News:

Use a VPN to stream games Safely and Securely 🔒
A Virtual Private Network can also allow you to
watch games Not being broadcast in the UK For
more Information and how to Sign Up go to
https://go.nordvpn.net/SH4FE

Main Menu


Saturday Fulham Stuff - 06/03/21...

Started by WhiteJC, March 06, 2021, 06:10:56 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

WhiteJC

Fulham player 'one of best possible solutions' for club – Cottagers not willing to 'grant discount' for transfer

Fulham's André-Frank Zambo Anguissa will be back on AC Milan's agenda, according to Calciomercato.

The midfielder was available on a low-cost deal last summer and his agent even held talks with the Serie A side. However, they decided against signing Anguissa.

Ismaël Bennacer has struggled with injuries through the course of this season and this has forced his club to look for a backup for the Algerian.

It's claimed the Rossoneri 'lose an extraordinary ball retriever' without Bennacer, who is also 'capable of transforming defensive action into offensive' quickly.

To fill this void when Bennacer isn't available for selection and also to give Stefano Pioli more options, the Italian club have identified the Cottagers player as 'one of the best possible solutions'.

Last September, the 25-year-old's agent, Maxime Nana, offered his client to Milan on 'favourable terms', which was a loan with right of redemption.

The San Siro side risk having 'more difficult' terms for signing him in the next window since Anguissa has established himself under Scott Parker at Craven Cottage, starting in 21 league games this season.

Fulham invested around €25m to acquire the Cameroon international's services in 2018 and Calciomercato state the London club are not willing to 'grant discounts' to let Anguissa leave Craven Cottage.

Milan would be regretting their decision not to take the Fulham player before the start of the season.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-one-of-the-best-possible-solutions-for-club-cottagers-not-willing-to-grant-discount-for-transfer/

WhiteJC

'Very contentious decision' - Josh Maja gives his take on disallowed goal vs Tottenham Hotspur

Fulham could have left Craven Cottage on Thursday evening with a share of the points but Josh Maja's 62nd minute goal in their 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur was chalked off.

The Bordeaux loanee thought he had scored his third goal in the Premier League and celebrated with his Super Eagles teammate Ola Aina but after consulting the VAR, referee David Coote overturned the goal because Mario Lemina was deemed to have played the ball with his hand as he set up the Super Eagles striker.

Maja admitted post-match that it was a contentious decision by the match officials and acknowledged that there was nothing they could do to change the outcome.

The striker and his teammates have to quickly flush the result out of their system as they have another big clash coming up against defending champions Liverpool on Sunday, March 7.

Asked to give his take on the disallowed goal, Maja said to FFCtv : "Very contentious decision, obviously it didn't go our way but we have to live with it.

"Yes, we feel very hard done by it because there is nothing much you can do to change what happened.

"I think it's a rule that needs to be looked at and we have to move on quickly and get ready for Liverpool."

Fulham missed the chance to overtake Newcastle United, albeit on goal difference, and climb out of the relegation zone following their 12th loss of the season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel




https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=39156

WhiteJC

Fulham Boss Scott Parker Is Bang On, VAR Is Killing Premier League Football

Imagine being back standing on the terraces. Your team's striker is played through as the crowd collectively roar him on - 'GO ON', before that second of silence. The moment of calm which is followed by complete and utter ecstasy as the striker wheels away to celebrate with the fans. That feeling you get, the complete rush of elation as the ball hits the back of the net is the whole reason we follow our teams up and down the country.

For every disappointing 0-0 draw, every rain-soaked defeat, every time you think you are wasting your weekends and your money, this feeling and the rush of endorphins is what keeps us coming back. It is addictive.

Yet VAR is spoiling that. That silent second followed by an explosion of joy is what football fans live for and the uncertainty of VAR is removing this moment. Soon, players won't even bother to celebrate the goals they have scored until they are confirmed by VAR and thus removing that single second of joy. That crucial moment when your team has scored and nobody can take it away.

We saw an example of this as Timo Werner celebrated what should have been the opening goal at an empty Anfield last night. Martin Tyler and Jamie Carragher attempted to bring excitement to a crucial goal in the race for the top four but in truth, it all felt a little bit hollow.

Having timed his run to perfection, Werner beat Alisson to the ball before tapping home, but his celebration was muted, not just because he had no fans to share the experience with. In the back of everybody's mind was the fact that it was a close offside call, and after a check, an outstretched arm ruled the goal out. The German didn't gain any advantage from that arm, and no Liverpool fans would have complained about it in the pre-VAR era, yet the goal was taken away. In turn, the joy was taken away as well.

Meanwhile at Fulham, Josh Maja celebrated a crucial equaliser only for the goal to be ruled out due to an incredibly harsh handball call against Mario Lemina earlier in the move. "It is the rule - I think it's crazy," Parker told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I'm complaining at the rule. We want it to be the most entertaining league in the world, with goals. I don't know what [Lemina] can do. We just need some common sense. We are trying to make football so pure and sterile it becomes unrealistic."

He added, "We want to see goals and excitement but I am sorry to say that VAR is killing every part of that. You are losing the raw emotion of the game we absolutely love."

