Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 15/03/22...

[WhiteJC]

Baggies take on table toppers hoping for a miracle

Steve Bruce's team welcome runaway leaders, Fulham, to the Hawthorns on Tuesday evening looking to build on the moderately encouraging results achieved in their last two matches, but knowing that it will take an almost miraculous run in to secure a play-off spot.

When these two clubs met at Craven Cottage in October in round 15 of the Championship season, it was a clash between two clubs expecting to be in the automatic promotion hunt for the remainder of the season. The hosts were in second place, five points behind leaders Bournemouth, and just a point ahead of third-placed Albion. The 3-0 home win was harsh on the Baggies who were the victim of a couple of poor refereeing decisions, but given the subsequent form of the two sides, it was perhaps a precursor of what was to come. The Cottagers have picked up 44 points from their 20 games since that meeting, five more than any other Championship side in the same period, while Albion have collected just 22 points from 21 games which would put them 18th in the table had the season started on Halloween.

On paper, this should be the toughest test that the Baggies will face in the remainder of the season. Not only are Scott Parker's side twelve points clear at the top of the table, they are also on an eleven match unbeaten run away from home in the league having last lost on their travels at Coventry in early October.

Fulham were held to a draw at Barnsley on Saturday, the first time they have failed to win an away league game in this calendar year. They had previously only dropped points at home in 2022, and they haven't failed to win successive league games since they drew at Luton and were beaten by Bristol City at the Cottage just before Christmas.

While the opponents are on a fantastic run of form, Albion should have gained some confidence from their last two games. The victory at Hull was obviously key, but to come from two goals down against Huddersfield was, perhaps, the bigger achievement. It was only the sixth time this season that the Baggies have earned points after conceding the first goal and the first occasion since the opening game of 2022 when they came from a goal down at home to Cardiff City to secure the draw.

There have been encouraging signs in both of the last two games, although against the Terriers, there were times when it looked as if the players were retreating into their shells once again. That they managed to recover is a positive sign, but they will need to be mentally tough against Fulham if they are to get anything. Scott Parker's side have a habit of destroying sides if they get an early lead having scored four or more goals on no fewer than ten occasions this season. Six of those have come on the road including 7-0 wins at Blackburn Rovers and Reading and a 5-1 win at Swansea City earlier this month.

Steve Bruce seems likely to persist with the same starting eleven, although it was Andy Carroll's introduction from the bench that turned the game on Friday. The former Liverpool man scored the equaliser and also secured that point when he cleared the ball off the line in stoppage time – it may be harsh to keep him on the bench, but I feel that his lack of mobility makes him a better choice as an option to bring on when things need changing.

I also think that maintaining a consistent line up can help to build confidence when that team is getting results. Robinson, probably the only player whose position is at risk, has been inconsistent all season, and within both of the last two matches. He can be a match winner and he and Grant have developed a good understanding this season, but he can also go missing. I would persist with him for now, but with Darryl Dike likely to be available for selection in the near future, he will need to do well to maintain his starting spot for too long.

I doubt that too many Albion fans will have much expectation of getting a result against Fulham, but I'm sure that Bruce and the team will not be discounting the possibility of beating them. The Championship may not be the highest quality division this season, but on any day, any side can beat any other. Who knows, Tuesday evening could be Albion's night.

History
Since the turn of the century, Albion have not fared well against the Cottagers winning just four of the 26 meetings between the sides in all competitions. Three of those victories were in the league at the Hawthorns but the last of those was more than a decade ago when goals from Youssouf Mulumbu and Marc-Antoine Fortuné earned Roberto di Matteo's team all three points in a Premier League clash in October 2010 to move Albion into the Champions League places.

That recent record is a far cry from the first half of the twentieth century. From the first meeting between the sides in 1907 to 1950, the Baggies won 17 of their 23 encounters with Fulham in all competitions, including two runs of six successive victories between 1909 and 1912, and again between 1939 and 1948. It was in that second period that Albion recorded their record win in the fixture, a 6-1 victory in November 1946 when both Ray Barlow and Ike Clarke grabbed a brace apiece while Frank Hodgetts and Davy Walsh also scored. Archie Macaulay's Albion matched that result 16 years later in September 1962 with Derek Kevan scoring four goals and Keith Smith grabbing the other two.

It looked like being the same again three years later in November 1965 when a 20-year-old Tony Brown had scored twice to add to a brace from Graham Lovett and further goals from Ray Wilson and Clive Clark. Jimmy Hagan's Baggies were 6-1 up in the final stages but Albion legend, Bobby Robson, popped up to notch a second consolation goal for the visitors, then managed by another Baggies legend, Vic Buckingham, to make the final score 6-2.

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

All competitions; most recent game on the right

Last matches
Last meeting

30 Oct 2021 – League Championship
Fulham 3 (Mitrović (3, 1 pen))
West Brom 0
Last meeting at the Hawthorns

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

Last win

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

Albion's Record against Fulham
Overall         Home
     P    W    D    L    F    A         P    W    D    L    F    A
League    77    31    20    26    110    100         38    20    10    8    80    42
FA Cup    4    3    0    1    9    3         3    2    0    1    7    2
League Cup    6    2    2    2    7    7         3    0    2    1    3    4
Total    87    36    22    29    126    110         44    22    12    10    90    48



https://brummieroadender.com/baggies-preview/baggies-take-on-table-toppers-hoping-for-a-miracle/

[WhiteJC]

EFL pundit issues prediction for West Brom v Fulham clash

If West Bromwich Albion want to make the play-offs of the Championship this season, then they're going to have to go on an incredible run to do so between now and the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

The Baggies essentially have 10 cup finals to come following their last-gasp comeback against Huddersfield Town on Friday night to draw 2-2, and on Tuesday night they welcome league leaders Fulham to The Hawthorns.

