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Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 20/10/21...

Started by WhiteJC, October 20, 2021, 12:17:44 AM

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WhiteJC

Results



Tuesday
Bristol City
1-2
Nottingham
Derby
2-2
Luton
QPR
1-0
Blackburn
Sheff Utd
1-2
Millwall
Stoke
0-1
Bournemouth

WhiteJC

EFL pundit delivers verdict on what might save Mick McCarthy at Cardiff City

Sky Sports EFL pundit Keith Andrews has suggested that Mick McCarthy might still be able to turn things around and survive at Cardiff City if they can secure a win against Fulham.

The Bluebirds have endured a dismal run of form in the Championship with them having now suffered six straight defeats following their 3-0 defeat at Swansea City on Sunday in the derby clash.

That has put a lot of pressure on McCarthy and there will be many who are surprised to see that he is still in his job following that defeat against Swansea at the weekend.

Cardiff's run of form has seen them drop way down the Championship table and they are just three points clear of the relegation zone.

That means they travel to Fulham on Wednesday in desperate need of a positive result against a side that are amongst the favourites for promotion this term.

Speaking on Sky Sports' latest EFL podcast, Andrews suggested that Cardiff are lacking confidence and missing the likes of Harry Wilson, Sheyi Ojo and Josh Murphy. However, he also believes that McCarthy could yet turn things around with a win at Fulham.

He said: "It's been a tough few weeks I've gone through their results in the last few weeks and it's such a quick turnaround because after the last international break they played Nottingham Forest on the 12th September and they came back from a goal down, Colwill got a double, made a couple of substitutions got Kieffer Moore on and even when they went a goal down it still felt, it felt ok you felt there was a real kind of vibrancy around the team and an inner confidence to be able to deal with that.

"And obviously, what happens with footballers when results don't go particularly well confidence is such a big factor in that. I looked at the team yesterday and they did look low on confidence there's no doubt about it.

"I know in the first half Mick was content up until the first goal and a lot of that possession from Swansea was in front of Cardiff and they weren't being carved open.

"I think when you look at what they're able to do when they win the ball back, for me it's not the same as last they, they're missing Harry Wilson, they're missing Sheyi Ojo, Murphy going in the summer as well I'm not quite sure.

"So when you have a squad of players at your disposal you need something a little different and that type of player for me is severely missing from what's needed to spring them forward, if they are gonna sit back and absorb pressure to a point.

"So look it's been a tough run but the manager in the way he deals, we all know him reasonably well he's certainly someone I've admired and respected for a long long time and I don't like seeing this pain that he's obviously going through, but all it takes is one result, all it takes is a win against Fulham on Wednesday to be able to kick start it again, that's how football works."

The verdict

It is still a surprise to see McCarthy is still in post following the way that they lost against their fierce rivals on Sunday. However, it does show that there is a real genuine appetite amongst the Bluebirds' hierarchy to try and give him some time to turn things around.

Having said that it would be difficult to see McCarthy being able to survive another defeat against Fulham because that would make it seven straight defeats in the Championship.

However, if they were to against the odds cause an upset at Fulham then that could be the result that instills new confidence and belief back into the squad and get them pushing back up the Championship table.

It could very well be the last chance for McCarthy but you would not completely bet against a manager with his experience finding a way to somehow keep his position.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/efl-pundit-delivers-verdict-on-what-might-save-mick-mccarthy-at-cardiff-city/

WhiteJC

Cardiff Tickets on General Sale

ollowing Fulham's 4-1 home victory over QPR on Saturday, the Whites return to action against Cardiff City on Wednesday evening, with tickets still available to purchase.

Join us for an evening under the lights in SW6, with tickets on General Sale.

Prices for the midweek clash on Wednesday 20th October (7:45pm) priced from £15 juniors and £30 adults. Members receive a discount of up to £5 on their match ticket.
Exclusive 2021/22 Season Ticket Holder Offer

Our popular two tickets for just £10 offer returns for this match!

Season Ticket Holders are able to take advantage of this exclusive offer in the Johnny Haynes Stand, Hammersmith and Putney Ends. Fans can secure a maximum of two tickets each at the special price.

Don't miss out! This offer is only available to purchase until 5pm on Tuesday 19th October.

Fans can secure their seats now online, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 1) or - from Monday 11th October - in person from the Fulham Ticket Office. 

Two tickets for £10 offer is available to Season Ticket Holders only until 5pm on Tuesday 19th October. Supporters must be logged into their OneFulham Account to redeem offer and purchase online.

All tickets on General Sale. Match ticket prices increase from 6pm on matchday.

