Sunday Fulham Stuff - 19/12/21...

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Results

Saturday
Cardiff	P-P	Derby
M'borough	1-0	Bournemouth
Blackburn	4-0	Birmingham
Blackpool	3-1	P'borough
Bristol City	2-3	Huddersfield
Coventry	P-P	Stoke
Millwall	P-P	Preston NE
Forest	2-1	Hull
QPR	P-P	Swansea
Reading	P-P	Luton

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Sheff Utd Matchday Preview

Fulham v Sheffield United | Monday 20th December 2021 | 7.45pm | Craven Cottage | #FULSHU

The opposition

    It came as a bit of a shock to Fulham fans when Sheffield United parted with the services of Slaviša Jokanović a few weeks back, given his reputation for coming into his own in the second half of seasons. That said, the Blades have had a bit of a bounce under Paul Heckingbottom, winning both games so far.
    Oliver Norwood has been a regular in the midfield for United this season, featuring in 19 of their 21 matches to date. Ollie was a popular member of Jokanović's Fulham side that went up in 2018, scoring five times in 41 games, but saved one of his most crucial contributions for the Play-Off Final when his brave block kept out his now-teammate Conor Hourihane.
    Norwood isn't the only former Fulham man making an impact at Bramall Lane, with Wes Foderingham currently deputising in goal. Our Academy graduate is in for the injured Robin Olsen, and is certainly staking a claim for a regular spot with recent performances.

Fulham team news

The Whites currently have a near-clean bill of health, with Marco Silva revealing in his press conference that Jay Stansfield is our only absentee heading into Monday.

Sheffield United team news

Olsen is closing on a return but Monday will come too soon for the Sweden international, while the same is true of midfielder Adlène Guedioura. Rhian Brewster is out with a hamstring injury, but John Fleck could feature for the first time since collapsing on the pitch at Reading a month ago.

Covid protocols

Fans are reminded that they will need to show either a valid vaccine passport or proof of a negative lateral flow test in order to be admitted to the ground. This process will slow down entry to Craven Cottage, so we advise that you arrive at least an hour prior to kick-off to ensure you don't miss any of the game.

Matchday protocols

Early bird offers

With gates open from 5.15pm, why not get in nice and promptly and take advantage of our early bird offers on a number of food items, as well as soft and alcoholic beverages?

Virtual mascots

Fulham will be cheered on by our virtual mascots Teddy, Mikey and Noah on Monday.

Tickets

Fans can still purchase General Sale tickets for this fixture. Buy before Monday to avoid the £5 price increase!

Coverage

This match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, though commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid will be available on FFCtv.

Player insight

Joe Bryan believes Fulham deserve to be top of the Championship, but is keen to start turning draws into wins.

"We are where we are for a reason, so we've got to do our best to show that again on Monday," he told fulhamfc.com. "We've not shown it for a few weeks now, so we're all ready to fight to get back to winning ways.

"I think with the quality of the squad we've got, any points that we don't get are seen as dropped points.

"We should be trying to pick up maximum points in every game. There are very few games in this league that we would look at and be happy to draw."

Form

Fulham: WDDDD

Sheff Utd: LDWWW

Pre-match quotes

"We have to make things really difficult for them, they will come here to match us, but playing at Craven Cottage with our fans behind us, we want to keep this unbeaten run, but we want to take three points."

Marco Silva
Fulham Head Coach

"Wonderful football club, historic and a great place to play football - one of the best grounds - but make no mistake about it, friendships will go out the window for 90 minutes."

Ollie Norwood
Sheffield United midfielder

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/december/18/sheff-utd-matchday-preview/

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Report: Newcastle want to sign Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo in January

Newcastle United are looking to address their defensive woes with the signing of Fulham defender and former Manchester City man, Tosin Adarabioyo, during the January window.

The Magpies shipped another three goals at Liverpool this week. It continues their run of miserable results this season and Eddie Howe could very much take his side into January as a bottom three club.

But, according to The Times, Howe is hoping to arrest his side's defensive woes with the signing of Adarabioyo from Fulham in January. The 24-year-old, who just shy of being 6ft 5″, has been in supreme form for the Cottagers this season as they try to climb back to the Premier League.

The former City man has started 18 Championship games, and only missed three due to suspension in November.

The Times claims that Adarabioyo has been on the Newcastle radar for some time. Interestingly, it appears the defender was someone Steve Bruce wanted to sign as well. The report also claims that Marseille defender, Boubacar Kamara, is on the Toon's hit-list.

Previously of Blackburn, Adarabioyo's then-teammate Darragh Lenihan sung the young defenders praises.

