Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 24/11/21...

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Results

Tuesday
Blackpool	0-0	West Brom
Coventry	0-0	Birmingham City
M'borough	1-2	Preston NE
Forest	0-0	Luton
Reading	0-1	Sheff Utd

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Stroud To Oversee Derby's Midweek Encounter At Fulham

Keith Stroud has been appointed as the Match Referee for Derby County's Sky Bet Championship fixture at Fulham on Wednesday (7:45pm kick-off).

Stroud has overseen 14 games so far this season in all competitions, showing 53 yellow cards and no reds in the process.

His last Derby match was the 0-0 draw at Barnsley in March of this year as the 2020/21 season edged towards its conclusion.

Stroud will be assisted by Ian Cooper and Akil Howson on the lines, whilst John Busby has been appointed as the fourth official.



https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2021/11/stroud-to-oversee-derbys-midweek-encounter-at-fulham

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Harry Wilson assesses Derby County's hopes of Championship survival

Fulham winger Harry Wilson has claimed it will be "a very, very difficult task" for former club Derby County to stay up but added that they "have nothing to lose".

The Rams have been deducted a total of 21 points by the EFL this season, for going into administration and breaking profitability and sustainability guidelines, which leaves them currently bottom of the table with 0 points.

Despite their impressive win over Bournemouth on Sunday, Derby remain 15 points away from safety and look like the favourites to get relegated this season.

They travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham this evening and a familiar face will be waiting for them.

Wilson starred while on loan at Derby in the 2018/19 campaign and says he has "nothing but fond memories" from his time at Pride Park.

On the topic of the Rams' current struggles, he told FFCTV: "To see a club that you feel so strongly for being in the situation they're in, is obviously sad. I watched their game yesterday, they've still got a fantastic team and more than capable of picking up another points.

"It is going to be a very, very difficult task for them to stay up but I think the players and the manager have got to stay positive and show the fans that they are fighting for the badge. Who knows what we will happen come the end of the season?"

He added: "They've got nothing to lose. No one's backing them to stay up and they'll want to prove everything wrong.

"It's up to us to keep our good run going and a win on Wednesday sets us up nicely for the weekend."

The Verdict

It's hard to disagree with Wilson's assessment of Derby's survival hopes and fans of the East Midlands club will likely enjoy to hear how strongly the Welshman feels about the club.

The Rams have been really impressive this deserve and there's no doubt that Wayne Rooney and his squad deserve a huge amount of credit.

Even so, it's going to take a herculean effort for them to secure Championship football for next season.

A win against Fulham would be a boost to their hopes but Wilson and co. have been in ridiculous form as of late, so it's certainly not going to be easy.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/harry-wilson-assesses-derby-countys-hopes-of-championship-survival/

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'Massive dent to their promotion hopes' – Transfer interest emerges in Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Villarreal have emerged as an interested party in Fulham talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic, as reported by Spanish outlet Fichajes.net.

The Serbian striker has already netted 21 goals in 18 Championship appearances this season, proving once again to be excellent at this level of football.

Mitrovic has scored more goals than 11 entire teams in the second-tier this season, registering a further five assists in Fulham  colours.

The Cottagers currently find themselves at the top of the Championship table and are a point clear of Bournemouth in second.

More importantly, Fulham are nine points ahead of West Brom in third, opening up a comfortable gap in their search for automatic promotion.

Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts on Villarreal's interest in the prolific forward, and whether his departure would dent Fulham's expected push for promotion.

Adam Jones

Aleksandar Mitrovic is a gargantuan figure at Craven Cottage, so Fulham would be fools to let him go unless he pushes for a move.

Although Rodrigo Muniz has shown signs of promise, with the likes of Harry Wilson, Fabio Carvalho and Neeskens Kebano able to create and score, the loss of Mitrovic would have a bad impact on morale and that's something officials in west London will consider if they go to the negotiating table with Villarreal or another interested side.

Scoring 21 goals in 18 games, there's no doubt they will gain automatic promotion back to the Premier League if he stays fit and in form, a more lucrative prospect financially than selling the Serbian international.

His contract doesn't run out until 2026 either, so there's no rush to sell him and under Marco Silva, he's likely to thrive in the top flight if they can get there. The Cottagers have failed to stay afloat in the top tier in recent years, but getting him in form could give them a real chance of staying there.

So for the long term, he has to remain with the second-tier side.

