Saturday Fulham Stuff - 21/08/21...

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Results

Friday
Bristol City	0-1	Swansea

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Jones A Doubt For Fulham

Centre-back Alfie Jones is a fitness doubt for Hull City's Championship trip to Fulham.

The 23-year-old defender, an ever-present in the league so far, is struggling with a groin problem and will be assessed today ahead of the match at Craven Cottage.

Head Coach Grant McCann said: "We're waiting on Alfie Jones, who's got a sore groin. He's 50/50 at this present time.

"The last thing we want to do is take a risk on anyone and lose them for a substantial period of time.

"It'll be a physio call, and Alfie's call, whether he can make the game."

Mallik Wilks (calf) and George Honeyman (ankle) won't be involved, nor will George Moncur as he serves the second of his three-match suspension, although Ryan Longman (groin) is nearing a return.

"Ryan is getting better," McCann commented.

"His scan has come back clear, which is good news for us. We were worried about that one, in case it was a long-term one.

"It's come back clear so it's just a case of when Ryan feels right. Saturday will probably be too soon for him but I imagine next week he'll be fine."



https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2021/august/jones-a-doubt-for-fulham/

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Up next: Hull City (h)

Fulham return to Craven Cottage this week full of confidence after two commanding away displays. The Whites might have scored five goals at Huddersfield, but there's a strong argument to say that Tuesday night's performance at Millwall proved even more fluent – despite the fact that they were hanging on at the end after Benik Afobe's fluke. A look at the early table would make Marco Silva's side overwhelming favourites tomorrow, but Fulham would be wise to be wary of a Hull side who have a history of springing surprises at Craven Cottage and scored the most away goals in all four divisions last term.

Grant McCann remains something of a marmite manager among the Hull faithful. There were loud calls for his dismissal as City went down from the Championship, but eccentric owner Ehab Allam – himself far from popular with the supporters for many, many reasons – opted to keep the faith and McCann delivered an immediate return with a record-breaking title winning campaign that saw him rewarded for placing faith in a number of homegrown talents. The Tigers quickly demonstrated how dangerous they can be away from home, putting four past Preston on the opening day and demonstrating real resilience to come from behind.

McCann's men will want to bounce back from two disappointing defeats where they looked rather powderpuff going forwards. While the harsh realities of the Championship might be thought to be biting after losing to in-form QPR and doom-laden Derby, there were mitigating circumstances in midweek. Hull were always likely to miss a player of George Honeyman's class – and given that the former Sunderland midfielder will be absent for the trip to the capital as well, McCann will be in need of a solution to that particular conundrum. The return of Tom Huddlestone, whose name still brings many a Fulham fan out in a cold sweat after our 6-0 Christmas mauling in 2013 when he broke a substantial scoring drought, adds experience and knowhow, whilst local lad Kean Lewis-Potter looks a real livewire up front.

Silva will need no reminder of Hull's potential, of course, having almost kept them in the Premier League from what appeared an impossible position in his first job in English football. Fulham haven't won a home fixture since February – and there was a great sense of frustration after the Whites were pegged back by Middlesbrough on the opening weekend. Silva will want to put that right. We have seen ample evidence already of his preference for playing on the front foot, something even emphasised in the aftermath of Harry Wilson's red card at Huddersfield when he sent on Ivan Cavaleiro and Fulham scored two more goals instead of shutting up shop. There was a more pragmatic reaction following Millwall's late rally at the New Den in midweek, but it is still really refreshing to watch a Fulham side attack with pace, purpose and panache rather than the cagey, formulaic football that Scott Parker all too regularly served up.

Fulham's only selection puzzlers are the regular ones. Is Harrison Reed any closer to playing a part having seen his start to the season delayed by ankle problems? Josh Onomah was forced off at half-time on Tuesday after a couple of hefty challenges and, given how he has linked play offensively, losing his drive into the final third would be a blow. Jean Michael Seri's sudden seamless return to a deep-lying role where he looks able to dictate the play has been perhaps the biggest surprise of the past week – and Silva's insistence that the Ivorian wants to stay at Craven Cottage offers another timely option with Fulham a little light in the middle of the park.

Fabio Carvalho has blossomed beautifully behind a revitalised Aleksandar Mitrovic, with the pair mauling Millwall within eight minutes earlier this week. The teenager's electric burst of pace to create the first for the Serbian, who is finally playing with a smile on his face again, was almost as eye-catching as his assured finish that established Fulham's two-goal lead. Neeskens Kebano's contribution after coming in for Bobby Decordova-Reid in south east London was noteworthy – the pass to put through Carvalho was fantastic, but his continual beating of Scott Malone represented probably the Congolese winger's finest showing in a Fulham shirt. Silva certainly has a mouthwatering set of offensive options at his disposal.

