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

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Silva anticipates 'tough' Derby test

Marco Silva believes Fulham will receive a stern examination of their Championship promotion credentials when Derby County travel to Craven Cottage on Wednesday night.

The Rams head to London boosted by a brilliant win over Bournemouth on Sunday, especially having been handed a second significant points deduction for financial irregularities early in the week. The Fulham head coach told his pre-match press conference this afternoon that he won't be taking Wayne Rooney's side lightly.

"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. 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. 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 admitted he faces difficult decisions about the exact composition of his starting line-up tomorrow night, with both Denis Odoi and Tosin Adarabioyo available again after suspension.

"It will not be an easy decision. 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 eleven 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 ten 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."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/11/silva-anticipates-tough-derby-test/

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Derby County XI v leaders Fulham predicted - Three key decisions facing Wayne Rooney

The Rams are in Championship action at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night

Injuries to defender Lee Buchanan and striker Sam Baldock will see them miss Derby County's Championship clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Craig Forsyth will come in at left back for Buchanan.

But there are three key decisions facing manager Wayne Rooney. Who starts in attack, at right back and in goal?

The options are Colin Kazim-Richards or skipper Tom Lawrence as a false No.9, a role he has filled at times this season.

Kazim-Richards has started just one of the last seven matches since returning from an Achilles injury that kept him out for two months but he came off the bench to replace Baldock during the first half of Sunday's victory over Bournemouth.

Lawrence played on the left of a 4-3-3 in that game and scored twice in the second half to help Derby to a 3-2 win.

Liam Thompson is likely to start again after the 19-year-old midfielder impressed on his league debut.

Nathan Byrne is available after he missed the Bournemouth fixture due to suspension following his red card in the draw at Millwall. Byrne has started 16 of the 18 league games.

Festy Ebosele filled in at right back for Byrne against Bournemouth but he can also play further forward on the right.

There is competition for the keeper's gloves between Kelle Roos and Ryan Allsop.

Roos was at fault for Bournemouth's opening goal at the weekend when he lost possession as Derby looked to play out from the back. Other than that his performance was fairly solid and he has started the majority of the league games this season.

Predicted Derby XI ...

DERBY COUNTY: Roos; Byrne, Jagielka, Davies, Forsyth; Bird, Thompson, Shinnie; Knight, Kazim-Richards, Lawrence.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-fulham-predicted-team-6248591

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Juventus Identify Mitrovic as Vlahovic Alternative

Juventus are reportedly interested in signing Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Bianconeri have shown a lot of interest in Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic but there is a fair chance they could miss out on his signature. In case that happens, Juve will try to sign his national team colleague Mitrovic, as claimed by Football League World. Villarreal are interested in the 27-year-old as well.

Currently valued at €16m according to Transfermarkt, Mitrovic has been performing brilliantly for Fulham in the Championship, scoring 21 goals while providing five assists in 18 appearances across all competitions so far. He also scored the last-gasp winner that booked Serbia's place in next year's World Cup, against all odds.

Since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Juventus are missing a lethal goal-scorer and Vlahovic would be a massive addition to their squad. However, there is a good chance the Bianconeri could miss out on him due to Fiorentina's asking price.

Mitrovic is a good scorer but his recent performances in top-flight football has been far from convincing. However, that doesn't guarantee that he will not do well in Serie A.



https://cultofcalcio.com/juventus-identify-mitrovic-vlahovic-alternative/

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Derby Matchday Preview

Fulham v Derby County | Wednesday 24th November 2021 | 7.45pm | Craven Cottage | #FULDER

The opposition

    Having previously been docked 12 points for entering administration, Derby were handed another blow last week when a further nine were taken away due to historical financial breaches.
    That put them on -3 points, but they fought back to zero on Sunday with an impressive 3-2 victory over Bournemouth, suggesting there is plenty of character on show in the dressing room.
    In fact, Wayne Rooney's side have proven a fairly tough nut to crack on the pitch this season. They have only been beaten five times in the league, which is fewer defeats than any other side below ninth position in the Championship.

Fulham team news

Marco Silva is able to welcome defenders Denis Odoi and Tosin back to the fold following the pair's respective suspensions, but Ivan Cavaleiro, Nathaniel Chalobah and Jay Stansfield are still recovering from injury.

Derby team news

Right-back Nathan Byrne is eligible again after serving a one-match ban against Bournemouth. Lee Buchanan and Sam Baldock were both substituted with injuries on Sunday - Derby are still awaiting results of scans, but Rooney confirmed in his pre-match press that Buchanan at least is set for a spell on the sidelines.