Steve Bruce's side looked dead and buried against the Terriers after going two goals behind – only for late strikes from Karlan Grant and Andy Carroll to secure a point.

They may face a stiffer task though against the Cottagers when they make the trip north, although they were held to a draw themselves at the weekend by a struggling Barnsley side at Oakwell.

The finishing line is in sight for Marco Silva's outfit, who are now 14 points clear of Huddersfield in third position but they cannot afford to rest on their laurels against a team that could be potentially dangerous.

The Cottagers ran riot at Craven Cottage earlier in the season in the reverse fixture, winning 3-0 thanks to an Aleksandar Mitrovic hat-trick, and EFL pundit David Prutton predicts the scoreline to go a similar way tomorrow evening with a 2-0 win for the visitors.

"The penalty award may have been fortunate, but West Brom took full advantage and that was a big comeback point against Huddersfield that should raise the confidence within Steve Bruce's squad," Prutton said on his Sky Sports podcast.

"Fulham were also on the wrong end of an interesting penalty decision themselves on Saturday, but they still should have had more than enough to beat Barnsley.

"I think they will have more than enough to see off West Brom, mind."

The Verdict

Even though they showed a lot of character to come from two goals behind, West Brom still look very vulnerable at the back.

And even players like Sam Johnstone are making mistakes that you wouldn't expect, which suggests something is still very wrong in the camp.

As for Fulham, whilst you would have on paper expected them to dispose of Barnsley easily, it's not that simple when a team is scrapping for their lives at the bottom of the table.

Whilst it sounds strange, this could be an easier task for them on their quest to get back to the top flight as soon as possible.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/efl-pundit-issues-prediction-for-west-brom-v-fulham-clash/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss Silva surprised by West Brom's struggles

Fulham boss Marco Silva admits he has been surprised by West Brom's struggles during the second half of the season.

The Baggies, who host the Whites on Tuesday, were among the pre-season favourites for promotion but have dropped out of the race for the top two in alarming fashion.

Having been first at the end of September they now sit at 14th – seven points off the play-offs and a whopping 27 behind Silva's table-toppers.

That slump cost manager Valerien Ismael his job, just six months into a four-year deal, with Steve Bruce handed the 12th managerial appointment of his long career last month.

"Nothing really surprises me in this competition because it is so tough, but if you ask me if I expected them to be in the position they are now than I would say yes, I am surprised," Silva said.

"Apart from two or three players that were there when they were relegated, they have most of the same squad and should be one of the contenders to be near the top.

"They started really well but had a bad run and not been able to get back on track. But they will still be believing given the last 15 minutes of their game against Huddersfield, where they scored twice to draw 2-2.

"So we know we face a tough match up there."

Bruce's arrival has not yielded immediate results, with his team winning just one of his seven games in charge despite boasting a squad still containing most of the players that finished two points behind Fulham last season as both clubs were relegated from the Premier League.

Silva said the difficult season faced by West Brom and to a lesser degree Sheffield United, who also appointed a new manager in former Whites boss Slavisa Jokanovic before axing him mid-season following relegation, shows the tough task faced by sides that go down.

He also believes his players deserve credit for adapting so well to the rigours of the Championship and putting themselves in pole position for an instant return to the top flight.

"It just shows how difficult the competition is. You can have all the best players on paper but no-one wins any game on paper," Silva said.

"When you are a relegated team people talk about budgets, but the reality is you have to prove ourselves from the first day.

"I am proud of the players and everyone who works at this football club. We are all fighting together.

"In football it is tough to show consistency every single match. Sometimes there are three matches in a week and our players have dealt with that in a fantastic way.

"The way we have reacted too when we have had some bad results has also been good and what you have to do if you want to be successful at the end of the season."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-silva-surprised-by-west-broms-struggles

[WhiteJC]

Sources: Fulham and Burnley set sights on signing Rafael Ramos

Fulham and Burnley have set their sights on signing Portuguese defender Rafael Ramos, Football Insider understands.

The 27-year-old Santa Clara full-back is regarded as one of the best defenders in the Portuguese top flight and impressed in the recent clash against Braga.

Ramos is in the final year of his contract at Santa Clara and a recruitment source has told Football Insider that Fulham and Burnley are weighing up moves for him.

Fulham boss Marco Silva is well aware of Ramos due to his Portuguese connections and the player is also interested in a move to Premier League.

The Sporting youth product has played 30 games across all competitions this term, registering four assists.

Former Portugal under-20 international Ramos made his breakthrough with Orlando City in Major League Soccer.

The right-back made 25 appearances during the 2015 campaign – Orlando's inaugural season in the competition.

Ramos then played three times for Chicago Fire before moving to FC Twente in the Dutch second tier.

He made 21 Twente appearances as they secured the league title at the conclusion of the 2018-19 season.

The defender then secured a return to Portugal to make his first league appearances in the country's top flight.

Ramos has played 82 times for Santa Clara since returning to his homeland, registering nine assists.

Fulham look likely to register yet another promotion to the top flight under Silva.

They sit 12 points clear atop the Championship.

Current first-choice right-back Neco Williams is on loan from Liverpool in a deal that expires in May 2022.

