Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 19/10/22...

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Results

Tuesday
Brighton	0-0	Forest
Palace	2-1	Wolves

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Aston Villa linked with Mauricio Pochettino as Steven Gerrard fights on

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a candidate to succeed Steven Gerrard should the under-fire Villa boss fail to engineer a revival in fortunes.

Gerrard is battling to save his job and has entered the most pivotal week of his reign, with Thursday's trip to Fulham and Sunday's home match with Brentford likely critical to his future.

Former Tottenham boss Pochettino is thought to be the club's preferred target should they decide to make a change. The 50-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Paris St-Germain in July and was linked with Chelsea before their appointment of Graham Potter.

Convincing him to join a club in the bottom half of the Premier League, outside the established elite would be far from straightforward – yet ambitious Villa would be prepared to try as they look for a manager capable of taking them to the next level.

Gerrard was intended to be that man when he replaced Dean Smith last November, but the former Liverpool and England captain is struggling to prove he can fulfil the remit.

Villa head to Fulham sat 16th in the table, exactly the same position they were when Gerrard took the reins and a return of just nine points from the first 10 Premier League matches, which has seen his team score just seven goals, has caused supporters to lose patience.

Gerrard was booed and heckled by a section of fans following Sunday's 2-0 home defeat to Chelsea. Though Villa's performance was among their best of the season, the pressure is on to deliver positive results in the next two matches.

The home side were denied by a stunning performance from Chelsea's keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and striker Danny Ings has urged his team-mates to keep believing as they prepare for the trip to Craven Cottage.

"It's difficult at the moment, the chances just aren't going in for us," said Ings.

"Football is all about momentum, you can build that up. It is important we keep believing in ourselves.

"As players, after a loss, you want the next game to come as quick as possible. It's a huge game and one we believe we can win.

"If we play as well as we did in games you are going to win quite a few. It is important we put the chances away when they do come and we need to keep believing in ourselves. The goals and the points will come."



https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/aston-villa/2022/10/18/aston-villa-linked-with-mauricio-pochettino-as-steven-gerrard-fights-on/

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Annual Charity Matchday Raises £15,000+

This year's annual charity matchday marked a special occasion for Fulham FC Foundation, who celebrated their 20th anniversary during the home fixture against Newcastle United on October 1st 2022.

Across the matchday, Fulham FC Foundation focused on promoting four of their projects, namely Refugee Kicks, Bursary, Mental Wellbeing and Women & Girls Football, with more than 20 members of staff at Craven Cottage supported by host of volunteers from various Fulham FC Foundation activities.

On the day, Fulham FC Foundation distributed over 2,500 flyers which contained key pieces of information about the promoted programmes and what Fulham FC Foundation aims to achieve for its next 20 years.

Fans were able to make donations to Fulham FC Foundation around the ground to support the aforementioned projects, with a number of other fundraising activities happening on the day across online and hospitality spaces.

In addition to these fundraising activities, some of our Women & Girls footballers were also able to take part in a half-time penalty shootout against our very own Billy the Badger in front of the Hammersmith End. This unreal experience from Fulham FC helped create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime!   

Fulham FC Foundation would like to extend its gratitude and thanks to all of the Fulham Family, and also to Fulham Football Club, whose amazing staff worked tirelessly to provide immense and invaluable support for the annual charity matchday.

In total the Fulham FC Foundation raised over £15,000 from this special occasion. We are so proud to be the Official Charity of Fulham FC, and we will to continue to provide life-changing activity and support, in order to build better lives through sport.

You can still support our 20th anniversary appeal, which this annual charity matchday total will contribute to.

Support your Club, your community and your charity this season!



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/october/18/over-15000-raised-at-annual-charity-matchday/

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Man United (H) Sold Out: Ticket Exchange Open

The Fulham FC Ticket Exchange is now open for our match against Manchester Unted.

With tickets for this match now sold out, the Club can confirm that the Fulham FC Ticket Exchange is now open for this fixture, exclusive to 2022/23 Season Ticket Holders & Members (Max. 1 ticket per person).