They would probably get in a sufficient replacement who could still guide the Cottagers to the Premier League if he was to go, but it just isn't worth selling him at this stage unless an unbelievable offer comes in.

Charlie Gregory

It's no surprise that Aleksandar Mitrovic is drawing admiring glances from elsewhere, especially considering the kind of form he is currently in.

He cannot be stopped in the Championship, so if Fulham were to lose him then it would be a huge blow to their side and for their promotion chances.

The club do have a squad that is capable of staying at the top end of the table and mounting a promotion bid still. However, you cannot understate the importance of his goals. He's contributed so much in front of goal this year that his absence would surely be felt.

They could still score but probably much less frequently and that is bound to have an effect. It means that if he did decide to head to Spain, the Cottagers may find it a lot harder to maintain their momentum and stay at the top end of the second tier.

Ned Holmes

There are no two ways about it, losing Mitrovic would be a massive blow for Fulham.

Yes, they've got some ridiculous depth and a squad packed with talent but the Serbian striker is on course to have the best season in Championship history in terms of goalscoring.

He's been back to his ridiculous best this term and dominated second-tier defenders, bagging 21 goals in 18 appearances already.

Silva does have the likes of Bobby Decordova Reid and Rodrigo Muniz as options but neither are anywhere near as good as Mitrovic is right now.

It would be a massive dent to their promotion hopes to lose him but that's not to say they couldn't still get promoted without him.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/massive-dent-to-their-promotion-hopes-transfer-interest-emerges-in-fulhams-aleksandar-mitrovic-the-verdict/

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EFL pundit delivers his score prediction for Fulham vs Derby County

Fulham have been in absolutely devastating form in recent weeks, winning seven successive games coming into tomorrow's clash.

During this run, The Cottagers have scored 25 times and have conceded just two goals, with their latest victory over Barnsley taking them to the Championship summit.

Fulham have now scored 48 goals already this season, which is 15 more than any other team in the division.

Trying to stop their winning run tomorrow night is Wayne Rooney's Derby County.

The Rams slashed Bournemouth's unbeaten run on the road this season during their 3-2 victory at Pride Park on Sunday, and whilst the odds are against them, they will travel to West London with confidence.

Derby are back to 0 points after being docked 21 this season, but they do remain 15 points adrift of safety.

David Prutton has predicted that this game will finish 3-1 to the home side in his Sky Sports Predictions column.

The verdict

Fulham have been wonderful in recent weeks, and whilst they are gaining all the plaudits for their attacking play, their mean defence has been equally as impressive.

The Cottagers have blown the majority of teams they have played this season, but it will be no surprise to see their dominance lessened against Derby.

The Rams have proven to be difficult to break down and tend to dominate the midfield battle.

They also possess exciting and intelligent attacking players, in the likes of Jason Knight and Tom Lawrence, who are always at hand to unlock defences.

A 3-1 home win is certainly on the cards, but it will be no surprise to see a much tighter game than most would expect to be played out at Craven Cottage.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/efl-pundit-delivers-his-score-prediction-for-fulham-vs-derby-county/

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What is the latest with Aleksandar Mitrovic at Fulham amid Villareal transfer interest?

Aleksandar Mitrovic has started this Championship season in fine form in front of goal, netting 21 times in his opening 18 games for The Cottagers.

The Serbian forward did not get too much joy out of the Premier League last time out, but he is certainly making his mark in the lower division.

Consistently starring for The Cottagers this season, Mitrovic has caught the attention at Villarreal, as per a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes.net, with the east coast club currently operating around mid-table in La Liga.

Mitrovic's contract at Craven Cottage does not expire until 2026 and the report states that a €16 million fee is being discussed at present.

It remains to be seen how highly Fulham value their talisman at, and if Villarreal's immediate interest will persist.

Fulham will be hopeful of keeping their star man at Craven Cottage in what remains of this season and beyond, with The Cottagers striving towards becoming a Premier League club once again.

Mitrovic is also bearing down on the most Championship goals in a single season, with the prolific forward already just 10 away from the record that Ivan Toney set last season.

Fulham find themselves nine points clear of West Brom in third, and whilst they are making excellent strides towards securing top-flight football again, the departure of Mitrovic could leave a damaging effect on their chances of succeeding in their ultimate ambition.