Adult member discount £5, concessions £2.





https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/october/19/cardiff-tickets/


WhiteJC

EFL pundit questions Aleksander Mitrovic at Fulham following recent decision

Sky Sports EFL pundit Keith Andrews has questioned the ambition of Aleksander Mitrovic following his decision to sign a new deal with Fulham after his prolific start to the campaign.

Mitrovic has been on fire for Fulham so far this term, with the Serbia international having taken his tally to 12 goals in 12 games following his brace against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

Those goals took Mitrovic's overall Championship tally with Fulham to 50 goals in 69 appearances. That is an outstanding record and one of the best runs of form produced by any striker in the history of the English second tier.

The striker did endure a difficult season last year where he was often overlooked for starts in the Premier League by Scott Parker.

However, he was convinced to stay at Craven Cottage and sign a new contract following Marco Silva's arrival after Parker left for Bournemouth.

That decision to remain with Fulham came despite Mitrovic having been linked with potential moves to the likes of Roma and West Ham during the summer transfer window.

Speaking on Sky Sports' latest EFL podcast, Andrews insisted that Mitrovic is far too good to be performing at Championship level.

While although he said he feels for him after last season in the Premier League, he questioned his ambition in sticking around in the Championship.

He said: "He's enjoying his football clearly, he signed that new contract which in one aspect makes me think how ambitious are you because I do think he's better than this level. He's far better, he shows that week in week out that as soon as he brings his quality to the table he scores goals.

"You've only got to look at his first chapter in his Fulham career, we were all part of that season and he transformed their season coming in the January (window) he really did.

"I always think it's a little bit unfair for strikers in particular when they go up to the Premier League with the team that they're with because invariably you're not going to have as many chances, it's going to be very difficult.

"The hardest thing to do in football is to put the ball in the back of the net and so you're going from creating six, seven chances per game potentially to maybe only having one a game.

"So there is a level of, I kind of feel for him to a point, but at this level, he strolls, he can stroll and still score goals."

The verdict

You would say that Andrews is absolutely spot on when he says that Mitrovic is far too good to be playing in the Championship at the moment.

The fact that he has been able to fire home 12 goals in his first 12 appearances this season shows that Championship defences simply can not handle him when he is at his best, and he could very much be on track to beat Ivan Toney's scoring record from last term.

It is clear that Mitrovic could and maybe even should be operating at a higher level than the Championship when you consider the quality that he has.

However, he is settled at Fulham and seems to have a good relationship with the supporters and if he could fire them to a third promotion this season in his time with the club then that would be an excellent achievement to have on his CV.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/efl-pundit-questions-aleksander-mitrovic-at-fulham-following-recent-decision/

WhiteJC

Roma negotiate with Darboe amid interest from Tottenham and Fulham

Roma are reportedly in talks over a new deal with youngster Ebrima Darboe, as Tottenham and Fulham are interested in the midfielder.

The Gambia international has turned 20 and was picked up by Roma Youth in 2017 but recently signed a deal until June 2023.

Darboe made his debut in Serie A in a 2-0 defeat to Sampdoria in February 2021 and started the last four games in 2020-21.

The 20-year-old has impressed at Trigoria and contributed an assist in the 3-0 win over Zorya in the UEFA Europa Conference League last month, before starting the 2-0 win over Empoli in Serie A ahead of the international break.

Roma have identified the defensive midfielder as a key player for the future and have entered talks to extend his contract.

Tuttomercatoweb reports the Giallorossi are eager to tie him down to a new deal, as Fabio Paratici's Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring his situation in the Italian capital.

Fulham are mentioned as another possible suitor from England and Roma are hoping to accelerate the operation to make sure the youngster stays.



https://football-italia.net/roma-negotiate-with-darboe-amid-interest-from-tottenham-and-fulham/

WhiteJC


Fulham U23 3-0 Reading U23: Match Report

High-flying Fulham inflict a league defeat on the Royals.

Reading team: Collins, Abrefa (P. Ehibhatiomhan 76'), Samuels © (Daniel-Spray 67'), Holzman, Purcell (Chambers-Borgnis 66'), Senga, Okine-Peters, Nyarko, Vickers, K. Ehibhatiomhan, Abdul-Salam

Premier League 2 Division 2 leaders Fulham under-23s brushed aside a much-changed Reading under-23 side in a commanding 3-0 victory for the hosts on Friday night.

Mehmet Ali made a number of changes to the team that beat Norwich City in the PL2 Cup, as Harvey Collins, Kelvin Abrefa, Imari Samuels, Jack Senga, Jeremiah Okine-Peters, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and Hamid Abdul-Salam all came in to start.

The Cottagers had early chances to go ahead, with dangerous crosses from Jay Stansfield and Jay Williams that luckily came to nothing.

In the 11th minute, Reading had a chance of their own, as Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan cut out a Fulham pass and charged in on goal. Fulham got back and defended well, preventing the striker from being able to get a shot away.

