Saturday Fulham Stuff - 11/09/21...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Friday
Birmingham	2-0	Derby

[WhiteJC]

Big blow for West Ham as report claims Real Madrid are now keen to sign Fabio Carvalho

West Ham could face strong competition from Real Madrid for Fulham ace Fabio Carvalho next summer according to a report from the Daily Mail.

Hammers boss David Moyes wants to bring Carvalho to the London Stadium according to a report from the Daily Mail.

The East London outfit will allegedly now have to fight off European giants Real Madrid, however.

Carvalho has absolutely lit up the Championship already this season.

West Ham face Madrid competition for Carvalho
The teenager really is an incredibly gifted player. He has dazzled with his precocity over the past year or so.

And the Daily Mail claims that Real Madrid want to sign him on a free next summer with new contract talks with Fulham having hit the buffers.

David Moyes will be desperate to win the race for Carvalho's signature. He really does have something special about him.

The teenager has made 11 senior appearances for the west London outfit, scoring four goals in the process.

Carvalho has racked up 33 goals and 19 assists in 82 games for Fulham's youth teams (Transfermarkt).

Football League World describe him as an incredible talent.

His potential availability on a free transfer next summer means that one club will end up with any absolutely incredible bargain.

Whether that will be West Ham or Real Madrid, however, remains to be seen.

Let's just hope that we manage to get this one done. Carvalho would be a truly sensational signing for West Ham. It must be said though, if Real Madrid do indeed come knocking for the 19-year-old, our chances of bringing him to the London Stadium will be slim to say the least.



https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/big-blow-for-west-ham-as-report-claims-real-madrid-are-now-keen-to-sign-fabio-carvalho/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva outlines reason behind late summer window transfer decisions for Fulham amid Tom Cairney claim

Fulham manager Marco Silva has insisted that the chance to sign Nathaniel Chalobah was too good to turn down, and also insisted that the arrival of Domingos Quina was not a result of Tom Cairney's situation.

It has been a strong start to the Championship season for Fulham, but despite that Silva's side were still keen to bolster their squad further before the summer window came to an end.

The midfield area was prioritised as the transfer window deadline approach following Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's departure for Napoli. While Tom Cairney is also set to be ruled out of action for around ten months with a knee issue.

On the final day of the window, Fulham managed to bring in both Chalobah and Quina from Watford to enhance the options that they have available to them in the middle of the park.

Speaking to The Athletic, Silva insisted that signing Chalobah on a free transfer was too good a chance for him to turn down and he is delighted to work with the midfielder again.

He said: "Chalobah is a player I know very well from Watford.

"We signed him from Chelsea and he was called up by England before he suffered an injury. To sign a player like Chalobah for free, for zero, where we don't pay anything, with his quality and with his profile after losing Andre-Frank Anguissa, it was a very good opportunity for us."

He also insisted that the signing of Quina was not as a result of Cairney's current injury issues: "I like to work with two players for each position.

"After last season we lost five, six, seven players. (Quina) was not signed because of Tom Cairney's situation. He was a good opportunity for us on the market."

The verdict

Fulham's late transfer business in signing both Chalobah and Quina looks to be very promising. The pair are both very capable players in the Championship and to have brought them in to add to their current midfield options means that they have an enviable group of players in that area now.

Chalobah is a player that has a lot of potential still and if it was not for injury issues there is no way that Fulham would have been able to sign him from Watford and certainly not on a free transfer.

Silva already knows how to get get the best from Chalobah and he should prove to be a major asset for them in the Championship this season.

Quina is more of an unknown quantity in that he has yet to really show his talent on a consistent basis really during his career. There is certainly a player in there for sure and Silva will now hope to unlock his best form, but he will need regular starts for that.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/marco-silva-outlines-reason-behind-late-summer-window-transfer-decisions-for-fulham-amid-tom-cairney-claim/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss has high hopes for new signing Chalobah

Nathaniel Chalobah cost Fulham nothing – but Marco Silva hopes he will be worth his weight in gold.

The dynamic midfielder was signed from Watford just before the transfer window closed as a direct replacement for Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who is on loan at Napoli for the rest of the season.

Whites boss Silva has previously worked with Chalobah, who won one England cap as an added-time substitute  against Spain in October 2018.

"The most important thing to me, is he wants to be here," Silva said.

"I know him very, very well from when he was with me at Watford. He showed then what he can do. He was called to the England team but got a bad injury.

"When you have the chance to sign a player with the quality of Chalobah for free; paying zero, not what was said in the press – we paid nothing – then you have to take that opportunity with a profile like his.

