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Thursday fulham Stuff - 08/04/21...

Started by WhiteJC, April 08, 2021, 12:25:05 AM

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WhiteJC

Can Fulham maintain unbeaten home record against Wolves?

Did you know?

Fulham are unbeaten in their five Premier League home meetings with Wolverhampton Wanderers (W2 D3).

There are two players to have had as many as 25 shots without finding the net so far in the PL this season – Wolves winger Adama Traore (26) and Fulham's Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (25).

After losing their first three Friday PL matches, Wolves are unbeaten in their last four on that day (W3 D1), keeping a clean sheet in each of the last three.

Wolves forward Fabio Silva has lost all three PL contests in which he's scored. No player has a worse such 100 per cent losing record in the competition's history. 

Match officials

Referee: Jonathan Moss. Assistants: Marc Perry, Dan Robathan. Fourth official: Robert Jones. VAR: David Coote. Assistant VAR: Stephen Child.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/2081063

WhiteJC

Newcastle United fans face Fulham disappointment – report
Newcastle United fans could be locked out the relegation-threatened club's potentially-decisive final game of the season against Fulham, according to a report.

The Premier League has drawn up plans to admit a limited number of home and away fans for the final two matches of the season.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed in February that some supporters, locked out of grounds since last March due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be allowed back inside stadiums from May 17.

The calendar is set to be shifted to allowed the penultimate round of games to be played in front of crowds of up to 10,000 fans.

That plan would see supporters attend the home game against Sheffield United, scheduled for May 15 – and the final game of the season against Fulham at Craven Cottage on May 23.

Newcastle will discuss their plans for the safe, socially-distanced return of some fans with supporter groups before making a public announcement ahead of their final home fixture.

However, the Daily Mail report that there is some opposition among clubs to the plan for the return of away fans.

One official is quoted as saying: "It doesn't make any sense. If everyone has a home match, there's no integrity issue, and the logistics will be challenging at best.

"Social distancing may present issues, and are we going to ask fans to travel the length of the country in a pandemic? Imagine if there was an outbreak related to football. It's more trouble than it's worth, and clubs have made their feelings clear. We need more time."



https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle-united-fans-face-fulham-disappointment-report-3191501

WhiteJC

Kilman surely has to play against Fulham, or he could seek Wolves exit

Wolverhampton Wanderers take on Fulham on Friday – and the game has become a little more significant following Monday night's result.

Wolves were beaten 3-2 at Molineux by West Ham United, and sit nine points above their next opponents in the Premier League table.

Scott Parker's side have made some improvements since the turn of the year, especially defensively, and are giving themselves a fighting chance of surviving relegation.

Monday night's defeat to West Ham has now left some Wolves fans feeling a little nervous about Friday's clash.

Defensively Wolves were a shambles at times – and Nuno Espirito Santo surely has to make some changes against the Cottagers.

One man he should be looking to bring into the mix is Max Kilman, who has not featured in any of the last six Premier League games.

His last start came against Leicester City on February 7.


With Willy Boly to miss Friday's game due to his positive Covid-19 test, Kilman has got to make a comeback at Craven Cottage.

Kilman no-show could prompt Wolves exit
If Kilman is overlooked again, following such a terrible defensive performance against West Ham, then he would probably be within his rights to try and seek an exit from the club this summer.

In a lot of fans' eyes, Kilman has actually been Wolves' most consistent defender this season.

He's generally been quite solid when called upon, and many have been unable to understand why he hasn't been a more regular pick.

If he doesn't start against Fulham, with Wolves clearly needing to shore up at the back, then he probably couldn't be blamed for agitating for a move.

He only signed a new deal last year, but Kilman – who turns 24 next month – will surely want to be playing regular football at this stage of his career.



https://www.molineux.news/opinion/kilman-surely-has-to-play-against-fulham-or-he-could-seek-wolves-exit/


WhiteJC

Are Fulham better equipped for Premier League survival?
Are things brighter than they were last time we stared into the Premier League abyss?


