Monday Fulham Stuff - 02/01/23...

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Results

Sunday
Spurs	0-2	Villa
Forest	1-1	Chelsea

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Silva hails 'a big result'
Marco Silva hailed Fulham's late win over Southampton at Craven Cottage this afternoon as 'a big result'.

The Whites grabbed all three points thanks to Joao Palhinha's header two minutes from time after James Ward-Prowse's fine free-kick called out Andreas Pereira's deflected opener.

The Fulham head coach told his post-match press conference:

    "A big, big result for us, definitely. A big three points for us. It was a tough match and we expected a tough match, despite their position in the table.

    We have to be realistic and I am realistic in this type of situation. We are a really ambitious club, we know our reality and the type of competition we are playing against and the teams we are playing against. We are not in the position to change one word of our target and our goals this season. We have to keep our feet on the ground to prepare for the next one the best we can."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/12/silva-hails-a-big-result/

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Fulham's potential post-Jan XI featruing Everton midfielder

For the first time in a decade, Fulham are in quite a comfortable position heading into the January transfer window in the Premier League.

After three consecutive relegations from the English top-flight, Fulham are usually at panic stations around this time of year, but this time around, they're sitting pretty in the Premier League.

Indeed, there's no reason to go out and make panic signings such as Ryan Babel and Kostas Mitroglou this time around. Instead, Fulham can focus on simply adding a bit of depth to this squad rather than scrambling desperately for replacements for their starters.


Charles Jones
Charles Jones
22 hours ago

For the first time in a decade, Fulham are in quite a comfortable position heading into the January transfer window in the Premier League.

After three consecutive relegations from the English top-flight, Fulham are usually at panic stations around this time of year, but this time around, they're sitting pretty in the Premier League.

Indeed, there's no reason to go out and make panic signings such as Ryan Babel and Kostas Mitroglou this time around. Instead, Fulham can focus on simply adding a bit of depth to this squad rather than scrambling desperately for replacements for their starters.

With that in mind, we've had a go at predicting Fulham's post-January XI.



We think that the Whites may make two additions next month.

If there are any spots in Fulham's team that need bolstering it's at right-back and in midfield.

With all due respect, Kevin Mbabu and Nat Chalobah haven't been up to scratch this season, so it's no surprise to see Fulham linked with new players in these positions.

Cedric Soares has been strongly linked by Sky Sports, while Abdoulaye Doucoure is also a player that Fulham have reportedly looked at.

These two signings would certainly fit Fulham's strategy.

Marco Silva knows both players. He had Cedric at Sporting during his short stint there as a manager, while Doucoure was one of his most important players at Watford.

Of course, these two many not be immediate starters. After all, Harrison Reed and Kenny Tete have been brilliant in their respective roles, but in case of injury and suspensions, Doucoure and Cedric would be brilliant understudies.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/01/01/fulhams-potential-post-jan-xi-featruing-everton-midfielder/

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 Former Fulham man lands new move and reunites with familiar face

Latest news regarding this ex-Fulham individual emerges.

Former Fulham boss Scott Parker is the new manager of Club Brugge. The 42-year-old has decided to make the move to Belgium for a new challenge in his career.

He was sacked by AFC Bournemouth earlier this season after their tricky start to the Premier League season and has since been weighing up his options. The Londoner will now be managing in the Belgian Pro League and Champions League.

Parker spent his playing days with the likes of Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Newcastle United, West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham before hanging up his boots back in 2017. He was handed his first managerial role by the latter in 2019 and guided the Cottagers to promotion from the Championship a year later after they beat Brentford in the play-off final at Wembley.

His tenure with the Whites lasted just under two-and-a-half years and he won 35.2% of games in charge before heading out the exit door. Bournemouth came calling and he got the Cherries back in the top flight in the last campaign. However, they decided to cut ties with him in late August.

