Saturday Fulham Stuff - 17/04/21...

WhiteJC · April 17, 2021, 12:35:30 AM

Results

Friday
Everton	2-2	Spurs

WhiteJC · April 17, 2021, 12:37:04 AM

FA Cup & Premier League predictions: Lawro v Soccer AM star Tubes

LAWRO'S PREDICTIONS

Newcastle v West Ham (12:30 BST, Premier League)

Last weekend's win at Burnley was massive for Newcastle, who now have a bit of breathing space above the bottom three.

I'm going for a bit of an upset here, partly because I think Newcastle usually pick up points in bursts and also because they also have Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson to come into their starting XI after the impact they made off the bench against the Clarets.

It has the makings of a decent game, anyhow. West Ham have developed a bit of a habit recently of going 3-0 up and being pegged back, but they held on to beat Leicester last week and will hang on to fourth place for a while longer.

I am going for the Hammers to lose this time but I am sure they won't mind - I also thought they would be beaten by the Foxes and, before then Wolves, and I was wrong on both occasions.

Lawro's prediction: 2-0

Tubes' prediction: I'm going to put it out there - I think Newcastle are going to nick a result here off the back of beating Burnley last week. 2-1

Arsenal v Fulham (13:30 BST, Premier League)
Fulham's survival hopes took another blow last weekend with their late defeat by Wolves. I fear the worst for them now.

Scott Parker's side could have a lifeline because they play Newcastle on the final day, but that obviously won't do them any good if they are more than three points behind the Magpies by then and, at the moment, the gap is six.

Arsenal are a very difficult side to predict, but they put in a real shift against Sheffield United and, if they all work like that again, they will win this one too.

Lawro's prediction: 2-0

Tubes' prediction: I'd really like Scott Parker to stay up but that Wolves defeat has hurt them big time. 1-0

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56752802

WhiteJC · April 17, 2021, 12:38:07 AM

Chelsea enter the race for £25m star starring for Fulham on loan

Transfer News: Chelsea in the race to sign Joachim Andersen
According to transfer news from Daily Mail, Chelsea have firmly put themselves in the race for Joachim Andersen. However, they will face competition from their Premier League rivals such as Manchester United, Tottenham and Crystal Palace for his signature.

The 24-year-old defender spent the early parts of his career in his homeland, Denmark before making the switch to the Netherlands in 2013, where he joined Twente. Four years later, he made the jump to Sampdoria before signing for Olympique Lyon in 2019.

Joachim Andersen lyon FOOTBALL : Olympique Lyonnais vs Rangers FC – Trophee Veolia – 16/07/2020 FredericChambert/Panoramic.

After a season in France, Andersen arrived at Fulham this past summer on a season-long loan deal, with the Cottagers having no option to make the transfer permanent.

The 24-year-old missed a few games early in the season due to injury but since returning to full fitness, he has been a mainstay at the back for Scott Parker's side.

In fact, Andersen has gone on to captain Fulham in more than half of their Premier League games this term despite being on loan. And he has played an integral role in their newfound defensive solidity that is aiding them in their fight for survival.

Joachim Andersen of Fulham during the Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Picture date: 4th April 2021. Picture credit should read: Darren Staples/Sportimage.

Apparently, Chelsea are said to be in the hunt for the centre-back along with United and Spurs. Talks have taken place between Spurs and the player's representatives. Despite all that interest, Andersen could also be open to remaining at Fulham if they survive the drop.

Lyon, who are his parent club, want £25m for him. Chelsea's interest in the Danish defender is understandable given he could be a long-term replacement for the likes of Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta. His valuation is also decent, which should encourage the Blues to go after the player.

https://astamfordbridgetoofar.com/2021/04/16/chelsea-enter-the-race-for-25m-star-starring-for-fulham-on-loan/

WhiteJC · April 17, 2021, 12:40:31 AM

Fulham should stick with Scott Parker whatever their fate - as these numbers show

Football Nerd: Is it really bad luck when a team with no good striker underperforms their expected goals?

It is possible for a manager to be relegated from the Premier League but enhance their reputation. Alan Curbishley and Sean Dyche stayed for the rebuild and bounced back with Charlton and Burnley. Daniel Farke is on his way to doing likewise with Norwich. Roberto Martinez landed the Everton job after Wigan Athletic were relegated but won the FA Cup in 2013. Gareth Southgate was relegated with Middlesbrough in 2009 - whatever happened to him?

Scott Parker is also a candidate for this slightly hollow accolade. Fulham could be seven points adrift with six games remaining by the time they kick off at Arsenal on Sunday, but have been far more competitive than most judges expected them to be at the start of the season, certainly since a raft of successful new signings arrived. Whatever their fate, Parker deserves to stay. Fulham may even face a battle to keep him.

Much has been written about Brighton's impressive football and apparent misfortune in front of goal, but Fulham have actually suffered the biggest underperformance relative to expected goals in the league. The difference between their 35.9 expected goals, just behind Everton, and their 24 goals scored is the biggest in the division. Fulham's shot conversion rate of 6.4 per cent is also the lowest in the league. Their expected goals conceded tally is also safely lower mid-table.

This will come as no surprise to Fulham fans who have cursed the lack of a reliable goalscorer. The same is true of Sheffield United and Brighton who are the league's second and third biggest underpeformers relative to expectation.

At this point it is common to hear the argument: is this not the problem with expected goals? That it fails to take account of the quality of individual players. That the reason Manchester United, Leicester and Tottenham are the league's big overperformers is not luck but the calibre of their strikers. Should we not expect relegation-threatened teams with Championship-grade forwards to miss more chances?

