Saturday Fulham Stuff - 26/03/22...

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Jurgen Klopp can unleash new Liverpool formation by signing failed January transfer

Liverpool failed in their attempt to sign the Fulham youngster in January

Luis Diaz has made quite the impact at Liverpool since joining the club in January but shortly after his high-profile capture, Jurgen Klopp attempted to sign somebody else. The Reds made a late move for Fabio Carvalho but despite their best efforts, a deal couldn't be agreed before the closure of the winter transfer window.

The Fulham attacker has featured in 10 matches since, scoring once while registering two assists. Liverpool still seem to hold an interest in acquiring his services, and a transfer could be revisited in the summer.

Upon reflection of Carvalho's profile while also considering Diaz's addition, Klopp could realistically opt for a change in formation much more often next season. If the Portuguese youngster does move to Anfield, the Reds will have a wealth of options in the final third.

For most of his tenure on Merseyside, Klopp has had three elite forwards at his disposal in Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. As a result, he's understandably favoured 4-3-3 as his go-to system.

However, Diaz and Diogo Jota are now part of the Liverpool squad and Carvalho would act as a further option, opening up the possibility of Klopp using 4-2-3-1 more frequently.

Since his emergence at Fulham, Carvalho has primarily been deployed as a no.10 by Marco Silva. Between the lines, the 19 year-old has been able to showcase his close control, technique, spacial awareness and dribbling ability at Craven Cottage.

He seems well suited to Liverpool's offensive playing style and he would make 4-2-3-1 more of a realistic option, especially due to his preference to perform as a no.10 rather than a wide forward like Diaz, Mane, Salah and Jota.

Firmino is Klopp's only forward who appears comfortable as a no.10, but that would change if Carvalho was added. It is reasonable to suggest that 4-3-3 will always remain as Klopp's fixed system, but he tends to use 4-2-3-1 when chasing a goal and when Liverpool are deemed as heavy favourites to win.

The possibility of changing formations can be highly useful over the course of a full campaign and with Carvalho's contract due to expire in the upcoming summer, the Reds shouldn't encounter many hurdles in their quest to sign him.

If he does wind up at Anfield in the near future, supporters can expect Klopp's Liverpool to become even more unpredictable than they are in today's game.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-january-23463588

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Robinson earns vital draw for USA in Mexico

Fulham full back Antonee Robinson played the full ninety minutes as the United States inched closer to qualifying for the World Cup finals in Qatar by earning a goalless draw in Mexico.

The point consolidates the USA's position in second place in the CONCACAF standings, with 22 points, and a win over Panama in Orlando on Sunday should virtually assure them of a place in the finals. It might have been even better for Gregg Berhalter's side as they dominated a feisty encounter but Christian Pulisic spurned their best chances. Mexico were limited to merely a couple of openings as Robinson, effective at left back, played his part in keeping a clean sheet.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/03/robinson-earns-vital-draw-for-usa-in-mexico/

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Kebano set to start crunch World Cup qualifier

Fulham winger Neeskens Kebano has been tipped to start DR Congo's crunch World Cup qualifier against Morocco this afternoon.

The 30 year-old wide man has missed Fulham's last two matches after picking up a hamstring injury but has been passed fit to feature in the first leg in Kinshasa. Much will depend on whether Hector Kebano has faith in the likeable wide man after Meschack Elia was ruled out.

The second leg takes place in Casablanca on Tuesday.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/03/kebano-set-to-start-crunch-world-cup-qualifier/

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Harry and Neco Edge Closer to World Cup

Harry Wilson and Neco Williams played their part in what was a vital 2-1 win over Austria last night.

The two goals from Gareth Bale means that both Harry and Neco are one step closer to playing in the Qatar World Cup this winter, ending their nations' long wait to play in the competition.

Neco took home plenty of plaudits for his performance out on the left, a position we haven't seen him operate in at Fulham as of yet.

He also dedicated the win to his Nana via social media after the game.

