Saturday Fulham Stuff - 29/01/22...

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Robinson goal lifts US over El Salvador 1-0 in Cup qualifier


United States' Antonee Robinson (5) celebrates his goal with Weston McKennie (8) and Chris Richards (15) during the second half of a FIFA World Cup qualifying soccer match against El Salvador, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Julio Cortez AP

Antonee Robinson somersaulted a struggling United States into a strong position in World Cup qualifying, just like he did in September. And when he broke through the freeze in the air and the offense, he celebrated with not a single handstand but a double. "We're definitely one step closer," Robinson said after his 52nd-minute goal lifted the U.S. over El Salvador 1-0 on Thursday night to keep the Americans on track for a World Cup return. "It wasn't the prettiest game."

But his goal celebration on a 29-degree night was a showpiece worthy of a gymnast: a forward flip into a backward spring. "It's just one of those muscle-memory things. I've been doing it since I was a kid," he said.

Robinson followed with a stiff-legged walk.

"He kind of scared me because I thought he pulled his hammy," Tim Weah said. No worries. Robinson was mimicking a Kenyan player he saw while playing for Everton's youth team as a teenager in Africa.

"My friend's been on me for weeks to do that celebration, so I had to pull it out," Robinson said. "Didn't tell anyone, so there were a few people scared. It's all part of the fun of enjoying the game."

The U.S. has 18 points with five qualifiers left, one point behind Canada. Mexico has 17, followed by Panama (14), Costa Rica (12), Jamaica (seven), El Salvador (six) and Honduras (three). The top three nations qualify from North and Central America and the Caribbean, and the fourth-place team advances to a playoff against the Oceania champion, likely New Zealand.

The U.S. is at Canada on Sunday and hosts Honduras on Wednesday at St. Paul, Minnesota. Qualifying ends in March with trips to Mexico and Costa Rica around a matchup with Panama in Orlando, Florida.

"We're one step closer to our goal," Robinson said. His nickname is Jedi — it dates to his love for "Star Wars" as a 5-year-old and isn't related to the celebration. "I feel weird being called Antonee," the 24-year-old left back said. "I prefer being called Jedi."

Robinson scored after Weston McKennie played a long ball down the right flank to Weah, who let it bounce three times as he ran past Roberto Domínguez and Eduardo Vigil.

Goalkeeper Mario González made a sliding block on Weah, and the ball rebounded to Jesús Ferreira, a surprise starter in place of Ricardo Pepi. Ferreira headed the ball across the goalmouth and Christian Pulisic let the it bounce past him to Robinson, who kicked it in with his left foot from 8 yards for his second international goal. His tying 42nd-minute goal at Honduras sparked the U.S. to a 4-1 win last September. "We call our fullbacks our superpower," coach Gregg Berhalter said.

"We put an emphasis on our fullbacks arriving in the penalty box." The Americans outshot El Salvador 17-6 and had 62% possession but the offense followed its pattern, scoring 11 of its 13 goals in the second half. The U.S. has won 15 straight over El Salvador at home.

"We lacked connection in our pressing," Berhalter said. "The ambition to play forward and get behind them was missing for the 90 minutes. We had it in spurts."

Matt Turner took over in goal from Zack Steffen, who remained in England because of a bad back. Turner, on the verge of leaving New England for the Premier League, didn't have to make a save.

"Undrafted out of college and now he's playing with the national team and he's headed to Arsenal. It's just an amazing, amazing story, and it's all down to him and his work ethic and his belief in himself and his never-give-up attitude," Berhalter said. "He was calm in all situations, wasn't tested much but was there when we needed him.

And he looked like a player that's going to Arsenal, for sure." The U.S. Soccer Federation scheduled the match in a cold climate to minimize travel and put the chill on El Salvador, which went to a sporting goods store to purchase additional winter gear. El Gráfico, a Salvadoran sports newspaper, headlined the match "En una hielera."

"In a freezer." Snow flurries fell during warmups and the temperature was the same as for the "Guerra Fria" win over Mexico at old Columbus Crew Stadium in February 2001 and the Snow Clasico victory over Costa Rica at Commerce City, Colorado, in March 2013.

U.S. players has electric heated cushions on the bench and refreshments of chicken broth and cider. The locker room temperature was set unusually low to acclimatize the team.

Defenders Walker Zimmerman and Chris Richards were the only starters for either team to wear short sleeves. About 12 minutes in, El Salvador's Enrico Hernández went to the bench and took off his thermal underwear.

Pulisic, McKennie and Tyler Adams started together for just the second time, the first since a March 2019 exhibition against Ecuador. Pulisic struggled to create and was replaced by Brenden Aaronson in the 65th minute.