"Frank Anguissa went to Napoli and we needed a replacement. Last season, he (Chalobah) played almost 40 games, and his quality will be important for us."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-has-high-hopes-for-new-signing-chalobah

[WhiteJC]

Championship fans name their top five best signings from summer transfer window

We ran a survey asking supporters which signing they think will prove to be the best piece of business - and here's what the results told us

The dust is starting to settle on what proved to be an eventful transfer window in the Championship.

Whilst the number of players who moved for fees was relatively small compared to recent years, there were still plenty of eye-raising acquisitions made.

We ran a survey asking supporters who they think will prove to be the best piece of business.

We provided options such as West Brom's signing of Alex Mowatt, Fulham's purchase of Harry Wilson and Gary Cahill's surprise move to Bournemouth.

There were plenty of others that were chosen by fans too, including Danny Drinkwater's move to Reading and Troy Deeney's emotional homecoming to Birmingham City.

In the end, it was Wilson who came out on top.

In what was a tight vote, the Fulham man garnered 30 per cent of votes to finish first. Fulham paid out a fee of £12million to win his signature from former club Liverpool - the biggest outlay by any club in the division.

Second in the votes was Mowatt, with Charlie Austin's transfer to QPR coming in at third.

Cahill came in at fourth, with Deeney completing the top five.

Wilson has enjoyed a mixed start to the season, scoring in his first two home games but also receiving a red card in a thumping away win at Huddersfield.


Harry Wilson of Fulham

That has not taken anything away from the Cottagers' fine start to life back in the second tier. They have dropped just two points from their first five games back, scoring 13 goals along the way.

Further proof of their fine start arrived today too, when Marco Silva scooped the August Manager of the Month award for the division.

He said: "My staff, the players and everyone that works at Fulham FC have all put in a lot of effort. This is only the start of the campaign with still a lot of hard work ahead."

Our survey also asked supporters whether they would be in favour of the window shutting prior to the start of the season in future.

It is an idea that has long been mooted.

Due to the closing date on August 31, it meant most EFL sides had played five games of the campaign before finalising their squads.

Fans told us that they would prefer it that the window was closed before the first game so squads are settled until the January window.

We asked 'Should the window shut before the first game is played?' with 62 per cent answering yes.

Aside from being able to add free agents, clubs now have clarity over which players they have available until the January window opens in just under four months' time.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/championship-top-five-signings-window-24953813

[WhiteJC]

Silva demands Fulham hit high standards

Marco Silva is demanding the same high standards from his Fulham side as they travel to Blackpool to resume their Championship campaign this weekend.

The Portuguese head coach insists his team can't be affected by the praise that has accompanied an unbeaten start to the season, which has seen the Whites take thirteen points from a possible fifteen so far. Silva certainly won't be underestimating a Blackpool side, who he knows will be hungry to claim their first win of the season at Bloomfield Road tomorrow.

He told FFCTV:

"The approach we had with our last opponents is everything what we are doing now. Nothing has changed for us. We are demanding the same, the approach to the game will be same, the respect between ourselves and Blackpool will be the same. We know they will play with full energy to get the first win of the season. If they can get that against Fulham, it will be fantastic for them. We have to go to play in our best level, to demand this from ourselves first of all, we expect to match them and we want to come back home with the three points. It is our way – and this is how we will do things.

Even when you are winning and winning games, it doesn't mean that everything is perfect and everything is okay. When you are not winning games, you can do doing things right. Of course, we are doing many things right at the moment but before Stoke I was clear with our players – we achieved two wins before that, I told them that we have to play at our best level and be different to win against Stoke. We have to be honest in our analysis and to be clear with our players. Even if you are winning games and everyone is talking about us, it is up to us to keep the same level and to achieve that we have work hard."

Silva revealed that Fulham's new signings have settled in well at Motspur Park during the international break, but it remains too early to say how soon they will feature in the first team.

They are settling well. We work to welcome everyone who arrives in this club in the right way. We want to support them and demand from them but in the meantime give them the feeling that there are at home. That is what we are doing with both and with Rodrigo Muniz as well. It was an opportunity for us to replace Frank Anguissa with Chalobah, a player that I know very well. He signed for Watford under me from Chelsea. Getting a player like Chalobah [for] free was a good opportunity for the football club. We will demand the best for Chalobah that I saw when he was at Watford.

Domingos Quina was an opportunity that came up in the market. A player that comes here on loan. I like the player of the player. One more signing for us – for players to join our football club that they have add something to our squad and these three, they do it. Competition will be very good for Fulham Football Club. Already you have some examples of players who probably didn't think they would be playing, they are playing well. Fab[io Carvalho] is a good example of someone who got the chance and is planning so well. Denis Odoi is another example. Football is like that. You have to switch on, even if you not playing."