Elsewhere, Antonee Robinson started for the USMNT in their 0-0 draw with Mexico. The extra point on the board means that, like Wales, are edging towards the World Cup and with just two games left to go, are poised to finish in one of those all-important qualifying positions

Additionally, Mitro started for Serbia in a friendly against Hungary, in which they ran out 1-0 winners following an own goal from Zsolt Nagy.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/march/25/Harry-and-Neco-a-Step-Closer-to-World-Cup-Qualification/

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Ticket allocation and prices for Coventry City's clash with champions-elect Fulham

The Sky Blues travel to Craven Cottage for the first time in the league in the modern era next month


The Sky Blues will visit Fulham's Craven Cottage ground for the first time in over 50 years when the two sides play on Sunday, April 10

Ticket details have been confirmed for Coventry City's away game against Fulham – the first time the two sides have met at Craven Cottage in the league in almost 54 years.

The match against the Championship leaders was originally scheduled for Saturday, April 9, but has been switched for TV purposes and will now take place on Sunday, April 10 with a 3pm kick-off.

The Sky Blues comprehensively thrashed the Cottagers at the CBS Arena in October when Mark Robins's men battled back from an 18th minute Kyle McFadzean own goal, blowing away Marco Silva's men with four second half goals – a brace from Viktor Gyokeres and one each from Matty Godden and Ian Maatsen.

Fulham, however, have gone on to take a 14 point gap on third place at the top of the division with the help of a whopping 35 league goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic, virtually guaranteeing their automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and a achievement that could be confirmed if they beat Coventry next month.

City have a full allocation of 1,879 tickets for the fixture, with fans located in blocks P5 and P6 of the Putney End.

Sky Blues fans can purchase one ticket per supporter number – this is lower than normal due to the small allocation and expected high demand.

It is an all-ticket game and Sky Blues fans will NOT be able to pay on the day.

Sale Dates:

Monday 28th March, 10am: Ricoh Return Phase 1 Season Ticket holders

Tuesday 29th March, 10am: Ricoh Return Phase 2 Season Ticket holders

Wednesday 30th March, 10am: Ricoh Return Members (Non ST) and Season Ticket Holders

Thursday 31st March, 10am: CCFC Members and Match Package Holders

Friday 1st April, 10am: General Sale

Ticket Prices:

Adult - £35

65+ - £30

18-21 years - £30

17 & under - £15

Restricted View:

Adult - £33

65+ - £28

18-21 years - £28

17 & under - £13

Disabled Price:

Adult - £33

65+ - £28

18-21 years - £28

17 & under - £13

How to buy:

Online at eticketing.co.uk/CCFC

Visit the Ticket Office at the Coventry Building Society Arena (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-5:30pm)

Fans are encouraged when buying to assign tickets to individual supporter numbers, so that we have a more complete record of your attendance at away games.

Disabled supporters can buy online at eticketing.co.uk/CCFC or in person at the Ticket Office, or on 024 7699 2335 (please note lines may be busy).

Away tickets are not available on home matchdays at the Ticket Office (Midweek from 4pm).



https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/coventry-city-tickets-fulham-championship-23498780

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Wilson 'dreaming' of reaching World Cup with Wales

Harry Wilson admits he is dreaming of reaching the World Cup finals with Wales – and the Fulham winger is one step closer after last night's dramatic win over Austria in Cardiff.

Wilson, who has enjoyed an excellent first season at Craven Cottage with Marco Silva's side on course for an automatic return to the Premier League, played a pivotal role in the play-off semi-final victory with a typically energetic performance.

The 25 year-old told the Independent:

"We all have to dream. The country hasn't been to a World Cup for a very long time. We know as players and as a group we've got the opportunity to get us there. If we weren't dreaming of it we would be silly.

"We've gone past the first hurdle, and it's up to us now in the summer to make sure that when that second game comes we show the same levels. We want to do our best to get the country to the World Cup."

Wilson, who won the free-kick from which Gareth Bale scored the first goal in a brilliant brace, admits he won't be challenging the Welsh talisman for his role as set piece taker in Robert Page's side.

"I like taking free-kicks myself but when you've got someone with the quality that Gareth has I think you need to let him have at least the first one. When he produces like he did with the first one, he deserves the second as well. I think it was asking a bit much of him to score two, but the first one was unbelievable and set us on our way."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/03/wilson-dreaming-of-reaching-world-cup-with-wales/

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EFL Supporters Survey

Fulham FC would like you to take part in the 2022 EFL Supporters Survey. We want to hear more about your experiences of EFL football, and the things that matter most to you about our Club and the game in general.

