Friday Fulham Stuff - 12/03/21...

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Scott Parker's belief Fulham 'can beat anyone' a sharp contrast to confidence at Newcastle United

The Magpies are fighting for their Premier League status alongside Fulham and Brighton

Scott Parker's belief that his Fulham side can beat anyone they face is going to make a 'huge difference' in the scrap for survival.

Fulham fans have seen their side's form turnaround in remarkable circumstances since the turn of the year - and the latest win over Liverpool leaves them just a point from safety.

Speaking on The Everything is Black and White Podcast, Fulham writer for Football London - Scott Trotter - spoke about how Parker's approach to games is paying off, as well as the importance of the support from the fans and board.

"Yeah, I think I think it's a really big thing," when asked about the backing from supporters and Fulham's hierarchy.

"I think at times over the last two seasons, despite obviously getting promoted last year, there has been some frustration with Parker and the kind of quality of the play because while there has been some nice football, scoring goals has been an issue for a long time.

"But you listen to the players getting interviewed after the matches, and they talk about Parker's belief and that's all that's drummed into them all the time.

"Slowly, but surely Fulham are becoming a team that's in Parker's mould - they'll put the work in, and they do have some quality as well.

"They've said that they think they can take on anyone, and perhaps they will lose some points at times because of that, but they're never out of the game until the final whistle is blown and they'll commit to winning and I think just having that attitude is going to make a big difference."

This a sharp contrast to Newcastle - where Steve Bruce is under immense pressure from the fan base after just two wins in 18 games across all competitions.

Comments before the 1-1 draw against West Brom about the game not being a 'must-win' also angered fans.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/scott-parkers-belief-fulham-can-20062495

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Report: Fulham confident of convincing Southampton loanee to stay if they stay up

Fulham are confident that they will be able to convince Mario Lemina to sign permanently from Southampton in the summer should they stay up, according to a report from The Sun.

Lemina has made 20 Premier League appearances for the Cottagers since arriving on loan. And he scored his first goal for the club in some style at the weekend as Scott Parker's men beat Liverpool.

It felt like a big win in the battle to beat the drop. Fulham are now level on points with Brighton, and just one adrift of Newcastle.

The two sides above the Cottagers do have a game in hand. But it is Fulham who have the momentum, taking 11 points from their last six and beating the champions.

And it appears that they are making plans in case they do manage to stay up.

The Sun reports that they are confident of holding onto all of their loan signings, including Lemina. It is noted that the Saints star is one of the players Fulham already have an option to buy in place.

TBR View: Lemina exit may divide Saints fans

Southampton fans are well aware of how good Lemina – who earns £40,000-a-week, according to Spotrac – can be when he is at his best.

His quality has rarely been in doubt. However, other aspects of his game have prevented him from becoming a key player at St Mary's.

So some Southampton fans may be divided about the prospect of him leaving permanently. Admittedly, it looks unlikely that he is going to get another chance under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

And some may be more than happy to see him finally go permanently. But others may wonder if they will ultimately rue seeing him leave for good after a season in which they have struggled for depth.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-fulham-confident-of-convincing-southampton-loanee-to-stay-if-they-stay-up/

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Fulham 'confident' of keeping their loan stars

Fulham believe they can retain the services of Scott Parker's loan stars if they succeed in avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

A report in the Sun suggests that the club are confident of concluding permanent deals for all of the seven players who are currently on loan at Craven Cottage. Fulham hold options to trigger permanent deals on four of their loanees – goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, defender Ola Aina, Anfield matchwinner Mario Lemina and striker Josh Maja, who arrived in January.

The deals for Fulham's three other loanees – Joachim Andersen, Ademola Lookman and Ruben Loftus-Cheek – do not have options to buy written into them. Lyon were willing to consider a permanent sale for Andersen last summer and the Danish defender, who has worn the captain's armband in the absence of Tom Cairney this season, has already spoken of his interest in joining the Whites on a permanent basis. Fulham have been quoted a fee of around £15m to purchase Lookman from RB Leipzig, whilst Parker spoke earlier this month of eagerness to sign Loftus-Cheek, whose future at Chelsea remains unclear.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/03/fulham-confident-of-keeping-their-loan-stars/

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How Fulham could line up against Manchester City

Scott Parker has very few selection concerns as the Cottagers prepare to welcome Manchester City to the capital for Saturday's Premier League battle.

Indeed, the hosting manager only has Marek Rodak (hand) and Tom Cairney (knee) to worry about this weekend, but after a memorable triumph over Liverpool last time out, Parker may opt to deploy the same XI from that win at Anfield last weekend.

Alphonse Areola continues to impress as the last line of defence with five clean sheets in his last seven matches, and he has been helped by the solid performances of Joachim Andersen and Tosin Adarabioyo in the heart of defence.

Kenny Tete and Ola Aina should reprise their roles out wide as Antonee Robinson makes do with a spot on the bench once more, while Bobby Decordova-Reid and Ademola Lookman will continue to provide the width further up the pitch after strong showings at Anfield.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Andre Zambo Anguissa are both options for change in the middle of the park, but Parker will not consider dropping Mario Lemina after his Anfield winner, while Harrison Reed's spot should be safe as well.

The Cottagers can call upon Aleksandar Mitrovic as they aim to build on the league-low eight home goals they boast this season, and while Josh Maja or Ivan Cavaleiro may have concerns over their spots in the team, Parker is not expected to drop any member of the XI who started on Merseyside last weekend.

