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Tuesday Fulham Stuff -18/05/21...

Started by WhiteJC, May 18, 2021, 12:11:53 AM

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Bill2

Quote from: whitejc on May 18, 2021, 12:30:22 AM
City to host Fulham in Premier League Under-18 National Final

City's Under-18s will play host to Fulham on Saturday, May 22 at the Academy Stadium in the National Final of the Under-18 Premier League.

Carlos Vicens' impressive City squad lifted the Under-18 Premier League North title last week with a 1-0 victory at Burnley.

Fulham meanwhile were crowned Under-18 Premier League South champions after a 3-0 win against Chelsea at the weekend.

Now the regional champions will come face-to-face to contest the showpiece National Final on Saturday.

Kick-off at the Academy Stadium is at 1pm.



https://www.mancity.com/news/eds-academy/manchester-city-under-18s-host-fulham-in-premier-league-national-final-63756855
Why is this game being played at Man City's ground? Surely a neutral venue should be nominated.

WhiteJC

Newcastle United, Sheffield United and Fulham want Kansas City forward Johnny Russell

Newcastle United, Sheffield United and Fulham all want Sporting Kansas City forward Johnny Russell, according to The Sun.

The Magpies have relied heavily on Callum Wilson, with the trio of Joelinton, Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll not firing on all cylinders – they have six Premier League goals between them this term.

The England international, who has 12 league goals for Newcastle, has struggled with injuries and manager Steve Bruce is eyeing another quality option.

Russell has been one of the most consistent top performers in the Major League Soccer in recent seasons and has caught the eye of scouts in England.

The Scot has 25 goals in 84 games for Kansas since joining them in 2018, and Newcastle could offer him a shot at Premier League football.

The 31-year-old is out of contract at the end of the current American season in December and would be a cut-price option for the Magpies and co this summer.

Fulham and Sheff Utd are eyeing immediate promotion after getting relegated this term, and they will look to add quality and cheap players to their squad.

Russell's goals could come in handy, but he is likely to prefer finally playing in the English top-flight with the St James' Park outfit.

The Scotland international has English football experience, having played for Derby County in the Championship.

He could be keen to return to the United Kingdom in the coming weeks after coronavirus-enforced travel restrictions prevented him from playing for his country last year.



https://sportslens.com/newcastle-united-sheffield-united-and-fulham-want-kansas-city-forward-johnny-russell/356494/

WhiteJC

Fulham really should have been so much better

When Fulham manager Scott Parker cried tears upon the full-time whistle at Wembley Stadium last August having guided the club back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, questions were already being asked of the former England midfielder's abilities to make the most of this Premier League season.

An admirable performance as caretaker manager had already been in vain as the Cottagers were relegated after just one season back in the big league, after a combination of previous promotion charge Slavisa Jokanovic and former Premier League winner Claudio Ranieri had both failed to inspire Fulham to a second straight season in the top flight.

Two years later and with another R by their name in the standings with games to spare, Fulham could perform only admirably and in vain once more. Given the playing staff at the manager's disposal this time around, it is a much more bitter pill to swallow.

The previous relegation saw the side littered with players, and particularly a defence, clearly not up to Premier League standard, as well as a mish-mash of managers in the hot seat with little joined-up thinking between appointments.

Upon their instant return to the top flight, Fulham sought to address each of these. While questions were asked of Parker's suitability to the role so early in his managerial career and having largely performed under par despite promotion in 2019/20, the former England midfielder was seen as the right man to guide Fulham to Premier League stability. He was not.

They also addressed that sub-par defensive unit, upgrading a defence largely consisting of Denis Odoi, Tim Ream, Maxime le Marchand and Cyrus Christie to a loanee in Joachim Anderson – linked now with a £30million move to Tottenham – as well as former Manchester City defender Tosin Adorabiayo, Ola Aina on a temporary switch from Torino and one of Europe's finest shot-stoppers in Alphonse Areola. Quite literally The A-Team, yet the Cottagers failed in their mission to consolidate in the Premier League once more.

