Sunday Fulham Stuff - 04/04/21...

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Results

Saturday
Chelsea	2-5	West Brom
Leeds	2-1	Sheff Utd
Leicester	0-2	Man City
Arsenal	0-3	Liverpool

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Scott Parker backs Aleksandar Mitrovic to fire in relegation run-in with Newcastle United

Aleksandar Mitrovic has struggled to make an impact for Fulham this season but Scott Parker hopes the striker's form with Serbia can carry over into the relegation battle with Newcastle


Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates with teammates Dusan Vlahovic and Milan Gajic during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar qualifying match between Serbia and Republic of Ireland on March 24, 2021

Fulham boss Scott Parker is hopeful Aleksandar Mitrovic has rediscovered his goalscoring touch ahead of the relegation run-in with Newcastle United.

The former Magpies striker has struggled to make an impact at Craven Cottage this season, with his two Premier League goals to date coming in a defeat at Leeds in September.

Mitrovic has not started for the Cottagers since February 3, but hit a rich vein of form with Serbia in the recent international break.

The 26-year-old scored five times in three World Cup qualifiers, and Parker was pleased to see the Fulham striker "regroup" following a challenging campaign so far.

Parker told the Press Association: "I can understand the frustration.

"But no one is more frustrated than Mitro. This is professional sport and sometimes there are little blips.

"I look at the journey he has been on from last year; he wasn't fit to play in the play-off final at Wembley.

"He had a short turnaround in pre-season and it has been a bit bumpy, he has had Covid, had a big penalty miss for Serbia and these are the journeys players go on.

"Sometimes players just need air, they need oxygen to get in and just regroup a bit, take the pressure off them and if they have got the talent and the ethic about them they come back stronger and they come back to that point and hopefully that is where Mitro is."

Fulham are two points adrift of safety having played a game more than United, but could climb out of the relegation zone if results go their way on Sunday.

Ivan Cavaleiro has been preferred in attack to Mitrovic in recent months, but Parker hopes the striker's momentum with Serbia can carry over into the remainder of the domestic campaign.

He added: "Five goals in three games, I'm pleased for Mitro.

"We all saw it in terms of his emotion and that feeling of scoring as a centre-forward.

"It is fair to say that at times this year Mitro has been up and down. What you saw in midweek was Mitro in a nutshell.

"That is the work he has done in the last three or four weeks and the goals are the by-product of that.

"It is a little bit of confidence which is what he needs, the talent has always been there, it is what affects forwards at some moments and certainly I'd like to think that the confidence is there."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/scott-parker-aleksandar-mitrovic-newcastle-20312904

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Fulham tomorrow and it's all good, match facts and Jack's back

I'm grateful for the international break, as it allows me a few days break from football. And I know I write this every time, but apart from knowing Ollie scored on his debut, I know nothing else. I've done my best to not even visit BBC Sport, usually one of my go to websites every morning.

So we could have agreed to sign someone and I wouldn't know. And it's nice.

I do however know that Jack Grealish is available for selection tomorrow and that we are one point away from our best finish in the Premier League for a decade. And that isn't so bad is it?

And you'd fancy a point tomorrow, but you know what, I'd not mind losing tomorrow, but that's just me. I should explain though because someone will take something I've written before and mix in with something else I've written and say I'm contradicting myself. And I am, but I'm also not.

You see, our season is over and maybe it's just me, but I'm happy with how the season panned out. We know where we have to work on for next season and if we do that, we'll get better next season. And if we continue to get better every season, I'm very happy with that.

The main concern for me about next season is that we can keep hold of the players we need to keep hold of. You see, losing an important player creates more of a problem than strengthening the side and it will only make it harder to get better than this season.

So, if Fulham beat us tomorrow and Spurs were to beat Newcastle, it wouldn't bother me in the slightest. Now, time for the ski hill and some beers. Catch you on the other side.

Match facts from the BBC
Head-to-head

    Fulham's only away league victory against Villa in 17 attempts came in their most recent top-flight visit seven years ago.
    Aston Villa can win both league matches against Fulham in the same season for the first time since 2009-10.

Aston Villa

    Villa need one point to reach their highest tally in a Premier League campaign for a decade.
    They have only managed one victory in seven league games - and four in 15 since Boxing Day.
    Aston Villa can go five matches without a win in all competitions for the first time this season.
    Dean Smith's side haven't scored more than once in any of their past 10 top-flight fixtures, managing just six goals in total.
    They kept a clean sheet in 11 of their 12 league victories this season but have only avoided defeat in two of the 13 matches in which they conceded a goal.
    Emiliano Martinez is one short of matching Villa's Premier League record for most clean sheets by a goalkeeper in a season: 15 by Brad Friedel in 2009-10.
    Ollie Watkins has gone seven league appearances without a goal, failing to score with any of his last 17 shots.
    Matt Targett, who played 18 Championship matches on loan for Fulham in 2017-18, could make his 100th Premier League appearance on Sunday.