The only place we could possibly quibble at present is with Paulo Gazzaniga in goal. The Argentine has let in three goals from five shots on target this season – and the concession of the last two, as well as his flapping at Jed Wallace's cross that nearly handed Millwall a stoppage time equaliser, makes his selection ahead of Marek Rodak – now available again after a finger injury – a genuine talking point. Gazzaniga hasn't impressed under the high ball to date and you can be certain that the rest of the Championship will be testing him out should he continue in the Fulham goal. It might be too early to make a change, but these sort of errors could be costly in tight games.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Tete, Robinson, Adarabioyo, Ream; Seri, Onomah; Kebano, Decordova-Reid, Carvalho; Mitrovic. Subs: Gazzaniga, Mawson, Bryan, Francois, Anguissa, Cavaleiro, Stansfield.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/up-next-hull-city-h-2/

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Docherty: We're Learning All The Time

Greg Docherty says he and his teammates are learning with each game as the Tigers' return to the Sky Bet Championship continues with a trip to Fulham on Saturday.

Grant McCann's side will be aiming to bounce back after consecutive home defeats against Queens Park Rangers and Derby County, and Docherty claims the team are learning more with each passing game.

"It has been a huge learning curve for us in what we've faced in the opening three Championship games," said Docherty.

"We had the highs of Preston and we really deserved that result. For QPR, we were on top and dominant for large periods, before conceding from a short set-piece and a deflection and from that point, the game has gone away from you. Then with Derby, it's a different one as I thought a draw would have been a fair result.

"Ultimately, the last two results have been disappointing; there's no point in hiding behind that. However, we'll learn from it and we can only take these experiences on board and keep trying to improve on it, starting with Fulham."

The 24-year old made 44 appearances for the Tigers in League One last season, as he helped secure the club's first league title in 55 years, and the midfielder is noticing the step up since joining the Championship.

"We know how ruthless and relentless this league is," added Docherty.

"We're coming up against a better calibre of player, but it's all about picking your moments of when we can press teams as we're a high energy team that wants to win the ball back in packs in dangerous areas.

"Everyone wanted to beat us last season as we were the big scalp, but now we've immediately switched to being the underdogs this season and that is going to take some time to get used to.

"I feel we can use last season's experiences as there is a great togetherness in this squad that I haven't experienced anywhere else. We are a tight-knit group and we're going to go to Fulham and show what we can do."



https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2021/august/docherty-were-learning-all-the-time/

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Watch Fulham v Hull on FFCtv

Fulham return to Craven Cottage this weekend to take on Hull City, with the game available to watch live on FFCtv.

Exclusive to fans based outside the UK & Ireland, guarantee your ticket to watch all the action unfold on FFCtv, with a season-long pass (£170) or an indivdiual overseas Fulham v Hull City Match Pass (£10) available to buy now.

Our pre-match build up show begins from 2:30pm, with kick-off at 3pm BST on Saturday 21st August.

For Fulham fans overseas, our 2021/22 International Live Video Pass offers significant savings against purchasing individual match passes - providing access to watch all available Fulham games, as well as live audio at all fixtures and video on demand.

Supporters based in the UK and Ireland not attending the match can follow the game with our live audio commentary service hosted by Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid. A monthly or seasonal FFCtv subscription is required, with coverage beginning from 2:45pm.

To watch or listen live, fans must have an active FFCtv subscription with the correct entitlements, as well as be logged in to their OneFulham Account.

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON THE MATCH CENTRE & APP

Watch or listen from the Fulham v Hull City Match Centre on desktop/laptop, or access the match via the Official Fulham FC App.

The Match Centre also holds the latest minute-by-minue commentary, team line-ups, stats and scores from around the grounds.

For matchday support, visit our streaming guide or contact [email protected]



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Watch-Fulham-v-Hull-on-FFCtv/

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Hull City ace Greg Docherty makes Fulham admission

City will hope to return from the capital unbeaten against in-form Fulham on the banks of the Thames

Hull City will relish the opportunity to take on Marco Silva and his Fulham side at Craven Cottage on Saturday, intent on busting the coupon of many, just as they did on their last visit where they won 3-0 two seasons ago.

That's according to Greg Docherty, who says there will be few giving the Tigers a chance against the stand-out promotion favourites, so far unbeaten in their opening three games of the season.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, Silva's Fulham are odds-on to beat the Tigers, and with Bournemouth to come next weekend before the first international break of the season, Docherty admits City have the perfect opportunity to cause an upset or two.

"You look at the next two fixtures on paper and people won't give us much of a chance, but these are the games and this is the unpredictability of this league that we're more than capable of going and getting a result at grounds like Craven Cottage, which is what Hull did the last they were there so there's no reason why not," the former Rangers man told BBC Humberside.

Defeats to QPR and Derby County have scratched the gloss of what had been a dream start to life back in the Championship for City, with a 4-1 win at Preston North End.

Those defeats to nil have brought Grant McCann's men crashing back down to earth with a bump, but City should not be deterred, he says.

"You've got to relish the challenge of playing against Premier League quality players, to go and test yourself and see where you are as a player yourself.

"It's one we're all relishing, we've all tried to get to this level and we want to kick on from here.

"We know how ruthless and relentless this league is," added Docherty.

