Friday Fulham Stuff - 09/04/21...

[WhiteJC]

Transfer gossip: Speculation over Andersen's future

The latest transfer speculation involving Fulham...

Manchester United and Tottenham are being linked with Joachim Andersen.

The centre-back has been outstanding for Fulham, where he is on a season-long loan from Lyon.

He has been installed as captain by Whites boss Scott Parker and been instrumental in the team's improvement over the course of the season.

There has therefore been speculation over where Andersen might end up next season, particularly if Fulham are relegated and unable to sign him on a permanent deal.

The Daily Telegraph say Lyon want £25m for Andersen and that Spurs and United have added him to their list of potential signings this summer.

The Dane has indicated that he is keen to stay in the Premier League rather than return to France.

The Mail run a similar story and say Andersen has been identified by Spurs as a possible replacement for Davinson Sanchez or Toby Alderweireld amid speculation over their futures at the north London club.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-transfer-gossip-man-utd-and-tottenham-linked-with-whites-star

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss Scott Parker makes surprise Newcastle United claim ahead of 'must-win' versus Wolves
Fulham boss Scott Parker insists he does not keep an eye on Newcastle United's results as the two teams battle it out for Premier League safety.

Just three points separate the pair in the table with Steve Bruce's side three points above the Cottagers, who occupy the third and final relegation spot.

However, that could change this evening. If Parker's men beat Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage then the Magpies will drop into the bottom three on goal difference ahead of Sunday's encounter at Burnley.

United's fate very much remains in their own hands with games in-hand, however Parker says he's concentrating on his side only.

And the former midfielder turned Fulham boss has conceded that the meeting with Nuno Espirito Santo's Wolves is a must-win.

"No I honestly don't, because we need to win," Parker said when asked if he takes notice of Newcastle's results.

"If we don't win between now and the end of the season, then that's the end, to be honest.

"We've been in this position for a long time in the sense of where we are as a team and what we want to do, so yeah of course Friday night is a game that we want to win, but so will be the following week against Arsenal.

"We needed to beat Villa, and after this we're going to need to go to the Emirates and beat Arsenal. That's what I want us to do. Are we capable of doing it? For sure we are.

"I understand and the team understands that we now have seven games to go and the end of the season nears, those games become more important, or certainly the emphasis on those games is to win. But nothing's really changed in my mindset."



https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/fulham-boss-scott-parker-makes-surprise-newcastle-united-claim-ahead-of-must-win-versus-wolves-3194252

[WhiteJC]

Fulham will fight to the death in Premier League relegation battle, says Alphonse Areola



Alphonse Areola has called on his Fulham teammates to fight until the death in the battle against relegation.

The Cottagers host Wolves tonight as they look to put an end to a run of three consecutive defeats and move level on points with Newcastle.

Last weekend's defeat to Aston Villa made for a disappointing return from the international break and manager Scott Parker held extensive debriefings with his squad to get back on the right track.

Speaking to the club website, Areola said: "It is frustrating, we spoke a lot and talked a lot with the gaffer and my teammates about what we did right and wrong so we have to look forward and prepare well.

"Every mistake you always think about and it is something you keep in your head and work to change happens. We're ready in our heads and now we have to fight.

"You have to believe until the end. We're not dead, we're still in the fight and we're going to fight and hope we earn lots of points.

"We've lost our last three games, we have to push and change that dynamic."

Parker has been handed a boost with forward Ademola Lookman cleared to face struggling Wolves tonight. The winger, on loan from RB Leipzig, had been forced off at Villa Park but is ready to start.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-premier-league-relegation-alphonse-areola-b928707.html

[WhiteJC]

Wolves Matchday Preview

Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers | Friday 9th April 2021 | 8pm | Craven Cottage | #FULWOL

The opposition

    Wolves were in action just four days ago and, after a disastrous start at Molineux, nearly pulled off a magnificent comeback against West Ham United. They were 3-0 down with 38 minutes played, but a Leander Dendoncker header just before the break gave them hope. They further reduced the deficit midway through the second half, but fell just short of finding what would have been a deserved equaliser.
    Monday was the latest in a sticky stream of results for Nuno Espirito Santo's side, meaning they have now lost three and drawn two of their last five Premier League encounters.
    Thankfully for Wolves, tremendous form prior to this recent blip means they won't be embroiled in any relegation troubles. Meetings with Arsenal, Leicester City, Southampton and Leeds United in February yielded an impressive 10 points.

Fulham team news

Ademola Lookman was substituted against Aston Villa with what turned out to be a minor hamstring issue. Scott Parker confirmed he was in light training on Thursday and so will be hopeful of his inclusion. Nothing else has changed on the injury front, so we will still be without Marek Rodák and Tom Cairney.

