Saturday Fulham Stuff - 08/10/22...

WhiteJC · October 08, 2022, 12:07:18 AM

David Moyes has surely just hinted that West Ham player with 1 Premier League minute this season will start vs Fulham

David Moyes has surely just hinted that West Ham player with one Premier League minute this season will start vs Fulham.

The Hammers earned a hard-fought 1-0 win away in Anderlecht last night and as a result, we are now firmly in control of Europa Conference League Group B.

In my opinion, Flynn Downes was one of the very best performers on the night for West Ham, alongside Craig Dawson, Jarrod Bowen and Alphonse Areola.

The 23-year-old proved last night that he is more than good enough to be playing week in, week out in the Premier League.

Downes would have been really disappointed not to feature in our last three games, having played so well against FCSB at the London Stadium a few weeks ago.

Surely there can be no questions regarding his quality now though. He has undoubtedly given David Moyes somewhat of a selection headache ahead of our clash with Fulham on Sunday...

Moyes drops selection hint ahead of West Ham vs Fulham
The Scot will be desperate for his West Ham team to earn three points against Fulham this weekend, and make it two Premier League wins in a row.

The Hammers rotated heavily against Anderlecht last night, but it seems as though one of the fringe players who came into the side could be in line to start on Sunday.

Moyes addressed the media yesterday and praised Downes for his performance against Anderlecht, as quoted by Football.London:

Flynn Downes played really well tonight. I thought he was really good. And the goalkeeper made a couple of great saves. But Flynn has given is something to think about. He's only just starting to get the feel of it in training, he's beginning to get used to what we want. He did a really good job tonight, Flynn.

The ex-Swansea midfielder was a really calming influence in the middle of the park for the Hammers against the Belgian side.

He kept us ticking and moved the ball around at ease.

The Brentwood-born Hammer got stuck in, was tenacious in the tackle and provided a solid shield for our backline. He had plenty of energy as well – a prerequisite for anyone who plays for David Moyes.

Downes absolutely should start for West Ham against Fulham now in my opinion.

And it seems as thought that's something that David Moyes is at least considering.

He only has one Premier League minute to his name at the moment – a late substitute appearance on the opening day of the season against Manchester City. That's surely all about to change though, after last night's display.

https://www.hammers.news/news/david-moyes-has-surely-just-hinted-that-west-ham-player-with-1-premier-league-minute-this-season-will-start-vs-fulham/

WhiteJC · October 08, 2022, 12:10:16 AM

West Ham United v Fulham - All You Need To Know

West Ham United return to Premier League action after securing a midweek European win in Belgium by welcoming Fulham to London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Hammers are seeking a third victory and clean sheet in the space of eight days after defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 on home turf last weekend and RSC Anderlecht 1-0 in Brussels in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday evening.

Those successes took David Moyes' side out of the bottom three in the Premier League and five points clear at the top of Group B in Europe respectively.

Fulham, meanwhile, have made a good start on their latest return to the top-flight, winning three and drawing two of their opening eight matches to go into the weekend in eighth place.

Tickets...
Make sure you don't miss out on a ticket for this sold-out fixture, as seats are available to buy or relist on the Ticket Exchange!

Supporters can purchase their seats on the Ticket Exchange, while Season Ticket holders who cannot make this match can also relist their seat, allowing fellow fans the chance to be at a London derby and fill London Stadium with the Claret and Blue Army.

Season Ticket Holders who relist on the Ticket Exchange will earn Club Cash to redeem against club products, including their Season Ticket renewal, when their seat sells.

How to Follow...
Sunday's game will NOT be broadcast live in the UK, but it will be shown on TV across the world by the Premier League's international broadcast partners. You can listen to live radio commentary in the UK on BBC Radio 5 Live.

If you live outside the UK, for details of listings in your territory, click here for full Premier League broadcast listings.

You can also follow the action via our live blog on whufc.com and our app and across our social media channels. We will also have highlights and exclusive reaction for you after the final whistle.

Travel...
Thankfully, there is no rail strike on Sunday, so mainline and Elizabeth line train services will be running. However, there is a strike on Saturday, so early-morning services on Sunday may be affected, and there is a lot of engineering works going on...

