Friday Fulham Stuff - 28/10/22...

[WhiteJC]

Demarai Gray to be axed as Nathan Patterson to return - Everton predicted XI v Fulham

Frank Lampard could look to freshen his side up as Everton look to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League when they face Fulham.

The Toffees turned in their best performance of the season when they beat Crystal Palace 3-0 last week, but a busy schedule and players hitting form the boss could look to freshen things up all over the pitch.

A trip to south-west London against an in-form Fulham side awaits and the boss must make some big decisions about his side to ensure they have the best opportunity to claim all three points.

Jordan Pickford has been in sensational form this season and is arguably one of the best in the league right now, so Everton would certainly be weaker without him and he will start.

In defence, their back four is likely to pick itself when everyone is fit but with Nathan Patterson out injured recently Seamus Coleman has stepped in and performed admirably.

That gives the boss a big decision to make, but with Patterson establishing himself as first-choice earlier in the season and expected to be available for the game he should come back into the side for this game.

Conor Coady and James Tarkowski will continue at the heart of the defence, while Vitalii Mykolenko is likely to keep Ruben Vinagre awaiting for his full debut in the Premier League a little while longer.

The midfield three has established itself and become cemented as a key part of Lampard's side, making it difficult for anyone to break in and get game time while they're performing so well.

Idrissa Gueye sits at the base and breaks up play while keeping the ball ticking over in the build up, while Amadou Onana and Alex Iwobi continue to have their partnership blossom as they support the attack and use their energy defensively too.

Dwight McNeil got on the scoresheet again against Crystal Palace after coming on as a substitute, and that should be enough to see him get the nod from the start ahead of Demarai Gray.

Gray has struggled to perform in recent weeks despite playing regularly, and maybe a short break will do him the world of good to avoid complacency.

On the other wing Anthony Gordon has kept the right wing spot as his own all season and his third goal of the season should see him retain it for this game, as he continues to improve and show his importance to the side.

Up front Dominic Calvert-Lewin has started the last two games and got a huge goal against Palace, so it seems highly unlikely that he'll sit out of this game with the team playing so well with him in it as he pushes for a World Cup spot.

Predicted Everton XI v Fulham: Pickford; Patterson, Coady, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Gueye, Iwobi, Onana; Gordon, Calvert-Lewin, McNeil.



https://www.goodisonnews.com/2022/10/27/demarai-gray-to-be-axed-as-nathan-patterson-to-return-everton-predicted-xi-v-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva's centre-back conundrum

George Rossiter assesses our centre-back options and tries to figure out the best pairing.

Fulham's start to life in the Premier League under Marco Silva has been admirable. At the time of writing they sit in the top seven, with only three teams scoring more goals than the Whites. While performances have been brilliant and provided some noteworthy results in the process, one weakness still appears.

It would be fair to say that, in isolation, each of our centre-back options have shown themselves to be good Premier League options. Yet, here we are, also with the fourth worst defensive record in the league. With Tim Ream proving people wrong, Tosin and Diop rotating and Duffy continuing to come off the bench, it poses the question: does Marco Silva know his best pairing?

The stalwart: Tim Ream
Well into his third crack at the Premier League with Fulham, Ream had been written off by a large section of the fan base who had deemed him as simply not good enough. Thankfully, the American has proven any doubters wrong, playing all but three minutes of the Premier League season, and excelling in his role as the senior man at the back, even if called upon out wide at the City Ground.

While many continue to believe the future of this partnership lies in players who potentially have a higher ceiling, it feels impossible right now to even consider dropping a player who leads from the back, consistently performing at a level we didn't know Ream was capable of reaching, both defensively and in terms of ball progression.

The asset: Tosin
Unlike Ream, it appeared that Tosin would be the man to build the defence around following promotion. He's seen as one of Fulham's most prized assets; a young centre-back with brilliant defensive capabilities coming off two impressive seasons with the club. However, his performances have been below-par at times this terms, including the recent win at Leeds.

Despite a brilliant team performance and three points at Elland Road, it was worrying how little Tosin did to prevent both goals, especially the first from Rodrigo, which looped far too easily beyond him. Along with a worrying lack of progress in Tosin's ability on the ball, it appears to be his name most at risk of being rotated in the starting XI at the moment.

The new boy: Issa Diop
Signed for a hefty fee from West Ham, it may have been a surprise to fans how long it's taken for Diop to leave his mark on the side. After a shocking first display (admittedly not just from the Frenchman) on his debut against Crawley in the League Cup, Issa made a much better impression at the City Ground in the win over Nottingham Forest.

With Premier League experience and pedigree in the bank after his spell at West Ham, a large price tag and now a first goal against Bournemouth, Diop looks to be the man to force his way into this partnership and make it his to keep. At the same age as Tosin, there's every reason to believe he can reach an even higher level and be of huge value to the club for years to come, let alone this season.

The alternative: Shane Duffy
As of now, Duffy has been nothing more than a bench man, coming on in the closing minutes of four Premier League matches. Like Diop, the Irishman hardly covered himself in glory in the cup game with Crawley, but bar that, there's not much to go off in a Fulham shirt, leaving him as a little bit of a mystery. But we must not ignore what's already known. Duffy is an Irish international with 55 caps, a wealth of Premier League experience with parent club Brighton and Hove Albion, and has consistently proven in the past what a threat he can be at the other end with his aerial presence. If injuries arise or other players' forms dip, Marco has a very dependable alternative to rely on. Whether Duffy ever becomes a constant in the side, however, is another question.

So, what's Marco's best pairing?
Silva's decision to bring in Tosin against Leeds, despite Diop contributing to a clean sheet days earlier against Aston Villa, was confusing, and maybe further points towards the boss not quite knowing who his most reliable pairing are. It seems apparent that as long as Tim Ream continues to be a great leader who contributes well at the back, his place is set in stone, but with a World Cup break on the horizon, it's imperative Marco solidifies who partners Ream for the second phase of the season.

