Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 24/08/21...

[WhiteJC]

2 Fulham transfer dilemmas that are looming over the club right now as 31st August creeps closer

Fulham have started this Sky Bet Championship season in very spritely fashion indeed and Marco Silva will be pleased with what he is seeing.

Any hangover from their relegation from the Premier League appears to have subsided at Craven Cottage, and focus is firmly on this season and trying to return to the top flight at the first time of asking.

It's early days, of course, but things are certainly looking promising in SW6 and Whites fans will hope that things are going to only get even better as we delve deeper into the season in the coming months.

Before then, meanwhile, the transfer window comes to a close at the end of this month and there are still a couple of issues Marco Silva will want sorting before the deadline...

The future of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa
Anguissa is a quality operator in the middle of the park and would be a real asset for Fulham if he ended up staying this summer but Marco Silva will want to know either way as to whether he is staying or going in the near future, just in case he wants to bring in an extra body if he does leave.

There's been considerable speculation linking Anguissa with a move away from the Cottage in recent weeks but nothing has gotten to a particularly formal stage as yet.

With just over a week left in the window, Silva will want to know exactly what's going to happen here.

Fabio Carvalho's contract
What a start to the season Carvalho has had, with him on the scoresheet again at the weekend in the win over Hull City.

He is a player of clear talent and has the potential to go far in the game, so it's obvious why Fulham have offered him new terms.

As yet, though, he has not put pen to paper and that has sparked speculation over his future.

Silva will want to know just what Carvalho is planning and if he is thinking of leaving, Fulham will want to know so they can get as good a price as possible.

You'd think signing a deal and playing regularly this year for the club would be the best course of action, though, so let's hope he does exactly that.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-fulham-transfer-dilemmas-that-are-looming-over-the-club-right-now-as-31st-august-creeps-closer/

[WhiteJC]

Talking Points: Hull

Mitro's On Fire

Aleksandar Mitrović's first half header means he has now netted in three consecutive Fulham matches. This is nothing new for the big man, though, as he has found the net five games in a row on two previous occasions for the Club. His first for the Whites away to Bristol City in February 2018 started a sensational run of seven goals in five outings, while he began the 2019/20 season in a purple patch, bagging in back-to-back fixtures against Blackburn, Huddersfield, Millwall, Nottingham Forest and Cardiff – and then following that up with three goals for Serbia while on international duty. Something that hopefully bodes well for this week's matches...

Coping with injuries

The only blot on Saturday's copybook was the forced withdrawal of Tim Ream, Kenny Tete and Fabio Carvalho. All three have been in fine form in the early stages of the campaign, and so we'll be hoping for positive diagnoses this week. That said, the trio of substitutes who replaced them more than stepped up to the plate. Alfie Mawson looked solid and confident on his first Craven Cottage appearance since January 2020, you would have thought Bobby De Cordova-Reid had played right-back his entire life, and Frank Anguissa's introduction must surely have deflated those in the Hull dugout with the game already out of their grasp.

Well that sucked…or was it awesome?? Mixed feelings about that outing 🤣🤣 yes it is painful, no it is not life threatening. Thanks for the well wishes and concern 👍🏻👍🏻 Well done to Alf and Bob for stepping in and performing 👏🏻

— Tim Ream (@timream5) August 21, 2021

Magic Mika

Ever since being brought into the starting XI away to Huddersfield, Jean Michaël Seri seems to have relished the responsibility given to him by Marco Silva. Operating slightly deeper to give his midfield partner Josh Onomah the licence to roam, Seri has been dictating the rhythm of matches to fine effect. Add in an assist when Mitrović glanced home his inviting corner, and the Man of the Match award – his first since his debut – was more than justified.

Clean sheets up and running

There has been very little to criticise about Fulham's season so far, but you know Marco and his staff will have been very keen to see us nail down that first clean sheet. We had defended well in our previous three outings but conceded once in each, so it was pleasing to send Hull back up north without a consolation goal to their name. Paulo Gazzaniga faced three shots on target, but was equal to everything the Tigers threw at him.

Stoking the anticipation

Three teams have set the pace in the Championship this season, with Fulham, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City at the top of the pile with three wins and a draw apiece. Anyone who watched the EFL highlights on Saturday night will have seen the beautiful team goal that saw Stoke defeat Nottingham Forest – a far cry from the direct style they were long known for – and so this weekend's clash at the Cottage could be an absolute corker.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Talking-Points-Hull/

[WhiteJC]

'No great loss' – Many Nottingham Forest fans react as reunion with former player takes u-turn

A move to bring Cyrus Christie back to Nottingham Forest from Fulham has broken down, according to Sky Sports' Transfer Centre (21/08, 22:59pm).

Christie spent last season on loan at the City Ground and established himself as a key player under Chris Hughton as the campaign went on.

The defender played every minute of the Championship campaign since making his debut in the third game of the season, and became an important player for the Reds.