Season Ticket Holders who are unable to attend can now make their ticket available for other supporters to purchase on the Club's official Ticket Exchange.

VISIT TICKET EXCHANGE

Please note, 22/23 Members must have purchased a Membership prior to 10am on Thursday 6th October to be eligible to purchase tickets on the Fulham FC Ticket Exchange for this fixture.

WHAT IS THE TICKET EXCHANGE?

Ticket Exchange is the Club's official online resale platform which provides Season Ticket Holders the ability to list their seat for sale for other supporters to purchase at a fixture they are unable to attend. Once a purchaser is found and a sale is made, supporters will receive credit on their account to spend on future ticketing products.

The amount of credit expected to recieve for each ticket is displayed prior to listing your seat for sale.
HOW DO I LIST MY SEAT FOR SALE?

To list your seat on the Ticket Exchange, follow the instructions below:

    STEP 1 - LOGIN TO YOUR ONEFULHAM ACCOUNT
    STEP 2 - SELECT TICKET EXCHANGE ON THE RIGHT HAND NAVIGATION MENU
    STEP 3 - FROM THIS AREA YOU WILL BE ABLE TO VIEW ALL FIXTURES ELIGIBLE FOR THE TICKET EXCHANGE
    STEP 4 - CLICK VIEW DETAILS AND SELECT THE SEAT YOU WISH TO LIST
    STEP 5 - CLICK RESELL TICKET(S) - THIS WILL DISPLAY THE AMOUNT YOU WILL RECEIVE IN CREDIT IF THE TICKET SELLS
    STEP 6 - AGREE TO TERMS & CONDITIONS
    STEP 7 - CLICK PUT ON SALE

LIST MY SEAT
HOW DO I BUY A SEAT ON THE TICKET EXCHANGE?

For fans looking to buy tickets through the Ticket Exchange (adult tickets only), follow the steps below:

    STEP 1 - VISIT TICKETEXCHANGE.FULHAMFC.COM - CREATE AN ACCOUNT IF YOU DO NOT ALREADY HAVE ONE
    STEP 2 - SELECT YOUR SEATING AREA
    STEP 3 - CHOOSE YOUR SEATS, CLICK SELECT AND THEN ADD TO CART
    STEP 4 - COMPLETE YOUR PURCHASE

BUY SEATS

Tickets bought through the Ticket Exchange are strictly non-refundable. Supporters should be aware that availability on the ticket exchange fluctuates and tickets are only available based on Season Ticket Holders listing their seats (Tickets are capped at strictly one per person).

For any further questions regarding the Ticket Exchange, please contact the Ticket Office at [email protected], by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham FC Ticket Office.

Full terms and conditions for the Ticket Exchange can be found here.

Please note, to purchase on the Ticket Exchange you must be a current Season Ticket Holder or have purchased a 22/23 Membership prior to 10am on Thursday 6th October.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/october/18/manchester-united-tickets-sold-out-ticket-exchange-open/

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Manager suggests player could join Fulham for free after West Ham snub

Sao Paulo coach Rogerio Ceni has admitted that defender Luizao is set to leave when his contract expires in January with Premier League duo Fulham and West Ham United linked to the promising centre-back, speaking to Globo Esporte.

Well, you certainly can't accuse one of Brazil's biggest clubs of standing idly by.

Sao Paulo, according to Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola, have 'tried countless times to increase Luizao's salary'. The 20-year-old centre-half appears to have little interest in signing a contract extension at the Morumbi, however, and is now almost certain to leave for absolutely nothing early in 2023.

"Luizao hardly stays," says Ceni, the legendary goalkeeper with an eye for goal. "(Luizao has) not renewed. This is business. I find it very difficult for him to stay. It's my opinion, not information."

West Ham United turn down chance to sign Fulham target Luizao
According to reports, Portuguese giants Benfica and Porto have shown an interest in the highly-rated Brazilian. As have a Fulham side also keeping tabs on Luizao's Sao Paulo team-mate Pablo Maia; an energetic, all-action deep-lying midfielder capable of easing the burden on Joao Palhinha at Craven Cottage.