He is bang on. If we lose the raw emotion we lose the essence of the game. There will simply be no point top flight fans attending games anymore, apart from to see their favourite players in the flesh. Even watching from home, the excitement of being in the lead doesn't happen until the opponents have kicked off. How sterile and sanitised the Premier League has become.

Meanwhile, the Football League is thriving. Fans of clubs outside the top flight cannot wait to get back into stadiums and celebrate goals again, for those fans, that moment of ecstasy and in turn the essence of football, still exists.

VAR is still unable to determine exactly when a player has kicked the ball in offside calls, is still making subjective handball calls and is still sapping the life out of the game. It isn't fit for purpose, and only when fans return to the stadiums will the anger about this technology reach boiling point.




https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/fulham-boss-scott-parker-is-bang-on-var-is-killing-premier-league-football


WhiteJC

Joa Up For Player Of The Month


Joachim Andersen has been nominated for the Premier League's Player of the Month award for February.

The centre-back, along with his defensive colleagues, was outstanding last month as we secured four clean sheets. Indeed, only three goals were conceded by Fulham in 540 minutes of football in February.

Andersen – operating as Captain – did not miss a second of the action, and his committed displays at the back have clearly not gone unnoticed, as he now finds himself up against Harvey Barnes, Joao Cancelo, Bruno Fernandes, Ilkay Gundogan, Jesse Lingard, Ruben Neves and Raphinha for the prestigious accolade.

The Dane's command of defence is beautifully complemented by an array of passing, with his crossfield deliveries and raking balls down the pitch becoming a key feature of Fulham's attacking play.

Technically, he only registered one assist in February – his flick to Ola Aina at Burnley – but we're counting two after his stunning pass set Ademola Lookman on his way to the winner at home to Sheffield United.

The voting for February's Player of the Month is open from now until 6pm on Monday.

Vote for Joa!



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/march/Joa-Up-For-Player-Of-The-Month/

WhiteJC

Report: AC Milan keen on Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa

AC Milan are keen on signing Fulham midfielder, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, according to a report from Italian outlet, CalcioMercato.

Anguissa has come into his own this season for the Cottagers after initally enduring a hard time of things. He was loaned out when Fulham were relegated back to the Championship at the end of the 18/19 season, but has returned to become a regular for Scott Parker this year.

The Cameroon international has appeared in all 27 Premier League games this term. However, that form has now caught the attention of Milan, who are said to be eyeing a summer move for Anguissa.

Much could depend on Fulham's ability to remain in the Premier League. The Cottagers have managed to reel in Newcastle and Brighton in recent weeks and are just a couple of good results from safety.

That could well give them an advantage in terms of keeping Anguissa. Relegation, meanwhile, would almost certainly mean a sale is necessary.

TBR View: Anguissa much improved but Milan are a massive draw

After the torrid start to his life at Fulham for the big money he joined for, you have to credit Anguissa here with turning it around.

His spell away clearly did him the world of good and he's now one of Scott Parker's trusted troops. He has quality, too, as well as the obvious height and strength.

It's easy to see why Milan want him. However, Fulham will be desperate to keep hold of their man, meaning Premier League survival is all the more important.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-ac-milan-keen-on-fulham-midfielder-andre-frank-zambo-anguissa/

WhiteJC

Parker Nominated For Manager Of The Month


Scott Parker is one of four nominees for the Premier League's Manager of the Month award.

He joins Joachim Andersen in being nominated in the league's official monthly accolades.

After beginning with defeat against a slick Leicester City outfit, February turned into a hugely prosperous month for Fulham.

We ended it five games unbeaten and nine points better off, with draws against West Ham United, Burnley and Crystal Palace dovetailing victories over Everton and Sheffield United.

The win at Goodison Park was vital in its own right, but it also saw a little bit of history being made, as the Whites had never before won a league match away to the Toffees.

Parker's competition comes in the form of Nuno Espirito Santo, Pep Guardiola, and Thomas Tuchel. The voting is now open and will remain so until Monday evening (6pm).

Vote for Scott!



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/march/Parker-Nominated-For-Manager-Of-The-Month/


WhiteJC

Ozan Kabak 'unlikely' vs. Fulham, but Phillips and Davies available

Ozan Kabak appears to have taken the right of passage into Liverpool's centre-back ranks after picking up a problem in the defeat to Chelsea which leaves him in doubt for Fulham's visit.

As has been the case for the entire season, Liverpool welcome back players only to lose another and typically it results in another centre-back being ruled out of action.

And this time it looks to be Kabak after Jurgen Klopp confirmed the January signing picked up a "little problem" on Thursday which has made his appearance at Fulham unlikely.

He would then join Jordan Henderson, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip as centre-backs unavailable to the manager.

It ensures Fabinho will be relied upon once more, with Rhys Williams and Ben Davies now to select from on the weekend in addition to Nat Phillips who is expected to "be ready" after a setback ruled him out for Chelsea's visit.

"Fab in midfield would be great," Klopp told reporters when assessing his options.