"The effectiveness could have been more," Berhalter said. "It's just about him finding his top form and really finding ways to get him in front of goal, because that's where he really shines."

NOTES: Mexico rallied for a 2-1 win at Jamaica. Daniel Johnson's 50th-minute goal for the hosts was overcome when Henry Martín scored in the 81st and Alexis Vega in the 83rd. ... Canada won 2-0 at Honduras on Denil Maldonado's 10th-minute own goal and Jonathan David's eighth goal of qualifying in the 73rd. ... Bryan Ruiz's 65th-minute goal led Costa Rica over visiting Panama 1-0.



Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/article257795388.html#storylink=cpy

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USA inch closer to Qatar after workmanlike win over El Salvador

    Robinson's 52nd-minute goal lifts US to 1-0 win over El Salvador
    Americans remain in qualifying position with five matches left
    Canada remain top of Concacaf after 2-0 win over Honduras

Antonee Robinson broke through a freeze in the air and the US offense, scoring a big goal in the 52nd minute that lifted the Americans over El Salvador 1-0 on Thursday night and kept them on track for a return to the World Cup.

The narrow victory on a 29F night that tied the record low temperature for a home American qualifier boosted the US to 18 points with five games left.

The US have two more chilly matchups in the next week and can move to the verge of a berth with victories on Sunday against Canada in Hamilton, Ontario, and Wednesday against Honduras at St Paul, Minnesota. The final three qualifiers are in March.

Canada remained top with 19 points after their 2-0 win over Honduras on Thursday night, Mexico have 17 points after beating Jamaica 2-1, and Panama have 14 followed by Costa Rica with nine. El Salvador are left with six and have virtually no chance to reach this year's tournament in Qatar.

The top three nations qualify, and the fourth-place team advances to a playoff against the Oceania champion, likely New Zealand. Winning home games is a key, and the Americans have won four of five matches on US soil, stumbling only in a draw against Canada in September.

Robinson scored after Weston McKennie played a long ball down the right flank to Tim Weah, who let it bounce three times as he ran past Roberto Domínguez and Eduardo Vigil.

Goalkeeper Mario González made a sliding block, and the ball rebounded to Jesús Ferreira. He headed it across the goalmouth and Christian Pulisic let the ball bounce past him to Robinson, who kicked it in with his left foot from eight yards for his second international goal. Robinson did a forward flip and a backflip to celebrate, adding to the backflip he performed after scoring the tying goal in the 4-1 win at Honduras in September.

Matt Turner took over in goal from Zack Steffen, who remained in England because of a bad back, and didn't have to make a save. Turner played following reports he will move next summer from New England to Arsenal.

The US Soccer Federation scheduled the match in a cold climate to minimize travel and put the chill on El Salvador, which went to a sporting goods store to purchase additional winter gear.

The Americans' 15th straight home win over El Salvador since 1989 didn't come easily. They outshot El Salvador 8-3 in the first half but put none on target. But the offense followed its pattern: The US have scored 11 of its 13 goals in the second half.

González leaped to parry Yunus Musah's goal-bound shot three minutes after Robinson's goal. He also stopped a 12-yard shot by Robinson in the 65th.

El Gráfico, a Salvadoran sports newspaper, headlined the match "En una hielera". Translation: "In a freezer". Snow flurries fell during warmups and the temperature was the same as for the "Guerra Fria" win over Mexico at old Columbus Crew Stadium in February 2001 and the Snow Clasico victory over Costa Rica at Commerce City, Colorado, in March 2013.

US players had electric heated cushions on the bench and refreshments of chicken broth and cider. The locker room temperature was set unusually low to acclimatize the team.

Defenders Walker Zimmerman and Chris Richards were the only starters for either team to wear short sleeves.

About 12 minutes in, El Salvador's Enrico Hernández went to the bench and took off his thermal underwear.

Pulisic, McKennie and Tyler Adams started together for just the second time, the first time since a March 2019 exhibition against Ecuador. Ferreira was a surprise pick at forward over Ricardo Pepi, scoreless in 12 matches for club and country since 7 October.

Ferreira was high with an angled 10-yard shot with his left foot in the 16th minute. The best US chance of the first half came three minutes later, when Adams, Musah, Sergiño Dest and Weah combined on a quick attack that left Ferreira open in front of González only to misfire over the crossbar with his right-foot flick.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/jan/27/usa-el-salvador-canada-honduras-world-cup

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Robinson grabs USA winner

Antonee Robinson scored the only goal of the game as the United States edged past El Salvador tonight to earn a crucial World Cup qualifying win.