There is some truth to these claims when small samples are analysed, but expected goals benefits from the law of large numbers because most models are based on hundreds of thousands of shots on goal. This gives a strong indication of the true probability of a chance going in. Regardless of whether you have Harry Kane or Jamie Vardy, it is extremely difficult and improbable to sustain significant overperformance across a long period, as Tottenham's faltering title challenge and Leicester's dip last season attest.

So there is no contradiction in saying Fulham lack quality but have also been unfortunate. They could well be relegated before any positive return to the mean can take place. Their performance levels though, suggest Parker is the right man to bring them back up.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/04/16/fulham-should-stick-scott-parker-whatever-fate-numbers-show/

WhiteJC · April 17, 2021, 12:41:16 AM

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang update ahead of Fulham

Arsenal hammer Slavia Prague

Arsenal faced off with Slavia Prague in the second of two Europa League quarter-final ties on Thursday evening.

The Gunners dominated the first leg, but were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw, handing the Czech outfit a crucial away goal.

However, despite struggling to convert their chances last time out, Mikel Arteta's side completely tore apart Slavia Prague at the Eden Arena.

Emile Smith Rowe had a goal ruled out for offside after 15 minutes. But Arsenal would continue to press and took the lead through Nicolas Pepe just a few minutes later.

Alexandre Lacazette then made it two just 21 minutes in before Bukayo Saka added Arsenal's third and all but killed the tie off after 24 minutes.

Lacazette then rubbed salt in the wounds by netting his second and Arsenal's fourth of the day in the second half to give Arsenal a comfortable 5-1 aggregate win.

The latest on Aubameyang

Prior to the clash, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who missed Thursday's game and the win over Sheffield United, confirmed that his recent absence had been due to him contracting malaria:

Speaking after the match, Mikel Arteta was of course drawn on the hitman's wellbeing.

And the Spaniard gave a fairly positive update, confirming Auba is now home and feeling better.

However, he went on to add that Aubameyang will need a few days to recover, likely suggesting he will not be facing Fulham this coming Sunday:

"We just spoke with him. He's home. He had two days in hospital to get the right treatment, but he's feeling good now. He will need a few days to recover, but he wants to be back as soon as possible."

https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/arsenal-boss-mikel-arteta-provides-pierre-emerick-aubameyang-update/

WhiteJC · April 17, 2021, 12:41:50 AM

Super Eagles striker reveals why Fulham are confident ahead of trip to the Emirates Stadium

Bordeaux loanee Josh Maja has shared his thoughts ahead of Fulham's trip to the Emirates Stadium, where they face Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.

Scott Parker's team are flirting with relegation with six points separating them from Newcastle United who are seventeenth in the table.

Fulham's next opponents Arsenal are having a mixed season in domestic competitions but have caught the eye in Europe, qualifying for the last four of the Europa League.

On what he expects from Arsenal, Maja told FFCtv : "As we know Arsenal have quality, we're just going to go in there positive and confident that we can get a result.

"Arsenal are a top side and we must be confident that we can play our game, play with bravery and courage, and hopefully we can do the job".

This season, Fulham have taken some massive points away from home, at Leicester City, Liverpool and Everton, where Maja scored a brace on his full Premier League debut.

The Super Eagles star is looking to replicate those kind of performances against Arsenal on Sunday.

"For sure, these are the things that are giving us confidence , we know we can go to big away teams and get a result and that's what we're hoping to do on Sunday".

Maja has recorded ten appearances for the Cottagers in the Premier League, including seven starts, since his loan move in the winter transfer market.

Igho Kingsley

https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=39597

WhiteJC · April 17, 2021, 12:43:57 AM

Has Michael Owen got this right about Fulham and Newcastle United?

Michael Owen has been casting his eye over some pivotal games this weekend that affect both ends of the Premier League table.

When it comes to the relegation battle, a six point gap opened up last weekend between Newcastle United and Fulham, with drama in both games ending up all eventually going in Newcastle's favour.

Wolves winning in the 92nd minute at Craven Cottage, whilst Allan Saint-Maximin stormed off the bench at Turf Moor to change a losing situation to a winning one, all in the space of seven minutes.

This is how the Premier League table currently looks, ahead of the weekend's matches:

Fulham go to Arsenal on Sunday and Michael Owen declares: 'The Cottagers' have lost their last five Premier League matches and they take on an Arsenal side that despite their frailties, still have the quality to brush aside teams at the bottom end of the table.'

As usual Michael Owen playing fast and loose with facts, Fulham have lost their last four PL matches but actually won 1-0 at Liverpool in their fifth last match.

Having said that, certainly their confidence must have taken a hit with four defeats in a row.

Scott Parker said after last Friday's defeat to Wolves that they would be coming out 'swinging' when it came to this Arsenal match and I think they may well have a real fighting chance of grabbing a surprise win.

Arsenal pulled off arguably their most impressive result and performance of the season last night BUT there are plenty of reasons to believe they could be nowhere near that level on Sunday. The Gunners won 4-0 away at Slavia Prague to progress to the Europa League semi-finals and that competition is massively where their focus will be from now on.

Arsenal have almost no chance of qualifying for the Europa League this season via the Premier League, never mind qualifying for the Champions League. They travel to play Villarreal away in the semis 11 days after playing Fulham on Sunday, with another home game against Everton in between. Travel and fatigue will be factors anyway after last night's match and a perfect excuse as well for Mikel Arteta to play a seriously weakened team on Sunday.

