Friday Fulham Stuff - 19/03/21...

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THE SECRET SCOUT: Fulham's teenage midfielder Fabio Carvalho has great awareness, control and football intelligence... but he needs more confidence in his left foot

    He caught the eye even though he was one of the youngest in Fulham's U23 team
    Carvalho, valued at £550,000 shows great awareness and control on the ball
    The 18-year-old is not the strongest and he needs to use his left foot more

Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star.

This week, teenage Fulham midfielder Fabio Carvalho is under the spotlight...


Teenage midfielder Fabio Carvalho has caught the eye playing for Fulham's Under 23s team

WHAT HAS HE GOT?

Playing as a No 10, this teenager was the main instigator of attacks even though he was one of the youngest in Fulham's Under 23 team.

He showed great awareness and control, and created two chances with pacy pinpoint crosses.

I liked the way he accepts the ball with a soft touch and a good idea of where he'll play the next pass. He seemed to understand when and when not to press, and move to support his striker. In short, he has football intelligence.


The 18-year-old midfielder has great awareness, control and football intelligence

WHAT DOES HE NEED?

I didn't see him have enough confidence to use his left foot.

He is not the strongest, but that will come. As the match drifted on it became scrappy and the coach moved Carvalho out wide, where he kept the team shape but could not attract the ball.

I'm told he has a decent goal ratio at youth level. It is early days, but he shows promise.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9378633/THE-SECRET-SCOUT-Fulham-midfielder-Fabio-Carvalho-great-awareness-football-intelligence.html

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Scott Parker hopeful Fulham captain Tom Cairney CAN feature for his side in their Premier League relegation battle but concedes ongoing knee issue is making his recovery tougher

    Tom Cairney has not featured since Fulham's draw at Newcastle in December
    But Scott Parker admits he is fearful his captain could miss the rest of the season
    Cairney is struggling to return to full fitness due to an ongoing knee problem

Scott Parker admitted he is fearful that captain Tom Cairney could miss the remainder of the season.

The 30-year-old has not featured for Fulham since their 1-1 draw at Newcastle in December and has been struggling to return to full fitness due to an ongoing knee problem.

'You're getting to that point in the season, you're also getting to that point with Tom where he's been out for some time now and the issue is still ongoing,' the Fulham boss said.


Scott Parker admits he is fearful Fulham captain Tom Cairney could miss the rest of the season

'So, of course there's that fear, definitely (that he could miss the end of the season).

'We are confident and what brings us that confidence is that he is close. He has managed to be able to train, come off it, train, come off it.

'But this is an ongoing issue and time is against him with nine games to go. We're still hoping that we can get a fit Tom Cairney on the pitch.'

Parker has said before that they were pursuing multiple treatment options for Cairney, including a laser treatment, and announced on Thursday they would be looking at injections on the recommendation of a specialist.

Fulham host Leeds on Friday in the last game before the international break, but Parker said Frank Anguissa and Mario Lemina will not be away for the full time, with their respective nations Cameroon and Gabon due to play in red-list countries.

'It's not ideal in the current situation, players travelling,' Parker said.

'But at the same time, there is a big tournament and the managers that are involved at that level, in terms of managing their countries, they need that time to prepare for what are big tournaments in the summer.


The 30-year-old is struggling to return to full fitness due to an ongoing knee problem


Parker revealed they would be looking at injections on the recommendation of a specialist

'On a selfish note, from my point of view, of course it's not ideal. We've got a massive run-in now, we have had a lot of games. Players (will be going) all over the place and the situation we are in, the pandemic, there are a lot of rules, regulations when they come back from the countries they are going to. It's a constant fear and a worry.

'But on the flipside I also understand if you are a manager of a country, you need time to prepare. Come the summer it will be you under scrutiny, it's going to be you that's in the spotlight. These are the moments you need to prepare and work out the best way to go. It's catch-22 really.'

He added: 'The players that have games in red-list countries won't be playing in those countries. We've got two.

'Those players would then miss 14 days and two Premier League games. It's just not feasible for a club like us to be able to do that. So they won't be playing in those countries.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9378129/Scott-Parker-hopeful-Fulham-captain-Tom-Cairney-feature-season.html

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McLeish hails perfect timing amid Rodrigo twist ahead of Leeds clash v Fulham

The international break has come at a "great time" to help Leeds United to get players like Rodrigo back up to full fitness, according to Alex McLeish.

The former Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Whites would be able to work on getting certain stars physically and mentally ready for a return to action.

Speaking on Wednesday, as quoted by BBC journalist Adam Pope, Marcelo Bielsa confirmed Rodrigo was a doubt for Friday's clash against Fulham.

Rodrigo's latest problem is a twist after he only made his comeback from injury in last weekend's draw against Chelsea.

Liam Cooper is out with illness, while fellow defender Robin Koch has only recently returned to playing under-23s football.

Neither Cooper nor Rodrigo have been called up by their respective national sides.

Meanwhile, Koch is highly unlikely to be recalled to the Germany squad after his lack of game time.

As such, McLeish has suggested Leeds could benefit from the international break.

Asked if he thought the break could give Leeds a boost, McLeish told Football Insider's Russell Edge: "Certainly. If none of your players are going away over the international break. That is definitely the caveat.

"If you have players who have not been called up then it's a great time to get them on the treatment table. You can pamper them, get them buzzing again, massage their muscles, their egos and mentalities as well.

"That's the key, that is definitely the key for Leeds. Have them absolutely raging and raring to go when the international games are over."

The likes of Mateusz Klich, Ezgjan Alioski and Tyler Roberts have all been called up to their respective national sides.