With none of our options seemingly going to Qatar unless the USA make a U-turn on Ream, the break will be huge for Diop, Tosin and Duffy to prove their point. As for the next three games before then, Diop appears to be the man performing at the best level, whether that results in a place in the side against Everton, Man City and Man United, who knows. Hey, if all else fails, we can play Bobby De-Cordova Reid in any position on the pitch... right?



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2022-10-27-marco-silvas-centre-back-conundrum/

[WhiteJC]

Loan Round-Up: Ty Off The Mark

Tyrese Francois opened his HNK Gorica account in his sides 3-1 defeat to HNK Hajduk Split on Wednesday night.

It was an emphatic start to the game, with Hajduk having scored inside two minutes, only for Ty to level the score just six minutes later.

17' GOOOOOL! Gorica je izjednačila! Strijelac za 1-1 je Tyrese Francois! 🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/AcBFJRvmdS

— HNK Gorica (@hnkgorica) October 26, 2022

There was midweek action in League One and League Two this week. Starting off in League One, Jay Stansfield was in the Starting XI for Exeter City on Tuesday, although his side could not break the deadlock as they drew 0-0 with Derby County.

📸 Jay Stansfield battling forward for the Grecians!#ECFC #OneGrecianGoal pic.twitter.com/5uSdZ48vXP

— Exeter City FC (@OfficialECFC) October 25, 2022

Steven Sessegnon was a late substitution in Charlton Athletic's 2-0 defeat to MK Dons on Tuesday night, as too was Ziyad Larkeche, whose Barnsley side also fell to a defeat to Lincoln City.

In League Two, Taye Ashby-Hammond helped Stevenage to a 1-0 win over Doncaster Rovers, keeping them on track for a positive season as they maintain their place in the automatic promotion places.

Another side looking at promotion out of League Two is Northampton Town, who ran out 2-0 winners over Sutton United, with Kieron Bowie playing out the full 90 minutes.

Much like his brother, Luca Ashby-Hammond kept a clean sheet in Aldershot Town's 2-0 win over Yeovil Town on Tuesday in the National League. In the division below, Jonathan Page featured in Farnborough's 1-0 victory over Weymouth.

Away from England, Terence Kongolo made his debut for Ligue 2 side Le Havre, coming on in the 87th minute to help his side see out their 2-0 win over FC Metz.

🔝📸

Hier, c'était le premier match de 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗼 sous le maillot Ciel&Marine ! 👏 pic.twitter.com/6fnpziMIJk

— Havre Athletic Club ⚽️ (@HAC_Foot) October 25, 2022

Rodrigo Muniz will be playing under Middlesbrough's newly appointed manager, former Manchester United midfielder, Michael Carrick, after his appointment earlier in the week.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/october/27/Loan-Round-Up-Ty-Off-The-Mark/

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'Good to see': Carlos Vinicius delighted with Conte's call on £23m Tottenham star v Sporting

Carlos Vinicius expressed his delight on Instagram at Antonio Conte handing Lucas Moura his first start of the season during Tottenham's drama-filled 1-1 draw against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.

The 30-year-old has had to contend with minutes from the bench this season, but he played 82 minutes on Wednesday night, as Harry Kane saw a last-gasp winner controversially ruled out for offside.

Throughout the match, Moura was a bright spark for his team, constantly getting on the ball and running at Sporting's defence, only to be wasteful in possession, in his decision-making or with his weight of pass.

In truth, that shouldn't be too much of a surprise because, prior to yesterday, the most minutes he has been handed during one single game this season is 24 minutes.

That surely is going to come with its rust and wayward nature, so it will be interesting to see if Conte sticks with the £23 million versatile attacker (BBC Sport) for Tottenham's visit to newly-promoted Bournemouth at the weekend.

Nonetheless, Moura stated on Instagram that it's an 'amazing feeling' to be back out on the pitch again, as his former teammate and now-Fulham striker, Carlos Vinicius reacted in the comments section by saying: "Good to see you back, brother."

MORE STARTS FOR MOURA?
It's pretty obvious that Moura isn't much fancied by Conte, with the 2021/22 Golden Boot winner Son Heung-min, January sensation Dejan Kulusevski and summer signing Richarlison all ahead of the player.

This start has come about on the back of a number of injuries, but will Conte keep him in the XI when the north London club travel down to the South Coast at the weekend?

Moura himself will feel, in order to get his engine really warm, then he needs those regular starts, or else he'll continue to have this rusty nature to his performances.

But, Bryan Gil has produced a number of strong performances from the bench, including against Sporting last night, so he might just boot Moura out of the XI.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/10/27/good-to-see-carlos-vinicius-delighted-with-contes-call-on-23m-tottenham-star-v-sporting/

[WhiteJC]

Games for the Week-end 29/10
We welcome Everton to the Cottage for a late(ish) Saturday kick-off (17:30)

Any away win is a good win, winning away at Leeds was both unexpected, I'd have been very happy with a draw, and shows how far we've come since our last time in the Premier League.
How we came back from being one goal down showed the exceptional team spirit we have, the team spirit really showed for our third, Willian's goal, Mitro holding off a defender, back-healing the ball to Reed who danced around another defender before passing to an unmarked Willian, one of the best "team goals" I've seen from Fulham!

Our record against Everton isn't that good, our record against them at Goodison is awful but not too bad at the Cottage, with 5 wins (all at the Cottage), 12 losses (mainly at Goodison) and 2 draws(at the Cottage).

Current Form
     Fulham: LLDWW
     Everton: WLLLW

Assuming no injuries, my team to face Everton would be...

