Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 19/04/22...

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"Could be available on the cheap" – Potential Fulham, West Ham summer deal touted: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Fulham are keen on West Ham United defender Arthur Masuaku, according to Mail+.

Marco Silva's side are set to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking and will be tooling up to try and stay there in the summer window.

It appears Masuaku is on their list of targets but would he be a good signing for Fulham? And do they need him?

We quizzed our FLW writers...

Josh Cole
This could turn out to be a clever bit of business by Fulham if they are able to convince Masuaku to make the switch to Craven Cottage this summer.

The left-back knows exactly what it takes to compete in the top flight as he has made 104 appearances at this level for West Ham during his time at the club.

Whereas the Cottagers are currently able to call upon the services of Antonee Robinson who has produced a host of impressive displays in the Championship this season, the arrival of Masuaku could enable the United States international to reach new heights in terms of his development due to the added competition for places.

By nailing his transfer recruitment this summer, Marco Silva could assemble a squad which is capable of retaining a place in the Premier League for the foreseeable future.

Adam Jones
Bringing in a left-back is probably a good idea for the Cottagers because Antonee Robinson hasn't looked like a Premier League defender in waiting.

However, you'd think one of Robinson or Bryan would leave if Masuaku was to come in. The latter could be a decent signing with the amount of Premier League experience he has under his belt – but there is one concern.

That concern is with his playing time – because he would ideally have at least one full season of top-tier football under his belt before becoming a regular at Craven Cottage.

He won't have that, though the fact he isn't a regular could enable the Cottagers to negotiate a cheap deal for him.

Charlie Gregory
I feel that Masuaku would be a good acquisition for Fulham because of the potential price tag and experience he brings.

The defender isn't getting playing time with West Ham, so a move is logical. With Fulham, he would no doubt get plenty more action than he is managing right now. As for the Cottagers, they will be desperate to stay in the division. With the right additions and the right experience on board, it could really give them the know how to do so.

He also could be available on the cheap considering that he isn't getting on the field. West Ham are moving forward without him, so his availability could play a part.

It looks like win win for all sides to be honest.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/could-be-available-on-the-cheap-potential-fulham-west-ham-summer-deal-touted-the-verdict/

[WhiteJC]

Up next: Preston North End (h)

Fulham have another chance to clinch promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt this evening when Preston North End head to Craven Cottage. The rather hysterical reaction to the way Marco Silva's side wilted when in a winning position at Derby County on Friday night has given way to some foreboding amongst sections of the support that the Whites might yet be bottling their big chance of lifting the Championship trophy – although, as I wrote over the weekend, I don't subscribe to such a view.

The second half display at Pride Park on Good Friday was well below the levels that Fulham have set this season. It followed the second of two disappointing defeats at the hands of Coventry City. But it is inherently possibly to be displeased with that pair of performances and yet recognise that this is an exceptional Fulham side, full of verve, flair and invention, who have restored some adventure after the soporific Scott Parker years. Silva's commitment to all-out-attack has produced a side that could still finish the season with a points total in the high nineties and the Portuguese head coach has completely transformed the club's philosophy and mentality in the space of nine months.

The limp concession of a golden chance to confirm promotion at Derby does leave several questions lingering. Silva will probably need to be more pragmatic to achieve Premier League survival – a feat Fulham's last three managers have failed to muster – but he will have been dismayed by the failure of plenty of fringe players to play themselves into contention for the challenge. The head coach's selection and substitutions on Friday night were questionable, but there was a distinct lack of desire from the troops once Derby demonstrated their own never-say-die attitude. It was almost as if the players felt promotion was a foregone conclusion – and that's unacceptable.

Those two defeats were Fulham's first back-to-back league reverses since Silva succeeded Parker in July. He will expect a reaction this evening, even if he has urged his charges to stick to the ninety minutes in front of them rather than the ramifications of victory. Preston have proven a tough nut to crack once this season and now have one of the country's most underrated managers plotting the revival of one of English football's sleeping giants. Ryan Lowe, who guided Plymouth Argyle to promotion from League One and had them on course for another ascension before decamping to Deepdale, is enjoying the emergence of a possession-based style of play from his new charges and North End have taken seven points from their last three matches – beating Blackpool, ending QPR's promotion hopes and drawing with Millwall.