"We had the problem that Phillips couldn't play [against Chelsea] so we had to make the decision do we take an inexperienced pairing on the pitch or do we decide on Fab?

"We decided Fab and now Ozan had a little problem after the game, played now a lot of games.

"Now we will see if he's ready for Fulham, doesn't look like it at the moment. We will have to find solutions.

"Nat I think will be ready and Ben as well," Klopp added. "For Ben, it's not easy. In our situation, he has to adapt. He's a really good player.

"We have to see which decision we make for it, but it looks like from the information I got after the game that [Fulham] could come too quick for Ozan but Nat should be ready and Ben."

The likely pairing, therefore, would be Fabinho and Phillips who have featured twice together at the back with both games ending in a draw at Brighton and Newcastle.




https://www.thisisanfield.com/2021/03/ozan-kabak-unlikely-vs-fulham-but-phillips-and-davies-available/

WhiteJC

Handball rule changed, football considering new offside tweak
The controversial 'attacking handball' rule will be ammended

Accidental handball that leads to a team-mate scoring a goal or having a goal-scoring opportunity will no longer be considered an offence, the game's law-making body the International Football Association Board has announced.

The controversial section of the handball law came into play during Thursday night's Premier League game between Fulham and Tottenham, when the Cottagers had a goal by Josh Maja ruled out when the ball cannoned into the hand of his team-mate Mario Lemina from a Davinson Sanchez clearance when he was a matter of yards away.

And now the IFAB has agreed the change, which comes into effect from July 1. However, competitions have the flexibility to introduce changes prior to that date, IFAB said.

An IFAB statement read: "As the interpretation of handball incidents has not always been consistent due to incorrect applications of the law, the members confirmed that not every touch of a player's hand/arm with the ball is an offence."

It added: "Accidental handball that leads to a team-mate scoring a goal or having a goal-scoring opportunity will no longer be considered an offence."

It will remain a handball offence if a player scores accidentally with their hand or arm, or uses their hand or arm directly before scoring.

Fulham boss Scott Parker hit out at the law in the wake of his team's defeat to Tottenham, saying: "I understand why the goal was not given and that's the rule. I don't agree with the rule.

"I am not complaining with that, the referee is acting to the rule. We have VAR so you can look back and see if there is a clear advantage. I don't think we did.

"We are trying to make the game so pure and sterile and trying to control every single phase or moment to an absolute T and that is where the problem lies."

On the decision to no longer penalise a player for an accidental handball that leads to a team-mate scoring, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: "After analysing everything it was felt this was maybe one step too far. This was the perception of the public and the perception we had at IFAB.

"For this reason we amended this regulation. It's not embarrassing, or a climbdown. We are listening and attentive to what's going on. It's the job of the IFAB to take comments on board and make things better."

The IFAB also clarified the interpretation of the offside law, saying the definition for handball, whereby the arm ends at the bottom of the armpit, must be used when judging whether a player is offside or not.

Chelsea's Timo Werner was denied a goal against Liverpool on Thursday night when VAR ruled his arm had been offside in the build-up.

Parker said VAR was "killing every part" of the excitement and emotion in football in the wake of Fulham's defeat to Spurs.

But Infantino launched a staunch defence of the system on Friday, saying: "VAR is giving and bringing more justice to the game, making the game more clean and helping referees in taking the correct decisions.

"If it is taking away joy from some it gives the joy to others (when a decision is changed in favour of their team).

"Everyone prefers to win a game based on the right decision of the referee.

"It is unimaginable to think of football without VAR."

Infantino revealed semi-automated offside technology was trialled at the recent Club World Cup and said he "cannot exclude" the possibility of it being used at the 2022 World Cup.

But he added: "For that, more tests will have to take place, but the technology is moving very, very fast."

Infantino said former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger - now FIFA's chief of global football development - had given a presentation on a proposed change to the offside law, which would see a player deemed onside if any part of them that can score a goal is in line with the second-last defender.

"We have been seeing that maybe we can think about a new law which allows a bit more attack in football," said Infantino.

Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham said on the offside law: "Our role in football is to strive for continuous improvement.

"Semi-automated offsides would be a real step forward. The fan experience is negatively impacted by waiting to see if a goal has been scored."

Pierluigi Collina, FIFA's referee committee chairman, said the change to the handball law had been considered for seven or eight months.

"What happened yesterday (at Fulham) is evidence that the decision (to change the law) is correct, but it was not a reaction to the incident," he said.



https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-40238483.html

WhiteJC

Handball law changed as IFAB confirms new 'accidental' ruling after latest controversy

IFAB have changed the handball law so that accidental offences that lead to a goal will no longer been penalised following last night's controversial decision to rule out Fulham's goal vs Tottenham

Accidental handball that leads to a team-mate scoring a goal or having a goal-scoring opportunity will no longer be considered an offence, the game's law-making body the International Football Association Board has announced.

The controversial section of the handball law came into play during Thursday night's Premier League game between Fulham and Tottenham.

The Cottagers had a goal by Josh Maja ruled out when the ball cannoned into the hand of his team-mate Mario Lemina from a Davinson Sanchez clearance when he was a matter of yards away.