Meanwhile, Illan Meslier has been selected for France's under-21s.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/leeds-united-set-for-imminent-player-boost-amid-big-rodrigo-update/

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'This will not be an easy game' – Fulham v Leeds United: Our view

Marcelo Bielsa takes Leeds United to Craven Cottage this Friday night to take on Fulham.

Leeds are looking to build on last Saturday's 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Elland Road and end a run in London that makes woeful reading.

Last time out, Leeds beat Fulham 4-3 at Elland Road, but Scott Parker's side are showing signs of life in the relegation battle and will pose the Whites a threat.

As always, the LeedsAllOver team – Kris (FA5), Toby (Neutral) & Alfie (N12) – deliver their predictions...

This is the best chance we have of breaking our London curse, but it's a tough game against a side that has found their mojo.

You could see in the Championship that Scott Parker was trying hard to implement a possession-based style, that eventually came good with promotion as they found a way to become harder to beat, incidentally after shipping three at Elland Road.

The same has happened this season, with their form turning around resulting in more clean sheets and wins on the board.

With that in mind, we know we're getting a harder game than the one we got in September, and it's more likely to be a lower-scoring affair; barring the recent game against Man City (a one-off), they haven't let in three since they lost 3-2 to Everton in November.

I can see us getting the better of them in the midfield with the quality we have both through the middle and in wide positions, and that could be crucial to which side asserts dominance in the game.

I'm very hopeful that Tyler Roberts can continue on from his lively performance against Chelsea and back it up with a goal or assist here, along with the huge boost of Patrick Bamford being ready to play.

I'm confident we can get a much-needed win at Fulham. 1-0.

Despite what an initial glance at the Premier League table might suggest, this will not be an easy game for Leeds.

Right now, Fulham look to have as good a chance of safety as any of the sides battling against relegation right now, and given the quality they were up against, it feels hard to write them off on the basis of that defeat to Manchester City last weekend.

Indeed, given their desperate need for points, you would expect Fulham to be throwing plenty at Leeds, who are a side we all know by now play that way anyway, so this does look to be an entertaining encounter, with that attacking emphasis meaning Marcelo Bielsa's side will surely be grateful for the apparent availability of Patrick Bamford for this one.

But for all that attacking intent, the battle between these two side's enforcers in the centre of the park – Kalvin Phillips and Harrison Reed – could be absolutely crucial for control of the game, which looks set to make this a fascinating watch from a number of aspects.

Leeds have certainly been the more impressive of these two promoted teams this season, but Fulham's greater need for points can do funny things in football – just ask Liverpool – so I get the feeling that Scott Parker's side might be able to nick something from this. 2-2.

If you take the London factor out of this game, it's one that Leeds United would be expected to win. However, I'm sat here worrying that the 'curse' will continue against an improving Fulham side.

The two squads are matched up quite nicely and it should be a good game to watch. Like Toby, I'm particularly looking forward to seeing Phillips and Reed get stuck into each other in the middle.

   

Should the stars align for Leeds in the capital and lady luck get on the coach with Bielsa, it would be a massive result and all-but secure a place in next season's Premier League.

At this stage of the season that would be some achievement and really give us a lift heading into the international break.

Whether I see that happening is another matter, though, with Leeds' record in London something that leaves me feeling flat heading into the fixture.

I'll back a 1-1 draw, but that scoreline could swing either way as well.



https://www.leedsallover.com/this-will-not-be-an-easy-game-fulham-v-leeds-united-our-view/

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Scott Parker has found a way to thrive but Fulham's greatest survival challenges still lie ahead

To even be within a win of safety at this stage highlights the consistent upward learning curve Parker and his team have embarked on

It is two years this month that Scott Parker found himself sat in the big chair of the home dugout at Craven Cottage. The circumstances of 2019 were not so different to how they are now in 2021.

Then, his purpose was to mastermind a great escape. Fulham were 10 points from safety with 10 to play, a malaise reflected in Parker's appointment as their third manager of the 2018/19 season, following on from Slavisa Jokanovic and Claudio Ranieri. With the rot irredeemable, five defeats in Parker's first five matches confirmed an inevitable relegation.

The circumstances now are much more in his favour. Yes, Fulham are still in the relegation zone, but safety is only two points away. The game extra they have played is offset by Newcastle and Brighton - two and three points ahead, respectively - squaring off on Saturday evening. Anything other than a Brighton win means victory for Fulham on Friday, over Leeds United, will take them out of the bottom three for the first time since the second week of December.

Few would have watched Fulham early on and concluded they'd have even a whiff of staying up with nine games to play. They had just four points after nine, in disarray at the back, cycling through 10 different defensive starters during this period. Each seemingly a clown out of the car stepping on the same old rake.

Thus you could argue the brunt of the"great" part of this particular escape has already happened. Because since Valentines Day, Fulham have picked up 11 points from seven, cutting that gap from eight to two. They also picked up three clean sheets - the most notable in a 1-0 win against Liverpool at Anfield - to take them to nine overall, joint seventh in the Premier League.

In an alternate universe, we may attribute this uptick to the "new manager bounce" fallacy. But here in the reality of Plague Island, the credit is well and truly Parker's.

Is it time to start giving him credit? Or is that a bit like thanking a surgeon for removing a spike from your foot and limping off as the blood slowly fills your shoe? Fixtures away to Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United await Fulham, before a final-day showdown at home to Newcastle. Challenging assignments are still to come.

But maybe for that reason it's worth stepping off the relentless treadmill of this Covid-20/21 season and toasting Parker for getting to this stage - if only to note the work he has done thus far. And the fact he's still in the job. The talk up to this point, certainly what has cut through to the mainstream, has been, well, almost exclusively memes.