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Areola; Tete, Adarabioyo, Andersen, Aina; Decordova-Reid, Lemina, Reed, Lookman; Maja, Cavaleiro



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-city/title-race/predicted-lineups/how-fulham-could-line-up-against-man-city_438655.html?newsnow

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Fulham vs Manchester City: Prediction, TV channel, h2h results, team news, live stream, odds

Manchester City can open up a 17-point gap at the top of the Premier League with a win at Fulham.

Another five goals against Southampton saw City get back on track after losing the derby to Manchester United, and can further bolster their huge title lead as they play their 30th league game of the season before second-placed United play their 29th.

Fulham beat Liverpool last time out and should have taken points of Tottenham, so Pep Guardiola will be aware of the threat Saturday's opponents pose. Can Scott Parker mastermind another famous win?

Date, time and venue

Fulham vs Manchester City is scheduled for an 8pm GMT kick-off on Saturday, March 13, 2021.

The match will be held behind closed doors at Craven Cottage.



How to watch

TV channel: he match will be televised on BT Sport.

Live stream: BT Sport subscribers will be able to watch the match online via the website or BT Sport app.

Team news

Scott Parker has no fresh injury concerns, while Tom Cairney remains sidelined.

For City, Riyad Mahrez continued his fine scoring form with two goals against Southampton and should keep his place. John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, will be pushing for a start after sitting out the win.

Prediction: Fulham 0-3 Man City

Manchester City roared back from their loss to United in predictable fashion, scoring five against Southampton and I expect a similarly productive evening on Saturday.

Fulham were very lucky to see Tottenham win at Craven Cottage but were fully deserving of their win over Liverpool. But City is a different prospect entirely. Away win.
Head to head (h2h) history and results

    Fulham wins: 17
    Draws: 16
    Man City wins: 35

Betting odds and tips (subject to change)

    Fulham: 10/1
    Draw: 15/4
    Man City: 1/3
    City to win and over 4.5 goals: 5/1



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-vs-manchester-city-prediction-tv-channel-live-stream-team-news-lineups-latest-odds-h2h-results-premier-league-2021-preview-b923489.html

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EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal, West Ham, Everton in talks for classy, young Fulham centre-back

TEAMtalk sources can reveal that Arsenal, West Ham, Everton and Brighton are all in talks with Fulham Under-18 starlet Ibane Bowat.

The classy centre-back, 18, has been a mainstay for Fulham's Under-18 side for the last two years and helped the young Cottagers win the Premier League South last season.

Bowat penned a two-year scholarship in July 2019, but his progress has been good and he has recently been promoted into Fulham's Under-23 squad.

The Cottagers are keen to keep the Scotland youth international, and have offered him a professional contract to sign in June.

However, there is plenty of other interest in the youngster and talks with Brighton, Arsenal, West Ham and Everton have all taken place.

Negotiations have been ongoing for the last few weeks as they all bid to take on the 6ft 2in ahead of his deal expiring at Craven Cottage in June.

Competition for Bowat is intense with German side FC Koln also interested, although it is understood an intermediary close to the deal could not agree terms with the Bundesliga outfit.

Bowat has made 12 U18 appearances this season and even though he has been called up by Scotland U19s he is still eligible to play for England and France.

He is predominantly a centre-back, but is left footed and can also play as a left-back.

Lemina confident

Meanwhile, Fulham midfielder Mario Lemina believes they will avoid relegation from the Premier League if they continue to play like they did in their 1-0 win against Liverpool at Anfield.

Lemina netted the winning goal for his side on the stroke of half-time on Sunday to secure a massive three points in the Cottagers' fight for survival.

They remain in the drop zone by virtue of goal difference but are now level with Brighton on 26 points and are just one point behind Newcastle, although both have a game in hand.

"It depends on us and the way we play the other games," the 27-year-old told BBC Sport on the subject of staying up. "If we play like that, I think we will."



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/exclusive-arsenal-west-ham-everton-in-transfer-talks-with-ibane-bowat

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Jimmy Bullard recalls Fulham's 2008 great escape and gives relegation verdict

EXCLUSIVE: Jimmy Bullard relived the stunning comeback victory "where it all changed" for Fulham's survival bid in 2008 - and he challenged Scott Parker's men to show similar spirit in this season's run-in

Jimmy Bullard is backing Fulham to stage another great escape and beat the Premier League drop.

The midfielder was key part of Roy Hodgson's side that were 45 minutes away from relegation in the 2007/08 season before a remarkable turnaround saw them win their final three games to seal survival on a dramatic final day.

Scott Parker's side are 18th in the table having spent almost the entire season in the bottom three but a stunning victory at Liverpool last Sunday means they are still in touching distance with the teams above them.

Bullard believes his old side can repeat the feat performed by Hodgson's heroes.

He said: "I remember Man City, we were 2-0 down at half-time away at a serious club.


Fulham produced one of their finest comebacks to keep their survival hopes alive (Image: EMPICS Sport)

"At half-time, Roy says 'Just win this half. If we lose this game, we're down'.

"And we won the game 3-2. It was an amazing result. That game is where it all changed.

"I had friends in the stadium, they left at half-time to go to the pub. They thought 'Nah, Fulham are down'.