The Fulham full back volleyed home from the edge of the six-yard box after a scramble followed Marlo Gonzalez blocking a shot from Timothy Weah. Jesus Ferreria headed back towards goal and Robinson drove home emphatically It was Robinson's second goal for his country and sets up a huge clash with Canada on Sunday.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/robinson-grabs-usa-winner/

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Liverpool ready to open talks to sign Leeds transfer target in January

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are about to open talks with Fulham over signing Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur January transfer target Fabio Carvalho, according to 90min.

90min have reported that Liverpool, Leeds, West Ham United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Southampton all are interested in signing Carvalho from Fulham this month.

Liverpool are now 'set to win the race' for the 19-year-old attacker, according to the report.

The Reds will now reportedly open talks to sign Carvalho and believe that he is ready to play for the first team this season.

Carvalho, who can operate as a winger or as an attacking midfielder, is out of contract at Fulham at the end of the season.

Leeds should bid for Liverpool target Fabio Carvalho

In our view, if Leeds are keen on Carvalho now, then the Whites should make a bid for England Under-18 international and try to beat Liverpool.

Yes, of course, Liverpool are very appealing and attractive to any footballer, but Leeds are a massive club as well.

Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa has given chances to a lot of teenagers this season.

In our view, that is certainly encouraging for any young player looking to make an impact in the Premier League.

Now, of course, things could change, especially next season, but we think that Leeds should still try for Carvalho.

Carvalho has made 14 starts and three substitute appearances in the Championship for Fulham so far this season.

The teenager has scored seven goals and provided three assists in those games.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/01/28/liverpool-leeds-united-fulham-fabio-carvalho-january-transfer-report/

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Liverpool set to 'win the race' for 'brilliant' 19-year-old talent – Report

Liverpool are reportedly set to 'win the race' for Fulham star Fabio Carvalho and will attempt to persuade the 19-year-old to make the move to Merseyside this month, that's according to 90min (via HITC).

The attacking midfielder's contract expires at the end of this season and he is yet to agree on fresh terms at Craven Cottage

The London club now face the difficult decision of allowing Carvalho to leave this month and potentially receiving a decent fee for his services, or keep him at the club until the end of the season whilst they continue their push for promotion back to the Premier League but then lose him for free (with a compensation fee) in the summer.

The Lisbon-born talent has netted seven times for Fulham this season and is a huge reason why they find themselves five points clear at the top of the Championship with a game in hand on second-placed Blackburn Rovers.

Marco Silva's side have scored a whopping 22 goals in their last four games and a lot of creativity comes from the teenager who is often deployed in the No.10 position.

Former Liverpool man Michael Thomas has explained that the Portuguese youngster would 'definitely' be a 'good signing' and under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, Anfield is an 'amazing place for younger players'.

It'll be interesting to see whether we do make a move a move for Carvalho, considering we appear to be very close to signing Colombian star Luis Diaz from Porto.



https://www.empireofthekop.com/2022/01/28/liverpool-set-to-win-the-race-for-brilliant-19-year-old-talent-report/

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edi Bags The Winner

Antonee Robinson scored the only goal of the game as the United States defeated El Salvador in their World Cup qualifier in Columbus on Thursday night.

The hosts dominated the clash but struggled to find an end product until Robinson lashed home a volley from an acute angle when the ball was worked to him after Timothy Weah had seen a shot well saved.

The customary backflip celebration followed, though any watching Fulham fans would have been concerned when Jedi faked pulling his hamstring as part of it!

The States then held on to secure the victory, which was crucial as the teams a point either side of them in the table – Canada and Mexico – both won as well.

Robinson was named Man of the Match by the USA fans, and said post-game: "I just found myself in a good spot, and I'm happy we got the win in the end.

"We could have done a lot better but at times we played really good football, we had some really good chances that we didn't put away, but in the end our determination got us through and we got the win. That's the most important thing and now it's just onto the next one.

"I told my best friend I was going to score, do the celebration. A few years ago someone faked pulling a hamstring while celebrating, so I did the same thing!"

Elsewhere, Bobby De Cordova-Reid was an unused substitute as Jamaica – who played half the game with 10 men – were beaten 2-1 by two late Mexican goals.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/january/28/jedi-bags-the-winner/

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Sources: West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham showing transfer interest in Charlton Athletic player

Charlton Athletic youngster Jason Adigun is attracting interest from a host of Premier League and Sky Bet Championship clubs, with him enjoying a prolific campaign at youth level for the Addicks, Football League World has been told.