The Fulham boss was happy to be voted as the Championship manager of the month for August, but wanted to emphasise that the club's excellent start to the season was a collaborative effort by a number of people working behind the scenes at the club.

"It is always a very good feeling to feel that people see our work. Thanks to the people that voted for this award. It is a consequence from the results but to get results in football there are many, many people working behind the scenes as well. It is not just a matter of the manager. The technical staff, the players, the medical staff, the players, the people in the kitchen, the groundsman as well – so many people work in this football club for us to have the conditions for us to get the results."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/silva-demands-fulham-hit-high-standards/

[WhiteJC]

EFL expect predicts outcome of Fulham's clash with Blackpool

Going into the first international break of the season, it was no surprise to see Fulham as the Championship's table-toppers with the squad that Marco Silva has at his disposal.

The Cottagers were able to keep the majority of their top talents this summer and in some cases even extend their contracts – see Aleksandar Mitrovic who has already netted three times this season.

Silva's side have won four on the spin after dropping two points at Craven Cottage on the opening day of the season against Middlesbrough, and that included a 5-1 thumping of Huddersfield Town on an away trip to Yorkshire.

Fulham are on the road once again this weekend as they face newly-promoted Blackpool at Bloomfield Road, and Neil Critchley's men are finding life back in the Championship tough indeed.

The Seasiders have accumulated just two points from their opening five matches and the fixtures don't come any easier as the league leaders come to town.

In his latest column on Sky Sports, EFL presenter and former Leeds midfielder David Prutton has predicted success for the Cottagers on the road once again, albeit not as dominant a result as what they achieved against Huddersfield.

"It has been a strange return for Blackpool to the Championship so far," Prutton said.

"They have picked up some great points on the road, but have stuttered elsewhere and are yet to score at home.

"Chasing a first win of the season, Fulham are not the team you want to be playing.

"They are top of the league, and look ominous at both ends of the pitch. It's hard to see past an away win. 0-2."

The Verdict

Whilst Fulham could make a number of changes due to players being on international duty in the week, they should still have enough to get past Blackpool.

The Seasiders are still clearly adjusting to life in the Championship and they could have had a bit of an easier fixture on paper than Fulham to come back to after the international break.

With the wealth of attacking talent that the Cottagers have though – Mitrovic, Fabio Carvalho and Harry Wilson just to name a few – they should find Blackpool's defence easy enough to break down.

I can see a comfy success for Silva's side here in a 3-0 victory on away soil



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/efl-expect-predicts-outcome-of-fulhams-clash-with-blackpool/

[WhiteJC]

Blackpool will assess international trio individually before Fulham match
Blackpool's trio of international stars all come back into the reckoning for this weekend's game against Fulham.

However, Neil Critchley has warned the personal circumstances of each player must be taken into account when deliberating whether to include them in Pool's starting XI.

Kenny Dougall didn't feature for Australia against China or Vietnam and returned to the UK on Wednesday, before training with the Seasiders on Thursday.

The same applies for Tyreece John-Jules, who saw 15 minutes of action for England's U21s against Kosovo on Tuesday.

Shayne Lavery, meanwhile, will only join back up with his teammates today, having travelled back from Northern Ireland on Thursday.

The striker led the line for Northern Ireland in their 0-0 Wor

Shayne Lavery, meanwhile, will only join back up with his teammates today, having travelled back from Northern Ireland on Thursday.

The striker led the line for Northern Ireland in their 0-0 Wor




https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/blackpool-will-assess-international-trio-individually-before-fulham-match-3377886

[WhiteJC]

Matt Scrafton column: Blackpool's timely break before facing Fulham?
After 14 days without a game, the Seasiders return to action with a nice, easy encounter against league leaders Fulham. How's your luck, eh?

Still winless from their opening five league games, Neil Critchley's side need to get the monkey off their back and claim that first victory as quickly as possible.

Did the international break come at a good time? Who knows, the proof will be in the pudding.

It's given the club time to get the likes of Daniel Gretarsson, Kevin Stewart, Demetri Mitchell and Gary Madine up to speed in their bid to reach full fitness. That can only be a bonus.

The recent deadline day recruits have been given a helpful 11-day period where they've been able to settle in and meet their new teammates. Or, in Jordan Gabriel's case, his old ones!

While there are still some important players out injured, Blackpool's squad is looking a lot healthier and a lot stronger than it was the last time they played against Millwall on August 28.

Since then, Gabriel, Dujon Sterling, Ryan Wintle and Owen Dale have all arrived, the first two helping to solve Pool's right-back problem.