"They came all the way from the south-east and left. And then they're in the pub and they found out we won 3-2 and they couldn't believe they'd missed the best game of their lives."

Fulham will need to upset the odds again as they host league-leaders Manchester City on Saturday night.


Diomansy Kamara scored twice and Danny Murphy grabbed the other goal (Image: Getty Images)


Murphy and Bullard combined for Fulham's goal to beat Portsmouth and seal safety on the final day (Image: Reuters)

Parker has overseen noticeable defensive improvement and his side have conceded only twice in their last seven games.

But they have scored just three goals in that time and Bullard insists Fulham's misfiring forwards must step up during the run-in.

"It will come down to your strikers in the end," he said. "It did with us [in 2008].

"Aleksandar Mitrovic, those players need to really step up to the plate. I know it's added pressure for them but that's what they get paid the big dough for.

"That's strikers: big dollar, big pressures.


Bullard has backed Parker to stage another great escape (Image: PA)

Will Fulham stay up this season? Have your say in the comments.

"It happens year in, year out. The teams that stay up, their strikers come in and score more goals towards the end to stay up. Simple as that.

"No disrespect to defenders, because we're all in a team, but I believe it's easier to keep it safe and to stop goals than it is to score goals.

"That, there in a nutshell is the key to staying up."

Parker will be keeping a close eye on Friday night's fixture which pits relegation-threatened Newcastle - currently one point above Fulham with a game in hand - against Aton Villa.

Fulham face Newcastle on the final day of the season and Bullard - who assisted Danny Murphy's winner against Portsmouth on the final day in 2008 - is relishing the potential relegation-deciding showdown.

He added: "I believe Fulham can avoid relegation. I love them and I want them to survive.

"Is it going to be tough? Yes.

"Newcastle being the final game, wow. It would be epic if it came down to that. But Newcastle will be feeling the same thing.

"I'll be there on the final day, don't worry about that."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/jimmy-bullard-fulham-man-city-23677339

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"We recognise the animal we're going to face..." - Scott Parker provides glowing praise of Pep Guardiola at Man City
Fulham boss Scott Parker has provided plenty of glowing praise of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side as he faced the media ahead of the weekend's clash with the current Premier League leaders.

Fulham boss Scott Parker has provided plenty of glowing praise of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side as he faced the media ahead of the weekend's clash with the current Premier League leaders.

Guardiola's squad travel to London off the back of a dramatic 5-2 victory over Southampton on Wednesday night, and despite VAR drama and a slow start to the match overall, City were able to bounce back from their hugely disappointing derby defeat to Manchester United last weekend.

Ahead of the game, Scott Parker addressed the media, and admitted that he is well aware of the 'animal' that his side are gearing up to face on Saturday night.

"They have quality all over the place; structure, positioning, the way they play. I thought Southampton started well last night and then at a click of a finger, one ball over the top, and City are 1-0 up. We recognise the animal we're going to face", Parker exclaimed.

The 40 year-old coach admitted that he feels Manchester City are currently the best team in Europe, but did suggest it provides his Fulham side with an opportunity to cause them problems - especially after their remarkable victory at Anfield last weekend.

Park said, "Is there an opportunity for us to put our stamp on the game? We want to cause Man City problems. That may be limited, of course. But there will be a willingness to do that."

"I studied a lot of [City] games. Every game is a little bit different. Man City have quality all over the pitch. There are a lot of elements you need to be aware of. They are a well-oiled machine that can cause problems at any given moment", he continued.

Pep Guardiola has also made it very clear in recent weeks how he feels Manchester City's success is solely down to money being spent on the squad. Sarcastically or not, this concept was put forward to Scott Parker, who said, "He's an incredible coach. They have very good football players, but that team, the way they are set up and the way they play, you can tell just watching them for a few minutes that they are coached very, very well."

Manchester City take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday night, as the Blues look to maintain their 14-point lead at the top of the Premier League table - albeit after playing one game more than Manchester United and Leicester City in second and third place.



https://www.si.com/soccer/manchestercity/news/we-recognise-the-animal-were-going-to-face-scott-parker-provides-glowing-praise-of-pep-guardiola-at-man-city

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Fulham captain Cairney close to finally returning to action

Tom Cairney is back in full training and could return to match action as early as next week.

The Fulham captain has been battling to overcome a knee injury.

Cairney, 30, has responded well to a new course of treatment and has fared better since a recent minor setback.

And he might even be involved for Fulham's development side in a match against Stoke on Monday.

Whites boss Scott Parker explained: "Tom is back training with us, but not (ready) for the weekend I would have thought.

"He might need a game to get some football because he's been out for a long time now."

Cairney last appeared in a match on December 19, against Newcastle, but the problem started when he was injured in a pre-season friendly against MK Dons.

Parker has no new injury worries to contend with ahead of Saturday's game against Premier League leaders Manchester City.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-captain-cairney-close-to-finally-returning-to-action

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Liverpool: Pundit talks about Joachim Andersen

Pundit Robbie Earle has recently talked about Fulham defender Joachim Andersen and his suitability to Liverpool.

Earle was recently hosting the latest episode of The 2 Robbies podcast and the panel discussed multiple issues involving the Premier League. One club that they focused on was Liverpool and their recent loss to Fulham. Earle hailed Andersen as the 'underappreciated player of the week' and he believes that he would be a 'perfect' fit for the Reds.