"There's a lot more to come from us, myself included. We've started well but since then we've had two defeats and it's how we bounce back now."

Having been the big fish in the League One pond last term, City head to Craven Cottage as rank outsiders against a side backed to make an instant return to the top flight, but the midfielder says these are the games his side can prove just what they're made of.

"Everyone wanted to beat us last season as we were the big scalp, but now we've immediately switched to being the underdogs this season and that is going to take some time to get used to," said the 24-year-old.

"I feel we can use last season's experiences as there is a great togetherness in this squad that I haven't experienced anywhere else.

"We are a tight-knit group and we're going to go to Fulham and show what we can do."



https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hull-city-ace-greg-docherty-5812667

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McCann: Show More Bravery

Grant McCann has called for his side to show more bravery when Hull City take on promotion favourites Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The boss felt his players were "a bit safe" in their play during the 1-0 home defeat by Derby and wants to see them adopt their usual game against the Cottagers.

"I want us to go into this game with more bravery, more zest about our game," said McCann.

"We base our game a lot on counter-pressing, reactions. I didn't see enough of that on Wednesday night. We were a bit sloppy on that. We were a little bit safe in our game.

"We had some good moments, good periods of the game where we got into good areas at the top end of the pitch – four v threes, five v fours – where we didn't pick out the right pass.

"These are things we need to get better at in this division because when you get those opportunities, you need to take them.

"We're going to go there, embrace the opportunity, embrace the challenge and see if we can play with more bravery in our game."

Recently relegated Fulham have made a storming start under former Tigers boss Marco Silva, hammering Huddersfield 5-1 and winning 2-1 at Millwall following an opening day draw with Middlesbrough.

McCann is fully aware of the dangers they pose, with 2019/20 Championship Golden Boot winner Aleksandar Mitrovic a particularly potent threat, but says it's important not to show them too much respect.

"Fulham are a good team – there's no getting away from it," he said.

"They're a team that will probably expect to win the division. That's what we're up against.

"They've got good individuals. They've kept a lot of the group together from the Premier League and added some to it.

"It's a tough ask for us but we want to go there and stamp our mark on the game, get those things right that we didn't show on Wednesday night.

"We'll respect Fulham because they're a good team but we don't want to show them too much respect, which would hinder our performance.

"We want to go there, be really competitive and see if we can take the opportunities when they arise."



https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2021/august/mccann-show-more-bravery/

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Fulham duo are fit for Hull game

Bobby Decordova-Reid and Josh Onomah have been passed fit for Fulham's game against Hull.

Decordova-Reid missed the 2-1 win over Millwall on Tuesday with a minor injury and Onomah was withdrawn at half-time after picking up a knock.

Harrison Reed is likely to remain sidelined along with Tom Cairney and Terence Kongolo.

Whites boss Marco Silva, who will face his former club, said: "Tom is still out. Harrison Reed started (training) with the team and is working with them. He's doubtful for this match and needs more time.

"But Bobby is available and Josh is 100% fine."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/hes-100-fine-fulham-duo-are-fit-for-hull-game

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Pre-Hull City Press Conference

Marco Silva has seen enough from Hull City to know that Saturday's meeting at Craven Cottage will be some battle.

The Tigers began life back in the Championship in emphatic fashion, winning 4-1 in Preston on the opening day, but they've failed to score in subsequent home defeats by Queens Park Rangers and Derby County.

"It will be a difficult game again," Silva said. "They had a very good first away match.

"Unfortunately for them they didn't achieve what they wanted to do in the next two matches as well, but last season they were really strong when they played away games.

"This season they started with an away game with a good score and a good win for them.

"We are playing at home and we want to get our first home win in tomorrow's match, but we have to respect them.

"We're looking at ourselves first of all, try to play at our best level because if we play at our best level we will be closer to winning the football match.

"We'll respect them, they are a strong team on the counter attack, they like to be compact and then counter attack.

"They have good players, fast players on the sides as well. They can play good football, they have this quality, and you have to be aware.

"A big part of the game will be under our control, but you cannot lose that balance, we can never lose our organisation.

"We want to be comfortable in the game, create chances to finalise the actions and to score, but in the meantime we cannot give them the chance to counter attack us because they are really strong in this moment."

Hull gave Silva his first job in the UK back in 2017, a time that our Head Coach remembers fondly.

"It will be a special game for me, definitely it will be a special game for me," he explained.

"It's a special club, a great club that I had the pleasure to work for when I first arrived in England to manage in the Premier League.

"It has special people, special fans as well. The way they welcomed us to that club was special and we'll never forget that situation."

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

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Fulham, Bournemouth target Michael Obafemi no longer on Blackburn Rovers' radar

Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray has stated Southampton striker Michael Obafemi has "fallen off" their transfer radar.

Blackburn Rovers are in the market for a new striker after selling star man Adam Armstrong to Southampton earlier this summer.

Saints ace Michael Obafemi has been heavily linked with the Ewood Park outfit, with a potential cash plus player swap deal reported at one point.

However, as Blackburn's search for a new striker goes on, it has been revealed that Obafemi is no longer on the club's radar.