To take part in the survey, please click here.

To enter, all you'll have to do is provide your name and email address at the end of the survey. Please click here to read the prize draw terms and conditions.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/march/25/EFL-Supporters-Survey/

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3 hurdles that Fulham must overcome to survive in the Premier League next season if promoted

Fulham have been relegated immediately in their last two ventures into the Premier League and Marco Silva will be hoping to put a stop to that run next season.

The Cottagers dismissed Slavisa Jokanovic and Claudio Ranieri from the hotseat mid season in 2018/19, before sticking with Scott Parker for the entirety of last season despite a consistent underperformance given the quality at his disposal.

Fulham have also tried spending heavily to limited success before and will need to be smart operators in the summer, to ensure they have the tools to push on to 40 points in the top-flight.

Here, we have taken a look at three hurdles that Fulham need to overcome to stay up in the Premier League next season if they get promoted...

The loss of Fabio Carvalho

Fabio Carvalho has enjoyed a sensational first full season in the Cottagers' first team, but is set to leave the club when his contract expires in the summer.

Harry Wilson and Aleksandar Mitrovic have been more successful in their goal contributions due to the attention defences have to put on Carvalho, breaking lines, orchestrating play and wreaking havoc in the final third.

The 19-year-old's destination remains unclear but it seems very unlikely he will stay at Craven Cottage, even though they should be able to offer him regular first team football in the Premier League.

Greater defensive resolve is needed

The strength of the attacking contingents you come up against in the Premier League is relentless, and the Cottagers have been burnt by being too weak at the back before.

It is of paramount importance that they keep Tosin Adarabioyo at the club, and source him a new partner at centre back with Tim Ream's best days firmly behind him.

Expectation

The last two times Fulham were promoted to the top-flight it was through nail-biting play-off campaigns.

Therefore, naturally the expectations were a little lower given the fine margins nature of their promotion.

However, this time around, the Cottagers have run away with the Championship and have been emphatically dismantling defences on a regular basis.

It is not realistic to expect this to carry on in the top-flight, but a return to the concerning form that saw them relegated in 2020/21 and 2018/19, will not be well received by the supporters.

Continuing to play an attractive brand of football under Silva will be key to keeping the support of the fan base, even through the testing times that lie ahead.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-hurdles-that-fulham-must-overcome-to-survive-in-the-premier-league-next-season-if-promoted/

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Preston and Forest Fixture Updates

Fulham's fixture at home to Preston North End has been moved back a day in an agreement between both clubs, due to the recent scheduling of matches and following the announcement of our fixture on Good Friday against Derby County, kicking off at 8pm.

The match will now take place on Tuesday 19th April at 7:45pm.

Our fixture at home to Nottingham Forest remains at 7:45pm on Tuesday 26th April but has now been selected for live TV broadcast.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/march/25/Preston-and-Forest-Fixture-Updates/

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EXCLUSIVE: Fulham talks upcoming with the fate of club-record signing at stake

Championship promotion favourites Fulham are yet to decide on the future of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa amid upcoming talks, TEAMtalk understands.

The Cameroon midfielder, 26, became Fulham's club-record signing in 2018. Anguissa arrived for an initial £22.8m to narrowly beat the £22m they forked out for Aleksandar Mitrović one month prior.

Anguissa performed well during each of Fulham's seasons in the top flight in 2018/19 and 2020/21.

However, when Fulham were relegated to the Championship in the season between and for the current campaign, Anguissa was loaned out to stellar European clubs.

A spell with Villarreal emerged in 2019/20 before he joined Napoli on loan this season.

Upon signing in Naples, a £10m option to buy was negotiated, though Fulham first covered their backs.

Indeed, Fulham made sure that the 26-year-old signed a new three-year deal before he departed.

But with Fulham now looking a certainty to return to the top flight, Anguissa's future is now on the agenda once more.

Fulham or Napoli for Anguissa?
Marco Silva's side are 14 points clear of third-placed Luton Town in the Championship.

With less than 10 matches remaining for every team in the league, only a momentous meltdown would see Fulham miss out on promotion from here.

We understand Napoli previously considered completing their permanent acquisition of Anguissa in January.