One month into his caretaker role of Fulham, Scott Parker saw his side relegated from the Premier League in April 2019.

Two years on, we've not only bounced back into the top flight at the first time of asking, but have made a much better fist of hanging tough in the dogfight down at the wrong end of the table. Not bad for a "novice" still learning how to be a manager.

Our recent victory over reigning Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield, however beset by defensive injuries Jurgen Klopp is, was an obvious highlight for Parker. It was the kind of result that can give him and the players belief that they can stay up this time around.

The current crop at Craven Cottage have done remarkably well when you consider that Mitrovic hasn't been fully fit for much of this season due to injury and illness. He scored 11 times in our last Premier League campaign and hit 26 during the regular Championship season that ended in promotion back via the play-offs.

Mitrovic – usually our clear focal point that occupies defenders – has been a miss, and this perhaps explains why we have fewer goals than both Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United. However, the secret behind our success surely lies behind the fact we have also conceded fewer than the Seagulls, Magpies and even Burnley.

In fact, despite shipping three at Villa Park on Easter Sunday, we've conceded the fewest goals out of the bottom seven, with 41 – level with our next opponents, Wolves. A run of five clean sheets in seven matches before we entertained Manchester City included wins to nil at both Anfield and Goodison Park too.

We were unsurprisingly fancied for the drop in pre-season, football tips today say we may defy relegation odds of 17/10 with 888Sport and survive. And now with relegation rivals missing key players on the treatment table, things look more promising.

Newcastle notably have been without attacking trio Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron in recent matches. That misfortune has taken 15 Premier League goals out of Steve Bruce's side, but there is still time for them to be back for the final day of the season when Fulham host the Magpies at Craven Cottage.

A loss in that game could be terminal for either side, but Parker will want to try and secure safety beforehand. Prior to that is another big game at home to Burnley in our fourth to last fixture of the Premier League campaign.

The Fulham of today looks much better equipped to survive than the side of two years ago. There were lots of changes in both playing personnel and the dugout during that campaign. The Khans have kept faith with Parker, however, and hopefully that will pay off this time.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2021-04-07-are-fulham-better-equipped-for-premier-league-survival/

WhiteJC

Fulham Vs Wolves Preview

I'm glad we've managed to put 35 points on the board ahead of this fixture.

On the basis we (probably) won't lose all 8 of our remaining games, we should stay up.

But that doesn't mean defeat here won't have us anxiously peeking over our shoulders in the weeks to come.

Even a point at Craven Cottage should extinguish those lingering fears and given they've won just 2 of 16 home matches (against the two other sides in the bottom three), it's not a big ask.

Why then, do I suspect we're not going to do it?

Fulham
After winning at Anfield last month, the Fulham survival charge was in full flow, but three consecutive defeats have checked that progress.

With seven games remaining and trips to Chelsea, Arsenal and Man Utd still to navigate, the door is creaking shut.

But more enticing fixtures against Burnley, Newcastle, Southampton and well, us, give them hope they can get to the mid-30s and at least put pressure on those immediately above the dotted line.

Defensively, they've sharpened up as the season has gone on but have paid the price at the other end of the pitch with just 24 goals scored. Only Sheff Utd (17) have managed less.

Scott Parker said they're not 'streetwise' after surrendering a second-half lead to lose 3-1 at Villa Park on Sunday and that's probably a fair assessment.

Individually, they've got a lot of good technical players and plenty of pace in the attacking areas, but have lacked the know-how in key moments to get the necessary results.

I think it will be them or Newcastle that drop and currently I'd just about give Newcastle the edge based on them having played a game less with three more points on the board. But it's going to be close.

Wolves
I was surprised Nuno went 'all out' against West Ham given that the back three has given us the platform to survive. I'd revert back sharpish on Friday.


We can't give Fulham any gifts so if Moutinho is fit, I'd put him into the midfield and shift Dendoncker into the back three.

Failing that, I'd bring Kilman in and keep Donk in the midfield. Either way, we can't afford to be so open.