Mitrovic undoubtedly has the ability and mindset thrive in La Liga, but Fulham would try and complicate a Villarreal move for their star striker.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/what-is-the-latest-with-aleksandar-mitrovic-at-fulham-amid-villareal-transfer-interest/

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Anguissa Out for a While as Napoli Suffer New Injury Blow

Napoli midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has said that he will be out for a few weeks owing to injury.

The Cameroon international played the entirety of the Partenopei's fixture against Inter but has said on Instagram that he will be out of action for some time.

"I'm forced to stop for a few weeks," said Anguissa. "I will work hard to get back as quickly as possible. I will continue to support my teammates; I'm counting on you! Forza Napoli always."

Anguissa has been a regular for Napoli this season so far, making 15 appearances across all competitions. This is bad news for Luciano Spalletti's side, who has also been sidelined due to facial injuries he suffered following a collision with Milan Skriniar last weekend.

With Diego Demme also injured, there's a good chance we could see Stanislav Lobotka get some game time in Napoli's forthcoming fixtures.

Next up for the Partenopei is a trip to Russia for their Europa League fixture against Spartak Moscow.



https://cultofcalcio.com/napoli-suffer-injury-blow-anguissa-sidelined/

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Cairney feels Fulham's confidence growing

Tom Cairney says Fulham's confidence is sky high following seven straight wins – and believes Marco Silva's side could be on track to be the best Fulham team he has played in.

The captain told the club's official website this morning:

"I've played in some very good Fulham sides, and the thing about this team is we're scoring a lot of goals. We've hit three or four a few times this season, which is not easy to do, so when you do that and you believe you can do that going into games, it fills you with a lot of confidence. And we've got a striker who's on 21 goals in November, which is a bit crazy, and he would have had another if he wasn't so unselfish.

It's stupid, it's a little bit silly. I know the Championship record is 31, hopefully he can keep this form up. He's on course to have a very, very special season. When you're going into games with that in your armoury, it fills you with confidence."

Cairney knows that Derby will represent another stern test tomorrow night after beating Bournemouth at the weekend. He is full of sympathy for the Rams' plight following their points deductions.

"I've not been a player in that position so I can't imagine what it's like, but I'm sure it's hard. You're fighting an uphill battle after having points taken off you. It's tough being at the bottom of the league and obviously there's a big gap now, so as a professional player I do have sympathy for them, but we've got to do our professional job and go out there and try and beat them. If they get out of it then I think it's one of the best escapes in Championship history. We've seen crazy things in football before so we can't rule them out, but it's a massive uphill climb."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/11/cairney-feels-fulhams-confidence-growing/

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Matt Grimes breaks silence on Fulham transfer situation following Swansea contract renewal

In a deal which seemingly came completely out of the blue, Swansea City captain Matt Grimes decided this past week to commit his future to the Welsh club for the next four years.

That may have come as a surprise to Swansea fans who probably expected their captain to assess his options in the January transfer window, with a plethora of Premier League clubs said to be interested in his signature this past summer but in the end nothing came to fruition.

In-fact the only club who seemed to be set on bringing the midfielder to their club were Swansea's league rivals Fulham, who made a late summer play for the 26-year-old.

The Cottagers' advances were rebuffed though and a final bid in excess of £2.5 million was turned down, meaning Grimes remained a Swansea player beyond the end of August.

Playing regularly in Russell Martin's system has clearly swayed Grimes' decision to sign a new deal with the Swans and he has now publicly spoke out on the summer transfer saga for the first time after penning the fresh contract.

"It was fairly close, everything was close on the last day," Grimes said on a potential move to Fulham.

"It was never a case of me trying to force it through and wanting to leave.

"There was a conversation in the morning and it looked like it was going to go ahead and then really quickly turned."

The Verdict

So Fulham very nearly did get their man but for whatever reason the hierarchy at the Liberty Stadium pulled the plug on it.

It may be the best decision they've made for a while as Grimes looks like he fits right in under Martin in his free-flowing passing system.

Swansea ended up selling both Connor Roberts and Jamal Lowe on deadline day so maybe the funds from those deals meant that there was no need to dispose of Grimes as well – losing three key players on one day would have seriously angered the fanbase.