"He's brilliant. His distribution is excellent, he's quick, he's big, he has all the attributes. I've said to him that he has all the attributes to play for Manchester City in my opinion," Lenihand told the Lancashire Telegraph.

TBR's View: Newcastle Will Need More than Tosin Adarabioyo To Stop The Slide

PIF were probably hoping just a couple of signings in January might do the business for Newcastle. But as time drags on, it becomes clearer and clearer that they need more than a few.

Adarabioyo would be a solid enough – if unspectacular – addition to the ranks. He's done well with Fulham and Lenihan points out, does have a lot of good attributes. Adding Kamara, too, would also make sense.

However, Newcastle will need big improvements and quickly. Otherwise, Championship football might well beckon again for the Toon Army.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-newcastle-want-to-sign-fulham-defender-tosin-adarabioyo-in-january/

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Fulham boss Marco Silva has 'fingers crossed' for Sheffield United match amid Covid chaos

Fulham boss Marco Silva says his club are taking measures to try and ensure Monday's match against Sheffield United at Craven Cottage goes ahead

Fulham boss Marco Silva says he has his 'fingers crossed' that the match against the Blades will not be postponed due to Covid.

Neither side has suffered an outbreak this season, but nothing can be counted on at the moment with matches being called off across the country due to fear about the spread of Covid.

It would be Sheffield United 's first match back after last Monday's clash with QPR was postponed following positive tests among Rangers' players and staff.

Blades and Fulham are scheduled to face each other on Monday night at Craven Cottage, with Sheffield United having won their last three matches while Fulham are top of the table.

As reported by West London Sport, Silva said that his club is taking measures to try and ensure it goes ahead.

He said: "We are trying to do everything we can to avoid the situation.

"I am sure other clubs are doing the same, but even when you think you are doing everything well and doing everything to protect yourselves and the people around, you never know what can happen.

"It is fingers crossed, but nothing has happened to us over the last few days or weeks but in London the situation is a lot different and I am sure every single club is doing their best but sometimes you just need some luck."

Silva also went on to say that he expected vaccinations to become mandatory next season if the situation does not change.

He said: "I am not saying right now in the middle of the season, but if this Covid will be part of our society in 2022 I don't have any doubt it could happen.

"But I don't think it will be something that happens in the middle of the season. But in the future it's something the Premier League, the EFL and other countries could decide to do because everyone would be more protected.

"I am not an expert, but all of us will be more protected if we get vaccinated definitely so let's see what the organisations do."

The match is due to kick off on Monday at 7.45pm.



https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/sheffield-united-fulham-fingers-crossed-22504191

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2 dilemmas Marco Silva has at Fulham ahead of Sheffield United clash

Marco Silva will be a little relieved that West Bromwich Albion were unable to take maximum points from their trip to Barnsley on Friday evening, in preparation for Fulham's hosting of Sheffield United on Monday evening.

The Cottagers have been forced to look over their shoulders a touch in recent weeks after a run of seven straight league wins has been followed by four draws in succession.

Fulham will have the chance to go six or seven points clear of third place against the Blades, depending on how Blackburn Rovers get on at home to Birmingham City this afternoon, as they get ready to welcome a fellow newly relegated side to Craven Cottage.

Sheffield United had their match postponed last weekend and have only played twice under Paul Heckingbottom, but both of those occasions have yielded three points comfortably allowing supporters to dream again that winning promotion straight back to the Premier League is still achievable this term.

Here, we have taken a look at two dilemmas Marco Silva has at Fulham ahead of their hosting of Sheffield United...

Complacency
There have been signs, and who can blame them, that the Cottagers have taken their foot off the gas in recent weeks after building a seemingly unassailable lead at the summit of the division.

It is a popular opinion that this Fulham squad would more than likely stay up in the Premier League this season and so it is not a surprise to see a mid-season dip in motivation given their position in the league.

Fulham's four draws have come against Derby County, Preston North End, Bournemouth and Luton Town, the most recent two are solid points where the former couple represented very winnable affairs.

Morgan Gibbs-White
One of the standout players in the Championship this season has been the Blades' Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Morgan Gibbs-White.

The 21-year-old showed his potential in a brief loan spell at Swansea City last term before picking up an injury and has carried on where he left off this season.

The England U21 international has scored five and assisted four in the second tier and has been a consistent performer in a very up and down Blades unit.

Gibbs-White holds the key to the Blades kicking on and pushing for the top six in the second half of the campaign.