There's a huge temptation to start Fabio in place of Willian after his expertly taken goal against West Ham, but we need the presence of the big man to help us get a foothold in the game.

Last time out
We won a tight game at Molineux earlier in the season thanks to Pedro Neto's excellent strike.

It was a functional performance and Fulham missed a golden chance to equalise late on. That result now seems huge in retrospect.

Predictions
Nobody correctly predicted the 3-2 defeat to West Ham.



https://www.wolvesblog.com/15136/fulham-vs-wolves-preview-9

WhiteJC

Don't just play Mitro – play to his strengths
We all rejoiced when Mitro returned to the starting XI against villa – but we have to do more for him, as Colm explains.


It was an all-to-familiar story that unfolded at Villa Park on Sunday. We played nice attractive football, but failed to get the job done at the business end of the pitch. When it came to the final third, long shots, overplaying, and giving the ball away seemed to be the order of the day.

In Alexander Mitrovic, we have a player whose strength strikes fear into the opponent's defence (or so the song goes). When a ball goes into the box to him, more often than not, he causes some sort of havoc. He can strike with his feet from close range, he can head the ball and he can draw fouls in the box with his strength.

In the first 10 minutes on Sunday, that's exactly what happened. He had two shots that forced Martinez into good saves, and when Ademola Lookman crossed the ball in after six minutes, he and Mings tangled and he could easily have been awarded a penalty. Mitro was playing with confidence after his exploits with the international team and we were all optimistic after his impressive opening 10.

Why did we stop?
However, that's where it finished. Between then and his goal, Mitro touched the ball just once more in the Villians's area. We resorted to type and started to overplay the ball, allowing Villa time to set up defensively and force us into an interception or into long-range shots. We had 15 shots in total, with 12 of them coming from the edge of the box or further out, while Aston Villa intercepted us eight times in the final third whereas we did it only twice to them.

We conceded some very sloppy goals on Sunday and the defence needs to be criticised for that, but I don't see how we're going to win games if we continue to play as if we don't have a striker on the pitch. Mitrovic fed of scraps all day and did so well for his goal, but the opportunity was created thanks to a complete gift from Mings rather than anything our other attacking players created for him.

As an Irishman, I watched on in despair last week as Mitro came on with 20 minutes to go for Serbia and completely changed the World Cup Qualifier match. Granted, in Dusan Tadic, Serbia have a player who can lay the ball on a platter for Mitro, but what they did was so simple. Take his second goal against Ireland for example. Tadic gets on the ball on the edge of the semi-circle and just sits the ball up for Mitro, who climbs over Ciaran Clark and heads the ball home.

His goal against Portugal was just as simple. Radonjic gets to the end line and chips the ball into the six-yard box where Mitrovic overpowers two Portuguese defenders to head home. Serbia knew where their strength lied and did something about it. They averaged 16 crosses from play in their three matches which resulted in five goals for Mitrovic. Against Aston Villa, we attempted just six crosses using the same player.

We have the ability
Most annoyingly, we have the players who can cross the ball. The one ball Lookman did put in from the corner of the box was a great cross and this is where the penalty shout came from. And how can we forget his wonderful cross for Cavaleiro against Spurs in January that rescued us a point at White Hart Lane. Kenny Tete and Ivan Cavaleiro also have the ability to get nice balls in, while Antonee Robinson is strong getting to the end-line and dinking a ball into the danger area. This is what Mitrovic thrives on for Serbia and this is where he's thrived for ua in the past. But for some reason, we now think we're too good for this. It seems we'd rather get the pat on the back and the "but we played some really nice football" comments rather than play to the strengths we have to score and win games.

In no way am I advocating a complete abandonment of the fluid passing football that we have been playing and start lumping the ball long up to Mitrovic, but I do think we need to be a bit more direct in the final third. Let's play to our strengths and get the ball into the area where our most lethal striker can do damage and score goals.