Jay Stansfield continued to threaten the young Reading defence, forcing a good save from Harvey Collins around the 20-minute mark, before hitting the outside of the far post from a corner moments later.

At the half-hour mark, the hosts took the lead. Fulham midfielder Sonny Hilton played a powerful low cross in to Luke Harris, who fired home from the edge of the area.

Fulham continued to apply to pressure, and doubled their advantage just before half time. After Hilton smashed an effort against the crossbar, the ball later fell to Jonathon Page, whose powerful strike from a similar range flew in to the top corner of the Reading goal.

Half time – Fulham U23 2-0 Reading U23

Fulham were not content with two, and went looking for a third goal early in the second half. A powerful strike from Terry Ablade was deflected in to the path of Harris, who missed an almost open goal.

As the hour mark approached, Fulham did get their third – Terry Ablade was involved again, this time getting on the end of a Ziyad Larkeche delivery to put the game to bed.

As the final whistle approached, Reading nearly got one through Princewil Ehibhatiomhan - the U23s debutant fired a strong effort towards goal, which was kept out by Fulham keeper Toby Ashby-Hammond.

All in all, a difficult evening for a young Royals side against table-topping Fulham.

Full time – Fulham U23 3-0 Reading U23

Reading's next fixture will take place back at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, as the Royals welcome Southampton under-23s to Berkshire. With free entry and parking, consider coming along to back the boys at 7pm on Monday 25th October.

Royals well beaten
It would've been a tough ask for any under-23 team to get a result against a Fulham side that are unbeaten at home, but the challenge was even greater considering the youth and relative inexperience of the side Mehmet Ali fielded. This would have been due in part to the proximity of the fixture to the cup win against Norwich City, but also to save some of the boys for Pauno to use in his squad on the Saturday against Barnsley.

Although the result wasn't positive, it was a good evening for a number of the younger lads, who got more experience of football at an under-23 level. Princewil Ehibhatiomhan got stuck in, and was very nearly rewarded.

The under-23s will now get a well-deserved rest before their next fixture against Southampton. The Saints sit bottom of the table on five points, four points behind 11th placed Reading. It will be a good chance to pick up some points – and hopefully some of the more established U23s lads can return to the line-up and pick up where they left off.



https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2021/10/19/22734162/fulham-u23-3-0-reading-fc-u23-match-report-royals-cottagers


WhiteJC

Mick McCarthy comments on his Cardiff City position ahead of Fulham clash

Mick McCarthy says he still expects to be Cardiff City manager for their clash with Fulham on Wednesday night.

The Bluebirds are currently in a dismal run of form, with Sunday's 3-0 defeat away to rivals Swansea marking a sixth straight defeat for McCarthy's side.

That has seen the club slip to 20th in the Championship table, and piled the pressure on McCarthy in the Cardiff dugout.

But despite the club's precarious situation, and the calls for him to leave from a considerable number of the club's fans, it seems McCarthy still expects to be in charge when his side visit Craven Cottage tomorrow.

Speaking about his position as Cardiff manager, McCarthy was quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "Until anybody tells me different, I will be in tomorrow morning preparing for the [Fulham] game," he said.

"I have never had too many problems with players not playing for me. If they are not then I would be disappointed, but I can't see that."

Indeed, it seems McCarthy is more focused on trying to get Cardiff back to winning ways than speculation over his future, as he added: "When does the pressure get too much for me? I keep doing the job and trying to get results. I will continue that until anybody tells me different."

For their part, Fulham go into the game off the back a 4-1 win over their own local rivals QPR at the weekend.

That has left them third in the Championship table, two points off an automatic promotion place going into the midweek round of fixtures.

The Verdict

This does feel like a rather interesting admission for McCarthy to make about his position at Cardiff.

Given the way things had gone recently, you might have expected the 62-year-old to have been sacked already, in the wake of such a disappointing run.

Indeed, plenty of Cardiff fans have already made it clear that they want him to leave, so it is hard to imagine that these comments will have gone down well amongst the fanbase.

For Fulham meanwhile, they must surely look at this game against such an out of form team, as an opportunity to claim another important three points in the battle for promotion to the Premier League.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/mick-mccarthy-comments-on-his-cardiff-city-position-ahead-of-fulham-clash/

WhiteJC

'English sirens' – Midfielder 'receiving important attention' from Fulham and Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham 'like' AS Roma youngster Ebrima Darboe, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.

The Serie A side took the 20-year-old for their academy from lower division Italian side, Young Rieti, in 2017.

Having come up through he ranks of the Giallorossi's youth system, the midfielder made his first team debut in last season's Europa League semi-final defeat to Manchester United back in May.