Fulham

    Fulham are currently on a club top-flight record run of eight consecutive away matches without defeat, including two wins out of the past four.
    They can keep three consecutive Premier League away clean sheets for the first time since their top-flight record of four in a row between November and December 2008.
    However, Fulham have lost three of their past four league fixtures, as many as they had in their previous 15.
    They must beat Villa to have any chance of ending a round of fixtures outside the relegation zone for the first time in four months.



https://www.thevillablog.co.uk/aston-villa-blog/aston-villa-match-previews/jack-is-back-fulham

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Mitrovic has 'turned the corner', says Parker

Scott Parker believes Aleksandar Mitrovic has turned the corner following a scoring spree for Serbia during the international break.

But that still doesn't guarantee the Fulham striker a start against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Whites head coach was delighted Mitrovic bagged five goals in three games to become Serbia's all-time leading scorer, with 39 goals from 63 appearances.

Parker maintains that sooner or later the forward was going to find his shooting boots after a lean spell in the Premier League, where he's scored just twice – and both in the same September defeat at Leeds.

But chances are he may yet be back on the bench at Villa Park.

"If his moment comes from a start or from the bench, I'd like to think he can replicate it and show what a good player he is," Parker said.

"He's been up and down. But what you see in midweek is the work he's done in the last few weeks and he's taken his chance.

"He's always had the talent and a million percent (his Serbia goals) benefits us.

"This is a good platform for Mitro and he's turned the corner a little bit in this international week."

Parker played down a suggestion that Mitrovic found it easier to play for his country than in the Premier League.

"You could argue there's more pressure playing for your country; but at times you have these (lean) spells," Parker said.

"Often when forwards have a dip, they're not in position to miss – he is.

"He's not been happy with me (for leaving him out) and he's not been happy with himself, but he's taken his moment now."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/mitrovic-has-turned-the-corner-says-parker

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Dimitar Berbatov disagrees with Mark Lawrenson in Aston Villa vs Fulham prediction

Dean Smith's men host the relegation-threatened side on Sunday and will welcome Jack Grealish back from injury for the clash.

Aston Villa are back in Premier League action this weekend as we say goodbye to the international break.

While fans may have missed domestic football, the week without a game could have provided Villa with a much-needed boost ahead of their clash against relegation-threatened Fulham.

Club captain Jack Grealish has missed the last six games through injury, with Villa coming out as winners in just one.

But the talisman has returned to training this week and will be available for selection in Sunday afternoon's clash.

Ahead of the game, pundits have been giving their thoughts with Mark Lawrenson predicting that Grealish will be the difference between the two sides.

"If Newcastle do drop points, Sunday is another chance for Fulham to climb out of the relegation zone - but it is a bad time to play Aston Villa because Jack Grealish is fit again," he told BBC Sport .

"I was at Villa Park for 5 Live before the international break to see Villa lose to Spurs, and they really missed Grealish - they could not get the ball up the pitch effectively without him.

"His return will give Dean Smith's side a big lift, as well as giving them far more of a goal threat. Fulham need the points, but I fancy Villa to take them."

It's a thought shared by former Premier League striker Michael Owen.

"Aston Villa fans will breathe a sigh of relief that Jack Grealish looks set to return to the side. Without Grealish, Villa endured a difficult spell prior to the international break," he told BetVictor .

"The Villans are safe in mid-table, however, they risk ending the season with a bit of whimper if their poor run continues.

"Fulham's fight against survival has been great to watch. They've been a real breath of fresh air and I believe they still have every chance of achieving survival.

However, I don't see much in terms of goals here, and I feel the return of Grealish could spell trouble for the visitors. It's 1-0 Villa for me."

Owen's prediction : Aston Villa 1-0 Fulham.

However, former Fulham man Dimitar Berbatov thinks the game will pan out differently.

"My old team are still in trouble but they have a life line and they need all the points they can get," he told the Metro .

"Aston Villa are probably playing for nothing. This is a game where Fulham can take something, it's winnable if they stay focused and concentrated, which they have to do in every match to the end of the season."

Berbatov's prediction : Aston Villa 0-1Fulham.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-vs-fulaham-prediction-20315054

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Newcastle, Fulham and Brighton: the battle to avoid Premier League drop


Much rests on the shoulders of (from left) Ademola Lookman of Fulham, Brighton's Leandro Trossard and Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson. Composite: Pool/AFP/Getty Images; BPI//Shutterstock; PA Images

With Sheffield United and West Brom cut adrift, our writers look at the three teams in the greatest danger of finishing 18th

Brighton P29, Pts 32

Reasons to be cheerful Crucial wins against Southampton and Newcastle before the international break have eased the pressure on Graham Potter significantly after a disastrous run that yielded one point from five matches. The 3-0 thumping of Newcastle – only Brighton's fourth victory at the Amex since December 2019 – was particularly important given it has helped establish a six‑point cushion with nine games to go and showed that this team can have a cutting edge.

Before the defeat by Crystal Palace at the end of February threw them off course, Brighton had gone six matches unbeaten in the Premier League and looked like a team making progress. The challenge is whether they can pick up where they left off against Newcastle.

