News:

Use a VPN to stream games Safely and Securely 🔒
A Virtual Private Network can also allow you to
watch games Not being broadcast in the UK For
more Information and how to Sign Up go to
https://go.nordvpn.net/SH4FE

Main Menu


Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 17/08/21...

Started by WhiteJC, August 17, 2021, 12:04:29 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

WhiteJC

Fulham boss Marco Silva makes pledge on midfielder amid Arsenal and Aston Villa interest

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has been talked up for a move back to the Premier League before the transfer window shuts later this month

Fulham boss Marco Silva says he wants to try and keep hold of Arsenal-linked midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

The 25-year-old has been talked up for a move back to the Premier League, with both the Gunners and Aston Villa said to be interested in signing him.

The Cameroon international has two years remaining on his Fulham contract, with the option of a further year.

He joined in 2018 from Marseille and despite being left out of the squad for the Cottagers' opening game of the Championship season, he made a late cameo from the bench in Saturday's thrashing of Huddersfield Town.

When asked about speculation linking the midfielder with a move away, Silva said: "It's something we will keep inside our football club. With Frank and all the others, I want them 100 per cent involved.

"I want all of them with a desire to work and win football matches in this shirt. All the other things are for us to talk about inside our club."

Anguissa made his first-ever appearance in the second tier against the Terriers.

Prior to that he had been a regular in the top flight campaigns of 2018-19 and 2020-21. The 2019-20 season, which saw Fulham last play in the Championship, saw him loaned out to Spanish side Villarreal.

A fresh report from Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Villa are ahead of Arsenal in the race for Anguissa.

Dean Smith's side sold Jack Grealish to Manchester City for £100m, putting the club in a very healthy position from a financial perspective.

The transfer window is open until Tuesday, August 31.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-midfielder-arsenal-villa-interest-24766927

WhiteJC

Gary Rowett reveals Millwall duo may miss Fulham clash

Millwall boss Gary Rowett has revealed that captain Shaun Hutchinson is set to miss the Championship tie against his former club Fulham on Tuesday while Maikel Kieftenbeld could also be absent.

The central defender missed Saturday's 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers due to a quad issue that surfaced in training on Friday.

Jake Cooper's return to the starting XI helped to soften the blow but it seems Hutchinson is now set to miss Tuesday's clash against promotion hopefuls Fulham, who the 30-year-old left to join the Lions in 2016.

Speaking to South London Press, Rowett revealed that the Millwall skipper was set to have a scan on his quad and was likely to miss the game at The Den tomorrow evening.

He said: "I imagine Hutchy is going to be a doubt. I think he'll go for a scan tomorrow [Monday].

"We don't think it is anything too serious but we don't want to risk him this early in the season and end up with him out for a long time.

"It's obviously a blow that he's unavailable at the moment and disappointing it happened so close to the game.

"He felt his quad on Friday and pulled out of the training session midway through as a precaution.

"He still felt his quad on Saturday but felt a lot better. He went outside at the training ground and did a little bit of fitness test and pitched it still at about 70 or 80 percent running.

"If you remember previously he had his calf issue where he felt something, played on and ended up pulling his calf and being out for six weeks. It's probably in the back of Hutchy's mind to make sure rather than keep playing.

"The scan will tell us a little bit more Monday and we'll have a clearer picture.

The Lions boss indicated that he could be set to make a number of changes for Tuesday's game against Fulham, with Maikel Kieftenbeld one that may well miss out.

He said: "Maikel was a little bit tight after the [Blackburn] game with his calf. It will be more fatigue-based with one or two of the others, whether they can go three games in a week on the back of a pre-season – it might mean we need to freshen up one or two areas.

"I'll know a little bit more once I've seen the players train. We're going to need energy against Fulham because they are a good side."

The busy Championship schedule means that including the 1-1 draw against Rovers on Saturday, Rowett's side play three games in seven days finishing with a trip to Cardiff City.

The Verdict

Hutchinson's absence against a strong side like Fulham would be a real blow, particularly given Aleksandar Mitrovic's physicality, but it's not worth risking a long-term injury that could see Millwall without him for a significant period.

The back three, which included Cooper, Danny Ballard, and Murray Wallace, were impressive in the 30-year-old's absence on Saturday, restricting Blackburn to just one shot on target all game.