COYW's

Games of Interest...
Saturday 29th
Bournemouth v Spurs
Brentford v Wolves
Brighton v Chelsea
Palace v Southampton
Fulham v Everton

Sunday 30th
Arsenal v Forest
Man Utd v West Ham

come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=2403

[WhiteJC]

Seventh heaven
If you're anything like me, you'll be pinching yourself every time you see the Premier League table. Fulham are seventh. That's not a misprint. They sit seventh in the top flight after twelve matches: which is surely worthy of wider comment given that the Whites were one of the bookmakers' favourites to go down. Pundit after pundit engaged in the banter around Norwich City and the Cottagers swapping places, querying Marco Silva's credentials as a top flight coach and, of course, decided that Aleksandar Mitrovic wasn't a Premier League player. Now, it remains very earlier in an unprecedented season – about to be interrupted by the shameful hosting of a World Cup in Qatar – but the early signs are encouraging.

This is the equal highest position that Fulham have ever occupied in a Premier League table. Amassing eighteen points from the first dozen fixtures puts Silva's side on a par with the one coached by Chris Coleman, who was the overwhelming favourite to be the first manager sacked, in 2003/04. Indeed, the current side's number of games won, drawn, lost and goals scored is exactly the same as Cookie's team that took the top flight by storm that year. This week in 2003, the Welshman masterminded a magnificent win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. The captain that day, Lee Clark – who opened the scoring early on – celebrates his 50th birthday today.

How has Silva done it? He's stayed due to his vow, made to those of us fortunate enough to witness his post-match press conference after the Whites clinched the Championship title with a seven-goal thrashing of Luton, that Fulham would attack the top flight and not compromise on his philosophy. Those were bold words, similar to how Slavisa Jokanovic spoke of his intentions following the first promotion under Shahid Khan, but crucially the current incumbent of the Craven Cottage hotseat has not only got the players he wanted, but he has previous experience of the Premier League that the Serbian lacked. Silva knew his adventurous approach would leave a leaky defence open against the very best and the acquisition of Joao Palhinha was vital. Luring the man with the octopus legs from Sporting, who showed that they aren't too shabby against Spurs last night, for a mere £17m must rank amongst the best business of the summer.

Just as crucial to making Fulham a force to be reckoned with was getting Mitrovic, a man in the form of his life, the service upon which he could thrive. Many a manager has concluded that the Serbian number nine was too much of a luxury in the Premier League: Rafa Benitez reached such a view long before Scott Parker's perplexing preference for Ivan Cavaleiro up top played out in front of our television screens. But Mitrovic – motivated by the opportunity to land some blows at a major tournament for his country this winter as well as keeping Fulham up – demonstrated his devastating quality on the opening weekend against Liverpool. You could make a compelling case claiming that Jurgen Klopp's side haven't recovered yet. Our number nine has nine top-flight goals already, two short of his total in his full season in SW6, and three ahead of any other Fulham forward at this stage, including Louis Saha and Dimitar Berbatov.

The two away wins that have made such a difference to Fulham's position in the emerging table are testament to what's different about this team. At both Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, the Whites went behind having conceded sloppy goals. On a fabulous Friday night at the City Ground, Fulham roared back – scoring three fine goals in six minutes – to show they weren't a soft touch on the road. On Sunday in Yorkshire, Silva's side responded to the concession of a soft opener to Jesse Marsch's men by playing the kind of composed, possession-based football that secured promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Bobby Decordova-Reid, rampaging forward from right back, headed them in front and Willian, whose signing was ridiculed by so many experts, opened his Fulham account with a third after great work from the industrious Harrison Reed.

Fulham haven't won three meaningful Premier League matches in a row since Pavel Pogrebnyak's peerless start to life at Craven Cottage in the spring of 2012. Parker managed it at the tail end of the miserable 2018/2019 season but the Whites' wins over Everton, Bournemouth and Cardiff came after relegation had been confirmed. Frank Lampard, forever a favourite in this parts after his part in bulldozing the Cottage pub, brings Everton to the banks of the River Thames on Saturday night. Given that the two matches that conclude the Cottagers' league programme are against Manchester City and Manchester United, Silva's side will spy an opportunity to add another three points to their already impressive total. Palhinha and Reed have protected a back four that has still looked fragile superbly, but the Portuguese head coach might need to consider another defensive alteration to deal with Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The fact that Tim Ream is still being ignored by Gregg Berhalter is probably worthy of a joint-session of Congress at this point, but it does make a refreshing change for the Whites to have options at centre back. Issa Diop and Tosin Adarabioyo have all the attributes to form a formidable partnership, but our St. Louis-based veteran has been sensational so far.

And that's where we are. Fulham are flying. They've done it under the radar, which will be how everyone at Motspur Park would prefer it. Harry Wilson, such a strong contributor last season's success, only made his first start of the season at Elland Road. We won't see any more of Manor Solomon, who provided the pass that helped Mitrovic become the first Premier League player to dribble past Virgil van Dijk, until after the impromptu winter break. Fortunes change and Fulham are especially vulnerable to injuries to their key performers (which must be a worry with Wilson, Palhinha and Mitrovic all set for spells in Qatar), but it is worth celebrating what the Whites have achieved so far. If we don't, nobody else will: judging by the fact that the columns describing the last two victories were taken up with discussion of Steven Gerrard and Marsch.

Whatever happens, we will get to watch the evolution of Marco Silva's eye-catching side. As Tommy Trinder would have said, 'You lucky people'!



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/10/seventh-heaven/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham make new attempt to sign midfielder – Optimism deal can be found

Fulham continue working on signing São Paulo midfielder Pablo Maia, and the Brazilian media today shares some interesting updates on this pursuit.

According to Lance!, the Whites this week made a new attempt for the transfer, following the €7.5m bid which had been turned down by the Tricolor.

The numbers of this new offer from Fulham have not been revealed yet. However, it's claimed the bid has 'moved' São Paulo and the 'tendency' is for an agreement.

It's said the Brazilian club 'started a new negotiation', but this time, they're not just pushing for a bigger amount. They're actually interested in keeping him for a few more months, at the start of next year, just so he could help them in the first rounds of the Copa Libertadores next season.

That means he'd only arrive at the Craven Cottage in the European summer window.

Lance! doesn't make it clear if Fulham are on board with that. Still, it does sound like both clubs are working towards an agreement.