Fulham will throw everything at this game as only a win will really do and Arsenal will see winning the Europa League and at the same time qualifying for the Champions League, as a seriously massive all consuming target.

Michael Owen thinks an easy 2-0 to Arsenal but I think Fulham could well match them and then it is all down to whether Scott Parker's team can find a goal (or two).

Michael Owen fancies Newcastle to go seven points clear of Fulham by getting a point against West Ham.

By hook or by crook Newcastle have somehow avoided defeat in five of their last six matches and Michael Owen talks about them having shown 'grit' in crawling to probable safety.

One thing is for sure, if Steve Bruce and his team repeat the first 55 minutes at Burnley last Sunday, then difficult not to see the Hammers strolling to an easy win.

For West Ham, since losing their opening two games of the season against Newcastle and Arsenal, the next twenty nine PL games have seen them win sixteen, draw seven and lose only six.

Only four clubs having beaten the Hammers since 19 September 2020 (eight months ago) – Liverpool (twice), Man Utd (twice), Chelsea and Man City.

Very impressive form for West Ham with 55 points from the last 29 games, almost averaging two points (1.896 points) per match.

This is a massive game for West Ham as David Moyes views the Champions League places with seven games to go. They are one point clear of fifth place Chelsea with seven games each to go and three points at St James Park would be the perfect set up to take them into what looks the key game next weekend when West Ham are home to Chelsea.

Like Arsenal with the Europa League, West Ham will be massively motivated with the Premier League, as it now presents this amazing chance of making the leap into Champions League football.

Michael Owen predicts a 1-1 draw and with the bigger picture showing only three Newcastle wins in their last 22 matches (all competitions), I think we would all take a point now and even if the worst happens at the Emirates, NUFC would still be four points clear of Fulham.

However, Steve Bruce can't play for a draw as that would just invite West Ham to dominate and win. Will Brucey show rare bottle and look to attack a team that scores plenty (51 so far) but also concedes (39 so far).

West Ham have gone 3-0 up in each of their last three matches and ended up drawing 3-3 with Arsenal and beating both Leicester and Wolves 3-2.

Last weekend was only the fourth time in the last twenty one games that Newcastle had scored more than a single goal, NUFC will be hoping that the likes of ASM and Wilson are back to full fitness if it comes to an open match of who scores more.

Michael Owen talking to BetVictor about Newcastle v West Ham:

"West Ham's incredible season continued as they won their crucial match against Leicester at the London Stadium.

"Their dream of playing Champions League football next season is very much alive.

"However, first they must overcome a Newcastle side that will feel there is light at the end of the relegation tunnel.

"The Magpies have shown some grit in the last few weeks.

"Back on home soil, I think they'll have enough to take another big point.

"Prediction is Newcastle 1 West Ham 1."

Michael Owen on Arsenal v Fulham:

"After making such a fight of it since the turn of the year, it's looking more and more likely that Fulham will be playing Championship football next season.

"The Cottagers' have lost their last five Premier League matches and they take on an Arsenal side that despite their frailties, still have the quality to brush aside teams at the bottom end of the table.

"With that in mind, I predict another afternoon to forget for the visitors.

"It's 2-0 to the Gunners for me.

"Prediction is Arsenal 2 Fulham 0."

https://www.themag.co.uk/2021/04/has-michael-owen-got-this-right-about-fulham-and-newcastle-united/

WhiteJC · April 17, 2021, 12:44:53 AM

Arteta on... Fulham, momentum, Auba and more
It's been a hectic period for Mikel Arteta after flying back from Prague last night and then facing the media on Friday.

Our manager discussed the win against Slavia, the momentum the win will create, facing Fulham next, Alex Lacazette and more.

Read on for a full transcript:

on the latest team news and Auba's situation...
As we all know, he had malaria - he picked it up when he travelled in the international break and he didn't have any symptoms and then got some symptoms a few days later. We didn't know what it was bus the doctor did a great job by making some further investigation and we found out he had picked it up. He had some rough days, he was in hospital for two days but now he is at home, he is safe and he is in good condition and ready to come back.

on when he will be available for selection...
Let's see how he recovers, obviously when you get a disease like this it can take a bit for the body to feel in good condition to the extreme condition we put the body through in our sport. But he wants to come back very quickly, he is looking forward to being back with the team so let's wait.

on the win against Slavia being good for the atmosphere at the club...
The fact that you reach a semi-final is always a big boost, this club has always to be fighting for every competition we are involved in. Last night's performance was a big indicator that under pressure the team can perform, that they have this spirit and desire to do well and show a real character. I really liked the mindset that the players had. From the whistle at the Emirates with a disappointing result conceding so late from a set piece, the players were convinced we would go through and that was really helpful in the preparations to get what we did yesterday.

on how the Europa League affects our remaining PL games...
It has an effect because it is a real challenge playing Thursdays and Sundays it's a real challenge in terms of recovery, preparation and rotation. It's been like that throughout the season and with all the other restrictions, injuries, Covid regulations, we have had even more. But now it is about winning football matches, at the end of the season you know you want to get a good run if you want to progress in the Premier League. The priority now is Sunday, forget about the semi-finals, we now have two big games to play at home and we have to do our best to win them because if we do, the season will start to look a little bit different.

on the importance of momentum domestically...
I think the better we are in the league, and if we keep winning, the confidence will be higher, the spirit will be better, the players' individual performances will maintain and that will have a knock-on effect on the Europa League, for sure.