Tickets

Tickets are still available for supporters to buy on General Sale. Remember, prices increase by £5 on matchday!

Weather

An overcast but dry evening, it will be around seven degrees in SW6 on Wednesday.

Arrive early

Make sure you get to the Cottage in plenty of time to enjoy our early bird refreshment offers. Available until half an hour before kick-off – as will be the case at every home game this season – fans can take advantage of subsidised prices on a number of food, alcoholic and soft drink items.

FFCtv

Domestic and overseas supporters will be able to watch a live stream of the game with a match pass on FFCtv, featuring commentary from Gentleman Jim, Jamie Reid, and Sean Davis.

Player insight

Harry Wilson is sympathetic to the plight that Derby finds itself in, but is keen to keep the momentum going when he faces his former club.

"To see a club that you feel so strongly for being in the situation they're in is obviously sad, but I watched their game [on Sunday] and they've still got a fantastic team who are more than capable of picking up enough points," he told FFCtv.

"They've got nothing to lose. No-one's backing them to stay up so they'll be wanting to prove everyone wrong, so it'll be up to us to keep our good run going, and then a win on Wednesday sets us up nicely for the weekend."

Form

Fulham: WWWWW

Derby: DLLDW

Pre-match quotes

"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."

Marco Silva
Fulham Head Coach

"I think they are aggressive and have the best striker in the league at the moment in Aleksandar Mitrović. They take chances and score a lot of goals, so we know personally that we have to be at it."

Wayne Rooney
Derby County Manager

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/november/23/derby-matchday-preview/

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How do Derby County stop red-hot Mitrovic and Fulham? Here's what Wayne Rooney said

The Rams take on the Championship leaders at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night

Derby County not only face the Championship front runners at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night but also the division's top scorer in Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Fulham have won their last seven matches scoring 25 goals in the process and Mitrovic has hit 11 goals in those games, and 21 for Fulham already this season.

So how do Derby stop Mitrovic?

"It is a good question," Rams boss Wayne Rooney said.

"It is not going to be any special treatment, we have to just work together, make sure as midfield players we are screening, we are shuffling and being aggressive to get to the ball.

"The two centre backs are experienced enough. They have played against players of his quality before, so they have to use all their experience especially when the ball goes out wide because he is a big threat when it comes in the box."

Rooney has been impressed with Fulham, but also believes Derby can cause their opponents problems coming on the back of Sunday's 3-2 victory over second-placed Bournemouth.

The three points against Bournemouth lifted Derby from minus three points to zero points having been deducted 21 points this season.

They sit bottom and face a mamoth task if they are to avoid dropping into League One next season.

"I know Fulham are sitting top of the league, but they have probably been the best team this season. They are aggressive, they have got the best striker in the League at the moment, and they take chances, they score a lot of goals," Rooney said.

"We know defensively we have to be at it, we have to try and deny them opportunities. They put a lot of crosses in the box and Aleksandar Mitrovic has great movement and he is brave, he puts his head on things.

"But we know if we go there and do the right things, we have a chance of winning. We are not going there to roll over or to try and nick a point. We know the position we are in and we have to win games, we have to go into games to get three points, and that is what we will be aiming to do.

"If we go there and we are passive and let Fulham move the ball and do what they want, it will be a long night for us. So we have to go there, be on the front foot, be aggressive. I feel if we do that we can create chances and also play our game and make it difficult for Fulham.

"They are all tough games in their own ways. Wherever you go it is a tough game for different reasons.

"I think Fulham have got a good balance, so we have to be aware because they can hurt you. As long as we are aware and keep our concentration, we will be in the game. We will be a difficult opponent for them to play against."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-fulham-rooney-mitrovic-6249919

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Tom Lawrence makes Derby County vow ahead of Fulham clash after latest points blow

The Rams travel to high-flying Fulham on the back of a morale-boosting 3-2 victory over Championship promotion hopefuls Bournemouth

Tom Lawrence has vowed that Derby County will keep battling to defy the odds in their bid for Championship survival.

The Rams are rock bottom of the table after being deducted a total of 21 points amid the club's off-the-field crisis.

Having been initially hit with a 12-point deduction for entering administration, Derby were docked a further nine points last week for breaching the EFL's Profitability and Sustainability rules.

Wayne Rooney's men, though, responded to that blow in positive style, beating promotion hopefuls Bournemouth 3-2 at Pride Park Stadium on Sunday, with two goals from captain Lawrence.

"It was a massive win," Lawrence told RamsTV. "After the week that we've had, everyone in that changing room deserves it, and especially these fans."