Lowe's impact since taking over from Frankie McAvoy has been immediate, with Preston beaten just four times in 21 league matches. He may be without key striker Emil Riis at the Cottage tonight as the Danish striker faces a late fitness test on a hamstring problem picked up against the Lions, whilst Alan Browne could also miss out after injuring his glute on Friday. The combined creativity of Izzy Brown, Tom Barkhuizen and Ryan Ledson will all certainly be missing, with Ali McCann primed to return to the starting line-up and Ched Evans, who made a real difference when he came on in November's 1-1 draw, could come back into contention after a cameo role from the bench against Millwall. Fulham fans of a certain vintage might remember how Ricky Heppolette ruined the promotion party in May 1971 – and might be wary of a repeat this evening.

Silva has no new injury worries to contend with but may well look to freshen things up following the false dawn at Derby. Antonee Robinson should replace Joe Bryan at left back and I'd favour another opportunity for Jean Michael Seri in central midfield. Neeskens Kebano deserves to displace Bobby Decordova-Reid if he's fully fit now, whilst Aleksandar Mitrovic will want to end an unfathomable run of 180 minutes without a goal in his most prolific campaign to date. The prize of promotion is so close we can all almost touch it – but the much-maligned Craven Cottage atmosphere might need to be cranked out to ensure an unforgettable night this evening. Be loud, proud and drink it all in – as it is unlikely you'll see as complete a Fulham side as this again in a very long time.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Williams, A. Robinson, Adarabioyo, Ream; Reed, Seri; Wilson, Kebano, Carvalho; Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Gazzaniga, Tete, Hector, Chalobah, Cairney, Decordova-Reid, Muniz.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/04/up-next-preston-north-end-h/

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Fulham crank up Prem scouting mission as they enter the fray for West Ham ace

Fulham manager Marco Silva is reportedly keen on signing a former player of his for the Premier League, West Ham ace Arthur Masuaku.

Fulham are one win away from returning to the top flight. Their last two seasons in the Prem have been less than successful, though.

In the 2018/19 and 2020/21 seasons, they went straight back down, following promotion from the Championship. Naturally, they will want to avoid that same fate in the coming season.

As such, they will want to put together a squad capable of remaining in England's best division.

The Cottagers have already been linked with moves for a few Premier League-quality players. Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun and West Ham loanee Alphonse Areola – who was at Fulham in their last top-flight season – are reportedly targets.

Signing players who have proven they have what it takes in the Premier League is a good strategy. That too, can be said of their reported pursuit of Masuaku, per Daily Mail.

The full-back is in his sixth season at West Ham. Indeed, he has shown that he is a capable player in the English top flight during his time with the Hammers.

Masuaku has racked up 127 appearances for the east London outfit, and has contributed to 12 goals from the back in that period.

However, Masuaku's role has dwindled over the past couple of seasons. The defender featured in just 12 league games last season, and has played the same number this season, starting only five games.

West Ham seemingly see now as the right time to cash in on the 28-year-old. It was reported last month that they were looking to offload him, and would accept a fee in the region of just £5million.

Masuaku seems a good signing for Fulham
The signing of Masuaku does seem like a good one for Fulham. At just 28 years of age, Masuaku should have a good few years left playing at the highest level.

Furthermore, he has performed when called upon for West Ham, despite limited appearances. With that being said, Fulham would be getting a competent player, and for a small fee.

Given Masuaku worked with Fulham boss Silva at Olympiakos, the pair should gel well.

As such, the manager could get the best out of the full-back, and Fulham should be better for that.



https://www.teamtalk.com/west-ham-united/arthur-masuaku-cottagers-crank-up-prem-scouting-mission-enter-fray-west-ham-ace

[WhiteJC]

Folarin Balogun to Fulham: Is it a good potential move? Would he start? What does he offer?

Fulham are interested in signing Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun as they prepare for a return to the Premier League next season, a report from The Daily Mail has claimed.

The Cottagers could seal promotion back to the top-flight at the first time of asking with victory over Preston on Tuesday night, and it seems they are already putting plans in place for the summer window.