on the challenge of facing a team who are fighting to stay in the Premier League...
Obviously, they want to maintain the club in the Premier League. In my opinion, they've been really unlucky with some results. I started to watch them a few days back and I really like the way Scott sets his team up. It's really brave, they know what to do really well and again I think they've had some very unfair results that could have put their team in a different position. They're going to come here to do what they always do and it will be difficult.

on if their results haven't reflected their performances...
Absolutely. That's how I feel. Small details have gone against them in a lot of games. There have been some decisions in the box that have defined games and they probably should have taken more from them. Credit to them for what they are doing.

on the first game of the season against Fulham...
Yes, I think that we played really well on the day. We won the game, we kept a clean sheet and we were really strong but it will be a different game. Preparation-wise, we don't have much time to prepare this time. We know them well so let's see.

on Alex Lacazette's character responding to that miss...
It shows the personality that Laca has. He missed two big chances in the home game and then you have to see a reaction. That reaction could be with some fear, some doubt or feeling a little bit guilty. Or the other one is to have a strong personality and to react, to say, 'Now I'm going to put them in the back of the net'. He's done that in two games consecutively, being really, really efficient. Then his momentum continues, the form that he's in continues and it's really important for the team.

on Lacazette being a big-game player...
In key moments and in big matches, you need players - and senior players who have this experience - to make the difference for you. For me, in his style and in his development, even if he's soon turning 30 years old, he's on the right path because he's very willing to learn. He's doing things in a much better way than before. He really glues the team together and that's a quality that is not easy for a striker. He's got it.

on Emile Smith Rowe's lack of fear...
When you are young and you go through new experiences, it's really important that these first experiences are positive, because it gives you such a confidence boost in yourself. These experiences will have a huge impact on where the boys were a year ago and where they are now, and the expectation they are producing. All that has come in a really positive way so that speeds up the process of our young talent in the development phase. I think that's really positive for them and really positive for the team and the club.

on Smith Rowe's calmness in the box being rare for a 20-year-old...
Top players in the final third or around the box have composure. That extra second, that extra pass, that extra touch... they are in control. Emile had it, to wait for the right moment for the pass. Nico did it as well by not rushing his finish. He took a touch, he took an extra touch and then he made the right decision. It's all about being calm and that composure in the final third. That makes a huge difference.

https://www.arsenal.com/news/arteta-fulham-momentum-auba-and-more

WhiteJC · April 17, 2021, 12:47:13 AM

The relegation battle: Could West Brom pull off the ultimate escape?

We're in the Premier League home straight, but whilst the title race is all but done and dusted, the battle to avoid the drop is not quite wrapped up.

In mid-February, there was a notable chasm beginning to open between the bottom three and those club's hoping to avoid the drop - that gap of eight points remains in place, but there are some signs of life in the bottom three.

West Brom have won their last two, but it's not just the results which are raising eyebrows over a potential escape, it's the manner of the performances.

The 5-2 demolition of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was cast off by some as a fluke, but by following that up with a similarly controlling display, this time at home against Southampton, shows that despite their struggles this season they are the side most likely to mount a realistic survival bid.

Yes, Fulham are a place above Sam Allardyce's side, but they've also played a game more - and have lost their last four. The manner of those defeats too is one which raises serious questions over their hopes of avoiding the drop. There's still hope for the West Londoners, but it's fading fast.

The only team truly out of the picture are Sheffield United, now 18 points away from 17th with only 21 points to play for.

It's the teams above the relegation zone which Albion need to drag in, but could they really do it? Could they somehow make the ultimate escape?

Here we take a look at the run-in for each side in the picture to see if the Baggies could pull it off.

Brighton - 15th - 33pts, -5GD
Remaining fixtures: Chelsea (a), Sheff Utd (a), Leeds (h), Wolves (a), West Ham (h), Man City (h), Arsenal (a)

Conceivably the highest placed side still realistically involved in the battle at the bottom, Brighton have regularly impressed on the pitch but have struggled to get points on the board.

Graham Potter's side create countless chances, but profligacy in front of goal is costing them and still threatens to be the issue which could well see them cast down to the Championship if sides beneath them go on a run.

A run of two wins in a row over Southampton and Newcastle looked like it had been enough to secure Premier League football for another season, but results elsewhere do keep them in with a chance of going down - albeit a small one.

It's a tough run-in for the Seagulls, with Chelsea, Leeds, West Ham, Man City and Arsenal all sitting in the top half of the table. Two wins could see them home and hosed regardless of what happens elsewhere, barring a freakish run of results from other sides.

There are no easy games in the Premier League, but trips to Bramall Lane and Molineux could be targeted as fixtures in which wins would seem more likely.

One thing which certainly does go Brighton's way is their goal difference, which is far better than any other side in the lower reaches. That basically acts as an extra point now.

Likelihood of going down: Very slim, but the run-in isn't great.

Burnley - 16th - 33pts, -17GD
Remaining fixtures: Man United (a), Wolves (a), West Ham (h), Fulham (a), Leeds (h), Liverpool (h), Sheff Utd (a)

Sean Dyche has regularly worked wonders to keep Burnley in the top flight on a modest budget, but their safety this term is not assured yet.

They've only managed one win in their last five, and more worryingly have lost their last two to some sides far from being in dazzling form, Southampton and Newcastle - games in which they had taken the lead too.

Defeats like that do little for confidence, and with a mixed run-in, Burnley could be sucked in by teams below them given those sides pick up results.

Manchester United at Old Trafford can be considered something of a free hit, but games against West Ham, Leeds and Liverpool will be very tricky too.