In the loss to Fulham, Liverpool fielded Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams at centre-back, while Andersen started at centre-back for Scott Parker's men. The Danish centre-back picked up an impressive rating of 7.68/10 for the Craven Cottage-based side (as per WhoScored).

Earle praised Andersen and while he tipped Liverpool for a move, he believes that one or two other clubs could be swarming around him in the summer.

The pundit said: "My underappreciated player of the week goes to Joachim Andersen, the big centre-half on loan from Lyon. He's 24 years of age – he's a man back there. He can win it, he can play, looks like he's got a little bit about him to organise those in and around him.

"Right now, he would be a perfect fit for Liverpool Football Club, by the way. Good size, can play, looks commanding, looks like he can organise, he's 24 years of age.

"He's on loan and he's one of those that one or two might look at – and Fulham will obviously want to try and keep him themselves – but one or two others might just look at him and think, 'Hmm, there's a player in there.'"

TIF Thoughts on Andersen and Liverpool...

24-year-old Andersen has played 22 times in the Premier League for Fulham this season, picking up a very good rating of 6.95 for the side. He has won as many as 3.5 aerial duels per game (as per WhoScored).

According to FBRef, he has similarities to the likes of Sven Botman and Duje Caleta-Car. Both players were linked with a move to Anfield, so if Andersen has similar metrics as the two Liverpool targets, perhaps he could also be an option for Jurgen Klopp's men in the future.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2021/03/blogs/premier-league/liverpool/liverpool-pundit-talks-about-joachim-andersen-liverpool-newsnow/

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Scott Parker knows what he is up against as he plots another upset
The Fulham boss is aware of the quality of opponents Manchester City.


Fulham manager Scott Parker hailed Pep Guardiola as an "incredible coach" ahead of the visit of Manchester City (Paul Ellis/PA)

Fulham manager Scott Parker hailed Pep Guardiola as an "incredible coach" ahead of the visit of Manchester City to Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The Cottagers secured a 1-0 win at Anfield on Sunday, and currently sit in the Premier League relegation zone, but level on points with Brighton in 17th place and just one behind Newcastle.

City are arguably closing in on the title and their 21-game winning streak was only brought to an end by derby rivals Manchester United at the weekend.

In February, Guardiola had said the reason for the club's success was the quality of their players, however Parker was full of praise for the manger's own achievements.

"There's some truth in that (Guardiola's comments) but I think he's being very modest," the Fulham manager said.

"He's an incredible coach, and you only have to look at his team and his set-up, while of course they have very, very good players and they're privileged in that they can buy them, that team and the way they're set up, the way they play, the way they move the ball, just everything about them, you can tell just watching them for a few minutes that this a team coached very, very well.

"That doesn't surprise us because we're arguably looking at one of the best coaches that I've seen."

Fulham have 26 points, the same as the total number they amassed during their last Premier League season in 2018-19.

During that campaign, Parker became the third manager of the season in February, but this time round, Fulham have closed the gap to safety with three wins from their last six matches.

However, the manager would not be drawn into comments on Fulham's chances on Saturday.

"You can't (switch off against City),their quality all over the pitch in terms of structure, their positional play...they're a threat in every single moment of the game.

"Out of possession they're a threat, in terms of transitions, with the ball, the way they can move the ball – I think we understand that.

"So I think we realise, or certainly I do, the animal we're playing against here, that from the the first moment...that focus in terms of defensive shape and that focus in those moments is going to be very key."



https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/scott-parker-knows-what-he-is-up-against-as-he-plots-another-upset-40185384.html

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Cairney closing in on Fulham comeback

Tom Cairney is close to making a long-awaited return from his knee injury – but the midfielder is likely to regain his match fitness for Fulham's under 23 side before joining the fight against relegation from the Premier League.

The Fulham captain hasn't made an appearance since December's 1-1 draw against Newcastle after aggravating a knee problem that he first sustained during pre-season. Cairney saw two specialists and underwent laser surgery and, although the 30 year-old briefly missed training after experiencing soreness a couple of weeks ago, Scott Parker confirmed that the Scottish international is now an active participant in Motspur Park sessions again.

The Fulham boss told his pre-match press conference before Saturday night's meeting with Manchester City that Cairney could make a return to competitive football for Fulham's under 23 against Stoke on Monday.

"Tom is back training with us, but not (ready) for the weekend I would have thought. He might need a game to get some football because he's been out for a long time now."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/03/cairney-closing-in-on-fulham-comeback/

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Liverpool win gives Fulham 'extra belief,' says Parker

Scott Parker says that Fulham's belief has been boosted by their outstanding win over defending champions Liverpool – but he knows that Saturday night will provide another stiff test in the shape of league leaders Manchester City.

The Fulham boss has remained steadfast in his belief that the Whites will have enough to stay in the top flight even when results have not gone their way, but he concedes that winning at Anfield will have given his players 'extra belief'. Parker told his pre-match press conference:

"I think it always helps, you win football matches, you get that extra belief – not that we needed it. I think I've been really consistent with that and what I've said we never really needed that. But a football club is always better when you come in on a Monday morning and you've won a game.

So I'd like to think it's given extra belief to the players to think they can go to a place like Liverpool and Anfield and put in a performance and play like they did and get a result at the end of it. I think the difference at times this year has been solely a result, the performance has been there, the levels of performance has been there but the difference has been the result. We got that against Liverpool and hopefully we can keep moving in the right direction."