It will be fascinating to see who gets the nod against Marco Silva's promotion favourites at Bloomfield Road this weekend.

Will Critchley plump for Gabriel, who he knows well already thanks to last season's successful loan spell?

The former Nottingham Forest man knows the vast majority of the squad already and should fit back in seamlessly.

Sterling hasn't come to the Fylde coast to just sit on the bench. He's a player of real quality and he'll be expecting to play regularly.

It's a great problem for Blackpool's head coach to have, but I don't envy Critchley having to make that decision come Saturday lunchtime.

While the right-back conundrum appears to have been solved, the Seasiders are now looking a little light in central midfield.

Kevin Stewart has only just recovered from an ankle injury, having played his first minutes of the season off the bench in Pool's defeat at The Den last month.

The international break has hopefully given the 28-year-old, who recently celebrated his birthday, the chance to get up to speed.

Kenny Dougall only returned to the UK on Wednesday afternoon from international duty with Australia.

Chances are he'll only take part in light training on Thursday, having flown back to Qatar from Vietnam in the early hours of Wednesday morning before hopping on another plane later in the day back to England.

If Dougall is fit – he was left out of Australia's 23-man matchday squad for their 1-0 win against Vietnam – will one training session on the Friday be enough for him to start on Saturday? It's far from ideal.

If Stewart isn't 100 per cent fit and with Dougall having precious time to prepare, that leaves the Seasiders worryingly short on options in that area of the pitch.

With Matty Virtue (ACL) and Grant Ward (achilles) long-term absentees, that leaves Reece James, Cameron Antwi, Callum Connolly, Ryan Wintle and Sonny Carey as five options for two central midfield positions.

Three of the five are arguably stronger playing elsewhere – James at left-back, Connolly in defence and Carey in a number 10 role – while Antwi is only 19 and has yet to make a league appearance for the Seasiders.

Realistically, James and new signing Wintle are likely to be the two who get the nod if Stewart and Dougall aren't available, but, hopefully, that isn't the case.

Going back to Ward for one minute, the midfielder underwent successful surgery on his ruptured Achilles tendon earlier this week.

The 26-year-old is now facing a prolonged period of time on the sidelines, so we wish him the best in his recovery.



https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/matt-scrafton-column-blackpools-timely-break-before-facing-fulham-3377890

[WhiteJC]

Preview: Fulham (H)
Blackpool welcome top-of-the-table Fulham to Bloomfield Road on Saturday, in a return to action after the international break.

The Cottagers, who suffered relegation from the Premier League last season, head to the north-west in fine form, having won their last five matches in all competitions. Marco Silva's side have only dropped two points from their opening five league games in a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough on the opening day.

The Seasiders are yet to taste that elusive first league victory of the season heading into Saturday's game, having picked up two draws and three defeats from their opening five matches.

Although they suffered defeat last time out at Millwall, Neil Critchley's men more than matched their opponents throughout, despite being down to ten man for the majority of the game, and will be hoping to show more of the same against Fulham this weekend.

The Manager: Marco Silva
Despite being just 44 years-of-age, Marco Silva has already managed some of the biggest Clubs across Europe. The Portuguese has been in charge at the likes of Sporting Lisbon and Olympiakos, but his most recent jobs have come in England.

His first stint in England came at Hull City in 2017, before spells at Watford and Everton followed. He joined Fulham this summer, after Scott Parker left for AFC Bournemouth.

As a player, Silva never reached the higher levels of the game, though he did play for the likes of Rio Ave, Estoril and Braga B in his native Portugal.

The Key Man: Aleksander Mitrovic
Serbian international forward Aleksander Mitrovic is in his fourth season at Craven Cottage, after joining from Newcastle in 2018. After starting his career in his homeland at Partizan Belgrade, the striker has also played for Anderlecht, before his move to St James Park, where Newcastle paid a reported £13 million for his services back in 2015.

Despite his relatively young age, Mitrovic has also impressed on the international stage. He has 64 international caps to his name, and has scored an impressive 41 goals for his country so far.

Our Last Three Meetings:
•    18/04/15 – Blackpool 0 Fulham 1
•    05/11/14 – Fulham 2 Blackpool 2
•    15/01/13 – Blackpool 1 Fulham 2

Who Comes Out On Top?
There have been a remarkable 109 meetings between Blackpool and Fulham, with the first stretching back to December 1907, which the Cottagers won 3-0. Flash forward to the present day, and Blackpool come out on top with 40 wins compared to Fulham's 37, whilst there have been 32 draws between the two sides.

Sponsors
The Club would like to thanks Match Sponsors, FTS and Ball Sponsors, Tangerine Hotels for their continued support.