Reasons to be fearful A daunting run-in, starting on Sunday, that includes trips to Old Trafford and then Stamford Bridge before hosting Manchester City at home on the final day means that Brighton's Premier League status is far from assured. The break came at the worst possible moment for Potter's players given the momentum they had gained and it is up to the manager to ensure that his squad is prepared to dig deep once more. Home matches against Everton, Leeds and West Ham could be vital if both Brighton's rivals can catch them, although form at the Amex has hardly been a strong point for this side.

Key player Leandro Trossard doubled his Premier League goal tally for the season in the space of six days against Southampton and Newcastle, and the Belgium forward also scored twice in his country's 8-0 thrashing of Belarus in a World Cup qualifier – the first time he had started for the senior side. Signed from Genk in 2019, the 26-year-old has shown glimpses of his talent for Brighton and Belgium without quite fulfilling his obvious potential. But a developing understanding with Neal Maupay and Danny Welbeck has helped Trossard to flourish at club level as he attempts to force his way into Roberto Martínez's star-studded team. Not scoring consistently has been a regular criticism and surpassing last season's total of five goals and helping Brighton move up the table would certainly catch the eye of the Belgium manager.EA

Newcastle United P29, Pts 28

Reasons to be cheerful The imminent return to fitness of Allan Saint-Maximin represents a rare chink of sunlight amid an otherwise forbiddingly leaden sky. His expected reunion with Miguel Almirón in Steve Bruce's attack offers hope of goals and points, pace and creativity, though Callum Wilson's return has been delayed. Maybe, just maybe, they can paper over the cracks in other areas and ensure relegation is averted.

Reasons to be fearful Where to start? After winning two of their past 20 games in all competitions Newcastle have become estranged from victory. Even worse, Isaac Hayden, their midfield anchor, is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury and the dressing room is fractious. Some players have lost faith in Bruce and there was astonishment that the manager was not sacked after last month's abject 3-0 defeat at Brighton. In a Newcastle Evening Chronicle poll, 95% of participants wanted him out – but a 60-year-old due a £4m payoff in the event of dismissal will limp on.

On-field confusion is exacerbated by Bruce apparently harbouring a different tactical vision to that of Graeme Jones, the coach parachuted in to assist him in January. Then there is the final game of the season: the trip to Fulham at Craven Cottage is precisely the sort of fixture Newcastle specialise in losing. The retail magnate Mike Ashley has a reputation as a gambler but, even by his standards, the Newcastle owner is taking an almighty risk in declining to dispense with Bruce.

Key player They say no one is indispensable but, without Callum Wilson's contribution, Newcastle would long since have booked a place in the Championship. Bruce's team have failed to win a single league fixture this season without the 29-year-old and have missed him desperately since his hamstring trouble in early February. The former Bournemouth striker has scored 10 of the team's 28 league goals and tops the assists charts after creating a further five. It is no exaggeration to say Newcastle's survival hopes hinge on his fitness. LT

Fulham P30, Pts 26

Reasons to be cheerful Fulham are unrecognisable from the shoddy side that reeked of naivety at the start of the season. They looked certain to go straight back down when they surrendered at home to Aston Villa in September, but Scott Parker has never been one to shy from a challenge. The manager was determined not to endure a repeat of Fulham's miserable relegation two seasons ago and has improved his side's durability, tactical intelligence and passing.

The transformation owes much to shrewd coaching from Parker. The 40-year-old has made some smart additions. Joachim Andersen has been a leader in central defence since joining on loan from Lyon, helping the inexperienced Tosin Adarabioyo, and Harrison Reed has formed an effective partnership with André-Frank Zambo Anguissa in midfield.

Zambo Anguissa is no longer seen as an expensive flop. Parker has given everyone a chance to impress and has built a united squad. Fulham, unbeaten in eight away games, do not roll over easily. They fought back to draw 1-1 at Tottenham, played Everton off the park when they won 2-0 at Goodison Park, and were bold when they beat Liverpool at Anfield. Two points below Newcastle, they can escape.

Reasons to be fearful Look at their position. Despite all the positives Fulham remain in the bottom three and time is running out. Frustratingly for Parker, they did not build on that memorable win over Liverpool. Although being thrashed by Manchester City in their next game was understandable, losing 2-1 at home to Leeds before the international break could prove costly. Presented with a chance to climb above Newcastle, Fulham froze, defending poorly and failing to take their chances. They are not ruthless enough in attack. Their deficiencies in the final third leaves the defence under a lot of pressure and they have wasted a lot of winnable games, squandering leads in draws with West Brom and Burnley and enduring dull stalemates with Brighton and Crystal Palace.

Fulham have to be more clinical. They need more from Ruben Loftus‑Cheek, Ivan Cavaleiro, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Josh Maja, who has not scored since a double against Everton after joining on loan from Bordeaux in January. Better finishing is imperative.

Key player Ademola Lookman has often provided inspiration since his botched penalty against West Ham in November. Fulham need him tormenting full-backs with his pace and trickery. JS



https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2021/apr/03/newcastle-fulham-and-brighton-the-three-way-battle-to-avoid-drop-premier-league

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Fulham boss Scott Parker points to Aston Villa progression as example to follow
The Cottagers travel to Villa Park on Sunday knowing a victory could well see them move out of the bottom three.

Fulham boss Scott Parker has pointed to Aston Villa's progression since retaining their Premier League status as an example to be followed.