However, that opportunity came and went and now they are ready to hold talks in the summer.

Yet the possibility of Anguissa getting a third lease of life in the Premier League is a very real prospect.

His future will depend on whether Fulham want to keep Anguissa. Furthermore, it will hinge on if he wants to stay in Italy or return to the bright lights of the Premier League.

Selling Anguissa to Napoli for £10m would represent a significant loss on Fulham's initial outlay.

That alone may play a big part in Fulham's decision. He is only now entering his prime aged 26 and remains a high level performer when featuring regularly.



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/exclusive-anguissa-napoli-talks-upcoming-club-record-signing-to-be-decided

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Wickens and McAvoy: Honing Their Craft

With National Non-League Day around the corner, we spoke to Academy pair George Wickens and Connor McAvoy, who are enjoying their time on loan at Wealdstone.

The annual occasion falls on Saturday 26th March and aims to get fans down to a non-league game. With that in mind, Fulham season ticket holders can go and support our lads for a reduced price of £10, as Wealdstone host Bromley this weekend. You will need to show your season ticket upon entry at the turnstile.

With the ground running at a reduced capacity, tickets must be purchased online. We advise that supporters purchase as early as possible to avoid disappointment.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/march/25/national-non-league-day/

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Fulham set to face transfer dilemma regarding 26-year-old

Fulham have not decided on the future of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa yet – despite the inclusion of an option in his loan deal with Napoli to turn the move to the Italians into a permanent one, according to TEAMtalk.

It has been reported by multiple publications that the Naples-based Serie A outfit can sign the Cameroon international for a set fee this summer following the conclusion of his loan spell, which is believed to be in the region of €15 million.

However it would require Anguissa to agree a contract with Luciano Spalletti's side, and if he turned that down then he could potentially return to Craven Cottage as they look set to return to the Premier League barring a complete collapse of form.

The 26-year-old featured three times in the Championship under Marco Silva before securing an August deadline day switch away from the London club – it was the first time he had played in the second tier having departed Fulham for Villarreal in 2019 following their first relegation during Anguissa's time at the club.

With a return to the top flight on the horizon though, Anguissa could be set for another reprieve at Craven Cottage in what would be a boost to Silva's midfield options going forward.

The Verdict

Anguissa showed last season that he's a very classy operator – and that's why Fulham paid big money for his services to Marseille in 2018.

It was probably fair to let the midfielder depart for Napoli as it gave him the opportunity to contest European football, and he's been a regular over in Italy when he's been fit to play.

And just because there's the option to make the deal permanent for a set fee, it does not mean that Anguissa has to agree with it – if he'd prefer to play Premier League football again with Fulham then they would no doubt welcome him with open arms.

There's a chance though that the club may feel that they can get a higher fee than they agreed with Napoli for his services this summer, so that could also be a path to go down for the Khan family if they want to finally cash in on Anguissa.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-set-to-face-transfer-dilemma-regarding-26-year-old/

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Fulham yet to decide on Anguissa's future

Fulham have yet to decide on the future of Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa with the club set to talk to the midfielder over the summer, according to reports this afternoon.

The Cameroonian international has impressed on loan at Napoli this term having told Fulham head coach Marco Silva that he didn't want to play in the Championship on the eve of the new season. But the Italian side decided against exercising their option to make the move permanent for a rumoured £13m in January and recent reports in the Italian press suggest Napoli are haggling for a discount on the 26 year-old after he suffered a number of knee injuries.

Fulham are unlikely to acquiesce to those demands and could well welcome Anguissa back to Craven Cottage for a third Premier League campaign should the former Marseilles man, who signed a new contract with the Whites before moving to Naples, be keen on another tilt at the top flight.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/03/fulham-yet-to-decide-on-anguissas-future/

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Under the microscope: Assessing how good Aleksandar Mitrovic has been this season



Fulham are sitting comfortably at the top of the table in the EFL Championship. One of the reasons why they are at the summit is the form of striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. The Serbian striker is the league's top goalscorer with 35 strikes to his name. What's more, he is 12 goals ahead of Dominic Solanke – the next best in the league. This means he is highly likely to get away with the top goalscorer award for the season. It is also his career-best season, and there are still nine games left for Fulham, meaning he can add even more by the end of the season.



