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Saturday Fulham Stuff - 30/10/21...

Started by WhiteJC, October 30, 2021, 12:08:51 AM

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WhiteJC


WhiteJC

Second plays third at the Cottage

The first big top-of-the-table clash of the season takes place on Saturday lunchtime as Valérien Ismaël's third-placed Baggies travel to Marco Silva's second-placed Fulham. Albion met current leaders, Bournemouth, on the opening weekend of the season and pre-season promotion favourites, Sheffield United, a couple of weeks later, but this fixture eclipses those given the current state of play in the Championship table.

The Cottagers started the season superbly well winning four straight league games after an opening day draw at home to Middlesbrough to leave them ahead of Albion at the top of the table on goal difference. A shock defeat at newly-promoted Blackpool was the first in a run of just one win in four games saw them drop to fourth but four wins from the last five has seen them leapfrog the Baggies back into the top two.

However, the 4-1 defeat to Coventry City in the midst of that latest run was another shock result, particularly given its emphatic nature, and the fact that the Sky Blues had lost 5-0 to Luton a few days earlier. It's a sign that the Championship remains an unpredictable league although Bournemouth have found a stunning run of form that has seen them take a five point lead at the top of the table.

As with Albion's game with Swansea City, this match promises to be a clash of styles with Marco Silva's team noted for their passing football although it is generally more effective than that of the Swans. Obviously, the Welsh side did beat Ismaël's team last week but it was a performance that was well below par from the Baggies and I expect them to put up a much better fight on Saturday.

Fulham have one of the few squads that Albion can look at with real envy. Given the Baggies lack of a real number nine, the obvious place to start is Aleksandar Mitrović. While he has had mixed success in the Premier League, he is dynamite in England's second tier. He already has 15 goals in 14 games for this campaign to lift his total to 57 in 96 regular season games at this level, although he has so far failed to find the net in any of the four play-off matches he has taken part in.

The Serb's success is largely based on the players around him being able to provide the ammunition and, in Bobby Decordova-Reid, Neeskens Kebano and big money summer signing, Harry Wilson, the Cottagers have an excellent set of creative providers. Behind them, the "defensive" midfielders Tom Cairney and Jean Michaël Seri are hardly destroyers and make up Fulham's very attacking front six.

Seri has had an interesting career at Craven Cottage, or should I say "not at Craven Cottage". He joined in the summer of 2018 after Fulham had been promoted for a fee reported to be in the region of £25m but failed to impress in the Premier League as they fell back into the second tier. He spent the next two seasons out on loan, first at Galatasaray and then at Bordeaux, but has found himself back in favour at Fulham this season under new boss, Marco Silva.

Big Val will undoubtedly attempt to exploit Silva's attacking philosophy by pressing hard and fast and the crux of the game will be whether Fulham's players are good enough to play their way through the press. Another area of focus will be set pieces – Silva's Premier League teams have historically been guilty at conceding too many set piece goals although, so far this season, they have only let in two. It is, however, one of the Baggies' strengths with only Huddersfield (8) to have scored more than their six goals from set pieces in this Championship campaign.

The Baggies head coach has some decisions to make in central midfield. Having not had to make any changes there for the first dozen games of the season, he was forced into a complete change for the last match with neither of his first choice options available. While we still await news on whether Mowatt will be fit to play, Livermore will be available after his one game suspension but such was the performance of Molumby and Snodgrass against Bristol City, it would not be a surprise to see both of them retained in the starting line up.

In fact, Albion's performance in the first half against the Robins was excellent and there is an easy argument to keep the same starting eleven. Fulham represent a much tougher test than the frankly poor opposition from last weekend, but confidence will be high amongst that eleven.

There is no doubt that the Baggies will need to be at their best to take anything from this match but I'm sure that Fulham fans will be feeling the same. It will be genuinely intriguing to see how this one plays out – will either head coach have any specific plans for the opposition and how will the players react in what is undoubtedly the biggest Championship season so far?

History
Fulham are currently enjoying a lengthy unbeaten run against Albion having not lost any of the last eleven meetings between the sides since the Baggies beat the Cottagers at the Hawthorns in October 2010.