The Cottagers travel to Villa Park on Sunday knowing a victory could well see them move out of the bottom three.

Parker's side go into the weekend two points behind 17th-place Newcastle, having lost their last two fixtures.

Villa survived relegation on the final day of last season and now sit in mid-table, having since invested around £90million in new players.

Dean Smith added the likes of Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Martinez and Bertrand Traore to his squad and Villa have racked up wins over established top-flight sides such as Arsenal and Leicester, also thrashing reigning champions Liverpool 7-2.

"For sure it does," Parker replied when asked if Villa's survival shows what additional finances and stability can do for a club.

"What brings staying in this division is finances, what the club wants to do and their ambition.

"It is down to each club and Aston Villa stayed in the league, invested last year but managed to add on to that and invest again this year with extra money.

"What comes with that is a team that is comfortable in this division, they have built a squad and a team that can be very good in this league."

Fulham were relegated in 2018-19, with Parker taking over towards the end of the campaign before leading them straight back into the Premier League, so he is well-versed in the difference between the two divisions.

"What Villa did last year highlights that all clubs coming into this league see that the gap between Championship and Premier League is massive – there is no hiding from that," he added.

"The money, the quality, the players are very, very good – the first season is to try and stay in the league and then build again.

"You want to take massive steps of course, sometimes spend a lot of money, or you take small steps and keep building – but what brings you those options is staying in the league."



https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/fulham-boss-scott-parker-points-to-aston-villa-progression-as-example-to-follow-40270850.html

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Fulham: Steve Bull Fears Fulham Won't Avoid Relegation

Steve Bull as made some bold claims on Fulham's survival odds, claiming that Scott Parker's momentum could grind to an agonising halt.

A superb run of form that has seen the Cottagers grind out crucial results against the likes of Everton and Sheffield United has seen Fulham close the gap with Newcastle in 17th spot.

Just two points separate the two sides at the denouement of the international break, leaving Scott Parker's side within touching distance of Premier League safety.

Speaking to FootballFanCast, the veteran of midlands football felt the survival race could go down to the wire:

    "I think Scott Parker's bubble has burst a little bit a moment. I think they were riding on a bit of wave earlier but you aren't going to win every single game of the season.

    "Steve Bruce has been on a bit of a helter-skelter at the moment, sometimes winning, drawing and losing but the results haven't been going for him recently.

    "To win two or three games in the Premier League is a lot so I think like Aguero's title-winning goal for City, it'll be like that down the bottom this season."

In an encouraging sign for Fulham, the Cottagers have tightened up defensively to become a robust defensive unit in recent months.

In their last nine games, Fulham have only been beaten by more than one goal once – coming in a 3-0 defeat against Manchester City – with the defensive bedrock being in place for a safety push.

With Newcastle and Fulham clashing on the last game of the season, Craven Cottage could be hosting a de facto cup final as the two sides battle desperately to retain Premier League status.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2021/04/blogs/premier-league/fulham/fulham-steve-bull-fears-fulham-wont-avoid-relegation/

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Tottenham Hotspur: Daniel Levy considering move for Joachim Andersen

According to a report by football.london, Tottenham Hotspur are considering making a move for Lyon colossus Joachim Andersen along with other centre-back targets as the 24-year-old excels on loan at Fulham.

Daniel Levy is clearly keen to strengthen in the heart of defence after more rumours surfaced that Jose Mourinho is not keen on Davinson Sanchez.

Andersen, who has been a crucial player for the Cottagers in their battle to avoid Premier League relegation, has attracted big praise this season for his performances.

Tottenham and Levy eye Andersen move

Martin Keown, writing for the Daily Mail recently, even compared him to star Man City defender Ruben Dias – calling him Scott Parker's equivalent of the Portuguese colossus.

Now, football.london report that Andersen is enticing interest from Spurs as a result of his consistent showings as Levy considers making a move for him this summer.

The 6 foot 4 centre-back is reportedly on his radar as the Lilywhites seek to sign a leader at the back for 2021/2022 – and it's safe to say Andersen fits the bill.

Speaking to Optus Sports (via The Boot Room), pundit and former Scotland international Don Hutchison raved about the defender – hailing him as a 'real leader' whilst urging Liverpool to make a move.

He has also attracted praise from the English press, with Daily Mirror journalist John Cross calling Andersen 'magnificent' (Twitter).

Transfer Tavern take

However, while he appears to have the quality, Levy must first reach a practical agreement with alleged stern negotiator and Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas.

The Lilywhites chairman had to break the club's transfer record to sign Tanguy Ndombele two years ago after talks with Aulas, and football.london say it will not be straight forward to get a deal done.

Time will tell whether Spurs can sign him in the summer, but the upcoming transfer window looks set to be an interesting one amid unprecedented circumstances caused by the global pandemic.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-transfer-rumours/tottenham-hotspur-daniel-levy-considering-move-for-joachim-andersen/

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Match Pack: Fulham

At A Glance

Aston Villa start their final ten games of the Premier League season when they host Fulham at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.

With several Villans impressing over the international break, Dean Smith will be hoping his team can shake off a four-game winless run in the top-flight.