"At half time, the manager just said to go and give it a go. We've got nothing to lose and I thought the lads were tremendous in the second half. They battled for everything.

"Young Liam Thompson on his first appearance was amazing today so all credit to him. He's a great lad but the technical aspect of his game is amazing and he helped us massively today."

Derby are now on zero points - 15 points from safety - but the Bournemouth result will have given them a timely boost going into Wednesday night's tough-looking trip to table-topping Fulham.

"We've just got to take it one game at a time," Lawrence continued. "Not every game is going to be a result like this because the Championship is a tough league.

"We will keep battling and keep giving 100% every game and see where we get to at the end of the season."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tom-lawrence-derby-county-fulham-6249766

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Fulham boss Marco Silva makes 'not fair' comment in message to Derby County

The Rams travel to Craven Cottage as they look to pick up more points in the fight against relegation from the Championship.

Fulham manager Marco Silva has sent a congratulations message to Derby County over how the players have conducted themselves in a difficult situation.

The Rams sit bottom of the Championship table after being deducted a total of 21 points by the EFL after entering administration.

While the search for a buyer for the club goes on, the players are fighting to climb the table and pull off an unlikely escape from relegation.

A 3-2 win over Bournemouth at the weekend meant that Derby moved back out of the negative points.

And it's performances like that at the weekend that has prompted praise from the boss of the next opponents, with Silva claiming that the position is 'not fair' to Wayne Rooney and the Derby squad.

"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," the Fulham boss said in his pre-match press conference.

"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."

Ahead of the game at Craven Cottage, Silva has called for a similar performance to that that saw his team come out as 4-1 winners over Barnsley at the weekend.

"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," he added.

"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."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-derby-marco-silva-message-6250785

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Jasper scores as Colchester end Exeter's unbeaten run

Sylvester Jasper scored a fine opening goal as Colchester United ended Exeter City's fifteen game unbeaten run tonight.

The Fulham winger scored his third goal of his impressive loan spell at the U's to give the hosts an eleventh minute lead. He collected a clever pass from Luke Hannant, turned sharply and steered a superb shot in off the post. Noah Chilvers doubled Colchester's lead just before the break, and although Matt Jay reduced City's arrears midway through the second period, the evergreen Freddie Sears made sure of all three points for United sixteen minutes from time.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/11/jasper-scores-as-colchester-end-exeters-unbeaten-run/

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Released Fulham man Ryan De Havilland is on the move again

Released Fulham man Ryan De Havilland is on the move again following his departure from Craven Cottage.

Fulham made the decision to part company with him at the end of last season.

De Havilland, 20, became a free agent at the end of June and was patient as he waited to find a new club.

Portsmouth had a look at him on trial, as reported by The News, but decided not to sign him in the end.

Barnet move
Barnet then offered him a deal last month and he penned a long-term contract with the National League outfit.

However, the Bees have now offloaded him on loan to Hayes and Yeading United.

De Havilland made his debut for his new club last night in their 3-0 win over Merthyr Town (see tweet below).

Fulham spells
De Havilland played in the academy at Reading as a youngster before switching to Fulham.

He went on to make three first-team appearances for the Cottagers, all of which came in the EFL Trophy.

The midfielder was a regular for their Under-18s side before making the step up to the Under-23s.

De Havilland made a total of 25 appearances in the Premier League 2, chipping in with two goals and two assists altogether.

What now?
Barnet seemingly see him as one for the future as they handed him a lengthy deal.

His new move to Hayes and Yeading gives him a chance to get some game time under his belt.



https://the72.co.uk/256184/released-fulham-man-ryan-de-havilland-is-on-the-move-again/

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Silva has no regrets about not starting with Rodak

Fulham boss Marco Silva insists he has no regrets about not starting the Championship season with Marek Rodak in goal.

Rodak, an integral part of Fulham's promotion-winning side in 2019, was jettisoned for loanee Alphonse Areola in the Whites' doomed Premier League campaign and it looked as if he was to spend another season warming the bench when Paulo Gazzaniga was installed as first choice by Silva.

But after an uncertain start to the season that saw the promotion favourites lose three and draw two of their first 11 matches, keeping just two clean sheets in the process, Gazzaniga was axed in favour of Rodak following a 4-1 humbling by Coventry.

Since the Slovenian stopper's recall, Fulham have chalked up seven wins and conceded just twice to move to the top of the Championship table.

Victory over bottom club Derby at Craven Cottage on Wednesday will leave Silva's side just three wins shy of the club-record 11 straight recorded by Jean Tigana's promotion winners in 2000, and Silva acknowledges that Rodak's performances have been a key factor in his side's impressive run.