José Mourinho has included the player in his squad several times and even handed him two starts this season. His current deal will run down in 2023, and Roma want to secure his long-term future by offering a new contract.

According to TMW, the Italian capital club met with the Gambia international's entourage in the summer. Since then, the contacts have continued between the two parties.

Roma, however, will face a challenge because of the 'English sirens' from Fulham and Tottenham.

As per the report, Darboe is 'receiving important attention' from Nuno Espírito Santo's side and the Championship club.

The English duo's 'attention' on Darboe could be converted into a firm interest or an offer, if Mourinho hands him more minutes in the coming weeks and months.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/english-sirens-serie-a-midfielder-receiving-important-attention-from-tottenham-and-fulham/

WhiteJC

Update emerges on Mick McCarthy's future at Cardiff City amid intense pressure

Cardiff City manager Mick McCarthy will be given at least this week's matches against Fulham and Middlesbrough to save his job in the Welsh capital after holding a meeting with the board, according to Wales Online.

The Bluebirds are have endured a miserable run of form lately, losing six consecutive league matches and dropping down from eighth place in the Championship table to 20th as things stand, sitting just three points above the relegation zone after a promising start to the campaign.

Scoring just once in this torrid six-game run and conceding 15, they look set to continue to slide down their slide down the table unless they can turn around their fortunes in the short-term, with Sunday afternoon's 3-0 humiliation against Swansea City potentially their biggest blow of the campaign so far.

However, they could be in for another tough tie as they travel to Craven Cottage tomorrow night to automatic promotion contenders Fulham, who recorded a convincing 4-1 win against Queens Park Rangers at the weekend and could be set to win heavily again if the Bluebirds fail to step up to the plate.

This weekend's match against Middlesbrough, who will be buoyed by their late win over Peterborough United last Saturday, could also be a tough test in front of their home fans, especially if they lose again against the Cottagers this midweek.

But despite the huge challenges they face against these sides and calls for McCarthy to go amid their torrid form, Wales Online believe the 62-year-old will be given these two matches to save his job before any decision is made on his future.

However, it's unclear at this stage whether he will be sacked if the second-tier outfit go on to lose both fixtures, although the former Republic of Ireland manager's job would surely become untenable at that point.

The Verdict:

Cardiff's board certainly can't be accused of firing McCarthy too quickly if they stick with him for these next couple of games, and in normal circumstances, it would be refreshing to see considering the short-term nature of football and the managerial cycle nowadays.

However, the Bluebirds have operated with five centre-backs against West Brom and Swansea City in recent games – and have gone on to lose both heavily with an insufficient amount of threat up front too.

If it was just one area of their game that they needed to perfect, the 62-year-old would have deserved the chance to turn things around at the Cardiff City Stadium.

But at this stage, he's failing to get the best out of star man Kieffer Moore, their defence looks brittle and they have an attack that currently looks devoid of any creativity or ideas – a real recipe for disaster in their quest to remain above the dotted line.

Two losses this week and he definitely deserves the sack, if not already, so this could end up being the most important 180 minutes of Championship football of McCarthy's managerial career.

He has the experience to drag them away from danger, but does he really have the ideas to make it happen?



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/update-emerges-on-mick-mccarthys-future-at-cardiff-city-amid-intense-pressure/


WhiteJC

Match Preview | Sylvester Jasper

U's forward wants more goals after opening his Colchester United account

On-loan Fulham forward, Sylvester Jasper grabbed his first goal for Colchester United on Saturday afternoon, scoring the winner against Harrogate Town.

Jasper netted the eighty-eighth minute winner for the U's, and his first for the club since joining on loan from Fulham.

After hitting the bar earlier in the game, if might have felt like it wasn't going to be his day, but Jasper kept his cool to slot home with time running out.

And Sylvester has more goals in his sights for the U's, with the game against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night fast approaching.

"It was a great feeling to get my first professional goal, my first goal for Colchester, I couldn't say anything more. Without Brendan, that goal wouldn't happen though, so everything goes to him on that one.

"I hit the bar earlier, but it shows that if you keep going and keep at it, then things will work out for you. The coaches have said that I needed to make sure that they couldn't leave me out, and by scoring, hopefully that is the case.

"We weren't affected by the fact we hadn't won at home yet, we were still doing what we had to do. We still have that focus to win every game, but it wasn't playing on our minds.

"We will carry it on to Tuesday. Everyone is happy and confident, and the win most importantly, hopefully we can get another win on Tuesday."

Watch the full interview with Sylvester on the Col U TV Pre Match show ahead of Tuesday's game against Bristol Rovers.

Match Permits are on sale for the U's next home fixture, currently available at the MATCHDAY rate from Col U Tickets. Click HERE to purchase your Match Permits for this week's match.