Since returning to parent club Fulham, Christie is yet to make an appearance in the Championship under Marco Silva, with the Cottagers getting their season off to an excellent start.

Now, it has emerged via Sky Sports' Transfer Centre (21/08, 22:59pm) that Forest's move to bring Cyrus Christie back to Fulham has broken down.

It is claimed that the player was unable to agree personal terms with the club, with Forest now looking to explore other options at right-back.

Forest are in need of a new right-back, with Jordi Osei-Tutu currently out injured with a hamstring issue, and Carl Jenkinson also out of favour.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/no-great-loss-many-nottingham-forest-fans-react-as-reunion-with-former-player-takes-u-turn/

[WhiteJC]

Harrison Reed reacts to Fulham's fine start to Championship season

Harrison Reed has been impressed by Fulham's start in their quest to earn promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, as he nears his return from injury, as he shared a post on his personal Instagram page.

Three wins and a draw from their opening four league games under Marco Silva has the Cottagers sitting pretty at the summit of the second tier, but they are only just getting started and the return of Harrison Reed to add competition for places in midfield will only make them stronger.

Reed was influential in 28 appearances as Fulham were promoted via the play-offs under Scott Parker in 2019/20 and that experience should stand him in good stead for this season's push.

He posted: "The boys are on fire! Working hard to be back and can't wait to be out there helping the team."

The Cottagers are looking a very intimidating prospect under Marco Silva this season, with three successive wins following the opening day, seemingly without breaking into a sweat.

Fabio Carvalho and Aleksandar Mitrovic chipped in with first half strikes in back to back matches against Millwall and Hull City last week, oozing class and producing a standard comfortably above the level.

The Verdict

Reed will be a welcome commodity back in the first team, there is far greater competition than when he last played for the club in the Championship with Jean-Michael Seri and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa potentially both staying to ensure they can sustain an automatic promotion push.

Lee Bowyer's Birmingham City welcome them in the second round of the League Cup on Tuesday evening, potentially an opportunity for Reed to get some game time against Championship opposition.

The 26-year-old will be confident he can dislodge the high profile talents ahead of him to reclaim a key spot in central midfield. All good selection problems for Marco Silva to have at this stage.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/harrison-reed-reacts-to-fulhams-fine-start-to-championship-season/

[WhiteJC]

USMNT REWIND: Antonee Robinson, Brenden Aaronson Shine for Their Clubs
Robinson assist helps keep Fulham unbeaten, Aaronson goal puts Salzburg on the doorstep of Champions League berth

Fulham FC is off to an unbeaten start in the English Championship season and U.S. Men's National Team defenders Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream certainly have played their part.


Relegated from the Premier League last season, the Cottagers find themselves atop the English Championship table with an impressive 3-0-1 start and 10 points as they begin their promotion bid.


Defense has been a cornerstone of Fulham's start, as it has conceded only three goals. The team secured its first clean sheet of the season, a 2-0 win over Hull City at Craven Cottage in London on Saturday.


Robinson, who has played every minute so far this season, set up Fabio Carvalho's goal in the 34th minute to take the score to 2-0.


Ream, the team captain who also has performed well in the four games, was forced from the contest after he landed awkwardly in the 21st minute. Manager Marco Silva said that the injury didn't appear serious. He was waiting for a medical report, which could determine the center back's availability for Septembers World Cup qualifying matches.


Earlier in the week, the U.S. pair went the full 90 minutes in Fulham's 2-1 win against Millwall on Tuesday.


LATE-MATCH HEROICS


Brenden Aaronson continues to remind fans and observers that his first season with Red Bull Salzburg hardly was a fluke.


The 20-year-old connected for a 90th minute winner in Salzburg's 2-1 first leg Champions League qualifying win against Brøndby on Tuesday. A halftime substitute, Aaronson latched on to a pass from Oumar Solet, took a touch with his left at the top of the box and fired a low blast inside the right post

Salzburg takes a 2-1 advantage to Denmark for the second leg on Wednesday. On Saturday, Aaronson followed up his goal by the full 90 minutes in Salzburg's 3-1 win against newly-promoted Austria Klagenfurt, taking the club to a perfect 5-0-0 record to start the Austrian Bundesliga season.



STILL A WINNER


New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner continued his unbeaten streak since returning from a victorious Concacaf Gold Cup as he backstopped a pair of wins. Turner made seven saves to help the Revs defeat D.C. United 3-2 on Aug. 18, and then had a three-save performance in their 2-1 win against FC Cincinnati on Saturday. Turner is 4-0-1 since the confederation tournament.



GOOD TEAM WORK


Ricardo Pepi and Jesús Ferreira combined for FC Dallas' second goal in its 2-2 draw at the Houston Dynamo Saturday. With the game knotted at 1-1 in the 58th minute, Ferreira intercepted a mis-kick from goalkeeper Marko Marić and found Pepi, who slotted home a right-footed shot.