And now the IFAB has agreed the change, which comes into effect from July 1. However, competitions have the flexibility to introduce changes prior to that date, IFAB said.

An IFAB statement read: "As the interpretation of handball incidents has not always been consistent due to incorrect applications of the law, the members confirmed that not every touch of a player's hand/arm with the ball is an offence."

It added: "Accidental handball that leads to a team-mate scoring a goal or having a goal-scoring opportunity will no longer be considered an offence."

It will remain a handball offence if a player scores accidentally with their hand or arm, or uses their hand or arm directly before scoring.


Fulham had their goal ruled out against Tottenham

Fulham boss Scott Parker hit out at the law in the wake of his team's defeat to Tottenham, saying: "I understand why the goal was not given and that's the rule. I don't agree with the rule.

"I am not complaining with that, the referee is acting to the rule. We have VAR so you can look back and see if there is a clear advantage. I don't think we did.

"We are trying to make the game so pure and sterile and trying to control every single phase or moment to an absolute T and that is where the problem lies."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/handball-law-change-ifab-update-23614650


WhiteJC

Accidental handball in build-up to a goal 'no longer an offence' – IFAB

Accidental handball that leads to a team-mate scoring a goal or having a goal-scoring opportunity will no longer be considered an offence, the game's lawmaking body the International Football Association Board has announced.

The controversial section of the handball law came into play during Thursday night's Premier League game between Fulham and Tottenham, the Cottagers seeing a goal by Josh Maja ruled out when the ball cannoned into the hand of his team-mate Mario Lemina from a Davinson Sanchez clearance when he was a matter of yards away.

And the IFAB has now agreed a change, which comes into effect from July 1.

However, competitions have the flexibility to introduce changes prior to that date, IFAB said.

An IFAB statement read: "As the interpretation of handball incidents has not always been consistent due to incorrect applications of the law, the members confirmed that not every touch of a player's hand/arm with the ball is an offence."

It added: "Accidental handball that leads to a team-mate scoring a goal or having a goal-scoring opportunity will no longer be considered an offence."

It will remain a handball offence if a player scores accidentally with their hand or arm, or uses their hand or arm directly before scoring.

Fulham boss Scott Parker hit out at the law in the wake of his team's defeat to Tottenham, saying: "I understand why the goal was not given and that's the rule. I don't agree with the rule.

"I am not complaining with that, the referee is acting to the rule. We have VAR so you can look back and see if there is a clear advantage. I don't think we did.

"We are trying to make the game so pure and sterile and trying to control every single phase or moment to an absolute T and that is where the problem lies."

On the decision to no longer penalise a player for an accidental handball that leads to a team-mate scoring, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: "After analysing everything it was felt this was maybe one step too far. This was the perception of the public and the perception we had at IFAB.

"For this reason we amended this regulation. It's not embarrassing or a climbdown. We are listening and attentive to what's going on. It's the job of the IFAB to take comments on board and make things better."

Pierluigi Collina, FIFA's referee committee chairman, said the change to the law had been considered for seven or eight months.

"What happened yesterday (at Fulham) is evidence that the decision (to change the law) is correct, but it was not a reaction to the incident," he said.

Parker also said VAR was "killing every part" of the excitement and emotion in football in the wake of Fulham's defeat to Spurs.

But Infantino launched a staunch defence of the system on Friday, saying: "VAR is giving and bringing more justice to the game, making the game more clean and helping referees in taking the correct decisions.

"If it is taking away joy from some it gives the joy to others (when a decision is changed in favour of their team).

"Everyone prefers to win a game based on the right decision of the referee.

"It is unimaginable to think of football without VAR."

The IFAB also clarified the interpretation of the offside law, saying the definition for handball, whereby the arm ends at the bottom of the armpit, must be used when judging whether a player is offside or not.

Chelsea's Timo Werner was denied a goal against Liverpool on Thursday night when VAR ruled his arm had been offside in the build-up.

Infantino revealed semi-automated offside technology was trialled at the recent Club World Cup and said he "cannot exclude" the possibility of it being used at the 2022 World Cup.

But he added: "For that, more tests will have to take place, but the technology is moving very, very fast."

Infantino said former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger – now FIFA's chief of global football development – had given a presentation on a proposed change to the offside law, which would see a player deemed onside if any part of them that can score a goal is in line with the second-last defender.

"We have been seeing that maybe we can think about a new law which allows a bit more attack in football," said Infantino.

Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham said on the offside law: "Our role in football is to strive for continuous improvement.

"Semi-automated offsides would be a real step forward. The fan experience is negatively impacted by waiting to see if a goal has been scored."

Get updates from all sorts of things that matter to you



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/accidental-handball-in-build-up-to-a-goal-no-longer-an-offence-ifab-1614948782000

WhiteJC

What channel is Liverpool v Fulham Premier League match on? Kick off time, live stream and latest team news

Liverpool host relegation-threatened Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday

Fulham may have to wait until later this month for their next Premier League points when they come up against a revived Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

The Cottagers have struck a rich vein of form in recent weeks to flirt with escaping the drop zone and the clutches of the Championship.