But Grimes was clearly more crucial than the other two that departed and Martin is set to reap the rewards of keeping the midfield dynamo around for the long-term.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/matt-grimes-breaks-silence-on-fulham-transfer-situation-following-swansea-contract-renewal/

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Fulham predicted starting XI vs Derby County as Harry Wilson faces former team

Derby County travel to Craven Cottage on Wednesday to take on Championship leaders Fulham

Fulham manager Marco Silva could look to make as many as four changes for the midweek visit of Derby County to Craven Cottage this Wednesday (7.45pm kick-off).

The Cottagers have been on a phenomenal run of form of late, winning their last seven games in the Championship while scoring 25 goals and conceding just two as they claimed top spot from Bournemouth, with a little help from the Rams.

The SW6 outfit will look to keep the momentum rolling against Wayne Rooney's charges, and while Silva has tended to make minimal changes during this run, there is scope for rotation as Derby roll into the capital on the back of their win over the Cherries.

Michael Hector has acquitted himself well since stepping in for the suspended Tosin Adarabioyo, who has missed the last three matches after being sent off against West Brom last month. That said, the former Man City centre-back is likely to regain his starting spot in defence.

That may not be the only change in defence, as Joe Bryan could make a rare start. The left-back played an important role in Fulham's last promotion campaign, providing inch-perfect crosses for Aleksandar Mitrovic to knock home, but Silva has preferred the pace of Antonee Robinson down the wing this season.

The American played the full 90 minutes in both of the USMNT's recent World Cup qualifiers against Mexico and Jamaica, followed up with 85 minutes against the Tykes. This could open the door for Bryan.

All but one of the Englishman's five starts in all competitions this season have come in midweek, and his one start on a Saturday came against QPR last month immediately after the October international break. With a huge matchup with Bournemouth less than a fortnight away, Silva might be tempted to give his starting full-back a well-earned rest now.

In midfield, Jean Michel Seri could be restored to the starting line-up after being rested at the weekend following his return from international duty with the Ivory Coast. The 30-year-old came on for Tom Cairney, who will drop back to the bench this Wednesday, in the second half against Barnsley and supplied one of the most delicious passes of the season to set up Harry Wilson for the fourth goal.

If the Whites boss is to make a fourth change to the line-up, it will come in the form of Bobby De Cordova-Reid. The 28-year-old has been in great form over the last two months, but was rested for the trip to Oakwell after featuring for Jamaica last week.

That allowed teenage sensation Fabio Carvalho to get his first start in two months following a toe injury and Covid-19, and the Portuguese playmaker showed why he is wanted by a string of Premier League clubs, dictating the play, being tenacious in the tackle and scoring a first-half goal.

The 19-year-old recently turned down a new contract with his current deal in its final year, but Silva may still be tempted to start the youngster given what he brings to the team. However, this writer thinks De Cordova-Reid just about gets the nod.

The rest of the team should remain the same as it was against Barnsley. Marek Rodak has been exceptional since taking the number one spot from Paulo Gazzaniga, conceding just twice in seven games.

Tim Ream is one of two Fulham players to start every game this season and there's no reason he won't maintain that record against Derby, lining up alongside Adarabioyo in the centre of defence.

Kenny Tete will start again at right-back after recently reclaiming his spot from Denis Odoi, Harrison Reed will partner Jean Michel Seri in a double pivot in midfield, while Neeskens Kebano starts again on the left of a front three amid the best form of his career.

Former Rams loan star Harry Wilson will be relishing a meeting with his former club after scoring his sixth goal of the season at the weekend. The Welshman has been superb on the right-hand side of Fulham's attack this season.

And finally, Aleksandar Mitrovic has been on a tear this term, scoring a frankly ridiculous 21 goals in 18 starts for Fulham. With goal records in his sights, there is no chance of the Serbian being rested right now.

Fulham predicted XI vs Derby County
4-2-3-1: Marek Rodak; Joe Bryan, Tim Ream, Tosin Adarabioyo, Kenny Tete; Jean Michel Seri, Harrison Reed; Neeskens Kebano, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Harry Wilson; Aleksandar Mitrovic.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-predicted-xi-derby-county-6246030

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Tosin starts: The predicted Fulham XI to face Derby on Wednesday evening

Fulham sit atop the Championship table heading into the midweek round of fixtures and they'll be looking to make sure that remains the case for the rest of this season.

The Whites have had an excellent run of form in recent weeks with them winning game after game, scoring for fun and conceding very few.

Indeed, this all stems back from the end of the October international break where they beat QPR 4-1 and they're certainly looking hard to beat right now.