There will be no London Overground service on Sunday between Surrey Quays and Clapham Junction, or between Stratford and Gospel Oak, with replacement busses in operation.

Supporters are advised to check their journeys before travel, with resources such as TfL's Journey Planner or the TfL Go app helping to plan your journey.

Greater Anglia services between Ingatestone and Colchester, including the Braintree branch, will be replaced by busses.

c2c services on the Basildon and Ockendon lines will both be disrupted by engineering works. Between Fenchurch Street and Barking, services will be diverted to Liverpool Street and will call additionally at Stratford but will not call at Limehouse or West Ham.

Due to points work at Upminster, the line between Barking and Pitsea via Laindon will be closed. These services will be diverted via an alternative route between Barking and Pitsea. Rail replacement busses will be in operation between Upminster and Pitsea via Laindon.

The line between Barking and Grays via Ockendon will also be closed. These services will be diverted via an alternative route between Barking and Grays.

There will be ticket acceptance on District Line services between Upminster and Barking and Jubilee Line services between Stratford and West Ham for passengers with a valid ticket, and DLR ticket acceptance between Limehouse and Stratford via Poplar and Limehouse and Tower Gateway.

Matchday Information...
West Ham United Season Ticket Holders attending Sunday's Premier League fixture at London Stadium are reminded that they will need to download their NFC (Near-Field Communication) Season Tickets to their mobile phone ahead of the game.

For the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, all Hammers Season Ticket Holders will gain entry to London Stadium via their NFC Season Ticket – an efficient and convenient solution on matchdays, which is being rolled out across the Premier League, whereby supporters can simply tap their way into the ground via their NFC-enabled mobile phone device.

To download your ticket direct to your mobile phone, view our step-by-step guide by clicking here.

Official Programme...
West Ham United's 116-page Official Programme for Sunday's Premier League fixture with Fulham is on sale now.

With London Stadium set to host another capacity 62,500 crowd, we have produced a bumper issue crammed full of exclusive interviews and exciting content for fans of all ages, complete with a double-sided A3 poster.

Cover star Alphonse Areola reflects on his journey from playing junior football in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower to parading the FIFA World Cup down the Champs-Élysées, the strong family values that give him strength and the prospect of facing his former club.

The Irons' Official Programme is available to order online now for just £4, plus £1.49 postage and packaging*.

Team News...
David Moyes has a near fully-fit squad to pick from for Sunday's game, with only two potential absentees.

Maxwel Cornet suffered a lower-leg injury in last Saturday's 2-0 home win over Wolves, while Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd has stepped up his fitness work as he recovers from an ankle injury, but he is not yet ready to return to action.

For Fulham, Serbia centre-forward Aleksandar Mitrović was taken off with an ankle injury in last weekend's home defeat by Newcastle United. Midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah was sent-off in the same game and will miss the trip to London Stadium through suspension.

Combative Portugal midfielder João Palhinha is also suspended after being booked five times in the opening eight Premier League matches, while Harry Wilson (knee), Willian (calf) and Manor Solomon (knee) are also likely to miss the game.

Opposition...
Fulham will hope it is third time lucky after their last two Premier League campaigns ended with a swift return to the Championship.

Owner Shahid Khan's NFL franchise, the Jacksonville Jaguars, have started the new season strongly, and the early signs are also good for his Association Football club.

Consecutive seasons in the top-flight will be the aim for American businessman Khan, who brought Fulham in 2013 and, in nine years since, has suffered three relegations and enjoyed three promotions.

After winning promotion in 2018, Fulham spent north of £100m, but went straight back down. After coming up in 2020, the Whites went hard in the loan market, but went straight back down.

This time around, Khan has adopted a more reserved approach when it comes to recruitment, appearing to go for quality rather than quantity.

After guiding Fulham to the EFL Championship title in his first season at Craven Cottage, Marco Silva spent the summer keeping hold of his best players, and adding proven Premier League quality to play alongside them.

Of course, holding onto Aleksandar Mitrović was task one this summer, after the Serbia striker plundered 43 Championship goals last term.