The 18-year-old Pepi, who was selected for the MLS All Star Game on Wednesday, has scored a team-best nine goals this season. The El Paso, Texas native was called into U.S. Under-23 camp for Olympic Qualifying in March and represented the country at the 2019 U-17 World Cup in Brazil.



FIRST STEPS


Midfielder Tanner Tessmann made his Italian Serie A debut for Venezia, replacing Antonio Luca Fiordilino in the 63rd minute in a 2-0 setback at Napoli Sunday. Tessmann, a FC Dallas product, was shown a yellow card in the 75th minute.

Midfielder Gianluca Busio, who recently transferred from Sporting Kansas City and performed for the USMNT in its Gold Cup triumph, did not dress.



WHEN A POSITIVE IS A NEGATIVE


Christian Pulisic did not dress for Chelsea in its English Premier League game at Arsenal on Saturday, after he tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week. The U.S. Men's National Team's medical staff is working with Chelsea to determine Pulisic's status for the World Cup Qualifiers in September.

FULL RUNDOWN:



-- Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids; MLS) - 90 minutes in 2-1 win vs. Real Salt Lake (Aug. 21); Not in 18, DNP in 2-1 win at LA Galaxy (Aug. 18)



-- Paul Arriola (D.C. United; MLS) - Injured, DNP in 2-1 loss vs. Atlanta United (Aug. 21); 14 minutes and a GOAL in 3-2 loss at New England Revolution (Aug. 18)



-- Tyler Adams (RB Leipzig; German Bundesliga) – 90 minutes in 4-0 win vs. Stuttgart (Aug. 21)



-- Brenden Aaronson (Red Bull Salzburg; Austria Bundesliga) - 90 minutes in 3-1 win vs. Austria Klagenfurt (Aug. 21); 90 minutes and GOAL in 2-1 win vs. Brøndby in UCL qualifier (Aug. 18)



-- Julian Araujo (Los Angeles Galaxy; MLS) - 90 minutes in 2-1 loss vs. San Jose Earthquakes (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 2-1 loss vs. Colorado Rapids (Aug. 17)



-- George Bello (Atlanta United; MLS) - 90 minutes in 2-1 win at D.C. United (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 1-0 win vs. Toronto FC (Aug. 18)



-- John Brooks (Wolfsburg; Bundesliga) - 90 minutes in 2-1 win at Hertha Berlin (Aug. 21)



-- Gianluca Busio (Venezia; Italy Serie A) - Not in 18, DNP play in 2-0 loss at Napoli (Aug. 22)



-- Johnny Cardoso (Internacional; Brazilian Serie A) – 1 minute as a substitute in 2-2 draw at Santos (Aug. 22)



-- Reggie Cannon (Boavista; Portuguese Primeira) – vs. Santa Clara, Monday, 4:15 p.m. ET





-- Konrad de la Fuente (Marseille; French Ligue 1) - 20 minutes as a substitute before match suspension in the 76th minute at Nice (Aug. 22)



-- Daryl Dike (Orlando City SC; MLS) - Not in 18, DNP in 1-0 win vs. Chicago Fire (Aug. 21); Not in 18, DNP in 1-1 draw at Nashville SC (Aug. 18)



-- Sergiño Dest (Barcelona; Spain La Liga) – 81 minutes in a 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilboa (Aug. 21)



-- Nicholas Gioacchini (Caen; French Ligue 2) – 19 minutes as a substitute in 1-1 draw vs. Nancy (Aug. 21)



-- Julian Green (Greuther Fürth; German Bundesliga) – 90 minutes in 1-1 draw vs. Arminia Bielefeld (Aug. 21)



-- Brad Guzan (Atlanta United) - 90 minutes in 2-1 win at D.C. United (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 1-0 win vs. Toronto FC (Aug. 18)



-- Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas; MLS) - 90 minutes and ASSIST in 2-2 draw at Houston Dynamo (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 1-0 loss vs. Seattle Sounders (Aug. 18)



-- Matthew Hoppe (Schalke 04; German 2. Bundesliga) - In 18, DNP in 4-1 loss at Jahn Regensburg (Aug. 21)



-- Sean Johnson (New York City FC; MLS) - At New York Red Bulls postponed, inclement weather (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 1-0 loss at Philadelphia Union (Aug. 18)



-- Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy; MLS) - 89 minutes in 2-1 loss vs. San Jose Earthquakes (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 2-1 loss vs. Colorado Rapids (Aug. 17)



-- Weston McKennie (Juventus; Italian Serie A) – Not in 18, DNP in 2-2 draw at Udinese (Aug. 22)



-- Matt Miazga (Alaves, Spain La Liga) - Not in 18, DNP in 1-0 loss vs. Mallorca (Aug. 21)



-- Shaq Moore (Tenerife; Spain La Liga) - 4 minutes as a substitute in 1-1 draw vs. Sporting Gijon (Aug. 21)



-- Yunus Musah (Valencia; Spain La Liga) - Injured, DNP in 1-1 draw at Granada (Aug. 18)



-- Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas; MLS) - 90 minutes and GOAL in 2-2 draw at Houston Dynamo (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 1-0 loss vs. Seattle Sounders (Aug. 18)



-- Tim Ream (Fulham; English Premier League) - 21 minutes in 2-0 win vs. Hull City (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 2-1 win at Millwall (Aug. 17)



-- Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund; German Bundesliga) – 70 minutes in 2-1 loss at Freiburg (Aug. 21); 78 minutes in 3-1 loss vs. Bayern Munich in German Super Cup (Aug. 17)



-- Bryan Reynolds (AS Roma, Italy Serie A) - In 18, DNP in 3-1 win vs. Fiorentina (Aug. 22)



-- Chris Richards (Bayern Munich; German Bundesliga) - 2 minutes as a substitute in 3-2 win vs. FC Cologne (Aug. 22); Not in 18, DNP in 3-1 win at Borussia Dortmund in German Super Cup (Aug. 17)



-- Antonee Robinson (Fulham; English Championship) - 90 minutes, ASSIST in 2-0 win vs. Hull City (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 2-1 win at Millwall (Aug. 17)



-- Miles Robinson (Atlanta United; MLS) - 90 minutes in 2-1 win at D.C. United (Aug. 21): 90 minutes in 1-0 win vs. Toronto FC (Aug. 18)



-- Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC; MLS) - 90 minutes in 2-1 win at Columbus Crew (Aug. 21); 45 minutes in 1-0 win at FC Dallas (Aug. 18)



-- James Sands (New York City FC; MLS) - At New York Red Bulls, postponed, inclement weather (Aug. 21); 77 minutes in 1-0 loss at Philadelphia Union (Aug. 18)



-- Josh Sargent (Norwich City; English Premier League) – 13 minutes as a substitute in 5-0 loss at Manchester City (Aug. 21)



-- Jordan Siebatcheu (Young Boys; Swiss Super League) - 58 minutes in 3-2 loss to Ferencvaros in Europa League qualifier (Aug. 18)



-- Zack Steffen (Manchester City; English Premier League) – In 18, DNP in 5-0 win vs. Norwich City (Aug. 21)



-- Tanner Tessmann (Venezia; Italy Serie A) - 27 minutes as a substitute in 2-0 loss at Napoli (Aug. 22)



-- Matt Turner (New England Revolution; MLS) - 90 minutes in 4-1 win vs. FC Cincinnati (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 3-2 win vs. D.C. United (Aug. 18)



-- Sam Vines (Royal Antwerp; Belgian Pro League) - Not in 18, DNP in 4-2 loss at Omonia Nicosia in Europa League qualifier (Aug. 19)



-- Tim Weah (Lille; French Ligue 1) – 81 minutes in 1-1 draw at Saint-Etienne (Aug. 21)



-- Eryk Williamson (Portland Timbers; MLS) - 45 minutes in 3-0 loss at Austin FC (Aug. 21); Not in 18, DNP in 1-1 draw at Sporting Kansas City (Aug. 18)



-- DeAndre Yedlin (Galatasaray; Turkish Super Lig) - vs. Hatayspor, Monday, 2:45 p.m. ET



-- Jackson Yueill (San Jose Earthquakes; MLS) - 90 minutes in 2-1 win at LA Galaxy (Aug. 21); 90 minutes in 1-1 draw vs. Minnesota United (Aug. 17)



-- Gyasi Zardes (Columbus SC; MLS) - Not in 18, DNP in 2-1 loss vs. Seattle Sounders (Aug. 21); 45 minutes in 1-0 loss at New York Red Bulls (Aug. 18)




https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2021/08/usmnt-rewind-antonee-robinson-brenden-aaronson-shine-for-their-clubs

[WhiteJC]

Stoke City Tickets

Tickets are still available for Fulham's clash with Stoke City at Craven Cottage this weekend, as 1st takes on 3rd in the Sky Bet Championship!

The Whites will be looking to make it four wins in a row when we host the Potters on Saturday 28st August, kick-off 3pm.

Tickets for this fixture are each priced from £30 for adults, £25 for concessions and £15 for juniors. Adult Members will receive a discount on the price of their ticket, while all prices will increase by £5 on matchdays.

Fans are able to secure their seats online at tickets.fulhamfc.com or by calling the Fulham FC Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810.

BUY TICKETS

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

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/august/Stoke-City-Tickets/

[WhiteJC]

Nottingham Forest dealt Cyrus Christie transfer blow

Nottingham Forest have been dealt a major blow in their bid to bring Cyrus Christie back to the City Ground this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by Sky Sports (via Football League World), who claim that the right-back's proposed move to Forest appears to have broken down, with it being reported that Dane Murphy failed to find a resolution regarding personal terms with the Fulham defender.

The report goes on to state that the 28-year-old has just one year remaining on his current contract at Craven Cottage, suggesting that, should Marco Silva's side wish to receive any sort of fee for the Republic of Ireland international, they will have to sanction his sale this summer.