Parking Permits are also available to purchase from Col U Tickets, head to your dashboard when logged in to purchase your space at the JobServe Community Stadium.

For more information on the game and what to expect when you arrive at the JobServe Community Stadium, please click HERE.



https://www.cu-fc.com/news/2021/october/sylvester-jasper-pre-bristol/

WhiteJC

Team News

Marco Silva is looking forward to being able to call upon the services of Tom Cairney for the first time.

Our Club Captain had not been in one of Silva's matchday squads before making the bench at the weekend, but his Head Coach knows he has plenty to offer following his recovery from injury.

"He will have an impact in our squad," Silva said. "In the way I like to play, the way our team is playing, he will have an impact.

"You understand that he needs more time, of course, because he just started training with us 10-15 days ago and needs more time to get everything right in the idea of the team, what he needs to do in every moment of the match.

"But with his quality, his experience, and everything he can give – and has already given – for this football club, he will be an important player for us."

When asked for team news ahead of our game against Cardiff City, Silva revealed that Ivan Cavaleiro and Joe Bryan – who both picked up knocks against Queens Park Rangers – will be absent on Wednesday, as will Fabio Carvalho.

"Both of them will miss the game tomorrow," he explained. "The next game, it's possible, let's see.

"Ivan, we have to see every day and take a decision after that. Joe Bryan is nothing really serious but we have to check tomorrow again and take the decision, but both of them will miss the game.

"Unfortunately, Fabio got Covid. Now he's recovering from that situation and was with us yesterday.

"Let's see how he reacts from this situation because he stopped for 10 days and had a bad reaction from the situation. Of course, now he has to recover his physical condition."

Better news came in the form of Kenny Tete, though, who we could see back in a Fulham shirt sooner rather than later.

"I can tell you that he can be involved if I decided to involve him in the squad list," Silva stated. "Of course, he's not ready to play 90 minutes in one football match, but if we need him he's ready to help the team.

"He's working hard and now he's like Tom Cairney – he needs game time, he needs minutes, he needs more training sessions, to be back again strong, as we expect him to be and as he was at the beginning of the season."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/october/19/team-news-cardiff/

WhiteJC

Marco Silva delivers Fabio Carvalho update ahead of Fulham's showdown with Cardiff City

Fulham manager Marco Silva has confirmed that Fabio Carvalho will not be ready to make his return to action in the club's showdown with Cardiff City tomorrow.

The attacking midfielder was forced to watch on from the sidelines again for the Cottagers' clash with Queens Park Rangers last weekend and it has now been confirmed that he recently tested positive for Covid-19.

In Silva's absence, Fulham managed to produce an eye-catching display in-front of their own supporters as they sealed a 4-1 victory over Mark Warburton's side.

Currently third in the Championship standings, the Cottagers could move into the automatic promotion places by securing all three points in their showdown with Cardiff.

Although Fulham will head into this clash as favourites due to the fact that the Bluebirds have lost their last six league games, they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.

Ahead of his side's trip to the Cardiff City Stadium, Silva has shared an update on Carvalho.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference for Fulham's clash with the Bluebirds (as cited by the club's official Twitter account) about the attacking midfielder, the 44-year-old said: "Unfortunately, Fabio got Covid and is now recovering from that.

He's done his 10 days [of isolation] and was back with us yesterday, but he had a bad reaction.

The Verdict

Although Fulham have not exactly struggled in Carvalho's absence in recent weeks, they will be hoping that the attacking midfielder will be able to make a swift recovery from his illness as he has shown some real signs of promise this season.

During the five league games that he has played for the Cottagers in the Championship, the 19-year-old has managed to find the back of the net on three occasions whilst he has also chipped in with one assist.

When you consider that Carvalho's current deal is set to expire next summer, it will be fascinating to see whether Fulham are able to convince him to extend his stay at Craven Cottage.

It is understood that the midfielder has yet to make a decision on his future despite the fact that he has already been offered a contract that will see him earn £25k-per-week at Fulham.

By delivering the goods on a consistent basis for the Cottagers when he is fit enough to feature, the attacking midfielder could end up playing a major role for the club as they look to secure promotion to the Premier League in 2022.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/marco-silva-delivers-fabio-carvalho-update-ahead-of-fulhams-showdown-with-cardiff-city/


WhiteJC

Carvalho, Cavaleiro and Bryan to miss Cardiff clash

Fulham will be without Fabio Carvalho, Ivan Cavaleiro and Joe Bryan for tomorrow night's meeting with Cardiff City, Marco Silva has confirmed this afternoon.