The outlet points out the Whites had already been interested in other São Paulo players such as Luizão, Rodrigo Nestor and Igor Gomes.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-make-new-attempt-sign-midfielder-optimism-deal-can-found/

[WhiteJC]

Last Fulham XI to beat Everton at home now ft. Tom Cairney, Ryan Babel

Fulham host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday trying to maintain a strong start to the term. So, where are the Cottagers XI that last beat the Toffees at Craven Cottage now?

The west London side has not edged the Merseyside outfit on home soil since taking a 2-0 result in 2019. Goals from Tom Cairney and Ryan Babel dealt the damage for Scott Parker's squad. The result also ended a run of three consecutive defeats to the Goodison Park club.

It was also the first top-flight win Fulham had claimed over Everton since back in 2009, also at home. Yet they did not have to wait another 10 years to win again. A brace by Josh Maja gifted Parker a 2-0 win on the road in February 2021. Everton had won 3-2 in west London.

Fulham are above Everton in the Premier League table regardless of Saturday's clash
Fulham go into this weekend's match with Everton as the form side after a strong start to their campaign under former Toffees boss Marco Silva. The Portuguese has the Cottagers seventh in the standings after 12 games following five wins and three draws for 18 points.

His former team, on the other hand, sits in 12th place with 13 points after three wins and four draws. The Merseyside outfit edging Crystal Palace 3-0 last Saturday also meant Frank Lampard's squad ended a run of three-straight defeats. Fulham are without a loss in three.

What's more, Fulham boast the vastly superior offensive record with 22 goals scored to 11. But Everton have the superior defensive record having conceded 12 goals compared to 22. Lampard will hope his defence will now stand up to Silva's attacking line at Craven Cottage.

So, ahead of Everton's trip to Fulham, HITC Football has taken a look back at the Cottagers XI that beat the Toffees at Craven Cottage in April 2019 and where those players are now...

Sergio Rico (GK): PSG outcast shut Everton out as Fulham won 2-0 in 2019
Sergio Rico shut Everton out as Fulham secured a 2-0 win in 2019. The Cottagers had hired the Spaniard on loan from Sevilla for a season. He then joined Paris Saint-Germain over the summer in a loan they made permanent. But the 29-year-old is far from PSG's first choice.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah (RB): Former Fulham loanee is now at Bayer Leverkusen
Timothy Fosu-Mensah joined Fulham on loan from Manchester United during the 2018/19 term. The 24-year-old would return to Old Trafford at the end of his stay in the capital. But he would fail to establish himself before joining Bayer Leverkusen in January 2021 for £2m.

Tim Ream (CB): The defender is one of the few survivors of Fulham's win over Everton
Tim Ream is one of the few survivors of Fulham's win over Everton still at Craven Cottage now. He will also be a starting presence at home to the Toffees on Saturday, if fit, having been vital for Silva. The 35-year-old joined the Cottagers from Bolton Wanderers in 2015.

Maxime Le Marchand (CB): Strasbourg signed the defender from Fulham in 2021
Maxime Le Marchand left his native France for the first time to sign for Fulham in 2018. He is now back in Ligue 1, though, after joining RC Strasbourg Alsace in 2021 following a spell on loan to Royal Antwerp. The 33-year-old featured in just 48 matches with the Cottagers.

Joe Bryan (LB): Fulham have loaned the full-back to OGC Nice for the 22/23 season
Fulham have sent Joe Bryan to OGC Nice on loan for the 2022/23 campaign after holding a reserve role at Craven Cottage last term. The 29-year-old only featured 19 times across all competitions as the Cottagers secured promotion. He has been in west London since 2018.

Calum Chambers (CDM): Aston Villa defender shone in midfield for Fulham
Calum Chambers shone in midfield during his time on loan to Fulham from Arsenal during the 2018/19 season. But the 27-year-old was unable to secure a prominent presence back at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners later let Chambers join Aston Villa for free this January.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (CDM): Napoli signed the midfielder in May
Napoli finalised a £15m transfer for Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa this May after having the Cameroonian on loan last term. Fulham had signed him in 2018, but they later sent him to Villarreal on loan in 2019/20. The 26-year-old is now helping Napoli push for a Serie A title.

Ryan Sessegnon (RM): Tottenham signed the Fulham product in 2019
Tottenham Hotspur signed Ryan Sessegnon at 19 years old for £25m, rising up to £30m, in 2019. The wing-back, who often featured in attack at Fulham, left Craven Cottage after 25 goals and 18 assists in 120 games. He is also now a regular in England's U21s on 20 caps.

Tom Cairney (CAM): Captained Fulham to a 2-0 win at home to Everton in 2019
Fulham beat Everton at Craven Cottage in April 2019 on the back of nine-straight top-flight defeats. Cairney captained Parker's side for all but one game in that run. The 31-year-old is still in west London now. But the midfielder is now only a backup player there under Silva.

Ryan Babel (LM): Scored Fulham's second goal to beat Everton at home in 2019
Fulham signed Ryan Babel from Besiktas for £2m in January 2019 on a contract running to the end of that season. The 35-year-old would offer five goals and four assists over his 16 appearances with the Cottagers. But he would return to the Super Lig come the summer.

Galatasaray lured Babel back to Turkey once his Fulham contract lapsed. Yet he would join Ajax on loan the following January before cutting a pivotal role at Galatasaray thereafter. But the 69-cap Netherlands forward now plies his trade with Turkish second-tier side Eyupspor.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (ST): Fulham striker is on course to smash his 2018/19 tally
Aleksandar Mitrovic is on course to smash his 2018/19 Premier League goal tally and set a personal best haul this season. The forward already has nine in 11 games ahead of hosting Everton on Saturday. His previous best is the 11 he set over 2018/19 from 37 appearances.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/10/27/last-fulham-xi-to-beat-everton-at-home-now-ft-tom-cairney-ryan-babel/

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DJ: Strength In Depth

Dan James knows the strength in depth in wide areas at Fulham can only be a good thing for the team.

