrying about only yourself, but as a coach your responsibility is much greater."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/spurs/relegation-battle/news/scott-parker-we-must-concentrate-on-our-own-results_437588.html?newsnow

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How formidable Anguissa turned Fulham fortunes around to spearhead push for safety

Following their promotion in 2018, Fulham went on a huge spending splurge in order to consolidate their Premier League place. Four of their five most expensive signings in their history came in the lead up to the 2018/19 campaign, but the influx of personnel - including loan signings, the Cottagers confirmed 12 new arrivals - had an adverse effect on their bid to beat the drop.

A lack of chemistry saw them finish 19th with 26 points from 38 games. Only bottom-placed Huddersfield (22) scored fewer goals than Fulham (34), who in turn conceded more goals (81) than any other side. Of the seven players they signed permanently that summer, only two - Aleksandar Mitrovic and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa - still ply their trade for Fulham.

The former played a key role in their playoff success over Brentford last summer, while the latter spent the season on loan with LaLiga outfit Villarreal and it had been expected than Anguissa would leave Fulham permanently once the 2019/20 season drew to a close. Back in England, and having secured a Premier League spot, it seemed Fulham hadn't learned from previous mistakes and went on a huge recruitment drive to bulk out the squad.

In the opening weeks of the campaign, it looked as though history was repeating itself. Fulham lost eight of their opening 11 league matches and, after a 2-0 defeat at Manchester City, they sat just a point above the drop zone. Since that loss to the champions-elect, though, the west London side began to slowly turn the screw. They have lost just three of the subsequent 15 matches and while their issue is turning draws into wins - no team has drawn more league games than Scott Parker's side (11) in 2020/21 - two wins from the last four has given those around Craven Cottage a sense of hope that they can beat the drop.

And a key cog in their efforts to beat the drop have been the performances of Anguissa. The Cameroonian may have started meetings with West Ham, Everton and Burnley on the bench, but returned to the XI to put in a man of the match display in the vital 1-0 win over Sheffield United. Few had an anticipated a return to the Fulham squad following the culmination of his loan spell with Villarreal, particularly after a sub-par debut campaign in England, and yet he is currently Fulham's top rated player in the Premier League this season with a WhoScored rating of 7.07.

The 25-year-old's time in Spain evidently served him well and he has consolidated a regular spot in the Fulham side with a new found confidence that had been found wanting back in 2018/19. "He's a player I love," Scott Parker beamed of Anguissa last year and it is easy to see why.

As the driving force from midfield for the Cottagers, Anguissa has completed 78 of the club's 362 dribbles (21.5%) in the Premier League this season, 12 of which came in the 1-0 win over the Blades; only Adama Traore (14 vs Newcastle) has completed more in a game in 2020/21. In this ball carrying contest, only Traore (108) has managed more successful dribbles than Anguissa (78) in the Premier League this season.

It's a key attribute that helps Fulham turn defence into attack as Anguissa receives the ball and turns to glide past opponents, allowing the Cottagers to quickly get on the front foot as he surges up field. An issue to his game, though, has been the lack of goal threat he provides when he does get forward. He has just three assists to show from his 0.9 key passes per 90, and is yet to score a Premier League goal for Fulham.

50.3 passes per 90 suggests he is more willing to allow his teammates to provide the chances, but in getting so far upfield, Anguissa could add more to his game, something that Parker has recently highlighted. "He needs to add goals. He gets into good positions, that's definitely an area which is one big focus." Indeed, only Leander Dendoncker (27) and Trezeguet (24) have had more shots of players yet to score a goal than Anguissa (23) in the Premier League this season, so the criticism is not without merit.

Nevertheless, in playing as a double pivot in Fulham's now favoured 4-2-3-1 setup, the aim is to link the play between the defence and attack, and shield the backline, two jobs he performs well. In the latter, both Anguissa and Harrison Reed work well as a team as both rank highly for tackles (2.8 and 2.3, respectively) and interceptions per 90 (2.1 and 2.0, respectively) of all Fulham players.