Villa have scored just once in that run, and a 2-0 loss to Tottenham last time out leaves the club tenth in the table.

Fulham look a different side to the one that lost 3-0 to Villa earlier in the season and are on a run of eight away games without defeat.

Scott Parker's team beat Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield to continue their fine form on their travels, but they went onto lose their next two home games against Manchester City and Leeds.

The West London side occupy the final relegation spot and are two points adrift of safety before this weekend's fixtures.

Standout Stats

Aston Villa are looking to complete their first league double over Fulham since the 2009-10 Premier League campaign, following their 3-0 win at Craven Cottage earlier this season.

Fulham have won just one of their last 17 away league games against Aston Villa (D7 L9), though it was in their last such visit to Villa Park in the Premier League (2-1 in April 2014).

11 of Aston Villa's 12 Premier League wins this season have seen them keep a clean sheet, with the exception being their 7-2 victory over Liverpool in October. Indeed, since that victory, the Villans have lost 11 of their 13 games in which they've conceded at least once, drawing the other two.

Fulham are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League away games, the longest such run in their top-flight history. They've also kept a clean sheet in four of their last six Premier League games on the road, as many as in their previous 50 in the competition.

Fulham have lost three of their last four Premier League games (W1), as many as they had in their previous 15 (W2 D10).

Fulham have the biggest difference between expected goals (34.1) and goals scored (23) in the Premier League this season, netting 11 fewer goals than expected based on the quality of their chances.

Aston Villa have used the fewest different players (21), made the fewest starting XI changes (31) and have the youngest average starting line-up (25y 225d) in the Premier League this season.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid is Fulham's highest scoring player in the Premier League this season with five goals. No side has a lower scoring top scorer in the competition this term (West Brom and Wolves also 5).

The Last Meeting

Aston Villa swept Fulham aside at Craven Cottage earlier in the season, running out 3-0 winners.

Captain Jack Grealish set the visitors on their way after just four minutes before Conor Hourihane doubled the advantage shortly afterwards as he finished off a well-worked move, with the industrious John McGinn claiming both assists.

Tyrone Mings then made sure of victory when he poked home Hourihane's 48th-minute free-kick.

Team News

The Boss

"It will certainly be a very different game [to the reverse fixture]. Looking at the last game they played and when we played them earlier in the season, there are only five players who started that game against us. It's going to be very different. I believe they're a good team and a team that's in-form. They've already made up a great amount of points on the teams above them when it looked they were getting cut adrift. That shows the job that Scott Parker's done that they're in touching distance of three of four other clubs now."

Dean Smith




https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2021/april/Match-Pack-Fulham/

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Scott Parker won't let Fulham make same mistakes as West Ham in relegation run-in

Craven Cottage boss learned much from 2010-11 Premier League drop with the Hammers

Scott Parker won't let his Fulham stars sleepwalk their way to relegation like the West Ham side he was part of.

The Fulham boss famously won the Footballer of the Year award in 2010-11 despite the Hammers going down.

And while it obviously felt raw at the time, there were crucial lessons learned and all of them are bring passed on to his men now as they prepare for eight vital games in their run-in, starting with Aston Villa today.

Parker said: "We were sleepwalking into the last five or six games at West Ham and feeling a bit downbeat.

"But that is not this team, one million per cent this is not the feeling I get with this team.

"This team are bang in it and I get that, I feel that constantly, daily.

"I feel in games it's a team that understands exactly what it has to do.

"One that feels it's in their hands on a game day, that they are excited to play, that they look forward to playing and challenging themselves.

"That's the most important thing really.

"That West Ham team I was involved in, it felt like we were walking into at times, there was an unconfident and unhealthy feeling at times, because that's what defeats do.

"All the pressure that mounts with relegation battles, looking at league tables and every game that goes by and you've not got three points, or what you might get, and all of a sudden that's an extra weight."

The onus is on Parker to keep his players focused and to ensure they get the balance right between tactics and fight.

He added: "Work, effort, fight, that gets you so far, of course it does, and it's a massive part of the ingredients you need.

"But the other side as well, you can't just walk away from your beliefs or how your team has got results.

So there is a real balance needed and my job is to make sure the team is in that mindset and that place of understanding what's at stake and what's needed to get us out of this position."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/scott-parker-wont-fulham-make-23846688

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Slavisa Jokanovic's 'staggering' Qatar wage revealed as Sheffield United weigh up ex-Fulham, Watford boss

Former Fulham and Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic is earning a reported £2.5million-a-year at Qatari club Al-Gharafa, and Sheffield United will have to 'come close' to that figure to tempt him back to England.

Sheffield United are being linked with the Serbian manager after parting ways with long-standing manager Chris Wilder last month.

Jokanovic, 52, is famed for his stints in charge of Fulham and Watford – he guided the latter to promotion into the Premier League back in 2015, and did so with Fulham in 2018.

He's been with Al-Gharafa since July 2019. Now though, The Sun on Sunday (04.04.21, pg. 61) reports that Jokanovic is earning a staggering £2.5million-a-year to manage the club – after tax.

Alan Nixon goes on to write how Sheffield United 'will have to come close' to that number to stand any chance of tempting the Serb to come to Bramall Lane in time for next season.