The Referee: John Busby
John Busby will officiate Saturday's match. His last game in charge of Blackpool came in February 2021 in a 2-0 loss to Ipswich Town.

Match Programme
Saturday's match day programme includes interviews with Neil Critchley, Jordan Gabriel, Angel Martinez and Jerry Yates, as well as an in-depth look at Fulham, plus much more.

You can purchase a copy of the match day programme both online and in-store.

Download a copy to your iPhone or Android device via the Matchday Digital App. For more information on Matchday Digital, take a look here.

You can also purchase a printed copy from the Club Shop.

Admission:
Tickets for the match, which has been listed as a category B game, will remain on sale at the Club's ticket office up until kick-off at 3pm. Please be advised, prices on matchday are slightly increased.

Ticket prices and details can be found here.

Supporters are advised to arrive early and take their seat ahead of kick-off.



https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/post/preview-fulham-h

[WhiteJC]

Bowie adjusting to U23 challenge

Fulham forward Kieron Bowie is enjoying the challenge of stepping up to under-23 level after starring for the under 18s last season.

The Scottish youngster scored fifteen times in 21 league games as Steve Wigley's young Whites retained their Premier League south title last term and has become a regular in the under 23 side that has made an unbeaten start to the new campaign.

The former Raith Rovers forward told Fulham's official website:

"It's definitely a different challenge because the players are a lot more physical as they're older. I'm making sure I take it in my stride and continue to perform to a high enough level."

Bowie was pleased with the way the Whites fought back at Southend in midweek to secure a win in their opening Premier League Cup fixture at Roots Hall.

"Southend were a slightly different type of opposition that we're not really used to coming up against. They played a more long ball game which is to most PL2 teams who get the ball down and play. In the first half we didn't play our usual game but I'm happy we got the job done."

Fulham's under 23s take on Southampton in league action at Motspur Park this evening.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/bowie-adjusting-to-u23-challenge/

[WhiteJC]

Up next: Blackpool (a)

One of the most eagerly anticipates away trips of the season offers an intriguing resumption to Fulham's Championship campaign after the international break. Blackpool, with a bit of a sunshine, a play on the pleasure beach and stroll along the promenade, might be a dream destination for the travelling fans but the newly-minted Championship manager of the month for August won't want any slacking off from his players. The Whites might have plundered thirteen points from a possible fifteen in the first month of the season but many a promotion push has floundered against unfancied sides, so a sense of focus is important as Denis Odoi insisted earlier this week.

The visit to Bloomfield Road may also serve as a barometer of Fulham's squad depth, given the concerns about a number of players coming back from international duty. Silva still has to plan without the likes of Tom Cairney, Terence Kongolo and Kenny Tete – all of whom are likely to remain absent through serious injuries for some time – but there remain doubts over several other players who could reasonably be considered first-team players. Aleksandar Mitrovic reported back from his Serbian goalscoring exploits with a black eye, a bruised cheek and a knee complaint. Harry Wilson will need to be assessed after being taken off during Wales' draw with Estonia with a head injury and Fulham will want to err on the side of caution where concussion could be concerned. Silva said that he will wait until after training today to decide what part Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson can play following their own participation in the USA's World Cup qualifying campaign.

That potential injury list might have appeared daunting earlier in the summer, but thanks to a strong transfer window, Silva can call on capable deputies in almost every position. Robinson played just 45 minutes for the Americans on Thursday, scoring the goal that sparked a much-needed second half fightback, but Joe Bryan is more than capable as a Championship left back. Ream didn't feature at all and should step back into the Fulham defence, although Alfie Mawson has shown already this season that he is an able alternative at centre back. Neeskens Kebano has produced some of the most consistent performances of his Fulham career under Silva and will be choming at the bit for another opportunity should Wilson be ruled out, whilst there's the tantalising prospect of a first sighting of Rodrigo Muniz in a Fulham shirt if Mitrovic is unavailable.

Silva spoke highly of Nathaniel Chalobah, whom he managed at Watford, and Domingos Quina during yesterday's press conference – and the deal to bring the England international in on a free transfer right at the end of transfer deadline day looks like one of the signings of the summer. He will stiffen up Fulham's midfield after the departure of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa for Napoli, but it may be a bit soon to break up the surprisingly successful partnership of Josh Onomah and Jean Michael Seri in central midfield. Whatever personnel the Portuguese head coach plumps for, it will be attitude that will deliver a win in balmy Blackpool tomorrow afternoon.