Burnley are in relegation danger in the Premier League but sit just one point from safety with two games in hand on nearest rivals Watford.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-fulham-and-burnley-set-sights-on-signing-rafael-ramos/

[WhiteJC]

West Brom team news and predicted XI to face Fulham

West Brom face the tough task of playing the league leaders Fulham this evening.

Steve Bruce came in to steady the ship at West Brom and help push them to promotion, but the task is proving to be much tougher than expected.

On Friday night the Baggies came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with promotion-chasing Huddersfield Town at The Hawthorns.

As we come to the latter stages of the season, West Brom faces a tough challenge to even reach the play-offs, never mind making a return to the Premier League.

A win tonight against Fulham would be a great way to start their surge towards the play-offs, but it won't be an easy task against the league leaders.

West Brom team news
American striker Daryl Dike returned to first team training at the end of last week, but tonight's game will be too soon for him. Bruce expects Dike to be back fully after the next international break.

Kenneth Zohore (hamstring), Kean Bryan (ACL) and Matt Phillips (ankle) are still sidelined.

Andy Carroll made his presence felt when he came off the bench on Friday night and may have earned himself a starting role tonight.

Predicted XI

Johnstone (GK)

Ajayi

Bartley

O'Shea

Furlong

Gardner-Hickman

Livermore

Mowatt

Townsend

Grant

Carroll

Disappointing season...
West Brom have a strong squad, a squad that should be competing for the league title with their opponents Fulham tonight but it hasn't gone that way this season for them.

They started this season well, going ten games unbeaten, and they were looking likely to maintain their challenge for promotion.

Since the turn of the year, things haven't gone too well for West Brom – they need to turn things around sooner rather than later to have any chance of promotion.

Tonight's game against Fulham will be a tough one but three points is a must for West Brom.



https://the72.co.uk/266139/west-brom-team-news-and-predicted-xi-to-face-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham rivalling Burnley for the signing of Rafael Ramos

Fulham are set to rival Burnley for the signing of Portuguese defender Rafael Ramos, reports Football Insider.

Ramos, 27, currently plays for Portuguese top flight side Santa Clara. His side sit in 10th place of the table after the opening 26 games of the season, though Ramos sees his contract expire this summer.

And now, Football Insider report that Championship leaders Fulham are set to rival Premier League strugglers Burnley for the summer signing of Ramos.

The report claims that Ramos is regarded as 'one of the best' defenders over in Portugal. He's previously represented the likes of Orlando City, Chicago Fire, FC Twente and now Santa Clara, where he's been for the past three seasons.

A keen addition?
Ramos is predominantly a right-back. He plays on the right side of a back-four for Santa Clara but he can also operate in the middle.

He's a pacey and agile right-back who loves to get forward, and after spending his whole career playing at a decent level, but never before in England, it looks as though he might get a fast-track ticket to the Premier League.

Fulham look to have nothing standing between them and Premier League football next season. Burnley meanwhile currently sit in 19th place of the Premier League table and so they could yet be a Championship side next season.

That could make Fulham then the more attractive destination, and with Marco Silva set to lose Liverpool loanee Neco Williams in the summer, that right-back void will be open once again.

Ramos would certainly be a gamble, but it could yet be one that pays dividends.



https://the72.co.uk/266270/fulham-rivalling-burnley-for-the-signing-of-rafael-ramos/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond extends Stockport County loan

Fulham goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond has extended his stay at Stockport County, as announced by the non-league side.

Fulham are letting the youngster remain with the National League outfit until the end of the season.

Ashby-Hammond, 20, was given the green light to head out the exit door last month on an initial four-week deal.

He has done enough during his time at Edgeley Park to earn himself a move until the summer now.

Fulham situation

Ashby-Hammond has been on the books at Fulham for his whole career to date, albeit with a brief spell away at Liverpool a couple of years ago before he returned to Craven Cottage.

He has risen up through the academy of the London club and has been a regular for them at various youth levels. However, he is still waiting on his first-team debut.

The England youth international is on a long term contract with Marco Silva's side until 2025 and was due to go back to his parent club this week. His brother, Taye, is on loan at Boreham Wood.

Ashby-Hammond is on loan away from the Cottagers for the first time in his career and made his debut for Stockport away at Needham Market in the FA Trophy last time out.

He has been on the bench as cover since joining Dave Challinor's side as they look to gain promotion to League Two this term.

They are currently top of the National League table and are back in action this evening at home to Notts County.



https://the72.co.uk/266271/fulham-goalkeeper-luca-ashby-hammond-extends-stockport-county-loan/

[glenhodgso]

Magath and Fotheringham at the helm for Hertha

Fulham fans all across the world will have been brought out in a cold sweat last night when the news filtered through that Hertha Berlin, second bottom of the Bundesliga, have turned to Felix Magath to try and save them from relegation. Magath's reputation as a firefighter who had never been relegated didn't survive a dismal spell at Craven Cottage, where his Fulham side went down from the Premier League and looked in danger of a second successive relegation from the Championship when he was sacked in September 2014 after taking a single point from the first seven fixtures.

Worryingly, Hertha Berlin believe Magath's record 'speaks for itself'. Perhaps even more concerning is this afternoon's news that Mark Fotheringham, who played three senior games during his own uninspiring spell under Magath at Craven Cottage, has been confirmed as the German's assistant. I'm not going to run through Magath's lowlights whilst with Fulham – the memories are simply too painful.