The winger has featured in every match he's been eligible for since signing on loan from Leeds United, but there is significant competition to do so.

Willian has turned back the clocks, Neeskens Kebano is racking up the assists, Bobby De Cordova-Reid – though currently featuring at right-back – is as reliable as ever, while Harry Wilson has now returned from injury, as will Manor Solomon.

"As players we want that," DJ explained. "We don't want to be comfortable in our position where if we have a bad game then we'd still be playing the next week. I think the Gaffer likes that as well.

"I think it's really good and it helps all the players in our position to push themselves.

"I've had a lot [of gametime] since I've come here. I'm in and out, [but] I'm always involved whether I'm starting or not. There'll always be a little bit of rotation.

"I'd never think I'd just come to a club and play every week. We're doing so well here.

"Obviously I couldn't play on the weekend but I'm just happy to be here. The Manager, the staff, the players have all been great with me, and I'll keep working hard."

Willian's performances, particularly last week in our wins over Aston Villa and Leeds, have been excellent, and James admitted that the two-time Premier League champion is someone he truly admires.

"Willian is one that, when I was younger, I really looked up to," he said. "He's come towards the end of his career and he's still performing and doing really well. Players like him are great to learn off.

"This is a great club to be at, with big players all around. I always try to learn off everyone around me."

Fulham go into Saturday's late kick-off against Everton hoping to build on our excellent recent form, having taken seven points from a possible nine.

"As a team we're growing every game," James stated. "The way the Gaffer sets us up is really good, we like to try and keep the ball.

"We build up really well, and when we do that we cause damage to teams.

"It showed against Aston Villa when we were on top for a lot of the game and went on to win comfortably, and then it was good to go to Leeds and come from behind to win that game.

"This weekend's going to be another tough one."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/october/27/dan-james-strength-in-depth/

[WhiteJC]

Everton Team News For Fulham Trip

Frank Lampard has confirmed Nathan Patterson is fit and will be involved in Everton's matchday squad for the trip to Fulham this weekend.

The Blues head to Craven Cottage on Saturday (5.30pm BST) looking to build momentum following an impressive 3-0 win over Crystal Palace last time out.

Full-back Patterson, who has been sidelined since sustaining an ankle injury in Scotland's 3-0 Nations League win over Ukraine at Hampden Park on 21 September, has completed a full week of training at Finch Farm this week and is now in contention to feature in the capital.

His return poses boss Lampard with a welcome team selection headache, with Club captain Seamus Coleman in good form.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon, Lampard said: "Patterson is back in the squad for this weekend.

"It's a really good [selection] headache. It's exactly what I wanted.

"Nathan has been really, really good this season until he got his unfortunate injury.

"That allowed Seamus to come in, find fitness and performance and I think that hit the peak last weekend against Palace and against Zaha, who is one of the hardest players to play against in that position.

"It's a really healthy competition between two lads - one who has been here a long time and one who is coming through.

"They get on really well and I'm more than happy with the situation."

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, meanwhile, continues to work his way back to peak condition, having started the past two games and managing 72 and 78 minutes against Newcastle United and Crystal Palace respectively.

The 25-year-old striker scored the opener against Palace - and Lampard has challenged him to get fitter and keep firing for the Blues, with ongoing discussions around England's squad for the World Cup in Qatar next month.

"Dominic showed his fitness levels last weekend," said Lampard. "If we can keep him fit he's a huge player for us and a big reference at the top end of the pitch.

"I have nice options now when he's fit - I've got Neal Maupay as well who has come in and been really positive for us.

"But Dominic, with his attributes and history of what he can do at this club, allows you to work off him in different ways.

"I'm delighted to have him back and the big, big challenge for us now is to give him the right environment and circumstances to get fitter and stay fit so he can show what he can do."

Asked whether securing a place in Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad was realistic, Lampard added: "It's absolutely realistic, without a doubt, because he's shown he can be there before at major tournaments, playing for England and scoring goals.

"One of the benefits of the mix that he'll probably be in is that Gareth will know what he can do and now last week Gareth saw him at a level where he's towards the level where can attain, because he is fit.

"Now it's a nice little challenge for Dom in these next few games to show that he can continue that form and then the question is Gareth's - rightly so - to see if he wants to take him or not."

Ben Godfrey (fractured fibula), Yerry Mina (calf) and Andros Townsend (ACL) will not be available for Everton.



https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2877038/everton-team-news-for-fulham-trip

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Competition for places excites James
Far from being daunted by competition for places at Craven Cottage, Dan James says Fulham's strength in depth can only be a good thing.

The Welsh winger, who missed Sunday's superb win at his parent club Leeds United, believes that the sheer number of wide options available to head coach Marco Silva encourages the first-team squad to meet the high standards set in the early part of the season. James told the club's official website this afternoon:

"As players we want that. We don't want to be comfortable in our position where if we have a bad game then we'd still be playing the next week. I think the gaffer likes that as well. I think it's really good and it helps all the players in our position to push themselves.

I've had a lot [of minutes] since I've come here. I'm in and out, [but] I'm always involved whether I'm starting or not. There'll always be a little bit of rotation. I'd never think I'd just come to a club and play every week. We're doing so well here. Obviously I couldn't play on the weekend but I'm just happy to be here. The manager, the staff, the players have all been great with me, and I'll keep working hard."

In James' absence at Elland Road, Willian grabbed his first Fulham goal to seal all three points on Sunday and the 24 year-old admits admiring the Brazilian veteran during his previous spells in English football.

"Willian is one that, when I was younger, I really looked up to. He's come towards the end of his career and he's still performing and doing really well. Players like him are great to learn off. This is a great club to be at, with big players all around. I always try to learn off everyone around me."

James is confident of a strong showing in Saturday night's televised clash against Everton – with the Whites having taken seven points from their last three fixtures.