As quoted by the Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray has stated the Irishman is no longer on his radar.

Mowbray went on to add that there were never face-to-face talks with Obafemi, adding that he doesn't think a move will materialise into anything more serious.

Here's what he had to say on the matter:

"I think it's fallen off the radar, I would have to say.

"He's never a player that we got to the point that I met him or spoke to him.

"It felt as though it was something that could create a balance but it probably didn't suit either party and it doesn't look to me as though that one will materialise."

With their pursuit of Obafemi failing to develop into anything more serious, it will be interesting to see how the striker's situation pans out.

More Championship interest
Blackburn Rovers ending their interest doesn't fully rule out the possibility of a Championship move for the 21-year-old striker.

Fulham and Bournemouth have also been mentioned as potential suitors, so it awaits to be seen if this latest development piques their interest.

As for Blackburn...
Tony Mowbray still has some solid options in attack despite Armstrong's departure. Ben Brereton Diaz has enjoyed a thoroughly successful start to the season, while Sam Gallagher and youngsters Tyrhys Dolan and Daniel Butterworth are also options.

However, a new number nine wouldn't go amiss, with a good amount of money from the Armstrong deal available for reinvestment.



https://the72.co.uk/247171/fulham-bournemouth-target-michael-obafemi-no-longer-on-blackburn-rovers-radar/

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Decordova-Reid and Onomah ready to return

Bobby Decordova-Reid and Josh Onomah are available for selection as Fulham look to continue their unbeaten start to the season against Hull City tomorrow.

Decordova-Reid missed the midweek win at Millwall with a minor knock sustained in training, whilst Onomah was withdrawn at half-time at the New Den on Tuesday after taking a number of heavy challenges. Fulham boss Marco Silva told his pre-match press conference that both players have proven their fitness and could feature in his starting line-up.

The Whites are still without Tom Cairney and Terence Kongolo and, although Harrison Reed has been training with the side again this week after his ankle issues, Silva says that he remains doubtful and 'needs more time'.

"Tom is still out. Harrison Reed started training with the team and is working with them. He's doubtful for this match and needs more time. But Bobby is available and Josh is 100% fine."

Silva is looking forward to facing one of his former sides at Craven Cottage tomorrow and won't be underestimating the challenge posed by Grant McCann's men.

"It will be a difficult game again. They had a very good first away match. This season they started with an away game with a good score and a good win for them. We'll respect them, they are a strong team on the counter attack, they like to be compact and then counter attack. They have good players, fast players on the sides as well. They can play good football, they have this quality, and you have to be aware."

It will be a special game for me, definitely it will be a special game for me. It's a special club, a great club that I had the pleasure to work for when I first arrived in England to manage in the Premier League. It has special people, special fans as well. The way they welcomed us to that club was special and we'll never forget that situation."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/decordova-reid-and-onomah-ready-to-return/

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Fulham boss Marco Silva's message to Hull City ahead of Tigers reunion

The ex-Tigers boss comes up against his old club for the first time since leaving four years ago

Marco Silva admits facing his former club on Saturday will be a special occasion.

The Portuguese boss managed Hull City for a short spell at the end of the Tigers' last foray into the Premier League, suffering relegation before leaving at the end of the season despite winning six games in the final 18 - his first job in English football.

Since leaving City in May 2017, Silva has managed Watford and Everton before a spell out of the game was ended this summer when he took over at Fulham following their drop out of the top flight coupled with Scott Parker's exit for Bournemouth.

"It will be a special game for me, definitely it will be a special game for me," said Silva.

"It's a special club, a great club that I had the pleasure to work for when I first arrived in England to manage in the Premier League.

"It has special people, special fans as well. The way they welcomed us to that club was special and we'll never forget that situation."

City come into the game on the back of successive home defeats to QPR and Derby, but won their only away game thus far in emphatic style at Preston, and Silva says his promotion favourites must be wary of Grant McCann's men.

"They have good players, fast players on the sides as well," Silva said.

"They can play good football, they have this quality, and you have to be aware.

"A big part of the game will be under our control, but you cannot lose that balance, we can never lose our organisation.

"We want to be comfortable in the game, create chances to finalise the actions and to score, but in the meantime we cannot give them the chance to counter attack us because they are really strong in this moment."

McCann's side were free-scoring last term on their way to winning the League One title, notching up 48 goals away from the MKM Stadium, and that rich scoring form continued on opening day at Deepdale.

Their open, attack-minded way of playing must be treated with respect, Silva says, as he looks to make it three wins from their opening four games at the start if this season, and heap more frustration on his old club.

"It will be a difficult game again. They had a very good first away match.

"Unfortunately for them they didn't achieve what they wanted to do in the next two matches as well, but last season they were really strong when they played away games.

"This season they started with an away game with a good score and a good win for them.

"We are playing at home and we want to get our first home win in tomorrow's match, but we have to respect them.

"We're looking at ourselves first of all, try to play at our best level because if we play at our best level we will be closer to winning the football match.