"Marek is doing fantastic. He is doing really, really well," Silva said.

"He waited for his chance and during the pre-season he got a small issue at an important moment before the start of the season and Paulo had just joined the football club.

"He played the last pre-season match and I had to decide who would be first choice and I went with Paulo who started the season very well.

"The reason I decided to start with Marek again was not because it was Paulo's fault we had a bad result.

"But Marek when he wasn't playing was always pushing and working hard and I decided to give the shirt to him and he has been fully deserving of it.

"In seven games he has five clean sheets and has made good saves in the matches and he knows what we expect from him and I expect him to keep improving and working hard."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-has-no-regrets-about-not-starting-with-rodak

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Harry Wilson has been tearing it up since £12 million Liverpool exit

It came with a heavy heart as Harry Wilson left Liverpool after 16 years in July, but the midfielder's choice has been vindicated with incredible form at Fulham.

The decision was amicable and unanimous, with Wilson unable to break into Jurgen Klopp's first-team plans and too good to simply head out on loan again.

After spells with Hull, Derby, Bournemouth and Cardiff, the 24-year-old opted to join Fulham on a permanent deal, with the two clubs agreeing a delayed payment structure on their £12 million package.

Those first instalments will be paid to Liverpool in 2022, and with Fulham currently top of the Championship and nine points clear of third-placed West Brom, they should be happy with that arrangement.

Key to their excellent form so far – which has brought 13 wins, two draws and just three losses from 18 games – has been the end product of Wilson in the No. 8 shirt.

The weekend's 4-1 win over Barnsley saw the Welshman score one and assist another, to bring his tally for the season so far to six goals and seven assists in 15 appearances.

Wilson is averaging a goal or assist every 99 minutes in the second tier, with only four players, including team-mate Aleksandar Mitrovic (26) and former Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke (15), directly contributing to more than his combined 13.

In his last six games, Wilson has scored three times and assisted four, starting every game in which he has been available and completing the full 90 minutes on 10 occasions – including in each of the last six outings.

There will be a sense of pride from the academy coaches at Kirkby, along with Klopp himself, as Wilson finds his feet as a key player at his new permanent club.

It could pay off in the future, too, with Liverpool agreeing a 15 percent sell-on clause with Fulham that would see them bank some of the profits if he was to be sold in the future.

Under those terms, it is likely that the club would receive 15 percent of any fees above that £12 million agreed with the Cottagers; for example, £1.2 million if he were to move for £20 million.

That is all conjecture at this stage, and more likely is that Wilson could finally be given a chance to prove himself as a permanent fixture of a Premier League if Fulham achieve promotion as expected.

If they do make it back to the top flight, there is a strong chance the playmaker has had a big influence between now and May.



https://www.thisisanfield.com/2021/11/harry-wilson-has-been-tearing-it-up-since-12-million-liverpool-exit/

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Club 'seriously considering' buying Fulham man 'as early as January'

Fulham's relegation from the Premier League last season convinced André-Frank Zambo Anguissa to look for a new club in the summer and he had to wait until deadline day to get a loan move to Napoli.

The Serie A side retain an option to make the midfielder's stay permanent and his fine displays so far have convinced them to exercise the buying option next summer.

Anguissa cemented his place in Luciano Spalletti's starting lineup and his performances have resulted in repeated claims stating the Naples club plan to sign him on a permanent deal at the end of the new season.

Calciomercato now brings an update, explaining the Italian club are 'seriously considering redeeming' the Cameroon international 'as early as January'.

The price for the buying option is set at €15m and that's the figure Napoli plan to pay the Cottagers to secure the Fulham owned player's long-term future.

This contradicts some earlier claims.

At one point it was suggested Napoli would make the move permanent even before January, then that was rubbished by the club. Then came claims the club would try and negotiate the €15m figure down, which seemed very much on the cheeky side.

Given how Napoli tend to work in these things, it would seem far too straightforward for them to pay the clause, pay it without any negotiating, not try to spread payments over five years, and do all of that before they actually need to.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-seriously-considering-buy-fulham-man-early-january/

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Fulham team news and predicted XI to face Derby County

On the back of seven-straight wins, Marco Silva will be hoping his Fulham side can continue their fantastic form as they face Derby County at Craven Cottage.

Following their comfortable 4-1 thrashing of Barnsley, Silva has recently seen his side move to top of the league and have gone on an impress run of conceding just two goals in seven games.

Denis Odoi and Tosin Adarabioyo could feature tonight following their respective suspensions. Michael Hector who has filled in for Tosin has only conceded one goal in the three games he has missed.