A five-match unbeaten run has seen Fulham move to within three points of Newcastle and Brighton and with 12 games to play, Parker's side will fancy their chances to ending the season outside the bottom three. Next up for the west London side is the welcome of Tottenham on Thursday night. In the reverse fixture, a 1-1 draw in January, Anguissa was Fulham's best rated player with a WhoScored rating of 7.71 and, with Parker settling on his favoured XI, the Cottagers boss will look to his key midfield man to control proceedings in the upcoming London derby as Fulham maintain their push for safety, with Anguissa now central to their efforts. No fan would have thought that six months ago.



https://www.whoscored.com/Articles/alwUhtrH1kONWeo1F9pmfQ/Show/How-formidable-Anguissa-turned-Fulham-fortunes-around-to-spearhead-push-for-safety

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Scott Parker refuses to waste energy on Newcastle United in Fulham's relegation fight
Fulham boss Scott Parker will not waste any energy worrying about what results their relegation rivals might get as he focuses on securing Premier League survival.

The Cottagers host Tottenham on Thursday night having lost just once in the past eight games.

A new resolve has pushed Fulham to within striking distance of safety, just three points behind Newcastle and Brighton heading into the next round of fixtures.

Parker, though, will not allow any attention to wander to what might transpire elsewhere over their final 12 games.

"Never am I looking at a league table and that will be my stance through to the end of the season," Parker said.

"We got to this point we are now by concentrating on us and what we need to do. Our sole focus is us.

"The energy you lose from worrying about the what-ifs is really negative and it can sink you.

"What if that team do this? What if we do this? If they lose and we draw? In the end you lose sight of what you need to do.

"You lose sight of being bright, of coming with a real attitude to improve and stepping on to the pitch having a real determination about wanting to beat a team, to be better. Anything else for me is a real blur.

"I cant afford to watch a game the night before our game hoping for something to happen or it doesn't happen, then my performance levels drop as a coach of the team."

Parker challenged his squad to seize the opportunities ahead over the closing stages of the campaign.

"We are now getting into the last run of games where everyone remembers – this is the moment," the Fulham boss said.

"The journey this season has been nothing short of brilliant for me, because I have seen the team develop and the players grow, but in this moment now, this is where it is.

"We have got momentum, are in a very good place. We have been through a bumpy road, but have come out.

"What we have done so far to this point will probably be forgotten about at the end – what is important is these next 12 games, that we are ready."



https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/scott-parker-refuses-to-waste-energy-on-newcastle-united-in-fulhams-relegation-fight-3153406

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Fulham boss Scott Parker backs Kevin McDonald to come back 'as good as ever' after kidney transplant

Fulham boss Scott Parker has backed midfielder Kevin McDonald to be "as good as ever" when he eventually recovers from a planned kidney transplant.

McDonald has been battling a chronic kidney disease since the age of 18 and is due to have surgery next month.

The 32-year-old hopes to play again after his scheduled transplant, with friends and family having put themselves forward to become donors.

McDonald was left out of the Cottagers' two 25-man Premier League squads this season and was expected to leave the west London club on loan during January.

After going public with his news, McDonald will now focus on recovery, which Parker believes he will tackle with as much vigour as he did games on the pitch.

"He has been as good as gold, really. I spoke to Kev a few weeks ago regarding his situation," Parker said ahead of Thursday night's Premier League match against Tottenham.

"People at the club and myself have been aware of it, that there has been an issue for Kev for some time.

"In terms of when it would be needed for him to have that operation, it has come at this point."

Parker added: "He has got a big few months ahead of him. No doubt the way he is as a fella and what he is about, he will come out of this and hopefully be as good as ever.

"In terms of his decisions at the end of it, I still think he is not sure what he wants to do.

"But the main focus for Kev and everyone else is that he gets better after the operation and then decides what is best for him from there."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-scott-parker-kevin-mcdonald-kidney-transplant-b922012.html

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Everton to rival Fulham for Stuttgart star Wamangituka

Everton and Fulham will compete for the signature of versatile Stuttgart star Silas Wamangituka, according to reports.

The 21-year-old has been dubbed the 'new Nicolas Pepe' and looks set for a Premier League move this summer.

He's bagged an impressive 13 goals in 24 matches already this campaign.

According to Eurosport, Carlo Ancelotti's Everton and Scott Parker's Fulham are leading the race to sign Wamangituka.

His brilliant displays in the Bundesliga have caught the attention of their scouts.