Silva will need to put a plan together to deal with the threat he poses or the Cottagers will be looking at their second home defeat of the season.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-dilemmas-marco-silva-has-at-fulham-ahead-of-sheffield-united-clash/

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Fulham U18s pegged back by late Arsenal leveller

A late equaliser from Charles Sagoe Junior denied Fulham's under 18s all three points in a London derby at Motspur Park this morning.

Olly Sanderson had put Ali Melloul's youngsters in front just before half time but the hosts were pegged back with six minutes left when Sagoe-Junior fired into the bottom corner after latching onto a cross from Khayon Edwards. The Gunners nearly pinched all three points when a rasping drive from Jack Henry-Francis came back off the crossbar.

Melloul made changes following Fulham's FA Youth Cup exit at Everton last Friday. Michael Allen came in between the sticks and Stefan Parkes replaced Devan Tanton in the back four. Promising younger winger Lemar Gordon stepped up to take Jaylan Wildbore's spot whilst midfielder Chibby Nwoko was promoted from the under 16s onto the bench.

Fulham's youngsters began brightly with a devilish cross from Michael Olakigbe narrowly eluding the home forwards as it flashed through the six-yard box. Delano McCoy-Splatt headed straight at Remy Mitchell after climbing well at the far post before Olakigbe saw a shot deflected just wide of goal. Sanderson nearly broke the deadlock on twenty minutes with an instinctive half-volley after being fed by Gordon but his shot was narrowly off target.

Arsenal, who looked composed in possession throughout, fashioned a good opening for Edwards seven minutes before the break and it required resolute defending from Xavier Benjamin and Harvey Araujo to quell the danger. Fulham profited almost immediately at the other end. Olakigbe made the goal with another burst down the right and Sanderson slotted home his ninth goal in twelve under-18 games this season.

Chances were few and far between in a tight second period with Arsenal much improved after the break. They played purposeful football but took the young Gunners until the seventh minute to force a save out of Allen when the Fulham goalkeeper did brilliantly to keep out a terrific effort from Henry-Francis. Arsenal were now laying siege to the home goal and Fulham had a lucky escape when Taylor Foran's powerful header bounced off the bar and away to safety.

Sanderson thought he had made the points save with his second of the afternoon – a fine rising strike – but Fulham's joy was quickly curtailed by an offside flag. Worse was to follow when Sagoe Junior drove home Edwards' excellent cut back to earn the Gunners the point their second half display merited. Melloul's charges will look to return to winning ways against Brighton in January.

FULHAM UNDER 18s (4-3-3): Allen; De Fougorelles, Parkes, Araujo, Benjamin; Okkas (Parker 90), McCoy-Splatt, Lanquedoc; Gordon (WIldbore 80), Olakigbe, Sanderson. Subs (not used): McNally, Nwoko, Works.

BOOKED: Olakigbe, Okkas.

GOAL: Sanderson (39).

ARSENAL UNDER 18s (4-4-2): Mitchell; Walters, Jeffcott (Quamina 63), Ibrahim, Foran; Awe, Henry-Francis, Bandeira (Vigar 73), Sagoe Junior; Edwards, Flores. Subs (not used): Kovacevic, J. Robinson, Gaspar.

BOOKED: Ibrahim.

GOAL: Sagoe Junior (85).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/12/fulham-u18s-pegged-back-by-late-arsenal-leveller/

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Joe Bryan makes admission over Fulham's recent form ahead of Sheffield United clash

Fulham left-back Joe Bryan believes there are very few games his side should be happy drawing with now they are back in the Championship, speaking to the club's media team.

The Cottagers have endured a frustrating run of form of late, drawing their last four games and scoring just three goals during this run in games where they arguably should have taken all three points.

They may have faced AFC Bournemouth during this run, but on the balance of play, the West London outfit would have been gutted not to have won against their title rival even though they scored a late equaliser, a big relief after going 1-0 down straight after half-time at Craven Cottage.

In fairness to Marco Silva's men, illness did sweep through their camp recently but after conceding just once in their six games prior to this drawing run, the fact they have let in three goals in their last four matches will be a major source of disappointment.

Previously pulling away from the likes of West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers in the promotion mix to establish themselves as firm favourites to win automatic promotion, the Cottagers are just four points ahead of third place.

That margin could be reduced to three if Blackburn Rovers are victorious over Birmingham City this afternoon – and full-back Bryan didn't hide his disappointment about recent ties as he made a bold statement on his side's expectations.

He said: "I think with the quality of the squad we've got, any points that we don't get are seen as dropped points.

"We should be trying to pick up maximum points in every game.