Burnley do have the bonus of facing two fellow strugglers in the run-in, although both are away from home. Those six pointers will undoubtedly be crucial - although it's bold to say that their final day clash with the Blades will have much riding on it for the hosts.

In terms of goal difference, Burnley are right in the thick of it with Newcastle and Fulham.

Dyche is an expert at picking up results just when needed, without him at the helm most would tip the Clarets to be in serious bother.

Likelihood of going down: Unlikely with Dyche in charge, but could the bubble burst?

Newcastle - 17th - 32pts, -19 GD
Remaining fixtures: West Ham (h), Liverpool (a), Arsenal (h), Leicester (a), Man City (h), Sheff Utd (h), Fulham (a)

It's been a nightmare season on Tyneside, with fans fuming and serious questions being asked of Steve Bruce in recent weeks and months with the Magpies flirting with the drop.

Their recent win over Burnley looks a huge one, but West Brom's win over Southampton ensured no ground was lost by the Baggies in the battle for survival.

Newcastle hadn't logged three points since the start of February before that result and looking at their run-in it's very hard to argue for them picking up many before the final two games of the season.

The Toon face three of the current top four, and no side lower than ninth before that crucial double to finish the campaign - if any side outside the bottom three are to get caught, Newcastle look the best bet.

Their final two fixtures could well dictate if they stay up or go down - and their goal difference could take a battering in those fixtures beforehand too.

If Fulham have anything riding on that final day fixture, it promises to be the most nervy 90 minutes of the season.

Likelihood of going down: A horrendous run in, the most likely team to get dragged in.

Fulham - 18th - 26pts, -18GD
Remaining fixtures: Arsenal (a), Chelsea (a), Burnley (h), Southampton (a), Man United (a), Newcastle (h)

Have Fulham peaked too soon? The Cottagers looked like getting themselves right out of trouble a few weeks back with wins over Everton, Sheffield United and Liverpool - but they've tailed off catastrophically of late.

The were leading Aston Villa with less than 20 minutes to go at Villa Park before losing 3-1 and then went on to follow that up with a last-gasp defeat to an out of sort Wolves side just a matter of days later.

To make matters worse, they've also played a game more than all of their fellow strugglers, meaning only six games remain for them.

The run-in could be better, but it could be worse for them too. Arsenal and Chelsea away from home are daunting, but Burnley and Southampton are very winnable games.

As mentioned earlier, a game with Newcastle at Craven Cottage (with fans) could be huge for their survival hopes if anything is riding on it on the final day.

You'd probably argue that their goal difference could well be better than the Magpies by the time the season's over, that could play a role.

Likelihood of going down: Down but not out - yet. Confidence is needed.

West Brom - 19th - 24pts, -31GD
Remaining fixtures: Leicester (a), Villa (a), Wolves (h), Arsenal (a), Liverpool (h), West Ham (h), Leeds (a)

It's been a season of constant shifts and changes for Albion, but they've put the car into gear just in time to have fans dreaming of the ultimate escape with their last two fixtures.

The manner of the two wins over Chelsea and Southampton is the most impressive thing, with the Baggies genuinely outplaying both sides en-route to six points.

What's more, their upcoming run of fixtures could result in more points going on the tally. Leicester have lost their last two, but also have an FA Cup semi-final to worry about before welcoming Albion to the King Power Stadium, could that play into the Baggies' hands?

Following that, two huge derbies await, up against two sides struggling for consistency and with potentially little to play for in terms of the Premier League table in Villa and Wolves. Of course, bragging rights will be on offer for both sides, but neither look a truly nightmarish prospect at the moment with injuries hurting both clubs.

It might be a case of getting through those games and seeing where the club stand, with a daunting quartet of fixtures to finish the season off. You can certainly picture better places to go than Elland Road on the final day, especially with fans back in stadia.

Goal difference is an issue at The Hawthorns though. The side have done well to remedy that slightly of late, but at -31, it's well below that of their competitors. It essentially acts as a point against them.

The key for Albion is keeping confidence high. Keep one eye on Newcastle's results too, if they go the right way for the Baggies there could be a late sting in the tail.

Likelihood of going down: Some hope remains, and it seems to be growing.

Sheff Utd - 20th - 14pts, -38GD
Remaining fixtures: Wolves (a), Brighton (h), Spurs (a), Crystal Palace (h), Everton (a), Newcastle (a), Burnley (h)

What a horrible season it's been at Bramall Lane. Nothing's gone right for the Blades and a return to the Championship is now inevitable.

Chris Wilder is gone, and having lost the last four what little confidence they had left has gone with him. Mathematically, they still have a chance of survival, but at this point it would be beyond miraculous. They could still have a big role to play in dictating who joins them in the second tier though.

Games against Brighton, Newcastle and Burnley remain, and whilst they can't do themselves much good, they could still offer an olive branch to the likes of Fulham and Albion in their hopes for survival.

They key for the Blades will be playing for pride, if they can do that and maybe pull some shock results out, they could still have a part to play.

Likelihood of going down: All but down, but they could dictate who joins them.

https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/2021/04/16/the-relegation-battle-could-west-brom-pull-off-the-ultimate-escape/

WhiteJC · April 17, 2021, 12:48:21 AM

Fulham maintaining 'marginal contacts' over signing – Relegation would kill deal

M'Bala Nzola scored seven goals in the second half of the last season to help Spezia Calcio achieve promotion to the Serie A.

Spezia made the striker's loan deal permanent and he is their top scorer this season with nine goals to his name.

Fulham have taken note of the 24-year-old's performances for the Italian club. That's according to La Nazione, as relayed by Viola News.