The last time that Albion won at Craven Cottage was 3-2 in the League Cup in October 2005, a game made memorable by a wonderful goal from Junichi Inamoto. For the Throstles' last league victory beside the Thames, we have to go back to October 1967 when goals from Tony Brown and Jeff Astle either side of a strike from Allan Clarke for the hosts gave them a 2-1 victory.

That was the last of eleven league victories for Albion at the Cottage having won on ten of their first sixteen visits – the first win was on their third match at the venue in September 1909 when goals from Billy Thompson and Fred Buck secured a 2-0 victory for the visitors, the only time the Baggies have won the fixture by more than one goal.

The period immediately following the Second World War saw Albion win on five successive visits to Fulham between March 1947 and November 1950 although the Baggies finished as runners up behind Fulham in Division Two in the 1948/49 season as both clubs were promoted back to the top flight.

Fulham's record win over Albion is somewhat more recent and was the next visit after the Baggies' last win. Bryan Robson took his team back to west London after the League Cup win for a Premier League fixture in February 2006 – by the time Kevin Campbell scored Albion's consolation, Fulham were already 5-0 up and a further goal from Collins John, his second of the game, made the final score 6-1.

Stat Attack
Current Form
Albion    W    W    L    W    L    W
Fulham    D    W    L    W    W    W

All competitions; most recent game on the right

Last matches
Last meeting

30 Jan 2021 – Premier League
West Brom 2 (Bartley, Pereira)
Fulham 2 (De Cordova-Reid, Cavaleiro)

Last meeting at Fulham

2 Nov 2020 – Premier League
Fulham 2 (De Cordova-Reid, Aina)
West Brom 0

Last win

23 Oct 2010 – Premier League
West Brom 2 (Mulumbu, Fortuné)
Fulham 1 (Carson (o.g.))

Last win at Fulham

25 Oct 2005 – League Cup 3rd Round
Fulham 2 (Boa Morte, Helguson)
West Brom 3 (Earnshaw, Kanu, Inamoto)

Albion's Record against Fulham
     Overall         Away
     P    W    D    L    F    A         P    W    D    L    F    A
League    76    31    20    25    110    97         38    11    10    17    30    55
FA Cup    4    3    0    1    9    3         1    1    0    0    2    1
League Cup    6    2    2    2    7    7         3    2    0    1    4    3
Total    86    36    22    28    126    107         42    14    10    18    36    59



https://brummieroadender.com/baggies-preview/second-plays-third-at-the-cottage/

WhiteJC

Cairney starts: The predicted Fulham XI to face West Brom on Saturday

Fulham head into their Sky Bet Championship promotion clash with West Brom this weekend in fine form after dispatching of Nottingham Forest last time out.

The Whites scored four goals without reply at the City Ground last Sunday and sent out a resounding message to their competitors as a result.

Aleksander Mitrovic continues to be the chief protagonist for the West Londoners after taking his goal tally to 15 and will no doubt be hungry for more in what in what is a huge game in the second tier at Craven Cottage.

Marco Silva's men will be facing a West Brom side who are also in good form, with the Baggies having won 3-0 last time out in the league as they saw off Bristol City thanks to goals from Jordan Hugill, Kyle Bartley and Karlan Grant.

Here, we take a look at the predicted starting eleven that Fulham could put out against Albion this weekend.


Marek Rodak will once again take his place between the sticks ahead of Paulo Gazzaniga, with it appearing likely that Silva will name an unchanged team for this game.

That therefore means that both Antonee Robinson and Denis Odoi will continue as the full backs, with Tim Ream and Tosin Adarabioyo forming the central defensive partnership that has thrived this term.

The now present figure of Tom Cairney will once again partner Jean Michaël Seri in the centre of the park, with the duo having ran the show against Forest as the Whites ran riot.

Neeskens Kebano, Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Harry Wilson will act as the attacking midfield trio in behind the lone striker, with all three players having contributed well so far this term.

Whilst up front Mitrovic will once again lead the line as he aims to keep his astonishing goal scoring run going.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/cairney-starts-the-predicted-fulham-xi-to-face-west-brom-on-saturday/


WhiteJC

Under the microscope: Antonee Robinson, Fulham's flying fullback – what do the stats say?



Last season Fulham had an underwhelming time in the Premier League which saw them drop back into the EFL Championship, after spending just one season.