We wish Hertha Berlin all the luck in the world – they may need it.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/03/magath-and-fotheringham-at-the-helm-for-hertha/


...shakes head, checks the date and wonders where March went - it cannot be April already???

[WhiteJC]

Carlton Morris: Ex-Fifa official 'can't believe his eyes' after controversial Fulham footage analysed

Keith Hackett has slammed the "awful" decision to award Barnsley striker Carlton Morris a penalty against Fulham on Saturday.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Fifa and Premier League official "couldn't believe his eyes" after referee Tim Robinson pointed to the spot in the first half.

As shown by Sky Sports (12 March), Tosin Adarabioyo was penalised after Carlton Morris went to ground in the 18-yard box.

Barnsley are awarded a controversial penalty! 👀

Do you think the referee made the right decision? 💭 pic.twitter.com/S7xs9msvf0

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 12, 2022

The Barnsley striker converted from the spot and Harry Wilson levelled from the Cottagers late on.

Speaking to Sky Sports (12 March), Fulham manager Marco Silva bemoaned the referee's decision to award a penalty in what he called "a clear mistake."

Hackett suspects Robinson will be taken off duty for this weekend's round of fixtures after his performance at Oakwell.

"There is no need to replay this one. It is awful. It really was a poor decision," he told Football Insider's Dylan Childs.

"There was quite simply no offence. The referee has guessed it.

"If I was Fulham I would be absolutely seething with the referee. I looked at it three times because I couldn't believe my eyes. There was no offence there.

"That is another referee who will be sitting out next week. He will be having a rest and a bit of operational advice."

Speaking on the incident, Silva said: "At the end of the first half they score, and it is a clear mistake from the referee.

"I can't see one moment where there is contact with a player inside the box."



https://www.footballinsider247.com/carlton-morris-ex-fifa-official-cant-believe-his-eyes-after-controversial-fulham-footage-analysed/

[WhiteJC]

'Can only see one winner here' – West Brom v Fulham prediction: The72

West Brom host Fulham in the Championship this evening.

Steve Bruce's West Brom side welcome Marco Silva's Fulham to The Hawthorns.

West Brom have finally put a stop to their barren run of form and are now two unbeaten. A win against Hull City and a draw against high-flyers Huddersfield Town may have got the Baggies get back on track.

Fulham look unbeatable at the moment and are edging closer to the Championship title game-by-game. The Cottagers have lost only one of their last twelve league games and will take some beating.

Here, a handful of The72's staff members make their predictions for tonight's game...

James Cheap

"Confidence levels will have risen for The Baggies who have looked much better in recent weeks.

"But tests don't come any tougher than this one in the Championship as Fulham have been blowing teams away with ease so far this season.

"The Cottagers have a twelve point lead at the top of the Championship that they'll be looking to extend, and with that in mind, I can only see one winner here."

Score prediction: West Brom 0-3 Fulham

Luke Phelps

"West Brom look as though they might be starting to click under Steve Bruce. That win away at Hull City was as comfortable a win as they've had all season and their comeback v Huddersfield Town was to be admired.

"But Fulham is the toughest of any tasks throughout the Championship calendar. Marco Silva's men have been on it all season and I fully expect them to claim the Championship crown, and to throw everything at the Baggies tonight.

"Fulham aren't unbeatable though. They concede the odd sloppy goal and West Brom have players who can pounce on chances. I can only see a Fulham win here though."

Score prediction: West Brom 1-2 Fulham

James Ray

"Fulham have been formidable this season, while West Brom have been quite the opposite. At the start of the season, many wouldn't be surprised if these two were set to finish in the automatic promotion spots, but while Fulham have impressed, the Baggies have struggled.

"West Brom need to pick up their home, and form in general, desperately, but I can't see them taking anything from this game.

"Silva's side should take all three points here and Aleksandar Mitrovic may add one or two more to his stunning goal tally."

Score prediction: West Brom 0-3 Fulham



https://the72.co.uk/266252/can-only-see-one-winner-here-west-brom-v-fulham-prediction-the72/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham team news and predicted XI to face West Brom

Fulham makes the trip to the Midlands tonight for a heavyweight Championship clash at The Hawthorns against West Brom.

Fulham are looking likely to be runaway winners of the Championship title this season, sitting pretty at the top of the table with a 12-point lead over Bournemouth.

Their goal difference is far superior compared to the teams around the and they look set to return to the Premier League under Marco Silva's leadership.

Saturday's 1-1 draw with struggling Barnsley wasn't part of the Fulham title charge script, but they managed to get at least get a point.

Tonight's trip to West Brom, a team that are underachieving this season, will be another tough test for the Londoners.

Fulham team news

Marco Silva has no new injuries or suspension concerns ahead of this big clash tonight but there may be some squad rotation to freshen up the team.

Terence Kongolo remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury.

Predicted XI
Rodak (GK)

Williams

Tosin

Ream

Robinson

Reed

Cairney

Wilson

Carvalho

Cavaleiro

Mitrovic

One eye on next season...
Fulham seem set to return to the Premier League next season and Silva may have some of his thoughts on next season with Fulham.

Whenever they have been promoted to the Premier League in recent time, Fulham have struggled to find the team to keep them there.

With Silva in charge, the Fulham faithful will feel they have a manager well equipped to keep them there.

Silva will be ensuring that his players don't get ahead of themselves and continue to perform until the last whistle of the season.



https://the72.co.uk/266143/fulham-team-news-and-predicted-xi-to-face-west-brom/

[WhiteJC]

Alex Mowatt starts: How we expect West Brom to line up against Fulham tonight

West Brom have finally managed to start picking up points and have held firm to not lose in their last two Championship fixtures.