It's easy to be downbeat after Sunday, but we have to remember that Newcastle are slipping up as often as us and if they continue to do so, we will keep being afforded chances to get out of the relegation zone. We've squandered two chances at it already, so we need to make sure we don't fluff our lines next time.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2021-04-07-dont-just-play-mitro-play-to-his-strengths/


WhiteJC

U18s claim impressive Fulham draw

The under-18s earned a 1-1 draw with Fulham in strong showing in their friendly on Wednesday.

Striker Jake Adams continued his hot streak with a brilliantly taken goal in a first half where the Cherries controlled for long periods against their category one visitors.

With the older players rested for the second half, the tide turned with the away side seizing the momentum and equalising, goalkeeper Billy Terrell making some good saves late on to ensure Bournemouth claimed a draw.

The Cherries took the lead in style inside 20 minutes when Adams added to his weekend winner against Leyton Orient with a brilliant strike.

Marcus Daws played the ball to the feet of his captain, who took a touch 24 yards from goal before firing a stunning effort directly into the far top corner.

From a corner, a combination of Cherries attackers bundled the ball just wide before Matt Burgess fired narrowly wide, the Cherries well on top at the half-hour mark.

Billy Terrell got down low to comfortably save a 20-yard strike, the 'keeper's first call into the action as Fulham had a rare foray forwards.

Daws pulled a low effort just wide from the edge of the area, Burgess soon forcing the Cottagers' 'keeper into a diving stop from a free-kick just before the teams went into the break, the Cherries still ahead.

After the restart Fulham had their best chance yet, Terrell making a good sprawling save to deny the first effort, the rebound being put over from close range with the goal open.

Daws had a double opportunity, his first shot blocked before his second was claimed by the 'keeper.

A handball just beyond the line of the penalty gave Bournemouth an opportunity from a free-kick, Burgess drilling low but agonisingly the wrong side of the upright.

The visitors were level, however, when the ball was worked across the box, ending with a strong low finish into the corner.

The Cottagers were now on top while the Cherries' side became even younger after a number of substitutions.

Terrell stood firm to block a fierce strike away, Fulham looking for a late winner at Canford Arena, while he handled well as his goal came under increasing pressure.

Another away shot slid wide for the away side in the dying moments but the Cherries were able to see the match out as the referee signaled for full time.



https://www.afcb.co.uk/news/under-18s/u18s-claim-impressive-fulham-draw/

WhiteJC

Nottingham Forest fans think Hughton should try and sign Cyrus Christie

Nottingham Forest defender Cyrus Christie was once again impressive in Monday's 3-1 win over QPR.

As a result, we asked supporters on our official Twitter whether or not he should be signed permanently during the summer.

It seems as though plenty have changed their minds on the 28-year-old and would now welcome his arrival.

Christie has taken some time to prove himself in the famous Garibaldi. Since the turn of the year, however, he has produced some brilliant performances.

The Republic of Ireland international is on loan from Fulham but does see his contract expire in the summer.

The Cottagers hold an option to extend his deal in the summer but that doesn't mean they won't seek to sell him.

Plenty of supporters would welcome Christie arriving on Trentside – but not on the £20,000-a-week he currently collects at Craven Cottage.

Following another impressive performance, we had a look what fans were saying over the possibility of a permanent deal this summer.



https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2021/04/07/nottingham-forest-fans-think-hughton-should-try-and-sign-cyrus-christie/

WhiteJC

Report: Fulham would love to re-sign Ryan Sessegnon as Mourinho faces decision

According to The Mirror, Fulham would love to re-sign Tottenham Hotspur wide man Ryan Sessegnon with his future somewhat unclear.

Spurs raided Fulham to sign Sessegnon on deadline day in August 2019, paying £25million as Mauricio Pochettino finally landed his long-term target.

Unfortunately, Sessegnon could barely make an impact under Pochettino due to injury, and Jose Mourinho didn't seem all that convinced last term.

The 20-year-old has been out on loan at Hoffenheim this season, registering two goals and two assists in 16 Bundesliag games, playing predominantly as a left wing back.

Sessegnon returns to Spurs this summer with his future a little murky. Sergio Reguilon is the undoubted first-choice left back and Son Heung-min has the left flank locked down, so just where does Sessegnon fit in?