A move to West Ham seems unlikely at this stage, however. After holding talks, the Hammers decided against bringing Luizao to the London Stadium. Thereby, potentially leaving capital city neighbours Fulham free to conclude a deal for one of South America's best young defenders.

"Luizao is super confident that he wants to play in the Premier League," Nicola adds. "He has already had advanced conversations (over a move to West Ham). Which is why he rejected several contract extension offers from Sao Paulo.

"The problem is that Luizao has already been notified, via his representatives, that West Ham are giving up. They understand that Luizao might not be able to give them all that they imagined, even if he was really cheap.   

"There would have been no need to pay any money to Sao Paulo." 



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/10/18/manager-suggests-player-could-join-fulham-for-free-after-west-ham-snub/

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Fulham, is Maxime Le Marchand the one that got away?

"When he is there or not, we can feel it, he is a pillar", a Strasbourg supporter claimed ahead of the Ligue 1 fixture between Strasbourg and 2021 Ligue 1 champions Lille on Friday night.

A big deal since he signed for Strasbourg two summers ago, Maxime Le Marchand was close to earning rave reviews for yet another bravura display in Friday's home game against Lille.

But the former Fulham defender's near-perfect first-half was undone when he conceded a penalty that led to the guests' opener on the stroke of half-time.

His outstretched left foot was a fraction too late as he brought down Ismaily following a cutback.

Canadian hotshot Jonathan David made no mistake to take his goal tally to eight and momentarily pull level with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in the Ligue 1 goalscoring charts.

Apart from that unfortunate moment, Le Marchand was his side's standout in the first 45 minutes.

A pillar of the Alsatians' defence since signing at Stade de la Meinau on a free deal following his release by Fulham in 2021, he hadn't put a foot wrong all game.

Robust in the duels and pressing Lille's players high up the pitch, he was a key factor as to why Strasbourg kept a clean sheet from open play.

He always beat Lille's frontmen to the balls in the air, displaying physicality and tenacity in the one v ones.

It wasn't a straightforward task, but MLM held his own against quick players like Adam Ounas, Remy Cabella and David as Lille barely threatened for all their talent and pace as Strasbourg kept things tight at the back.

And he even attempted to catch Lucas Chevalier out from his own half after confidently marauding upfield undisturbed.

By the time the second period got underway Le Marchand, who played 48 games for the West London club, wasn't among the 22 players on the pitch.

Manager Julien Stephan decided to hook him for precautionary reasons having been on a yellow card.

Yet without MLM's tactical nous and ability to read the game, Strasbourg's defence crumbled.

Hence it wasn't long until Canadian striker David, who is linked with Premier League clubs, added a second shortly after the break as he tapped home Timothy Weah's laserlight square pass.

Life was hard for Stephan's men without the composed Frenchman at the back, and Remy Cabella sealed the deal with a confident finish with ten minutes remaining.

Recent history suggests that many struggling Premier League players revived their careers after moving to Ligue 1.

From Arsenal flops Mateo Guendouzi and Nicolas Pepe, the list is thick.

Yet it would be unfair to consider the 32-year-old Frenchman a Fulham misfit.

Incidentally, MLM's time at Craven Cottage was marred by injuries and his managers' tendency to go with Denis and Tim Ream at the back. While the overall hiccups and crisis that engulfed Fulham in those years added to his woes. Just like a number of personal issues that few people know about.

Even when fit, he barely had a look-in during his time in the Premier League which amounted to 18 months over two-and-a-half seasons.

He played 2.251 minutes of top-flight football in his first campaign in English football which ended in relegation.

Yet despite the fiasco, MLM always looked like one of few players who could be trusted upon, certainly more than Denis Odoi or Tim Ream in those turbulent years.

He eventually slipped down the pecking order as the Cottagers bounced straight back up, playing only 12 times in the Championship.

In his third and last campaign in the capital he was not even given the chance to impress under Scott Parker, racking up a disappointing two appearances before leaving for Royal Antwerp on loan.

Yet since that brief stint in Belgium and his move to Strasbourg, MLM hasn't looked back.