Teenage playmaker Carvalho, who has been missing since the end of August with a toe problem, has suffered a setback in his recovery after testing positive for coronavirus. Silva told his pre-match press conference:

"Unfortunately, Fabio got Covid. Now he's recovering from that situation and was with us yesterday. Let's see how he reacts from this situation because he stopped for 10 days and had a bad reaction from the situation. Of course, now he has to recover his physical condition."

Both Bryan and Cavaleiro were substituted during the 4-1 win over QPR on Saturday having picked up injuries.

"Both of them will miss the game tomorrow. The next game, it's possible, let's see. Ivan, we have to see every day and take a decision after that. Joe Bryan is nothing really serious but we have to check tomorrow again and take the decision, but both of them will miss the game."

Kenny Tete, also absent since August having damaged a hamstring, could be in line to return against Cardiff, although Silva admitted the Dutch international was not ready to play ninety minutes. The Fulham boss is looking forward to the return of captain Tom Cairney, who was an unused substitute against Rangers at the weekend.

"He will have an impact in our squad. In the way I like to play, the way our team is playing, he will have an impact. You understand that he needs more time, of course, because he just started training with us 10-15 days ago and needs more time to get everything right in the idea of the team, what he needs to do in every moment of the match. But with his quality, his experience, and everything he can give – and has already given – for this football club, he will be an important player for us."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/10/carvalho-cavaleiro-and-bryan-to-miss-cardiff-clash/

WhiteJC

Seri seeks to repay Fulham faithful

Jean Michael Seri wants to repay the Fulham fans for their faith in him by leading the Whites back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

The Ivorian international has been in revelation since being reintroduced to the Fulham midfield by new boss Marco Silva and told FFCTV this afternoon of his delight at being back involved in the first team:

"I am trying to give my best every game. I know that it is not easy, it is tough. We play every three or four days. I'm trying to give my best to my team mates and my partner to get them in a good situation. I want to play good football. Since the manager came here, he tried to explain to us how he wanted to play and I am trying to do that.

"It was not a good situation for me to go on loan every time – the first one with Galatasaray and then Bordeaux. I wanted to be on the team, but unfortunately it didn't happen. This year I'm very happy to be here, I am happy to help the team score a lot of goals and I'm really enjoying it."

Seri admitted he was surprised to have become the subject of his own song so soon after returning to the Fulham side and says the adoration of the Fulham faithful is a huge personal motivation for him as he tries to reignite his career in England.

I'm very grateful. I didn't expect that – for me it wasn't a great moment before, I wanted to improve more and more but since I started against Huddersfield, they started to be behind me. I was confused. I asked Neeksens: 'Is my name there?' And he said, 'Yes. It's your name'. When I saw the game again, I realised it was for me. I'm very grateful. It is a big motivation for me. I will give it all to not disappoint them, to stay at this level and to be back in the Premier League.

Despite an outstanding individual display in the victory over Queens Park Rangers at the weekend, a modest Seri downplayed the song's suggestion that he was better than French gift Zinedine Zidane:

"No, no, no. I try sometimes to break the lines of the opponent. Bobby ran in a good way, so I passed the ball. I saw yesterday it was very tight. I took the right decision at the right moment and the ball goes through. I have to think quickly and fast. In this league, it is very tough and intensive, so you if you don't think quickly you will be in trouble."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/10/seri-seeks-to-repay-fulham-faithful/

WhiteJC

Pre-Cardiff Press Conference

Marco Silva looks ahead to Wednesday evening's clash against Cardiff City off the back of Saturday's 4-1 derby win over QPR.

An electrifying second half performance from Silva's men saw Fulham respond to Lyndon Dykes' equaliser to resurrect the three points.

"It was a very good answer from our boys," started Silva. "As a team we answered really well after what was a really bad afternoon against Coventry City.

"I want to congratulate our fans as well because from the start they pushed our team really hard and of course the way we reacted from adversity was really important after the score went to 1-1. Even the way we conceded the goal, I think we reacted well after that.

"We scored the goals we needed to win and some of them were very good goals as well and was really good for two reasons; we got the three points, and it was also important for us to answer strong after a bad defeat."

The Whites will look to carry that momentum into Wednesday evening's fixture at home to Cardiff City, who have suffered defeat in their last six games and now sit just three points above the relegation zone.

"The Championship is really tough," Silva admits. "You don't have much time to analyse the previous game, you have to prepare for the next one, but it is a matter of consistency.

"It is like a marathon. We must be consistent until the end and we do not have the space to take steps back again. We must move forward and forward.

"We respect that Cardiff will be a tough opponent. They come to us on the back of a run of poor results, but they will be looking to change their situation. It is up to us to play to our best and with 100 per cent commitment and attitude, whilst playing good football.

"A team that comes from six defeats in a row is really tough. We understand that their confidence won't be right at the top, but we know the way that they will want to react. They are a physical team that don't need to do many, many things to create problems. It is up to us to control the game and not concede chances so that we can get all three points."