Quite simply, it is a waste of a good team put together too late. It is a waste of great resources squandered by average management, and most of all, it is a crying shame that much of it will be disbanded ahead of another season back in the second tier of English football.

Much like their fellow relegated counterparts West Bromwich Albion, an exciting, energetic, potentially rather excellent Premier League side was put together frustratingly too late. Whereas with the Baggies, the boing was already halfway back down to the Championship by the time they had signed more-than-okay Okay Yokuslu, England international Ainsley Maitland-Niles and the surely Watford-bound Mbaye Diagne, Fulham put together their band of nearly merry men throughout the first month of the campaign.

Indeed, half of Fulham's 'summer' signings were made after the first game of the campaign, a 3-0 home defeat to Arsenal. It may have been a close season like no other due to the Covid-caused delay, but one can't help but wonder what a better prepared Fulham side could have done in this division.

We already knew that Andersen would be making a fleeting exit back to Lyon before joining a club more of the European Super League variety, but there are far too many Premier League quality players in this set-up that even the most ardent neutral cannot help but wonder 'what if?'.

If those feelings were rife after the first six games of the season – which brought with them a solitary point away at basement club Sheffield United – then they were in full flow by the time the winter window came to a conclusion, with one of its final deals being Sunderland 'Til I Die star Josh Maja signing on loan from Bordeaux, affording Parker the opportunity to rotate with the largely misfiring and certainly overworked Aleksandar Mitrovic. But like almost everything else in the player recruitment stakes, it was too little, too late.

Two goals in seven games showed that given a full season, the young striker could have helped fire Fulham to safety.

It might be naïve to suggest that a club that has not been above 17th all season could feasibly have managed to finish anywhere above the dotted line, but had the team been assembled over the scrambled period between their play-off final victory over Brentford on August 4 and the opening Premier League match five weeks later, they could have given themselves one hell of a chance.

It is harsh to throw all the blame at a recruitment team, coaching staff and owner for failing to assemble this squad in that 35-day break between seasons, but entirely regrettable that this campaign has played out as déjà vu to their last fleeting appearance at this level despite sharing a host of differences.

So many questions and what ifs make for a much more frustrating narrative than the seasons endured by Sheffield United and, to a lesser extent, West Brom.

Two years ago, a poor squad was unable to be saved by a combination of the manager that got them there, a Premier League winner and a fan favourite from his time as a player. This time around, that same idol has had the requisite players at his disposal but without the required skills to make the parts add up to a convincing whole.

And now, those parts will be destined to roam elsewhere, while Fulham prepare for another season in the Championship, aiming for another immediate return to the top flight with the remains of the Premier League carcass barely intact.

Parker produced tears of joy and relief in early August at Wembley. Less than a year later, another Fulham relegation is a crying shame.




https://www.football365.com/news/fulham-should-have-been-better-scott-parker


WhiteJC

'Can't see him going': PL boss thinks 23-year-old reported Arsenal and Newcastle target won't leave

Scott Parker is expecting to see Tosin Adarabioyo play Championship football next season despite interest from Arsenal and Newcastle United in the Fulham defender, while speaking to the Express.

The vultures are circling high above Craven Cottage, smelling blood and looking to strip the flesh from Parker's squad.

Eight days after Fulham were relegated from the Premier League, three of their players have been linked with Arsenal already: Adarabioyo, centre-back partner Joachim Andersen and the enigmatic midfielder Andre-Franck Zambo Anguissa.

Parker, meanwhile, has been tipped to make an emotional return to North London as Tottenham Hotspur step up their pursuit of Jose Mourinho's successor.

As far as the 40-year-old is concerned, there is no reason to believe Adarabioyo won't be a Fulham player next term either.

"He doesn't need to go. Every relegated team sees other teams coming for your better players. But he's under contract – I can't see him going anywhere," Parker said.