Tomorrow night's game is likely to be a sterner test but Rowett will have confidence that the options available to him can be effective against Fulham.

The Millwall boss has suggested changes are likely to be made to his side to freshen things up but against a promotion frontrunner like Marco Silva's team, he won't want to make too many.

Rowett will be awaiting the results of today's scan as losing Hutchinson for a long period would be a real blow to their play-off hopes.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/gary-rowett-reveals-millwall-duo-may-miss-fulham-clash/

WhiteJC

Millwall v Fulham: Memorable meetings

Ahead of our trip to south east London for a stern test of Fulham's early season form, we've delved into archives to pick out three Fulham wins at the Den for your delectation. We start with a late show inspired by Kit Symons that helped the Whites record a vital early season success on the way to the Second Division title before recalling that brilliant Friday night when Slavisa Jokanovic's side shrugged off a first half on the back foot to move into the automatic promotion places with some style. The following season's League Cup success rounds off this feature – and we'd love to hear your memories in the comments.

Millwall 0-1 Fulham (17 October 1998)

Kit Symons ended Millwall's four match unbeaten run with a last-gasp header that clinched Fulham's first win at the Den for more than two decades. A fairly uneventful game was enlivened by some spicy challenges, including two from full back Jamie Stewart who was sent off by referee Eddie Wostenholme. Kevin Keegan's side refused to settle for a point and Fulham sent bodies into the box for a last minute corner which was half cleared. Steve Hayward produced a peach of a cross from the left and Symons soared highest to direct a fine header past Tony Roberts in the Millwall goal. My own delirious celebrations were cut short when I realised I would have to make a lone walk to South Bermondsey station after Fulham's late, late win.

Millwall 0-3 Fulham (20 April 2018)

This was one of the finest Fulham away displays of recent times. A trip to the New Den, with Millwall unbeaten in seventeen games and on the cusp of the play-off places, represented a serious test of Slavisa Jokanovic's promotion ambitions. The Whites had to weather a serious spell of early home pressure but turned in a sublime showing after half time. Ryan Sessegnon slotted home the opener just after the interval and Kevin McDonald's screamer of a second will live long in the memory. Aleksandar Mitrovic sealed a superb victory in stoppage time after an outstanding forward run from Tomas Kalas – firing home his thirteenth goal in as many games. The sing song at London Bridge remains one of my favourite memories of that magnificent season.

Millwall 1-3 Fulham (25 September 2018)

A low-key League Cup tie might seem a strange inclusion for this list but there was plenty to like about the way Jokanovic's second string dealt with a potential banana skin in south east London. Joe Bryan offered an early glimpse of his finishing ability by with a lovely low finish for the opener and Luca de la Torre capped an excellent display with the second. Cyrus Christie crashed home a sensational third (from thirty yards out with his wrong foot) to snuff out a Millwall fightback following Tom Elliott's header – and there was a debut from the bench for 15 year-old Harvey Elliott.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/millwall-v-fulham-memorable-meetings/


WhiteJC

25-year-old starts: The predicted Fulham XI to face Millwall on Tuesday

Marco Silva's Fulham got off to a wonderful start to their Championship travels on Saturday with a 5-1 win over Huddersfield Town, the Cottagers will be looking to replicate that destruction when they face Millwall in a London derby on Tuesday evening.

Many people's title favourites, the bar has been set very high for Fulham this season and they certainly delivered last weekend.

Even though Harry Wilson was given his marching orders in the 72nd minute, the quality of the newly relegated side reigned supreme as substitute Ivan Cavaleiro added a late brace.

With two games in the space of four days Silva is likely to tweak his scarily good squad for the level. Here is our predicted starting XI...


Wilson's red card sees an enforced change, that after his impact off of the bench on Saturday seems a bit of a no brainer.

Cavaleiro to replace the Liverpool academy graduate on the right flank will add a more direct style to the attacking contingent, with the Portuguese brimming with confidence from his cameo at the John Smith's Stadium.

The second and final change is Frank Zambo Anguissa replacing Jean-Michael Seri.

The latter managed 86 minutes against the Terriers but did not feature much in pre-season and therefore may be rested.