Scott Parker's men have just 11 Premier League fixtures to save their top-flight status and face Liverpool at a defining moment of the Reds' season.

Jurgen Klopp's men come into this tie having ended a four-game losing streak last week with the win over Sheffield United – yet played out an energy-sapping encounter with Chelsea on Thursday.

The boss could make changes to his side as he keeps one eye on Wednesday's Champions League last-16 second leg against RB Leipzig, but Liverpool are still favourites to win.

RadioTimes.com has rounded up everything you need to know about how to watch Liverpool v Fulham on TV and online.

When is Liverpool v Fulham on TV?

Liverpool v Fulham will take place on Sunday 7th March 2021.

Check out our Premier League fixtures and live football on TV guides for the latest times and information.

What time is kick-off?

Liverpool v Fulham will kick off at 2pm.

There are numerous Premier League games taking place this weekend including Manchester City v Manchester United, which kicks off at 4:30pm on Sunday.

What TV channel is Liverpool v Fulham on?

You can watch the game live on Sky Sports Premier League from 1pm and Main Event from 2pm.

You can add the Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Football channels for just £18 per month combined or pick up the complete sports package for just £23 per month.

How to live stream Liverpool v Fulham online

Sky Sports customers can live stream the game via the Sky Go app on a variety of devices including most smartphones and tablets as part of their subscription.

You can also watch the match via NOW TV without signing up to a contract.

NOW TV can be streamed through a computer or apps found on most smart TVs, phones and consoles. NOW TV is also available via BT Sport.

Liverpool v Fulham team news

Liverpool: Jordan Henderson, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are ruled out of this encounter.

Diogo Jota returned against Fulham, and not a moment too soon, with goals at a premium for the Reds right now.

Fulham: Marek Rodak and Tom Cairney are both out with finger and knee injuries respectively.

There are no additional injury concerns for Fulham, but a sapping encounter on Thursday night could see Scott Parker shuffle his hand.

Liverpool v Fulham odds

In working partnership with the Radio Times, bet365 has provided the following betting odds for this event:

bet365 odds: Liverpool (1/4) Draw (21/4) Fulham (10/1)*

For all the latest Premier League odds and more, visit bet365 today and claim an opening account offer of 'Up to £100 in Bet Credits**', utilising the bonus code 'RT365'.

*Odds subject to change. 18+. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org. Note – The bonus code RT365 does not change the offer amount in any way.

Our prediction: Liverpool v Fulham

Liverpool may be suffering from injuries of late but they should still have enough in their forward arsenal to overcome Fulham here. The issue for Klopp will be how the midfield supply that attack – a problem that was exposed when these sides met at Craven Cottage back in December.

Fulham will give this a good shot at Anfield. Parker has seen spirits in the camp rise in recent weeks as their form returns and there is genuine hope of Premier League survival.

But in reality Liverpool should win this game comfortably. They routinely beat Sheffield United 2-0 last weekend and a template performance and scoreline wouldn't be a surprise.

Our prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Fulham (13/2 at bet365)



https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sport/football/liverpool-fulham-watch-live-kick-off-time-tv-channel-premier-league-2020-21/

WhiteJC

Premier League predictions: Lawro v singer-songwriter & Liverpool fan Ben Howard

It is derby day in Manchester on Sunday, but can Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side be the team that ends table-topping Manchester City's record 21-game winning run?

"It depends on what Manchester United decide to do," said BBC football expert and former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson. "They beat City twice at Etihad Stadium last season and they might think 'let's go for it again' this time.

"I don't think they will, though. We're more likely to see a repeat of United's thinking in most of their other big Premier League games this season, where it feels like they have been happy with a point."

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

For this weekend's fixtures, he is up against singer-songwriter Ben Howard, who is a Liverpool fan.

Howard was born in London and moved to Devon when he was eight, but he followed family tradition by becoming a Red.

"It's always been Liverpool for me," Howard told BBC Sport. "My dad is from up that way and used to go to all of their games with his dad. I think he passed it on to me by osmosis.

"I should probably be a Plymouth Argyle fan, but I grew up in the suburbs of London and our school football coach was from Brentford so I followed them a bit too. They are probably still my second team now - it would be incredible to see them in the Premier League.

"But it was Liverpool I always wanted to play for, right from when I was little. Steve McManaman was my first hero because I used to play out on the wing when I was at school, and he was the king. I guess I modelled myself on him.

"A bit later on, it was John Arne Riise who was my favourite, as well as Liverpool legends like Steven Gerrard.

"We've always had some great players but there was a stage where I seemed to spend my whole life with Liverpool being beaten by Manchester United - that was my era when I started getting into them anyway. Things have changed a bit there now though, fortunately."

Howard does not remember Liverpool winning the league title in 1990 - he had just turned three - so found it especially sweet to see them win the Premier League last season.

"I'd seen us win plenty of other things but, in terms of being league champions, that was the first time I'd seen it for myself in my lifetime," he added. "It was incredible. It's just a shame there were no crowds there when it happened.

"This season hasn't been the same, obviously. It's been so strange, because it was looking quite rosy until before Christmas.