That's for Mourinho to decide, if he's still Tottenham manager anyway. Down the road at Fulham, they would love to have Sessegnon back at Craven Cottage.

The youngster hit 25 goals and 18 assists in 120 games for Fulham, becoming one of the top talents in English football before losing his way a little with Spurs.

Fulham would surely need to stay in the Premier League to have a shot at signing Sessegnon either on loan or permanently, so much will depend on the final weeks of the season with the Cottagers battling against the drop.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/04/07/report-fulham-would-love-to-re-sign-ryan-sessegnon-as-mourinho-faces-decision/


WhiteJC

Andersen: Warrior Mentality

Joachim Andersen wants Fulham to get back doing the things that made us so difficult to beat.

Anfield was the last time the Whites claimed a positive result, and the Danish defender is keen to see more of that spirit.

"It was a real fight," Andersen recalled. "That's the side we have to show more often.

"Especially at the weekend against Villa, we needed some of that, that survival mode, warrior mentality. We really need that if we're to stay in the Premier League.

"I feel like it's only the last couple of games we've been giving some easy goals away, some mistakes which can't happen, and of course that's something we have to look at.

"We have to be a little bit more nasty, play the game a little bit more ugly. That's something we've been talking about, and is something we have to improve on."

We welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to Craven Cottage on Friday night, knowing a victory would move us – at least temporarily – out of the bottom three.

"A win would be massive," Andersen admitted. "At this time we need all the points we can get, and it's a really good chance to get points I would say, so for me it's a must-win game.

"I think we have a good chance to beat Wolves. It's at home, and I feel we're in a good spot to beat them.

"Like I've said many times, we feel good, we're confident, and I'm sure we can have a great game against them.

"We still have full belief that we can stay in the Premier League. Nothing has changed."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/april/Andersen-Warrior-Mentality/

WhiteJC

Parker eyes Fulham old boy but must overcome major obstacle

Fulham are reportedly keen to re-sign Ryan Sessegnon from Tottenham this summer after he returns from a loan spell in Germany.

Sessegnon, 20, leapt to the attention of the football world as a teenager for the Cottagers. After coming through the west London club's youth set-up, he made his senior debut aged just 16. That came in an EFL Cup match against Leyton Orient in August 2016 and he enjoyed 30 appearances in all competitions that season. The youngster scored seven goals and then added 16 from 52 outings the following campaign.

Able to play as a left-back or left winger, Sessegnon made 26 starts with Fulham back in the Premier League in 2018-2019. That prompted Spurs to make a move and the north London outfit paid £25m for his services.

The deal also saw Josh Onomah move in the opposite direction. Injury prevented the Roehampton-born ace from making his Tottenham debut until November 2019.

In what was a disappointing season, he managed just four top-flight starts among six outings. Jose Mourinho decided to loan him out, with Sessegnon penning a one-year deal with German club Hoffenheim.

And it seems to have been a productive move, with 10 Bundesliga starts and 16 appearances. Injury has halted his progress in recent times but the England Under-21 star has gained some top-level experience.

It is not known if Mourinho sees him in Spurs' long-term plans and it may be that another loan stint beckons. Sergio Reguilon is the Portuguese tactician's first-choice left-back.

The Mirror are reporting that Fulham chief Scott Parker is keen to see him back by the Thames. Whether or not that would be on a permanent basis or on loan is not specified.

But Fulham will need to maintain their Premier League status to stand any chance of landing their target.

Sessegnon will not warm the Spurs bench

When fit, Sessegnon has looked at home in the Bundesliga. He will be keen to prove that he can cope with the demands of the Premier League when returning to Spurs.

But back in February, the starlet made it clear that he wants to play and not sit on the bench. That might not be possible at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Therefore a move away seems the likely scenario, with Craven Cottage an option. Parker's men have seven games to save themselves and give the club the best chance to recruit talented players.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/parker-fulham-old-boy-sessegnon-tottenham-bench

Andyb

Boly out for Wolves, has coronavirus apparently.