"It will not be an easy decision," Silva said to Fulham's Official Website about the selection dilemma. "Not just Hector, but Denis as well is coming back. It's two not easy decisions."

Jean Michaël Seri who was involved in two World Cup qualifiers for Ivory Coast was only fit enough for the bench but we expect him to start following his superb 10-minute cameo on the weekend.

The front three have been in stunning form this season Aleksandar Mitrović, Harry Wilson and Neeskens Kebano have 31 goals and 17 assists this season and will look to add to that tonight.

The manager's verdict: (Marco Silva speaking to Fulham's Official Website).

"They have strong character and strong personality, and quality as well. And the staff as well, with the manager, its possible (they stay up). For sure they will come here to match us, they come here to fight."

Predicted line up: (4-2-3-1)

(GK) Rodák

(RB) Tete

(CB) Tosin

(CB) Ream

(LB) Robinson

(CM) Reed

(CM) Seri

(RW) Wilson

(CAM) Carvalho

(LW) Kebano

(ST) Mitrović

Opposition

Wayne Rooney's side are on zero points after making up their 21 points they were deducted. Having done Fulham a favour on the weekend beating AFC Bournemouth 3-2 they will come into this game full of confidence believing they can get a result off anyone.

They will be without their starting left-back Lee Buchanan who picked up an injury in the final stages of the Bournemouth game, recently confirmed by Wayne Rooney.

How to watch

For fans unable to attend Craven Cottage tonight, they will be able to still watch the game live on the Sky Sports Red Button.
Prediction

With the form Fulham are in, it is hard to look past a Fulham victory. We expect Derby to make it difficult for Fulham but with the quality they have on display we expect them to score a couple tonight.

Score prediction: Fulham 3-0 Derby County



https://the72.co.uk/256165/fulham-team-news-and-predicted-xi-to-face-derby-county/

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Fulham's 5 highest earning players in 2021/22 and their transfer market values
Fulham have enjoyed a fantastic run in recent games which has seen them win seven straight games and move to top of the league.

Marco Silva has seen his score 48 goals in the league, 15 more than any other side. The Championship's top scorer Aleksandar Mitrović has got 21 goals to his name and is well on the way to breaking all sort of records.

With the high calibre of talent at Fulham, we took a look at their five highest earning players according to SalarySport, and their current transfer marker values...

1. Jean Michaël Séri: £65,000-a-week
The forgotten man at Fulham has turned his career round and has become a real fan favourite. The holding midfielder has a range of passing skills and brings creativity to a already talented side, he has chipped in with five assists this season.

Transfermarkt value the 30-year-old at just £3.6million despite Fulham paying £27million for his signature in 2018.

2. Aleksandar Mitrović: £43,000-a-week
Goal-scoring royalty in the Championship, Mitrović has chipped in with 26 goal contributions including two hat-tricks. Fulham's main man has been giving defenders nightmares all season and is currently on a run of scoring in seven straight games.

The Serbian is valued at £14.4million on Transfermarkt but you would arguably have to pay double if Fulham were to even consider selling him.

3. Anthony Knockaert: £38,000-a-week
With all Fulham's quality players, you forget that Knockaert is still at the club, the winger has not featured for Fulham in the league and has only made two cup appearances.

Knockaert's contract expires in the summer of 2023 and is currently valued £2.7million on Transfermarkt.

4. Alfie Mawson: £35,000-a-week
Arguably Fulham's fourth choice centre back, Mawson's Fulham career has been injury hit and rather disappointing. The former Swansea man has featured six times in the league with five of those appearances off the bench.

Despite costing £13.5million in the summer, Mawson is currently worth £3.6million on Transfermarkt.

5. Nathaniel Chalobah: £34,000-a-week
A recent arrival from Watford in the summer, Chalobah has only appeared in four games this season having had a couple setbacks with injuries. The former England international will be hoping to return to full fitness but will have some work to do to get into a competitive midfield.

Transfermarkt value the 26-year-old at £4.5million who has one assist to his name this season.



https://the72.co.uk/256082/fulhams-5-highest-earning-players-in-2021-22-and-their-transfer-market-values/

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Neeskens Kebano: Fulham's king on the wing

Neeskens Kebano wasn't exactly a household name when he joined Fulham in 2016. Football fans are now understandably wary of a well-put together Youtube highlight reel that can make anyone appear a world beater, but there is something about a tricky little winger that gets the pulse racing. The Congolese winger had a promising debut just days after arriving at Blackburn and contributed crucial goals as the Whites climbed the table in the second half of the season under Slavisa Jokanovic, but could never nail down a place in the side.