Anguissa was absent in the Cottagers' opener but Silva will be keen to reintegrate such a talented player into the first team picture, he came on in the place of Fabio Carvalho in the 77th minute on Saturday.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/25-year-old-starts-the-predicted-fulham-xi-to-face-millwall-on-tuesday/

WhiteJC

Sources: Fulham make transfer enquiry for Southampton player

Fulham are interested in signing Southampton forward Michael Obafemi and have made enquiries regarding his situation at St. Mary's, sources have exclusively told Football League World.

Obafemi has been on Southampton's books since 2016 after joining the club from Leyton Orient, and has since made 38 first-team appearances for the Saints.

Last season, the Republic of Ireland international made only four appearances in the Premier League, which all came as a substitute.

Southampton swooped to replace Danny Ings with Adam Armstrong this summer, with Blackburn looking to include Obafemi in a potential player-plus-cash deal.

But Obafemi rejected a move to Ewood Park, with the forward also being linked with a move to AFC Bournemouth.

Sources have exclusively told Football League World that Fulham are now showing an interest in Obafemi, having made enquiries about the 21-year-old.

Obafemi is out of contract at Southampton at the end of the season, having penned a new three-and-a-half year deal with the Saints in February 2019.

The Cottagers sit top of the Championship after two games, after yielding four points from a possible six and beating Huddersfield Town 5-1 at the weekend.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sources-fulham-make-transfer-enquiry-for-southampton-player/

WhiteJC

Fulham fancy Obafemi?

Fulham are the latest Championship club to show an interest in signing Southampton striker Michael Obafemi, according to reports this afternoon.

The Republic of Ireland international has been heavily linked with a permanent departure from St. Mary's this summer after making just five appearances last season. The 21 year-old has scored five times in 38 games for the Saints and turned down a move to Blackburn Rovers last week. Former Fulham manager Scott Parker has reportedly made Obafemi a transfer target with Bournemouth currently short of firepower.

Football League World claims that Fulham have made enquiries about Obafemi's availability to Southampton and Whites have sought striking reinforcements this summer, although how current their interest in the Dublin-born forward is remains to be seen given impending arrival of Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz from Flamengo. Obafemi is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and Saints boss Ralph Hassenhuttl used the youngster, who scored in a 1-0 League Cup success at Craven Cottage two years ago, extensively during pre-season.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/fulham-fancy-obafemi/


WhiteJC

Jasper makes strong start at Colchester

Fulham winger Sylvester Jasper has made a strong start to his loan spell with Colchester United.

The teenager has put the disappointment of an unsuccessful pre-season trial at Sheffield Wednesday behind him quickly to shine for the Essex outfit, starring on his first start in the League Cup at Birmingham in midweek and looking lively in his first senior league start during Saturday's narrow home defeat to Northampton Town.

The Daily Gazette reporter Jon Waldron has an excellent interview with the highly-rated winger here.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/jasper-makes-strong-start-at-colchester/

WhiteJC

Marco Silva provides Fulham team news update ahead of Millwall clash

Marco Silva gave an update on the fitness of three Fulham players ahead of their London derby with Millwall on Tuesday evening, the club tweeted this afternoon.

The Cottagers will arrive at The Den in search of back to back away wins following their resounding 5-1 demolition of Huddersfield Town last Saturday. Millwall are unbeaten with two draws from their season openers, known for their resolute defending and strong home record the Lions will not fear the newly relegated side.

Silva gave the supporters a boost with this injury update.

He said: "Harrison (Reed) has started training with us, we'll decide if he'll be involved. TC (Tom Cairney) and Knocks (Anthony Knockaert) are still in the same situation."



The recovery of these three players would give the team a significant boost, particularly Reed and Cairney in central midfield.

The former was one of their standout names in earning promotion back to the Premier League in 2019/20, a cultured ball playing midfielder who is capable of dictating games at Championship level and can give his teammates a licence to express themselves in the attacking third, by adopting the deepest role in front of the defence.

Cairney has achieved promotion from the second tier twice already with Fulham and therefore his expertise on and off the pitch could be crucial this season. Josh Onomah has taken up a role with far more defensive responsibilities than he would have usually been accustomed to in previous seasons in the Cottagers' opening couple of games.

The Verdict

Especially Harrison Reed's return will have a significant impact on Fulham's starting eleven. Giving Silva the option of deploying just one player as a pivot and allowing Onomah to play further forward, where he was so effective in the 2019/20 season.

At the moment, in the wake of Saturday's victory, all seems rosy and the Cottagers are expected to cruise into the automatic promotion spots, however tougher times and runs will come to pass and their current midfield of luxurious attack minded players may not be robust enough for the challenge.

