Thursday Fulham Stuff - 27/10/22...

[WhiteJC]

How does Marco make it three in three against Everton?

Jack Stroudley looks ahead to Saturday's game against our gaffer's old employers, Everton.

Fulham met October with a slightly concerning start; three games, one point and nine goals conceded wasn't exactly how Marco Silva and his side expected to start the month. However, four days, six goals and six points later Fulham are sitting pretty in seventh with a healthy nine-point gap on the relegation zone.

Up next Marco faces his former side Everton, who after scraping survival last season have established themselves under Frank Lampard into a competent Premier League side, even with some (on paper) questionable recruitment over the summer. After Everton's more-than-convincing 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend, how do Fulham look to make it nine points out of a possible nine?

The visitors
Everton currently sit in 12th place and a main reason for that is their ability to get results against the teams around them. Nine of their 13 points this season have come from sides in the bottom half of the table with the remaining four coming from results at home to West Ham and Liverpool.


Everton average positions against Crystal Palace.

Looking at their average positions against Crystal Palace (very similar to their average positions away at Newcastle) they like to make the pitch as wide as possible and utilise their full-backs (particularly Mykolenko). The reintroduction of Calvert-Lewin has allowed them to have a quality focal point to aim for and players like Demarai Gray and Anthony Gordon like to play as close to a 'second striker' as possible.

As well as this, Lampard has managed to get the best out of players whose careers seemed over. Alex Iwobi has found his feet in a more central role and has impressed for large chunks of this season. A midfield two of Onana and Gueye is strong and will provide a good matchup for Palhinha and Reed. The last player to mention is Dwight McNeil, who has impressed coming off the bench for the Toffees picking up two goals so far this season.

How do we win?
Due to the last two games, you'd think the side practically picks itself. But there is potential for Tosin to be dropped for Diop, with some fans calling his performance against Leeds below par. Questions remain over whether Kenny Tete is fit and and whether Wilson starts on Saturday after Kebano came on and performed as well as he did at Elland Road.

In terms of how Fulham press, I think playing this Everton side will suit Harrison Reed to a tee. As we have seen over the course of this season he loves to venture towards the right flank and put pressure on the opposition. This, combined with the freedom Mykolenko has to operate up and down the channel, could leave some space in behind for Fulham. I also think on the other side a player of Willian's calibre, as well as Robinson providing an overload, could cause some problems for Seamus Coleman.

The roundup
For me this game (as cliché as it sounds) is won and lost in midfield. Palhinha and Reed against Onana and Gueye is an intriguing battle, which I think will jostle back and forth throughout the game. It's not going to be an easy fixture and both sides will come into this game confident they can get something out of it. If I had to make a prediction, I'd go with a draw.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2022-10-26-how-does-marco-make-it-three-in-three-against-everton/

[WhiteJC]

3 qualities former Fulham man would bring to Luton Town if Hatters complete deal

Former Fulham defender Michael Hector is currently on trial at Luton Town, as per a report from Luton Today.

The 30-year-old has been without a club since his contract expired with the London club in the summer and had embarked on a trial period with Reading earlier in the campaign.

Hector has amassed nearly 200 appearances at Championship level and has Premier League and Bundesliga experience, whilst he has been capped 35 times by Jamaica.

As we wait and see whether the Hatters make a move for Hector, we take a look at three qualities he would bring to the Luton defence...

Athleticism

Athleticism is a real buzzword for Nathan Jones, and this is something that Hector would bring in abundance.

A powerful defender, and possessing the pace to deal with situations when the ball has been played in behind the defence, Hector is someone that will address this slight issue at Kenilworth Road.

With Reece Burke out injured, and with Gabe Osho now suspended, athleticism is something that Luton are currently missing.

Progressive abilities

As well as meeting the athletic and physical demands of the Championship, Hector is good with the ball at his feet.

The central defender has a good range of passing and always looks to make himself available.

Hector also has the ability to bring the ball forward himself and is positive when in possession.

The 30-year-old can play through the thirds whilst he is also aware of when to go a little longer and find the front line.

Composure

Hector's technical ability and spatial awareness make him a very composed figure in defence.

The experienced defender is able to cope when the opposition go hunting in packs and press, whilst he has the intelligence required to go longer.

The likes of Tom Lockyer and Dan Potts have been brilliant for the Hatters for the most part this season but they do lack a little composure at times.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-qualities-former-fulham-man-would-bring-to-luton-town-if-hatters-complete-deal/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: Cottagers make 'proposal' to sign Pablo Maia

Fulham have made a 'proposal' to sign Sao Paulo midfielder Pablo Maia, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Open to offers
The Brazilian is one of the most exciting young prospects in his homeland, and as a result of entering the final 12 months of his contract, this has alerted potential suitors to his situation.