Charlton have a fine record of bringing through young players with the likes of Joe Gomez, Jonjo Shelvey and Ezri Konsa all examples of players to have gone on to play in the Premier League in recent years, having been on the books as youngsters with the Addicks.

Adigun, then, could be one of the next off of the production line with his form in the club's youth team this season catching the eye.

Football League World has been told that West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Brentford, Fulham and Millwall are all showing an interest in him, with a potential switch to elsewhere in the Capital potentially on the cards for the 18-year-old.

He's hit double figures for goals across the league and cup this season for Charlton's youth side and has helped his team get to the last 16 of the FA Youth Cup, with it clear his performances are causing a stir amongst several of London's football teams.

Charlton, meanwhile, will be hoping to try and hold onto him for a little while longer yet.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sources-west-ham-crystal-palace-and-fulham-showing-transfer-interest-in-charlton-athletic-player/

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Fulham chasing Charlton youngster

Fulham are one of a clutch of clubs chasing Charlton Athletic youngster Jason Adigun, according to reports this morning.

The Whites are in competition with West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Brentford and Millwall for the teenage midfielder, who has been in fine form for the Addicks' under 18s this season. Adigun has already scored ten goals this term and helped Charlton reach the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/fulham-chasing-charlton-youngster/

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Blackpool predicted line-up vs Fulham: Could Charlie Kirk make his Seasiders debut?

The Seasiders face an uphill task against league leaders Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday

Blackpool will make a trip to London backed by a sold-out away end to take on league leaders Fulham.

Tests don't come much tougher than this in the Championship with just the 22 goals in four games seeing the Cottagers fly clear of other title chasers.

The Seasiders have had the perfect league start to 2022 winning back-to-back matches with clean sheets to boot, something that will instil confidence against a free-flowing forward line.

Games like this bring a sense of perspective as to just how far Blackpool have come over a short space of time, but rest assured Neil Critchley will not be thinking about that.

Firmly focused on the task ahead, the Tangerines head coach knows all about what it takes to beat Fulham having overseen the 1-0 victory last year at Bloomfield Road.

One man who is back in contention is defender Jordan Thorniley who will be available for the Seasiders for the first time since he was recalled from his loan spell at Oxford: "We're missing Hubby, Luke Garbutt got injured last week and Reece James isn't quite ready yet so there's three left footed options out

"So Jordan has been playing every week for Oxford in League One in the top six, he did a fantastic job for us in the second half of last season.

"A great professional and it was what we thought was the logical move to bring him back."

As ever Critchley is thriving when the odds are against his side, they work best against the best as has been the case throughout his time at the club and this will be no different.

"There's 20 games to go, I think they've only lost four games so will they lose a couple between now and the end of the season yes, could that be on Saturday? Hopefully.

"But again we know the size of the task in front of his and things will have to go our way, we might need a little bit of luck here and there, but the Championship throws up some funny scorelines at times, so why can't we go there and get something?"

Keshi Anderson, James Husband, Reece James and Luke Garbutt are just some of the names unavailable on a lengthy injury list with weeks to go until any of those players will return to action.

Chris Maxwell, Matty Virtue and Grant Ward continue their recoveries from long-term injury and remain out of the fold.

Returning loanees Ethan Robson and Jordan Thorniley are both available for the Seasiders, although Robson didn't appear in the squad against Millwall, whilst Kevin Stewart has gone on international duty with Jamaica despite only making two starts this season.

New signing Charlie Kirk is fit and available and could well be thrown into the fold, although CJ Hamilton's improved second half display in the win against Millwall last time out may enable him to keep his place.

Neil Critchley did hint at a potential change of system given the lack of options but he may well stick with a back four that would see Dujon Sterling continue at left back where he replaced Luke Garbutt at the weekend, Jordan Gabriel taking up the vacant right back spot.



https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/football-news/blackpool-fulham-championship-critchley-kirk-22899296

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Liverpool win race to sign West Ham target Fabio Carvalho

West Ham are reportedly set to miss out on the services of Fulham striker Fabio Carvalho with Liverpool poised to win the race.

According to 90Min, Leeds, Arsenal, Tottenham and Southampton were all keen on signing the 19-year-old either in January or on free when his contract expires in the summer.

While Fulham want to keep him, they're increasingly worried that he is on his way out of the club.

Expected

Carvalho is widely viewed as one of England's next big things, given his performances in the Championship.

Sky Sports' Don Goodman called him "brilliant" in 2021 while Gary Weaver detailed the teenager's desire to win the Ballon d'Or during his career.

He has clearly shown that he deserves a higher level of football and the next logical step is obviously the Premier League.