"There are very few games in this league that we would look at and be happy to draw."

The Verdict:

Maximising their points return will be vital for their automatic promotion hopes and this is why Bryan is right to have this mindset, but they also need to find the right balance between putting pressure on themselves and relaxing to help them perform.

There is already a huge amount of expectation on their shoulders from outsides who believe Fulham should be gunning for the title after spending heavily on the likes of Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz during the summer.

This is why boss Silva has a huge and crucial task in managing the mindset of his players, because they face a very tough test on Monday with Sheffield United travelling down to the English capital and a loss or another draw would only drag them further into a genuine battle for the top-two spots.

It was previously them and Bournemouth that were setting the standards at the beginning of the campaign, but with Blackburn on the up and West Brom always likely to be a threat with the quality of their squad, the Cottagers need to start picking up wins sooner rather than later.

Getting Aleksandar Mitrovic back to his best could be key to this, although it's up to the others around him to contribute too.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/joe-bryan-makes-admission-over-fulhams-recent-form-ahead-of-sheffield-united-clash/

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'At least £30m may be needed' – Fulham's stance on defender amid Newcastle United interest: 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...

Premier League side Newcastle United are currently keeping tabs on Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo ahead of the January transfer window, according to The Times.

The Magpies currently sit three points adrift of safety in the top flight, though 17th-placed Watford currently have a game in hand over them and could see the Hornets pull away if they make the most of this advantage.

In Eddie Howe's quest to guide his side to survival, he is already reported to have been monitoring multiple EFL stars ahead of the upcoming window, with Stoke City forward Tyrese Campbell and AFC Bournemouth centre-back Steve Cook both being linked with a move to St James' Park in recent weeks.

24-year-old Adarabioyo is the latest man to be attracting interest from the top-tier side, having previously been monitored by Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers, though it is currently unclear whether he will be allowed to leave Craven Cottage or not with his current side sitting at the top of the Championship table as things stand and are currently in pole position to seal a return to the top flight.

This latest development begs two key questions. Firstly, should the Cottagers look to cash in on him at this stage? And secondly, how much is he worth in today's climate?

We asked three of our writers at Football League World for their verdict on these talking points.

Marcus Ally

Adarabioyo is set to be a crucial player for Fulham in attempting to stay up in the Premier League last season and should not be allowed to leave, unless the Magpies offer silly money.

The former Manchester City man formed a solid partnership with Joachim Andersen in the second half of last season and if the Cottagers were more dynamic in the final third, he would have played a huge role in setting a platform for the club to compete against relegation.

Fulham have the financial wherewithal to convince him to commit his future to the club after winning promotion this season, and with that looking likely they should continue to fend off any interest that comes next month.

Chris Gallagher

They simply cannot afford to cash in on the player in January unless the money is crazy.

Tosin has been an excellent addition for Fulham since signing permanently, and he has all the attributes to go and play in the Premier League for a long time, so it's no surprise to see Newcastle are interested.

However, from Fulham's perspective, losing key players mid-season can't happen as they push for promotion, so unless the Magpies put up a truly ridiculous amount of money then they have to say no because returning to the top-flight is worth way over £100m to the club.

In terms of Tosin's value, he's worth around £15-20m in normal circumstances. That's when you take into account he still has 18 months left on his deal and the fact he is only 24, so he has the potential to get even better.

Therefore, Newcastle would need to make a big offer over that to even bring the Londoners to the table.

Whilst that can't be ruled out with their owners, realistically, it's hard to see that happening and for Fulham the ideal way this plays out is with Tosin helping them to promotion this season.

Toby Wilding

It doesn't seem worth Fulham cashing in on Adarabioyo at this moment in time in all honesty.

Right now the Cottagers are making a big push for promotion back to the Premier League, and Adarabioyo has played a big part in that for them.

As a result, it doesn't seem to make much sense for them to sell him, especially to a side who face a huge task if they are to avoid relegation to the Championship during the second half of this season.

Indeed, with the centre back's contract at Craven Cottage not set to expire until the end of next season, there is no real pressure on Fulham to sell the 24-year-old during the January transfer window.

That, combined with the obvious funds that Newcastle have available to them, mean that Fulham could demand a huge amount for Adarabioyo next month, so it could be argued that a fee of at least £30m may be needed for this deal to get done.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/at-least-30m-may-be-needed-fulhams-stance-on-defender-amid-newcastle-united-interest-the-verdict/

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Hecky's Fulham team news

Paul Heckingbottom says he and his players were gutted last Monday's clash against QPR was suspended because of a Covid outbreak in the R's squad.