Khan and Silva managed that, then added centre-backs Issa Diop and Shane Duffy from West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion respectively, former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno, ex-Manchester United playmaker Andreas Pereira, former Chelsea and Brazil midfielder Willian and Paris Saint-Germain's France full-back Layvin Kurzawa.

After amassing just 54 points in their previous two Premier League seasons combined, Fulham have collected eleven already, drawing with Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers before defeating Brentford, Brighton and Nottingham Forest.

Silva's side have scored in seven of their eight matches, netting 13 in total, with Mitrović notching six of them.

While there is a long way to go, and a 4-1 home defeat by Newcastle United last weekend was a reality check, there is enough quality and experience in the Fulham squad to have Cottagers supporters feeling optimistic that they could re-establish themselves as Premier League regulars.

Fulham remained in the top-flight for 13 years after being first promoted in 2001, thriving under the likes of Jean Tigana, Chris Coleman and Roy Hodgson, who also led the west Londoners to the UEFA Europa League final in 2010.

While a repeat of that achievement will likely be beyond Silva, he has certainly made an encouraging start.

Previous Meetings...
West Ham United and Fulham meet in the Premier League for the 25th time on Sunday.

The Irons have had the best of things by far down the years, winning 14 of the 24 meetings, while the Whites have won just four, with six draws.

The most recent Premier League meeting at London Stadium ended 1-0 in the Hammers' favour back in November 2020, when Tomáš Souček scored in the 91st minute, then Ademola Lookman missed an even later penalty.

Fulham have not won on any of their last ten Premier League visits to east London dating back to a 2-0 victory on 3 November 2001, over 20 years ago. However, the Cottagers did win an FA Cup fifth-round replay at the Boleyn Ground in February 2004.

Match Officials...
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Assistants: Dan Cook & Dan Robathan
Fourth official: Robert Jones
VAR: Michael Salisbury
Assistant VAR: Steve Meredith

https://www.whufc.com/news/west-ham-united-v-fulham-all-you-need-know

WhiteJC · October 08, 2022, 12:12:12 AM

Craven Cottage to host Fulham FC Women game

Fulham FC Women are excited to announce our upcoming Capital Cup Round One tie against AFC Wimbledon will be played at Craven Cottage on Sunday 20th November!

The Whites have got their 2022/23 campaign off to a great start, winning three of their first five league matches.

The fixture against National League Division One side AFC Wimbledon will kick-off at 2pm on 20th November, and marks a significant moment in the history of Fulham FC Women - with the Women's team appearing at Craven Cottage for the very first time since the side's re-formation in 2014.

Whether you're a regular at Motspur Park or looking to experience women's football for the first time, we're encouraging all Fulham fans to come together and show their support for this special matchday.

Be a part of history by securing your tickets for the match, which are priced at just £5 for adults and £1 for juniors. All seats will be allocated in the Johnny Haynes Stand.

Supporters can purchase online, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham FC Ticket Office.

Please note, this match is not included in the Fulham FC Women 22/23 Season Ticket.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/october/07/fulham-fc-women-to-play-at-craven-cottage/

WhiteJC · October 08, 2022, 12:14:28 AM

Fulham: Paul Merson reveals what Aleksandar Mitrovic told him about his injury ahead of West Ham

Paul Merson has now revealed that Aleksandar Mitrovic told him he's hopeful of playing for Fulham this weekend ahead of West Ham clash.

Last weekend at craven cottage was probably as close as possible Fulham and Marco Silva could come to a real-life nightmare in football terms as they were smashed 4-1, saw Nathaniel Chalobah sent off and star striker Mitrovic was forced off before half time.

There had been talk in the build-up to last weekend's game about Mitrovic's fitness after being pictured with his ankle heavily strapped up while away on international duty and despite starting against his former side Newcastle United, he failed to impact the game, got booked and then hobbled off in the first half.

However, Merson has dropped some positive injury news after speaking to Mitrovic earlier in the week about his knock in his Sportskeeda column.

'The result of this game will depend on Aleksandar Mitrovic's fitness. I saw him earlier this week and he said he hopes to be fit, but we'll have to wait and see.'