The Blades look set for relegation into the Championship and there's fewer managers out there with better and more recent credentials in that division that Jokanovic.

At both Watford and Fulham he proved a shrewd manager both on the pitch and in the transfer market – he's a no-nonsense type boss but he played attractive and effective football, much like Wilder did on his journey to the Premier League with Sheffield United.

It seems a match made in heaven but for now, the move seems to hinge on whether United can afford him.



https://the72.co.uk/229830/slavisa-jokanovics-staggering-qatar-wage-revealed-as-sheffield-united-weigh-up-ex-fulham-watford-boss/

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Scott Parker ready to put sentiment aside and send old side Newcastle down in his bid to keep Fulham in the Premier League... as he insists teams above will be 'looking over their shoulder' as his Cottagers eye great escape with just eight games to go

    Scott Parker succeeded Alan Shearer as captain of Newcastle in 2006
    The tough-tackling midfielder played 73 times in two years for the Toon
    Parker has fond memories of the club - but says his focus is now on Fulham
    The Cottagers face the Magpies in a potential do-or-die clash on the final day

Scott Parker insists there is no time for sentiment as he devises a plan to keep Fulham up this season at the expense of former club Newcastle.

The ex-England international spent two years on Tyneside and was given the captain's armband by the late Glenn Roeder back in 2006, succeeding Alan Shearer.

Parker only has fond memories of his time at St James', but will put all affections to one side in order to preserve Fulham's top-flight status as the two clubs face each other on the final day of the season in a potential relegation shootout.


Scott Parker says he has left sentiment at the door as he looks to stop Fulham being relegated


Scott Parker succeeded Alan Shearer as Newcastle captain and played 73 times for the club

'I had a very good time there,' Parker explained.

'I spent two years (there) and found the Geordie people were very welcoming and it was a lovely place to be to play football.

'But this is football and the way football is and how players move around, managers as well, you're very professional and there's one focus from me and one aim from me and that's for us to be successful. Fulham Football Club, this team to be successful and try and stay in this division.'

With eight games to go Fulham occupy the final relegation spot and are two points adrift of Newcastle, ahead of Sunday's trip to Aston Villa.

However, Parker's focus is solely on controlling Fulham's destiny and ensuring that the Cottagers remain a Premier League club.

'I think throughout this year and what this year has brought, of course there's eight games and more that those games go down, you start seeing exactly how it's going to pan out,' he added.


Fulham's next match is against Aston Villa having lost 3-0 to them in the reverse fixture

'I also feel that you win a couple, you lose a couple in any team around our bit.

'The teams above Newcastle as well before you know it, you could be looking over your shoulder.

'There is no focus on that for us, we need to just go and win some games and pull ourselves away from this.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9434531/Scott-Parker-putting-Newcastle-sentiment-aside-looks-Fulham-Premier-League.html

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Fulham look to extend eight-match unbeaten away run

Team news
Jack Grealish could return for Aston Villa after missing the last six matches with a shin injury.

Kortney Hause is back in full training while Wesley, sidelined since New Year's Day 2020, is stepping up his recovery with an appearance for Villa's Under-23s.

Scott Parker has reported no fresh injury concerns for Fulham.

Did you know?
Aston Villa are looking to complete a league double over Fulham for the first time since 2009/10.

Villa have kept a clean sheet in 11 of their 12 PL victories this season.

Fulham are unbeaten in their last eight PL away matches, their longest such run in the top flight.

No side has a lower scoring top scorer in the division this season than Fulham, with Bobby De Cordova-Reid netting five times.

Match officials
Referee: Andy Madley. Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Simon Long. Fourth official: Robert Jones. VAR: Stuart Attwell. Assistant VAR: James Mainwaring.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/2075614

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Aston Villa vs Fulham: Premier League prediction, team news, TV channel, live stream, h2h results, latest odds

Fulham continue their Premier League survival bid following the international break with a trip to Aston Villa this afternoon.

Scott Parker's side suffered back-to-back defeats against Manchester City and Leeds before the break and remain two points adrift of safety with eight games left to play this term.

Villa, meanwhile, have suffered a dip in form, having gone four games without victory and will be looking to rebuild some momentum heading into the final months of the season.
Date, kick-off time and venue

Aston Villa vs Fulham is scheduled for a 4:30pm BST kick-off today - Sunday, April 4, 2021.

The match will be played behind closed doors at Villa Park because of current coronavirus restrictions.

How to watch Aston Villa vs Fulham

TV channel: The match will be televised live on Sky Sports' Main Event and Premier League channels, with coverage beginning at 4pm.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch the match online via the website or Sky Go app.

Aston Villa vs Fulham team news

Aston Villa will be boosted today by the return of captain Jack Grealish, who has been out since February and missed the start of England's World Cup qualifying campaign.

Fulham have no fresh injury concerns after all of their international players reported back in good health. Captain Tom Cairney (knee) remains absent but Bobby Decordova-Reid could return after missing the last couple of games with a knock.

Parker will have a decision to make on whether to hand Aleksandar Mitrovic his first start in two months after the striker hit five goals in three games for Serbia.