Recent reports have claimed that Rogerio Ceni's side are willing to listen to offers in the region of €10m (£8.6m), and the Cottagers appear keen to bring him to the Premier League.

The Latest: Fulham see approach rejected
Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Fulham have seen an initial approach for Maia rejected, though discussions regarding a potential move are ongoing. He wrote:

"Fulham have made opening, verbal proposal for Brazilian talent Pablo Maia, born in 2002 — it has been turned down by Sao Paulo.

"Negotiations will continue as Pablo Maia is highly rated by Fulham and other European clubs."

The Verdict: Get it done...
Maia has been dubbed a 'Mini-Casemiro' by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and if the opportunity to sign him is affordable and at the right price, it should be a no-brainer of a deal for Fulham to complete.

The 20-year-old is an athletic player having made 64 appearances in all competitions throughout 2022, netting three goals and providing one assist during that time (Transfermarkt).

He also offers plenty of versatility having previously operated across all midfield positions and even at centre-back, an attribute that Marco Silva will no doubt be attracted to.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/fulham-fc-news/fulham-pablo-maia-sao-paulo-fabrizio-romano-latest-transfer-news-rumours-updates/

[WhiteJC]

Club want Fulham target to stay until next summer – Already turned down Whites' first offer

As Fulham continue with their pursuit for São Paulo midfielder Pablo Maia, it seems the Craven Cottage side may have to wait a little longer to have him signed.

Outlet Globo Esporte now features a story saying the player could stay at the Tricolor until the next summer, which is something also defended by the club and people close to him.

São Paulo are said to be expecting a new attempt from Fulham, along with the interest from other European sides as well, but the decision to hold him until the summer would have two positive factors.

First, a transfer during the off-season, where he'd have more time to adapt to a new club. Then, if the Tricolor play the Copa Libertadores at the start of next year, he'd get a better valuation.

Globo Esporte recalls that as reported by UOL, Fulham offered €7.5m to sign the player and take him in January.

São Paulo turned that down, believing they can make more with the sale.

Now besides having to convince the Brazilian club with a new offer, it seems Fulham must make an extra effort in case they want him in the winter window.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-want-fulham-target-stay-next-summer-already-turned-whites-first-offer/

[WhiteJC]

 EVERTON VISIT FULHAM THIS SATURDAY, OCT. 29, AT 12:30 P.M. ET ON NBC, PEACOCK & UNIVERSO

Premier League Leading Goal Scorer Erling Haaland and Second-Place Manchester City Visit Leicester City Saturday at 7:30 a.m. ET on USA Network and Universo

Goal Rush Whip-Around Show Presented Live on Peacock this Saturday During 10 a.m. ET Multi-Match Window

STAMFORD, Conn. – Oct. 26, 2022 – Everton visit Fulham this Saturday, October 29, at 12:30 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock, and Universo, highlighting Premier League action across NBC Sports this weekend.

Everton topped Crystal Palace, 3-0, last weekend. Fulham, who sit in seventh place with 18 points in 12 matches, defeated Leeds United, 3-2, last weekend for their second consecutive PL victory. Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrović has scored nine goals this season, third-most in the Premier League. Peter Drury and Graeme Le Saux will call the action live from Fulham's Craven Cottage.

This weekend's coverage begins Saturday at 7 a.m. ET with Premier League Mornings on USA Network, followed by Premier League leading goal scorer Erling Haaland (17 goals in 11 matches) and second-place Manchester City visiting Leicester City at 7:30 a.m. ET on USA Network and Universo.

Five matches will take place live at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday: Brighton & Hove Albion v. Chelsea (USA Network, Universo), Newcastle v. Aston Villa (Peacock), Bournemouth v. Tottenham (Peacock), Brentford v. Wolverhampton Wanderers (Peacock), and Crystal Palace v. Southampton (Peacock). Peacock will also present the Bournemouth-Tottenham match live in Spanish. The Goal Rush whip-around show will stream live on Peacock at 10 a.m. ET, providing viewers the most compelling action in real time and on replay so they won't miss a single goal or key play.

Following Fulham-Everton on Saturday (12:30 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock and Universo) is Mohamed Salah and Liverpool hosting Leeds United at 2:45 p.m. ET on USA Network and Universo.

Sunday's coverage begins with Premier League Mornings at 9 a.m. ET on USA Network, followed by first-place Arsenal hosting Nottingham Forest at 10 a.m. ET on USA Network and Telemundo. Joe Speight and Stephen Warnock will call Arsenal-Nottingham Forest live from Emirates Stadium.