He looks like the player of old, the one who caught the eye at OGC Nice, where he peaked between 2015 and 2018 before leaving the French Riviera for England, his nadir to date.

Even though he has long moved on, being dubbed a failure at Fulham still rankles with him.

But his turnaround is nothing short of remarkable. These days he is a regular starter in a three-man backline, an experienced leader and fan favourite.

Ahead of the game, Capital Football spoke to a number of supporters outside the ground.

A young fan, wearing the club's tracksuit, described him as someone who has a decent "positional sense and ability to play out".

He added: "He's one of the major defenders at the club and when he's not there, it impacts the result."

Another strasbourgeois added: "He always rolls up his sleeves and doesn't gives up. He's everywhere and brings a lot to the team. He brings calmness to the team."

Despite the praise coming his way, MLM knows full well about the transitory nature of the game  and how quickly a player's stock can fluctuate.

At nearly 33 years of age, his insatiable hunger for improvement continues and MLM is not thinking about retirement, determined to play in France's top-flight for a number of years.

Stephan has plenty to ponder as Strasbourg are in danger of relegation after only one win in 11 games but MLM is, as numerous fans pointed out, indispensable if the club wants to stay up.

Barring a penalty he gave away to make up for the left-backs's soft defending as the ball came in, he shut up shop and didn't give the quick Lille players a prayer.

And with Fulham boasting the fourth-worst defence of the Premier League, having leaked 20 goals from 10 games, are we sure that the friendly Frenchman would have fared any worse than Ream, Tosin and company?



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/fulham-is-maxime-le-marchand-the-one-that-got-away

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"Never say never" – Fulham star doesn't exclude leaving, has 'a weakness' for two specific clubs

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has admitted he would be open to a move to Italy and has a weakness for Roma and Napoli in particular.

The Serbian striker has been in fine form again for Fulham this season, with seven goals in nine games in the Premier League so far.

It's been a continuation of his superb form in the Championship last season, in which he scored 43 goals in 44 games in the league and broke several records in the process.
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He's very much enjoying the best moment of his career so far, with his numbers and performances changing many an opinion that had been formed during his previous struggles in the Premier League.

His current contract with Fulham runs until 2026, so there is no danger of him departing on the cheap anytime soon, but he has admitted he would be open to a move to Serie A.

He was recently watching international teammates Dusan Vlahovic and Vanja Milinkovic Savic face off in Torino's clash with Juventus and in a conversation with Gazzetta dello Sport about that, revealed his love for two Italian sides in particular.

"I also saw it on television: a great goal, as an area striker. Dusan had two chances and scored a goal," he told the newspaper.

"If he did not score the brace, it is only because Vanja, at 0-0, had a super reflex. Nice to see five of my teammates in the Turin derby. I often follow Serie A, in Italy there are many Serbs.

"In the past, I came close to Roma ... In England I am fine, but never say never for the future. In addition to the Giallorossi, I have a weakness for Napoli and for the Azzurri fans."



http://sportwitness.co.uk/never-say-never-fulham-star-doesnt-exclude-leaving-weakness-two-specific-clubs/

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What we learnt from Bournemouth – and looking forward to Aston Villa
Looking forward to Aston Villa, Fulham need to leave behind sub-par performances against West Ham and Bournemouth. The latter a well fought 2-2 draw against the Cherries at Craven Cottage, with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Issa Diop both on the scoresheet. A makeshift back 4 made another appearance, with Bobby Decordova-Reid filling in at right back once again, who looked solid but it's quite clear it's not his position, the return of Kenny Tete will be duly welcomed. Issa Diop gained his 2nd league start for the Whites and looked assured once again, as well as grabbing his first goal. Whilst it probably feels like a case of 2 points dropped due to the second half domination where we saw 73% of possession, positives can still be taken. The inclusion of Tom Cairney and Willian off the bench in the second half shows the improvement we've made in squad depth, and both would probably feel unlucky not to start on Thursday evening after their performances on Saturday.