The melodic pattern of his post-match interviews dovetailing neatly with Mike Skinner's flow with The Streets. His wholesome, perfectly manicured aesthetic: a boyish facade with a chiselled jaw and perfect hair giving us a glimpse of what Band of Brothers would have been in Disney's hands. A GQ Action Man doll that could steal Barbie away from Ken.


Scott Parker in all his splendour, directing Fulham to a win a Anfield
(Getty Images)

Yet what we have before us is a manager growing into his own perfect skin. After a season of individual growth in the Championship and months of trial and error in the top-flight, Parker seems to have found a way to thrive, not just merely exist. Though an 18th placing does not suggest it, the 40-year-old is doing a lot right.

The upturn in form has come through persisting with a flowing style that is starting to return points. Fulham are seventh when it comes to passes made in the opposition half and ninth for chances created out of the 20 league sides. In a perfect expected Goals world, they would be 14th. Alas, this imperfect one has seen just 22 goals. Nevertheless, the right moves are being made.

To be fair, this triumph of persistence and belief has not gone totally unnoticed. "He's gone through difficult moments in the Championship and in the Premier League and in all of them, he's managed to overcome them by imposing his philosophy, and the system that he uses is a very creative one," said Marcelo Bielsa, a pretty sound judge on those matters.

Parker's personnel management also warrants praise. We can probably start with the fact that Aleksandar ­Mitrovic and Abou Kamara remain willing teammates in west London despite their tear-up during a yoga session at the start of 2019.

But the care behind the scenes among the less volatile members of the group has ensured the early missteps had not gutted morale. The word is his rapport with the playing staff was one of the reasons Fulham's decision-makers kept faith with Parker when others might have cast him aside.

Perhaps the clearest sign of a happy camp is how well temporary players have integrated. Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola (Paris Saint-Germain), centre-back and captain Joachim Andersen (Lyon), spritely craftsman Ademola Lookman (RB Leipzig) and livewire Josh Maja (Bordeaux) are all on deals that expire at the end of the season. Yet these loan rangers have committed to the cause, playing critical roles in this burst that takes Fulham into the home straight.

And yet, no one inside the club are engaging in any false pretences. Outright and worthwhile judgement will only come after 38 games. No one could be critical of Fulham if they low-blocked their way to safety, but the faith in the process has paid off in the last month. The next two months will be when it really counts.

Leeds, the first of the remaining four home fixtures, will be a stern test of their mettle. Bielsa's side are the league's great equalisers: their controlled chaos a dare to all-comers to lay down their arms, disregard their principles and indulge in a bare-knuckle scrap. The desperation for just a sixth win in what would be 30 attempts may see Fulham do just that.

In many ways, we'll find out how robust Fulham's belief actually is, in a few different things. In the numbers, and the idea that eventually xG turns to G. In Parker, and his understanding of this group, and their fighting spirit. And that this time, unlike 2019, Fulham have enough about them in the dugout and on the pitch to survive.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham/scott-parker-thrive-challenge-premier-league-b1819373.html

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Report: Nottingham Forest want permanent Anthony Knockaert deal

Nottingham Forest are keen on signing Anthony Knockaert permanently during the summer transfer window.

According to Football League World, the Reds will hold discussions with Fulham, with the Premier League outfit open to a sale.

The Cottagers will even consider letting him leave Craven Cottage if they're relegated from the top-flight at the end of the season.

Scott Parker's team are in the relegation zone but have been playing pretty well of late; with supporters dreaming of survival.

Knockaert won promotion with Fulham last season and that saw a clause activated which said they had to sign him for £10 million.

He departed for a loan spell at Forest, however, without making a Premier League appearance for the club.

The 29-year-old has played 28 games for the Reds, proving a constant threat when called upon.

Signing him permanently won't come without obstacles though.

It is thought that Knockaert earns £35,000-a-week at Fulham and that could prove out of Forest's reach.

The Reds are battling to save their Championship status and were poor in defeat to Norwich on Tuesday night.

Knockaert was ruled out through injury for that one but Hughton will hope to have him back for tomorrow's game at Brentford.

Should Forest sign the Frenchman?
This will largely depend on who you ask among the Forest fan base.

Some can't let go of the fact that he used to play for Leicester – or that he is blocking the pathway for Alex Mighten to play more frequently.

Knockaert, however, is a proven Championship performer and if the numbers are right he'd be a quality addition.

The statistics will tell you the Frenchman has two goals and one assist to his name this season.

But for some woeful finishing he'd easily have seven or eight assists, however, and his left foot is an absolute wans.

Knockaert constantly puts a shift in and with better players around him he could really thrive.

His permanent arrival would make for a strong start to the summer transfer window.



https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2021/03/19/report-nottingham-forest-want-permanent-anthony-knockaert-deal/

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Fulham captain Cairney unlikely to return this season

Tom Cairney is set to miss the rest of the season.

For the first time, Scott Parker has admitted the odds are stacked against the Fulham captain making any kind of appearance over the final nine games of the campaign.

Cairney hasn't played since December 19 as he battles a knee injury initially picked up in a pre-season friendly.

The midfielder has been in and out of modified training ever since, but he's now set for a new course of injections recommended by a specialist.

Whites boss Parker said: "You're getting to that point in the season, you're also getting to that point with Tom where he's been out for some time now and the issue is still ongoing.

"So, of course there's that fear, definitely (that his season is over). He has managed to be able to train, come off it, train, come off it.