"It's been difficult of course, because we have missed some key players, especially in defence, but there have been times where we have still played pretty well but things just haven't gone for us."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Liverpool v Fulham (14:00 GMT)

I am at this game for BBC Radio 5 Live and, in normal circumstances under Jurgen Klopp, I would be saying this will be a routine home win for Liverpool.

Nothing feels routine for Liverpool at Anfield at the moment, though, with the run they are on there at the moment - Thursday's defeat by Chelsea was their fifth in a row at home in the league.

Having Fabinho fit again at centre-back will obviously help the Reds in defence, but the key to the outcome of this one is going to be what they are like going forward, because scoring goals has become one of their biggest issues.

As Fulham have shown us on plenty of occasions in the past few weeks, they won't be a pushover. They won't lack belief, either, after going within a few minutes of beating Liverpool at Craven Cottage in December.

Lawro's prediction: 2-0

Ben's prediction: I like Fulham - they play good football, and like all the teams at the bottom they seem to be competitive most weeks - but I'm not going against Liverpool here, and the goals have got to come back at some point. You get some prediction points just for the result, don't you? In that case, I'm going big. 12-0

Ben on the race for the top four: "There are places up for grabs and it is so competitive because there are so many other good teams. It has been like this all season, really close, which is good to see. It has been strange not to see Liverpool in the Champions League spots recently but we have got work to do if we want to finish in them.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56243403


WhiteJC

Fulham and West Ham Eyeing Youngster Curtis

TWTD understands Fulham and West Ham are keeping tabs on Blues' academy youngster Harley Curtis.

The 18-year-old centre forward netted the U18s' last-gasp winning goal in the FA Youth Cup tie between the Blues and the Cottagers at Portman Road in December in which they came from 2-0 behind at half-time to claim a brilliant 3-2 victory.

The visitors are understood to have been impressed by the second-year scholar during that game and have continued a watching brief, while West Ham are also keen.



https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/39847/fulham-and-west-ham-eyeing-youngster-curtis

WhiteJC

Liverpool v Fulham


Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah (centre) was substituted in the 62nd minute against Chelsea
TEAM NEWS

Ozan Kabak is a major doubt for Liverpool, but fellow defender Nathaniel Phillips, who missed the defeat by Chelsea with a minor injury, should be available.

Mohamed Salah is fit despite being taken off early against the Blues, with boss Jurgen Klopp explaining the Egyptian had shown signs of fatigue.

Fulham head coach Scott Parker has reported no new injuries.

Midfielder Tom Cairney and goalkeeper Marek Rodak remain out.

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

I am at this game for BBC Radio 5 Live and, in normal circumstances, I would be saying this will be a routine home win for Liverpool.

Nothing feels routine for Liverpool at Anfield at the moment though with the run they are on - Thursday's defeat by Chelsea was their fifth in a row at home in the league.

Having Fabinho fit again at centre-back will obviously help the Reds in defence, but the key to the outcome of this one is going to be what they are like going forward, because scoring goals has become one of their biggest issues.

As Fulham have shown us on plenty of occasions in the past few weeks, they won't be a pushover. They won't lack belief, either, after going within a few minutes of beating Liverpool at Craven Cottage in December.

Prediction: 2-0

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Fulham ended a six-match losing streak in this fixture by drawing 1-1 with Liverpool at Craven Cottage in December.
    The Cottagers' only away win against the Reds came in May 2012, courtesy of a Martin Skrtel own goal at Anfield.
    Fulham have scored just four times in their past 18 matches away to Liverpool.

Liverpool

    The Reds have lost five consecutive home games for the first time in their history. They are also the first reigning English top-flight champions to do so.
    They have gone nine hours without scoring from open play at Anfield in 2021, with their only home goal this year a penalty converted by Mohamed Salah against Manchester City.
    Jurgen Klopp's side have lost each of the last seven league matches in which they have fallen behind, and have not gained a point from a losing position since December's 1-1 draw at Fulham.
    Liverpool have drawn successive games against newly-promoted opposition, ending a run of 18 consecutive league victories in such fixtures.
    The Merseysiders have failed to score a first-half goal in 11 of their past 12 league matches.

Fulham

    Fulham have conceded 33 league goals this season, the joint-lowest figure in the bottom half of the table - and two fewer than Liverpool.
    Scott Parker's team are on a club record seven-match unbeaten away run in the Premier League, although six of those games were drawn.
    Fulham's last away defeat was 2-0 at Manchester City on 5 December.
    The Whites have kept three clean sheets in their past five Premier League away games, more than they had in their previous 45 such fixtures.
    They have won just two of their 26 top-flight away matches against reigning champions (D3, L21), beating Ipswich 1-0 in March 1963 and Manchester United 3-1 in October 2003.
    Head coach Scott Parker failed to win on all eight of his Premier League appearances as a player at Anfield, losing six of those games.
    Ruben Loftus-Cheek is one short of 100 Premier League appearances.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56227460

WhiteJC

Pre-Liverpool Press Conference

Scott Parker says Fulham need to find a balance at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

Premier League champions Liverpool have lost their previous five home matches – a club record – but still boast a plethora of world class talent.