Derby County have that task in front of them tomorrow night, then, and this is the XI we could see Fulham name for what's set to be a chilly evening at Craven Cottage:

The front four all bagged at the weekend so could remain the same, though the likes of Bobby Decordova-Reid would hardly be a surprising returnee to the starting line-up after being given a bit of a rest at the weekend following the international break.

In midfield, Jean Michael Seri is another player who could well return to the middle of the park, to likely partner either Tom Cairney or Harrison Reed, whilst the defence largely picks itself right now barring one likely change.

Tosin Adarabioyo's suspension came to an end at the conclusion of the Barnsley game so is back available, and so we could see him come in to replace Michael Hector – though he has done well in recent weeks it must be said.

Certainly, Fulham's squad is looking pretty untouchable and whatever side gets named tomorrow night, you would expect it to emerge victorious.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/tosin-starts-the-predicted-fulham-xi-to-face-derby-on-wednesday-evening/

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Sources: Juventus join the race to sign Fulham star

Italian giants Juventus are keeping tabs on Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic in case they fail in their bid to sign his compatriot Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina, Football League World has learned.

The Bianconeri are eager to sign a new attacking player in the near future and have cast their eyes over Serbian forward Vlahovic, who is attracting a number of top-flight European clubs at the moment after a string of good performances for La Viola.

Indeed, that fact means that there's every chance that Juve could miss out on getting him and one of their contingency plans, Football League World has been told, comes in the shape of Fulham forward Mitrovic.

Another Serb, Mitrovic's form this season has been incredible in the Championship for the Whites with him helping fire them to the top of the league table ahead of the next round of midweek fixtures tonight and tomorrow.

He's also been in great form on the international stage for Serbia, with him scoring a dramatic late winner over Portugal in their crucial World Cup qualifier earlier this month.

It's no surprise to see him working up a list of admirers, then, with Villarreal also recently linked, and Fulham will just hope they can keep hold of him for as long as possible.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sources-juventus-join-the-race-to-sign-fulham-star/

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Juventus mulling Mitrovic move

Juventus are keeping tabs on Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to reports this afternoon.

Football League World claim that the Italian giants have lined up the Serbian striker, who has already 21 goals in the Championship this season, as an alternative should they fail to secure the services of his compatriot Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina. The Bianconeri are eager to add their attacking options in January after a disappointing start to the Serie A season, which sees them sitting in eighth place after thirteen games.

Mitrovic, who signed a five-year contract at Craven Cottage in August, was linked with a move to Villarreal in the Spanish press yesterday. Fulham are understood to be ready to resist any offers for their in-form frontman – just as they did over the summer – as Marco Silva sees them as a crucial part of his plans for the Premier League should the Whites go on to win promotion this season.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/11/juventus-mulling-mitrovic-move/

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Nottingham Forest old boy makes 'record-breaking' prediction ahead of Fulham vs Derby County

Derby County will make the trip to West London to face Championship promotion hopeful Fulham

Derby County should travel to West London with renewed confidence as they prepare to face Championship leaders Fulham.

The Rams stunned promotion hopefuls Bournemouth at Pride Park on Sunday as they claimed a 3-2 win in their uphill battle for survival.

Meanwhile, Fulham comfortably beat Barnsley 4-1 to extend their lead at the summit.

Despite Derby's impressive result at the weekend, Sky Sports pundit and former Nottingham Forest midfielder David Prutton is not expecting a repeat at Craven Cottage.

"Derby overcame their latest points deduction to record a brilliant win against Bournemouth on Sunday, doing Fulham a massive favour in the process," Prutton said in his Sky Sports column.

"They are a squad packed with resilience under Wayne Rooney, but it is hard to see any side coming away from Craven Cottage with anything right now.

"Quite frankly, it is hard to think of any reason right now to doubt Fulham's chances of going on to win promotion.

"They can't stop scoring, hardly ever concede, keep on winning and are top of the table. They could be on track for a record-breaking campaign."

Prutton has predicted a 3-1 defeat for Wayne Rooney's side.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-derby-prediction-david-prutton-6247753

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Huge injury blow for Derby County ahead of Fulham clash

The left back could be out for six to eight weeks after being injured in the victory over Bournemouth

Lee Buchanan and Sam Baldock are out of Derby County's Championship clash against leaders Fulham on Wednesday night.

Both players were injured in Sunday's 3-2 home victory over Bournemouth.