Wolves team news

Willy Boly continues to self-isolate after returning a positive Covid test, while Jonny needs an operation for a double ligament injury. Joao Moutinho picked up a groin injury while playing for Portugal recently – it caused him to miss the West Ham defeat but it remains to be seen if he will feature at the Cottage. Raul Jimenez is back in training but may not be risked this season considering the serious nature of the injury (fractured skull) he sustained in November.

Foundation matchday

Friday's game marks our annual Fulham FC Foundation Matchday. Despite fans being unable to attend this fixture, you can still show your support from home - which is more important than ever as the Foundation continue in their mission to support our local community.

Virtual mascots

Victoria, Taferrell, Shaquille, Elliott, Abigail and Gabriel are our Foundation virtual mascots for the game. Thanks for your support guys!

Player insight

Alphonse Areola says Fulham will learn from the Aston Villa disappointment when we face another Midlands foe in Wolves on Friday.

"Every mistake, everything you've done – good or bad – you always think about it," he told FFCtv. "It's something you keep in your head and work on.

"We're ready, we're ready in our heads, and now we have to fight. We have to believe until the end.

"We're still here, three points less [than Newcastle United], so we're not dead. We're still in the fight."

Form

Fulham: LWLLL

Wolves: DLDLL

Pre-match quotes

"Seven games, and we will give absolutely everything in our power to try and stay in this division."

Scott Parker
Fulham Head Coach

"We have analysed all their aspects and Fulham is a good team. It's a good team, has good players, so it's going to be a very tough game for us."

Nuno Espirito Santo
Wolves Head Coach

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/april/Wolves-Matchday-Preview/

[WhiteJC]

Predicted Wolves XI to face Fulham

Wolverhampton Wanderers take on Fulham tonight and are looking to bounce back from the disappointment of Monday night.

A change to a back four saw Nuno Espirito Santo's side fall to a 3-2 defeat against West Ham United at Molineux.

It was a very poor defensive display and ultimately, Wolves gave themselves too much to do to earn a point.

Fulham could potentially be a very difficult game, with the Cottagers scrapping for their Premier League lives.

Nuno will not want to lose this game, and could therefore end up setting up a little more conservatively, especially after the struggles of Monday.

Rui Patricio will obviously keep his place, but the manager could well give him the protection of three centre-halves.

Conor Coady, Romain Saiss and Max Kilman might be the trio of choice, with some fans having been clamouring to see the latter starting for the first time in weeks.


Nelson Semedo will probably continue at right wing-back, and Rayan Ait-Nouri will likely get the nod on the left again in the absence of the injured Jonny Castro Otto.

Ruben Neves and Leander Dendoncker should continue in midfield if Joao Moutinho is still struggling for match fitness.

A change of system would mean an attacking player drops out, and that person is likely to be Daniel Podence, who is still working his way back to full fitness following his abductor injury.

Adama Traore was great against West Ham, and his brilliant first assists of the season should see him keep his place, along with Pedro Neto.

Fabio Silva should have given Nuno something to think about by scoring against the Hammers, and it would be great to see him given a chance in place of Willian Jose, whose search for a first Wolves goal goes on.

Wolves simply cannot lose. Do so, and nerves could well start to kick in. It's about seeing out the season now and this formation should be an effective means of doing that.

https://www.molineux.news/match/predicted-wolves-xi-to-face-fulham-2/

[WhiteJC]

'One big joke isn't it, Steve?': Some Newcastle fans left 'speechless' by 'bizarre' Bruce comment

Newcastle fans have taken to Twitter to react after Steve Bruce revealed what it was like to watch Fulham's game against Aston Villa.

As quoted by Sky Sports, the Magpies boss said: "I got home Sunday & my good lady had cooked me Sunday lunch. By the time we'd sat down Mitrovic scored for Fulham. By the time I'd had my apple pie and custard they'd lost 3-1. Like any other household I don't know if I can put myself through it."

Now, he's only trying to find some humour amid what is a dire situation, although you can understand why his comment has annoyed supporters.

With Newcastle teetering just three points above the relegation zone, it seems the St James' Park faithful want the 60-year-old to take things a bit more seriously.

Whatever he says is unlikely to go down well right now, in all honesty.

Bruce is seemingly public enemy No.1 on Tyneside, following a run of just two wins in 23 Premier League games.

The ex-Sunderland boss has overseen a dire campaign, which could still end in relegation.

Until Newcastle are mathematically safe from the drop, we doubt many Magpies fans will be laughing at Bruce's jokes.

It's hard to sympathise with him for struggling to watch Fulham's games, seeing as he's the main culprit for Newcastle's current position.