The Premier League sides are now hoping to sign the future star before top European clubs get involved.

Wamangituka can operate as a midfielder, winger or forward, which makes the signing an attractive proposition.

He has been likened to Arsenal's Pepe due to his playing style, which is fast-paced and skilful.

His emergence with Stuttgart is similar to that of Pepe with Lille.

The Ivorian honed his craft with Lille before securing a £72million move in August 2019.

The player is yet to fulfil his true potential, but Everton and Fulham think Wamangituka would hit the ground running.

He enjoyed a brilliant month in January, scoring in four consecutive appearances.

That included wins over FC Augsburg and Mainz.

However, Everton and Fulham will have to compete with plenty of German sides for the signing.

The report states that they have become aware of Wamangituka's potential and could swoop in.

It's not yet clear whether Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund are involved in the transfer speculation.

However, as shown by the recent signing of Dayot Upamecano, Bayern are never far away from signing a top talent in Germany.

Wamangituka is on Everton's wish list as they compete for a spot in the Champions League.

The Toffees are just two points fourth-placed West Ham after 25 matches. They're also level on points with reigning champions Liverpool.

Carlo Ancelotti wants to make Everton a regular European performer. Statement signings like Wamangituka would help to demonstrate that aim.



https://www.football365.com/news/everton-rival-fulham-stuttgart-midfield-star-silas-wamangituka

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Fulham vs Tottenham preview, team news, stats, prediction, kick-off time

Aleksandar Mitrovic could come back while Spurs will be without Giovani Lo Celso; follow Fulham vs Tottenham on Sky Sports; watch free highlights shortly after full-time on Sky Sports website and app


Aleksandar Mitrovic could make his return for Fulham against Tottenham

Team news, stats and prediction ahead of Fulham vs Tottenham in the Premier League on Thursday (kick-off 6pm).

Team news

Fulham will again be without back-up goalkeeper Marek Rodak for Thursday's Premier League match against Tottenham.

Rodak has a finger problem, meaning veteran Spaniard Fabri will provide cover for Alphonse Areola on the bench.

Forward Aleksandar Mitrovic could come back into contention for a start, having been a substitute against Crystal Palace after recovering from Covid-19, but captain Tom Cairney (knee) continues his rehabilitation along with defender Terence Kongolo (calf).


Gareth Bale will not be rested by Jose Mourinho at Craven Cottage

Tottenham will be without Giovani Lo Celso.

The Argentine has been out since December with a hamstring injury and, although he is back in training, the midfielder will not be rushed.

Spurs boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed Gareth Bale will be involved after showing no ill-effects after his devastating display against Burnley on Sunday.

How to follow

Follow Fulham vs Tottenham in our dedicated live match blog. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.

Jones Knows prediction

A charge up the Premier League table is forthcoming for Tottenham if they maintain their levels in attack that we witnessed on Sunday vs Burnley. Questions have been asked of Jose Mourinho ever since Gareth Bale returned to north London as the Spurs boss used him infrequently as he looked to regain his form, and more importantly his fitness.

But the Wales international looks to be regaining his form, his confidence and he looks the fittest he's done all season. With him on the left of Harry Kane and Heung Min-Son, Spurs have a genuine title-winning attack to go to war with. If Mourinho can work his magic with the defence, then Spurs might not be too far away next season. The 5/1 for a top-four finish this season seems achievable now.

Fulham remain very flaky, unable to consistently produce game-changing moments in their favour. I can't see them handling the Spurs attack.

JONES KNOWS PREDICTS: 0-2



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-tottenham-hotspur/preview/429159

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Liverpool vs Fulham, Premier League: What time is kick-off, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction?

Plus: latest Premier League odds, team news and more

What is it?

A fixture with major ramifications at both ends of the Premier League table, as Jurgen Klopp's injury-ravaged champions look to claw their way back into the top four, while three points for the visitors would be a huge boost for their survival hopes.
When is it?

Sunday, March 7.
What time is kick-off?

2pm.
What TV channel is it on?

Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HD.
What is the team news?

Liverpool's long-term absentees Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are all still sidelined, while captain Jordan Henderson will be out for up to six weeks after picking up an injury in the Merseyside derby. There is some good news for Klopp on the injury front though as Diogo Jota, Fabinho, James Milner and Naby Keita should all be available.