It's claimed the frontman's departure from Spezia after this season is 'certain', but it's not clear where he will move next.

Fulham have had their scouts look at Nzola on a few occasions this season, but the possibility of being relegated from the Premier League 'seems to have extinguished' their desire to sign him in the summer.

The Cottagers are 18th in the table and are six points behind Newcastle United, who have a game in hand. If they manage to avoid getting relegated, Scott Parker's side would have 'counted a lot' on the arrival of the striker.

Fulham have maintained 'marginal contacts' with Nzola's representatives and a stay in the top division will improve their chances of signing the player, who is valued at £12m.

Empoli [if promoted] and Fiorentina, who failed to sign him in January, will be in the front row to make an offer for Nzola in the next market. Fulham's chances of signing will depend on where they will play next season.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-counted-a-lot-of-serie-a-strikers-arrival-in-summer-with-pl-stay-players-exit-from-club-certain/

WhiteJC · April 17, 2021, 12:49:15 AM

Pre-Arsenal Press Conference

Scott Parker insists morale remains high in the Fulham camp ahead of Sunday's trip to Arsenal.

A late suckerpunch from Wolverhampton Wanderers gutted the Whites last week, but our Head Coach is ready to go again.

"It's been a normal week," he said. "This squad and this group of players have got a resilience about them, and we bounce back and we're now looking forward to a London derby against a very good side in Arsenal, and hopefully we can get a result.

"Results-wise, we've hit a bit of a blip, but I've got to believe that we can win football matches in this division, against any team I believe we can get a result.

"We now need to get a run, we now need to win some games, starting at the weekend. That belief comes from what I see during the week, it comes from results we've managed to gain.

"While it's been a difficult season, we've had some real good performances where we've looked solid and a very good side, and we need that to click in the next six."

The way results have gone in the Premier League recently means that Fulham's survival is not just in our own hands.

"We need to win some football matches, that's the facts," Parker stated. "For large parts this season I've always sat here and said we focus on ourselves.

"Of course we're getting to that point now where you're looking elsewhere as well, hoping that some other teams can slip up along the way.

"But, as always, if you're not going to win football matches, or you don't win enough, you're always going to be in trouble.

"[We have] one main focus, which is us, let's go and win this game on Sunday.

"Let's got to the Emirates, put on a very good performance, a good display all round, but ultimately what we need to do is try and get a result."

Fulham will be considerable underdogs at the weekend, but that was also the case when we went to the King Power Stadium, Goodison Park, and Anfield.

And Parker knows that those wins earlier in the campaign prove just what his side is capable of.

"Arsenal is a tough place to go, a good team on a good run at the moment," he explained. "They're a fantastic team with good quality, a team filled with extreme talent, and talent that can hurt you at any moment.

"But it was the same with Liverpool, with Leicester. While I understand that at any given moment you can be on the end of a bad result in this division, I also understand that we can put in performances that can win football matches, and that's our aim.

"I'm still looking forward to every game we play. It's an opportunity for us as a team to showcase our qualities.

"Football changes very quickly. I believe we can go to Arsenal and get a result, and then things always look much brighter, and certainly with the position we're in currently, that will be the case.

"One focus, and that's to go to Arsenal and try and get a result. We've trained relentlessly hard this week with one clear focus, and let's see if we can manage to do that.

"We've done that in the past this year when the chips have been down, when people haven't expected us to get a result we've managed to do it, and that's exactly how I see this weekend."

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/april/Pre-Arsenal-Press-Conference/

WhiteJC · April 17, 2021, 12:50:11 AM

Fulham defender Kongolo could miss start of next season

Terence Kongolo has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign – and could miss the start of next season.

The devastating news for a defender riven with injury is all the more disappointing after a great full Premier League debut for Fulham against Wolves.

The Whites lost 1-0, but the Netherlands international was one of the pluses on a disappointing night.

Kongolo played a bit part in the FA Cup win over QPR in January – his first outing since suffering a broken foot in February last year.

Now a knee injury sustained when tackling Adama Traore last Friday has added to Kongolo's woes.

"It might impact his pre-season a little bit," boss Scott Parker said.

"He is having surgery tomorrow. He will have surgery and then hopefully three months. We will see where he is in the summer.

"I'm gutted for Terence. I didn't expect him to play as well as he did against Wolves.

"He'd been out for some time and this was his first game back and he was brilliant."

Parker admitted there is now a psychological challenge for a player who has suffered so many setbacks.

"There is going to be a large part of that," Parker added.

"He is in good spirits. But there is no denying that the boy has had it tough, from a year out with his foot, stop-start, getting back to fitness. When you have been out for so long, other little niggles come along.

"He worked very, very hard to put himself in a position for the performance you saw on Friday night. You don't perform like that if the work has not gone in.

"This has been a hammer blow for him."

Parker was quick to defend a signing that cost the club around £3m on a permanent deal in last summer's transfer window, but has only played one full game.

"You look back for injuries, but this is sport," he said.

"Terence will be a very good signing for this football club. He has got an abundance of quality.

"He just needs to come out of this cycle. I'm sure he will. He will work tirelessly to get there. When he does, you will see the player that he is."