"But this is an ongoing issue and time is against him with nine games to go.

"This course of injections we hope speeds up the healing process. That's what a specialist has recommended we do over the next week or 10 days and then we'll build up again and see if we've made some steps forward."

Parker revealed something of the 30-year-old's frustration as he's been forced to watch his team-mates battle Premier League relegation for the second time in three seasons.

Parker explained: "He's gutted because the last time we were in this division he showed his quality but we were relegated.

"This time he got an early run of games, but again has not been able to show his quality in a division he's tried his whole life to get into."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-captain-cairney-unlikely-to-return-this-season

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Fulham duo set to miss international games

Fulham are looking to withdraw André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Mario Lemina from international duty next week.

The two midfielders were due to represent their countries facing sides on the government 'red list' demanding a 14-day quarantine on return to the UK because of Covid-19 resrictions.

Anguissa's Cameroon have fixtures against Cape Verde Rwanda and Cape Verde, both on the red list, while Lemina from Gabon, was due to play Angola and Congo DR.

Visiting Angola would have required the Southampton loanee to sit out vital Fulham matches against Aston Villa and Wolves.

Fulham boss Scott Parker is reluctant to weaken his squad as Fulham fight the drop.

He said: "Those players would then miss 14 days and two Premier League games.

"It's just not feasible for a club like us to be able to do that. So, they won't be playing in those countries.

"Frank Anguissa and Mario Lemina have two games (each), one of the games is fine.

"But there is one game for each of them (at least) that is in a red-list country. We will be doing all we can to make sure they don't go into them."

However, a number of Whites players will be away with their national teams. Injury and infection top the list of Parker's concerns.

"It's not ideal in the current situation, players travelling," he said.

"But at the same time, there is a big tournament and the managers that are involved at that level, in terms of managing their countries, they need that time to prepare for what are big tournaments in the summer.

"On a selfish note, from my point of view, of course it's not ideal. We've got a massive run-in now; we have had a lot of games.

"Players (will be going) all over the place and the situation we are in, the pandemic, there are a lot of rules, regulations when they come back from the countries they are going to. It's a constant fear and a worry."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-duo-set-to-miss-international-games

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Premier League survival: relegation dogfight reaches pivotal weekend

The quietest Premier League weekend of the season is set to be the loudest in the battle to avoid the drop. With Sheffield United and West Brom left needing a miracle, all interest at the bottom of the table is on the following state of affairs;

Brighton – 29 points (played 28), Newcastle – 28 points (played 28), Fulham – 26 points (played 29).

The race to avoid the final relegation place looks to all intents and purposes a three-way fight. Whoever drops through the trapdoor will almost certainly look back at this weekend in late March as a defining factor in their downfall.

Fulham host Leeds on Friday night knowing that a victory will hoist them above the cut line. Defender Ola Aina has already stated they are 'raring to go' and Scott Parker will not need to explain the importance of the game to anyone at Craven Cottage. Marcelo Bielsa's visitors have provided an abundance of entertainment this season but, thanks to their open and expansive style of play, offer the Cottagers a realistic route to three points. The Cottagers' surge in recent weeks has brought them within touching distance of their immediate rivals who, as the fixture list would have it, will face each other less than 24 hours later.

Brighton shouldn't be in a relegation scrap if performances are anything to go by. Unfortunately for them, only points count in the end. The mood at the Amex, despite a lowly league standard, is easily the most optimistic of those in immediate danger thanks to a deserved three points last time out at Southampton. Regardless of Fulham's result, a Brighton victory would see them put breathing space between themselves and danger, whilst plummeting their opponents from the North East into real peril.

Should Fulham get the job done on Friday, Newcastle will arrive at the Amex in the drop zone and without a win in five games. A late, late Jamaal Lascelles equaliser against Aston Villa last time out boosted the points tally but did little to change the mood on Tyneside. Should, as is certainly possible, Newcastle end Saturday in the unwanted 18th position, pressure on Steve Bruce will intensify to new levels.

From a neutral's perspective, the importance of these two clashes between bottom half clubs adds an element of intrigue to a Premier League weekend lacking in action. For players and supporters of those involved the situation is far more serious. For Brighton, a mouthwatering opportunity awaits to surge clear of trouble. For Fulham and Newcastle, defeat feels as if it would bring more damaging consequences.

On the final day of the 20/21 season, Fulham will host Newcastle at Craven Cottage. The results of this coming weekend will have an enormous say on whether relegation will ride on the result.



https://90maat.com/premier-league-survival-relegation-dogfight-reaches-pivotal-weekend/

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Frank Anguissa's Leeds Preview

Frank Anguissa gave his Premier League preview on Friday's test, and recalls his time working under Marcelo Bielsa at Marseille.

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Preview: Fulham vs Leeds United

A look ahead to Friday night's clash.

Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United side travel to London on Friday evening to take on Fulham, in the Premier League (8pm).

A thrilling encounter in September saw the Whites defeat the Cottagers 4-3 at Elland Road, in a pulsating match which marked the club's return to Premier League football on home turf.

Since that match, the two teams have had different campaigns to one another. Friday's clash will give Fulham the opportunity to move out of the relegation places with a win, having spent much of the season so far in the danger zone.

Leeds will be looking to add another three points to their tally and regain ground on the top half, with Arsenal currently occupying 10th spot and having a four point lead over Bielsa's side.

Scott Parker's side have shown a resurgence since the turn of the year. Having struggled to adapt to life back in the Premier League following their promotion - alongside the Whites - last season from the Championship, they have now caught up to the teams above them.