Whilst the Tangerines are still searching for their first league win after winning promotion back to the Championship, Fulham shouldn't underestimate Neil Critchley's side. They were cruelly condemned to a late defeat at Millwall on their last outing and have already surprised Scott Parker this season, storming back from 2-0 down to snatch a point at Bournemouth with former Fulham full back James Husband scoring the goal that began an unlikely comeback. The hosts could have at least three debutants in their starting line-up with new signings Dujon Sterling, Ryan Wintle and Owen Dale pushing for inclusion. The returning Jordan Gabriel, so impressive on loan from Nottingham Forest last season, may feature at right back with Husband confident of beating a calf problem to play against his former side.

It will be worth watching out for Shayne Lavery, who scored 30 goals for Linfield last season, and has been in outstanding form for Northern Ireland of late. The ex-Everton forward has already scored twice for Blackpool so far this season – and will pose a serious threat to Fulham's defence. The Whites will definitely need to earn the right to play their flowing football against a fiesty and well-drilled outfit, who will see this weekend as an opportunity to spring a real surprise against the pacesetters and claim a significant scalp to kickstart their own season.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Odoi, Robinson, Adarabioyo, Ream; Seri, Onomah; Kebano, Decordova-Reid, Carvalho, Mitrovic. Subs: Gazzaniga, Bryan, Mawson, Chalobah, Cavaleiro, Quina, Muniz.




https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/up-next-blackpool-a-2/

[WhiteJC]

Blackpool Matchday Preview

Blackpool v Fulham | Saturday 11th September 2021 | 3pm | Bloomfield Road | #BLKFUL

The opposition

    Last season was a superb one for Blackpool as their six year absence from England's second tier came to an end. After finishing third in League One, a 6-3 aggregate Semi-Final win over Oxford United set up a Wembley showdown with Lincoln City, who they saw off 2-1 to book a spot in the Championship for 2021/22.
    Two former Fulham loanees were key to that promotion, with James Husband and Luke Garbutt both on the Seasiders' books. The pair featured at left-back during their respective stints at Craven Cottage, but Husband has often been deployed in a more central role these days.
    Blackpool are still searching for a first Championship win of the campaign, but have had some decent performances, taking a point away from trips to both Bristol City and Bournemouth, the latter after fighting back from two goals down.

Blackpool team news

An early red card last time out against Millwall for Callum Connolly rules the right-back out of Saturday's match, but they could welcome back Husband who sat out the defeat at the Den with a knock. Demetri Mitchell, Gary Madine, CJ Hamilton, Matty Virtue and Grant Ward are all sidelined.

Fulham team news

Harry Wilson and Aleksandar Mitrović were in the wars over the international period and will need assessing, while a judgement call will be made on the freshness of Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson following their late arrival back from Honduras. Kenny Tete, Tom Cairney and Terence Kongolo are all out.

Tickets

Blackpool will be selling tickets on the day, and these can be purchased from the turnstiles at Bloomfield Road, cash only. Tickets are priced at £25 for adults, £21 for supporters aged 65 and over, £11 for under-18s, and £7 for under-12s.

Weather

A cloudy but dry day is forecast in Blackpool, with consistent temperatures of 17 degrees.

FFCtv

Due to a late change in the scheduling, this match has no longer been selected for live overseas broadcast, which means that our supporters outside of the UK and Ireland will be able to watch on FFCtv. Full details regarding Saturday's stream can be found here. All other FFCtv subscribers can listen to live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid.

Player insight

Denis Odoi knows Blackpool will want to make a statement on Saturday, but says it's up to Fulham to maintain the recent high standards set.

"They'll try and prove themselves against a good Championship side to show they deserve their spot in the Champ," he told FFCtv. "They'll come out and give it everything they've got, they'll want to measure themselves against good teams.

"It's up to us to still set the tone and prove to the rest of the league that we want to continue our run."

Form

Blackpool: LLDLL

Fulham: WWWWW

Pre-match quotes

"I've been very impressed with Fulham's start to the season but I've not been surprised at all."

Neil Critchley
Blackpool Head Coach

"It's up to us to play close to our best level, or at our best level, to keep doing the things we have been, to get the three points, because for sure it will be tough."

Marco Silva
Fulham Head Coach

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/september/Blackpool-Matchday-Preview/

[WhiteJC]

Stansfield double sinks Saints

A second half brace from Jay Stansfield helped Fulham's under 23s cruise past Southampton at Motspur Park and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

The eighteen year-old forward, deployed in a number ten role tonight, had a hand in all three of Fulham's goals as Steve Wigley's first shaded a tight first half and then put clear water between themselves and their visitors after the break. Stansfield, who scored a sensational first senior goal on his full debut for the Whites at Birmingham in the League Cup, supplied the opening goal for Kieron Bowie with a low cross and then scored twice in the space of three second half minutes to put the contest beyond Saints.