In Jean-Michael Seri and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa they boast majestic players at second tier level, but Cairney and Reed have been there and done it before, therefore adding value to the first team picture.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/marco-silva-provides-fulham-team-news-update-ahead-of-millwall-clash/

WhiteJC

Reed in contention to face Millwall, says Silva

Marco Silva says Fulham will make a late call on whether midfielder Harrison Reed returns to face Millwall tomorrow night.

The former Southampton schemer has not featured for the Whites so far this season as he has been managing an ankle problem, but recently returned to full training at Motspur Park. Saturday's thumping victory at Huddersfield was adjudged to be soon for Reed's comeback, but Silva told his pre-match press conference this afternoon that the midfielder is in contention to start at the New Den:

"Harrison Reed has started training with the team. It is up to us to decide whether he'll be involved."

Long-term absentees Tom Cairney and Terence Kongolo remain unavailable, whilst winger Anthony Knockaert has also been ruled out with a back complaint.

Silva was pleased with his first Fulham victory at in west Yorkshire at the weekend – but is taking nothing for granted in the early stages of a Championship campaign and knows just how tough a test Millwall will provide.

"Huddersfield was an important three points away from home. We did our job, it was a good performance. We dominated possession and created some big chances. The fans will be one of the key points to success. We need them behind us. This is a marathon but I understand why they're happy.

"We know, not just myself, a big part of my squad, everyone knows what to expect [from Millwall]. We played against them in pre-season. They know what to expect from us. It will be a tough game like always. They are a tough team to play against. It's a great atmosphere to play football in, to see the character of our team."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/reed-in-contention-to-face-millwall-says-silva/


WhiteJC

Banned Wilson among Fulham players to miss Millwall game

Fulham will be Harrison Reed, Anthony Knockaert, Terence Kongolo and Harry Wilson as well as Tom Cairney at Millwall on Tuesday night.

Wilson is suspended after being set off in the 5-1 win at Huddersfield on Saturday, and the others are still struggling for fitness.

Boss Marco Silva reckons his side need to show "character" against the Lions, but adds plenty of his squad have faced Millwall in the recent past.

Silva said: "A big part of our squad has played them both home and away, so we know what we face. And this kind of game will show our character."

The manager is also hoping André-Frank Zambo Anguissa will stay despite reported interest from other clubs.

He said: "We'd like to keep him, of course. He's a different (player) to what we already have, and I am working with him to get the best performance from him. But during the market everything can happen."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-starts-to-miss-millwall-game-silva-keen-to-keep-anhguissa

WhiteJC

Pre-Millwall Press Conference

Marco Silva is happy to see the Fulham faithful responding to his side's performances on this pitch, but hopes there is plenty more to come.

The manner in which the Whites secured their first win of the season on Saturday unsurprisingly had fans gushing, and Silva acknowledged the important of having them on side.

"As I've always said, they will be one of the key points for us to be successful at the end of the season," he explained in his pre-match press conference. "We need them behind us, we need them supporting us.

"After a very good result away from home of course it's very easy to understand why our fans would be happy with us.

"A tough challenge comes for us in the next few games, and it's like a marathon for us, but with them behind us we will be stronger for sure.

"We'll have more afternoons like the last one we had, but we'll have some not so good, and we have to be together always, fighting together.


"With them supporting our players, we will be more confident, we'll be stronger as a team, and if they're happy then that's everything that we want.

"We are talking just about two games, but if they are happy with what they are seeing then we hope we can promise them they will see more in the future as well, because we are starting a process now.

"We have some players missing from our squad as well, some important players for us, and in the future as a team we will be stronger, I have no doubts about that.

"Our process will settle as well, the players will understand more and more and more, and you can have more things in our style of play as well.

"But in the meantime we have to compete and get more points for us, because the competition has started.

"If they are happy, it's really good for us. They always have a big impact on our players. I want them happy, like I want our players happy as well.

"What we can promise to them is that we'll always give 100 per cent effort. To make them proud of us is what we want to do.

Marco Silva
Fulham Head Coach

"We want to play good football for them to enjoy, but you know in the Championship sometimes it's not easy to do it every single game, but the commitment and the desire and the ambition to win football matches always has to be there on the pitch."