According to the Athletic, Newcastle United have joined Arsenal in the race for a 6ft 5ins giant Mikel Arteta knows from his time at Manchester City.

But with a release clause rumoured to exist in his Fulham contract, the Cottagers may be powerless to prevent Adarabioyo departing if the Magpies or the Gunners are willing to stump up a sizeable sum.

The 23-year-old has impressed at times during his first ever Premier League campaign, although his decision-making and concentration must be improved if he is to make the step up to the next level.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/05/18/cant-see-him-going-pl-boss-thinks-23-year-old-wont-be-joining-arsenal-or-newcastle/

WhiteJC

Team news as Man United take on Fulham in a fan-filled Old Trafford

Team news as Manchester United ready to take on Fulham in last home game of the season

Manchester United will look to get back to winning ways at home when they take on Fulham at Old Trafford later tonight.

The Red Devils have lost both of their previous two home games against Leicester City and Liverpool. While defeats are a part of the game, the manner of our capitulation was less than impressive.

In Fulham, United face a side already consigned for the Championship. The match also gives Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the opportunity to hone his preparations for the Europa League final.

Anthony Martial and Daniel James are back in training

According to the club's official website, there is good news on the injury front as both Daniel James and Anthony Martial are back in training. Although neither is expected to start, it remains to be seen if they are ready to sit on the bench.

    "They have done all their rehab programmes and ticked all the boxes so a couple of days of training before the game with the team, but they're not ready to start a game yet."

Phil Jones and skipper Harry Maguire are the only first-team players absent as they continue to recover from injury. While the former has not played for us this season, the latter's absence is noticeable.

    "We didn't lose any against Liverpool so we're fit. We're only missing Harry and Phil."

Hannibal to make his debut?

A dress rehersal for Gdansk?

Youngsters Hannibal Mejbri, Anthony Elanga and Shola Shoretire have been involved with the senior side in training. Along with Amad Diallo, it remains to be seen if any of them will receive a chance in the games to come.

There is precious little for United to play for in the Premier League. Whether Solskjaer used the last two games to gives youth a chance or fine-tune his tactics for the clash against Villarreal remains to be seen.

With fans back in attendance, United will hopefully put on a show and get back to winning ways.

10000 fans will be in attendence

Fulham will be without Antonee Robinson while both Tom Cairney and Terence Kongolo may miss out after having sustained knee injuries. Mario Lemina is back in contention teenager Fabio Carvalho could also get a run-out.



https://weallfollowunited.com/2021/05/18/team-news-as-manchester-united-take-on-fulham-at-fan-filled-old-trafford/

WhiteJC

Can Rashford achieve century of career goals?

Team news

Latest MW37 team news

Did you know?

Manchester United have won 18 of their last 22 Premier League meetings with Fulham (D2 L2).

Marcus Rashford's next goal will be the 100th of his senior career for club and country (88 for Man Utd, 11 for England).

Fulham are aiming for their first win over a team in the top two since December 2009.

Fulham have picked up just four points from 42 available in Premier League away matches at Man Utd.

Match officials

Referee: Lee Mason. Assistants: Simon Bennett, Adrian Holmes. Fourth official: Anthony Taylor. VAR: Simon Hooper. Assistant VAR: Matthew Wilkes.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/2139455


WhiteJC

Anthony Martial and Dan James are set to return for Manchester United

Manchester United duo Anthony Martial and Dan James are set to return to the first team squad for this evening's fixture against Fulham, providing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a huge boost ahead of the Europa League final.

What's the latest?

Martial has been sidelined with a hip injury and a ruptured knee ligament since early March, missing United's last 13 games in all competitions, while James has been absent since the second leg against Roma with an injury issue.

After the 25-year-old France international incurred his injury setback on international duty, Solskjaer revealed his fears that Martial may be out for the remainder of the season, but it seems as though the forward has recovered ahead of schedule.