After a win over Hull and a decent draw against Huddersfield, they now face an even sterner test against Fulham in midweek. The Cottagers will be arguably their hardest game yet and they will need to be at their very best to hope to come away with some points.

The Baggies though will be on a high after these results though and now that they've managed to find the back of the net on a regular basis again, they will fancy their chances of pulling off an upset.

With that in mind then, who could Steve Bruce choose in his starting eleven for this game against Fulham in midweek?

There might only be a slight tinker and change to the West Brom side that sealed a superb 2-2 draw with Huddersfield at the weekend.

Now that Steve Bruce has finally found a team that can do the business and can pick up points, there is no reason why he should alter the system or the lineup too drastically. Perhaps the only change to the starting eleven could come in attack, with Andy Carroll stepping in for Callum Robinson. While the latter is creative and can score, the former bagged a goal against the Terriers and with goals in short supply at the Hawthorns recently, he might win his way back into the XI.

Karlan Grant is one of the highest scorers in the league too, so has to start games when fit. Moving further back, Alex Mowatt looked solid against Huddersfield and might be back to his best so should start here, whilst there might be no room for Grady Diangana with the rest of the midfield five holding firm.

In defence, Semi Ajayi chipped in with an assist last time out and Matthew Clarke is a Baggies mainstay. Further back, Sam Johnstone is the number one goalkeeper and while he hasn't been at his best recently, he remains the best of the lot in terms of goalkeepers at the Hawthorns.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/alex-mowatt-starts-how-we-expect-west-brom-to-line-up-against-fulham-tonight/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham readying Ramos raid

Fulham are interested in signing Santa Clara right back Rafael Ramos, according to reports this morning.

The Portuguese defender, widely regarded as one of the most consistent full backs in the Primeira Liga, has just a year remaining on his current contract with the Azoreans and is believed to be keen on a move to England. Fulham will face competition from Burnley to sign the 27 year-old, according to Football Insider.

The former Portuguese under-20 international, who came through the famed Sporting Lisbon academy set up, helped FC Twente win the Dutch second tier title in 2019 before returning to his homeland to sign for Santa Clara. He has made 82 appearances for his current club, impressing in their recent drew at Braga where they held on for a point despite being reduced to nine men.

Ramos is likely to be seen as an alternation to Neco Williams, who is enjoying a sensational loan spell at Craven Cottage from Liverpool, at right back. Fulham boss Marco Silva, who is well aware of Ramos' ability, is beginning his preparations for a busy summer as the Championship leaders contemplate another attempt at staying in the top flight.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/03/fulham-readying-ramos-raid/

[WhiteJC]

Every word Steve Bruce said about West Brom 'unrest', Andy Carroll and Mitrovic ahead of Fulham

West Brom boss Steve Bruce was speaking to the media at his pre-Fulham press conference on Monday morning

West Bromwich Albion face the Championship's most daunting task at The Hawthorns this evening.

Marco Silva's all-conquering Fulham are top of the table having won 28 of their 36 matches to date, scoring a remarkable 90 goals in the process.

Fulham have hammered numerous teams this season and defeated the Baggies 3-0 at Craven Cottage in October.

Serbian goal machine Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a hat-trick for Fulham that day, and he has 35 goals in 34 Championship appearances this term.

Albion have won once in Steve Bruce's seven matches in charge, but fought back from 2-0 down to seal a point against Huddersfield Town on Friday night.

Here's everything Albion head coach Bruce said at his pre-match press conference on Monday...

How Will West Brom Best Use Daryl Dike When Fit?

Team news

They're all good. We've trained all weekend and we've not got any knocks or bruises that I'm aware of.

A point to build on against Fulham

Looking back on it, it's nice to have nicked it, I have to say. As I said on Friday night, it's small steps. We've now got a huge challenge against the best team in the league, in my opinion, so we will have to be at our best to get anything from it. This is as tough a game as you're going to get because of the players they've got and how they are.

Bringing unity to The Hawthorns

I'm aware that there's a bit of unrest around. Can we heal that between the supporters and the team? The challenge is to get a team together that they enjoy watching and that they enjoy watching win. It's not rocket science. It's hard work to get there, but that's the challenge.

The big thing is results. It's amazing what a difference 10 minutes makes in football. Half of them are leaving with 10 minutes to go, and then all of a sudden we score. It would have been great to top it off, because then that gives you the momentum shift. But, still, to be 2-0 down and show a bit of resilience was good.

Concern about Sam Johnstone

They're right to voice their concern. The biggest disappointment for me is that he is out of contract. However, it's football these days, it's something that has been going around for years.

We're probably going to lose our biggest asset on a Bosman (free transfer), which is not great for everybody. The supporters are right (to be concerned), but he's a very good goalkeeper. He will be disappointed. These things happen, goalkeepers make mistakes, but thankfully he doesn't make many of them.

Confident he will return to form?

Yes. That doesn't change because he makes a mistake or because he's out of contract. He's been a very good goalkeeper here for years. Wasn't he the player of the year last year?

He will be disappointed. Everyone makes mistakes, it's how you react and recover from it and I'm confident Sam will do that.

Andy Carroll

He wants to play, which I can understand. But he came on and gave us an impact the other day, and he'll be itching to start, I'm sure he will be. That's Andy, he wants to play every minute of every game.