A different test presents itself on Tuesday night, as the Whites make the short journey to South East London to take on Millwall.

Asked if he knows what awaits Fulham at the Den, Silva replied: "Not just myself, a big part of our squad knows as well. They've played a good number of games against them home and away. Everyone knows what to expect.

"We've analysed them, we played against them during pre-season. Of course they know what to expect from us as well, and it will be for sure a tough game, like always.

"But we expected a really tough game against Huddersfield and we had a good performance.

"We all expect a tough one against Millwall for sure, but what we want to do is compete again, and get the points we want for ourselves. It will be tough, they are a tough team to play against.

"I can tell you that it's a good atmosphere to play football in and sometimes it can be difficult, but it's a good one for us to play to show the character and the personality of our team.

"It will be good, it will be tough, but we are ready."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Pre-Millwall-Press-Conference/

WhiteJC

Fabrizio Romano says Rodrigo Muniz to Fulham is complete

Fabrizio Romano says a deal is 'complete' between Fulham and Flamengo for Rodrigo Muniz.

Muniz, 20, has been closely linked with a move to Fulham this month.

The London club have been rivalling Middlesbrough for his signature but have seemingly been in ole position the whole time, and now Romano's says the deal is 'complete' with Fulham paying £8million and Flamengo having a 25% sell-on clause as part of the deal:



The Brazilian striker then will become a really exciting signing for Fulham boss Marco Silva, with reports comparing this signing to his previous signing of Richarlison at Watford.

Silva brought Richarlison in and gave him the opportunity to become the player he is today – a key one for both Everton and Brazil.

Fulham have started the season positively under Silva – they drew their opening game v Middlesbrough but thumped Huddersfield Town 5-1 over the weekend, with a trip to Millwall to content on Tuesday night.

Muniz's arrival now seems imminent following Romano's update and they look to be getting him for a decent price, though that 25% sell-on fee might be a little worrying.

It's a hefty sell-on fee for an unproven player and so it's something of a risk for Fulham. Nevertheless it's an exciting move for club and player.



https://the72.co.uk/245713/fabrizio-romano-says-rodrigo-muniz-to-fulham-is-complete/


WhiteJC

Fulham interested in Bruno Paz

Fulham are interested in a deal to bring Bruno Paz to Craven Cottage this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by Portuguese media outlet Record (via The 72), who claim that the Sporting Lisbon defensive midfielder has emerged on the radar of Marco Silva, who could be planning for life after Jean-Michael Seri, with the 30-year-old being linked with a move away from west London this summer.

The report goes on to state that Sporting may be willing to allow the 23-year-old to leave the club for nothing in the summer transfer window, however, they are hoping to insert a €2.5m (£2.1m) buy-back clause into any potential deal, in addition to a further sell-on clause.

Bye-bye Seri

While Paz has struggled to establish himself in the Sporting first-team after graduating from the club's youth system, making just one senior appearance so far in his career, it would nevertheless appear the midfielder is a player with a significant amount of potential.

Indeed, the £518k-rated man has featured for every Portugal age group from U15 to the U21 team, while the 23-year-old has also racked up 47 appearances for the Sporting U19, U23 and B-team sides – with Portugal Resident journalist Skip Bandele dubbing the Paz a "promising" talent.

And, with the youngster having been stuck behind the likes of William Carvalho, Joao Palhinha, Manuel Ugarte and Idrissa Doumbia for the defensive midfield role during his time at Sporting, perhaps his failure to break into the first team is less a reflection of his own talent, but more so that the Leoes have been blessed with a number of exceptional players in the position in recent years.

Furthermore, considering the player looks to be available on a free transfer, as well as his salary not even being listed by Capology, should Silva go on to sanction the sale of the £65k-per-week Seri this summer, Paz would not only seem to be a replacement with a much higher ceiling than the Ivory Coast international, but also a substantially more cost-effective player.

As such, it would appear highly advisable for Tony Khan to take something of a risk-free gamble on the Sporting starlet this summer, as the bargain signing of Paz could turn out to be something of a masterclass by the Fulham director of football.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-transfer-news-marco-silva-tony-khan-jean-michael-seri-bruno-paz-sporting-lisbon-the-championship

WhiteJC

Fulham Agree Deal for Rodrigo Muniz

Fulham have agreed a deal for the signing of Brazilian centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz from Flamengo. Fabrizio Romano has reported that the deal is worth €8 million plus 25% of any future sale to Flamengo.