TIF Thoughts on Mitrovic's injury...
As Merson alluded to, the result of Fulham's upcoming game against West Ham will likely depend on the fitness of Mitrovic given he ranks top for goals in the Premier League this season for the Cottagers by some distance.

So, if he doesn't return this weekend then Fulham may well find it difficult to breach a West Ham defence who've now kept back-to-back clean sheets across all competitions, an impressive turnaround by David Moyes' side.

Given there is a World Cup next month and Mitrovic will likely be a starter for Serbia, if he doesn't feel 100% fit he may well sit this game out and not risk aggravating his injury that may well end up keeping him out of the tournament, so it's indeed a tough balance for the striker and Marco Silva to find.

https://thisisfutbol.com/2022/10/blogs/premier-league/fulham-injury-news-aleksandar-mitrovic-injury-update-marco-silva/

WhiteJC · October 08, 2022, 12:15:28 AM

Mitrovic doubtful for West Ham game

Fulham boss Marco Silva says Aleksandar Mitrovic is doubtful to face West Ham on Sunday.

The talismanic striker was forced off in the first half of last Saturday's 4-1 loss to Newcastle with a foot injury he initially picked up on international duty for Serbia.

"He was out (on the training pitch) today (Friday) but we will have to assess again him tomorrow," Silva said.

"He is still a doubt but he is getting better. He has small some small damage in his foot. We are working with him and while it is not serious, we need to get him fit."

Silva said defender Kenny Tete will also be assessed on Saturday along with Antonee Robinson and Willian, who are all carrying knocks, while Layvin Kurzawa is unavailable again.

However, Palhinha will definitely be back to face the Hammers at the London Stadium, having sat out the Newcastle match due to suspension.

https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/mitrovic-among-five-fulham-players-doubtful-for-west-ham-game

WhiteJC · October 08, 2022, 12:16:18 AM

Former Hammer faces hostile reception

Issa Diop is set for quite a reception should he appear for Fulham who provide the opposition on Sunday at the London Stadium.

The French central defender of course forced his way out of the Hammers after allegedly being told he was very much the last man in the central defensive pecking order.

The only saving grace was that with the club unable to replace him late on ensuring that Wolves hopes of landing Craig Dawson were entirely scuppered.

Diop effectively staged his own demonstration come strike, which of course went down very badly indeed with the Hammer fans and given that he may well appear on Sunday he can expect a pretty hostile reception.

The central defender has made a troublesome start at Craven Cottage but came off the bench in the 1-4 defeat to Newcastle making what has been described as a reasonable display.

Prio to that he had been involved only against Arsenal and the defeat of Nottingham Forest at PL level.

https://www.claretandhugh.info/former-hammer-faces-hostile-reception/

WhiteJC · October 08, 2022, 12:17:42 AM

Team News: Mitro A Doubt

Marco Silva has a number of decisions to make regarding player fitness going into Sunday's London derby against West Ham United.

Nathaniel Chalobah and Layvin Kurzawa will definitely miss the match through suspension and injury, respectively, but late calls will be made on the likes of Aleksandar Mitrović, Kenny Tete, Antonee Robinson and Harry Wilson.

"We still have some doubts for the game," Silva revealed in his pre-game media briefing. "Some players have been doing individual work, some were involved with us.

"We have one more session tomorrow to keep assessing them and to take some important decisions regarding some players.

"We have to assess them again tomorrow to take decisions for the match."

Mitrović didn't even make it to half-time against Newcastle United as he struggled with a knock picked up with Serbia.

"He was outside this morning doing some work, getting better, but he is still a doubt for the match," Silva said of his number nine. "Again, we have to assess him tomorrow, do what we should do with him, and take the decision for the match.

"It was the injury that he got from the first game with the international team, he got a kick which damaged a little bit his foot.

"And, of course, after the first international match he played the second game. He played the 90 minutes and when he came here he had small damage in his feet.

"Of course, we are managing it, we're doing some treatment with him to get him ready as quick as we can.

"It's not something really serious. Let's see if he can be ready for Sunday against West Ham.

"He will be ready for Bournemouth for sure, we hope, and let's see if he can be ready or not for West Ham."