"As a team we're growing every game. The way the gaffer sets us up is really good, we like to try and keep the ball. We build up really well, and when we do that we cause damage to teams. It showed against Aston Villa when we were on top for a lot of the game and went on to win comfortably, and then it was good to go to Leeds and come from behind to win that game. This weekend's going to be another tough one."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/10/competition-for-places-excites-james/

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Everton looking to break club record against Fulham

Everton will look to set a new club record when they face Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

While the Toffees have endured an up-and-down season, Frank Lampard's side currently occupy 12th position in the standings, four points clear of the relegation zone.

On the back of three successive defeats, the Merseyside outfit bounced back with a 3-0 triumph over Crystal Palace last time out.

Everton have now collected eight points from six home matches this season, three more than they have accumulated in the same amount of away games.

Nevertheless, that return on the road is the 10th best in the division, and Lampard will hope that it provides his side with confidence to finally improve matters in the capital.

When Everton lost 2-0 at Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month, it represented their 85th Premier League defeat in London, the most suffered by one team in the division.

On a more positive note, Everton emerged victorious the last time that they visited Craven Cottage, prevailing by a 3-2 scoreline in November 2020.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin netted twice to help establish a 3-1 lead for his side after 35 minutes before they eventually held on for a well-earned win.

However, since the first league meeting between the two sides in 1949, Everton have never recorded back-to-back away league victories against Fulham.

Over the past 11 years, though, Everton have posted three successive league successes against Fulham on two occasions, the most recent occurrence being spread over five years between 2013 and 2018.

From Fulham's perspective, Marco Silva - a former manager of Everton - will hope that his team can become the first Cottagers side since 1966 to score at least three goals in three successive top-flight encounters.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/everton/news/everton-looking-to-break-club-record-against-fulham_498009.html?newsnow

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PL30: How Fulham and Premier League inspire schoolkids

PL Trophy visits St Mary's Primary in Wimbledon where Fulham are helping students with their physical and mental wellbeing

Cast your mind back to your school assemblies and you may have fleeting memories of the children noisily taking their seats, arranged in year groups, with the sharp shushing of teachers, urging the kids to be quiet from the sides of the hall.

None of that was required when I attended St Mary's RC Primary School, in Wimbledon, southwest London.

Upon entering the hall, the children were awed into silence. But, then this wasn't your typical assembly, it was one the children would never forget.

Audible gasps filled the room by the St Mary's children as their eyes were drawn to the Premier League Trophy, stood in all its 30 years of glory, at the front of the hall for all to see.

Unique experience
The Premier League Trophy Tour, celebrating the 30 years of the competition, provided a unique experience for a whole host of children who had never encountered the trophy's enchanting presence.

The assembly was led by Fulham FC Foundation, who work on a regular basis at St Mary's. This time the lesson revolved around getting the students to think about how they could reflect the Premier League's core values: Being ambitious, inspiring, connected and fair.

A celebration was in order to honour the students who had displayed those values.

Year 6 pupil Skye came to the front to pick up an award for "Fairness" and was left with a lasting memory of the occasion and the Trophy.

"I was so shocked," says Skye, still brimming with excitement. "I couldn't believe it was so close to me."

Alfred got an award for being an inspiring member of his class. He cited Chelsea's Mason Mount as an inspiration, and loved the shininess of the silver Trophy.

The Trophy was then taken to each classroom for each set of students to capture a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity along with their teachers.

The Trophy's class-to-class journey was what made James Anstee, the PE lead at St Mary's, most proud.

"I'm really pleased we toured it around," says Anstee. "The photos look really great as they are personal to each of the classes.

"When we see the photos, it'll have their work in the background and then you have that focal point of the Premier League. The awe of them seeing it, it just shows how important it all is for them."

PL Primary Stars impact
The Fulham FC Foundation has worked with St Mary's for a number of years, using the Premier League Primary Stars programme to help children broaden their conversations beyond sport and discuss both their physical and mental wellbeing.

Anstee was full of praise for the Premier League's involvement.

"It's just priceless having people with that knowledge and the funding that goes in with that is so important as it's something we as schools couldn't fund ourselves," he adds.

Clarke awarded PL Community Captain
The assembly was also an occasion to honour the role of the Foundation's Mia Clarke.

Clarke was named Fulham's PL Community Captain for her wide-ranging work in the local community, especially through the Premier League Kicks programme, which has helped her step out of her comfort zone and has had a massive impact on promoting young female football participation.

Samantha Hadley, who works closely with Mia through the Foundation, met her in 2019 and has been impressed with her progress.

"Mia's confidence has grown enormously," says Samantha. "The programme has expanded to allow more girls to attend more sessions and through upskilling herself, increasing her knowledge, it has helped Mia get involved in wider projects beyond Kicks."

As well as her PL Kicks activity, Mia has worked with the NHS and on local youth tournaments, but seeing the increase in the young girls at Kicks has been one of her most notable achievements, she says.

Samantha hopes Mia will be known in the community as "the person that drives change" and that certainly seems to be on course to happen.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/2850196

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Ex-Fulham player emerges on radar of Hull City

Former Fulham man reportedly on radar of EFL club as he looks to pursue a career in management

Former Fulham player Liam Rosenior could be poised to land his first permanent managerial role in the game. The 38-year-old has emerged as a strong candidate for the vacant Hull City job.

According to reporter Alan Nixon on his Patreon, the former full-back is on the radar of the Tigers as they look to find Shota Arveladze's replacement. The East Yorkshire outfit are currently 16th in the Championship but are only six points off the play-offs.

New job incoming for ex-Fulham man?
Rosenior played for Fulham from 2003 to 2007 after they signed him from Bristol City as a youngster. He went on to play 92 games in all competitions for the London club and was a consistent performer at Craven Cottage.

The former England youth international rocked up at Hull after a spell at Reading and made 161 appearances in all competitions during his time as a player at the MKM Stadium, helping them gain promotion to the Premier League under Steve Bruce in 2013 and then to the FA Cup final a year later. He was a popular figure with the Tigers and may now be returning there as manager.