Paperworks Signed for Rodrigo Muniz
Exciting Talent

Muniz, 20, joined Flamengo in 2018 from Desportivo Brasil. He made his debut in 2020 and went out on loan to Cortibia in the second half of the season. That was cut short, however, and he returned to Flamengo after scoring once in six appearances. Muniz made 32 appearances in all for the club, scoring ten times.

He travelled to Spain last week to observe a 14-day quarantine before going to England. Flamengo and Fulham agreed a deal around that time, and the transfer is set to be completed soon.

Fulham Preparing for Championship

Fulham are once again preparing for a season in the Championship after their relegation at the end of last season. Scott Parker has left his role as Fulham manager to take up the job at Bournemouth. Marco Silva has replaced him, and he has a good squad to pick from.

Aleksandr Mitrovic is a proven goalscorer at this level, while Harry Wilson is a great signing. Harrison Reed, Antonee Robinson and Tosin Adarabioyo are also very good players who enhanced their reputation last season despite Fulham's woes. They have the quality to bounce back once again, but beyond that nothing's certain.

Muniz is a fine signing. A young attacker who has impressed on Brazilian shores now gets the chance to test himself in the Championship, which is a very physical and overall difficult league.

The Cottagers are also reported to have made an enquiry for Southampton striker Michael Obafemi. The youngster attracted interest from Blackburn Rovers and there was talk that he could have been part of the deal for Adam Armstrong moving between the two clubs.

The striker has also been linked with Bournemouth in this window.



https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2021/08/16/fulham-agree-deal-rodrigo-muniz/

WhiteJC

'They're in a win-win situation' – 25-year-old's uncertain future at Fulham: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa was reintroduced to the Fulham first team as a second half substitute against Huddersfield Town on Saturday.


Marco Silva has recently made it public that he wants to keep the services of the 25-year-old amidst links with a move back to the Premier League.

The Cottagers have an esteemed midfield contingent as it is with Jean-Michael Seri returning to the club and the likes of Josh Onomah, Tom Cairney and Harrison Reed providing competition for places. However none boast the ceiling of Anguissa who is arguably a top half Premier League midfielder when onsong.

With just over two weeks left in the transfer window, there would be time for Fulham to reinvest a potential incoming transfer fee for the Cameroonian, especially if he is not motivated to see out a season in the Championship with the Cottagers.

Sometimes it only takes one bad attitude or personality to spoil the broth on the pitch or in the dressing room and eradicating that risk could be a sensible move for Fulham to make.

Here, we get the thoughts of a selection of FLW writers on whether Fulham should keep or sell Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa...

Adam Jones
This is the million-dollar question.

It's a big if, but if he changes his mind about wanting to leave Craven Cottage between now and the end of the window, they should definitely look to keep him.

In the short-term, Anguissa would be vital in getting Fulham back to the Premier League as someone who is way too good for the second tier.

And in the longer-term, he would be an established Premier League-quality option the Cottagers could utilise and considering he still has two years left on his current deal, with the club holding the option to triggering a one-year extension, there's no rush to sell him just yet.

However, there's no point keep an unhappy Anguissa in West London if he wants to leave – and they could easily utilise the money generated from his sale to invest in multiple areas of their squad.

These funds could be the key to securing automatic promotion, so they're in a win-win situation here. They either get to keep a world-class player on their books or receive a sizeable sum of money for his services.

The player's mindset will depend on whether they should retain him or cash in.

Ned Holmes
There's no denying that having Zambo Anguissa in the squad improves Marco Silva's options but if he doesn't want to be there, there is no point keeping hold of the midfielder.

The 25-year-old really impressed me last season but it seems there are question marks over whether he wants to be at Fulham now they're a Championship side.

It's simple really, if he doesn't want to be there and there is an agreeable offer for him – either on loan or permanently – then it would be best for the West London club to move him on.

Keeping him when he wants to leave would be a mistake as the midfielder is unlikely to be effective on the pitch and may cause issues to the dressing room atmosphere.

It's worth remembering, however, that he's an asset and one that shouldn't be offloaded without proper compensation.

George Harbey
I think Fulham should steer clear to be honest.

Anguissa may have impressed in the Premier League and is much better than the Championship, but if he doesn't want to play in the second tier than his attitude should be questioned.