Scott Parker will be missing Tom Cairney, Alfie Mawson and Kevin McDonald.



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/03/03/liverpool-vs-fulham-premier-league-202021-time-kick-off-tv-channel/

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Fabri in Fulham squad for Spurs game after Rodak picks up inury

Goalkeeper Marek Rodak is out of the Fulham squad for the visit of Tottenham.

The second-choice keeper has hurt his finger in training and therefore third-choice, and the largely forgotten, Fabri, steps in to take a seat on the bench.

The 33-year-old has played just two games for Fulham since he joined in July 2018.

The last of those ironically was against Spurs in a 3-1 defeat in August of the same year, played at Wembley while Tottenham's new ground was being built.

Otherwise, the Whites are missing only Tom Cairney with an ongoing knee problem.

Head coach Scott Parker says he's unfazed by the poor record his club has in London derbies.

Fulham have not beaten anyone in the capital over the last 21 attempts, despite a heartening 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday.

He said: "I don't really take much notice. I think we had the same sort of think when we played Everton a couple of weeks back; we hadn't beaten them in 20 years or whatever, and we won there.

"You come up against world class players like Gareth Bale, Harry Kane, Son, Dembele, but we've taken confidence from our recent good run."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fabri-in-fulham-squad-for-spurs-game-after-rodak-picks-up-inury

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Scott Parker insists Fulham aren't worrying about Newcastle as he issues challenge to his players

Fulham can leapfrog Newcastle and move out of the relegation zone with a win over Tottenham on Thursday evening

Scott Parker insists Fulham won't be wasting any energy on focusing on Newcastle United or other teams in the Premier League's relegation battle.

The Cottagers trail Newcastle by three points but can leapfrog them and dump the Magpies in the relegation zone with a win against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday evening.

Newcastle have won just two of their last 17 games in all competitions and have been reeled in by Parker's side who have lost just once in their last eight.

Fulham are now within striking distance of both the Magpies and Brighton but Parker will not allow any attention to wander to what might transpire elsewhere over their final 12 games.

"Never am I looking at a league table and that will be my stance through to the end of the season," Parker insisted.

"We got to this point we are now by concentrating on us and what we need to do. Our sole focus is us.

"The energy you lose from worrying about the what-ifs is really negative and it can sink you.

"What if that team do this? What if we do this? If they lose and we draw? In the end you lose sight of what you need to do.

"You lose sight of being bright, of coming with a real attitude to improve and stepping on to the pitch having a real determination about wanting to beat a team, to be better. Anything else for me is a real blur.

"I can't afford to watch a game the night before our game hoping for something to happen or it doesn't happen, then my performance levels drop as a coach of the team."

And ahead of a vital run of fixtures, Parker has urged his side to seize their opportunity to ensure Fulham remain a Premier League outfit.

"We are now getting into the last run of games where everyone remembers – this is the moment," the Fulham boss said.

"The journey this season has been nothing short of brilliant for me, because I have seen the team develop and the players grow, but in this moment now, this is where it is.

"We have got momentum, are in a very good place. We have been through a bumpy road, but have come out.

"What we have done so far to this point will probably be forgotten about at the end – what is important is these next 12 games, that we are ready."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/scott-parker-insists-fulham-arent-19958219

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Lookman: How Fulham intend to play vs star-studded Tottenham Hotspur

The Nigerian forward believes securing a positive result against Jose Mourinho's men will depend on how the Cottagers tactically approach the game

Ademola Lookman believes Fulham must be at their best for a chance to defeat star-studded Tottenham Hotspur in Thursday's Premier League game.

The forward has been delivering eye-catching performances for the Cottagers since his summer loan move from German side RB Leipzig.

The 23-year-old has scored four goals and provided three assists in 23 Premier League appearances for Scott Parker's men.

His efforts ensured the Cottagers are now on a five-game unbeaten run, having last tasted defeat against Leicester City in February. 

Notwithstanding their fine run, Lookman said facing Jose Mourinho's men will be a challenge but he believes the outcome of the encounter will depend on how they approach the game.

"They got world-class players, everybody knows that, across the whole team they have got world-class players but for us, it's just about how we play, how we defend, how we attack," Lookman told the club website.