The United boss felt his players were ready to be 'let off the lead' against Mark Warburton's side, although he reaffirmed the additional time to prepare for the forthcoming trip to Fulham has been fully utilised

John Fleck is fit and available for selection to face the Cottagers, whilst Rhian Brewster and Adlène Guedioura are progressing well from their respective hamstring and ankle injuries. Roma loanee Robin Oslen is still recovering from a muscular injury sustained on international duty with Sweden and isn't yet in contention to challenge Wes Foderingham for the number one spot.

Heckingbottom admits it's difficult to prepare for games at the moment with uncertainty of Covid possibly affecting team selection, but believes he has a strong mentality and will be able to deal with whatever is thrown at him and his team.



https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2021/december/18/fulham-team-news/

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Fulham manager Marco Silva offers Sheffield United verdict as he prepares for Blades test

Fulham manager Marco Silva has backed Sheffield United to make a push for a Championship play-off place in the second half of this season.

Silva's Fulham side are set to host the Blades at Craven Cottage on Monday night, in what looks set to be a tricky task for the club from the capital.

With both sides having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season, Sheffield United initially endured a challenging start to life back in the Championship.

However, the Yorkshire club have now claimed ten points from their last four games, which includes back to back wins since the appointment of Paul Heckingbottom as manager.

That run has seen the Blades climb to 13th in the Championship table, six points adrift of the play-off places.

Now it seems as though Silva is confident that Sheffield United could overturn that deficit to break into the play-off places, in the coming weeks and months.

Giving his verdict on Heckingbottom's side ahead of Monday's game, the Fulham boss was quoted by The Sheffield Star as saying: "It's a very difficult game, no doubt. Not just because they have shown good form in the last few games and they've achieved good results, which will definitely have boosted their confidence.

"But one of your [media] colleagues asked me some weeks ago about the contenders to be promoted, contenders to be in the Play-Offs.

"And of course there are other teams at the top of the league, six-seven teams at the top of the league, and I said that in my opinion there will be one or two more around, and one of those teams that has picked up is Sheffield United.

"I know the quality they have, the individual quality they have, players that know this competition very well, and the Premier League as well.

"I've played against some of them in the Premier League and I know their quality, I don't have doubts about it.

"And of course, if they are achieving good results, their confidence is in a different level now, and if they are more confident then they are more difficult to beat.

"It will be a tough game for us, but I am 100 per cent sure that it will be really tough for them as well."

For their part, Fulham will go into the game top of the Championship table, although they will be looking to end a run of four consecutive draws.

The Verdict

It does feel hard to argue with Silva's assessment of Sheffield United here.

When you look at the quality of players in that Blades squad, you would certainly expect them to be making a push for promotion this season.

After a slow start to the season, that is something that they are now starting to look like doing, and there is plenty of time for them to get the points they need to overhaul the deficit to the play-off places.

This therefore, is not going to be an easy game for Silva's Fulham on Monday, and that should make for a very interesting watch between the two.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-manager-marco-silva-offers-sheffield-united-verdict-as-he-prepares-for-blades-test/

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Paul Heckingbottom reveals Sheffield United player boost ahead of Fulham clash

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom will be able to call upon Scottish midfielder John Fleck once again on Monday night when the Blades head to west London to face Championship table-toppers Fulham.

Heckingbottom revealed the news when previewing his side's upcoming clash with the Cottagers and it means a selection dilemma could occur.

Fleck had missed just one match this season before United's trip to Reading last month, in what proved to be Slavisa Jokanovic's final game in charge.

However in what was a concerning moment, Fleck went down on the pitch at the Madejski Stadium with no-one around him, with it later being confirmed that he suffered a seizure.

The 30-year-old has not taken part in United's last three matches but has been in training and he can be called upon if he is needed or selected by Heckingbottom in what promises to be a tough encounter against Marco Silva's side.

One player who won't be back though is Robin Olsen who is still recovering from an injury picked up on international duty last month with Sweden, with Wes Foderingham set to retain his place between the sticks.

The Verdict

Even though Heckingbottom has very good options in the middle of the park even without Fleck, his return is definitely a big boost.

He is a player that was a big part of their Premier League success two years ago and he's still a classy operator in the Championship.

It's hoped that his game won't change because of what happened at Reading but there will naturally be some concern considering the seriousness of the issue.

However it will be just a relief to see him on the teamsheet on Monday should that happen – and it probably will do as he's an important part of the United team.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/paul-heckingbottom-reveals-sheffield-united-player-boost-ahead-of-fulham-clash/