According to this latest update, Balogun, who is currently on loan from Arsenal at Fulham's Championship rivals Midlesbrough, is among a number of players targeted for a move to Craven Cottage for next season.

But what would a deal to bring Balogun to Fulham actually mean for Marco Silva's side, as they look to re-establish themselves in the top-flight?

Here, we've taken a look at some of the big questions that could be asked about this potential move, right here.

Is it a good potential move?

This does have the potential to be a rather useful signing for Fulham if they pull it off.

Balogun is certainly a promising young player, as his previous exploits in Arsenal's first-team have already shown.

Fulham will likely need some additional attacking firepower if they are to avoid another swift relegation back to the Championship next season, and Balogun could thrive off the supply he would receive at Craven Cottage.

Given Balogun will also likely want to prove himself in the top-flight after this spell in the Championship, there is a chance this deal could work well for all involved.

Would he start?

It would certainly give Fulham manager Marco Silva something of a selection headache if Balogun was to join.

The Cottagers have often used just the one centre forward this season, and it would be hard not to give that role to Aleksandar Mitrovic – to begin with at least – after how good he has been again this season.

But given Arsenal's need for strikers following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's departure, and with Alexandre Lacazette's future uncertain, Balogun may feel there is a chance for him to break into the senior side at The Emirates next season.

As a result, the 20-year-old would likely need some guarantee of considerable game time, to convince him to make a move away from the Gunners to Fulham in the summer.

What does he offer?

There are a fair few attributes that Balogun could offer Fulham if he joined.

As has already been mentioned, the Arsenal man would provide an extra option upfront for Fulham, and his exploits for both the Gunners and Middlesbrough have shown he can get goals at a high level.

At 20-years-old, Balogun also has the vast majority of his career ahead of him, meaning he could potentially be a long-term asset at Craven Cottage.

Beyond that, if Arsenal were to let him leave, the striker would likely feel he has something to prove in the Premier League, and that too could provide him with yet more motivation to up his game and succeed if he was to join Fulham, which would see that added effort to their benefit.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/folarin-balogun-to-fulham-is-it-a-good-potential-move-would-he-start-what-does-he-offer/

[WhiteJC]

Loan Round-Up: Wealdstone Stay Up!

It's been an excellent week for our Wealdstone loanees George Wickens and Connor McAvoy, who both helped their club to survival in the National League.

Wickens made a brilliant penalty save last Friday, before a second half Rhys Browne strike sealed a crucial win over Southend United.

Then, just three days later, McAvoy put in a Man of the Match display and helped The Stones to another victory, this time over Boreham Wood, who had Taye Ashby-Hammond in between the sticks.

Cyrus Christie was involved in a thrilling Championship clash, as Swansea City drew 4-4 with Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. The right-back played the full game, receiving a booking soon after half-time.

Frank Anguissa's Napoli suffered late heatbreak last night, drawing 1-1 with Roma after a last minute Stephan El Shaarawy equaliser.

Steven Sessegnon is enjoying life on the South Coast and, like McAvoy, put in a Man of the Match display for Plymouth Argyle. Unfortunately, his award came after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers. He got another 90 minutes under his belt yesterday afternoon for The Pilgrims, who drew 0-0 with Sunderland.

Jerome Opoku made his 15th appearance for Danish outfit Vejle Boldklub yesterday, helping his side to a clean sheet after playing the full 90 minutes.

Sylvester Jasper was brought on for Hibernian with just a couple of minutes to play in the Scottish Cup on Saturday. He wasn't able to make an impact in the limited time that remained and his side fell to a 2-1 defeat against Hearts.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/april/19/Loan-Roundup-Wealdstone-Stay-Up/

[WhiteJC]

Comment: 3 transfer alternatives Fulham should consider instead of Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun

Fulham have been linked with a loan swoop for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun as Marco Silva sets his sights on his summer transfer targets.

Fulham are preparing for life back in the Premier League as they look set to bounce back up from the Championship.

Silva's side sit top of the table heading into the final five games of their season, and although they have fallen to back-to-back defeats at the hands of Coventry City and Derby County, they will remain confident of promotion.

Arsenal striker Balogun has been identified as a summer loan target, but here, we look at three alternative options Fulham should consider...