Aleksandar Mitrovic has netted 35 times this season in the EFL Championship with hattricks in three separate matches. On a per-game basis, of all the players who have played 1000 minutes or more this season, the Serbian has the highest goals per game ratio of 0.96. For context, the next best player in this category is Coventry City's Matt Godden, who has 0.68 goals per game, which is over a quarter lower than Mitrovic. If he maintains this rate of goalscoring for the rest of the season, then Mitrovic could score 43 or 44 goals by the season's end.



Aleksandar Mitrovic has already got the most goals ever by a single player in a single EFL Championship season, and he does not look like he is stopping. Seen in the above visual is his performance relative to the rest of the league's players. He not only tops the goalscoring charts but also the expected goals table. He is outperforming his xG output this season by 0.12 goals per 90. Mitrovic has taken the most shots per 90 of any player this season in the EFL Championship with 4.56 shots per 90.



The above visual displays Aleksandar Mitrovic's shot map. Nearly all of his 35 goals this season have come from inside the box, meaning he has known exactly where to shoot. He has hardly missed any big chances from inside the opposition's penalty area. Most of his misses have come from outside the box.



Displayed above is the pass sonar of Aleksandar Mitrovic. In addition to his 35 goals, he has also provided seven assists so far in this campaign. He has attempted many passes into the final third, which is where he is most threatening with his passes. Otherwise, he leaves it to his teammates to do the passing.

Mitrovic has been exceptional in the EFL Championship this season. He could finish north of 40 goals this season and help secure Fulham the title and the automatic promotion back to the Premier League for next season.



https://eflanalysis.com/analysis/aleksandar-mitrovic-fulham-efl-championship-2021-22-data-stats-analysis

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Rodak helpless as Slovakia slip to Norway defeat

Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak won his twelfth senior cap for Slovakia tonight in a 2-0 friendly defeat by Norway.

The 25 year-old, who has won back the goalkeeping jersey at club level after being benched by Marco Silva at the start of the season, kept the Norwegians at bay until thirteen minutes from time in Oslo with terrific saves from Erling Haaland, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Alexander Sorloth. He was finally beaten by brilliant finish from Haaland and a superb strike from Martin Ødegaard after Haaland had miscued a bicycle kick.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/03/rodak-helpless-as-slovakia-slip-to-norway-defeat/

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What is going on at Fulham at the moment? All the latest Cottagers news here

Fulham have stormed to the top of the Championship table and look well on course to seal a spot back in the Premier League come the end of the season.

With that in mind then, Marco Silva might already need to be putting some plans in place ahead of transfer business for when they return to the top flight. That status isn't confirmed yet but right now, it looks very likely.

There have been plenty of reports over the last few days too that have suggested the club may be thinking about some of their transfer dealings come the end of the season.

What then, has been going on with Fulham at the moment?

Fulham plotting Matt Targett swoop

One name that has been linked with a switch to Craven Cottage is Matt Targett and whilst Newcastle have been enjoying utilising him so far this season, it could be the Cottagers who land him on a deal this summer.

The Toon have let him play in 24 Premier League games this season and he's looked sharper under Eddie Howe too. However, there is no guarantee that a permanent deal will be done for his services in the summer and that could open the door for Fulham to sign him instead.

That's according to TeamTALK, who report that the Cottagers could certainly be in with a chance of landing the defender when the season comes to a close. That's so the side can prepare to try and stay in the top flight and with his experience of top level football, the 26-year-old could be an excellent addition.

Premier League outfit set to sign Fulham attacker

One expected outgoing that will surprise nobody though is Fabio Carvalho.

The player nearly left the club in the winter window but stayed on at Craven Cottage.

Fresh reports though via Paul Joyce on the Football Chat show suggests that the Reds will not be stopping their pursuit of the youngster yet and could finally bring the player to Anfield at the end of the season.

Carvalho has lit up the league for Fulham this year and with seven goals and six assists in just 27 Championship games so far, he has been one of their main creative outlets this campaign. Once he has helped the Cottagers to the title though, it looks like Liverpool could be the next step.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/what-is-going-on-at-fulham-at-the-moment-all-the-latest-cottagers-news-here/