Parker is under no illusions about the size of the challenge posed by Pep Guardiola's City.

"You can't (switch off against City), their quality all over the pitch in terms of structure, their positional play, they're a threat in every single moment of the game. Out of possession they're a threat, in terms of transitions, with the ball, the way they can move the ball – I think we understand that.

"I thought Southampton started the game very well last night and then after 14 minutes were really the dominant team in the first part and then literally in a click of a finger, one ball over the top, across the face and before you know it Man City are 1-0 up. So I think we realise, or certainly I do, the animal we're playing against here, that from the the first moment...that focus in terms of defensive shape and that focus in those moments is going to be very key."

He is a firm admirer of Guardiola as a coach.

"He's someone that from the outset, when I set off in my coaching career and looked at many people, many coaches, many styles, many ways, as well as my own experiences and my own knowledge and how I want my team to play and then being part of it – this is a coach that probably in my lifetime I've not seen a better one in what he's done and what he's created.

Every team and every football club that he's been at he's created a clear style and a clear way so definitely he's one that I've looked at and tried to work things out or study in a way because he's going to go down as one of the greats really."

Parker had further praise for his defence, especially the partnership between Joachim Andersen and former Manchester City man Tosin Adarabioyo at the heart of his bac four.

"They've been really solid. Great teams, you find the biggest pairing is the central defenders. It's key and pivotal. Joachim and Tosin have formed a very good partnership along with the whole defensive unit and a team. As a team we've defended much better. That's helped how solid we've been, it's in large part down to the partnership between them."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/03/liverpool-win-gives-fulham-extra-belief-says-parker/

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Premier League predictions: Lawro v Bend it like Beckham actor Frank Harper

Liverpool have not lost in the league at Wolves for almost 30 years - a game Mark Lawrenson remembers well - but will they extend that unbeaten record at Molineux on Monday night?

"Their last defeat was August 1981, and it was my Liverpool debut," said BBC football expert Lawrenson. "Mike Matthews got the Wolves winner, and it wasn't my fault by the way.

"This time? It's going to be close, but that unbeaten run should survive, as long as I don't turn up."

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 Bend it Like Beckham actor Frank Harper, whose new film Nemesis is out at the end of this month.

Frank is known for his hardman roles like his part in Nemesis, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, This is England and Silent Night, but in Bend it like Beckham he played the father of a football-loving teenage girl (Keira Knightley) in the 2002 film which inspired a generation of female footballers, including England defender Alex Greenwood.

"What a lot of people don't realise is that when Bend it like Beckham came out, women's football was the most-watched female team sport in the United States," Harper told BBC Sport.

"That's why the film did so well there, not because of the title - no-one in the United States really knew who David Beckham was back then, and soccer was well down the pecking order for male sports. But, because it was about women's football, it went massive.

"Almost 20 years on, it is absolutely brilliant to see how women's football has taken off over here in the UK too.

"Some of the girls who played in the matches in Bend it like Beckham played for real, and were semi-pros here. I remember going to watch the women's FA Cup final at Selhurst Park in 2003 and there were about 10,000 people there.

"Now, it's fully professional and the women's FA Cup final is at Wembley, with crowds of around 45,000, and the England team are playing there and selling it out.

"That speaks volumes for how much its profile has increased in the past 20 years or so and the standard has come on leaps and bounds too, in terms of their technique and ability on the ball. That's one of the benefits of it being fully professional now, and it's going to keep on improving."

Harper supports Millwall, one of the clubs his dad, Dave Harper, played for in a 14-year professional career between 1957 and 1971.

Frank explained: "It wasn't just because he played for them - I grew up in south London and all of my dad's side of my family came from Peckham. Millwall was always their team - my grandad took my dad to the Den too, and my great grandfather was a Millwall fan too, so it was a generational thing.

"He played for Orient too, and I remember being stood out the dressing room when they had won the old Third Division in 1970 - he came out and gave me his winners' medal. My brother has got that now, but I have got his medal from when Millwall won Division Four in 1962, before I was born."

"A lot has changed since then, and not many of the grounds in London that he used to play at are still there - and if they are, most of them have been changed beyond recognition.

"You can't turn back time, but I do miss the old grounds that have gone. When I've been to the new Wembley for games with my daughter, she's said 'this is amazing' but it can never compare to the old one, and the unique history it had. When it was knocked down, which should never have been allowed to happen, every iconic footballer in the world that had ever lived had played there."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Fulham v Man City (20:00 GMT)

Fulham were fantastic at Anfield last weekend and fully deserved their victory over Liverpool. With three months of the season to go, they have given themselves a fighting chance of staying up, and you just know they will give it a good go in this game too.

This is obviously a much bigger test, though. Manchester City's long winning run was ended by neighbours Manchester United but I think that defeat could end up doing Pep Guardiola's side some good.

In my time playing for Liverpool, we would go on long unbeaten runs or whatever and they became the focus in the media. They shouldn't be. Sometimes it would almost be a case of 'thank god for that' when we lost, just so people would stop throwing those numbers at you all the time.

Also, a defeat at the right time can concentrate the mind for the tests that are to come - the old 'short, sharp shock' if you like, because there is nothing worse than your players starting to think that you can't be beaten.

Apart from the fact it was against their rivals, Sunday was probably a 'good' defeat for City, because it is not going to stop them winning the Premier League.