The Head Coach also took the opportunity to speak about the continued impressive form of Aleksandar Mitrović, who added two more goals to this season's tally, taking him up to 12 goals in 12 games.

Silva said: "Mitro has been really important for us. He is happy and he is working hard too.

"He's important not just because he is scoring goals for us but because of the way he's playing and the way he links the game and as part of our organisation, he is helping his teammates.

"On top of that, he's scoring goals, whilst working hard, which I am really pleased to see."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/october/19/pre-cardiff-city-press-conference/


WhiteJC

Reed relishing new role

Harrison Reed is 'loving' his new role as a box-to-box midfielder after new Fulham boss Marco Silva asked him to operate in a more advanced position this season.

The former Southampton midfielder became a crucial cog in the Craven Cottage machine after impressing as a defensively-minded presence in front of the Fulham back four, but after battling persistent injury problems that delayed his introduction into Silva's new-look side, Reed is now being deployed as a more adventurous member of Fulham's new-look midfield. The 26 year-old, who made his third consecutive start against QPR on Saturday, told the Athletic:

I'm loving it. The manager spoke to me and said he'd watched my games from last season and he had seen me before and that he feels I can bring a dynamic, box-to-box side of the game to the team. He knows about my defensive side and defensive mindset, and he said he just wants to push me a little bit more and put me higher up the pitch.

It is working really well. I really enjoy playing in that position, I feel I have got a good balance with Mika. I need to start chipping in with goals and assists but I'm sure if I keep getting in the right positions and keep working on it and analysing, they will come."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/10/reed-relishing-new-role/

WhiteJC

'Another big time Charlie', 'Not buying it' – These Fulham fans react as Marco Silva provides player update amid transfer speculation

Fulham boss Marco Silva has stated that Fabio Carvalho is not going to feature against Cardiff tomorrow after he suffered a reaction from Covid-19.

The talented midfielder had starred for the Cottagers in the first month of the campaign, scoring three goals in five games and becoming a key player under the new manager.

However, an injury issue kept the playmaker out for the next month or so, but there had been a hope that he would return for the past few games.

But, Carvalho hasn't been involved, and Silva told the club's media today that it's because he had tested positive for Covid, with the 19-year-old having a 'bad reaction' which will keep him out tomorrow.

It's fair to say that the fans were sceptical about that claim though, as Carvalho's contract expires at the end of the season and there has been plenty of speculation suggesting he will leave.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/another-big-time-charlie-not-buying-it-these-fulham-fans-react-as-marco-silva-provides-player-update-amid-transfer-speculation/

WhiteJC

Up next: Cardiff City (h)

In their different ways, both Marco Silva and Jean Michael Seri hit on Fulham's biggest problem as the Whites look to plot their path back to the Premier League. Some of Fulham's football as they dismantled Queens Park Rangers on Saturday was sublime, but in the fifteen minutes after half time when the visitors got themselves on the front foot, it looked as though the hosts might capitulate from a winning position as they did at Coventry before the international break. Consistency is key in getting out of the Championship – and it has been far too elusive for Silva this season.

For a while on Sunday, it looked as if the mauling Cardiff suffered at the hands of their bitter rivals Swansea City would put Mick McCarthy out of his misery. The Bluebirds have lost six straight games and McCarthy's primitive methods looked badly dated when compared with the more modern and easy on the eye approach preferred by Russell Martin. Cardiff's football has been both predictable and below-par for far too long, but the board – according to reports from Wales – have given McCarthy the games against Fulham and Middlesbrough to save his job.

Given Fulham's ability to be ever so generous against sides woefully out of form, it wouldn't come as a galloping shock to see Cardiff end their worst run of form since 1985 at Craven Cottage this evening. Indeed, it would be the definition of Fulhamish. But the fact that the Cardiff hierarchy are happy to keep McCarthy in post for the time being still appears baffling, especially as his side seem shorn of the sort of creative influences that make a serious difference in the final third. Fulham's very Harry Wilson had a quietly effective campaign on loan at the Bluebirds last season – and another former Fulham loanee Sheyi Oyi also added pace on the wings – and McCarthy's curious decision to field five centre backs in a local derby hinted at the fact that the club simply haven't recruited adequate replacements over the summer.

Cardiff will clearly be physical, stubborn and tough to break down tonight as they seek the sort of result that could kickstart their season. Fulham's task is to do something they have failed at too often already this term – replicate the Rangers result by putting together another stylish showing. Silva will be without Ivan Cavaleiro and Joe Bryan, who both had to replaced after picking up injuries in the derby demolition, whilst Fabio Carvalho's Covid isolation has hampered his delayed recovery from a fractured toe. Kenny Tete could return against the Bluebirds, although Silva was at pains to point out that he probably wouldn't last a full ninety minutes, and captain Tom Cairney – an unused substitute at the weekend – also needs to build up match fitness. Risking two of the club's key players against a side show to be putting the boot in might not be the smartest move.