Hughton will be gutted

Considering just how impressive Christie was during his loan spell at Forest last season, in addition to the fact that Hughton is currently experiencing something of a defensive injury crisis at the City Ground, the fact that a move for the right-back looks to have broken down is sure to have left the 62-year-old gutted.

Indeed, over his 44 Championship appearances for the Garibaldi last term, the £1.35m-rated man helped his side keep a whopping 14 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 1.8 tackles, 2.2 clearances and winning 5.3 duels per game.

The player Martin O'Neill dubbed a "brilliant" talent also impressed in a creative capacity, registering three assists, creating three big chances for his teammates and making an average of one key pass per match.

These returns saw the £20k-per-week defender earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.99, ranking him as Hughton's third-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, the addition of Christie would have certainly appeared to provide Hughton with a significant boost at a time when he desperately is in need of one, with his Forest side having lost all four of their opening fixtures of the Championship season, leaving them rooted to the foot of the table.

However, with a move for the Irishman now looking to be dead in the water, the Reds manager will have to turn his attention in what remains of the summer transfer window elsewhere regarding his search for defensive reinforcements – something that will undoubtedly be an extremely frustrating outcome for the 62-year-old.



https://www.footballfancast.com/nottingham-forest-transfer-rumours/nottingham-forest-the-reds-garibaldi-chris-hughton-fulham-dane-murphy-cyrus-christie-the-championship

[WhiteJC]

Silva set to ring the changes at Birmingham

Marco Silva says he will rotate his Fulham side for tomorrow night's trip to Birmingham City in the League Cup.

The Whites currently top the Championship after an unbeaten start to the new campaign and, with a stern test against fellow pacesetters Stoke City to come at Craven Cottage, Silva told Fulham FCTV that the Cup tie at St. Andrew's presents an opportunity for some of his fringe players to shine:

"Definitely. It was in my plans already. We have good competition [in the squad]. Unfortunately, we don't have all the squad ready now, if we did have then definitely we would change almost everything. We don't have this in this moment right now. We will do some changes because the players are playing well. The players who are on the bench are hungry to play football. Some are working really hard to get this chance and, again, they need to play.

"I want to see them playing. The Birmingham game will be important for us. We have respect for the competition as well, but this is a moment for some of the other players to show their quality. Our aim is to go there, to match them, to compete and to try and win the football match."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/silva-set-to-ring-the-changes-at-birmingham/

[WhiteJC]

'Talks have started' – Fulham player in surprise negotiations over move to Croatia, 'giving himself time to reflect'

In a very strange potential transfer, there is a chance that Fulham defender Maxime Le Marchand could end up in Croatia.

That's according to RMC Sport, who take to their live blog to bring us the news that the former OGC Nice centre-back is 'in contact with Dinamo Zagreb'.

It's explained that 'talks have started over the past few days' regarding a potential transfer, but the 31-year-old, who has just one year left on his contract at Craven Cottage, 'is giving himself some time to reflect' on the opportunity before taking a definitive decision on his future, as he 'privileges a return to France'.

Bought around the same time as Jean-Michael Seri, the Frenchman has had a bit more success at Fulham than his teammate managing 48 appearances in the white shirt compared to the Ivorian's 39.

However, the latter has found himself being used this season by Marco Silva, starting the last three games, which the Cottagers have all won.

With Le Marchand clearly out of the equation under the Portuguese manager, perhaps the move to Zagreb could be one to take if no one from Ligue 1 come knocking.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/talks-started-fulham-player-surprise-negotiations-move-croatia-giving-time-reflect/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's transfer stance on Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa becomes clearer

Fulham are looking to sell Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa before the transfer window closes on August 31, according to The Sun's Alan Nixon.

That is despite Cottagers head coach Marco Silva insisting that he wanted the Cameroon international '100 per-cent involved' in the club's attempts to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The 25-year-old midfielder was a 2018 signing from French side Marseille, with Fulham paying reportedly around £30 million for his services.

Anguissa featured heavily in the Premier League but following the club's relegation to the Championship in 2019, he headed out on loan to Villarreal in La Liga for a season before returning to Craven Cottage yet again for top flight football.

The same scenario could be about to occur now Fulham are in the second tier once again, but this time Anguissa may be departing on a permanent basis.

Anguissa has appeared in three of Fulham's first four Championship games, but all of his outings have come off the substitutes bench.

And with AS Roma, Aston Villa, Everton and Arsenal all linked at different points this summer to the player, coupled with the strength in depth Fulham have in midfield, the Cottagers could cash in before the transfer window closes.

The Verdict

For a club in the Championship, Fulham's depth in the engine room is almost frightening.

You have Anguissa along with the likes of Harrison Reed, Jean Michael Seri, Josh Onomah and the club are also looking to sign Matt Grimes of Swansea City to add to that.

When you take all of that into consideration, it would make sense if they are looking to move Anguissa on, especially with the kind of clubs who are reportedly interested and the fact he's only appeared from the bench so far this season.