He had almost drifted out of the picture entirely when his energy, drive and some sensational free-kicks enlivened Fulham's run to – and, indeed, through the Championship play-offs. His reward for injecting some life in what was a pretty predictable side was scant, though, becoming one of those laudable club servants who were jettisoned during another dismal Premier League campaign. Kebano ended the season on loan at Middlesbrough and you could have been forgiven for thinking the likeable winger's Fulham career was over.

There's no greater indication of the fact that Marco Silva offered a clean slate for everyone that the way Kebano has gradually become one of the key components of this adventurous side. He started the season in the side as injuries denied Fulham the services of some key players and a brilliant display at Millwall showed that he had the potential to deliver at this level. If there was ever any doubt about his value, Kebano proved he is more than just flicks and tricks on his way to terrorising countless full backs and seizing his chance to impress after Ivan Cavaleiro got injured.

It isn't fanciful to suggest that a former Fulham favourite might have also helped this revival. Luis Boa Morte was also a character who added pace and excitement to a very watchable Whites side from the wide positions. A left winger by trade, Boa Morte is now Silva's number two at Craven Cottage and it isn't difficult to discern his own influence on Kebano's more consistent displays. Where we once wondered about an end product, the Congolese winger has added four goals and five assists already – just two goals short of his best scoring return for Fulham, which came in his very first season by the Thames.

Such is the scale of the turnaround that Kebano has become one of the first names on Silva's teamsheet. He is revelling in the freedom to express himself in a Fulham side that looks frightening each time they go forward and, should he stay injury free, there's no reason why the cheeky chappy can't put together a season to remember.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/11/neeskens-kebano-fulhams-king-on-the-wing/

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Up next: Derby County (h)

Fulham's flawless recent form and a couple of favourable results from last night offer the Whites the tantalising prospect of extending their lead over the Championship's chasing pack to eleven points tonight. Considering that West Brom were five points clear of the Cottagers very recently, that would be some margin. Standing in the way of the construction of such a commanding cushion are Derby County, who head to Craven Cottage this evening buoyed by their terrific victory over Bournemouth on Sunday.

A cursory glance at the table reveals that the Rams are rock bottom without a point to their name. But that scarcely tells the story of what Wayne Rooney has had to experience in his first managerial job. Mel Morris' gamble on returning one of the country's sleeping giants to English football's top table finally caught up with Derby this summer as the club, already under investigation for breaching the EFL's profit and sustainability rules, went into administration. The EFL announced another points deduction last week, bringing their handicap to a total of 21 points, and Rooney has had to rustle together a squad from the remnants of a side he strove to keep above water last term, bright youth prospects and experienced hands who were without a club at the start of the campaign.

By any measure, the former England captain is doing a remarkable job. His makeshift side, with three centre backs whose combined age easily passes a hundred, have lost just five games all season, which is some achievement since everyone had them as the division's whipping boys in August. Derby have lost only three of their last twelve fixtures and they have rediscovered a scoring touch, finding the net in each of their last six matches. They were outstanding against Bournemouth, responding to both the off-field adversity and a bit of self-inflicted jeopardy when a disastrous goalkick routine gifted the Cherries a route back into the contest. Determined and dynamic, they refused to let one of the promotion contenders settle into their usual rhythm and dictate the terms of the contest – completing dominating the second half with a comeback inspired by the creativity of Tom Lawrence, who curled in a sensational equaliser before adding the winning penalty.

Lawrence has long been a proven performer at this level – with his vision, range of passing and eye for goal making him one of the Championship's consistent players in recent years. But Derby's resilience doesn't just come from their gifted captain as Rooney has a midfield of skilled practitioners to choose from. Jason Knight, who headed the Rams into the lead against Bournemouth on Sunday, has come through the club's academy to win full international honours with the Republic of Ireland and Liam Thompson looks like the latest talent off the conveyor belt after his mature league debut last weekend.

Rooney will need to rejig his side again this evening as the club's injury crisis continues to bite. Full back Lee Buchanan will be out for between six and eight weeks after injury his knee in the dying embers of that brilliant win over Bournemouth, which means Craig Forsyth should come back in at right back. Sam Baldock also picked up a hamstring injury against the Cherries and Colin Kazim-Richards, who came off the bench on Sunday, should lead the line in SW6.

It is clear from the words of Harry Wilson, who enjoyed a stunning season on loan at Pride Park earlier in his career, and Marco Silva that Fulham won't be taking Derby lightly tonight. The Rams have already shown how they are no respecters of reputations and the Whites have been caught cold by unfancied sides already this season – witness the defeats by Blackpool and Reading as well as the draw at Bristol City. But Fulham should head into this fixture full of confidence having dismantled Barnsley on Saturday and Silva has the luxury of strengthening his side should he wish.