"Focused on us, I think that a lot of it is to do with us and how we can bring our game, our side into the game and how we can affect them, that's how we are looking at the game ahead and we look forward to another challenge".

Fulham are battling to avoid relegation at the end of the season and they are currently 18th on the Premier League table with 23 points from 26 games.

The Cottagers only returned to the English top-flight last season after defeating Brentford in the play-off final, following their fourth-place finish in the regular season.

Lookman and many other players, including Nigeria internationals Ola Aina and Josh Maja, have been recruited in Fulham's quest to avoid the drop at the end of the campaign.

Lookman is no stranger to the Premier League, having featured for Everton for two years before moving to Germany.

The forward had made more than 25 appearances across all competitions for them before joining the Craven Cottage outfit on loan.



https://www.goal.com/en/news/lookman-how-fulham-intend-to-play-tottenham-hotspur/c29lnw6zidm21u5z4m2cnvpnx

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Fulham man has 'several' suitors in England after impressive campaign – Club want more than €17m price tag

RB Leipzig will want more than €17m for Ademola Lookman this summer, should Fulham want to make his deal a permanent one.

That's according to SportBILD, who say the forward has 'several' suitors in England as a result of his performances for the Cottagers this season.

Lookman has been impressive on loan with Fulham this season after joining from RB Leipzig in the summer, establishing himself a key player under Scott Parker.

Indeed, it is likely their chances of staying in the Premier League this season will be decided by how he performs between now and the end of the season.

Come the summer, he will then have a decision to make about his future, with his prospects at Leipzig slim to none at this moment in time.

If Fulham stay up, they are likely to push for a permanent deal, but it seems they will have to pay a pretty price to do so.

SportBILD explain that Lookman 'plays big' with Fulham and is 'one of the absolute top performers' at the club.

That has already seen interest in him arise elsewhere, with 'several English clubs' all interested in a deal and a potential €17m fee bandied around.

That, though, is 'too little' for Leipzig, who will want more for their man, something Director of Football Markus Krösche has also hinted at.

"It is currently difficult to set a price for Mola, but his market value has certainly increased due to his services," he's reported as saying.

Thus, if Fulham are contemplating their star man on a permanent this summer, they may have to delve deep into their pockets to do so.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-man-several-suitors-england-impressive-campaign-club-want-e17m-price-tag/

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Ruben Loftus-Cheek faces Chelsea decision as Scott Parker outlines Fulham transfer concern

The midfielder has found form in recent weeks on loan and looks far down the pecking order at his parent club

Scott Parker would be keen to make Ruben Loftus-Cheek's move to Fulham permanent next season should there be an opportunity to do a deal with Chelsea.

The 25-year-old midfielder has found his feet on loan at Craven Cottage in recent weeks following a rusty start to the season, stemming from his long lay-off after the achilles injury sustained at the end of the 2018/19 campaign.

Loftus-Cheek last week said that he is planning to return to Chelsea in June, where he is under contract until the summer of 2024, but he appears low down the pecking order - especially if Thomas Tuchel sticks with a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Should Loftus-Cheek be made available by the club he joined as an eight-year-old, Parker would jump at the opportunity of keeping him at Fulham permanently.

"Yes, of course," the Fulham head coach said when asked if he will attempt to change the England international's mind.

"Ruben has been a fantastic addition. I've seen someone grow immensely from the start of the season to a person and player now who has transformed. He's grown massively and been a massive help for us.

"At the moment it's just about this year for Ruben, focus on the next 10 games and where he can still get better. But at the end if there's an opportunity to get it done I'd be more than happy to."

There would be little chance of that happening if Fulham are relegated back to the Championship but they host Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow evening following a run of five games without defeat.

A win over Jose Mourinho's side would pull them out of the bottom three on goal difference. However, Parker said that there is concern over the potential of his squad being much-changed next season regardless of which division they are in.

Six loanees started last weekend's draw away to Crystal Palace, including three members of the front four, with the club mindful of financial fair play restrictions and focusing on temporary deals in the past two windows.

"It could be [dismantled], there is that possibility," he added. "The decisions you make as a newly-promoted club are to try and stay in the division. I thought we got the balance well."



https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/ruben-loftus-cheek-chelsea-fulham-19957885