Fulham find themselves 11th after 10 games, if you'd of offered me that before our opener against Liverpool, I'd of probably snapped your arm off. However, we've only gained 1 point from a possible 9 after the international break, which did halt an impressive start to the campaign. Despite the position we find ourselves in, you can't help but look over your shoulder and see that a lot of teams tipped for relegation, as we are, picking up points here and there, making themselves tough to beat. As well as that, the landscape at the bottom of the table is made up of teams you'd expect to pick up at some point, Aston Villa and Leicester are some of those where you'd expect for quality to eventually show through and keep them in the division. 11th after 10 games is a good start, especially if you look at who we've faced since the turn of the season, but we are by no means in the clear and the form since the break needs to be turned around and I don't see many better games to do it than a home fixture against a struggling Aston Villa.

Steven Gerrard's men arrive at Craven Cottage out of sorts, winless in 3, sitting in 16th. They need a bounce back on Thursday evening, no one more than Steven Gerrard, who you'd assume needs 3 points to keep his job. There were murmurs that he'd been shown the door in the last 24 hours or so, but it looks as if he'll be the man in the Aston Villa dugout for the coming game.

For Fulham, the stakes are the same. Not sure it's as serious as a 'bounce back', but more a return to previous form. Aleksandar Mitrovic got a good 90 minutes in the bank vs Bournemouth, and should hopefully be back fully firing again after his short lay off due to injury. Whilst many are calling for Tom Cairney to start, I do think Harrison Reed should be called on once again in this instance. Villa have that 3 in midfield, with Douglas Luiz the pivot. Jacob Ramsey and John McGinn, especially Ramsey, tend to bomb on from midfield into the attacking third. As well as this, the player who's deployed off of the left tending to be one of Ollie Watkins or Philippe Coutinho often drift more centrally in build up. Therefore, a slightly more defensive approach in the first instance may be more fruitful so that Fulham aren't overrun at the back. TC still remains a brilliant option off the bench, as he can come on later on when the game has become more stretched and dictate as he does.

Then the centre back dilemma. For once in the last 10 years it seems, a Fulham manager actually finds himself in the position of having to decide who will line up at centre back. Issa Diop has impressed in his league starts, and looks a different player to his debut at Crawley. The 15 million pound man could end up being the successor to Tim Ream, who has upped it this season and despite a lot of attacks coming down his side last Saturday, he once again looked solid and to be honest I think he needs a bit more credit from many, he denied a certain goal in the first half and dealt with the Bournemouth front line well. Tosin Adarabioyo found himself on the bench Saturday, however he probably should start Thursday, he didn't feature at all Saturday and presumably will be fresh for the upcoming game.

Fulham have to get something out of the game Thursday, despite the start those standards have to be kept, and this Villa side, as it stands, are vulnerable and definitely beatable. If you look at our coming fixtures, 3 points here would be the perfect momentum builder before tough fixtures away at Leeds and Everton, who have proved so defensively sound this year. As we then kick towards fixtures versus both Manchester clubs before the break for the World Cup. That turnaround has to start next time out though against Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/10/what-we-learnt-from-bournemouth-and-looking-forward-to-aston-villa/

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Allen and McNally sign professional deals
Fulham have announced that academy goalkeepers Michael Allen and Alfie McNally have signed professional contracts with the Premier League club.

Allen, who has been with the Whites since the age of nine, has impressed between the sticks for Fulham's under 18s since signing a two-year scholarship in 2021. He made fifteen appearances last term, including during the Premier League Cup final against Chelsea, and also made his under 23s debut in a 3-1 Cup win over Carlisle United in February. The seventeen year old told the club's official website:

"I'm very pleased to have signed my first professional contract, especially as I've been here at the club from such a young age. It's also a massive moment for me and my family as they've helped me so much over the last decade, from driving me up to training and games to their support off the pitch, it's an incredible feeling.

I've enjoyed every minute in every age group at this club. From playing in the younger age groups, with just seven of us on a small pitch kicking a football around to playing competitively in the Under-18s, playing in a cup final, and playing abroad. It's been a very good journey with lots of ups and downs."