"We'll respect them, they are a strong team on the counter attack, they like to be compact and then counter-attack."



https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/marco-silva-fulham-hull-city-5813706

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Fulham, Bournemouth and Celtic dealt blow in transfer pursuit of Tottenham player

Football League World exclusively learned last week that Tottenham Hotspur were considering Fulham as a potential destination for Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Before that update, Bournemouth had emerged as an interested party after the 23-year-old spent the season with the south coast club last time out, as reported by The Athletic.

Newcastle United and Celtic have also been credited with an interest in the young centre-back, as previously reported by American journalist Larry Henry Jr.

However, the latest update comes as a big blow for those in pursuit, as the defender has twisted his ankle, and as reported by Craig Hope of the Daily Mail after a conversation with Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, the injury does not look good.

Carter-Vickers is yet to feature in the league for Spurs and has embarked on six loan spells since 2017. The defender featured 21 times for The Cherries last time out, spending the previous campaign with Luton Town and Stoke City.

Carter-Vickers' father is an American citizen, and as a result, the centre-back has gone to represent the USA at international level, making eight appearances with the senior side, adding to his 31 from U17 to U23 level.

The verdict

Carter-Vickers has proved to be an excellent defender at Championship level, with his six months with Luton, and last time out with Bournemouth, completely proving that.

It is no surprise to see teams at the top end of the Championship interested in the USA international, whilst it is also not much of a shock to see a Premier League club in Newcastle register an interest.

Possessing all the physical attributes necessary to be a top defender, Carter-Vickers is also a composed figure when in possession.

However, his injury is a big blow for all involved, and could be very detrimental in Tottenham's pursuit of selling the defender.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-bournemouth-and-celtic-dealt-blow-in-transfer-pursuit-of-tottenham-player/

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Mark Crossley makes claim over Fulham's new signing

Ex-Fulham shot-stopper has labelled Cottagers goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga as one of the best in the second tier after his summer move, with the 52-year-old speaking to Football FanCast.

The Argentine arrived at Craven Cottage last month on a free transfer, having been released from Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the summer on the expiration of his deal in north London.

He moved to Spurs from Southampton in 2017 but only made 37 competitive appearances in four seasons as he found himself stuck behind established keepers Hugo Lloris and Joe Hart in the pecking order.

Gazzaniga has been given a new lease of life under Marco Silva and a starting spot, with previous loanee Alphonse Areola returning to Paris St-Germain when his loan in west London expired and has since joined West Ham United.

Despite Areola inevitably being a miss, Mark Crossley believes they have taken a brilliant step in recruiting someone of Paulo Gazzaniga's calibre and speaking about Fulham's summer recruit in an interview with Football FanCast, he said: "He's taken his time to get to where he needs to be. He's certainly got the quality, I really like him as a goalkeeper, I think he's a top signing.

"I think he could have had a better chance if it wasn't for Lloris being a top goalkeeper. You look at all the goalkeepers in the Championship, would you put him in the top three? I would."

The 29-year-old has made a great start at Craven Cottage, helping his side to take seven points from a possible nine but is yet to keep a clean sheet and will be desperate to secure his first at the weekend.

They take on Hull City at home tomorrow afternoon and although the Tigers scored four at Deepdale against Preston North End on the opening day, they haven't managed to get on the scoresheet in their last two league games. With this in mind, Gazzaniga may not get a better chance to keep his first clean sheet for the Championship side.

The Verdict:

This is a bold prediction from Crossley – but there's a reason why the likes of Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur retained him even when he wasn't playing a lot of football and Fulham could benefit hugely from having someone like the Argentine between the sticks in their quest for promotion.

West Bromwich Albion's Sam Johnstone has to be up there as one of the best in the division as well after attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal this summer, even being the subject of a bid from West Ham United.

QPR's Seny Dieng also deserves a mention after being touted as a potential replacement for Arsenal-bound Sheffield United star Aaron Ramsdale, with Bournemouth's new signing Orjan Nyland also up there if he can stay on his A-game.

The great thing for Gazzaniga is the fact Marek Rodak will be keeping him on his toes as the 29-year-old's understudy at Craven Cottage – and it would be interesting to see how he bounces back from errors after becoming a first-choice goalkeeper all of a sudden.

The more games you play, the more mistakes you're likely to make. That's just part and parcel of being a goalkeeper – but how bounces back from these setbacks will determine how successful his career in the English capital will be.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/mark-crossley-makes-claim-over-fulhams-new-signing/

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Birmingham Away Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's trip to St Andrew's to face Birmingham City in the Second Round of the Carabao Cup are now on sale to 2021/22 Season Ticket Holders & Members.

The Whites make the trip to the Midlands on Tuesday 24th August, kick-off 7.45pm and have received an allocation of 1,000 tickets.

Tickets for the fixture are priced as below.
Birmingham City v Fulham Ticket Prices
Age Category    Season Ticket Holder Price    Non-Season Ticket Holder Price
Adult    £10    £12
Senior    £5    £8
Under 18    £3    £3

Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.fulhamfc.com or by calling 0203 871 0810 (Mon – Fri, 9am-5pm) with fans able to purchase a maximum of two tickets per person.