Fulham

(Winning) would put us in with a chance before we go to Bristol City. I've just looked at what's happening in April, it's ridiculous. Talk about the tickly bit, dear me there's seven games... Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday for weeks.

Is Matt Phillips progressing?

Slowly. It's about time now that the healing process should be OK. I'm probably looking at him to join in at the end of this week. I've got in my mind, we play Nottingham Forest at The Hawthorns a week today in the under-23s, so maybe that's a game for (Daryl) Dike and him.

Dike might be involved at the weekend, but I've got that in my mind to play him on Monday night, for an hour at least, to see how he gets on there.

Special plan for Mitrovic?

You can't make a special plan, but I have to say he was the reason why Fulham got promoted a couple of years ago. At this level in particular, he's absolutely outstanding. He's a very good footballer, who leads the line exceptionally well, intelligent, and strong. 35 goals with 10 to play? That's absolutely staggering isn't it.

We'll have to defend well against him, it's quite simple. We'll have to make sure we're alive in the box, because when he's in there he's a threat, in the air in particular. You're asking your centre-halves to stop them all scoring every week, they'll have to play well though. We'll keep him quiet if we can. He's a good player.

Defensive improvement

Defensively, I changed us to try and make us a little bit more offensive, but it didn't really work if I'm being brutally honest. I changed to a back four and played 4-3-3, if you remember, but on attempts on goal we were no better off and we were slightly worse defensively.

Take away Sam's mistakes, I don't think defence is a problem. We've kept 14 clean sheets all season, the other end is the problem. We've managed to score a couple of goals twice. It's about getting that balance right. When you walk in midway through the season, there's not much time to work on anything really.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/steve-bruce-west-brom-fulham-23383208

[WhiteJC]

West Brom Matchday Preview

West Bromwich Albion v Fulham | Tuesday 15th March 2022 | 8pm | The Hawthorns | #WBAFUL

The opposition

    After a decent start to his tenure, a downturn in form eventually cost Valérien Ismaël his job after a run of just one win in seven Championship matches.
    They were still sitting in the Play-Off spots at that point, but the Baggies go into Tuesday's game now 14th in the standings, with new boss Steve Bruce overseeing just one win so far, a 2-0 victory over his former club Hull City at the start of the month.
    There is still hope at the Hawthorns, though. A late comeback on Friday saw them earn a draw against high-flying Huddersfield, despite being two goals down with just six minutes to play. A gap of seven points separates them from the top-six, but with 30 points to play for, far stranger things have happened.

West Brom team news

Matt Phillips and Daryl Dike have recovered from toe and muscle injuries, respectively, but will not be ready for the Fulham game. Midfielder Alex Mowatt is a slight doubt, but Bruce expects that he'll be okay to feature.

Fulham team news

Marco Silva confirmed that he would decide on Monday whether or not to bring Neeskens Kebano and Tim Ream with him to the Midlands. Kebano picked up a late training injury which ruled him out of Barnsley, while Ream suffered a dead leg and gash to the head in the draw at Oakwell.

Tickets

Advance tickets will go off sale at 1pm, but West Brom will be selling on the night, cash only, from the Away Ticket Office, located next to the away turnstiles.

Weather

After a sunny day, a dry evening is forecast with temperatures around nine degrees come kick-off.

Parking

Fans driving to the game can find details of official parking options at this link.

Coverage

As the game is being shown on Sky Sports, we are unable to stream it on FFCtv. Live commentary, though, will be available.

Player insight

Antonee Robinson knows Fulham have to be up for the fight when they head to the Hawthorns on Tuesday night.

West Brom have got some proper units in their ranks, but Robinson and his teammates will be well prepared.

Speaking to FFCtv, he said: "They're going to try and put all their strength and physicality into the game, so we're going to have to be on our toes, be ready for anything, and try and execute our gameplan as well as we can to get the three points that both teams need."

Form

West Brom: LLLWD

Fulham: WWWWD

Pre-match quotes

"In my opinion, Fulham are the best team in the league. They've got a guy who has got 35 league goals already this season, which is a remarkable achievement."

Steve Bruce
West Brom Manager

"All the set-pieces, long throw-ins, they are the type of physical team that even if they are not playing well or commanding the game, they can create problems for you in these type of situations."

Marco Silva
Fulham Head Coach

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/march/15/west-brom-matchday-preview/

[Huxley]

Magath and Fotheringham at the helm for Hertha

Fulham fans all across the world will have been brought out in a cold sweat last night when the news filtered through that Hertha Berlin, second bottom of the Bundesliga, have turned to Felix Magath to try and save them from relegation. Magath's reputation as a firefighter who had never been relegated didn't survive a dismal spell at Craven Cottage, where his Fulham side went down from the Premier League and looked in danger of a second successive relegation from the Championship when he was sacked in September 2014 after taking a single point from the first seven fixtures.

Worryingly, Hertha Berlin believe Magath's record 'speaks for itself'. Perhaps even more concerning is this afternoon's news that Mark Fotheringham, who played three senior games during his own uninspiring spell under Magath at Craven Cottage, has been confirmed as the German's assistant. I'm not going to run through Magath's lowlights whilst with Fulham – the memories are simply too painful.

We wish Hertha Berlin all the luck in the world – they may need it.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/03/magath-and-fotheringham-at-the-helm-for-hertha/


...shakes head, checks the date and wonders where March went - it cannot be April already???