However, now is not the time to point fingers.

Everyone at Newcastle needs to rally together and ensure they finished above 18th in the Premier League.

A club of Newcastle's magnitude should not be dropping back into the Championship.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/04/09/one-big-joke-isnt-it-steve-some-newcastle-fans-left-speechless-by-bizarre-bruce-comment/

[WhiteJC]

Wolves dealt further Joao Moutinho injury blow

An international break usually has a tendency to be a pillar of frustration, especially when your country plays a pretty meaningless friendly.

Players will come back injured and, in the case of Wolves, the last few weeks haven't been particularly kind to them on the injury front.

They've lost Jonny to yet another ACL problem and, during the break, they also lost Joao Moutinho for a period of time. The midfielder picked up a groin problem during Portugal's 1-0 win over Azerbaijan and didn't make it back out for the second half of that encounter.

That caused him to miss Wolves' clash with West Ham on his return to England, despite Nuno Espirito Santo claiming that the issue was getting better.

Speaking in the build-up to that game, the manager commented: "It was an injury that didn't allow him to play with Portugal. It's still being assessed, let's wait. It was at the beginning of the first game, he only made 45 minutes and was not able to continue for the second-half. Since then, he's not been training as normal, he didn't join the group yet, but he's improving."

Unfortunately for Wolves, Moutinho has not improved sufficiently over the last week or so. As a result, he is set to miss their match against Fulham on Friday night.

The news was confirmed by Ben Dinnery on Twitter, who said: "No changes on the injury front which means Joao Moutinho (groin) remains sidelined. Willy Boly (COVID-19) will rejoin the group from next week while Jonny faces a 9-12 month recovery after suffering a recurrence of an ACL rupture."

To lose a player to injury during club action is frustrating but for Moutinho to pick up this problem while on international duty is even worse.

Leander Dendoncker was his replacement last time out and he actually scored a rare goal, but a player of the 34-year-old's calibre would be a huge absentee for anyone. The midfield general is one of Nuno's chief quarterbacks and, after a rather disappointing start to the campaign, he has improved in the last few months.

Moutinho scored a screamer against Arsenal and then picked up an assist against Manchester City. He has put in some all-action displays of late, winning nine tackles and playing eight key passes in his last five matches.

That was compared to just six tackles and six key passes in the five outings prior to that. The experienced midfielder has seemingly been ruled out just as his season was improving, and his continued absence will be a huge source of frustration for everybody at Wolves.



https://www.footballfancast.com/wolves-news/joao-moutinho-fitness-molineux-premier-league-preview-injury-news-team-news

[WhiteJC]

Press Conference: Scott Parker Pre-Wolves

[WhiteJC]

BBC pundit makes TRIPLE prediction ahead of huge 48 hours for Newcastle and Fulham

Mark Lawrenson is predicting a positive weekend for Newcastle United, believing we'll move another point clear of relegation rivals Fulham after their "damaging" collapse at Aston Villa last time out.

He's backing Wolves to come away 1-0 winners at Craven Cottage tonight – a result that would allow us to go SIX clear of Fulham (with a game in hand) should we beat Burnley on Sunday.

Lawro feels we showed huge improvement in our 2-2 draw with Spurs and thinks victory against Sean Dyche's side would be a "massive boost", but insists Burnley won't be beaten and backs us to earn a 1-1 draw instead.

Here's what he's had to say on both games in his weekly column for the BBC:

Fulham vs Wolves

    "Last week felt like a real kick in the teeth for Fulham, who collapsed in the final few minutes against Aston Villa to turn what would have been a big win for them into a damaging defeat.

    "This is another chance for them to climb out of the bottom three, against a team who have not won for a while, but I just wonder how much that capitulation will have deflated them.

    "Wolves have not won for five games, since they beat Leeds on 19 February, but I don't think they are playing as badly as their results suggest."

    Lawro's prediction: 0-1

Burnley vs Newcastle

    "A win would be a massive boost for Newcastle in their relegation battle.

    "Similarly for Burnley, a victory for them would be as good as putting them safe.

    "The Magpies were decent in their draw with Tottenham last weekend and I think they will build on that by getting something here.

    "I just don't see Burnley being beaten though."

    Lawro's prediction: 1-1

Scott Parker's Fulham host Wolves tonight in what's been billed a must win game if they are to put the pressure on us ahead of our trip to Burnley.

Let's hope they crack under the pressure once again and hand us a huge chance to pull clear on Sunday!



https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2021/04/09/bbc-pundit-makes-triple-prediction-ahead-of-huge-48-hours-for-newcastle-and-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

U23s: Fulham 4-1 Aston Villa

Louie Barry was on the scoresheet once again as Aston Villa Under-23s went down to Fulham in Premier League 2 on Friday afternoon.