He is likely to be on big wages, and maybe getting him off the books and selling him for a big fee would be exactly what Fulham need as they look to return to the top-flight as soon as possible.

Financially it makes sense, and Anguissa would also be getting a move back to the Premier League most probably.

It would suit both parties.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/theyre-in-a-win-win-situation-25-year-olds-uncertain-future-at-fulham-the-verdict/


WhiteJC

Hilton strike settles seven-goal thriller

A stunning stoppage-time strike from Sonny Hilton saw Fulham's under 23s win a seven-goal thriller at Sunderland and get their PL2 campaign off to a winning start. The visitors showed tremendous character to come from behind having surrendered a 2-1 advantage earlier in the second period, with their stirring comeback sparked by a fine long-range finish from substitute Kieron Bowie.

Fulham began brightly, dominating possession with holding midfielder Jonathan Page sending an early effort over the crossbar from distance. Their slick passing moves were causing problems for the Sunderland defence with Irish youth international Ollie O'Neill almost getting clear down the left flank on a couple of occasions and Marlon Fossey flying forward from right back.

Centre back Patrick Almond, who was booked for bringing down the lively Terry Ablade, had the hosts' first opportunity but his deflected drive was comfortably held by Taye Ashby-Hammond. Ashby-Hammond had to be alert to the danger shortly afterwards to deny Will Harris after a smart one-two with Stephen Wearne and Fulham punished some sloppy defending to take the lead from their next attack. Sixteen year-old Luke Harris continued his excellent summer form by stroking into the bottom corner at the second attempt after Fossey's cross fell kindly for him in the Sunderland area.

But the Londoners didn't lead for long. Will Harris brought Sunderland level within five minutes – following up to finish after Ashby-Hammond had made a smart save from Wearne – and the Wearsiders finished the first period in the ascendancy, with Wearne's clever movement posing particular problems for the Fulham rearguard.

Fulham went back in front five minutes after the interval when Ablade nipped in to steal possession from Almond and surged into the area, firing home a clinical near-post finish. But the home side quickly equalised when Will Harris sent Ashby-Hammond the wrong way from twelve yards after Dyce had been tripped in the box. Sunderland suffered a blow when the lively Wearne had to be substituted following a serious shoulder injury, but his replacement Caden Kelly made an instant impact – swinging in a superb corner that was headed home by Dyce to give Elliott Dickman's side the lead.

That sparked the visitors back into life. Jack McIntyre, on trial in Sunderland's goal after being released by Everton, made magnificent saves to prevent Ablade's low drive from levelling matters and then, from the ensuring corner, clawing away Conor McAvoy's effort at point blank range. Steve Wigley sent on Kieron Bowie in search of an equaliser and the Scottish youngster obliged almost immediately. The former Raith Rovers forward produced a peach of a finish from 20 yards after turning a defender inside out, with the left-footed strike proving too hot for McIntyre to handle.

Fulham spurned good chances to go in front in the final quarter of an hour. Fossey, who was probably Fulham's brightest performer as he looks to put years of injuries behind him, thundered forward down the right and delivered a devilish cross for Ziyad Larkeche at the far post, but the French full back hit his half volley horribly over. Hilton squandered an even better chance a couple of minutes later, shooting straight at McIntyre when he looked destined to put the Whites ahead from close range. But the attacking midfielder, recently back from a loan spell in Finland, broke Sunderland hearts in the first minute of stoppage time when he curled a lovely left-footed finish into the far corner after being allowed to turn inside the area.

SUNDERLAND UNDER 23s (4-2-3-1): Trialist; Richardson, Newall, Younger, Almond; Wilding, Sohna; Kimpioka (Steels 59), Dyche, Wearne (Kelly 62); W. Harris. Subs (not used): Jessup, Bond, Chapman.

BOOKED: Almond.

GOALS: W. Harris (36, pen 56), Dyche (64).

FULHAM UNDER 23s (4-2-3-1): T. Ashby-Hammond; Fossey, Larkeche, McAvoy, Odutayo; Page (Bowie 70), Pajaziti; L. Harris, Hilton, O'Neill; Ablade (Lanquedoc 90+3). Subs (not used): Las, Araujo.