Even after such disappointing results, the Cottagers had some talented players among their ranks. One of them was their 24-year-old left-back, Antonee Robinson who impressed a lot of people after joining the side last summer.

This season Fulham have been pushing harder than before, to get back into the Premier League and so far it has gone well according to plan for them. They are the best attacking side in the league with 33 goals scored and sit on second position in the league.

A squad full of impressive footballers, Robinson has been a stand out performer again with 12 starts so far and even a goal to show for his impact in the team.

We look at a few stats to analyze his performance.



The American has featured in 12 out of 14 matches so far, cementing his place as the left full-back in the back four of a 4-2-3-1 system. He has been covering a lot of ground on the pitch, from one corner flag to the opposite regularly, showing a high work rate. Robinson has been pushing forward more to provide width than just staying back in his own half. The red and orange areas in the above viz prove that clearly where he has spent the majority of his time in the opposition half on the left flank near the final third. While defending, he has taken up places mostly near the centre in the midfield and has not dropped back very deep into his own half.



Robinson has been one of the best ball progressor in the team, who is very comfortable in possession and quite hard to take the ball off. He has played a total of 642 passes, averaging 85 touches per 90 with 57 passes while registering an accuracy of 78%. While he has been really strong with his other attributes, he still has room to work on his precision. The left-back has played the majority of his passes on the left flank, almost everywhere on this side. His attacking mindset is very clear from the above image, where we can see that nearly 90% of his passes have been played in forward progression trying to link up with his teammates to create chances to score. He has delivered a total of 48 crosses with an accuracy of 40% with xT  as high as 0.3500 at times registering an assist to his name.



His passing accuracy has been on the lower side a bit comparing to other defenders in the league, still he has been one of the most creative players. He ranks 95th percentile for xA per 90 where he has delivered dangerous looking balls into the box time and again for others to attack. Robinson ranks 95th percentile for the most crosses attempted per 90 while he has been one of the biggest threat in attack ranking 97th percentile for progressive runs per 90. The left-back has ranked 100th percentile for shot assists per 90- being the best in the league for the metric.



The full-back has attempted three shots yet, one from the inside of the box and a couple of times from distance. His shot accuracy has been 100%, keeping all of his shots on target which shows that he has been really clinical whenever he has tried to test the keeper. Robinson has scored one goal so far averaging a goal every 1022 minutes.



Robinson has engaged in a total of 103 duels in the league, coming up with a success rate of 43%. Most of his winning duel locations have been on the left side of the pitch in the defensive third, sometimes inside the box as well. The American is not a very tall man and has won only 41% of his aerial duels. The majority of his duels have been ground defending. Other than that, he has registered 24 clearances and 27 interceptions so far. Robinson has been a pretty good tackler too, with a success rate of 53%, conceding only nine fouls in 12 starts.

If Fulham can continue this great run of form, they can hope to get back into the top flight again for the next season. Antonee Robinson would definitely play a huge role in order to achieve this and if he can impress in the Premier League again next season, the USA international can very well earn a move away from Craven Cottage to certainly a better club.



https://eflanalysis.com/analysis/antonee-robinson-2021-22-fulham-stats

WhiteJC

Tickets Now Limited For Fulham v WBA

Limited tickets remain for Fulham's crucial lunchtime clash with West Bromwich Albion tomorrow!

Marco Silva's side take on West Bromwich Albion at Craven Cottage, kick-off 12.30pm, as second takes on third in the Sky Bet Championship!

Tickets for this match are on General Sale until 5pm today. Supporters with a previous booking history will be able to purchase tickets on matchday, however prices increase by £5 on matchday.

Prices start from £35 for adults and £15 for juniors and can be secured online, at tickets.fulhamfc.com or by calling the Fulham FC Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810.

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/october/29/tickets-now-limited-for-fulham-v-wba/

WhiteJC

Exclusive: Fulham fielding a host of interest in forward ahead of January

Fulham are fielding a lot of interest in Jay Stansfield heading into the January transfer window but will resist the urge to send the forward out on loan, Football League World understand.

Marco Silva's side are thriving in the Championship and Aleksandar Mitrovic is spearheading their push for a return to the Premier League.

However, bubbling beneath the senior side is Stansfield, who made a Championship debut recently in the win over Cardiff City.

That followed a senior start in the EFL Cup against Birmingham City, where the 18-year-old's goal set Silva's side on their way to a 2-0 victory.