The young striker netted his 11th goal of the season to fire the visitors into the lead after 15 minutes.

And they looked as though they would head into half-time with a lead before the match was turned on its head just before the break.

Sylvester Jasper equalised after 44 minutes before Fabio Carvalho handed the hosts the initiative in stoppage time.

The Londoners picked up where they left off at the start of the second period, with Tyrese Francois making it 3-1 after 52 minutes.

Fulham wrapped the game up shortly after the hour mark when substitute Jean-Pierre Tiehi scored with his first touch.

The loss leaves Mark Delaney's Young Lions in eighth place, one point off fifth place Middlesbrough who occupy the final play-off place.



https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2021/april/U23s-Fulham-4-1-Aston-Villa/

[WhiteJC]

United linked to Fulham loanee Joachim Andersen

Manchester United are being linked with a move for Joachim Andersen, ahead of the summer transfer window.

Question marks persist over Eric Bailly's future and United conceded another soft goal on Sunday against Brighton.

The Daily Telegraph report United are among the clubs tracking the 24-year-old central defender. So who is the potential summer signing?

1) Andersen is a Lyon player but is currently on loan at Fulham. The Cottagers do not have a purchase clause in that arrangement.

2) Andersen is a Danish international and has played four times for his country, having made his debut in 2019.

3) He is a defensive leader and an organiser, who is adept at protecting his penalty box. He has made an average of five clearances a game in the Premier League this season. For context, Harry Maguire has made 3.8.

4) Andersen is adept on the ball too, and has experience of playing a holding midfield role for Lyon at times.

5) United were linked with Andersen back in January 2019, when the Manchester Evening News reported he had been scouted for several months.

Could a deal happen?

United reportedly face competition from Tottenham and Leicester for Andersen's signature.

The Telegraph also claim that another Premier League club have already made a firm offer for the Dane.

His future will be decided at the end of the season, by which time we'll of course know whether Fulham are still a top flight club.

Even if they are, Andersen could have his head turned by the lure of a side playing European football.

Andersen might not some United fans excited, but he looks a realistic target.

Lyon are looking for a fee of around £25 million, which is affordable for United.

And Andersen has shown what he can do in the Premier League this season, standing out in a struggling team.

He wouldn't solve the lack of pace in United's central defensive partnership, but he is commanding and assured on the ball, with plenty of time to improve further.

United didn't take the plunge in 2019 before he joined Lyon from Sampdoria. We'll see if they take their interest further this summer.



https://www.unitedinfocus.com/transfer-talk/united-linked-to-fulham-loanee-joachim-andersen/

[WhiteJC]

Lascelles Explains Latest Setback As He Vows To Return For Fulham If He's Needed

Bruce's press conference this morning was a bit of a microcosm of the season with a high followed by an extreme low. Bruce confirmed that Callum Wilson will be available for Sunday's crucial match at Burnley.

However, he followed that positive update with the disappointing news that Jamaal Lascelles could be lost for the season with a stress fracture in his foot.

The captain has given an interview this afternoon to NUFC TV about his latest injury setback. It looks like it's come out of the blue for the skipper.

He revealed that he felt some discomfort in his foot last week but only found out the extent of the issue yesterday after training. Here is what Jamaal, who was wearing a boot on his right foot, said about his injury:

    "It's obviously frustrating to hear the news. I think leading up to the Tottenham game I was feeling a bit of pain in my foot. During the game, it was sore but not sore enough where I thought it was a stress fracture.

    "I trained yesterday and it was pretty sore. I went for a scan and the doctor told me that's what it is – a stress fracture.

    "It's probably the worst news I really could have received. I guess it's part of football and I have to stay positive for the rest of the team."

Lascelles has tried to play through the pain barrier in the past. Now the only recipe is for him to rest and allow his foot to heal. He has not ruled out returning for the final few matches this season. However, that will be very unlikely as this is reportedly an eight-week injury.

Though Lascelles said his focus is to be ready to return for the final few matches should he be needed. That also is the best possible timeframe for Fabian Schar who continues to work his way back from his knee injury.

This is what Lascelles said when speaking about the slim possibility of him facing Fulham on the final day of the season:

    "I think normally with wearing the boot, I think it's four weeks in the boot and then four weeks of rehab. Obviously, with six weeks left, you know that will see me until after the season.

    "I've said to them (the medical staff) even if I'm playing and making it worse if needed to, I'm going to try everything I can to be available for the Fulham game.

    "Hopefully, it doesn't come down to the last game that we need to stay safe. But I'm going to everything I can to make sure I'm available."



https://www.nufcblog.com/2021/04/09/377872/