In a recent press conference (via Manchester Evening News), the Red Devils boss provided a fresh update on the attacking duo ahead of tonight's clash with the already-relegated Cottagers, disclosing how they are expected to play some part at Old Trafford.

"I'm hoping to get Anthony (Martial) and Dan (James) back involved in this game which is a very good boost for us. Maybe they can even start against Wolves, and then maybe if they're sensational? It's hard to leave players out if they really perform at their highest level," said Solskjaer.

A significant boost

While Martial has not enjoyed his most fruitful campaign in a United shirt, the former Monaco man has still managed to record some respectable numbers throughout 2020/21

The Frenchman has bagged seven goals and provided nine assists in 36 appearances for the 20-time English champions and could play a significant role as they attempt to end the club's longest trophy drought in more than 30 years.

Although James has struggled at times since making the step up from Swansea two seasons ago, the Wales international has enjoyed some of his best displays for the Red Devils in the Europa League, as his 6.99 WhoScored rating illustrates. His performance in the 4-0 win over Real Sociedad in February, when he scored one goal and set up another, showcased what he is capable of producing when at his best.

Therefore, the duo's return to action tonight should provide a significant boost to Solskjaer's attacking options ahead of the showpiece event against Villarreal, and the Norwegian must be buzzing to see Martial and James form part of his matchday squad once again.



https://www.footballfancast.com/injury-news/anthony-martial-and-dan-james-are-set-to-return-for-manchester-united

WhiteJC

David de Gea starts as Manchester United fans demand three changes to line-up vs Fulham

The Spaniard has only started one Premier League match since February 28 after being usurped by Dean Henderson.

Manchester United fans have urged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to recall David de Gea as one of three changes to the Manchester United XI to face Fulham.

United return to Premier League action for their penultimate match of the domestic season after back-to-back defeats at Old Trafford.

Supporters will be welcomed back into the stadium for the first time in over 12 months, in what promises to be an intense atmosphere after recent protests against the Glazers.

While mass changes were made against Leicester, United were off the pace against Liverpool in their last outing, with a full-strength side restored.

Henderson came under scrutiny, in particular, for his role in Liverpool's third and fourth goals. As a result, United fans want to see De Gea restored in goal. The Spaniard started against Leicester in the heavily-rotated XI but hadn't started a Premier League match since February before then.

De Gea has remained active in the Europa League, with Solskjaer facing a dilemma over which goalkeeper should start in next week's final against Villarreal.

In defence, Axel Tuanzebe is preferred to Eric Bailly, with Harry Maguire still out injured. Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw retain their starting berths.


The most popular United starting XI as chosen by MEN readers

There's a reshuffle in midfield with Fred dropping out the XI after a below-par display against Liverpool. Paul Pogba moves back into central midfield, allowing Mason Greenwood to return in attack alongside Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford.



https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-united-de-gea-demand-20621261

WhiteJC

Former Fulham and Portsmouth defender Josh Passley opted against staying in National League to be part of 'exciting' Hawks project
Josh Passley turned down offers to remain in the National League to drop down a division and take on an 'exciting' new challenge with Hawks.


New Hawks signing Josh Passley. Picture: Kieron Louloudis

The former Fulham and Pompey full-back has signed a two-year deal at Westleigh Park following his release from fifth tier Dover Athletic.

Passley, 26, who had been with the Whites since 2017, revealed he rejected the chance to remain playing in the top tier of non-league football.

Instead, he was excited by the squad manager Paul Doswell is building for next season as the Hawks pursue promotion from the National League South.

But Passley - who had a 12-game loan spell at Fratton Park in the second half of the 2015/16 campaign - accepts anything other than returning to the National League with his new club next season will be deemed as a failure.

He said: 'I'm happy to be here and excited to get started.

'It was just the whole project, really, and who's being brought in (as reason for stepping down to the National League South).