Does Fotheringham have incriminating evidence on Magath? Photos of cheese not being used appropriately or similar? Or maybe he's Magath favourite student and likes receiving punishment with medicine balls and running up hills.  Might explain why he managed to play 3 games then and now has  job at Hertha!

[Jules]

Baggies take on table toppers hoping for a miracle

Steve Bruce's team welcome runaway leaders, Fulham, to the Hawthorns on Tuesday evening looking to build on the moderately encouraging results achieved in their last two matches, but knowing that it will take an almost miraculous run in to secure a play-off spot.

When these two clubs met at Craven Cottage in October in round 15 of the Championship season, it was a clash between two clubs expecting to be in the automatic promotion hunt for the remainder of the season. The hosts were in second place, five points behind leaders Bournemouth, and just a point ahead of third-placed Albion. The 3-0 home win was harsh on the Baggies who were the victim of a couple of poor refereeing decisions, but given the subsequent form of the two sides, it was perhaps a precursor of what was to come. The Cottagers have picked up 44 points from their 20 games since that meeting, five more than any other Championship side in the same period, while Albion have collected just 22 points from 21 games which would put them 18th in the table had the season started on Halloween.

On paper, this should be the toughest test that the Baggies will face in the remainder of the season. Not only are Scott Parker's side twelve points clear at the top of the table, they are also on an eleven match unbeaten run away from home in the league having last lost on their travels at Coventry in early October.

Fulham were held to a draw at Barnsley on Saturday, the first time they have failed to win an away league game in this calendar year. They had previously only dropped points at home in 2022, and they haven't failed to win successive league games since they drew at Luton and were beaten by Bristol City at the Cottage just before Christmas.

While the opponents are on a fantastic run of form, Albion should have gained some confidence from their last two games. The victory at Hull was obviously key, but to come from two goals down against Huddersfield was, perhaps, the bigger achievement. It was only the sixth time this season that the Baggies have earned points after conceding the first goal and the first occasion since the opening game of 2022 when they came from a goal down at home to Cardiff City to secure the draw.

There have been encouraging signs in both of the last two games, although against the Terriers, there were times when it looked as if the players were retreating into their shells once again. That they managed to recover is a positive sign, but they will need to be mentally tough against Fulham if they are to get anything. Scott Parker's side have a habit of destroying sides if they get an early lead having scored four or more goals on no fewer than ten occasions this season. Six of those have come on the road including 7-0 wins at Blackburn Rovers and Reading and a 5-1 win at Swansea City earlier this month.

Steve Bruce seems likely to persist with the same starting eleven, although it was Andy Carroll's introduction from the bench that turned the game on Friday. The former Liverpool man scored the equaliser and also secured that point when he cleared the ball off the line in stoppage time – it may be harsh to keep him on the bench, but I feel that his lack of mobility makes him a better choice as an option to bring on when things need changing.

I also think that maintaining a consistent line up can help to build confidence when that team is getting results. Robinson, probably the only player whose position is at risk, has been inconsistent all season, and within both of the last two matches. He can be a match winner and he and Grant have developed a good understanding this season, but he can also go missing. I would persist with him for now, but with Darryl Dike likely to be available for selection in the near future, he will need to do well to maintain his starting spot for too long.

I doubt that too many Albion fans will have much expectation of getting a result against Fulham, but I'm sure that Bruce and the team will not be discounting the possibility of beating them. The Championship may not be the highest quality division this season, but on any day, any side can beat any other. Who knows, Tuesday evening could be Albion's night.

History
Since the turn of the century, Albion have not fared well against the Cottagers winning just four of the 26 meetings between the sides in all competitions. Three of those victories were in the league at the Hawthorns but the last of those was more than a decade ago when goals from Youssouf Mulumbu and Marc-Antoine Fortuné earned Roberto di Matteo's team all three points in a Premier League clash in October 2010 to move Albion into the Champions League places.

That recent record is a far cry from the first half of the twentieth century. From the first meeting between the sides in 1907 to 1950, the Baggies won 17 of their 23 encounters with Fulham in all competitions, including two runs of six successive victories between 1909 and 1912, and again between 1939 and 1948. It was in that second period that Albion recorded their record win in the fixture, a 6-1 victory in November 1946 when both Ray Barlow and Ike Clarke grabbed a brace apiece while Frank Hodgetts and Davy Walsh also scored. Archie Macaulay's Albion matched that result 16 years later in September 1962 with Derek Kevan scoring four goals and Keith Smith grabbing the other two.

It looked like being the same again three years later in November 1965 when a 20-year-old Tony Brown had scored twice to add to a brace from Graham Lovett and further goals from Ray Wilson and Clive Clark. Jimmy Hagan's Baggies were 6-1 up in the final stages but Albion legend, Bobby Robson, popped up to notch a second consolation goal for the visitors, then managed by another Baggies legend, Vic Buckingham, to make the final score 6-2.

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

All competitions; most recent game on the right

Last matches
Last meeting

30 Oct 2021 – League Championship
Fulham 3 (Mitrović (3, 1 pen))
West Brom 0
Last meeting at the Hawthorns

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

Last win

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

Albion's Record against Fulham
Overall         Home
     P    W    D    L    F    A         P    W    D    L    F    A
League    77    31    20    26    110    100         38    20    10    8    80    42
FA Cup    4    3    0    1    9    3         3    2    0    1    7    2
League Cup    6    2    2    2    7    7         3    0    2    1    3    4
Total    87    36    22    29    126    110         44    22    12    10    90    48



https://brummieroadender.com/baggies-preview/baggies-take-on-table-toppers-hoping-for-a-miracle/

Scott Parker's side?! Terrible mistake - more than once too!