Tickets for this fixture will be on sale until 2pm on Monday 23rd August. After this time, tickets will be returned to Birmingham City.

Further Information

    Due to the late arrival of receiving these tickets from Birmingham City FC, we will not have sufficient time to post out tickets for this fixture. Instead, fans should collect their tickets from the Away Car Park at St Andrew's on Tuesday evening.
    Please note, if you have purchased a ticket over the phone or online you will not be able to collect this from the Fulham FC Ticket Office.
    The Ticket Office will be open from 9.30am on Saturday 21st August to personal callers. Fans will be able to purchase a ticket and take  their ticket away with them.
    This fixture is all ticket. There will be no sales on the day.
    Non-standing seats are available to purchase over the phone only in the front rows.
    Supporters will receive 3 loyalty points for this fixture.

Disabled Supporters Information

    21 pairs of wheelchair disabled tickets are available as priced above, with carer free of charge if required.
    Ambulant disabled tickets are to be taken out of the standard allocation, priced as above with carer free of charge if required.

Coach Travel

    Coaches will depart from both Craven Cottage & Motspur Park on matchday at 3.15pm.
    Coach tickets priced at £13 for adults and £5 for juniors if you are a Season Ticket Holder or Member. £15 for adults and £10 for juniors if you are not.


Please note, supporters will need to ensure they are logged in to their OneFulham Account and have linked their ticketing account in order to view and purchase online. For more information on the OneFulham Account, please click here.




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Birmingham-Away-Tickets/

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Three games in, why Hull City boss Grant McCann should be cut some slack

After a thumping opening day win at Preston, the knives have started to come out once again for the Tigers head coach

The River Thames provides the backdrop for Hull City's first venture of the new campaign to the capital this weekend, when they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Fulham are everybody's favourite to secure an instant return to the Premier League, and in Marco Silva, have a manager Tigers fans know only too well, and still hold a great degree of affection for.

In what will be City's most challenging away day since leaving the Championship last July, Grant McCann will be hoping the step-up in quality inspires his charges to mount a comeback after successive home defeats.

Here, Hull Live looks ahead to the 3pm kick-off...

Cut him some slack...

It's fair to say that Grant McCann holds a threadbare relationship with some Hull City fans.

Despite last season's promotion and league title, the Ulsterman is yet to convince some sections of the fanbase about his ability as a Championship manager, given what happened the season before.

While the critics were quietened somewhat after the opening day win at Preston, they've been out in force following the two home games since which have both ended in defeats, albeit very different defeats but defeats nonetheless.

McCann's managing at this level because he proved himself last term and earned the right to do so.

In three Championship games against three very different types of opposition, City haven't been well beaten by any of the three well-drilled, experienced teams.

Yes, the QPR result looks like a hammering but anyone watching that knows how different it could and should have been, such are the fine margins at this level, at any level.

The Derby game was a poor display, we can all agree on that with the Tigers falling straight into their trap, and to a degree, maybe fell for all the pre-match noise about the Rams being in crisis, having all sorts of problems when in actual fact, were still able to name a strong and competent side that wasn't nearly as bad as some made out.

Like it or not, City are also operating without two of last season's most influential players, in George Honeyman and Mallik Wilks.

If you were to take Wilks' goals plus his ability to stretch teams and run at players, Honeyman's assists and overall importance out of any side, they'd feel the pinch particularly at a level like the Championship is, add to that Ryan Longman and George Moncur also sitting it out then suddenly, you're not far off half the outfield team being unavailable – and it will be at Fulham with Alfie Jones added to that list.

It's also only fair to point out that McCann's working with one of the lowest budgets in the division which also happens to be subject to a transfer embargo.

He's restricted in what he can and can't do when it comes to bringing in better players, so it could be said he's a manager working with both hands tied behind his back and actually doing a fair job of it.

Yes, Derby wasn't great, but some of the rhetoric we've seen on social media in the hours Wednesday night has been an overreaction to say the least - not that social media should be used as the gospel guide.

We're three games into a new season and perspective is needed, as is the ability to look a little further down the line and see a bigger picture.

To change or not to change?
Matt Ingram has endured a couple of difficult moments in the last two games, and again, it shows just how fragile the life of a footballer can be.

The hero at Deepdale for making crucial saves early in the second half, Ingram then gifted a goal to QPR and Derby, mistakes which had a direct impact on the momentum within the game and ultimately the result.

Unfortunately for a goalkeeper, when a mistake is made, nine times out of 10 it leads to a goal and that's the cut throat nature of the position, though few remember the good saves he made prior to that error.

And even fewer comment on the dozy defending of those in front of him who all stood flat-footed and watched Sam Baldock at the age of 32 and without a goal in 23 appearances for Reading last season, dating back to July 2020, react quickest to take advantage.

Ingram has credit in the bank, he ousted George Long last season and while he made the odd error, he wasn't punished quite so emphatically as he has been so far this season.