Anguissa is clearly a talented player but his sale would help Fulham massively when it comes to Financial Fair Play and it wouldn't be a shock if he was gone by the time September 1 rolls around.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulhams-transfer-stance-on-andre-frank-zambo-anguissa-becomes-clearer/

[WhiteJC]

Le Marchand 'in Dinamo Zagreb talks'

Fulham defender Maxime Le Marchand has opened talks with Dinamo Zagreb over a potential move to Croatia, according to reports from France.

The 31 year-old, who has made 48 appearances for Fulham since moving to Craven Cottage from Nice in 2018, has yet to make a competitive appearance under new boss Marco Silva and is widely expected to leave the club before the end of the summer transfer window. RMC Sport reports that Le Marchand, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Royal Antwerp, has started decisions with Dinamo but would prefer a return to France.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/le-marchand-in-dinamo-zagreb-talks/

[WhiteJC]

Birmingham City v Fulham: Memorable meetings

Ahead of tomorrow night's trip to Birmingham City, we've taken a look back at a few famous wins at St. Andrew's. There's the night Jean Tigana's French revolution introduced itself to a national television audience, memories of a Mark Pembridge piledriver, when the late Papa Bouba Diop sealed a famous comeback and how Hugo Rodallega lifted the Whites off the bottom of the Championship table back in 2014. I'm sure you have plenty more memories – so feel free to share those in the comments.

Birmingham City 1-3 Fulham (18 August 2000)

This was one of the first indications that Jean Tigana's Fulham were set to be something special. Trevor Francis lauded the Whites' wonderful performance as the best he'd ever seen at St. Andrew's. In a clash billed as Geoff Horsfield's opportunity to remind Fulham what they were missing out on after the cult hero was shipped out of Craven Cottage shortly after Tigana's arrival, it was the visitors who made all the running in front of the Sky cameras. John Collins crashed home a first minute opener from the edge of the box before Louis Saha intercepted a dreadful pass from Darren Purse to double Fulham's lead and, although Danny Sonner halved the hosts' arrears, a quick free kick from Sean Davis restored the two-goal cushion.

Birmingham City 0-1 Fulham (27 October 2004)

This clash wouldn't live long in the memory in terms of quality but, at a time when Chris Coleman's side were struggling to pick up results, Fulham showed real resilience to complete a serious smash and grab raid to reach the fourth round of the League Cup. Mark Crossley made several outstanding saves to deny Dwight Yorke, Julian Gray and Jesper Gronkjaer as Blues dominated the contest, but it was Fulham who progressed despite barely threatening the home goal. The decisive goal was worthy of winning any game as veteran midfielder Mark Pembridge darted in from the left flank and curled an unstoppable 30-yarder past former Fulham keeper Maik Taylor.

Birmingham City 1-2 Fulham (22 January 2005)

Papa Bouba Diop's late header secured all three points for Fulham as the Whites came from behind to win a fiery fixture at St. Andrew's. Chris Coleman's men scored twice in five second half minutes as time ticked away and Birmingham looked to be heading for a crucial home win. The visitors shrugged off the setback of conceding Moritz Volz's own goal after Edwin van der Sar had saved from Emile Heskey, but the home crowd were furious with referee Phil Dowd after he adjudged that Damien Johnson had brought down Luis Boa Morte inside the box. Andrew Cole converted the penalty and, with the locals still fuming, Diop rose majestically at the back post to head home Mark Pembridge's free-kick to steal all three points.

Birmingham City 1-2 Fulham (27 September 2014)

This was a meeting of two former Fulham team-mates with Lee Clark in charge of Blues, whilst Kit Symons had been handed the Craven Cottage hotseat following the end of Felix Magath's disastrous tenure. A late strike from Hugo Rodallega earned Fulham's first win at the ninth time of asking and Symons' side showed great character to battle their way to three points after trailing to David Cotterill's beautiful curling effort. German full back Tim Hoogland rifled home an equaliser just after the hour when Nikolay Bodurov's effort fell kindly for him at a corner, before Rodallega punished some sloppy home defending to steer home the winner from a tight angle – sparking scenes of unbridled joy amongst the travelling support.



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

[WhiteJC]

European outfit make contact with Fulham over transfer for player

Dinamo Zagreb are interested in doing a deal for forgotten Fulham man Maxime Le Marchand.

The defender joined the Cottagers in 2018 when they were a newly-promoted Premier League side and he went on to make 26 appearances in the top-flight.

However, the Londoners were relegated and Le Marchand would struggle to make much of an impact in the next two years, as he featured in just 16 league games as Fulham went up and back down again, although he did join Antwerp on loan for a spell last season as well.

Now, back at Craven Cottage, Le Marchand doesn't appear to be in Marco Silva's plans as he hasn't been involved in a game since the Portuguese coach took over.

And, according to reports from France, the opportunity to join the Croatian champions is there, with talks having been held over a potential deal.