Football League World understands that Fulham are fielding a host of interest in Stansfield and have had a 'dozen enquiries' about a deal.

However, the Cottagers will resist the temptation to send him out on loan and keep him close to their first-team plans.

They have a vision of Stansfield getting increased game time when possible this season, with the forward believed to have a bright future ahead of him in West London.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-fulham-fielding-a-host-of-interest-in-forward-ahead-of-january/


WhiteJC

Jayson Molumby issues message on West Brom away fans ahead of Fulham clash

West Brom have been solid so far this year and have stormed to a top three spot in the Championship.

A large part of that has been down to their superb home form – and now Jayson Molumby has told the Express and Star that he wants the supporters to create that home atmosphere in their away tie against Fulham this weekend.

The midfielder is currently on loan at the Hawthorns from Brighton and has started to get more and more gametime at West Brom. He featured in the Baggies last match, a 3-0 win over Bristol City, and now has five appearances in total to his name for the club.

It hasn't taken the 22-year-old long to realise just how much of an impact that the home support can have on the Baggies fortunes – and now wants it to be recreated at Craven Cottage during their match tomorrow. Speaking to the Express and Star about it, he said: "Our home form the last few now has been quite good and the supporters are massive to that with the atmosphere.

"I think it's important us as players and as a team we make The Hawthorns a difficult place to come.

"We've done that the last few games, so to have them coming all the way down and packing out the away end will be brilliant and definitely help us."

West Brom's home form has certainly played a large part in their success so far this season. The Baggies have yet to lose at the Hawthorns this campaign and sit in second place in the home form rankings for the Championship.

Away though, the club drop down to fifth, having lost two on their travels so far this year.

In what is an important game for the side at the weekend then, Molumby and the rest of the Baggies side will be hoping that they can channel some of that home form into their match against Fulham. If they can – and the support can emulate the atmosphere – then it could go a long way towards a valuable three points for them.

The Verdict

West Brom have been one of the best teams in the league so far this year under Valerien Ismael and their home form has been nothing short of superb. This weekend's match will be a big one against Fulham but the Baggies do have the capability to pick up a good result, regardless of whether it is home or away.

Jayson Molumby himself could feature again having become a solid player and option in the middle of the field for them. Although there have been more eye-catching players than him for West From this season, he remains important to them and will likely feature for the side in tomorrow's game.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/jayson-molumby-issues-message-on-west-brom-away-fans-ahead-of-fulham-clash/

WhiteJC

Marco Silva reveals secret to Aleksandar Mitrovic's success at Fulham

Aleksandar Mitrovic has been in sparkling form in the first quarter of this Championship season and the supporting cast have been the key cog in that according to Marco Silva.

The Cottagers have picked up since the international break to restore themselves inside the automatic promotion places and will have their sights set on catching league leaders Bournemouth. Silva's men endured a tricky run between the first and second breaks but are looking back to their best and Mitrovic's form has been a huge part of that.

Silva's wanted to throw some praise on his creative contingent when he spoke to The Athletic.

He said: "He's (Mitrovic) a really important player for us. For him to score and for him to be in the right spots, everyone is working really hard for him as well.

"They are creating the chances for him. For me (his goals) are just a consequence. Of course, if you can have a player in the squad  that can score goals and he has this ability, it will be a big help for us."

Neeskens Kebano and Bobby Decordova-Reid have really stepped up in recent weeks to address the Fabio Carvalho sized hole in the chance creation department. Silva's men are back to their menacing best that they displayed in the first few weeks of the season.

The Verdict

Mitrovic has 15 goals already in the Championship this season and will be motivated to break Ivan Toney's record of 31 last term. The Serbian acts as somewhat of a cheat code in the second tier as clearly a player with the ability to be applying his trade in one of Europe's top five leagues.

Silva will be looking for his bigger players to stand up when they host West Bromwich Albion on Saturday lunchtime. A win at Craven Cottage would see Fulham open up a four point gap inside the top two and significantly build belief that they will be returning to the Premier League next season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/marco-silva-reveals-secret-to-aleksandar-mitrovics-success-at-fulham/

WhiteJC

Jake Livermore set to make West Brom starting XI return v Fulham

Jake Livermore is set to return to the West Brom starting XI for their trip to Fulham on Saturday afternoon, but Alex Mowatt will miss out once again through injury.