The Rams are waiting on final results of scans, but manager Wayne Rooney said Buchanan's knee injury could keep the left back out for six to eight weeks.

Baldock has a hamstring problem that has niggled the striker for some time.

"With Sam, it is something that has been ongoing and so we need to get to the bottom of why that is," Rooney said.

"Lee, we are pretty sure it is going to more six to eight weeks, unfortunately.

"It might be more or less, we are waiting on the final results but all the symptoms are pointing towards that.

"It is a shame for Lee, but again when somebody gets injured it is an opportunity for somebody else."

Craig Forsyth will come in for Buchanan against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

"Fozzy will come back in, he will play (at Fulham) and it is an opportunity for him to stamp his place in the team," Rooney said.

"I think it has been a good battle between Lee and Fozzy. I think Fozzy was excellent and then he was off with an illness. He came back from that but didn't quite get up to speed as quick as we would like, which is understandable. Lee then came in and has done well."

Striker Jack Stretton remains sidelined with a knee problem.

"Stretts has hurt his knee a little bit. He has had an injection to settle that down. Another 48 hours he should be back on the grass," Rooney said.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-fulham-injury-news-6248198

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Exclusive: Fulham make final attempt to keep hold of Leeds and Liverpool target

Fulham have made a final attempt to convince Fabio Carvalho to sign a new deal and stay at Craven Cottage moving forward, with big money on the table, sources have exclusively informed Football League World.

Despite the embarrassment of attacking riches available to Marco Silva, the 19-year-old has established himself in the Fulham side this season – scoring four goals and adding an assist in his six Championship starts.

Carvalho is out of contract in the summer and has drawn the attention of some big clubs, including Liverpool, Leeds United, and Real Madrid, which has made it difficult for the west London club to tie him down.

Football League World understands that Fulham have made a final attempt to convince the young playmaker to sign a new contract ahead of the January window, with big money on the table.

The Cottagers look on course to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking and will hope that the prospect of being a pivotal part of their side in the top flight next term can help to sway him.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-fulham-make-final-attempt-to-keep-hold-of-leeds-and-liverpool-target/

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Fulham loanee Anguissa dealt injury blow following impressive Napoli form

Fulham midfielder Andre Zambo Anguissa has starred with loan club Napoli, but the Cottagers loanee is now set for a spell out injured.

As confirmed on Napoli's official website, Anguissa has suffered an injury to his abductor muscle.

The blow will keep the 26-year-old for "a few weeks", as he revealed on Instagram.

The news will come as a blow to Napoli, with Anguissa emerging as a star performer for Luciano Spalletti's side since joining on a temporary basis in the summer transfer window.

Anguissa's loan spell to date
Anguissa has been a starter in Napoli's midfield since his arrival, starting in all 11 Serie A games following his arrival. He has held down a starting spot in defensive midfield, making a total of 15 appearances across all competitions.

Prior to their 3-2 loss to Inter Milan at the weekend, Napoli were undefeated in the league. They still sit at the top of the table despite the loss, tied on points with 2nd placed AC Milan.

Permanent move possible
Amid his strong start to life with Napoli, plenty of speculation has circulated regarding Anguissa's future.

The deal includes a €15m option for a permanent move, and it was speculated that the Serie A giants could even look to trigger the option in January rather than at the end of the season. However, club director Cristiano Giuntoli has ruled out the chances of that, so it will be interesting to see if the move is made permanent once his loan comes to an end.



https://the72.co.uk/256143/fulham-loanee-anguissa-dealt-injury-blow-following-impressive-napoli-form/

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Pre-Derby Press Conference

Marco Silva was full of encouragement for Derby County ahead of our meeting on Wednesday evening.

The Rams have been in steady form this season, losing just five matches, but a 21-point deduction means they still sit on zero at the foot of the Championship.

"My words straight after Saturday's match when I was asked about Derby, I started to congratulate them because the players and the staff have shown great character and a strong personality to deal with the situation," Silva said.

"They are always a really tough team to beat, you can see in the number of defeats they've had until now. Even if they are in that position, they have already collected 21 points.

"They have strong character and strong personality, and quality as well. And the staff as well, with the manager, it's possible [they stay up]. For sure they will come here to match us, they come here to fight.

"Even if they look at the table and their position is not fair to them, they know their quality, they know why they are in that position, and they know the only way to get out of that position is by getting good results.