When asked, though, if it could be a good time to play the Reds, Parker replied: "It certainly could be. At the same time, you're playing a wounded animal.

"You're playing against a team who are obviously, at this moment in time, in a bit of a tricky spell. That's clear to see, but we need to be very, very wary of that.

"When you're playing against a wounded animal that has the class and the quality that Liverpool possess, then you need to tread very, very carefully, while also understanding that if you approach the game in the right manner and you can assert yourself into certain moments of this football match, maybe you have a chance.

"I think it's probably in between both of those stalls. We've got huge respect for this team we're playing against, but we're also understanding where they are.

"As always, we'll try and put a stamp on this game and get something out of it."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for Parker in his pre-match press conference, describing Fulham's play as "exceptional."

"I've not seen [the quotes], but that's unbelievable in terms of hearing it from someone who I have the utmost respect for, someone who's come into a top football club and really transformed them," Parker said. "And it's big to say that when you consider the stature of Liverpool.

"When you're a young manager I'm always looking at every manager I come up against, what makes them so special, and Jurgen is one of those guys.

"He's done a fantastic job and is certainly someone I hold in that sort of regard."

Fulham go into the weekend's fixtures three points from safety but with plenty of wind in our sails.

And Parker was asked just what it would mean to him to keep the Whites in the Premier League.

"I think it would be a great achievement for all of us, for the team, for the players, for the football club," he stated.

"As a football club, for the individuals in this team, for me and my staff, we all fit the bracket that this year it would be massive for all of us to stay in the league, and that's our dying ambition.

"It's mine, it's mine for the football club, for the fans, but as individuals, as players, this is where you want to be operating.

"We've had a taste of that and we want more of that. It would be a big achievement for all of us."




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/march/Pre-Liverpool-Press-Conference/


WhiteJC

KEOWN TALKS TACTICS: Fulham can use the tricky diagonal passes of Joachim Andersen to pierce Jurgen Klopp's shaky defence... pull it off and Anfield could endure yet more misery

    Fulham travel to Merseyside on Sunday to face a battered and bruised Liverpool
    Jurgen Klopp's men were beaten at home by Chelsea to set an unwanted record
    It is the first time club history that five consecutive home games have been lost
    Fulham are better than their position suggests and diagonal passes will be key

Fulham are hunting down Newcastle and their target of Premier League survival. Three weeks ago the gap between those two teams was 10 points. Now it is three.

They have Newcastle looking over their shoulders. Scott Parker's side have spent all of 2021 in that bottom three, but their confident performances belie their position. Since mid-December, only Manchester City have conceded fewer goals than Fulham.

Joachim Andersen is a calming influence alongside fellow centre back Tosin Adarabioyo. He's Fulham's equivalent of Ruben Dias.


Scott Parker's Fulham have benefited hugely from the passing range of Joachim Andersen

You'll struggle to find a defender who can hit pin-point diagonal balls as well as 24-year-old loanee Andersen. Ademola Lookman benefited from one of his long, raking passes to secure a very big win against Sheffield United.

That's a great weapon and one that could hurt Liverpool and their high line on Sunday.

It is fine to hold a high line, but you have to know when to drop if there is no pressure on the player delivering the forward pass.

Liverpool, in using non-specialist central defenders, have been caught out by that several times this season in one-v-one situations — with Mason Mount securing victory for Chelsea that way at Anfield on Thursday night.


Parker's gameplan was executed to perfection as his side defeated Sheffield United

Fulham lost 1-0 to Tottenham earlier that evening and the goal they conceded highlighted a possible weakness.

As highlighted in this column previously, Harry Kane was dropping deep. Fulham had a clear plan for this, whereby one of the centre backs would drop with him. The trouble was that it left their remaining defenders exposed to the direct running of Dele Alli, who was behind Spurs' winner.

Like Kane, Roberto Firmino may drop deep at Anfield, and Fulham's defenders will need to think twice about leaving their back line again. If they do what they did on Thursday, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah could clean up.

Fulham do not play like a side who have been in the Premier League's bottom three for months. They stick to Parker's plan. It isn't frantic football — it's patient play.

With the ball, Fulham leave Andersen and Adarabioyo at home while midfielder Harrison Reed will drop deep alongside them or sit in front as an option to receive the ball. Both full backs then fix themselves high and wide. In left back Antonee Robinson, they have a really determined runner and great carrier of the ball.

Fulham's forward line has enough invention in it to trouble Liverpool on Sunday, and they will be looking out for those balls from Andersen.

I like Lookman's directness and his change of pace, which can be devastating for defenders. Ivan Cavaleiro is a tricky customer when running at you, and Josh Maja links up well and was unfortunate not to get his first Craven Cottage goal on Thursday.


Fulham struggled with the runs of Dele Alli (left) after Harry Kane positioned to play deep


Roberto Firmino will have to play a similarly deep role to help avoid further Anfield heartache


Ruben Loftus-Cheek has more of a free role, operating between the lines and picking up pockets of space behind the opposition midfield.

Aleksandar Mitrovic is becoming Parker's go-to 70th minute substitution when it's time for them to get the ball in the box.