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/october/07/team-news-mitro-a-doubt/

WhiteJC · October 08, 2022, 12:19:51 AM

West Ham United v Fulham

West Ham United manager David Moyes has won 13 of his 14 Premier League home matches against Fulham

TEAM NEWS

West Ham United winger Maxwel Cornet is unavailable after he was substituted against Wolves with a calf strain.

Manager David Moyes has said players with "knocks" should be fit by Sunday.

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is a doubt because of an ankle injury sustained against Newcastle United, while Kenny Tete will be assessed.

Nathaniel Chalobah is suspended after his eighth-minute red card last weekend, but Joao Palhinha returns following a ban.

CHRIS SUTTON'S PREDICTION
West Ham got over the line against Wolves last week with a much-needed win, after Jarrod Bowen got off the mark with his first league goal of the season.

The Hammers may have a bit of momentum now, but this is where we will find out.

As for Fulham, what kind of threat they pose will depend on whether Aleksandar Mitrovic is fit after he was injured against Newcastle last week.

Prediction: 2-1

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

West Ham United are unbeaten in 11 home Premier League matches against Fulham (W7, D4), winning their last four in a row.
Fulham have kept just one clean sheet in the past 21 top-flight away meetings, conceding 49 goals.

West Ham United

West Ham's victory against Wolves was their first in seven Premier League home games, ending their worst run for more than 19 years.
It was the Hammers' first clean sheet in nine league fixtures at the London Stadium since they also beat Wolves 1-0 back in February.
West Ham are looking to win consecutive league matches for the first time since January.
However, the Hammers have lost two of their last three Premier League games against promoted sides, as many as in their previous 16.
They could lose more than five of their opening nine matches of a Premier League campaign for just the third time, after 2006-07 and 2018-19.
West Ham have lost a Premier League record 113 London derbies. They have taken just one point from their last six such fixtures.
The average age of their starting XI this season has been 28 years and 135 days - the oldest of any team.
David Moyes has won 13 of his 14 home Premier League matches against Fulham, drawing the other.
Jarrod Bowen has scored 18 of his 22 Premier League goals at London Stadium.

Fulham

Fulham have alternated between victory and defeat in each of their past six league games.
Their three wins during that period is as many as they had managed in their previous 30 Premier League matches.
They can win consecutive Premier League away fixtures for the first time since their final away game of 2012-13 and first of 2013-14.
Fulham's win rate of 18% in Premier League London derbies is the lowest of any club.
They have won just one of their past 27 top-flight matches against fellow London sides (D5, L21).
Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored in each of his three Premier League London derbies this season, having netted in just one of his first 17 in the division.
Marco Silva has won four of his five Premier League matches as a manager against West Ham - they are the only team he has won more than three top-flight matches against.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63106178

WhiteJC · October 08, 2022, 12:21:40 AM

Aleksandar Mitrovic is in race against time to be fit for Fulham's clash against West Ham with the Serbian striker 'still a doubt' due to foot ligament injury suffered in heavy defeat to Newcastle

Aleksandar Mitrovic is a doubt for Fulham's trip to West Ham United on Sunday
The Serbian striker limped out of the 4-1 defeat to Newcastle last weekend
Mitrovic has scored six goals this season as Fulham sit eighth in the table

Aleksandar Mitrovic is a doubt for Fulham's Premier League match at West Ham on Sunday.

The Serbia international, who has scored six times in the top flight this season, was withdrawn in the first half of Fulham's 4-1 defeat against Newcastle last weekend with ligament damage in his foot.

Manager Marco Silva hopes the injury to his star striker is not serious, but admits he faces a race against time to be fit for his side's clash at the London Stadium.

Aleksandar Mitrovic limps off last weekend and is a doubt for Fulham's clash with West Ham

"He is still a doubt," said Silva. "He was outside this morning, doing some work, getting better. We will assess him tomorrow, and then take a decision for the match."

The Cottagers have had an encouraging start to their return to the Premier League, and currently sit eighth in the table having only lost three times in eight games.

Mitrovic has also impressed, despite many believing he couldn't continue the form that saw him break the record last season for most goals scored in a Football League season.