There wouldn't be too many raised eyebrows if Nathan Baxter were to take the number one shirt later in the campaign, but to change now would be too early, and potentially damaging to Ingram.

Dropping your goalkeeper so early in the season is a huge, huge call and can have a huge impact on the defensive solidity of the side, and given the Tigers are likely to be without Alfie Jones at Fulham, they could do without making another change at the back.

That change may well happen, but McCann knows how important stability is and he'll believe that in Matt Ingram, he has a goalkeeper with enough character to respond in a positive manner and he deserves that chance.

A chance to impress...
Randell Williams was given an opportunity to show his talent in midweek, and despite a poor team showing, gave a good account of himself and will expect to have done enough to remain in the side at Craven Cottage.

Di'Shon Bernard will be the next one to get his chance to stake his claim for a regular place, when he likely comes in to replace the injured Alfie Jones.

Bernard, on loan from Manchester United, impressed on his debut against Wigan Athletic in the Carabao Cup earlier this month before rather cruelly missing the key spot-kick in the shoot-out.

Having performed well at Accrington Stanley last term, Bernard will been keen to show he belongs at this level, and you'd fancy he'll have quite the busy afternoon facing Fulham's attacking arsenal.

No expectations?
Just as they didn't two years ago, City will arrive at Craven Cottage with few giving them any hope of beating west London's aristocrats.

Fulham's squad has largely been untroubled by relegation from the Premier League, and in Marco Silva, have a manager City fans know well.

An opening day draw against Boro was a bit of a surprise, though a thumping 5-1 win at Huddersfield Town followed by a 2-0 victory at Millwall in midweek was less so, and they'll be keen to record a home win over the Tigers, themselves on a bit of a downer after their last two defeats.

Is this a free-hit for City?

Possibly, not that I subscribe to such sentiments because in this division and yes, it is a cliché, but anyone on their day can beat anyone else and City have more than enough in their camp to get a result.

A quick check of the odds will tell you that all the smart money is firmly on a home win, but that can work to City's advantage, McCann will use that 'us against the world' mentality so effective last season at Craven Cottage and you wouldn't bet against it working.



https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-hull-city-match-preview-5814574

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Exclusive: Ex-Fulham ace tips Mitrovic for huge Championship season

Former Fulham goalkeeper Mark Crossley believes that Aleksandar Mitrovic can be one of the best strikers in the Championship this season.

The Cottagers have dropped into the second-tier after a poor campaign in the Premier League last term.

Mitrovic perhaps did not contribute as much as he would have liked to last season, scoring just three goals in 27 Premier League outings.

However, this term, he has already scored twice in three games, netting in the 5-1 thumping of Huddersfield Town and the 2-1 win over Millwall.

Fulham, of course, also drew 1-1 with Middlesbrough prior to Saturday's clash against Hull City, so it really has been a bright start to the campaign.

Crossley insists that the club can win promotion back to the Premier League and he thinks that Mitrovic will play a key role in that run.

The Serbia international has an exceptional record in the Championship, scoring 44 goals and laying on 10 assists in 85 outings for both Fulham and Newcastle United going into that fixture versus Hull.

Speaking exclusively to This Is Futbol, he said: "I've just been looking through the squad, I think it's got enough. I think at the beginning of the season, at 5/1, I have to admit, I had a little tickle on Fulham getting promoted and again, if he can keep hold of the likes of Mitrovic.

"That guy shouldn't be playing in the Championship, although he didn't perform too well in the Premier League last season, I see him in the Championship as being one of the main men."



https://thisisfutbol.com/2021/08/blogs/championship/fulham/exclusive-ex-fulham-ace-tips-mitrovic-for-huge-championship-season/

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Fulham duo set to return vs Hull City

Fulham have started their 2021/22 Sky Bet Championship campaign under Marco Silva in a series of performances that underline their class.

Fulham's unbeaten over their opening three games sees them in 2nd place in the table – one of six sides on seven points.

Last time out they beat fellow London side Millwall by a 2-1 scoreline at the New Den.

Tomorrow sees the Cottagers at home and facing the challenge of newly-promoted Hull City.

The Tigers bounced back to the Championship at the first time of asking after relegation the season before.

Per West London Sport, Fulham boss Marco Silva has some mixed news on the injury front.

Three out but two in for Fulham
It's a mixed bag of news for Fulham fans regarding player availability for tomorrow's encounter.

Fulham boss Silva confirms that three players are likely to miss out: Harrison Reed, Tom Cairney and Terence Congolo still on the treatment table.

However, what will be better news for Cottagers fans is confirmation that key duo Bobby Decordova-Reid and Josh Onomah are available.

Decordova-Reid missed the Millwall game with an injury and Onomah was taken off at half-time with a knock.

On their availability, Silva confirmed that "Bobby [Decordova-Reid] is available and Josh [Onomah] is 100% fine."

Thoughts?
The three players definitely not featuring in the Hull City game are a big loss for the Cottagers.

However, news that Decordova-Reid and Onomah are available is a boon for Fulham fans. Decordova-Reid has three assists this season already and Onomah one goal and one assist.