Despite that, it doesn't appear as though the switch is a formality, as the update does state that Le Marchand is considering his options as he had been keen on a return to France.

The verdict

It's clear that Le Marchand isn't needed at Fulham so a move would appear to suit all parties. Firstly, from the perspective of the player it would give him the chance to play regularly which he will want at this stage of his career.

Then, for Fulham, it frees up space in the squad and reduces wages, which will be a boost for them as they plan for life back in the Championship.

So, a move makes sense and it wouldn't be a surprise to see this happen before the deadline passes.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/european-outfit-make-contact-with-fulham-over-transfer-for-player/

[WhiteJC]

Cavaleiro earns Angola call-up after nationality switch

Fulham winger Ivan Cavaleiro has been called up for Angola's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers after having his nationality switch approved by FIFA.

Cavaleiro had won two senior international caps for Portugal but was allowed to change his nationality having appeared in less than three competitive fixtures at international level. He qualifiers for Angola through his father, Lindo, who won the youth national title as a promising young footballer. The former Wolves winger has been named in a 28-man squad by Portuguese coach Pedro Goncalves for Angola's opening qualifiers against Egypt and Libya.

The 27 year-old has made four appearances under Fulham's new coach Marco Silva, scoring twice as a substitute in the impressive 5-1 against Huddersfield last weekend.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/cavaleiro-earns-angola-call-up-after-nationality-switch/

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Talk Post Match Show: Fulham Take Care Of Business Against Hull City

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


Photo by Tom West/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

This is our post match show of Fulham's 2-0 victory against Hull City.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2021/8/23/22638489/cottage-talk-post-match-show-fulham-take-care-of-business-against-hull-city

[Fernhurst]

Fabio Carvalho's contract
What a start to the season Carvalho has had, with him on the scoresheet again at the weekend in the win over Hull City.

He is a player of clear talent and has the potential to go far in the game, so it's obvious why Fulham have offered him new terms.

TK will be lauded and adored after he signs Carvalho to a four year contract extension before immediately selling him to Man City for 90 million !  :hook:

[filham]

Surely with just a week before the window closes there should be a positive formal approach any day now if Anguissa is going to move. It will be good to get the matter settled one way or another.
Really difficult to understand why the window remains open for so long into the season.

[WhiteJC]

Pre-Birmingham Press Conference

Tuesday night will give Marco Silva the opportunity to rotate his pack in the Carabao Cup, but progressing in the competition remains at the front of his mind.

With Fulham sitting top of the Championship, Silva was asked if the trip to Birmingham City would be an unwelcome distraction.

"Definitely not," he insisted. "We know the schedule already, it's not only just appeared now, and it could be a good moment for us to give minutes to players who can be really important in the future for us.

"They have not played much but they will be really important, I have no doubts about it, in the future for us.

"It's a good moment to play the game, and let's go to play and match them and try to go through in the competition."

The Whites' starting XI has been pretty consistent so far this season, but Silva says whoever plays at St Andrew's will be there on merit.

"We have to manage the physical condition of our players," our Head Coach explained. "We're at the start of the season but playing Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday, in eight days you have played three games, and it's almost with the same XI.

"Okay, Harry Wilson and Bobby Reid played [against Huddersfield] and then didn't play and we changed the wingers, but all the others were the same.

"We have to manage their physical conditions, let's see how they are and I will take the decisions.

"But, of course, it's a moment for me to see some of the players, because they are working so hard. They are deserving this chance, and it's a good moment for me to give the chance to them.

"It's not because we don't respect the competition, we will go there to match our opponent, to try to get the result we want to go through in the competition, definitely.

"The players are working so hard and they deserve this chance, and they will get the chance to show their quality."



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

[WhiteJC]

Up next: Birmingham City (a)

Unbeaten in the league – with three impressive wins in a week – and sitting joint top of the Championship, Marco Silva has plenty of reasons to be very pleased with his first six weeks in charge at Fulham. The Portuguese head coach's professionalism and pursuit of high standards meant he professed dismay at not fully putting Hull City to the sword on Saturday, but it is clear that elements of his adventurous approach have percolated through to the first team squad. As starts go, this is Fulham's best since 2000/2001 – which is not a bad yardstick to measure against when you are trying to win promotion to the Premier League.

The challenge at Birmingham tonight is somewhat different. Cup runs, as rare as Fulham's are, are lovely things to have but a return to the top flight is most definitely the club's overarching ambition. That means, as Silva has already signalled, that there will be significant rotation of resources at St. Andrew's. It will offer an opportunity for some of those on the periphery so far this season – and given the way injuries dramatically forced a rejig within the first half an hour at the weekend – they could be playing for a place in Silva's first team plans.