That's according to Express and Star journalist Joseph Masi, writing via his personal Twitter profile after Valerien Ismael's press conference on Friday.

Masi wrote: "Alex Mowatt is still out. Seems likely Jake Livermore will start. But the boss was delighted with both [Robert] Snodgrass and [Jayson] Molumby against Bristol City, going to be interesting to see who gets the nod..."

Unpopular decision?

After Snodgrass and Molumby forged such a good partnership in the 3-0 win over Bristol City last weekend, West Brom supporters are unlikely to be unhappy with this news.

Livermore and Mowatt were mainstays in the midfield under Ismael until the latter's injury against Birmingham City on October 15, one that has ruled him out since.

Molumby joined Livermore in the middle for the 2-1 defeat at Swansea City on October 20 but the Albion skipper received a fifth yellow card of the season in that fixture, ensuring he missed the visit of the Robins at The Hawthorns last Saturday.

Albion didn't appear to miss Livermore, nor indeed Mowatt against Nigel Pearson's side, though, as they powered past their opponents to keep up pace in the race for automatic promotion.

But one of Snodgrass or Molumby looks set to miss out this weekend as Livermore immediately wins back his place in central midfield.

It's harsh, to say the least, on the aforementioned duo, with the Scot most likely to miss out.



https://www.westbromnews.co.uk/2021/10/29/jake-livermore-set-to-make-west-brom-starting-xi-return-v-fulham/


WhiteJC

Valerien Ismael makes Aleksandar Mitrovic claim ahead of West Brom's clash at Fulham

Championship top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 15 goals for Fulham this season

West Bromwich Albion boss Valerien Ismael claims he is not focused on the threat Aleksandar Mitrovic poses to his side on Saturday afternoon.

Fulham's marksman and the Championship's top scorer Mitrovic has netted 15 goals in just 14 games this season, and despite five of those coming in his last three, Ismael is not worried about his prolific start to the campaign.

"We do not focus on him, we're focusing on our team performance," Ismael said ahead of West Brom's trip to Fulham this weekend.

"He never scores goals alone, he receives the ball from a team-mate and I think we need to control the area where Fulham will want to come and we need to make sure we do the right thing.

"If the situation is coming we need to defend well, be aggressive and as a team, everyone has a job and at the end Sam Johnson is still there so he can make the big difference.

"But we have our quality as well, we have players who can score goals, we know what we have to do out of possession but we know we can hurt them as well and this is our focus on the game."

West Brom travel to Craven Cottage looking to leapfrog this weekend's opposition and join Bournemouth in the top two.

Ismael's side have encountered an indifferent run of form since winning four of their first five league games of the season, having only picked up three points in four of their last nine.

But West Brom will be buoyed with confidence following their impressive 3-0 victory over Bristol City last time out.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/valerien-ismael-makes-aleksandar-mitrovic-22009050

WhiteJC

Carvalho back in Fulham squad for West Brom game

Fabio Carvalho is available for Fulham's game against West Brom.

Boss Marco Silva confirmed the teenager has recovered from a toe injury and Covid-19 and is likely to take a seat on the bench for the top-of-the-table clash. Joe Bryan is also available again.

However, Ivan Cavaleiro (groin) and Nathaniel Chalobah (calf) will need longer and are unlikely to be seen until after the international break towards the end of November.

"Ivan's (injury) is the most difficult one," Silva said.

"We can use the international break to help him, and Chalobah will be ready to work during the break and ready for the game afterwards.

"Carvalho is back and ready to help us if called on."

Silva's side are on a roll, with three straight wins, 10 goals scored and just one conceded, but he admits the Baggies are as difficult as it gets.

"Are they promotion contenders?" he said. "For sure they are, and not just because of the way they started.

"They have quality from the first game. They attack with three, they press at everything; throw-ins, corners – and we have to put our quality on the pitch to match them."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-duo-fit-to-return-for-west-brom-clash

WhiteJC

Carvalho could make West Brom return

Fabio Carvalho could make his return to the Fulham side against West Brom tomorrow after missing nine games through injury after Marco Silva revealed that the teenage midfielder is now fully fit and available for the crunch promotion clash.