Hull have a few ex-Fulham players in their ranks these days. They swooped to sign midfielder Jean Michael Seri and Cyrus Christie on free transfers over the summer after they both left Marco Silva's side after promotion to the top flight.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/ex-fulham-player-emerges-on-radar-of-hull-city-3895970

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When Paul Peschisolido stunned Anfield
It is 24 years ago today that Paul Peschisolido, Fulham's first £1m player, stunned Anfield with a stupendous equaliser for Kevin Keegan's Second Division side in a pulsating League Cup tie.

Teenage me described this as one of Fulham's best ever goals in my match report and I stand by that assessment even now:

Fulham were outstanding in this game and a side featuring several stalwarts from the lower league days and belied the difference in status between the sides until a penalty from Robbie Fowler and a late strike by Paul Ince settled the issue. There was a lovely ovation for Peter Beardsley, when he reappeared at his old stomping ground in Fulham colours as a late substitute, but the quality of Peschisolido's moment of magic remains my endearing memory.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/10/when-paul-peschisolido-stunned-anfield/

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'He's one of the best in the league' - Everton boss Frank Lampard wary of key Fulham man

Everton are set to come up against a striker with nine goals to his name from just 11 Premier League appearances this season.

Frank Lampard has warned Everton they must wary of threat posed by Aleksandar Mitrovic when they head to Fulham.

Having found the back of the net nine times in 11 appearances this term, the Serbian is just two goals shy of his best-ever Premier League return with 27 games still to go.

Three of Mitrovic's strikes have been scored with his head, and Lampard is fully aware that the forward is dangerous from aerial deliveries.

However, he has challenged his players to both cut off supply lines and match the 28-year-old physically in the box this weekend.

He said: "I think he's a top-level player and for whatever reason previously he hasn't maybe been as prolific but now everything is working for him.

"As an all-round striker he's really strong but crosses are a big threat and it's two-fold: stopping crosses and dealing with balls in the box in dangerous goalscoring areas where he's very difficult to mark if he can get a run on you.

"In the air, he's one of the best players in the league for sure. So we understand the threat, it's up to the lads to stop it.

"There are other threats in the Fulham team but clearly he's a big threat for them."

Extra spice has been added to Saturday's game by the fact that Everton are coming up against one of their former managers in Marco Silva.

But, when asked if he has tapped into his players' insight on the Portuguese, Lampard replied: "No I haven't. I've spoken to a couple of staff members here but not to ask too much about it.

"We do a lot of work on Fulham and how they play and analysis of what they look like this season and I'm not sure too much can go back to that period."



https://www.liverpoolworld.uk/sport/football/everton/frank-lampard-everton-aleksandar-mitrovic-3896240

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Fulham targeting four players at one club, like £9m ace and 'new Kaka'

Premier League high-flyers Fulham have made a second bid for Brazilian midfielder Pablo Maia and are also taking note of Sao Paulo team-mates Rodrigo Nestor, Luizao and Igor Gomes, according to UOL and Lance. 

While Nottingham Forest appeared to adopt a 'quantity over quality' approach to recruitment, Fulham took a more conservative approach after sealing their return to the top-flight.

Only five teams invested less on new signings over the summer than Marco Silva's Cottagers. That £55 million outlay looks very well spent, however; with Joao Palhinha, Bernd Leno, Andreas Pereira and a revitalised Willian shining during successive wins over Aston Villa and Leeds United.

Pereira and Willian arrived in West London following spells in Brazilian football. And, perhaps inspired by such success, Fulham plan to return to the South American market in the New Year. No fewer than four Sao Paulo players are on their radar.

Marco Silva's Fulham like four Sao Paulo stars
Fulham have submitted a second bid for 20-year-old Maia; a tough-tackling, deep-lying central midfielder in the Harrison Reed mould. Their initial offer of £6.5 million was rejected by a Sao Paulo side holding out for £9 million.

According to UOL, Nestor, Luizao and Gomes are also under consideration. 

Centre-back Luizao will be a free-agent in January. He continues to resist Sao Paulo's attempts to tie him down to a new deal. Igor Gomes, an elegant, rangy box-to-box midfielder labelled the 'new Kaka' by some, is also entering the final few months of his deal. 

Both Gomes and Maia have also been linked with, as you might have guessed, Nottingham Forest. West Ham are keeping tabs on Luizao.

22-year-old Rodrigo Nestor, meanwhile, is under contract until 2024. A more forward-thinking midfielder than Pablo Maia, Nestor has eight goals and 11 assists to his name this season. He's thriving in a 'number ten' under Sao Paulo coach Rogerio Ceni; a position that Nestor enjoys.

"I've been prepared to play anywhere," he explains. "I found myself (in the number ten role). I have freedom and I can use my qualities better."



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/10/27/fulham-targeting-four-players-at-one-club-like-9m-ace-and-new-kaka/

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Everton need Fulham result to consolidate Palace improvement

Following a fine 3-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend, Everton now travel to West London to play Fulham on Saturday.

That result and attacking performance against Palace felt like it might be a little bit of a breakthrough win for Everton.

The Toffees' showed energy, determination and considerable attacking flair something that in particular had been missing from previously solid but often unspectacular efforts this campaign.

It was obviously only one game and to borrow a quote, one game doesn't make a season. But there was a degree of confidence and quality that certainly did bode well for the future.

Of course, the next step is to try and maintain that level starting with this Saturday's fixture at Craven Cottage.

The Blues' have had one major boost already with the news that full-back Nathan Patterson is fit and ready to rejoin the matchday squad.

The Scot's performances since he came into the team at the start of the season had been outstanding and his latest injury problem was a big blow to Frank Lampard.

Although Seamus Coleman has come back in his place and been solid enough (he was actually excellent against Palace snuffing out Wilfried Zaha's threat) I would like to see Patterson back in the team given his terrific attacking qualities.

But, it's possible this might be one game too soon and so perhaps Lampard will be tempted to stick with Coleman against Fulham.