Stansfield produced a terrific finish to convert Marlon Fossey's inviting cross six minutes after the interval and then repeated the trick shortly afterwards as the American full-back galloped forward once again to mark a poignant personal night on what would have been his late father Adam's 43rd birthday. The teenager's brilliant start to this campaign has showcased both his predatory instincts and maturity, but this was an excellent all-round performance, slotting seamlessly into an unfamiliar position, and playing several incisive passes.

Fulham were indebted to goalkeeper Taye Ashby-Hammond for keeping the scores level before half-time. The England youth international produced three excellent saves as Saints flexed their muscles. He kept out Kazeem Olagibe's low free-kick that appeared to be heading for the bottom corner before denying Ramello Mitchell as the forward shot from an acute angle and fielded a long-range effort from Kegs Chauke. The hosts might have been in front well before Bowie's tap in had Irish midfielder Ollie O'Neill added the finishing touch after rounding Jack Bycroft in the Southampton goal, but he somehow shot wide. Idris Odutayo headed narrowly wide from a corner and Bowie's fierce drive from distance was too close to Bycroft.

Stansfield's quickfire double effectively ended the game as a contest. Fulham played some silky football in the second period but couldn't find a fourth to underline their superiority. Steven Sessegnon, featuring on the left side of the back four, came the closest but his curler from outside the box rattled the post with the keeper grasping at thin air. Odutayo was denied when Bycroft brilliantly stretched to keep out another header. This emphatic victory keeps the Whites on top of the early Premier League 2 Division table, with ten points from four games, a point ahead of Norwich City.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): T. Ashby-Hammond, Fossey (Larkeche 79), S. Sessegnon, Odutayo, McAvoy; Francois (Harris 45), Pajaziti; O'Neill, Hilton, Stansfield; Bowie. Subs (not used): McNally, McCoy-Splatt.

GOALS: Bowie (39), Stansfield (51, 54).

SOUTHAMPTON (4-4-2): Bycroft; Otseh-Taiwo, Carson, Lancashire (Hewlett 23), Simeu; Chauke, Payne, Doyle (Ross-Lang.90+2), Olaigbe; Mitchell, Smith. Subs (not used): Ballard, Wright.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/stansfield-double-sinks-saints/

[WhiteJC]

From the opposition stand – Blackpool (a)

The international break is finally over and Fulham's return to Championship action comes courtesy of one of the most eagerly anticipated away trips of the season. The Whites are heading to the seaside to take on newly-promoted Blackpool tomorrow afternoon. Ahead of the Bloomfield Road clash, I got the lowdown on our opponents from Tangerines fan, Danny Ward (@DannyWardBFC).

What are your expectations of Blackpool this season?

    We're definitely going to be in a relegation fight come the climax of the season, but I reckon we have the squad and manager to survive and anywhere around eighteenth or nineteenth would be a great result for us.

What have you made of Blackpool's start to the season?

    Average but promising at the same time. We came from two down again Bournemouth and snatched a late point against Bristol City so that shows that there's some real fight within the squad. There is definitely a lot of room for improvement, though, and I believe we've done that by snapping up Jordan Gabriel and Dujon Sterling towards the end of the transfer window.

What are your thoughts on Blackpool manager Neil Critchley?

    I honestly believe Critchley is one of the best managers in the league based on his ability to get the best out of his entire squad, including incorporating younger players as well. His qualifications speak for themselves: he was formerly Liverpool's under 23s manager, who has a record of bringing through world class talent. He won the play-offs with Blackpool last season and he's certainly the right man to taking this squad forward – I love the man!

Who is Blackpool's player to watch?

    Shayne Lavery is on very good form at the moment – not just for Blackpool but also for the Northern Ireland national team. He's extremely quick and I back him to beat anyone on the ball so watch out for him!

What are your thoughts on Fulham and Marco Silva?

    Fulham are too good for this division and I'm expecting you to go back up comfortably, I'm very scared of Aleksandar Mitrovic: he's an unbelievable striker and unplayable on his day. You've also got a top top manager in Marco Silva, who just won the manager of the month award and you have an unbelievable squad.

How do you think the game will go on Saturday and what is your score prediction?

    We will have to be extremely lucky to get anything out of the game and I want to believe we can do it. It would be true Blackpool style to get our first win of the season against a team as good as Fulham! My heart says it will be a 2-0 win for Blackpool, however my head is leading me to a 3-1 defeat.

Seb's preferred Fulham starting XI (if everyone is passed fit); Gazzaniga, Tete, Ream, Tosin, Bryan, Seri, Decordova-Reid, Carvalho, Kebano, Mitrovic, Cavaleiro.