Eddie Nketiah – Arsenal
Nketiah is similar to Balogun in the sense that neither are quite at the forefront of Mikel Arteta's mind at the moment, but Nketiah has more first-team experience over Balogun, potentially making him a better option.

The 22-year-old has struggled for regular game time with the Gunners this season and could benefit from a move elsewhere, either permanent or temporary. He has managed 18 goals and two assists in 85 appearances for Arsenal and sees his current deal expire this summer.

Cameron Archer – Aston Villa
Archer has flourished in the Championship since joining Preston North End temporarily in January, netting seven goals in 16 second-tier outings for Ryan Lowe's side.

He made the move after strong performances for Aston Villa's U23s and has shown exactly why he's so highly rated by those at Villa Park, so a loan swoop for him in the summer could be a shrewd bit of business for Fulham as they look to bolster their options at the top of the pitch.

Noah Okafor – RB Salzburg
Although a more left-field option, there's no doubt surrounding Okafor's talents.

The 21-year-old Swiss striker has managed 13 goals and nine assists across all competitions this season, with three of those strikes coming in the Champions League for RB Salzburg. Okafor's promise and experience at a good level would make him a more expensive option, but he could be a brilliant signing for both the present and the future.



https://the72.co.uk/270963/comment-3-transfer-alternatives-fulham-should-consider-instead-of-arsenal-striker-folarin-balogun/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham v Preston: Latest team news, score prediction, Is there a live stream? Is it on TV? What time is kick-off?

Top of the league Fulham take on Preston North End tonight at Craven Cottage.

Fulham missed out on promotion yesterday after Nottingham Forest won but a win for the Cottagers tonight would secure them promotion back to the Premier League, so they need to keep the intensity up.

Meanwhile Preston sit 15th in the league with nothing to play for this season.

However, given Fulham have lost their two previous games whilst Preston are unbeaten since the start of the month, Preston will no doubt given the Cottagers a good game.

Latest team news

Fulham are largely okay in terms of team news as they look only to be missing Terence Kongolo through injury.

For Preston they continue to be without Izzy Brown, Ryan Ledson and Tom Barkhuizen who are all injured.

Emil Riis missed Preston's Good Friday draw against Millwall but has been training so could be available for the game.

Captain Alan Browne was forced to come off against Millwall because of an injury but it's yet to be seen whether this will keep him out of action.

Score prediction

The odds have to be with Fulham on this one but given they have lost two games in a row now, we are going for just 1-0 to Fulham.

Is there a live stream?

The game is not on TV but supporters in the UK can listen to the game via iFollow whilst overseas fans can watch the game.

What time's kick-off?

The game takes place tonight with a kick-off time of 7:45pm.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-v-preston-latest-team-news-score-prediction-is-there-a-live-stream-is-it-on-tv-what-time-is-kick-off/

[WhiteJC]

Balogun draws transfer interest from Premier League hopeful

Fulham are looking to bring Folarin Balogun in on loan next season, when they hope to be playing Premier League football.

The Daily Mail report that Fulham are keen on Folarin Balogun as a potential loan addition for next season, as they look to add depth and competition in forward areas.

Fulham are almost guaranteed promotion to the Premier League with five games left. Six points clear at the top of the table, only two teams can still catch them.

Given their huge goal difference, that would require Fulham to pick up just one point from five matches whilst Nottingham Forest go on a flawless run. It's probably safe to assume the London club are returning to the top flight.

At that point, they'll want to do significantly better than on their last promotion, when they finished 18th and went straight back down. Signing Premier League loanees will certainly help.

From an Arsenal perspective, it would be great to get Balogun playing in the top flight as often as possible. If he's not going to get that chance at the Emirates Stadium in 2022/23, Fulham would be a great alternative.

Balogun is currently playing his football in the Championship, on loan since January. He's directly contributed to five goals in 808 league minutes, slightly better than one every two 90s.

It's a solid enough start, especially considering it's his first spell in senior football (outside of the 209 minutes he played for Arsenal).

The striker will be hoping to push on and really make an impression over the next 12 months or so now.



https://dailycannon.com/2022/04/folarin-balogun-fulham/