[WhiteJC]

Fulham among sides linked with Liverpool's Joe Gomez

Fulham are reportedly among the sides that would be keen on Liverpool's Joe Gomez if he becomes available in the summer.

Gomez, 24, is a highly-regarded centre-back and has already collected 11 England caps. But he has seen limited game time this season, playing only 14 times to help Liverpool to 2nd place in the Premier League.

And now, Graeme Bailey, writing for Anfield Watch, has reported that Gomez is fielding interest from elsewhere. It is said that Fulham are among those who would be interested in signing the former Charlton Athletic youngster in the summer, with Liverpool likely to have a decision to make over his future.

The report states that the defender is worried about his chances of earning a call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad after limited game time this season, with little room for him in Jurgen Klopp's side.

An ambitious target

Anfield Watch's report states that the likes of Spurs, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Everton would also be interested in signing Gomez – that shows the calibre of player he is, so he would be a seriously ambitious target for soon-to-be-promoted Fulham.

Since making the move from The Valley to Anfield in the summer of 2015, the London-born centre-back has played 135 times for Liverpool.

He has struggled with injury problems at times, but his ability and potential have been clear to see.

Able to feature as a right-back too, Gomez has been an unused substitute in 15 Premier League games this season, so a move away may be best if he wants to play regular football elsewhere.



https://the72.co.uk/266320/fulham-among-sides-linked-with-liverpools-joe-gomez/

[WhiteJC]

Steve Bruce reveals West Brom have no 'special plan' to deal with Fulham's 'absolutely outstanding' talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic

West Brom boss Steve Bruce has said he has no "special plan" to deal with Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic when the two sides meet on Tuesday night.

Mitrovic is enjoying one of the best individual Championship campaigns any player ever has.

The Fulham talisman has already broken Ivan Toney's goalscoring record and sits on 35 goals in 34 league games. His form in front of goal has helped the Cottagers climb to the summit of the table, sitting 12 points clear of 2nd placed Bournemouth with 10 games remaining.

However, West Brom aren't making a special plan to keep Mitrovic quiet when the two sides meet on Tuesday night.

As quoted by Birmingham Live, Baggies boss Bruce labelled the Serbian hotshot as "absolutely outstanding", but said there will no particular plan to keep him quiet at The Hawthorns.

Here's what he had to say on the striker:

"You can't make a special plan, but I have to say he was the reason why Fulham got promoted a couple of years ago.

"At this level in particular, he's absolutely outstanding. He's a very good footballer, who leads the line exceptionally well, intelligent, and strong. 35 goals with 10 to play? That's absolutely staggering isn't it.

"We'll have to defend well against him, it's quite simple. We'll have to make sure we're alive in the box, because when he's in there he's a threat, in the air in particular. You're asking your centre-halves to stop them all scoring every week, they'll have to play well though.

"We'll keep him quiet if we can."

The task at hand...

Few Championship defenders can say they've kept Mitrovic quiet this season. But the scary thing about Fulham is the players around the big Serb too.

Preventing Mitrovic from scoring is one thing, but Marco Silva then has the likes of Harry Wilson, Bobby De-Cordova Reid, Neeskens Kebano, Fabio Carvalho and more to provide their own threat throughout.

It will be an uphill task for West Brom to take a result from this game, but Bruce will be hoping that the tide has started to turn after going two games without defeat. After defeating Hull City, the Baggies rallied to secure a late point against promotion hopefuls Huddersfield Town last time out.



https://the72.co.uk/266331/steve-bruce-reveals-west-brom-have-no-special-plan-to-deal-with-fulhams-absolutely-outstanding-talisman-aleksandar-mitrovic/

[WhiteJC]

West Brom manager Steve Bruce defends Sam Johnstone amid fan anger

West Brom manager Steve Bruce has come to the defence of his goalkeeper Sam Johnstone amid heavy scrutiny from Albion fans.

The England international's contract is up at the Hawthorns at the end of the season and the 28-year-old has been linkedwith a host of Premier League clubs.

Baggies fans believe the 'keeper has downed tools with his mind already elsewhere, claims that Bruce rubbished.

"The supporters are right to voice their concerns," Bruce told Express & Star.

"But Sam is a very good goalkeeper. He will be disappointed with the Huddersfield game.

"But these things happen, goalkeepers make mistakes and when they do they are usually punished.

"Thankfully, he doesn't make too many of them. And he hasn't made a mistake because he is out of contract.

"Everyone makes mistakes. Now it's all about how he reacts from it. And I'm confident Sam will react in the right way."

Loyalty
Johnstone is a keeper that has given West Brom almost everything during his time at the club.

He made some howlers in the draw against Huddersfield, but this certainly isn't the first time he has made a mistake between the sticks for the Baggies and it might not be the last, even with the short time he is expected to have left at the Hawthorns.

There have never been any underlying reasons for his mistakes but now all of a sudden, he looks set for departure, the fans want to lay into the Englishman – it is a farce.

Have they forgotten that he stayed with the club when they were relegated down to the Championship despite Premier League interest?

He has been very loyal to the club and deserves his move with the undeniable quality he holds. Hopefully he and, more so, the fans can end things on good terms because it would be a real shame if things began to sour in what looks like his last spell as an Albion player.



https://www.westbromnews.co.uk/2022/03/15/west-brom-manager-steve-bruce-defends-sam-johnstone-amid-fan-anger/