Cavaleiro's absence should allow Neeskens Kebano, who was excellent again against QPR, to continue in the starting line-up. The Congolese winger played a key part in two of Fulham's goals and should now get the sort of extended run in the side he has been crying out for throughout his time with the club. Bobby Decordova-Reid, who scored the vital third on Saturday with a wonderfully assured finish from Seri's superb pass, is the likeliest replacement for Cavaleiro against his old club – and it will be interesting to see who starts in the number ten. Wilson began in that position against QPR but was largely used as a decoy runner by his team-mates before Decordova-Reid moved infield to devastating effect.

It is simply too easy to glibly classify this as a home banker, although that is what all the pundits appear to have already done. Fulham have slipped up on plenty of banana skins already this season – few would have seen the defeats to Blackpool and Reading coming for example – and the Championship's glorious unpredictability means you can't take any fixture for granted. But Silva knows that the Whites can't afford to allow a gap to grow between themselves and the top two if Seri's ambition of going up as champions is to be achieved. Champions knit together impressive winning runs and Fulham will have to do that sooner rather than later.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Odoi, Robinson, Adarabioyo, Ream; Seri, Reed; Kebano, Decordova-Reid, Wilson, Mitrovic. Subs: Gazzaniga, Mawson, Tete, Chalobah, Onomah, Cairney, Muniz.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/10/up-next-cardiff-city-h-3/


WhiteJC

Silva: Tete will have to earn Fulham recall

Fulham boss Marco Silva says it's up to Kenny Tete to get his shirt back from Denis Odoi.

Tete last played on August 21 when he suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Hull, enabling Odoi to enjoy a run in the side.

Silva said: "It's a very good fight between him, Kenny and (Cyrus) Christie, and Kenny has to show he is better than the others.

"It's what Kenny is trying to do, and for sure, Denis will do the same.

"Kenny has shown he's now ready to play, and I will take the decision for each match.

"I think Denis is improving and he had a very good first game against Stoke. Of course, there were some ups and downs like the team.

"But Denis is a very good professional that allows him to work every single day really hard.

"I know every training session and every match day he gives 100%."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-tete-will-have-to-earn-fulham-recall

WhiteJC

Cardiff Matchday Preview

Fulham v Cardiff City | Wednesday 20th October 2021 | 7.45pm | Craven Cottage | #FULCAR

The opposition

    Cardiff began the season in fine fettle, taking 11 points from their first six matches to leave them sitting just a point outside the Play-Off places.
    However, they have been in a tailspin ever since, losing their next six Championship outings, shipping 15 goals while scoring just once, and they head into Wednesday's game in 20th spot in the table.
    The Bluebirds' most recent defeat will have been their most painful of the season, with Welsh rivals Swansea City claiming a comfortable 3-0 victory on Sunday.

Fulham team news

Fabio Carvalho, Ivan Cavaleiro and Joe Bryan will all miss the game, but Kenny Tete could feature in some capacity.

Cardiff team news

Right-back Tom Sang is Cardiff's only doubt, with a toe injury.

FFCtv

All supporters will be able to watch live coverage of this match on FFCtv, with a relevant subscription.

Tickets

Tickets for Wednesday's meeting with Cardiff City are available to purchase on General Sale.

Travel

Fans are advised to arrive at the ground early as the tubes may be congested owing to Chelsea also playing at home. Additionally, Putney Bridge tube station will close at 9pm, so please plan your route home accordingly.

Weather

The heavens may open early into proceedings on Wednesday night, while temperatures will be around 14 degrees.

Player insight

Jean Michaël Seri is not reading into the fact that Cardiff will arrive in SW6 on a poor run of form.

The Bluebirds have scored only once during a run of six defeats, but Seri just wants Fulham to concentrate on their own game.

"We have to be ready to challenge them for every ball," he told FFCtv. "It doesn't matter that they lost and they're coming here fragile, it's not about that, it's about how we want to press them, how we want to play."

Form

Fulham: D*DWLW

*Lost on penalties

Cardiff: LLLLL

Pre-match quotes

"They come to us on the back of a run of poor results, but they will be looking to change their situation. It is up to us to play to our best and with 100 per cent commitment and attitude, whilst playing good football."

Marco Silva
Fulham Head Coach

"They're one of the best teams in the league. This league throws up some strange results though. Let's hope on Wednesday it goes in our favour."

Mick McCarthy
Cardiff City Manager




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/october/20/cardiff-matchday-preview/