Parker will now be looking to show what he can do in Europe with Club Brugge. They are currently 4th in the table and are the home to ex-Fulham defender Denis Odoi, who played under him at Craven Cottage. Dedryck Boyata and Simon Mignolet also play their football with the 18-time Belgian champions.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/former-fulham-man-lands-new-move-and-reunites-with-familiar-face-3971018

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FulView for December 2022

Fulham wrapped up a fantastic year with a perfect December!

Where Fulham Started December:
19 Points
9th Place

December Record: 2W 0L 0D
5 GF, 1 GA
Points Per Match: 3 (1.5 for the Season)

Where Fulham Ended December:
25 Points
7th Place

After getting zero points in two tight November matches, Fulham balanced things out by getting all six points in December and climbing back into 7th place (although that position could be short-lived with Chelsea playing Forest January 1).

Fulham got through the World Cup in good shape. Many of the international players had positive personal performances while no one picked up any new injuries. The break also let Fulham shake off any dip in confidence after two consecutive losses on late goals to the teams from Manchester.

Fulham still hasn't reached the half-way point of the season, but they are already well on their way to safety. Over the past twenty years, the average points for the team that finished safely in 17th place is 38 - and only three times in that span has a team with at least 38 points been relegated. Fulham needs just 13 more points to reach that goal. That means Fulham can average just 0.6 points per match to reach saftey while so far they have averaged 1.5 PPM.

Things are so good for Fulham right now, that they should put out a strong team for FA Cup matches. For many years, Fulham had to consider the risk of relegation or the harm to a promotion bid when determining Cup lineups. Fulham did put out some strong sides in the past, but there really is no reason to not go all out this season. The FA Cup campaign starts for Fulham at Hull on Saturday.



https://fulhamusa.com/threads/fulview-for-december-2022.10392/

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Factfile - Leicester City vs. Fulham

LCFC.com takes a closer look at some of the key numbers and stats behind encounters between Leicester City and Fulham over years gone by.

The Foxes welcome Fulham to King Power Stadium on Tuesday (7:45pm GMT kick-off) looking for their 29th competitive win over the west London outfit...
Last league encounter

Fulham 0 Leicester City 2 (Iheanacho, Justin)
Premier League
03/02/2021
Last FA Cup encounter

Fulham 4 (McBride, Montella 2, Routledge) Leicester City 3 (Fryatt, McAuley, Wesolowski)
Third Round Replay
17/01/2007
Last League Cup encounter

Leicester City 4 (Morgan, Wood, Miquel, Dyer) Fulham 3 (Rodallega 2, Karagounis)
Fourth Round
29/10/2013
The last time

Last Leicester City hat-trick: Jimmy Goodfellow | 24/02/1965 | First Division | Filbert Street
Last Fulham hat-trick: Gordon Davies | 22/09/1979 | Second Division | Filbert Street

All Leicester City post-war hat tricks: Arthur Rowley (2), Jimmy Goodfellow
All Fulham post-war hat tricks: Graham Leggat (2), Gordon Davies

Last Leicester City penalty scored: Colin Appleton | 24/02/1965 | First Division | Filbert Street
Last Fulham penalty scored: Ivan Cavaleiro | 30/11/2020 | Premier League | King Power Stadium

All Leicester City post-war penalties: Arthur Rowley, Ian King, Howard Riley, Colin Appleton
All Fulham post-war penalties: Charlie Mitten, Jim Langley, Ivan Cavaleiro

Last Leicester City own goal conceded: Bill Cunningham | 30/01/1960 | FA Cup Fourth Round | Filbert Street
Last Fulham own goal conceded: Roy Bentley | 09/04/1960 | First Division | Craven Cottage

Last Leicester City debutant: Chris Powell | 27/08/2008 | League Cup Second Round | Craven Cottage
Last Fulham debutant: Fredrik Stoor | 27/08/2008 | League Cup Second Round | Craven Cottage