The 19 year-old, who has been the subject of fevered transfer speculation with his contract at Craven Cottage expiring at the end of the current campaign, has not featured since injuring his toe against Stoke City in August. Carvalho's recovery from that injury was disrupted when he contracted coronavirus – but Silva confirmed during his pre-match press conference this afternoon that he would be available for selection:

"He's ready. If I decide he should be on the squad list, he will be ready."

The Fulham head coach revealed that Ivan Cavaleiro, Nathaniel Chalobah and Tyrese Francois are the club's only senior injury absentees.

Carvalho, who scored on his full Premier League debut at Southampton last season, scored three goals in five games – and contributed an assist – in a blistering start to Fulham's Championship campaign.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/10/carvalho-could-make-west-brom-return/


WhiteJC

West Brom Matchday Preview

Fulham v West Bromwich Albion | Saturday 30th October 2021 | 12.30pm | Craven Cottage | #FULWBA

The opposition

    It's been a good start to life in the Midlands for new boss Valerien Ismael, with West Brom winning eight of his 14 games in charge to put them third in the Championship standings, just a point behind Fulham.
    The former Barnsley Head Coach has brought his counter-press brand of football with him to the Hawthorns. The Baggies don't see that much of the ball these days, but they can be hugely effective with their direct passes when they do have possession.
    Consistency has evaded Albion so far in October. They've won both of their matches at the Hawthorns without conceding a goal, but lost both games on their travels at Stoke and Swansea.

Fulham team news

Marco Silva provided the following injury update in his pre-match press conference: "We have three players who remained injured - Ivan Cavaleiro, Nathaniel Chalobah and Ty Francois."

FFCtv

As this match has been selected for coverage on Sky Sports, we are unable to stream it live. Fans with a valid subscription can still listen to commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, though.

Remembrance fixture

This game will service as our Remembrance fixture, and so there will be a period of silence ahead of kick-off.

Tickets

Tickets for this match are on General Sale to supporters until 5pm on Friday 29th October. Only supporters with a booking history will be able to purchase tickets on matchday, with prices increasing by £5. Prices start from £35 for adults and £15 for juniors and can be secured online, at tickets.fulhamfc.com or by calling the Fulham FC Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810.

Weather

While it will be a fairly mild lunchtime in SW6 – around 14 degrees – there is a small chance it could rain.

Player insight

Tosin says Fulham are prepared for the unique brand of football that West Brom will attack us with on Saturday.

Speaking to FFCtv, the in-form defender said: "We've worked on that so we know what we need to do. We're going to go out there and give our all."

Form

Fulham: WLWWW

West Brom: WLWLW

Virtual Mascots


Pre-match quotes

"It will be a tough game. They are contenders for promotion. The quality they are showing, the results they are achieving, shows us that they are a strong team. It is up to us to put our quality on the pitch too."

Marco Silva
Fulham Head Coach

"It's a top game. It's two different styles but with the same amount of quality. Both teams are towards the top of the table and both will want three points."

Valérien Ismaël
West Brom Manager



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/october/29/west-brom-matchday-preview/

WhiteJC

Up next: West Bromwich Albion (h)

After three wins in a week, Fulham face arguably the sternest test of their promotion credentials so far this season when West Bromwich Albion visit Craven Cottage in another Saturday lunchtime showdown in front of the Sky cameras. Albion, direct and energetic under Valerian Ismael, sit just behind Marco Silva's side in third place in the Championship table and rebuffed any suggestion of a slump following their surprise defeat by Swansea with a comfortable victory over Bristol City last weekend. Ismael, who spearheaded Barnsley's remarkable rise from relegation candidates to play-off contenders, is a shrewd manager who will have his side primed to exploit any fragility in the Fulham ranks.

He will want to prove a point after two successive away reverses and has urged his charges to 'embrace the challenge' of taking on their fellow promotion contenders in their own back yard. He can rely on the predatory instincts of Karlan Grant, with the former Huddersfield forward having scored six times in his last six league appearances, whilst Jordan Hugill ended his scoring drought last weekend. In the continued absence of Alex Mowatt, Ismael will be able to count the experience of England international Jake Livermore, who will return from suspension to anchor the midfield, although who the former Spurs midfielder replaces remains up for debate. Jayson Molumby impressed against the Robins, whilst Ismael has recently lauded the veteran Robert Snodgrass for giving the side more control of the engine room.