Just three losses in their last 11 matches has contributed to a rise in recent points, which has seen Parker's side give themselves a real chance of remaining in the division. Three points on Friday would take them above Newcastle United into 17th, and level on points with 16th placed Brighton. 

Last time out against Chelsea was only the third time this season Leeds have drawn. All three have been at Elland Road, with only wins and losses coming away. The trip to London to face Fulham gives another chance to secure a victory in the capital for the first time since December 2017.

The goalless draw last weekend meant that Illan Meslier claimed his ninth clean sheet of the campaign. He needs just one more to become the youngest ever goalkeeper to keep 10 in a Premier League campaign.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid is the leading goalscorer for Fulham, with five. Ademola Lookman is just behind with four and the tricky winger also tops the assist charts for his side. Other threats with goals to their name are well known, in the shape of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ivan Cavaleiro.


Manager/head coach

Fulham: Scott Parker

Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa


League position

Fulham: 18th

Leeds: 12th


Premier League form

Fulham: WDLWL

Leeds: LWLLD


Premier League top scorer

Fulham: Bobby De Cordova-Reid (5)

Leeds: Patrick Bamford (13)


Head to head

Fulham: 19

Draws: 15

Leeds: 24


Last time at Craven Cottage

Saturday 21st December, 2019

Championship

Fulham 2 (Mitrovic 7' pen, Onomah 69')

Leeds United 1 (Bamford 54')


Team news

Missing for Fulham will be Tom Cairney and Marek Rodak, neither of which are new injuries for the hosts to contend with. Top-scorer Bobby De Docrdova-Reid is also a doubt for the fixture.

Patrick Bamford should be available for Friday's match, after coming off injured against Chelsea last weekend. Rodrigo is another slight doubt after getting a knock in training, whilst Liam Cooper will certainly not be making the trip to West London.


Officials

Referee - David Coote

Assistant Referee 1 - Dan Cook

Assistant Referee 2 - Nick Hopton

Fourth Official - Darren England

Video Assistant Referee - Craig Pawson


The key battle

Aleksandar Mitrovic vs Diego Llorente

Fulham's Serbian forward is usually heavily involved in this fixture. The 26-year-old scored in his side's win the last time the two teams met at Craven Cottage, and also found the net at Elland Road in September.

His physical presence and style will give Llorente problem's and things to think about, but the Spanish international has experience and has dealt with numerous different types of forward in his career. If both selected, it will certainly be a battle to watch.


Latest odds

Fulham: 11/8

Draw: 12/5

Leeds: 19/10


How to watch

The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports, with live commentary on LUTV.




https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/27878/preview-fulham-vs-leeds-united

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Jedi: Ready For Battle

Antonee Robinson is ready for the upcoming challenge that Leeds United present.

The Whites will take on every game looking for three points in our quest to be in the Premier League next season, Robinson added.

"It's definitely going to be a massive battle," he said. "Leeds go full force into every game, they are a very energetic team.

"I think since last time [we played them] we've had a lot of squad changes and a lot of different players have played since the first game.

"We have shored up defensively since the last game. On our end we'd be expecting to concede a lot fewer goals, and on the reverse we've got to try and score as much as possible. It's a must win for us, as is any other fixture that's coming up."

Victory for Fulham would move us out of the relegation zone, for 24 hours at least.

"There are big rewards at the end of each game," Robinson said. "We've got to start putting points together as soon as possible. We don't want to go into the last day having to battle it out.

"If it comes to that, we're more than ready, but we want to get ourselves safe as soon as possible and make sure that we're playing Premier League football next year.

"[Scott Parker] wants us to counter how [Leeds] play. They're a very high energy team, a man-marking team. We've been working all week on our tactics to try and exploit that and take advantage of the way they play.

"They've been a pretty exciting team to watch. They sort of live by the sword, die by the sword, either win or lose, pretty much every game they've been involved in.

"They keep their style of play the same throughout. It's the same style they used to play in the Championship and they've had a lot of success with it as well but we haven't gone into any game fearing an opponent and this certainly won't be any different."

Robinson believes that the current run of results and the form the Whites have been in will hopefully give fruitful results.

"It's been massive," he stated. "You look at where we were a few weeks ago, we were 10 points adrift and now we're right there, you can feel how close we are to safety.

"The message from the Gaffer all season has been that if we keep playing the way we have been, our rewards will come. He truly believed that we can't stay down there, the way we're playing, it's got to turn for us at some point. It seems to have turned for us recently so we've got to keep that up.

"We're definitely on the upside of momentum and I feel like we're one of the in-form teams at the moment, with some of the results we've had, and we're trying to capitalise now.

"We've had Tottenham, Liverpool and City, a massive three games now out of the way, and with the fixtures coming up, we're looking at them as if we can win all of them."




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/march/Jedi-Ready-For-Battle/

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Fulham fixture to support No Room For Racism campaign

In line with International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Leeds United's Premier League fixture against Fulham Football Club on Friday evening will support the ongoing No Room For Racism (NRFR) campaign in line with International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The World Day to Eliminate Racial Discrimination is an annual event that takes place on 21st March every year. Taking place this Sunday, the international awareness day is held by the United Nations with the aim of putting a stop to people being discriminated against because of their race.

Our fixture against Fulham in London this evening will continue to support the messaging around the No Room For Racism campaign, which was launched by the Premier League at the start of the 2020/21 season. There will also be a number of promotional No Room For Racism assets at Craven Cottage, including a branded NRFR ball plinth and handshake board.

Leeds United have worked closely with the Premier League throughout the current campaign to support the initiative, including Kalvin Phillips taking part in a special campaign video and Tyler Roberts helping to produce educational materials as part of the Premier League Primary Stars programme.