The tussle with Lee Bowyer's charges takes on added significance for someone like Alfie Mawson, who would initially been viewing this as a chance to show a new head coach how he could fit the emerging Silva system. Should he get the nod tonight, it will be an opening to build on his impressive return against Hull and get more minutes under his belt at a time where there is still suspicion about his injury record. Whoever is selected at right back will come under some scrutiny after Kenny Tete's hamstring strain on Saturday. Fulham are well catered for in this position – but it will be intriguing to see which one of Cyrus Christie, coveted of late by Nottingham Forest, utility man Denis Odoi or Steven Sessegnon, who hasn't had the opportunities his talent merits, lines up there.

The rest of the side will likely be a bit mix-and-match with half an eye on Saturday's showdown with Stoke City, another of the early pacesetters, at Craven Cottage. There should be another outing for Tyrese Francois, who enjoyed an encouraging league debut against Middlesbrough on the opening weekend before being usurped by Jean-Michael Seri's stunning return, and you wonder if a couple of the youngsters who have shone during the under 23's excellent start to the new campaign. Sonny Hilton has shown a real eye for goal and Silva included Terry Ablade in a couple of the squads for the summer friendlies.

The most likely candidate for a start is Jay Stansfield, the promising young striker who has been training with the first team and has featured on the bench in the last couple of games. With Rodrigo Muniz heading to London today ahead of joining up with his new team-mates, this would be an ideal opportunity for Stansfield, so devastating for Fulham's youth teams in his first season after moving from Exeter before injury cruelly strike, to demonstrate his talents. He had a couple of impressive cameos under Scott Parker and certainly won't be overawed by the challenge.

Birmingham have made an impressive start to the new campaign, with the canny Bowyer proving an astute managerial appointment – who has offered some temporary relief from the other chaos engulfing the football club at the moment. Blues have played bright and disciplined football, with their only defeat coming against a Bournemouth side that they largely dominated. Changes will be the order of the day for Bowyer as well – and it remains to be seen whether former Fulham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will be fit to make a first-team return this evening.

Chuks Aneke could be handed a start after scoring his first Birmingham goal in the impressive dismantling of Luton on Saturday, having followed his manager from Charlton in the summer, and seasoned Championship campaigners George Friend and Gary Gardner might feature too. Manchester United loanee Tahith Chong has oozed class on the wing and Fulham will need to watch the Dutch wide man carefully if he isn't given a night off.

With the league a priority for both sides, there might be a little levelling off in terms of intensity at times tonight – but this is a crucial fixture for many of the players likely to be involved. The gruelling Championship season tests even the most stacked of squads and, as we have seen already in the past few days, an injury crisis can strike at any time. A good performance this evening might make the difference between heading for the exit in the final hours of the transfer window and playing a key part in a promotion push. Silva, who will already know to be a demanding coach, will be watching carefully.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Sessegnon, Bryan, Mawson, Odoi; Francois, Anguissa; Decordova-Reid, Hilton, Kebano; Stansfield. Subs: L. Ashby-Hammond, Christie, Hector, Onomah, Ablade, Carvalho, Cavaleiro.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/08/up-next-birmingham-city-a-2/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss talks squad rotation ahead of Birmingham City clash with several still sidelined

Fulham head to Birmingham City n the Carabao Cup Second Round tonight.

Championship table-toppers Fulham travel to St Andrew's this evening, to face a Birmingham City side who've claimed seven points from their opening four league games this season.

Marco Silva's side though are the standout performers in the Championship so far this season – they lead both West Brom and Stoke City on goal difference and speaking to the club ahead of tonight, the Portuguese boss spoke of rotating his squad tonight:

"We have to manage the physical condition of our players. We're at the start of the season but playing Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday, in eight days you have played three games, and it's almost with the same XI.

"Okay, Harry Wilson and Bobby Reid played [against Huddersfield] and then didn't play and we changed the wingers, but all the others were the same.

"We have to manage their physical conditions, let's see how they are and I will take the decisions."

Fulham have had a few injuries to start the season – all of Tom Cairney, Terrence Kongolo, Anthony Knockaert, Maxime Le Marchand and Harrison Reed are yet to play under Silva.

Reed is thought to be nearing his return to fitness though the likes of Cairney and Kongolo still face a while on the sidelines.

"But, of course, it's a moment for me to see some of the players, because they are working so hard," Silva continued. "They are deserving this chance, and it's a good moment for me to give the chance to them.

"It's not because we don't respect the competition, we will go there to match our opponent, to try to get the result we want to go through in the competition, definitely.

"The players are working so hard and they deserve this chance, and they will get the chance to show their quality."

Fulham have some quality youngsters in their ranks. Fabio Carvalho has been a standout performer in the Championship so far this season with three goals in his opening four league outings, with the likes of Tyrese Francois and Abdul-Nasir Adarabioyo another couple of younger players who are part of Silva's plans.

Birmingham City will present another tough assignment for the Whites and expect both sides to field make-shift sides as they hope to maintain their positive starts to he Championship season.




https://the72.co.uk/247950/fulham-boss-talks-squad-rotation-ahead-of-birmingham-city-clash-with-several-still-sidelined/