McNally, who signed for Fulham from Brentford in 2012, made his under 18 debut in a 5-1 win at Reading in December 2020. He made a first appearance at under-23 level in the 2-1 victory at Nottingham Forest in January before gaining senior experience on loan with Ashford Town. He kept a clean sheet on debut in a 2-0 win over Thatcham and was named man of the match regularly during a successful stint with the Tangerines.

Allen told the Fulham website:

"I'm delighted to extend my stay at Fulham. I've been at the club for six years now and it feels like my first big accomplishment and I'm looking forward to what's to come. The main reason I want to continue my journey here is that there are still lots of things I can get better at and I don't think there's a better place to help me do that than Fulham."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/10/allen-and-mcnally-sign-professional-deals/

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Mitrovic insists Vlahovic would score as much as Haaland if he was at Man City
Aleksandar Mitrovic has heaped praise on Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and insists the attacker is as good as Manchester City's Erling Haaland.

Haaland has been in fine form in the Premier League since he joined City this season and he is not showing any signs of slowing down.

He and Vlahovic were considered two of the best young centre forwards when the Juve man played for Fiorentina.

The Serbian has since secured a big money transfer to the Allianz Stadium, but he has not been scoring as the EPL top scorer.

Mitrovic is Vlahovic's national teammate and says via Tuttojuve:

"He would certainly score even more than that at Juventus, then I don't know if the numbers would be identical to those of Haaland, who is already 15 goals in the Premier. Dusan is a top player, young but already very strong. Haaland and Vlahovic will be the strikers of the next decade."

Juve FC Says

Vlahovic has not been receiving the type of service Haaland has been getting from his City teammates so far, that is why his numbers are down.

Juve needs to find a way to hand him more goal-scoring chances so that he can get them back to consistent winning ways.
juventus logo Juventus Football Club

If that happens, they could even still win the league this season.



https://www.juvefc.com/mitrovic-insists-vlahovic-would-score-as-much-as-haaland-if-he-was-at-man-city/

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Preview: Fulham vs. Aston Villa - prediction, team news, lineups

Fulham and Aston Villa will both be looking to avoid a fourth successive Premier League game without a win when they face off at Craven Cottage on Thursday night.

While the hosts have picked up eight points from five home matches so far this season, the visitors are winless from as many games on the road, accumulating only two points.

Match preview
After losing three of their last four top-flight matches, conceding 11 goals in the process, Fulham came from behind twice to rescue a point in a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last weekend.

Issa Diop scored his first goal for the club to cancel out an early opener from Dominic Solanke, before Jefferson Lerma put the Cherries back in front just before the half-hour mark. However, star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic converted from the penalty spot seven minutes after half time to force both sides to share the spoils.

Marco Silva's men have won only one of their last five league matches and have subsequently slipped out of the top half of the table and down to 11th place, but a victory over Aston Villa on Thursday could see them climb up to as high as sixth.

Fulham's run of three fixtures against Villa, Leeds United and Everton – who are all positioned below them in the table – will be viewed as an ideal opportunity to build momentum and pick up valuable points before successive games against Manchester City and Manchester United in November.

Scoring goals on home soil has not been an issue for Silva's side, as they have already netted 10 times in five games at Craven Cottage so far this season, one more than they managed in their previous top-flight campaign in 2020-21.

However, the Cottagers were unable to find the net in their last home meeting against Villa, losing 3-0 in September 2020, and they will be aware of the threat the visitors could pose on Thursday.

Steven Gerrard is the latest Premier League manager who is believed to be on the cusp of losing his job, but despite reports claiming that Aston Villa have decided to sack the 42-year-old, the West Midlands club are set to keep their current boss in charge for the time being.

Villa, who suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Chelsea last time out, have won only two of their opening 10 league games this season and they are languishing in 16th place in the table, just one point above the relegation zone.

Gerrard is sure to be judged on upcoming games against Fulham, Brentford and Newcastle United, and if they fail to claim valuable points from this run, then that could put the final nail in the coffin for the former Liverpool midfielder.