For more information on the No Room For Racism campaign and the Action Plan Commitments drafted by the Premier League, which include the following six commitments to; Executive Pathways, Coaching Pathways, Player Pathways, Supporting Communities, Action Against Racism and Embedding Equality, please click here.




https://www.leedsunited.com/news/community/27877/fulham-fixture-to-support-no-room-for-racism-campaign

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Bamford likely to play through pain barrier in Leeds clash v Fulham tonight

Patrick Bamford is likely to play through the pain barrier when Leeds United take on Fulham at Craven Cottage tonight (Friday), according to Graham Smyth.

Writing on the Yorkshire Evening Post website, the journalist claimed that Bamford's England snub could be viewed as beneficial for the striker and for Leeds due to the injury he suffered playing Chelsea last week.

As quoted by Leeds Live, Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed Bamford has a knock to his hip but doesn't think he'll miss the game at Craven Cottage.

Unlikely to play full 90

Bamford has been in superb form for Leeds this term, scoring 13 goals so far in his first season back in the Premier League.

Only Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes, Harry Kane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have outscored the Leeds United star in the Premier League this season.

He was always going to be in the running for the England squad but has been pipped to the post by Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.

He's also had a good season, to be fair, and isn't carrying a knock like Bamford is.

Although there was a lot of anger from Leeds fans over Bamford's snub, we have to view this as a potential blessing in disguise because he'll have a couple of weeks off to rest and recuperate after Friday's clash with Fulham.

He's unlikely to get a full 90 minutes under his belt at Craven Cottage.

Rodrigo might come off the bench in the second half at some point, possibly around the hour-mark, to replace Bamford, who simply cannot get injured.

Rodrigo's the club's most expensive signing as is more naturally a striker than a midfielder. It would be good to see him get some game-time there but we'd rather see Bamford spearheading the attack after what we've seen from him this season.



https://motleedsnews.com/news/bamford-likely-to-play-through-pain-barrier-in-leeds-clash-v-fulham-tonight/

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Leeds Matchday Preview
Fulham v Leeds United | Friday 19th March 2021 | 8pm | Craven Cottage | #FULLEE

The opposition

    Leeds have actually lost more Premier League games than Fulham this season; 14 to our 13. They have, though, won more matches (11) than any other side in the bottom half of the table.
    United's fixtures tend to end in a loss or win, with only Sheffield United drawing fewer matches than Leeds' three in the 2020/21 campaign. Their most recent outing was one of those, though, with their clash with Chelsea ending goalless.
    There was paper talk of United having three players in the England squad next week, but it's just Kalvin Phillips joining up with the Three Lions after Patrick Bamford and Luke Ayling missed out. Gareth Southgate did, though, acknowledge that Bamford was very close to making the cut.

Fulham team news

Tom Cairney's knee continues to keep him out, while Bobby De Cordova-Reid is also struggling with a knock.

Leeds team news

Patrick Bamford was withdrawn from the Chelsea stalemate after just 35 minutes with a hip injury, but the striker is expected to have shaken it off in time to face Fulham. Rodrigo replaced Bamford on Saturday but is now a doubt having picked up a muscle injury in training this week. Club captain Liam Cooper remains out through illness, while Leif Davis is also absent.

Virtual mascots

Chloe, Ben and Jake will be supporting the boys from home for the Leeds fixture.

Coverage

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, while commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid is available for FFCtv subscribers.

Player insight

Frank Anguissa knows what to expect from a Marcelo Bielsa side, have briefly played under the Argentine at Marseille.

"When I arrived, I found a coach who was intent on pressing, individual marking of players, a lot of intensity in matches, also in training," Anguissa told FFCtv.

"He was a coach who always wanted to see his player give their all to play as they train. That's what I noticed and learnt from him.

"He's someone who brings a lot of intensity in the game. It's something that we'll try to deal with.

"He's a good coach, with good ideas, and we'll need to respect our gameplan and do everything to win.

"He's done a good job at Leeds, a team that was promoted a year ago and has had a good season with him since the Championship, a team to take seriously which will be very difficult to beat.

"But I'm confident in our team, with the attributes and qualities we have which we'll try to show."

Form

Fulham: WDLWL

Leeds: LWLLD

Pre-match quotes

"We were in the same league last year and we've played them this year, so we understand fully what Leeds bring, their energy and intensity."

Scott Parker
Fulham Head Coach

"I remember the style when we faced them in the Championship and it's the same style, but they've managed to impose it in a lot of games in the Premier League."

Marcelo Bielsa
Leeds Head Coach

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/march/Leeds-Matchday-Preview/

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Harford spotted Adebayo at Fulham U23s although admits signing was a joint decision
Town number two on recruitment of Walsall striker on deadline day

Luton assistant manager Mick Harford revealed that new signing Elijah Adebayo first caught his eye when playing for Fulham U23s earlier in his career, but didn't want to take all the credit for his recent addition to the Hatters ranks.

The 23-year-old started out at Craven Cottage, scoring 13 goals in 37 games with nine assists for the U23s, but didn't ever get his first team shot with the Cottagers.

He had loan spells at Swindon Town and Stevenage, then joining Walsall on a permanent basis in June 2019, netting 18 in 65 for the Saddlers, before a switch to Kenilworth Road for an undisclosed fee on transfer deadline day last month.

When asked how the signing came about, Harford, who had been the club's head of recruitment until Nathan Jones' return as manager saw him named number two, said: "I saw him a few years ago playing for Fulham U23s and he went off to Swindon.