Lawro's prediction: 0-2

Frank's prediction: The title is still City's to lose even though United beat them last week. 0-3



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56320397

[WhiteJC]

Report: West Ham in talks to sign Fulham starlet Ibane Bowat

West Ham are in talks to sign Fulham youngster Ibane Bowat according to a report from TEAMtalk. The Hammers allegedly could face competition from the likes of Arsenal and Everton for the 18-year-old's signature, however.

David Moyes may well be on the look out for young central defensive options this summer.

Fabian Balbuena faces an uncertain future at the London Stadium whilst Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson will be 33 and 31 respectively before the start of the new season.

West Ham do already have plenty of exciting young defensive talent coming through the ranks.

It seems as though we could be about to improve upon that even further still, however.

TEAMtalk claims that West Ham are in talks to sign Fulham youngster Ibane Bowat.

Arsenal and Everton want him as well, however, according to TEAMtalk.

West Ham in discussions to sign Ibane Bowat

The left-footed centre-back is very rough around the edges and has only played 25 games for Fulham's under-18 side.

He has a lot of talent, however.

Bowat helped the Cottagers win the Premier League South at under-18 level last season.

The 18-year-old is only on a scholarship deal at Craven Cottage.

TEAMtalk claims that West Ham could offer the teenager professional terms, however.

This will be an interesting one to keep an eye on. He would be a promising addition for West Ham this summer.

Whether we manage to beat the likes of Arsenal and Everton to his signature, however, remains to be seen.



https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/report-west-ham-in-talks-to-sign-fulham-starlet-ibane-bowat/

[WhiteJC]

'Fast, dangerous': CEO says reported Everton and Fulham target will cost more than £23m

Stuttgart chief executive Thomas Hitzlsperger has paid tribute to rising star Silas Wamangituka, telling Fussballeck the Everton and Fulham target is worth more than his reported £23 million price tag.

In their first season back in the big time, a fresh-faced, forward-thinking Stuttgart side have been a breath of fresh air.

And it was only a matter of time before some of the most exciting young talent in the Bundesliga started to attract admiring glances from outside the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

EuroSport claims Wamangituka, the rocket-fuelled 21-year-old, is a summer target for Everton and Fulham after scoring 13 times in 25 matches this term.

His price tag remains a mystery.

But, according to Hitzlsperger, the fee required to take Wamangituka from Stuttgart is a fair bit more than the £23 million suggested by influential website Transfermarkt.

"The market determines the value. Silas has weapons. He is fast, dangerous, can defend himself and get up after fouls," says Hitzlsperger, who made seven Premier League appearances for Everton in 2012/13.

"I trust he can get Transfermarkt to correct the price up a bit."

One of the fastest forwards in Germany, Wamangituka produced two goals and one assist as Stuttgart battered Borussia Dortmund 5-1 in December, the second-youngest side in Bundesliga history humiliating one of the division's giants on their own soil.

Wamangituka also scored a pair of brilliant individual goals against Mainz and Monchengladbach recently, running from inside his own half before finishing in style.

It's that kind of devastating forward play that has Stuttgart sporting director Sven Mislintat comparing his prized asset to a certain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Bundesliga.com).



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/03/11/fast-dangerous-ceo-says-reported-everton-and-fulham-target-will-cost-more-than-23m/

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Talk Exclusive: The Rodney Marsh Interview

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

This episode was an interview with Rodney Marsh. We discussed his time at Fulham and he shared some very interesting stories with us. Later on, we got his view on the current Fulham team and Scott Parker. To finish the show, Rodney helped us preview the upcoming match for Fulham against Manchester City.



You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2021/3/11/22325903/cottage-talk-exclusive-the-rodney-marsh-interview

[WhiteJC]

Harrison Reed: Fulham midfielder on learning from Scott Parker and the team's unshakeable belief

In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Fulham's Harrison Reed reflects on a key win at Liverpool, explains why their attacking attitude can lift them to Premier League safety, and praises Scott Parker's detailed coaching for raising his game.

Harrison Reed has benefitted from Scott Parker's defensive-midfielder expertise at Fulham

"I don't think I can say too much!"
Harrison Reed laughs as he tries to find the right words to describe the cream jacket worn by his Fulham boss Scott Parker during the London side's surprise win at Anfield last weekend.

"It brought us three points, so I expect to see him with the same jacket on Saturday!"

Reed concedes Parker is "probably one of the best-dressed managers in the league" but there's substance behind the style for Fulham now.

Promoted from the Championship last season playing front-foot football, they were dealt a shock in the opening weeks of this campaign, losing five of their first six and written off as relegation certainties.

But through a combination of clever recruitment, smart tactical changes by Parker, and a remarkable spirit in the camp, Fulham are fighting back against the odds. With just two defeats in their last 10 league games, the great escape is on.

Their 1-0 win at Liverpool pulled them level on points with Brighton and just one behind Newcastle. Those two sides have a game in hand but Fulham have the momentum - and the belief.

It was striking that both in the build-up and in the aftermath of that victory on Sunday, Fulham's players and manager made it clear they had travelled to Merseyside intent on beating the defending Premier League champions. There was no parking the bus or hoping for fortune to fall their way.

After their early season setbacks, Parker and Fulham have strengthened their defensive base - and from there they now have the confidence to put their attacking game into action. Even against the biggest sides.

"From the first whistle at Anfield we were on the front foot, we were controlling the tempo of the game," Reed tells Sky Sports, a few days after the standout victory.