His 43 goals in 2021-22 broke Guy Whittingham's long-standing record, and Mitrovic has carried on scoring this season, with only Harry Kane and Erling Haaland scoring more than the 28-year-old.

After Sunday's trip to West Ham, Fulham face fellow promoted side Bournemouth at Craven Cottage on 15 October.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11291887/Aleksander-Mitrovic-race-against-time-fit-Fulhams-clash-West-Ham.html

WhiteJC · October 08, 2022, 12:23:34 AM

West Ham Matchday Preview

West Ham United v Fulham | Sunday 9th October | 2pm | London Stadium | #WHUFUL

The opposition

After a tough start, West Ham will hope their 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers – which also saw their 2021/22 top scorer Jarrod Bowen open his Premier League account for the campaign – kickstarts their season.
Five of their eight league matches have ended in defeat so far, leaving the Hammers sitting 15th in the standings.
They have, however, been flawless in the Europa Conference League, winning their three group games to date, most recently securing an impressive 1-0 win over Anderlecht in Brussels this week.

West Ham team news

Maxwel Cornet went off with a calf injury against Wolves and will miss Sunday's match, while Nayef Aguerd is also out with an ankle problem.

Fulham team news

Nathaniel Chalobah is suspended but João Palhinha will return from his one-game ban. Layvin Kurzawa misses out through injury, while Aleksandar Mitrović, Antonee Robinson and Kenny Tete continue to be assessed. There is optimism that Harry Wilson will be involved in some capacity.

Player insight

Tom Cairney wants Fulham to follow last season's trend of bouncing back when they head to London Stadium.

Marco Silva's men responded well to any setback en route to the Championship title, and our skipper knows that mentality will be vital once again as we attempt to move on from the Newcastle United defeat.

"I think that's the sign of any good team," he told FFCtv. "I think that's why we won the league.

"Any bad performance or bad defeat last season, we answered it quite emphatically and quickly, so it would be nice to do that this weekend."

Tickets

The away allocation for this match has sold out, meaning there will be more than 3,000 Fulham fans in attendance.

Weather

A dry day is forecast in Stratford, with temperatures around the 17 degree mark come kick-off.

No room for racism

All Premier League matches between 8 and 16 October will be dedicated to No Room For Racism, with players taking the knee ahead of kick-off.

Coverage

FFCtv subscribers can listen to live commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid.

Fan support

Fans are politely reminded to be considerate of those around them when celebrating goals at away matches.

Top scorers

West Ham: Gianluca Scamacca (5)

Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrović (6)

Form

West Ham: WWLWW

Fulham: LWLWL

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/october/07/west-ham-matchday-preview/

WhiteJC · October 08, 2022, 12:24:24 AM

Silva frustrated with Serbia over Mitrovic injury

Fulham boss Marco Silva has questioned the decision of Serbia's medical team to allow Aleksandar Mitrovic to play with a foot injury.

Mitrovic is doubtful to face West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday after being forced off during the first half of last week's 4-1 defeat by Newcastle at Craven Cottage, having first suffered the injury 25 minutes from the end of his country's Nations League game against Sweden.

The 28-year-old had already scored a hat-trick in Serbia's 4-1 victory when he was substituted, but then played 89 minutes of the 2-0 win over Norway in Oslo three days later – a move that has has not gone down well with Silva.

"It was a big frustration for us as a football club," Silva said.

"Of course we were not there but in contact with the medical staff, and the feedback we had from then was that he was in condition to play

"We spoke to him the next day and he told us he was OK to play.

"It is tough for us a club because we want to support the players from the first day until the last and we know it is important to them to play for the national teams and it was an important match for them.

"We want our players to play for their national teams and it is a proud thing for the club, but at the same time you have to have to some protection as a football club and not risk our players.

"I am not saying they have done but is is frustrating when this type of thing happens.

"Unfortunately this international break wasn't good for us ... but you just have to deal with it."

In addition to Mitrovic, Antonee Robinson is struggling to recover from an ankle injury that has sidelined him for over a month and Layvin Kurzawa is ruled out after also limping off Newcastle.