"I wouldn't say I'd earmarked him down, he was a young kid then and was 18, 19 years old, so fair play to him, he went to Walsall and did fantastically well there.

"He was just flagged up and we all made an agreement to sign him.

"I wouldn't say it was anyone specifically who said 'we've got to sign him, we've got to go and get him'.

"He was just flagged up and we all agreed it would be a good asset for the football club.

"In terms of him being on the pitch, he's very effective at what he does and he's doing well for us at the moment and long may it continue."

Adebayo has certainly proved another feather in the cap for Town's recruitment policy, with three goals in his opening eight appearances after displacing top scorer James Collins in the side.

The attacker mentioned Harford when signing and how he wanted to work with the Luton legend, who notched 92 times in 217 matches himself for the Hatters, winning two England caps as well in his time at Kenilworth Road, about becoming more of an aerial threat in the opposition penalty area.

On the help he has given Luton's new-boy, the 62-year-old continued: "We speak, it's hard for me to get on to the training ground and clip balls for him, but I'll get the other players to do bits and pieces.

"As a group we've all tried to help him, myself, Paul (Hart), Chris (Cohen) and Nathan, we've all tried to help the boy, tried to give him advice.

"He's come in, done fantastic, he's a big threat, he's been a big presence for us over the games he's played and we're absolutely thrilled with him.

"Have I had a big influence on him? I try to speak with him on a daily basis and just basically gave him tips, as all of the coaching staff do, so everyone's making contributions and just hoping he continues to improve.

"One thing is he's got the right attitude, wants to learn, is a real good kid, very diligent and he wants to get better, so that's a massive bonus for us."

When asked for specifics that Adebyao could add to make his game even better, Harford said: "In any walk of life you can always keep improving on a daily basis, he wants to get better, he wants to learn to get himself in good positions.

"This morning (Thursday) he wanted to do a little bit of work in terms of attacking play and we did it with a couple of midfield players helping him out, so he'll keep improving.

"The biggest thing is he wants to improve, so he's got a chance.

"His technique is very, very good, touch is good, he holds the ball up well, links play up well, he's come in and he's been a breath of fresh air.

"It's not just all about being technically good, it's about being in the right position, occupying back fours, pulling in between centre halves and full backs, so two players have got to mark you or keep an eye on you.

"It opens things up for other players, like the goal at Nottingham Forest, that Tunni's (Ryan Tunnicliffe) got, he's pulled away at the back post, he's made a run in the middle and scored the goal, so it's just basic little things like that which you learn from experience."

With Harford's latest role at the club, Town bolstered their recruitment department last month, announcing former Stoke City and Norwich City head of first-team recruitment Phil Chapple had joined as head of scouting operations, with Jay Socik becoming head of recruitment analysis.

The Hatters legend was just happy to do his bit wherever asked by the club, adding: "I'll still have my foot in the recruitment camp, which I want to, that's what I was brought into the football club to do when I came back with Nathan all those years ago.

"That's the bread and butter, but what Nathan asks me to do I'll do and I'll try to help everyone as much as I can.

"We brought Chappy and Jay in, Jay as data analyst and Chappy will help with the recruitment and the scouting, so I'll just have a foot in both camps really in terms of trying to help and assist everyone."



https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/harford-spotted-adebayo-at-fulham-u23s-although-admits-signing-was-a-joint-decision-3171532

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Fulham v Leeds – Preview

Leeds United travel to Craven Cottage on Friday evening where they will face Fulham in an 8pm kick off live on Sky Sports Main Event.

The Whites played out a 0-0 draw against Chelsea at Elland Road last Saturday afternoon to bag a well-deserved point.

Patrick Bamford is expected to be fit for Friday evening despite suffering a hip injury which forced him off inside the first half on Saturday.

Captain Liam Cooper will miss out through illness, while Leif Davis has a small issue and is also not expected to feature for the Whites.

It is unknown whether Rodrigo Moreno will be available for selection after picking up a muscle injury during training on Tuesday.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday afternoon, head coach Marcelo Bielsa gave his thoughts on Fulham ahead of Friday evening's game.

He said: "The idea of the manager is reflected in Fulham's play."

"In the first round it was difficult for them to impose their style and in the second round of fixtures they started to do this a lot better."

"I remember the style when we faced them in the Championship and it's the same style, but they've managed to impose it in a lot of games in the Premier League."

Following his call up to the Spanish international squad earlier in the week, defender Diego Llorente gave his thoughts ahead of the game.

He said: "I expect that they [Fulham] will give more than 100%."

"When you are down there at the bottom and are nearing the end of the season, every game is a final, I have been there before a few times."

"We know we will be up against a side that will make things tough for us and it will be hard to get the three points. We will need to work very hard."

Fulham currently sit inside the relegation zone in 18th place and suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to Manchester City last Saturday.

Midfielder and club captain Tom Cairney will not feature for the Cottagers as he continues to recover from an ongoing knee injury.

Head coach Scott Parker believes that his team are a different side now to the one that fell to defeat at Elland Road back in September.

Speaking during his press conference earlier in the week, he gave his thoughts on the Whites ahead of Friday evening's clash.

He said: "They're [Leeds] a very, very good side. A unique side, in the way they play and set up."

"It's quite unique, you don't come across it a lot. Certainly not in this division, we've experienced it a couple of times last year with Leeds."

"The intensity with which Leeds play is always one that you need to match. We were in the same league last year and we've played them this year, so we understand fully what Leeds bring, their energy and intensity."

"As always, we're looking forward to the game. It a good game, a big game, and we're raring to go."