@FFCSeb's Score prediction– Blackpool 0-2 Fulham

I'd like to say a huge thank you to Danny for helping me out with this opposition preview piece. See you all up in sunny Blackpool tomorrow!



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/from-the-opposition-stand-blackpool-a/

[WhiteJC]

Ashby-Hammond delighted with clinical under 23s

Taye Ashby-Hammond saluted a superb performance after Fulham's under 23s stormed past Southampton at Motspur Park last night to cement their place at the top of the early league table.

Steve Wigley's young Whites cruised to a comfortable 3-0 over the Saints thanks to Kieron Bowie's strike just before half time and a quickfire second half trouble from Jay Stansfield. The Fulham goalkeeper told FFCTV that he felt the home side were good value for their victory:

"I thought from back to front, everyone was really good. Controlled the game from the very start, we kept the ball and took our chances – three great finishes I think – and just carrying on our strong performances so far this season.

Ashby-Hammond was pretty modest about his own display, but the goalkeeper pulled off a number of fine saves before the break to ensure that Fulham went in ahead at half time:

"It was okay. Pretty standard, I think. I think the second one just before half time was perhaps a bit more crucial. I just try to do my job to help the team out.

"We're looking really strong. Even though we had five lads from the first team I think today, even without those guys we've so strong and I think all the lads are playing their best football at the moment and really consistent so I think we just have to have to stick to what we're doing today and we should have no trouble this season.

The 22 year-old custodian believes his taste of first team football at Maidenhead last season has played a crucial part in his own development.

I think it absolutely has. It's very challenging football there in that league. For a goalkeeper specifically, the challenges that you face there you don't face so much in under 23s football so it's really great to go through that. Once I find I another place to play elsewhere from the 23s I should feel right at home.

Ashby-Hammond admitted that seeing so many young players get their chance under Marco Silva has served to motivated the under 23 squad even further and also raised the prospect of impressing visiting scouts.

"Absolutely. You never know who's watching. You just have to go out there every time you play, put in your best performance and hope the right person is watching at the right time."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/09/ashby-hammond-delighted-with-clinical-under-23s/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: Marco Silva must unleash Domingos Quina vs Blackpool

Following the news that Fulham captain Tom Cairney's spell on the sidelines at Craven Cottage is not likely to end anytime soon, it would be wise for Marco Silva to start developing a plan for life without the 30-year-old attacking midfielder this season.

The west Londoners have hardly struggled without the Scotland international so far this term, currently topping the Championship table ahead of Saturday's fixture against Blackpool; and 19-year-old Fabio Carvalho has been thriving in attacking midfield, earning an average SofaScore match rating of 7.30 over his five league fixtures. Whether or not the teenager can maintain his current level of form over the remainder of the campaign remains to be seen, though.

As such, it would appear wise for Silva to field one of his summer signings in a game which – with the greatest of respect to 22nd-placed Blackpool – the Cottagers should be comfortably winning, in order to both provide support to Carvalho and to make his attacking midfield three much more fluid.

He'd terrify Blackpool

While Silva has claimed that Domingos Quina was not signed as a replacement for Cairney, it would nevertheless appear as if the ex-Watford forward is a talent who boasts a considerable amount of potential – with both Barcelona and Real Madrid enquiring about his services while at West Ham United – and perhaps a player with a much higher ceiling than the Scottish ace.

However, considering Carvalho's remarkable run of form, it would be naive to suggest dropping the Portuguese starlet in order to field Quina, which is where the 21-year-old's impressive positional versatility comes into play.

Indeed, having featured on the left, middle and right of Watford's attacking midfield last season, he is a player who can operate from almost anywhere going forwards, so he should quite easily fit in a Fulham starting XI alongside both Carvalho and Harry Wilson.

With the £2.7m-rated man possessing the ability to score from just about anywhere around the opposition penalty area, something for which both Carvalho and Wilson also have a knack, the prospect of lining up against the trio on Saturday could leave the Blackpool defenders and goalkeeper terrified.

Furthermore, with Quina being 21, Carvalho 19 and Wilson 24, should the trio indeed get the chance to mould with each other this season, Silva may have found an attacking lineup which could serve Fulham for many years into the future.

As such, in order to start this bonding process as quickly as possible, it would seem advisable for the 44-year-old to unleash Quina against Blackpool today, as the man who Slaven Billic dubbed a "talented" player could be the final piece of the Fulham puzzle for Silva.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-news/fulham-team-news-marco-silva-domingos-quina-blackpool-the-championship

[WhiteJC]