'It's exciting and the prospect of getting the club back into the National League.

'I feel like the quality of the team being put together for next season - it's a National League team - it's promotion or nothing, really.

'I had a few offers in the National League but the prospect of this is more interesting to me than going up north or coming out of London. That's the goal (to get promotion).'

Passley's release from Dover was announced last week after his contract had expired.

He endured a frustrating final few months at the club where he spent four years, with the Kent side having not played since January as they claimed they were not in a position financially to complete the National League season amid the pandemic.

But now Passley is pleased to have found a new club - and have some football to look forward to with Hawks returning for pre-season training next month.

He added: 'It's frustrating because even when we were in (at Dover) I think we were off two or three times with players having Covid and stuff.

'In the end, we ended up playing seven or eight games and by the time we were done everyone else had played 15 or 16. It's difficult - a bit stop and start - but you can't really let that get in your head here.'

Passley is Hawks' fourth new signing following on from Oxford City pair James Roberts and Joe Oastler and Concord Rangers striker Alex Wall.



https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/former-fulham-and-portsmouth-defender-josh-passley-opted-against-staying-in-national-league-to-be-part-of-exciting-hawks-project-3240690


WhiteJC

4 Man Utd players with a point to prove after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Europa League warning

Manchester United face Fulham and Wolves in their final two Premier League games of the season, before attention turns towards the Europa League final in Gdansk

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned his out of form Manchester United stars that places are still up for grabs in his starting line-up for the Europa league final.

United face Fulham at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, with spectators in attendance for the first time in 14 months.

But they do come into the game on the back of three straight defeats, including defeats in their last two Premier League games at home.

They still need two more points to confirm their status as best of the rest behind Manchester City, before focus can turn towards Villarreal in Gdansk.

However, the Norwegian has claimed that the last two domestic games could still have a huge impact on the XI that kicks off against the Spaniards later this month.

"You know, you pick a team to win a game. We need to pick a team for the final," he explained. "If you want to go to the final 10 days from now, you want players confident, you want players in form, you want players I know I can get everything from.

"These last two games, of course is a chance for everyone, if there's any doubt in my head.

"I don't think you go into these last two games saving your energy for the final, no. You need to show, against Fulham, that 'I'm ready to do my bit for the team'."

With that mind, here's a quartet of United players that will be looking to make a lasting impression before his Europa League team is confirmed.

Mason Greenwood
The forward is not only battling for a place in Poland, but for a berth in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 squad.

Greenwood has hit form at the best possible time and has six goals in his last seven league games.

Against Liverpool, the youngster was relegated back to the bench in place of Edinson Cavani, but is likely to be given at least one start in the final two games of the domestic season.

More impressive performances could persuade Solskjaer he is truly ready for the biggest stage of their season.

Eric Bailly
Harry Maguire's status for the final remains up in the air, despite Solskjaer's insistence that his skipper will be fit and raring to go.

What we do know however, is that Maguire will miss the final games of the Premier League season, meaning Bailly could be handed a chance to show he is the best option to start against Unai Emery's side.

Axel Tuanzebe could get minutes, but it could be a pivotal week for the defender, who recently signed a new deal at the club.

Anthony Martial
Solskjaer confirmed that Martial is set to be back in the squad for Fulham, while a final day start against Wolves is still on the table.

"It's hard to leave players out if they really perform at their highest, highest level," the United boss said of Martial.

Right now it appears unlikely that the Frenchman will be able to force his way into the XI, but a strong end to the season could force an 11 th hour change of plans.

Daniel James
Like Martial, James is back in the frame this week in what Solskjaer described as a "massive boost" to the squad.

The Welshman proved his worth in the derby-day win over Manchester City, where his blistering pace caused the champions all kind of problems.

Consistency remains James' biggest issue. With three games between now and the start of the European Championships, now would be a perfect time to find some.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/man-united-team-news-solskjaer-24134980

WhiteJC