"I felt we fully deserved the lead we went into half-time with but of course they're Premier League champions and the game can change a lot and we had to suffer a lot in the second half without the ball and dig in. Then we showed a different side to us from the first half, so that was really pleasing.

"It's a great feeling. You look at the league table and, yeah, we're down the bottom and we're fighting for our lives, of course. But when you watch us play we don't look like a team down there - and we certainly don't feel like a team that's down there in the way the game pans out."

Meticulous detail is what it's all about for Parker, who prepares his team thoroughly for each test. As a result, Fulham have learnt to swing from different systems and set-ups and become far harder to beat than their league position suggests.

Fast-improving Reed, 26, is one of the rising stars in this Fulham side who have felt the benefit. His hunger to raise his own game is clear - and Parker and his coaching staff have created an environment of positivity and improvement which is lifting standards.


No player made more tackles than Reed during Fulham's 1-0 win at Liverpool - but he also repeatedly looked forwards with his passing

"The first thing I noticed when I came in on loan at the start of last season was the amount of detail that Parker, Wellsy [coach, Matt Wells], and Stuart Gray [assistant manager], all go into," said Reed, who made his switch from Southampton permanent last summer. "They leave no stone unturned.

"Preparation for the game usually happens with a two, three-day build-up. Then, throughout the game, in and out of possession, we understand everything the opposition can throw at us and the way we can counteract that and hurt teams. We go into the game full of confidence because of that - and it's showing now with the results against top teams.

"If you see our day-to-day training, the amount of detail and focus we have in there is very, very high. It's incredible really, working with this manager.


   

If you see our day-to-day training, the amount of detail and focus we have in there is very, very high. It's incredible really, working with this manager. My knowledge of the game now, from working under him day in, day out has grown massively.
    Harrison Reed on Scott Parker

"My knowledge of the game now, from working under him day in, day out has grown massively. I think you can see it on the pitch. The players are comfortable in any formation we play and any set-up we can change in the game and the transition is pretty fluid. That's a real positive and a real strength of our team."

Reed, a defensive midfielder like Parker was in his playing days, has also seized the opportunity to tap into the experience his manager picked up during his career.

"Especially early on in my time here we spoke a lot and I picked his brains about the position," said Reed.

"I watched the manager when he was a player and I understood what I felt he wanted me to bring to the team and the attributes he was looking for me to bring to each game.

"Of course, I speak to him a lot still about individual games and reflecting on games, but I feel I really understand what he wants me to bring to every game and to the team, and that's doing the basics really well and giving the team a platform to go on and perform in the game."

Technically proficient, as you'd expect from a player raised in the acclaimed Southampton academy, Reed looks after the ball as well as Parker did, leading the rankings for passing accuracy and dribbles among regular English holding midfielders in the Premier League.

But he credits Parker for improving him out of possession and becoming one of the most destructive midfielders in the division, too.

"In the academy it was very technical but I felt the side of the game I needed to improve on most was the tactical side of it. My understanding of the game and reading of the game - and I think that's what Scott's given to me massively," said Reed.

"I listen to every word he says. He's on the sideline and he can probably see every picture I'm going to see and he knows where the pressure is going to come from.

"In my position, out of possession, if I can't get pressure on the ball I need to be blocking passing lanes, I need to be making interceptions, winning duels - and that's something he has given me a lot more than any other manager has.

"As a team we want to be a good footballing side and I want to be a player who is technically good, who can control the game, make passes, make assists, look good in possession... but where I feel I've improved a lot this season is out of possession. Doing the nasty stuff, doing the dirty work, putting my foot in, disrupting the game, making interceptions.

"I spoke about those things with the coaching staff and the fitness coach early in the season about how I can impact games more out of possession and I think that's something I've improved on and it's given me a platform to perform in games.

"Stats are looked at more and more in football these days and I was aware of the areas of my game I needed to be better at and I wanted to be competing with the best in my position. I feel like over the course of the season that has allowed me to step up and put in much better performances than at the start of the season and help the team."

Parker's commitment, improvement, and hard work took him onto the international stage and Reed's form has sparked talk of a call-up, with England's central midfield far from certain ahead of this summer's European Championships.

But for now, his attention remains on the short-term. "My sole focus at the moment - as cliched as it is - is keeping this club in the Premier League and I believe we can do that," he said.

With Manchester City coming to Craven Cottage on Saturday and Parker's in-depth preparations for the fixture ramping up, there's little time to be wondering what this summer could hold.

But, unsurprisingly, Reed says he and his team-mates will embrace the challenge with what is becoming their signature enthusiasm and ambition.

"It's obviously going to be a very difficult game against Man City," he said. "Their style of play, how clever the manager is, how he sets up his team, how clever the players are, the ability they have... That's clear to see.

"But it's a challenge we're going to relish. We're going to set up to attack them. I think away from home against City it was one of the only games where we weren't really in the game and we want to change that this time. We want to be front-foot, we want to be in their faces.

"We've got a lot of belief coming out of the Liverpool game and it would be a shame not to carry that belief and momentum into this one and give it a real good go.

"So we'll prepare for it as best we can and we'll go into it with belief and confidence and let's see what we can get from the game - hopefully three points."