Aston Villa vs Fulham prediction

Fulham are perhaps a touch unlucky in that they will be meeting a Villa side who have had time to reset following a poor run before the international break - and one with Grealish back.

2-1 home win.

Aston Villa vs Fulham Premier League head-to-head

Aston Villa wins: 10

Draws: 11

Fulham wins: 6

Last meeting: Fulham 0-3 Aston Villa (September 28, 2020)
Aston Villa vs Fulham odds and betting tips

Aston Villa to win: 11/8

Draw: 12/5

Fulham to win: 5/2

Aston Villa to win 2-1: 10/1



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/aston-villa-vs-fulham-fc-prediction-premier-league-2021-preview-team-news-live-stream-tv-channel-h2h-results-odds-b927664.html

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Aston Villa: Dean Smith must unleash Jack Grealish vs Fulham in the Premier League

With Jack Grealish back in the equation, Aston Villa manager Dean Smith must surely unleash his talisman against Fulham in the Premier League today.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against the Cottagers, the Villa boss said: "Yes he certainly is, he's trained all week. He's only had a few sessions though but he seems in good nick and seems fit enough so he's certainly put himself up for selection which is a good thing for everybody. The performances over the last six weeks haven't been what they have been previously.

"If anyone loses the player with the calibre of Jack, as has been seen by plenty of other clubs, then you are going to struggle a little bit but it is going to be a big boost to have Jack back and for the players as well."

When you look at Grealish's influence on this Villa team, it's no surprise that Smith is absolutely buzzing to have him back. In the six Premier League games that the 1.8m-tall (5 foot 10) star has missed in the past few weeks, Villa have won just once and scored a mere three goals in the process.

Grealish has enjoyed another fine season in the top flight, scoring six goals and providing a further 12 assists in the league, and has been a key factor as to why Villa find themselves in with a shout of European football next season.

Former Villa player Paul Merson raved about the kind of quality Grealish brings to the table, saying: "He's a special player. He's the best three or four-yard passer I've seen in the game for a long time. People will go 'three or four-yard passes', but you watch football when it comes back and see how many people roll the ball to a full-back and they have to take a touch or someone goes on the overlap and they kick it out of touch.

"It is always a pitch perfect ball, that three or four-yard ball and for me he is a special player. Very comfortable on the ball, very gifted."

Now with Grealish back fit, there's no questioning that Smith simply has to start him from the off against Fulham. The 25-year-old is the game-changer Villa need to kick things back into gear in the top-flight.



https://www.footballfancast.com/aston-villa-news/aston-villa-jack-grealish-fulham-premier-league-team-news-dean-smith

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Middlesbrough eyeing up transfer move for 23-year-old shot-stopper

Middlesbrough are interested in signing Oxford United goalkeeper Jack Stevens, according to The Sun on Sunday (04/04, page 61).

Boro may be on the lookout for a new shot-stopper this summer, with Marcus Bettinelli only on loan at the Riverside.

The 28-year-old has been a regular for Boro this season, but with Fulham's Premier League status still not secure, it remains to be seen what lies in store for him.

According to The Sun on Sunday (04/04, page 61), Oxford's Jack Stevens could be brought in as a potential replacement for Bettinelli this summer.

Stevens has impressed for Oxford this season, having battled it out with Simon Eastwood for the number one jersey at the Kassam Stadium.

The 23-year-old has made 25 appearances in League One, conceding only 23 goals and keeping 11 clean sheets for the U's.

Stevens only signed a new long-term deal at the Kassam Stadium last month, meaning that a hefty fee is likely to be required if Boro do wish to lure him to the Riverside.

The Verdict
This would be some coup for Boro given how recently Stevens has penned a new deal at Oxford.

He's still young but looks set to be Oxford's first-choice 'keeper going forward, so I doubt they would want to lose him.

Boro could definitely do with bringing in a new goalkeeper, though, as I'm not sure whether they will make a permanent move for Bettinelli.

Stevens is younger and has more potential, which could sway Warnock's thinking here.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/middlesbrough-eyeing-up-transfer-move-for-23-year-old-shot-stopper/

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The striking contrast between Scott Parker's mentality and Steve Bruce's 'accumulation of points'

Fulham boss Scott Parker believes the relegation battle is now 'probably' between his side and Newcastle United


Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce (left) and Fulham's Scott Parker

Scott Parker believes Fulham are locked in a relegation shootout with Newcastle United.

The Cottagers remain two points adrift of Steve Bruce's side having played a game more, but have almost closed the double-digit deficit following a poor start to the season.

Fulham suffered consecutive defeats to Manchester City and Leeds United before the international break, but recent wins at Everton and Liverpool have given Parker's side hope of climbing clear of danger.

In contrast, Newcastle's alarming run of just two wins in their last 18 matches has seen the Magpies slump from the comfort of mid-table to a relegation battle.

Bruce told the media ahead of Sunday's clash with Tottenham that draws would likely be enough for United to avoid to relegation.

The Magpies have picked up nine points from their last nine matches, but tougher tests against Liverpool, Leicester City and champions-elect Manchester City are still to come.

The Newcastle head coach said: "We took nine points from our last eight or nine games which is nothing mouth-watering but usually enough to keep you in the division, a point a game.