Of all the teams interested in him, Liverpool are clearly the best team to go, given their manager, club history and ability to challenge for the biggest trophies in the game.

While he may be moving to Anfield, they might not want him for the first team just yet.

This could them loaning him out to another Premier League, so it remains to be seen if that is possible.

Any move to the London Stadium this month does seem unlikely as of now.



https://www.westhamzone.com/news/liverpool-win-race-to-sign-west-ham-target-fabio-carvalho/

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Preview: Fulham (A)

Blackpool travel to the capital on Saturday to take on top-of-the-table Fulham in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Seasiders head to Craven Cottage having won their last two league matches in 1-0 victories over Hull City and Millwall.

Fulham meanwhile have become a devastating side in the Championship this season, particularly over the month of January, where they have won their last four and scored an incredible 22 goals in the process. Marco Silva's side sit top of the table and are five points clear of second place with a game in hand.

Blackpool are 14th in the table heading into the fixture - eight points off the play-offs and 16 points clear of the relegation zone. The Seasiders could do the double over Fulham for the first time since the 1986/87 season with victory at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon.

The Manager: Marco Silva
Despite his young age for a manager, Marco Silva has already managed some of the biggest Clubs across Europe. The Portuguese has been in charge at the likes of Sporting Lisbon and Olympiakos, but his most recent jobs have come in England.

His first stint in England came at Hull City in 2017, before spells at Watford and Everton followed. He joined Fulham this summer, after Scott Parker left for AFC Bournemouth.

As a player, Silva never reached the higher levels of the game, though he did play for the likes of Rio Ave, Estoril and Braga B in his native Portugal.

The Key Man: Aleksander Mitrovic
Mitrovic joined Fulham in a £22 million deal back in 2018, and has been a revelation up front for the Cottagers. He has 27 goals for Fulham this season. The Serbian international also counts Newcastle United, Anderlecht and Partizan Belgrade on his list of former Clubs.

Our Last Three Meetings
11/09/21 - Blackpool 1 Fulham 0
18/04/15 – Blackpool 0 Fulham 1
05/11/14 – Fulham 2 Blackpool 2

Who Comes Out On Top?
There have been 110 meetings between Blackpool and Fulham, with Blackpool coming out on top with 41 victories compared to Fulham's 37. There have been 32 draws between the two sides.

The Referee: Peter Bankes
The man in the middle has refereed European, Premier League and Championship fixtures so far this season. He was the referee for Blackpool's home defeat to Luton back in December.

Admission:
Blackpool have sold out of their allocation for the match, with close to 2,000 supporters making the trip.

Due to the Government's removal of Plan B coronavirus restrictions, supporters will not be required to present a COVID pass or proof of a negative lateral flow test to enter the stadium. However, supporters are encouraged to still wear facemarks in enclosed spaces.

Audio passes to listen to all of the action can be purchased via Tangerine TV here. The match has been selected for international broadcast, and will therefore only be available to watch via dark markets.



https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/post/preview-fulham-a

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Up next: Blackpool (h)

Fulham may not have been at their fluent best at Stoke City last weekend, but arguably their victory at the Bet 365 Stadium was more impressive than any of the thrashings the league leaders had handed out in their previous outings. Surviving the setbacks of an early goal and then being pegged back to win a five-goal thriller in the absence of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Harry Wilson, their two biggest goal threats this season, was a serious statement about their durability.

Marco Silva's men now have a significant advantage at the top of the Championship as they come towards the end of a frenetic run of rescheduled fixtures that was supposed to test their mettle. Overlooking the challenge posed by Blackpool, however, would probably prove fatal. Fulham have done that once before – they were surprised at Bloomfield Road by Neil Critchley's impressive outfit, who exploited Silva's lack of rotation after an international weekend, to inflict Fulham's first defeat of the season.

The Tangerines are perhaps the surprise package of the season. Critchley, a coach widely regarded for his cultivation of young talent, has assembled a side that are certainly not afraid to do the hard graft but play plenty of football as well. Plenty of pundits tipped them for an immediate return to League One but instead the Seasiders sit in fourteenth, comfortably clear of the drop zone, and eight points off the play-offs – with more than enough time left in the season to make a tilt for the top six.

Don't expect Blackpool, roared on by a sold out away end, to make it cagey at Craven Cottage tomorrow by sitting in and hoping to hit Fulham on the break. Critchley has insisted his team will 'take the game to them,' whilst employing the same intense pressing ploy that so uncomforted the Whites back in September. The former Liverpool under 23 manager has dismissed any suggestion that Fulham's position at the top of the table means this game is a free hit for his side – and has already proven that he can successfully outwit Silva tactically this term.