In other team news ahead of Sunday's derby at Arsenal, Ademola Lookman has recovered from a hamstring injury, but club captain Tom Cairney still has long-standing knee issues.

https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-defender-kongolo-could-miss-start-of-next-season

WhiteJC · April 17, 2021, 12:52:55 AM

Arsenal v Fulham

[img wisth=600]https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/183E1/production/_118079299_gettyimages-1312707101.jpg[/img]
Bukayo Saka was amongst the scorers as Arsenal cruised into the Europa League semi-finals with an impressive 4-0 win over Slavia Prague on Thursday

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal will again be without David Luiz and Kieran Tierney due to their respective knee injuries.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is recovering from malaria and is a doubt but Martin Odegaard could return after an ankle problem.

Fulham welcome back Ademola Lookman, who missed the defeat by Wolves with a hamstring issue.

Tom Cairney is nearing a return but Terence Kongolo has been ruled out for the season.

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Fulham's survival hopes took another blow last weekend with their late defeat by Wolves. I fear the worst for them now.

Scott Parker's side could have a lifeline because they play Newcastle on the final day, but that obviously won't do them any good if they are more than three points behind the Magpies by then. At the moment, the gap is six.

Arsenal are a very difficult side to predict but they put in a real shift against Sheffield United and, if they all work like that again, they will win this one too.

Prediction: 2-0

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

Arsenal have won the past three league meetings 5-1, 4-1 and 3-0. They've never beaten the same opponent by at least three goals in four consecutive top-flight league games.
Fulham are on a run of six successive defeats against Arsenal. They have only had longer top-flight losing streaks versus Manchester City (nine, 2012 to date) and Manchester United (eight, 2005-09).

Arsenal

Arsenal are looking to win back-to-back league games for the first time since January.
A 13th top-flight defeat of the season would equal their club record in a 38-match Premier League season, set in 2017-18.
The Gunners have lost eight home games in all competitions this season, their most in a single campaign since nine defeats in 1929-30.
Arsenal have failed to score in 11 league matches this season; they have never fared worse in a 38-match Premier League campaign.
Mikel Arteta's side have only lost one of their last 42 home league games against sides in the relegation zone (W39, D2), although that defeat came in their last such match against Burnley in December.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have scored in all three of their Premier League appearances against Fulham.

Fulham

Fulham have lost four successive league games, as many as they had in their previous 17.
This is Scott Parker's 100th match as Fulham manager in all competitions (W37, D23, L39).
The Cottagers are winless in 22 Premier League London derbies since a 2-1 home victory against West Ham on New Year's Day 2014.
Aleksandar Mitrovic has played in 16 Premier League London derbies without ever ending on the winning side, the most of any player in the competition's history (D2, L14).

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56706885

WhiteJC · April 17, 2021, 12:54:26 AM

Zuberbuhler: Fulham need a miracle to survive in Premier League

Pascal Zuberbuhler insists Fulham and West Bromwich are not yet doomed and can steer clear of relegation despite the odds being firmly stacked against them.

The former Swiss international earned 51 caps for his country and had a spell with West Bromwich in 2006 before a three-year stint as Fulham's deputy goalkeeper in the twilight of his career.

After back-to-back wins West Brom have turned a corner and reignited their faint hopes of staying in the Premier League under survival specialist Sam Allardyce.

Zuberbuhler, who kept four clean sheets in four World Cup games in 2006 and is now a FIFA ambassador, thinks the Baggies' upturn in performance was punctual like a Swiss watch.

He said: "West Bromwich is a very nice football club and it will be special to see what is going on now. They should not be written off because they can do it with Allardyce. They won their last two games and from the positions 15 down to 19, I still expect that a big change is gonna happen. Newcastle, Brighton and Burnley are not safe. There will be a big mix in the last rounds."

Fulham were unable to lay a glove on their opponents of late with Scott Parker's men suffering four defeats on the trot. They trail Newcastle by six points but the Magpies have a game in hand.

In the business end of the season the Cottagers will face Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United away and Zuberbuhler insists the task is anything but insurmountable.

He said: "You never know in football. If you start coming back after four defeats, then maybe you will pull off a miracle. But Fulham have to hope that Newcastle and West Brom drop points.

"Look, it will be very, very, very difficult but for me it's not impossible. Fulham played very well even though they lost all of their last four games, which of course is not good. Newcastle winning their last game is bad news, but I really hope for them and my heart is still with Fulham.

"The Championship is fantastic but for me Fulham is a club that needs to play in the Premier League. They can do it."

https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/zuberbuhler-fulham-need-a-miracle-to-survive-in-premier-league

WhiteJC · April 17, 2021, 12:55:06 AM

Kongolo Out For The Season

Scott Parker delivered some disappointing injury news in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.

One positive from the defeat by Wolverhampton Wanderers was Terence Kongolo's performance at the back, but unfortunately that will be the last we see of the Dutchman in 2020/21.

"Terence Kongolo is going to be out for the season," Parker revealed. "He picked up an injury last game.

"It's devastating for Terence really because he'd been out for some time, and I thought he was fantastic last game, I thought he was every bit of the player that we signed.

"I'm gutted for Terence, his season's done.

"It might impact his pre-season a little bit. He's having surgery tomorrow.

"Three months [out], maybe. We'll see where he is in the summer, hopefully he'll get back for part of pre-season.

"He's in good spirits, but there's no denying the boy's had it tough. He's had it tough from being out for a year with his foot, it was stop-start getting back to fitness, that's what happens when you've been out for so long.

"He worked very, very hard to put himself in a position to give the performance you've seen on Friday night.

"You don't perform like that if the work hasn't gone into him, and he's put in some very good work, some hard, long days on his own getting fit.

"And then obviously this has been a hammer blow for him. But, as disappointed as he is, there's only one way now and he needs to look forward; surgery, rehab, rest up, and then hopefully get back and be stronger and better for it."