The Baggies' early season success has been built around a miserly back three. Semi Ajayi, a scorer at the Cottage in this fixture in the past, and Kyle Bartley have been joined this season by Matt Clarke, a canny loan acquisition from Brighton and Hove Albion this summer, who is comfortable in possession. Albion have conceded just eleven goals so far this term – the joint second best defensive record in the division – and will, of course, pose a substantial threat from corners and long throw-ins as well as pressing Fulham high from the outset.

Fulham's fortunes have picked up since the international break after that supine surrender in the rain at Coventry. Silva's side comfortably dispatched QPR in the end after coming through a sticky patch after half-time in the local derby. They were indebted to the returning Tom Cairney for providing some impetus and quality in the final third to leave Mick McCarthy on borrowed time with Cardiff and, as churlish as it sounds, weren't perhaps as convincing at Nottingham Forest as the 4-0 scoreline suggested. Silva was happy that his side were ruthless at the City Ground – but the Whites surely won't have it as easy this weekend.

The feelgood factor around the camp will only have been enhanced by the news that Fabio Carvalho, out since August, is available for selection again after being sidelined first by a toe problem and then coronavirus. That creates a selection dilemma in itself straight away. Cairney crawled through the final stages of a game that had been settled up at Forest, which was understandable after having not completed ninety minutes in almost a year, but Fulham have not looked anywhere near as fluent without Carvalho as their number ten. Could the teenager come straight in having missed nine games? You also have to wonder whether this sort of physical tussle is tailor made for the tigerish Harrison Reed, who only made the bench at the City Ground.

Denis Odoi had a crucial role in the win up at Forest: first, with his sublime screening creating another set piece goal, and then winning the penalty that Aleksandar Mitrovic converted to make sure of all three points. The Belgian might just have proven Silva, who suggested he wasn't the right 'profile' to feature at right back, wrong with a series of whole-hearted displays in deputising for Kenny Tete so it seems rather perverse to suggest demoting him to the bench again. But a fully fit Tete adds undeniable quality at both ends of the field and the Dutch defender has to start against one of the Championship's most well-drilled outfits.

Three points would be a massive prize to take into November's programme but this is likely to be a tight and tetchy encounter. Fulham will have to counter a very different challenge to ones they have faced so far this season – and it may take plenty of patience and, perhaps, a moment of magic to break down one of the division's most miserly defences.

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



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/10/up-next-west-bromwich-albion-h/

WhiteJC

Liverpool could repeat Harvey Elliott transfer trick in January, but must beat Real Madrid

Fabio Carvalho has shone at Fulham recently. Like Harvey Elliott before him, he has reportedly impressed Liverpool — and Real Madrid have transfer interest too.

Towards the end of the season, an already relegated Fulham had one silver lining.

The emergence of Fabio Carvalho was a rare shining jewel in an otherwise drab season.

11 goals and six assists in 13 Premier League 2 games, coupled with his deft finish against Southampton in the Premier League, would be a sign of things to come.

He has continued that form in the Championship this season, averaging a goal contribution almost every game (0.85 per 90), having netted three goals and registered one assist in five games.

The 19-year-old's exemplary performances have reportedly attracted the attention of Barcelona, Real Madrid, and a host of Premier League clubs — including Liverpool.

According to the Football League World, Liverpool are monitoring the Fulham attacker's situation, with the Reds considering repeating the same transfer trick that brought Harvey Elliott to Anfield.

Carvalho's contract will expire in the summer of 2022, and he has so far dithered on renewing his deal with Fulham. Should negotiations continue to stretch out, Carvalho would be free to talk to his suitors by January in order to arrange a free transfer in the summer.

The technically agile midfielder is capable of playing on either flank as well as in an attacking midfield role. He is slightly taller than Harvey Elliott, standing at five foot ten inches, but there are shades of Elliott's flair in Carvalho's style of play.

The pair of them played together at academy level, too and developed at the same youth set-up.

Carvalho is highly regarded by Fulham. His former manager, Scott Parker, was full of praise for him after he scored his first Premier League goal, dubbing him a player who can make things happen.

"Carvalho is a big positive.

"Massive positive for us because he's the one who's going to be here, he's a player that is really bright and can bring something to this team and you saw that today."