Other than that welcome dilemma, I imagine the manager will want to pick the same eleven that saw off Palace so comfortably, especially as for once, at the time of writing there are no new injury problems for him.

That means picking Dominic Calvert-Lewin again at centre-forward. The Everton manager will want to take things carefully with Calvert-Lewin given his fragile health, but he's had a full week to recover from his exertions last Saturday and he didn't play the whole game anyway.

As for Fulham they have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign and sit comfortably in seventh after winning at Leeds last weekend.

The Cottagers' are managed of course by former Blues' boss Marco Silva who has done a fine job with the London side getting them promoted and then ensuring this solid start.

One thing they have had all though the season, which Everton haven't, is a reliable and prolific goal-scorer in Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Serbian striker has netted nine times and his heading ability and goal threat is obviously a major issue for the Toffees' defence to deal with.

That defence has been pretty much rock-solid all season and in particular has improved a great deal in it's ability to cope with that sort of threat in the air.

Fulham like to put in plenty of crosses for the prolific Mitrovic and so they represent a real danger and have usually scored goals in every game they play.

However, defensively they are vulnerable too and so I can certainly see plenty of chances for the away team on Saturday.

Looking at form, this match could be two or three all, or be a comfortable win by several goals for either team, although Everton are hard to score against and haven't conceded more than two goals in any game so far this season.

One thing the Blues' need to address is their usually pitiful form in the capital. Let's hope for a more robust response than we have often seen when Everton have travelled down South.

So the question is can the Blues' can replicate their excellent all-round performance against Palace and grab what would be another important three points?



https://princerupertstower.com/2022/10/27/everton-fulham-result/

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Fulham pursuing Maia deal
Fulham are continuing discussions with São Paulo over midfielder Pablo Maia, according to the Brazilian press, and the Premier League club are unperturbed by the fact that their first offer was rejected.

The Tricolour turned down Fulham's first bid, believed to be around £6.5m, but the parties have reopened negotiations in the hope of arriving at a deal. Brazilian sports daily Lance! reports that the Whites have submitted another offer – and São Paulo's major sticking point, aside from hoping for a fee that could eventually reach £8.6m, is that they would like to have the 20 year-old available for the remainder of the qualification phase of the Copa Libertadores. That could mean that Fulham may conclude a deal for the youngster, but allow him to remain with O Clube da Fé until pre-season training gets underway at Motspur Park in July.

Maia has become a mainstay in Rogério Ceni's first team since starring in the summer's Sao Paulo Cup. The Brasopolis-born tenacious tackler has seamlessly slotted into the senior side after Gabriel Neves got injured, making 28 Serie A appearances. He has featured in a variety of positions for São Paulo, including centre back, holding midfield and as a number ten, being praised for his versatility and maturity.

European clubs have tracked Maia's progress since he broke into the São Paulo senior side this summer and Nottingham Forest have been credited with an interest in signing him. But Fulham's successful recruitment of Willian and Andreas Pereira, as well as Marco Silva's summer-long courtship of Rodrigo Muniz last year, is understood to count in their favour. The midfielder is believed to be intrigued by the prospect of playing in the Premier League.

Lance! also suggests that the Londoners hold an interest in three other São Paulo stars, namely central back Luizão, midfielder Rodrigo Nestor and number ten Igor Gomes



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/10/fulham-pursuing-maia-deal/

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Key Change In Attack: 4-2-3-1 Fulham Predicted XI vs Everton

Fulham will be looking to make it three wins on the bounce in the Premier League when they entertain Frank Lampard's Everton at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers have won back-to-back games against Aston Villa and Leeds United to move up to seventh in the table. A 3-2 comeback win over Leeds at Elland Road showed Fulham's fighting spirit which will hold them in good stead going forward in the season.

The Portuguese tactician must be keen to build on the recent results as he prepares to take on Everton, who snapped their three-game losing run last weekend with a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Fulham Team News
Manor Solomon (knee) is out long-term, while Kenny Tete and Layvin Kurzawa have also been sidelined recently with muscle and calf injuries, respectively.

Daniel James is available for the game against Everton, though, having been ineligible to face his parent club Leeds United last weekend.

Predicted Fulham Lineup vs Everton (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper

Bernd Leno is enjoying a solid season with Fulham and should start in between the sticks against Everton.

Defence

Marco Silva will set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation once again, with Tosin Adarabioyo possibly starting alongside Tim Ream at the heart of the backline in the Fulham lineup.

Bobby Decordova-Reid has deputised well at right-back in the injury absence of Tete, delivering a couple of impressive displays. Antonee Robinson is a shoo-in to start at left-back in the Fulham lineup.

The Fulham boss will want to give both Decordova-Reid and Robinson the license to bomb forward at every chance they get and cause a few problems for the opposition in the final third.

Issa Diop, Shane Duffy and Kevin Mbabu will offer cover for the defensive positions.

Midfield

There is no looking past the double pivot of Harrison Reid and Joao Palhinha in the Fulham lineup at the moment. Palhinha's addition in the summer has gone a long way in strengthening Fulham's midfield while giving much-needed protection to the backline. The Portuguese is a certainty to start alongside Reed, as the duo looks to dominate Everton in the centre of the pitch.

Andreas Pereira has been the creative hub of the team this term, providing Fulham often with the spark needed to carve open teams.

Tom Cairney and Josh Onomah will hope to get involved off the bench in the latter stages of the game.

Attack

Willian's arrival in the summer has added pace, variety and goal threat to Fulham's attack. After his performance against Leeds last weekend, the Brazilian is a certainty to start on the left flank in the Fulham lineup.

Daniel James could walk straight back into the starting XI on Saturday, and the Welshman's blistering pace and clever movement could make Fulham dangerous on the break against Everton. Leading the attack will be none other than Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has nine goals in 11 games so far this term.



https://madaboutepl.net/2022/10/key-change-in-attack-4-2-3-1-fulham-predicted-xi-vs-everton/