Leeds were victorious last time both teams met back in September, where the Whites won 4-3 at Elland Road, thanks to goals from Helder Costa (2), Mateusz Klich and Patrick Bamford.

If Leeds can keep a clean sheet on Friday evening, Illan Meslier will become the youngest goalkeeper to record 10 clean sheets in a single Premier League season.

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event with kick off at 8pm.



https://rightinthegarykellys.com/fulham-v-leeds-preview/

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A result at Fulham will move under-23s into third place

Back in November, with just one win from the first six games of the season, the under-23s beat Fulham 2-1 with goals from Max Thompson and Joel Mumbongo to lift us off the bottom of the league.

Albeit having played more games than all but leaders Leeds, we go to Fulham in fifth place knowing that a win or even a draw will temporarily move us into third place in a league where the winners will gain automatic promotion with the next four taking part in the end of season play-offs.

Looking back to that win against Fulham, it was probably the strongest team we'd turned out at that stage of the season. Richard Nartey (pictured) played ahead of him signing on the following day. He partnered Bobby Thomas, currently on loan at Barrow, in the centre of defence. More experienced players were involved such as Anthony Glennon and Josh Benson and it's been like that, more or less, since which has helped build the momentum with us now having won a further six games.

Coach Steve Stone admitted: "We struggled for the first four or five games while we came to terms with the bodies that we had with Covid. The team was probably too young at the time. We've added some strength in depth in Richard Nartey, and Anthony Glennon has played a lot this season."

Fulham are currently tenth but just five points behind us with a game in hand. They've been beaten in each of their last two games but by Wolves and Stoke, two of the teams above us. Their last win was on 19th February when they beat Sunderland 2-0 at the London School of Economics. Both goals were scored by Fabio Carvalho who is currently the division's joint leading goalscorer, alongside Aston Villa's Louie Barry, with ten goals.

This afternoon's game kicks off at 1 p.m. at the London School of Economics.



https://www.uptheclarets.com/a-result-at-fulham-will-move-under-23s-into-third-place

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Leeds United handed major injury boost over Patrick Bamford ahead of Fulham

Leeds United have been handed a major injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash against Fulham on Friday night, with news that Patrick Bamford is likely to be fit.

The striker was forced off in Marcelo Bielsa's side's last game against Chelsea at Elland Road, and there no doubt would have been some serious concern about whether he would be fit to face the Cottagers.

Bamford has played an integral role in Leeds' impressive return to the Premier League this season, bagging 13 goals and providing a further six assists in the top-flight alone – in fact, he's played the full 90 minutes in all but six of the Whites' games this campaign in the league, and has started every single one.

Ahead of the game tonight, The Athletic's Phil Hay delivered a crucial update on Bamford's fitness, saying that the forward looks like he should be available, and that despite a knock to his hip, stands a "good chance of recovering".

The £16.2m-rated man has earned some rave reviews this season for his performances, not least from former Premier League ace Gabriel Agbonlahor, who lauded his display against Leicester just last month.

He said: "What's surprised me is how good his finishing is. He's never going to get that ball and dribble past players but what he does have is a great finish on him.

"He showed with his goal at the weekend how clinical he can be. His link-up play as well. Yes, I've been surprised but credit to him."

Bamford's availability for tonight will come as a major relief for Bielsa, and will have the Leeds boss absolutely buzzing that he can continue to rely upon on his main man up top.



https://www.footballfancast.com/leeds-united-news/leeds-patrick-bamford-fulham-premier-league-team-news-injury-marcelo-bielsa-elland-road

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The tactical battle facing Leeds United as Marcelo Bielsa prepares for Scott Parker's Fulham
In the latest of a series for the Yorkshire Evening Post, Jon Mackenzie - from All Stats Aren't We - takes a deeper look at Leeds United's next opponents - Fulham.

It's been a season of two halves for Fulham.

At the midway point of the campaign, Scott Parker's team had amassed a mere 13 points.

Ten games later, they've doubled that haul with unlikely wins against Everton and Liverpool putting them on the cusp of escaping the relegation zone. There is still a long way to go for Fulham, though, and their run-in from here is hardly enviable.

They'll be welcoming Leeds to Craven Cottage with an eye to picking up points if they can.

Here are three aspects of Parker's system to look out for tonight:

A different team:

When Leeds hosted Fulham at Elland Road in their second Premier League fixture since promotion, eight of the players who started for Fulham had played for them in the Championship.

Last week, against Manchester City, only two of the players on the pitch in a Fulham shirt had played for them in the Championship.

In the course of six months, Fulham have completely rebuilt their Championship side.

No doubt this goes a long way towards explaining their recent turn in form.

Leeds will be facing a different challenge to the ones they've seen in their more recent matches against Fulham.

What structure?

Over the course of the last 10 games in the Premier League, Scott Parker has used five different formations.

Predominantly, this is because Parker likes to have his team pressing high and so he adjusts his formation accordingly.

But he also has a depth of squad that allows him to be able to rotate quite widely too.

With their almost total man-marking approach, Leeds like to respond to an opponent's structure. But Parker isn't making it easy for Marcelo Bielsa.

Expect to see a little bit of tweaking tonight if Bielsa doesn't anticipate Parker.

High press:

We've seen that Leeds can be quite vulnerable to a high press this season.

Fulham themselves caused Leeds a lot of problems in the first half in last season's fixture at Elland Road.

Against Southampton, Leeds overcame the high press by simply playing over it.

Don't be surprised if the same tactic is employed tonight.



https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/the-tactical-battle-facing-leeds-united-as-marcelo-bielsa-prepares-for-scott-parkers-fulham-3170820