Both players will be vital on Saturday as Fulham look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.



https://the72.co.uk/247173/fulham-duo-set-to-return-vs-hull-city/

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Hull Matchday Preview

Fulham v Hull City | Saturday 21st August 2021 | 3pm | Craven Cottage | #FULHUL

The opposition

    Hull found themselves at the top of the Championship on matchday one after coming from behind to defeat Preston North End 4-1 at Deepdale.
    But things haven't been plain sailing since. They've had three home matches, and after losing on penalties to Wigan Athletic in the Carabao Cup, the Tigers were beaten by both Queens Park Rangers and Derby County, failing to score in either game.
    Hull announced the signing of their former midfielder Tom Huddlestone this week. He made his second debut for the club against another old side in Derby on Wednesday, his first competitive match in more than 18 months.

Fulham team news

Josh Onomah was substituted at half-time in our win at Millwall on Tuesday but is fit for the weekend, as is Bobby De Cordova-Reid who missed the trip to the Den. Harry Wilson is denied the opportunity to face a former loan side through suspension, while there is no further update on the other players in the treatment room.

Hull team news

Alfie Jones has a 50-50 chance of making the match according to his Head Coach Grant McCann, after the centre-back picked up a groin strain. Mallik Wilks, Ryan Longman and George Honeyman are all definitely out, as is George Moncur who is serving a three-game ban.

Tickets

Fans can still purchase General Sale tickets for this fixture. Please be advised that prices will go up by £5 on matchday.

Weather

There is a decent chance it could rain in SW6 on Saturday afternoon so make sure you come prepared! Temperatures will still be a muggy 19 degrees, though.

FFCtv

International fans with a valid subscription will be able to watch the game live on FFCtv. Live commentary is available to domestic supporters.

Matchday FAQs

Fans can familiarise themselves with our 2021/22 matchday FAQs here.

Mascots

James, Sebastian and George will be backing the Whites in their roles as our virtual mascots this weekend!

Player insight

Neeskens Kebano believes that if Fulham can match Hull's tenacity, then we stand a good chance of getting the points on Saturday.

Speaking to FFCtv, he said: "The promoted teams often try to be very aggressive because they know that for most of the game we will have the ball, so they will come with their weapons and we will have to match their aggression and show our quality on the ball.

"I think if we do things right, we'll get the positive result. It's the second game at our home with our fans, so hopefully we can get them a win."

orm

Fulham: DWW

Hull: WD*LL

*Lost on penalties

Pre-match quotes

"We want to be comfortable in the game, create chances to finalise the actions and to score, but in the meantime we cannot give them the chance to counter attack us because they are really strong in this moment."

Marco Silva
Fulham Head Coach

"It's a tough ask for us but we want to go there and stamp our mark on the game, get those things right that we didn't show on Wednesday night."

Grant McCann
Hull City Head Coach

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Hull-Matchday-Preview/

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Club will let 'young Drogba' join West Brom; Fulham once bid £11.5m

Championship rivals West Brom and Fulham both hope to snap up M'Bala Nzola as the striker appears to have no future at Italian outfit Spezia, according to Italian publication Citta della Spezia. 

If it wasn't for the late-blooming Angola international, Spezia might not even be a Serie A side this season.

Nzola's 11 goals in 25 games ensured the Aquilotti avoided relegation quite comfortably last season, a dramatic winner in the 2-1 victory at Napoli in January earning the striker a place in Stadio Alberto Picco folklore.

According to reports coming out of Liguria, however, a change of manager has resulted in a change of circumstances for Nzola.

The strapping centre-forward had an excellent relationship with Vincenzo Italiano before one of the country's brightest tactical minds upped sticks for Fiorentina.

And Italiano's replacement, former Inter Milan and PSG playmaker Thiago Motta, doesn't appear to share his enthusiasm for a man who shouldn't be short of offers from elsewhere between now and 1 September.

Then again, when you consider Motta once planned to introduce an experimental 2-7-2 formation – with a goalkeeper doubling up as a deep-lying playmaker – it should be no surprise he has no time for a striker who wouldn't look out of place in a bygone era.

West Brom eye long-term Fulham target M'Bala Nzola

Citta della Spezia claims West Bromwich Albion and Fulham are watching the situation closely. And Spezia won't stand in Nzola's way should the Baggies or Cottagers firm up their interest.

Interestingly, Fulham offered £11.5 million for Nzola in January – a fee Spezia deemed insufficient at the time. 

A physical, old-school target man, Nzola could be the perfect fit for Valerien Ismael's highly effective brand of long ball at West Brom.

The Championship's early table-toppers have also been linked with similarly muscular strikers in the shape of Liam Delap, Mateo Cassierra and Ismael's former Barnsley talisman Daryl Dike.

"(Nzola) is is a fast striker, good at attacking the box and making the team play well. I see a young Drogba in him," Italiano once said of a man who models himself on Chelsea's £97 million superstar Romelu Lukaku.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/08/20/west-brom-nzola/