GOALS: L. Harris (31), Ablade (50), Bowie (75), Hilton (90+1).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/hilton-strike-settles-seven-goal-thriller/

WhiteJC

Silva hands Seri second chance

Marco Silva says Jean Michael Seri has impressed him during pre-season and believes Fulham's forgotten midfielder could play a key role in their Championship campaign.

The Ivorian international was a surprise selection in Silva's starting line-up as the Portuguese head coach recorded a resounding first Fulham win and Seri delivered a strong showing in a deep-lying midfield role. The former Nice midfielder was expected to leave Craven Cottage before the end of the summer transfer window but Silva suggested that he could become a fixture in the Fulham side.

"A new manager came, of course, and in pre-season he did really well. Mika didn't do so many games in recent seasons. [No] ninety minutes week in, week out and when that happens you are not used to playing with the intensity I want.

But he worked hard in the last week and that's why I started with him – he deserved it. Now he needs more games to get him in the best possible condition. I'm not in the best position to talk about what happened in the past but Mika is getting his chance and if he does well the fans will be happy."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/silva-hands-seri-second-chance/

WhiteJC


Cottage Talk Post Match Show: Fulham Destroy Huddersfield Town

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

Joining Emilio Di Nello for this episode was Fulham legends Rob Wilson and Gordon Davies. All three gave their thoughts on a convincing 5-1 victory for Fulham.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2021/8/16/22627907/cottage-talk-post-match-show-fulham-destroy-huddersfield-town


WhiteJC

Fulham's £12m man sees hopes of Hull City reunion dashed

The ex-Tiger is back in the Championship after making big money move from Liverpool in the summer


Referee Dean Whitehead shows a red card to Harry Wilson (Image: John Early/Getty Images)

Fulham will be without star summer signing Harry Wilson when they welcome Hull City to Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Wilson will miss his big reunion with the Tigers after being sent off for violent conduct in Saturday's thumping 5-1 win at City's Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town.

The £12m signing from Liverpool had made quite an impact at the Cottage, scoring a fine goal in the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough but will sit out Tuesday's game at Millwall, the visit of City and next week's Carabao Cup tie with Birmingham City as he completes a mandatory three match ban for violent conduct.

Wilson was dismissed after kicking out at the Terrier's Levi Colwill having been tackled late, a move which saw both sets of players embroiled in a confrontation in front of the dugouts, Colwill was booked for the initial tackle.

To his surprise after picking himself up off the deck, Wilson was given a straight red card by referee Dean Whitestone and will now play no part against his former club.

"I didn't see the red card but we have to keep our emotional balance, especially for the stronger creative players we have," said Cottagers boss Marco Silva, who called on his players to show more mental strength when put under pressure.

"They are suffering tackles every time and should be more protected, you have to protect these type of players.

"In the meantime you still have to keep your emotional balance."

Wilson will be joined in the stands on the banks of the Thames by City's George Moncur, himself given his marching orders late on at the weekend.

Moncur was somewhat harshly shown a red card for a late tackle in the Tigers' 3-0 home defeat to QPR.



https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulhams-12m-man-sees-hopes-5794060

WhiteJC

Millwall boss Gary Rowett gives his verdict on tonight's Championship clash with Fulham

Gary Rowett is hoping his Millwall side can ask some serious questions of a Fulham side settling back into Championship life in tomorrow's derby at The Den.

It is a clash of two unbeaten clubs with the Lions drawing their opening two matches 1-1 – at QPR on the opening day and following up with a home game against Blackburn on Saturday.

Fulham smashed Huddersfield 5-1 at the weekend, scoring twice after the dismissal of Harry Wilson. The summer signing from Liverpool is suspended for the fixture in SE16.

Millwall and the Whites played each other in a pre-season friendly at Calmont Road in a contest that ended all square.

"You know they are going to be a strong team, having come down from the Premier League," said Rowett. "We know that within the squad there is a lot of Premier League athletes and Premier League quality players.

"The first game didn't quite go their way but they were still pretty dominant, certainly in the first half of the Middlesbrough game, and you saw the result against Huddersfield – it shows again the forward players they have got and the goals they've got in their team.

"It is no different to last year and playing teams like Norwich, Watford and Bournemouth. In those games you have to be very good defensively and very good off the ball – then hurt them in attack and maybe force them back into areas where they are not as comfortable.

"We have to be mindful we are playing a very good side but it's at home and it's up to us to try and take the game to them with the atmosphere of the fans and make it a difficult night."



l