Kongolo has had zero luck in his time with Fulham, but Parker knows how good a defender he is, and is pleased the Club were able to bring him in last year.

"When the money is tight, you're looking for good deals, and quality as well, and Terence has that in abundance," Parker said. "He's got pedigree, good quality, financially it was a very good deal for us.

"He's been in the building [on loan previously] so in terms of that we knew what he was about, character-wise, and we knew what he was about as a player, so there were a lot of boxes that got ticked.

"This is sport, this is what can happen. What happened on Friday night is a force injury.

"Someone's landed on his knee, and it's the strongest, biggest player on their team who's landed on his knee. Science tells you that something normally goes snap, and that's what's happened.

"Terence will be a very good signing for this football club, he's got an abundance of quality, he just needs to come out of this cycle at this moment in time, and I'm sure he will.

"He'll work tirelessly to get there, and when he does you'll see the player that he is."

More positive news is that Tom Cairney is back training, though Parker is still not able to put a timeframe on a return to action for our Club Captain.

"Tom Cairney is out on the grass, so there's improvement there, but the injury Tom has, you just don't know, you can't put your finger on it," he explained. "At the moment it's looking good, but we'll probably have a clearer idea in a week's time."

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/april/Kongolo-Out-For-The-Season/

WhiteJC · April 17, 2021, 12:55:57 AM

NEW FOF'cast 🎙🎧 Dances with Wolves

On this episode of FOF'cast, Owen Smith hosts, as Scott Tanfield, Gerry Pimm and Mike Gregg all discuss the following Fulham FC topics.

We pay tribute to Melvin Tenner who sadly passed away recently. The 1-0 defeat to Wolves and that sickening last minute goal. The Man of the Match, plus any positives. Fulham's chances of staying up now. Recent form, and the season so far. The Arsenal game, and Arsenal predictions.

Once again, thanks for listening, and your feedback is always appreciated to help improve future shows.

Make sure you visit the Friends of Fulham Forum for all the latest FFC gossip.

http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1607

Bassey the warrior · April 17, 2021, 01:10:10 AM

Quote from: whitejc on April 17, 2021, 12:40:31 AM

Fulham should stick with Scott Parker whatever their fate - as these numbers show

Football Nerd: Is it really bad luck when a team with no good striker underperforms their expected goals?

It is possible for a manager to be relegated from the Premier League but enhance their reputation. Alan Curbishley and Sean Dyche stayed for the rebuild and bounced back with Charlton and Burnley. Daniel Farke is on his way to doing likewise with Norwich. Roberto Martinez landed the Everton job after Wigan Athletic were relegated but won the FA Cup in 2013. Gareth Southgate was relegated with Middlesbrough in 2009 - whatever happened to him?

Scott Parker is also a candidate for this slightly hollow accolade. Fulham could be seven points adrift with six games remaining by the time they kick off at Arsenal on Sunday, but have been far more competitive than most judges expected them to be at the start of the season, certainly since a raft of successful new signings arrived. Whatever their fate, Parker deserves to stay. Fulham may even face a battle to keep him.

Much has been written about Brighton's impressive football and apparent misfortune in front of goal, but Fulham have actually suffered the biggest underperformance relative to expected goals in the league. The difference between their 35.9 expected goals, just behind Everton, and their 24 goals scored is the biggest in the division. Fulham's shot conversion rate of 6.4 per cent is also the lowest in the league. Their expected goals conceded tally is also safely lower mid-table.

This will come as no surprise to Fulham fans who have cursed the lack of a reliable goalscorer. The same is true of Sheffield United and Brighton who are the league's second and third biggest underpeformers relative to expectation.

At this point it is common to hear the argument: is this not the problem with expected goals? That it fails to take account of the quality of individual players. That the reason Manchester United, Leicester and Tottenham are the league's big overperformers is not luck but the calibre of their strikers. Should we not expect relegation-threatened teams with Championship-grade forwards to miss more chances?

There is some truth to these claims when small samples are analysed, but expected goals benefits from the law of large numbers because most models are based on hundreds of thousands of shots on goal. This gives a strong indication of the true probability of a chance going in. Regardless of whether you have Harry Kane or Jamie Vardy, it is extremely difficult and improbable to sustain significant overperformance across a long period, as Tottenham's faltering title challenge and Leicester's dip last season attest.

So there is no contradiction in saying Fulham lack quality but have also been unfortunate. They could well be relegated before any positive return to the mean can take place. Their performance levels though, suggest Parker is the right man to bring them back up.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/04/16/fulham-should-stick-scott-parker-whatever-fate-numbers-show/

Fair play, based on this report I'm in the Parker in side when we get relegated. Over to Tony now to bring in the right players. Depending on who we sell we will probably go into next season with a better squad at least. Unfortunately Anguissa will go, along with all of the loanees and possibly Mitrovic.

I'm hoping we can keep Tosin, Tete and Robinson. Also bring back Johansen, Betts, Mawson, Kebano and Sessegnon, who will all have a role to play next sesson. Need to shift Knockaert.

filham · April 17, 2021, 10:21:05 AM

Another good interview by Scott, pleased to learn that he now realizes , with six games left, that we need to win matches. You would have expected someone to have pointed that out to him at the beginning of the season.

bobby01 · April 17, 2021, 01:26:56 PM

Quote from: filham on April 17, 2021, 10:21:05 AM
Another good interview by Scott, pleased to learn that he now realizes , with six games left, that we need to win matches. You would have expected someone to have pointed that out to him at the beginning of the season.

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