One of the best assets of Carvalho's game is his shooting. He averages 2.77 shots per 90 in the Championship and gets over half of those shots on target, with a 53.8% accuracy (via Wyscout).

Carvalho is excellent at breaking into the box and fashioning himself opportunities in the opposition's half. He averages 4.04 touches in the penalty area per 90 and 1.7 progressive runs.



https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/transfer-news/liverpool-elliott-transfer-real-madrid-22008003


WhiteJC

West Brom: Fans fume as Jake Livermore 'likely' to start

Lots of West Brom fans have been left raging as some early team news emerged ahead of their game away at Fulham in the EFL Championship on Saturday.

As per The Express & Star and WBA journalist Joseph Masi, following on from Valerien Ismael's latest pre-game press conference, it is 'likely' that Jake Livermore will start the match against Marco Silva's team, even though the manager was 'delighted' with both Robert Snodgrass and Jayson Molumby after their performances against Bristol City.

Molumby won eight of his duels in that game, the joint-most out of any Albion player, and also successfully completed all of his dribble attempts, while Snodgrass made two key passes and had 68 touches of the ball in total, the most out of any player on the pitch (SofaScore).

Thus, it would be very harsh to drop either of them, especially for a player in Livermore who has recorded no goals and just one assist in 13 appearances in the league so far this season (Transfermarkt).

West Brom fans on Livermore news

These Baggies raged as the team news was shared on Twitter:

"As always got to bring captain Jake back in for his "leadership", How you can drop either one of Molumby or Snodgrass after last weekend is beyond me"

Credit: @WBAvlogs

"Livermore?!"

Credit: @gavin_poulton

"Sorry but what does Livermore bring to this team what Snodgrass and Molumby don't other than giving away fouls and treating a football like it's hot potato"

Credit: @lewis_botfield

"Livermore starts I'm Val out"

Credit: @wbaIiam

"Can't we just bin Livermore off I'm tired of this guy donning the famous stripes"

"Sorry but what does Livermore bring to this team what Snodgrass and Molumby don't other than giving away fouls and treating a football like it's hot potato"

Credit: @lewis_botfield

"Livermore starts I'm Val out"

Credit: @wbaIiam

"Can't we just bin Livermore off I'm tired of this guy donning the famous stripes"

Credit: @Rondxnn

"That's an awful call if Livermore starts"

Credit: @wba_mitch



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-brom-news/team-news-fulham-jake-livermore-championship/

WhiteJC

2 Fulham player dilemmas that Marco Silva has to weigh up pre-West Brom

Fulham will be hoping to inflict further pressure on the Championship's top spot when they host West Brom this afternoon.

The Cottagers are currently five points off Bournemouth at the second-tier summit, but today's opposition will move above them with a victory.

Marco Silva's side sent out a statement by beating a revitalised Nottingham Forest 4-0 at The City Ground on Sunday and will be hoping to kick on and distance themselves from the promotion-chasing pack behind them.

Fulham have picked up 16 points from seven games at Craven Cottage this season, however, they are yet to beat a side in the top six.

Here, we take a look at two player dilemmas that Marco Silva has to deal with ahead of kick off against The Baggies.

A return for Joe Bryan
Joe Bryan is back available for selection again according to West London Sport, and it remains to be seen who is actually first-choice left-back this season.

Both Bryan and Antonee Robinson offer contrasting abilities but are both strong candidates at left-back.

Robinson's athleticism and Bryan's composure and intelligence would make a world-class left-back, that is for sure.

Silva will be aware of the attacking threat that West Brom pose, but he will not make his choice solely on what the opposition offer.

Fabio Carvalho straight back into the fray?
Fabio Carvalho has enjoyed an excellent start to his life in professional football, but a toe injury has slightly halted his progress in recent weeks.

His performances in the Championship have even attracted the attention of the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona, demonstrating the talent that Fulham have at their disposal.

Silva confirmed to West London Sport yesterday that Carvalho is back available for today's clash at Craven Cottage, but it remains to be seen if he will make the starting XI.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-fulham-player-dilemmas-that-marco-silva-has-to-weigh-up-pre-west-brom/

filham

Carvalho on the bench, that is good news , as a late impact sub he could just prove to be the match winner.