Villa's lack of a cutting edge in the final third has been a major factor behind their dip in form; only goal-shy Wolverhampton Wanderers (3.5%) have a lower shot conversion rate in the Premier League this season than Aston Villa (6%), who have scored just seven goals from 116 attempts.

However, Villa came out on top in both home and away fixtures against Fulham two seasons ago, winning by an aggregate score of 6-1, and they will be hoping for more joy in the capital on Thursday against the Cottagers, who have conceded in nine of their 10 league fixtures so far this term.

Fulham Premier League form:

    W    L    W    L    L    D

Aston Villa Premier League form:

    L    D    W    D    D    L

Team News
Fulham have no new injury concerns, with Manor Solomon (knee), Layvin Kurzawa (calf) and Kenny Tete (knock) all set to remain sidelined, while Nathanial Chalobah will serve the final game of his three-match ban following his red card against Newcastle United earlier this month.

Silva may be tempted to name an unchanged first XI with Bobby Decordova-Reid continuing at right-back, joining Diop, Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson in the back four.

Mitrovic, who has scored nine goals in his last eight games at Craven Cottage, is expected to lead the line, with support provided on the flanks by Daniel James and Neeskens Kebano.

As for Aston Villa, summer signings Diego Carlos (Achilles) and Boubacar Kamara (knee) are ruled out with long-term injuries, while left-backs Lucas Digne and Ludwig Augustinsson could return from respective calf and thigh problems by the end of the month.

Tyrone Mings sustained a minor ankle injury in the closing stages of the defeat to Chelsea, but the centre-back should be available for selection on Thursday.

Phillipe Coutinho and Emi Buendia were both dropped to the bench last weekend and they will be pushing to start ahead of Danny Ings and Leon Bailly, with Ollie Watkins the most likely attacker to keep his place in the first XI.

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Decordova-Reid, Diop, Ream, Robinson; Palhinha, Reed; James, Pereira, Kebano; Mitrovic

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Young; McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey; Buendia, Watkins, Coutinho

We say: Fulham 2-1 Aston Villa

While there is an element of pressure on both teams to win considering their recent dips in form, Gerrard and co will be aware that a defeat on Thursday could see them slip into the bottom three if other results were to go against them.

Fulham have impressed on home soil so far this term and with Mitrovic back fit and firing, we can see the hosts coming away with maximum points.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/preview/preview-fulham-vs-aston-villa-prediction-team-news-lineups_497292.html?cQx=NN&newsnow

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Ings, Watkins & Bailey In Attack | 4-3-3 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham

Aston Villa will face off against Fulham at Craven Cottage this Thursday night as they look to earn a good result away from home in the Premier League. The Villans suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea recently, which could drain their confidence ahead of this game.

The West Midlands club could set themselves up in a 4-3-3 formation and will probably be unchanged for this game. Hence, Danny Ings could get another chance to shine as a centre-forward while Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey try to offer support from the wide areas.

4-3-3 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham

Defence
Emiliano Martinez will operate in goal for the Villans after he shipped in a couple of goals versus the Blues recently. Tyrone Mings is a major doubt for this Premier League clash in London. If the English defender can pass a late fitness test, he will probably operate alongside Ezri Konsa as the defensive duo look to keep the opposition at bay during the 90 minutes.

Matty Cash will continue to operate as the right-back while Ashley Young hopes to put in a good showing as the left-back. Both of them will get the license to forward and express themselves in the Fulham half this week.

Both Lucas Digne and Diego Carlos remain sidelined for this game as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.

Midfield
Jacob Ramsey, Douglas Luiz and John McGinn will make up Aston Villa's midfield as they focus on gaining more control over the oppositon at the centre of the park.

All three of them will also have to move the ball well and engineer some clear-cut chances in the final third.

Morgan Sanson and Marvelous Nakamba will have to be content with a spot on the bench as they wait for their chance to shine in the second 45 minutes if needed.

Attack
Ollie Watkins will once again get the nod to function as the left-sided wide player while Leon Bailey tries to put in an influential display from the right.

Danny Ings will probably get a chance to lead the line for the Villans down the middle. We can expect the former Liverpool striker to be hungry to get his name on the scoresheet this week.