"Yes, it hasn't been anywhere near good enough, but we have given ourselves a decent platform.

"It's now with the next the next nine games and how many points can we accumulate to make sure we stay in this division."

The onus remains on Fulham to overturn the deficit, and Parker believes it would be a 'massive achievement' for the newly-promoted side to preserve their top-flight status.

United's trip to Craven Cottage on the final day could prove to be decisive, but Parker is only focused upon picking up wins ahead of that encounter on May 23.

The Fulham boss told the Athletic : "It's probably going to be out of us two.

"To be brutally honest, I've not even looked at that game. Do I think it's going to be relevant? That could be the case, but it's so far down the line.

"And it goes against everything I think and everything I've done and everything the players have thought.

"The main driver behind why we've picked up and done so well is ignoring everyone else. What Burnley or Brighton or Newcastle do is not important. What we have to do is win."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/scott-parker-steve-bruce-20318446

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Aston Villa team news ahead of Fulham clash as Jack Grealish set for return

A round-up of the latest Aston Villa injury news as Dean Smith's side return to Premier League following the international break

Aston Villa are back in action on Easter Sunday when they host Fulham at Villa Park (4.30pm)

Villa have not played since March 21, when they were soundly beaten by Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in B6.

Matty Cash returned to the starting XI from a hamstring injury that had kept him out of action since February 13, while Anwar El Ghazi was back in the matchday squad the game before at Newcastle United having recovered from a toe problem.

Jack Grealish has been a big miss for Villa, with the captain absent for his side's last six games, during which time they have only won once.

Now he is back in full training and ready to return.

Villa have been goal-shy during his absence, scoring just three times, so it is hoped the 25 year-old's return will improve their goal threat.

Elsewhere, Kortney Hause (foot) could be back in action, too, although long-term absentee Wesley Moraes suffered a setback on his return from injury while playing for the under-23s on Good Friday.

Jack Grealish

Injury: Leg.

Target return date: Fulham (April 4)

What Dean Smith said: "It's under control now. We still have to manage him obviously to make sure his loading is not too much.

"But his tolerance levels are really good with whatever pain is there at the moment. And obviously we've had scans that have come back really positive as well. So he's looking forward now to getting back to his best."

Smith says he is hopeful Grealish will play against Fulham. "That was the aim, when it first happened we looked at the calendar and thought Fulham would be the first game but there was always the possibility that, as I've said before, his tolerance levels could be better and he may be able to play," he added.

"But it wasn't the case, it didn't heal as quick as we would have wanted and unfortunately it went to plan.

"I'm always putting pressure on the medical staff, especially the doctor, and it was his plan, but he was right on this occasion, as he usually is. But we all wanted him back quicker than we could have got him."

Kortney Hause

Injury: Foot.

Target return date: Fulham (April 4).

What Smith said: The Villa boss confirmed that Hause should be available to face Fulham.

Wesley Moraes

Injury: Knee ligament damage.

Target return date: Wesley started for Villa U23s in the Premier League 2 match with Wolves on Good Friday (April 2), only to be forced off before half-time.

He was able to continue after receiving lengthy treatment 20 minutes into the match but eventually had to be replaced with around 35 minutes on the clock, and appeared to be in some discomfort.

The striker had ice strapped around his right knee and we await further news on the issue.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-team-news-grealish-18896713

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Preview: Aston Villa XI vs Fulham – latest team and injury news, predicted lineup

After falling to a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham just before the international break, Aston Villa will be eager to get back to winning ways when they take on Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday.

Dean Smith's side have seen their form in the top flight stall somewhat, coinciding with Jack Grealish's absence from the team – they've won just once in their past six games without the skipper and have scored only three goals in that time.

The England international is back for the game against the Cottagers, though, after Smith confirmed the 25-year-old's return to full fitness in his pre-match press conference.

Grealish's reintroduction could be among a couple of key changes the Villa boss makes, and with that in mind, below is a look at how the team might line up when Fulham come to town on Sunday afternoon.

In goal, Emiliano Martinez will be hoping to bounce back to his usual form after dropping a clanger in the defeat to Spurs when his kick gifted Spurs their first goal.

The back four should remain unchanged, with Villa boosted by the news in midweek that Ezri Konsa has penned an extension to his contract and will remain at the club for the foreseeable future.

John McGinn – off the back of a superb overhead kick on international duty with Scotland – should keep his place alongside Douglas Luiz, but Morgan Sanson is likely to drop out for the return of Grealish. It would certainly be a big call to throw him straight back into the team after so many weeks out, but Villa could desperately do with a lift given their slump in form.

The £47,000-a-week earning Trezeguet could also come out of the starting line-up, with Dutchman Anwar El Ghazi pushing for a recall, especially with the former badly struggling for end product this term – he has scored no goals in the Premier League all season.

That will leave Ollie Watkins to lead the line once again as he seeks to maintain his ever-present status in the league.

Predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn; Traore, Grealish, El Ghazi; Watkins.



https://www.footballfancast.com/aston-villa-news/aston-villa-fulham-premier-league-dean-smith-team-news-predicted-lineup-xi-preview-villa-park