This team has gone through a real transformation. Only two players from the XI who faced Tottenham on Thursday started their opening game of the season against Arsenal: Reed and Cavaleiro.

There is a unique spirit among Fulham and their army of loanees. Parker has each and every one of them fighting for him and the club, even though they don't technically belong to them. I'm not looking at any of these players and thinking they don't belong in the Premier League. They will be hungry to inflict a sixth straight home defeat on Liverpool on Sunday.

When that invincibility disappears, anyone and everyone believes they can beat you. Liverpool didn't lose in the Premier League at Anfield for three years. Now they can't stop losing.

It's five on the trot and that will encourage Fulham. It can be difficult when you know you can't be champions. I've been in an Arsenal team who struggled once it hit home that we wouldn't be retaining the title.


Fulham are looking to reel in Newcastle and keep alive their hopes of staying in the top flight

When does anyone want to play for second place? But if you don't refocus and reboot, you can soon find yourselves sliding further and further down the table.

That's what Liverpool must do now. They need to come together and set themselves new targets. That has to be a top-four finish. If Liverpool don't win on Sunday, that will continue to slip away.

Parker used to play for Newcastle. He understands the size of that club and the enormity of the pressure those players will be under.  Such has been the quality of their play, it doesn't appear Fulham's players have even been looking at their precarious position in the table.

But if they don't get anything out of this trip to Anfield, it will be hard not to look with only 10 games to go.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9331517/KEOWN-TALKS-TACTICS-Fulhams-tricky-diagonal-passes-pierce-Liverpools-defence.html

WhiteJC

Cairney suffers another setback in battle to overcome knee problem

Tom Cairney has suffered another setback in his attempt to overcome a knee problem.

The Fulham captain appeared to have responded well to new laser treatment two weeks ago, but Scott Parker has revealed a new concern.

"He's making progress, but it's slow and it's been a bit up and down," the head coach said.

"He had a bit of a setback last week, albeit a minor one. He had a little bit of time off and came off it (training).

"He's now back with us. But again, it's part training and modified training.

"We're going to have manage it a little bit now and we're hoping we can get past this sticky point and see where we are."

Time is running out for Cairney to make any meaningful contribution to the season bearing in mind the need to return to full training, warm-up games – probably for the Under-23s – and any other fine tuning.

The 30-year-old last appeared in a match on December 19, against Newcastle, but the problem dates back to a knock he picked up in a pre-season friendly.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/cairney-suffers-another-setback-in-battle-to-overcome-knee-problem

WhiteJC

Steve Bruce has the advantage over Scott Parker in this relegation scrap - it's time he made the most of it

Newcastle United are three points ahead of Fulham and that is an advantage that Steve Bruce needs to utilise

Cheering on teams to beat the three sides below Newcastle United has become the new normal for the Geordie faithful.

As the screen at Craven Cottage flashed up 'no goal - handball' - there was a collective gasp of relief across the fan base.

At that moment, Fulham were in the ascendency, and although they ended up losing the game to Spurs, 1-0, it wasn't enough to dampen the fears of fans.

And nor should it be.

Fulham were looking to stretch their unbeaten run to five games, and even though they failed, the defeat is only their fourth since 13th December - United in the same time have lost nine.

For many, it is only Fulham's failure to turn draws - of which they've had nine in that time - which is keeping Newcastle above the relegation zone, for now.

But despite the drama on the training pitch this week and United's poor run of form - that is the fact that matters, Newcastle are above Fulham, and their destiny is in their hands.

Regardless of how good Fulham look on the eye, or how many points they pick up - right now, with West Brom on the horizon for Newcastle their mission for safety is in their own hands.

Yet cheering on Tottenham in hope of defeat for Fulham is a sad sign of just how far Newcastle have fallen in the eyes of their own fans.

Many don't believe they can achieve safety by their own hand.

My old football coach used to always point out that while it's easier to be chased down by the side below you in the league table, it's always better to have the points on the board.

Newcastle have that. They have a three-point cushion - it's probably that cushion that is keeping Bruce in the job at the moment.

For all the unwanted distractions - the bust-up, injuries and High Court drama - this battle is Newcastle's to lose.

Bruce has a head start - admittedly, when his side beat West Brom on December 12th that headstart to Fulham was nine points - and that in itself tells a story, but nevertheless, United have the advantage.

Newcastle fans are feeling grateful that Fulham's identity and form may have clicked into play just a few weeks too late - of course, you can never speak too soon.

The Magpies are favourites by some to go down in place of Fulham and based on recent weeks that's understandable.

But Bruce must not focus on that but instead look to build on this ever so small advantage that he has got.

The head coach is clearly a believer in his own managerial ability, even if many say he is not the right man for the job.

Now is the time for him to prove why he is, because the focus, should Fulham catch Newcastle won't be on how they did so - but how the Magpies let them do it.

It's not been pretty this season, it's been horrible to watch at times but all that is better debated with Premier League status secured - and right now, Bruce has the upper hand in that task, and it's time he made the most of it.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/steve-bruce-advantage-over-scott-19978700