Philippe Coutinho and Emiliano Buendia will be named on the bench but might come on to influence the game in the latter stages of the game if the Villans are in need of a goal by then.

https://the4thofficial.net/2022/10/ings-watkins-bailey-in-attack-4-3-3-aston-villa-predicted-lineup-vs-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham U21s fight past stubborn Celtic
Fulham's under 21s overcame a stubborn Celtic side – with a little bit of luck on their side – to record their first win in the Premier League International Cup at Motspur Park tonight.

Steve Wigley's side edged an enthralling six-goal thriller, having trailed to a spectacular strike from Rocco Vata until just before half-time when Luke Harris lashed in an equaliser. The Welsh teenager was fortunate to have avoided giving away a penalty after clipping Matthew Anderson in the Fulham area moments earlier – the Celtic captain was cautioned for diving – and the home side's fortune continued straight after the interval when Dylan Corr produced a brilliant sliding tackle to dispossess Olly Sanderson but the loose ball beat an otherwise inspired Tobi Oluwayemi into his own net.

Celtic looked to have brought themselves right back into the contest when Adam Brooks converted Bruno Davidson's low cross within sixty seconds of going behind but they were immediately reduced to ten men when Ewan Otoo was dismissed for bringing down Sanderson as he raced through on goal. The visiting centre half was convinced he got the ball, but referee Aji Ajibola pulled out a red card.

That made Fulham's task significantly easier. The visitors held out until ten minutes from ten when substitute Terrell Works released Sanderson in the inside right channel and the centre-forward squared for O'Neill to find the far corner with a precise finish. The Irish under-21 international was then incandescent with rage when he was clearly caught in the box by Corr but the referee waved away his appeals. Celtic broke straight down the other end and could have equalised again but for a wild Brooks finish, after which several Whites' players remonstrated with an official who was clearly well out of his depth.

Sanderson, who led the line impressively throughout, sealed the three points in the second minute of stoppage time. The Fulham forward impudently chipped Oluwayemi after being played in on goal by Harris to give the hosts the sort of breathing space that had been denied them during an action-packed contest.

The England youth international had kept Celtic in the contest with a string of fine saves as Fulham began at quite a pace. Harris was thwarted by a sharp save after a clever turn and Sanderson was denied by the goalkeeper before having his goalbound shot cleared off the line by Corr after he had rounded Oluwayemi. The lively Kristian Sekularac was foiled after cutting in from the right flank, but it certainly wasn't all one way traffic.

Scottish under-21 international Conor McAvoy had been forced into a fine block to prevent Brooks from opening the scoring and the striker showed have scored after a flowing move down the right flank but dragged his effort fractionally wide of the far post with George Wickens rooted to the spot. The Fulham keeper was beaten all ends up by a brilliant long-range effort from Vata, son of former cult hero centre back Rudi, after the skilful seventeen year-old had burst away from two tacklers.

Wigley's side have now survived two serious examinations by talented opposition in this competition and emerged with four points, which is testament to the team's ticker as much as their talent.

FULHAM UNDER 21s (4-2-3-1): Wickens; D'Auria-Henry, Bowat, McAvoy, C. Robinson; Williams (Works 62), Dibley-Dias; Sekularac, O'Neill, Harris; Sanderson. Subs (not used): McNally, Tanton, Araujo, Parkes, Okkas, McFarlane.

BOOKED: O'Neill.

GOALS: Harris (45), Corr (o.g. 46), O'Neill (78), Sanderson (90+2).

GLASGOW CELTIC UNDER 21s (4-2-3-1): Oluwayemi; McPherson, Anderson, Corr, Otoo; S. Robertson, Summers (Wylie 78); Davidson (Carse 69), Vata (Quinn 89), Letsosa; Brooks. Subs (not used): M. Robertson, Clarke, Dawson.

BOOKED: Anderson.

SENT OFF: Otoo (48).

GOALS: Vata (34), Brooks (47).

REFEREE: Aji Ajibola.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/10/fulham-u21s-fight-past-stubborn-celtic/