Critchley is likely to stick with largely the same side that narrowly beat Millwall last weekend, although he could sacrifice a striker from his conventional 4-4-2 system to try and stifle Fulham's stranglehold on possession. Blackpool will definitely be without the former Fulham loanee Luke Garbutt, who picked up a long term knee injury against Millwall, and will likely be replaced by Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel at left back. Critchley has gone with veteran Gary Madine and Shayne Lavery, who scored the winner last week, up front in recent weeks, although Jerry Yates – who came off the bench against the Lions – has found the net seven times this season.

Fulham won't need any reminding to watch out for their former academy graduate Josh Bowler, who scored at Craven Cottage for Hull City this seasons ago, and settled the reverse fixture in Lancashire with a fine individual goal. Blackpool look to have successfully retained the winger's services despite significant interest in his services, whilst on the opposite flank Keshi Anderson has added seven assists – although he has been kept out of the side by CJ Hamilton of late.

Silva's selection issues will revolve around the fitness of Mitrovic and Wilson, who missed the trip to Stoke through illness. He would dearly the potent pair available for selection, especially as Bobby Decordova-Reid – who rifled home the winner at Stoke – is on international duty with Jamaica. Rodrigo Muniz delivered perhaps his best performance in a Fulham shirt in Mitrovic's absence last week and the Brazilian should be brimming with confidence after his brilliant brace took his goal tally to five since signing from Flamengo in August.

Who steps in for Wilson on the right should the Welsh winger remain sidelined is a more intriguing question. Ivan Cavaleiro travelled with the squad to Stoke – and was the focus of Muniz's exuberant celebrations following his fine second-minute equaliser – but it remains to be seen whether the Portuguese winger will have added enough sharpness in training this week as he recovers from a groin strain to be considered. There could be another sighting of Anthony Knockaert, tipped for an exit earlier this month, who produced a whole-hearted cameo when summoned from the bench last weekend.

Fulham are definitely without Antonee Robinson, who scored the decisive goal in the USA's crucial World Cup qualifying victory over El Salvador last night. Joe Bryan should come in at left back, whilst Denis Odoi will continue to deputise for Kenny Tete, whom he replaced after the Dutch international injured his groin when colliding with Jack Bonham at Stoke. Other changes should be minimal – unless Silva blames Marek Rodak for the recent increase in goals conceded – the Fulham head coach will have to decide whether to include Jean Michael Seri in his squad after the midfielder returned from AFCON duty following Ivory Coast's penalty shoot-out defeat against Egypt on Wednesday.

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



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/up-next-blackpool-h/

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Neeskens Kebano interview: Playing in this free-scoring Fulham attack is just so much fun

Having been turned into the most prolific attack in Europe by Marco Silva, Fulham's forwards are having the times of their lives.

The Championship leaders have scored 22 goals in their last four games, including a 7-0 thrashing of Reading and consecutive 6-2 wins before a 3-2 victory at Stoke last weekend.

In 27 league matches this season, they have plundered an extraordinary 73 goals at a ratio of 2.7 goals per game. With a goal difference of +48 and 19 matches still to play they are on course to break the all-time English record of +79 set by Manchester City four seasons ago.

No team in Europe has found the net more times than Fulham this season and their freescoring form has left them looking odds-on for a swift return to the Premier League.

Aleksandar Mitrovic is leading the way. The Serbian has 27 goals in 25 appearances and is on course break the Championship record most goals scored in a season, set only last year by Ivan Toney with Brentford.

But it is not just Mitrovic racking up the goals.

Both Neeskens Kebano and Fabio Carvalho have bagged four in as many games so it is no wonder Fulham players are on cloud nine.

"Is this the most fun I've had in a forward line? Yes, probably," Kebano tells Standard Sport.

"We are enjoying it a lot, it is a good thing we can split the goals between us, too.

"Mitrovic has obviously scored the most, but apart from Mitrovic there are goals from every player which is something very good."

Mitrovic is a cut above in the Championship and, after managing just three goals as Fulham were relegated last season, he is now making mincemeat of opposition defences.

"You know that having Mitro by your side from the beginning of the season you'll already have at least 20 goals," says Kebano, a DR Conga international who joined Fulham from Genk in 2016. "I have known him since playing in Belgium, he has always been a goalscorer but he has improved and scores even more."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/neeskens-kebano-interview-fulham-fc-b979358.html

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Bryan starts: The predicted Fulham XI to face Blackpool on Saturday

Fulham take on Blackpool this weekend at Craven Cottage as they look to continue their latest winning run in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Cottagers have been flying along this season and despite a blip around the festive period where a lot of draws were recorded, they very much remain the side to beat in the second tier.