The weekend's match coverage concludes Sunday with Manchester United hosting West Ham at 12:15 p.m. ET on USA Network and Telemundo, followed by Goal Zone at 2:15 p.m. ET on USA Network. Drury and Lee Dixon will call the Manchester United-West Ham match live from Old Trafford.

Rebecca Lowe hosts this weekend's Premier League Mornings, Premier League Live and Goal Zone shows alongside former Premier League player Robbie Mustoe and former USMNT and Premier League player Tim Howard.

This season, Peacock will once again stream all games airing on the NBC broadcast network live. In addition, Peacock will feature studio shows, full match replays and the Premier League TV channel. All matchdays and windows exclusively on Peacock will feature NBC Sports' Premier League studio coverage.

THE 2 ROBBIES PODCAST

Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe discuss and dissect the top Premier League storylines after every matchweek on "The 2 Robbies" podcast. On the most recent episode, Earle is joined by Tim Howard to discuss Arsenal stumbling as Manchester City gain pace, Newcastle topping Tottenham, and more. The "2 Robbies" podcast is available anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Click here to listen to the podcast or click here to watch on YouTube.

PREMIER LEAGUE PICK 'EM

NBC Sports' Premier League Pick 'Em returns on the free-to-play NBC Sports Predictor powered by PointsBet games app, available in the App Store and Google Play Store. Each match week, Premier League Pick 'Em features a $50,000 jackpot prize for a "perfect score" – predicting the correct exact results of all featured matches in that contest (information on scoring, prizing, and Official Rules here).



https://nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/2022/10/26/everton-visit-fulham-this-saturday-oct-29-at-1230-p-m-et-on-nbc-peacock-universo/

[WhiteJC]

Aston Villa: Former referee slams Michael Oliver over Douglas Luiz red card

Aston Villa suffered a disheartening defeat last week as they lost 3-0 to Fulham at Craven Cottage, which ultimately led to Steven Gerrard getting the sack.

One incident in the game that turned out to be a big talking point saw referee Michael Oliver brandishing a red card to Douglas Luiz after a skirmish with Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Having watched the incident on the pitchside monitor, Oliver decided to send the Villa midfielder off with 62 minutes on the clock.

Fortunately for Villa, this red card was revoked by the FA, therefore allowing the Brazilian to play in their recent 4-0 win over Brentford.



https://readastonvilla.com/2022/10/26/aston-villa-former-referee-slams-michael-oliver-over-douglas-luiz-red-card/

[WhiteJC]

Ian Wright says many fans don't know what Willian did just before he left Arsenal

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has hailed Fulham star Willian and heaped praise on what he did just before he left the Gunners last year.

The Brazilian joined Mikel Arteta's side on a free transfer from Chelsea in 2020. He was viewed by the Gunners as someone whose experience would seriously benefit the club, but things just didn't work out for him.

Last year, Willian terminated his contract and walked away.

Ian Wright hails what Willian did just before he left Arsenal
When Arsenal signed Willian on a free transfer back in 2020, they agreed to pay him an eye-watering £220,000 per week for three years (The Sun). That equates to over £11 million per year, which made him one of the Gunners' best-paid players at the time.

After a disastrous debut campaign at the Emirates, many people questioned the Brazilian's desire because of the massive amount of money he was being paid.

Willian could've easily just sat on the bench and pocketed those huge wages for the rest of his contract, but after it became clear that the move wasn't going to work, he decided to terminate his deal and left behind all the money he was owed (Eurosport).

Now, he's shining at Fulham under Marco Silva, and Wright is absolutely delighted for him.

The Arsenal legend said on The Wrighty's House podcast: "Willian looks like he has got a new lease of life, honestly.

"I'm very pleased for him, especially the way he checked out of Arsenal by saying 'listen man, this isn't working, I don't want your money, keep your money, I'm going to move on'. Pure class!

"Left a load of money on the table, I'm not sure a lot of Arsenal fans know that – I hope they do. But the fact is, he's gone there and he's found his life and love and football and everything."

TBR View:
Whatever your opinion of Willian is, the Brazilian deserves a lot of credit for doing what he did at Arsenal last year.

Not many players in the world would give up millions and walk away as he did. In the grand scheme of things, that probably didn't make a massive difference for Arsenal's wealthy owners, but he definitely won the respect of many that questioned him throughout his time at the Emirates.

Willian returned to the Premier League this season and joined Fulham, and he has been sensational for them. He looks like the player he was back in his prime, and the Cottagers really are benefitting from his quality and experience.

The Brazilian missed the game between Arsenal and Fulham at the Emirates back in August. He'll have to wait until March to face the Gunners in the Premier League, and we have a sneaky feeling he'll have a big say in that game.



https://tbrfootball.com/ian-wright-says-many-fans-dont-know-what-willian-did-just-before-he-left-arsenal/