You would expect Tosin Adarabioyo to return to the heart of the defence following his three-match suspension. That might be harsh on Michael Hector, who covered well in the former Manchester City man's absence, but Adarabioyo and Ream remain Fulham's most reliable central defensive combination and Adarabioyo's confidence on the ball and towering physique make him an ideal fit for the way Silva wants to play. Denis Odoi is available again after his own ban, but the Belgian utility man will probably have to make do with a spot on the bench after Kenny Tete's sumptuous cross unlocked the Barnsley back line for Aleksandar Mitrovic so efficiently.

Jean Michael Seri might have been rested against the Tykes, but he took barely a couple of minutes to remind us all of his enduring quality after coming off the bench by producing a sublime assist for Wilson. The fact that Fulham have such supreme strength in depth is one of the reasons why Silva has always been tipped to lead this side back to the Premier League at the first time of asking and it seems like Fulham's established front three (Kebano, Wilson and Mitrovic) are striking genuine fear into Championship defences. Supplied by a midfield stacked with the creativity of Tom Cairney and Fabio Carvalho amongst others, you wouldn't back against the Cottagers completing a century of league goals given the accent on attacking.

Derby will represent a stern test of whether Fulham can continue to pass their way around well-organised defences. They will be diligent, dogged and determined. It might require plenty of patience to wear them down – and, with the talent Rooney's side possesses in the forward areas, they will be a threat to Marek Rodak's goal as well. But maintaining focus by not getting carried away with recent results has been the hallmark of Silva's side over the past month or so. Another three points would put the Whites in the perfect position before our trip to Preston on Saturday lunchtime.

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



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/11/up-next-derby-county-h-2/

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Napoli keen to make Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa loan from Fulham permanent

Napoli are reportedly keen to make midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's loan deal permanent by as early as January.

Anguissa signed for Fulham after their promotion to the Premier League back in 2018. He was then loaned out a year later to Spanish side Villarreal following their relegation.

The 26-year-old then returned to West London following Fulham's promotion back to the Premier League, and was a mainstay for the side. However, he could not prevent them from going straight back down.

Anguissa then signed a three-year deal back in August before being loaned out to the Italian side for the season.

He has made 11 appearances for the club so far in all competitions. Anguissa claimed the man of the match award as Napoli claimed a 0-0 draw against Jose Mourinho's Roma back in October.

According to Calciomercato, the Cameroon international would be available for €15million in January, should the Neapolitan's want to take up the early option.

Anguissa facing spell on sidelines

Anguissa will be out for the next couple of games. He picked up an abductor injury during Napoli's 3-2 defeat against Inter Milan on Sunday.

In a statement released on the club website, the Italian side said: "Anguissa underwent diagnostic tests that revealed a distracting lesion of the left abductor. The blue midfielder has started the rehabilitation process."

The club have not said how long he will be out for, but he will definitely miss Wednesday's Europa League clash against Spartak Moscow in the Russian capital.

Despite Sunday's defeat Napoli remain top of the Serie A table. The league's other unbeaten side AC Milan also lost their unbeaten run after a 4-3 defeat to Fiorentina. Both Milan and Napoli are level on 32 points, but Napoli have a better goal difference.



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/napoli-keen-anguissa-loan-deal-permanent

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Fulham v Derby: Match preview, form, team news and more

Fulham take on Derby County this evening in the Sky Bet Championship at Craven Cottage, as top of the league welcomes bottom to west London.

The Lilywhites have been in superb form since the middle of October, winning every single league game and scoring a hatful along the way.

Indeed, it's now seven games on the spin that they have won, with 25 goals being tucked away in the process.

Formidable results, then, and Derby know tonight is going to be a big challenge – but certainly far from the toughest they have had recently given their off-field issues.

Sitting on 0 points, their situation is stark but their form this year, without points deductions, would have them in 18th in the table, so it's clear they will still pose a challenge to their hosts tonight – especially after they beat 2nd placed Bournemouth at the weekend 3-2.

In terms of team news, Fulham have a deep squad to pick from with Denis Odoi and Tosin Adarabioyo now back available after respective suspension periods, whilst Marco Silva will need to decide whether Bobby Decordova-Reid returns to the attacking quartet, and at whose expense.

Lee Buchanan and Sam Badlock will be missing for Derby, meanwhile, after picking up injuries against the Cherries on Sunday, whilst Craig Forsyth will return to the side because of that. Jack Stretton, meanwhile, also remains out.