If Robinson is not passed fit, Silva said he may have to again look at playing Tosin Adarabioyo on the left.

"I am not sure if we will have a left-back and if we don't we will just have to deal with it just as we did against Nottingham Forest a few weeks ago," he said.

"It has been tough for us to keep the same four at the back and we have to play a central defender at left-back if Robinson is not fit."

https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-frustrated-with-serbia-over-mitrovic-injury

WhiteJC · October 08, 2022, 12:25:28 AM

FPL experts: What to do with Mitrovic?

The Scout's panel on whether to keep or sell the Fulham star, who is an injury doubt for Gameweek 10

In Friday's press conference, Fulham head coach Marco Silva provided an update on the fitness of Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.8m), who is owned by 27 per cent of Fantasy managers.

"He was outside this morning doing some work, getting better, but he is still a doubt for the match," Silva said. "Again, we have to assess him tomorrow, do what we should do with him, and take the decision for the match.

"It's not something really serious. Let's see if he can be ready for Sunday against West Ham. He will be ready for AFC Bournemouth for sure, we hope, and let's see if he can be ready or not for West Ham."

The Scout's panel of Fantasy Premier League experts share their thoughts on what owners should do with the Fulham star.

What the experts say
Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily)

With Fulham, Southampton and a leaky Liverpool defence to face in the next three matches for around the same price as Mitrovic, Gianluca Scamacca (£6.7m) could be a good option.

The West Ham forward made his second start of the season in GW9 and returned eight points thanks to a goal and two bonus points. With nice fixtures and an ownership of just 0.7 per cent, he could be a good differential.
Lee Bonfield (@FPLFamily)

With Mitrovic facing a late check, I'll likely hold as Fulham's fixtures look good moving forward and he's their talisman.

If you want to replace him and are strapped for cash, consider Danny Welbeck (£6.5m). He's been quoted in the press as "excited" to be playing under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi - and the Italian got a lot out of his No 9s at previous clubs. It's a bit of a gamble with Brighton & Hove Albion's fixtures, but keep an eye on him.
Utkarsh Dalmia (@zophar666)

It is hard to know what to do with the forward. If he is out for more than a week, Callum Wilson (£7.2m) looks the standout replacement. He's scored three in four appearances for Newcastle United and when fit he guarantees goals.
Gianni Buttice (@GianniButtice)

This is all about time, which sadly we don't always have. Wilson and Welbeck are both on my radar but, with two free transfers, I will even consider moving him down to bench fodder to boost my midfield. However, this is not ideal, with Blank Gameweek 12 on the horizon.
Pras (@Pras_fpl)

With Mitrovic's injury looking short term, Fantasy managers should consider benching him for a week if possible.

If you need a guaranteed starter for this week, Wilson is the best dependable option for a similar budget. At the lower end, Dominic Solanke (£5.7m) still appeals for his price, fixtures and the fact that he's on penalties.

Other left-field options include Scamacca, Welbeck, Anthony Martial (£6.9m), Patson Daka (£5.7m) and Ollie Watkins (£7.2m).
Jamie Pigott (@Futbolislifefpl)

I prefer to keep him, with AFC Bournemouth at home in Gameweek 11. But if managers want to make the change, I like Wilson. When he's fit, he scores goals.

https://www.premierleague.com/news/2841667

WhiteJC · October 08, 2022, 12:26:57 AM

Fulham star Wilson set for return to action

Marco Silva says Harry Wilson could make his long-awaited return to action for Fulham against West Ham on Sunday.

The Wales international has not featured for the Whites since their return to the Premier League, after sustaining a knee injury in a pre-season friendly.

Wilson, who played a significant role in the team's Championship-winning success, has returned to training and boss Silva said he is likely to be in his squad to face the Hammers at the London Stadium.

"He will probably be involved. It is a decision I will have to make on Saturday after training," Silva said.

"He is working with the team and had a very good week (in training) and is working hard and getting more confident.

"We have had to manage the situation. He is not ready to play 90 minutes right now,

"Harry Wilson is a player that works really hard and enjoys every training session so it is now just about getting minutes in his legs.

"But when he returns, he will help us for sure."

https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-star-wilson-set-for-return-to-action