With that attitude - and Parker's lucky jacket - Fulham just can't be written off.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12243095/harrison-reed-fulham-midfielder-on-learning-from-scott-parker-and-the-teams-unshakeable-belief

[WhiteJC]

Parker's preparation boosts Fulham 'belief,' says Reed

Harrison Reed has heaped praise on Fulham manager Scott Parker – saying his preparation and tactical acumen has boosted the belief amongst the squad that the Whites can avoid relegation from the top flight.

The former Southampton midfielder says Fulham have taken great confidence from their outstanding win at Liverpool last weekend. In a lengthy interview with Sky Sports, Reed insisted his side were good value for their win at Anfield and called on his team-mates to carry that level of performance in this weekend's meeting with Manchester City.

"From the first whistle at Anfield we were on the front foot, we were controlling the tempo of the game. I felt we fully deserved the lead we went into half-time with but of course they're Premier League champions and the game can change a lot and we had to suffer a lot in the second half without the ball and dig in. Then we showed a different side to us from the first half, so that was really pleasing.

It's a great feeling. You look at the league table and, yeah, we're down the bottom and we're fighting for our lives, of course. But when you watch us play we don't look like a team down there – and we certainly don't feel like a team that's down there in the way the game pans out."

Reed isn't in any doubt of the scale of the challenge Fulham will be facing when taking on the league leaders on Saturday night.

"It's obviously going to be a very difficult game against Man City. Their style of play, how clever the manager is, how he sets up his team, how clever the players are, the ability they have... That's clear to see. But it's a challenge we're going to relish. We're going to set up to attack them. I think away from home against City it was one of the only games where we weren't really in the game and we want to change that this time. We want to be front-foot, we want to be in their faces.

"We've got a lot of belief coming out of the Liverpool game and it would be a shame not to carry that belief and momentum into this one and give it a real good go. So we'll prepare for it as best we can and we'll go into it with belief and confidence and let's see what we can get from the game – hopefully three points.

The tigerish midfielder highlighted the meticulous work of Parker and his backroom staff in getting Fulham prepared for their opponents as well as being able to adapt to a number of different in game scenarios.

"The first thing I noticed when I came in on loan at the start of last season was the amount of detail that Parker, Wellsy and Stuart Gray all go into. They leave no stone unturned. Preparation for the game usually happens with a two, three-day build-up. Then, throughout the game, in and out of possession, we understand everything the opposition can throw at us and the way we can counteract that and hurt teams. We go into the game full of confidence because of that – and it's showing now with the results against top teams."

Reed praised Parker's personal influence on his own game, revealing that he has tapped into his manager's experience because of their shared positions.

"If you see our day-to-day training, the amount of detail and focus we have in there is very, very high. It's incredible really, working with this manager. My knowledge of the game now, from working under him day in, day out has grown massively. I think you can see it on the pitch. The players are comfortable in any formation we play and any set-up we can change in the game and the transition is pretty fluid. That's a real positive and a real strength of our team.

"Especially early on in my time here we spoke a lot and I picked his brains about the position. I watched the manager when he was a player and I understood what I felt he wanted me to bring to the team and the attributes he was looking for me to bring to each game. Of course, I speak to him a lot still about individual games and reflecting on games, but I feel I really understand what he wants me to bring to every game and to the team, and that's doing the basics really well and giving the team a platform to go on and perform in the game.

"In the academy it was very technical but I felt the side of the game I needed to improve on most was the tactical side of it. My understanding of the game and reading of the game – and I think that's what Scott's given to me massively. I listen to every word he says. He's on the sideline and he can probably see every picture I'm going to see and he knows where the pressure is going to come from. In my position, out of possession, if I can't get pressure on the ball I need to be blocking passing lanes, I need to be making interceptions, winning duels – and that's something he has given me a lot more than any other manager has."

"As a team we want to be a good footballing side and I want to be a player who is technically good, who can control the game, make passes, make assists, look good in possession... but where I feel I've improved a lot this season is out of possession. Doing the nasty stuff, doing the dirty work, putting my foot in, disrupting the game, making interceptions. I spoke about those things with the coaching staff and the fitness coach early in the season about how I can impact games more out of possession and I think that's something I've improved on and it's given me a platform to perform in games.

Stats are looked at more and more in football these days and I was aware of the areas of my game I needed to be better at and I wanted to be competing with the best in my position. I feel like over the course of the season that has allowed me to step up and put in much better performances than at the start of the season and help the team."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/03/parkers-preparation-boosts-fulham-belief-says-reed/

[WhiteJC]

Decordova-Reid has 'elite' levels of fitness, says Parker

Scott Parker believes Bobby Decordova-Reid can play in different positions because his fitness is "elite" class.

Fulham, like every other Premier League club, run post-match tests on their players to assess their recovery.

The forward, who joined permanently from Cardiff in January 2020, has excelled when it comes to producing fitness statistics.

It's a major reason he's also been deployed as a wing-back on occasions and on both flanks as well as at right-back.

Whites boss Parker said: "He has been incredible with his versatility. There is never anything too much for Bob.

"Physically incredible – his numbers that he can produce physically are elite, and that always gives him that option to play in other positions.

"And he's a real goal threat. He has got a knack of sniffing out goals, being in the right areas, gambling on things.

"He was fantastic for us last year, and this year, in his second year in this league, after a year with Cardiff, has been very, very good and has been key for us.

"He is a key player in this team. He has done tremendously well."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-man-has-elite-levels-of-fitness-says-parker