It's a game that Fulham will be favourites for, then, but Derby have shown that they're more than up for a battle against anyone, and we'll see how both fare come 7:45pm tonight.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-v-derby-match-preview-form-team-news-and-more/

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Wayne Rooney reveals how Derby County plan to tame Aleksandar Mitrovic ahead of Fulham match

Derby County manager Wayne Rooney has revealed there won't be a special plan to combat Aleksandar Mitrovic in his side's clash against Fulham tonight, speaking ahead of this match to Derbyshire Live.

The Serbian international has been in scintillating form so far this season, scoring 21 goals in 18 league appearances and playing a huge part in making his side the most formidable attacking team in the second tier.

Only scoring three goals in the Premier League last term, he has vastly benefitted from the club's managerial change over the summer, enduring a 'strained' relationship with ex-boss Scott Parker but thriving under current manager Marco Silva as the Cottagers currently sit at the top of the Championship.

The 27-year-old has netted in each of his last seven matches and scored in all but four of his 18 second-tier displays going into tonight's clash with the Rams.

After a solid defensive start to their 2021/22 season, Rooney's side have been leaky at the back in recent games, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last six games and will be consigned to relegation early on next year if they fail to address this issue.

With this and the two side's contrasting league positions, a carefully-formed plan to deal with main man Mitrovic would have been expected to nullify his threat and give the East Midlands side the best possible chance of winning.

But Rooney remains unfazed by the 27-year-old and believes the likes of Curtis Davies and Phil Jagielka have enough know-how to cope, saying: "It is a good question (on how to deal with Mitrovic).

"It is not going to be any special treatment, we have to just work together, make sure as midfield players we are screening, we are shuffling and being aggressive to get to the ball.

"The two centre backs are experienced enough. They have played against players of his quality before, so they have to use all their experience especially when the ball goes out wide because he is a big threat when it comes in the box."

The Verdict:

Although it may seem like madness to not give Mitrovic any 'special treatment' considering how well he's playing for the Cottagers at the moment, they also have other attacking threats the Rams will need to keep an eye on.

The likes of Neeskens Kebano, Harry Wilson, Fabio Carvalho and Bobby Decordova-Reid will also give Derby plenty of headaches in defence and this is why they will need to be switched on at all times if they want to get anything out of this match at Pride Park, even as hosts.

Looking back, the most dangerous thing for Rooney's men tonight is the fact their opponents seem to have had their blip already this term, failing to be clinical enough against Reading and Leeds United in September but rectifying that and being in impressive attacking form ever since.

The key to Derby winning a point or three tonight will be striking the right balance between trying to outscore their opponents and remaining solid in defence.

They have shown they can do both after defending well in the early stages of the season and attacking with intent in recent games, most notably against Bournemouth at the weekend against a side that has been reasonably solid before then, but the two need to combine if they want to get a result from this upcoming clash.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/wayne-rooney-reveals-how-derby-county-plan-to-tame-aleksandar-mitrovic-ahead-of-fulham-match/

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Liverpool and Leeds target offered huge money to stay in Championship

Fulham have made one final attempt to keep star youngster Fabio Carvalho at the club, according to reports.

Carvalho, 19, has been turning heads with his performances at Craven Cottage this season. From eight league starts, the youngster has scored four and assisted one more. Now, Football League World have reported that the club have made one final big money offer to convince the young playmaker to stay.

Carvalho, who is represented by super-agent Jorges Mendes, has been strongly linked with a move to Premier League side Liverpool.

Other clubs such as Leeds, West Ham and Real Madrid are all said to be on notice for the winger's availability.

Carvalho is currently out of contract in summer, and could be allowed to leave for free at the climax of this season.

However, a big money offer could tempt the player to stay at Fulham, where he rose through the academy ranks.

Another factor could be promotion – Fulham currently sit first in the Championship table and look set for a return to the top division.

On the weekend, Carvalho returned to action having not started in the the league since August.

Having been out through injury, the England youth player admitted he is happy to be back playing.

He told the club's official website: "I'm glad to be back. I'm playing in front of the fans as well, who I love.

"It's great to be back. Obviously, you can't play every game. I've come back from injury, I'm not going to start straightaway. I got my chance today and I took it, so I'm very happy."

Former Fulham man makes non-league move

Meanwhile, released Fulham man Ryan De Havilland has found a new club in non-league outfit Barnet.

De Havilland was released by The Cottagers following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

Having had trials at Portsmouth, De Havilland now has a long-term contract with Barnet.

The 20-year-old has already been sent out on loan to Hayes and Yeading United.



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/fabio-carvalho-big-money-liverpool-leeds