Indeed, they have quality throughout their squad and that is demonstrated by the likely line-up they'll be able to play this weekend against Blackpool, despite international call-ups and injuries hitting areas of the squad.

Kenny Tete is out injured whilst Antonee Robinson and Bobby Decordova-Reid are representing their respective nations at the moment, so none of them will feature.

Denis Odoi and Joe Bryan could be the full-backs, then, whilst Harry Wilson will hope to shake off an illness to start, as will striker Aleksandar Mitrovic who saw Rodrigo Muniz ably deputise for him last time out.

Here's the predicted XI:

https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/bryan-starts-the-predicted-fulham-xi-to-face-blackpool-on-saturday/

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Kebano having fun in Fulham's forward line

Neeksens Kebano says being part of Fulham's free-scoring forward line is the most fun he has had in his career.

The Congolese winger has been rewarded for some fine displays under Marco Silva with his longest run in the first team since moving to Craven Cottage in 2016 and has made the most of his opportunity, scoring eight times in 28 appearances this season.

Kebano told the Evening Standard: "Is this the most fun I've had in a forward line? Yes, probably. We are enjoying it a lot, it is a good thing we can split the goals between us, too. Mitrovic has obviously scored the most, but apart from Mitrovic there are goals from every player which is something very good.

"You know that having Mitro by your side from the beginning of the season you'll already have at least 20 goals. I have known him since playing in Belgium, he has always been a goalscorer but he has improved and scores even more."

Kebano has flourished since Silva replaced Scott Parker as Fulham boss and admits the new Fulham head coach has unlocked more from him this term.

"Regarding those two, the big difference is that the gaffer is much more demanding than the previous one. He keeps you focused from the first minute to the last, not even of games but training sessions. Slowly you get the habit of always being focused and doing the right things. That gets you in that mood every time on the field.

"He pushes you every time, calls you in the office to show videos whether it's individual meetings or with the strikers as a group. We had a lot of the possession under Scott Parker, which is the same now but we attack even more. We can counter attack and we can also keep the ball for a few minutes and attack at the right time. They are similar but not the same."

The likeable winger also feels he has a point to prove in the top flight, but isn't taking anything for granted.

"Of course. But it is not only for me, it is for most of us still in the group. We have to focus on what we have to achieve first and then we'll see where we will be, if it is the Premier League it would be something good."

Kebano is adamant that there are lots of elements of his game that he can improve – and he is striving for more consistency to help fire Fulham's promotion push.

"As a player you are always improving and learning, mentally you grow. I am a different player. It's down to the manager you have and what they teach you and also how you get the information they give you. They give you all keys and you have to put the right one in the door, I think I have been able to put some good keys in the right doors."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/kebano-having-fun-in-fulhams-forward-line/

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Southampton must launch late January transfer move for Fabio Carvalho

Southampton have been virtually dormant when it comes to spending money on bringing new players to the club during the January transfer window.

With deadline day approaching, the Saints and their new owner Dragan Solak are risking the possibility of not strengthening Ralph Hasenhuttl's squad and giving the team the best chance of ending their latest season in the Premier League as high up the table as possible.

Taking this into account, one deal that the club could look to complete before the window shuts is one for Fulham's attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho, with whom the Saints have been linked in the past and continue to be linked in recent days.

As a product of Fulham's youth system, the 19-year-old – who has been labelled a "very exciting talent" by Kevin Phillips – has racked up 106 appearances across their under-18, under-23 and senior teams across all competitions, scoring 41 goals and providing 22 assists along the way.

With 17 league appearances under his belt for Marco Silva's team this season, the teenager has scored seven goals and provided three assists, with three goals and two assists in his three previous starts for the club. This highlights how important he is to the west Londoners and why they may be reluctant to sell him at this stage of the season.

The 19-year-old's performances have also been rather eye-catching, with WhoScored listing him as Fulham's fifth-highest rated player with an overall rating of 7.24/10. That would comfortably make him Southampton's highest-rated player by the same metric.

Even though Fulham are looking very likely to win promotion back to the Premier League at the end of the season, Southampton could offer Carvalho a shortcut to the top flight this month to see if he'd be tempted to try his hand at a new club in no real danger of being relegated and where he might get regular game-time.

Also, with the £3.15m-rated youngster's current contract at Craven Cottage set to expire in the summer, selling him this month for a fee could be a better option for Fulham from a financial point of view rather than risking him leaving as a free agent at the end of the season.