"It's up to us to play at our best, to repeat the performance of last Saturday, or if we can improve because there's always things to improve.

"That would be very good for us and make things very difficult for Derby, but it will be a tough game for us, I have no doubt about it."

Silva's defensive options will be boosted by the return from suspension of both Tosin and Denis Odoi.

Tosin had been in fine form at the back alongside Tim Ream prior to his red card against West Brom, but the Whites have shipped just one goal in the three games since Michael Hector came into the side.

"It will not be an easy decision," Silva replied when asked about the selection dilemma. "Not just Hector, but Denis as well is coming back. It's two not easy decisions.

"There's always a strategy behind my decision, analysing what we want to do, and after I will take the decision that I believe is best for the Club and for the starting XI tomorrow.

"Whenever I make a decision it is thinking what is the best thing to do in the right moment?

"About Hector, I just have good words for him. We spoke about the things he should improve to be involved, because he was not involved in the squad list for a long period as the other three were in a better position than him.

"He had a long period out of the squad, but he worked hard and showed his quality to me. And the last three weeks I decided he should start, and he has been improving.

"I am seeing improvements from him. In the last game, his first 10 minutes were not the best, he was a little bit anxious in some moments, but he grew during the game and had a good performance.

"That's what I want from him, and the decision tomorrow will be tough for sure, but I will do what I think is best for the football club."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/november/23/pre-derby-press-conference/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham prepare new contract offer for Carvalho

Fulham are putting together a new contract offer for teenage midfielder Fabio Carvalho as they attempt to convince him to stay at Craven Cottage, according to reports this afternoon.

The playmaker, who made his senior debut under Scott Parker in the Premier League last season and has shone for Marco Silva this term, has just seven months remaining on his current deal and has rejected two previous offers to commit his future to the Championship club. Carvalho has a whole host of suitors across Europe – as well as being tracked by at least ten English top flight clubs – but is understood to be waiting for his new representatives to take over in January before making a final decision.

The England youth international has become a key part of Silva's side that has stormed to the top of the Championship and scored his fourth goal of a sensational season against Barnsley on Saturday. Football League World reports that the Whites are ready to better the terms of their previous offer, which is rumoured to have included a wage packet of around £25,000, in a bid to secure the services of the 19 year-old beyond next summer.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/11/fulham-prepare-new-contract-offer-for-carvalho/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss Silva could stick with Hector

Marco Silva has hinted that Michael Hector might keep his place in Fulham's starting line-up despite the availability of Tosin Adarabioyo following suspension for the visit of Derby to Craven Cottage on Wednesday.

Hector, who was part of the Whites team that won promotion in 2019, was marginalised for much of last season under Scott Parker and the same looked to be happening for the former Chelsea centre-back this campaign when Silva left him out of his squad for all but four of the first 15 league matches.

However, the 29-year-old was finally given his first taste of Championship action this season, at Blackburn, after Tosin was sent off in the victory at West Brom, and helped the team stroll to a 7-0 win.

A 1-0 win at Peterborough and a 4-1 victory over Barnsley followed and Silva admits he has a decision to make with the former Manchester City youngster available again for selection.

"It will not be an easy decision, not just about Hector because Denis (Odoi) is coming back as well," Silva said.

"I will analyse what we want to do and I will take the decision I believe is the right one for the club and and the starting 11 tomorrow.

"Hector I have only good words for. He knows that when we spoke at the start of the season and he had been away with his national team but he wanted to be involved.

"But the other three defenders were in a better shape than him and in a better position to play.

"He had a long period out of the squad list but he worked harder and harder to show his quality and over the last two weeks he has improved with each game.

"He has had some good performances and it will be tough to decide what to do for sure, but whatever I decide will be for the good of the team."

Victory for leaders Fulham over bottom club Derby, who have zero points after being docked 21 this season by the EFL for breaching profit and sustainability rules, would see the Whites chalk up an eighth successive win.

But Silva said the Rams, who beat second-placed Bournemouth on Sunday, will offer a stiff test to his free-scoring team.

"I congratulate Derby's players and staff for the strong character they have shown and how they are doing given their situation," he said.

"They are always a tough team to beat and the number of defeats they have shows that. They would have already have collected 21 points and the players and staff have shown it is possible to do it.

"They will come here to fight and even if you look at the table their position is not fair to them."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-silva-could-stick-with-hector