With deadline day in sight, Hasenhuttl would surely be delighted if Southampton were able to bring in a young and exciting attacking prospect such as Carvalho who could grow into a real star for the Saints and make them stronger going forward based on his evident talents in the final third.



https://www.footballfancast.com/southampton-2/southampton-transfer-fabio-carvalho-gossip-premier-league-ralph-hasenhuttl

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Mitrovic and Wilson back for Blackpool

Fulham will have Aleksandar Mitrovic and Harry Wilson available for tomorrow's clash with Blackpool at Craven Cottage, Marco Silva has confirmed.

The pair missed last weekend's 3-2 win at Stoke City after testing positive for coronavirus but they have recovered and participated in training ahead of this weekend's fixture. Silva revealed that Dutch international Kenny Tete is definitely out of tomorrow's fixture having injured his groin in a collision with Stoke goalkeeper Jack Bonham. He is likely to be replaced by Denis Odoi.

Silva told this afternoon's pre-match press conference:

"Mitrovic and Wilson are available tomorrow. We have Kenny Tete injured and others are on international duty."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/mitrovic-and-wilson-back-for-blackpool/

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Neil Critchley humbled by 'incredible' Blackpool support as Seasiders sell out Fulham allocation

The Seasiders have travelled in large numbers throughout the campaign thus far

Blackpool will head to London on Saturday backed by a sold out away end support as they take on Fulham.

Throughout the season the connection between the supporters and the club staff has grown further, with fans having missed last season's promotion campaign due to covid restrictions.

Trips like this to the best side in the Championship are what Seasiders have wanted back for many a year now and they fought hard to get the club into a position where it was sustainable.

A superb atmosphere in the home victory over Millwall only solidified that bond further and the North Stand has become a staple for other clubs around the country to look to when it comes to home support.

But away from home it has been equally impressive, with visiting numbers increasing week on week as the team on the park give the fans something to shout about, Neil Critchley echoes that sentiment, telling Lancs Live: "I think it's incredible at the end of January, we know money can be tight after a busy Christmas period and for them to spend their money and make the effort to get down and watch us is a humbling feeling.

"I just hope we can give them a performance they can really get behind and what they do know is we'll be giving them everything.

"I think they see a team that fights until the end, fights for each other and fights for them and that's what we'll be trying to do on Saturday.

"I think the supporters when they look at will think last season they couldn't even get into the ground and now we're going to play Fulham away at the top of the Championship.

"They're enjoying being back in the Championship as much as we are and hopefully we can enjoy Saturday afternoon."

With this being the first season under Neil Critchley where Blackpool fans have been able to appreciate the accomplishments of the side since his arrival, they have paid him back in spades.

And Critchley heads into the game full of optimism hoping that his team can pull off a shock that their traveling fans deserve.

"If you'd have said 12 months ago you'd be going to Fulham away in the Championship, they're top of the league then we'd have all been rubbing our hands together and saying we'll have some of that," Critchley said.



https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/football-news/blackpool-fulham-fans-championship-critchley-22899586

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Pre-Blackpool Press Conference

Despite Fulham's terrific form, Marco Silva knows a monumental effort is still needed to win a fixture in the Sky Bet Championship.

Four wins in a row – with 22 goals scored in the process – has solidified the Whites' spot at the top of the standings, but Silva knows standards must be kept at their highest to maintain such momentum.

"We go into every game expecting to win, but knowing that we must work at least the same as our opponents to win the match," he explained.

"Our players know that the demands we place on ourselves are really high, from myself and the players as well. And they go into the match knowing it will be really difficult, but the main thing is the three points.

"If you score a good number of goals or not, it will be a consequence from our performance, but the main thing for us is to win football matches.

"We'll show a big respect to our opponents because we know how hard we have to work to achieve these types of [big] results.

"We have to stay really humble in this competition, keep our feet on the ground, because nothing is easy in football and we have to keep working really hard."

And while Silva has been pleased to see goals flying in at one end, he would like to see us tighten up a little at the other.

When asked if he would take another 6-2 win on Saturday when we host Blackpool, he replied: "No, I would like to win the match with a clean sheet, definitely.

"First I would like to win the match, and myself and my players and my staff will do our best to win the game, respecting Blackpool of course, it will be tough for sure. They're a team with very good organisation, but we'll do our best to win the match again.

"Our offensive organisation has been really, really good, but of course we clearly have to improve in some moments.

"The room to improve is still really big for us. Of course, I would like to see our team keep winning football matches, but keeping clean sheets [as well] would be the perfect scenario."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/january/28/pre-blackpool-press-conference/