All Leicester City post-war debutants: Jimmy Harrison, Jimmy Hernan, Dennis Cheney, Sandy Scott, Pat Ward, Jimmy Walsh, Davie Gibson, Bobby Roberts, Everton Carr, Alan Lee, Derek Strickland, Chris Powell
All Fulham post-war debutants: Dave Bewley, Wally Hinshelwood, Ken Collins, Hugh Cunningham, Andy Thomas, Leroy Rosenior, Vicenzo Montella, Fredrik Stoor

Last Leicester City player sent off: Dai Jones | 06/03/1937 | Second Division | Craven Cottage
Last Fulham player sent off: Johnny McIntyre | 20/09/1919 | Second Division | Craven Cottage

Last transfer to Leicester City: John Pantsil| 02/07/2011 | Free
Last transfer to Fulham: Billy McKinlay | 10/07/2004 | Free

Other recent connections include: Rufus Brevett, Paul Brooker, Danny Cadamarteri, Allan Clarke, Stan Collymore, Nick Cusack, Steve Earle, Colin Gordon, Mark Grew, Elvis Hammond, Barry Hayles, Geoff Horsfield, Collins John, Diomansy Kamara, Kasey Keller, Anthony Knockaert, Paul Konchesky, Frank Large, Junior Lewis, Simon Morgan, Arthur Rowley, Mark Schwarzer, Tony Sealy, Richard Stearman, David Stockdale, Tony Warner and Brian Williamson.

Leading Leicester City goalscorer: Arthur Rowley | 11 goals
Leading Fulham goalscorer: Graham Leggatt | 13 goals



https://www.lcfc.com/news/2991475/factfile--leicester-city-vs-fulham

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Silva says Fulham were the only side trying to win in Southampton test

FULHAM boss Marco Silva claimed his side were "the only team that wanted to win" in the New Year's Eve meeting with Saints.

The Cottagers ran out 2-1 winners, despite a last-minute penalty save by Gavin Bazunu to deny Aleksander Mitrovic, and climb to seventh in the Premier League.

Saints, meanwhile, are rock-bottom of the division and still searching for their first point of the Nathan Jones era after three attempts and three defeats.

Jones's charges ended the first half in London with less than 30 per cent of possession before an improved outlook wrestled up to 37.5 by full-time.

But Silva, who admitted it was a big three points for his team in a challenging contest, was not necessarily impressed from a footballing standpoint.

"A low/mid-block every time. Five at the back, four in midfield, waiting for mistakes," he said of Saints.

"We were the only team that wanted to win the game. It's a big three points for us from a tough match.

"We expected a tough match, we know their capacity and they have good players who can punish you. But we have finished an amazing 2022 for us," he added.

"A year that has been special for us and our fans. I believe we deserved the three points, even if it wasn't our best performance. It was our moment to have a late goal to decide the game."



https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/23222519.silva-says-fulham-side-trying-win-southampton-test/

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Games for Mid-week 03/01
After so long without a game we now have our 3rd competitive game in just over a week, this time we travel up to Leicester for an evening game

So after 6 weeks without Fulham we get 3 games in quick succession!, so just three days after the Southampton game we face Leicester at the King Power Stadium.

Saturday's game was something of an off-day for us, the mark of a good team is getting something from a game even when we don't play that well, so "in theory" we all should be happy? Booby and Harrison didn't have their best game, and although Tom "hit the ground running" I didn't think Dan James should have been picked over Harry Wilson, Marko obviously knows what injuries the players have so I'll trust his judgement, I'd have chosen Wilson.
If Mitro had scored the penalty the scoreline would have flattered us, we obviously did enough to win the game but it was a lot closer that I'd hoped.

For their last game Leicester lost away to Liverpool on Friday evening, no shame or surprise there however, they're currently in 17 place and will be looking to move up that table as soon as they can, they'll be looking for all 3 points.

Our recent record against Leicester in quite even with 2 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw

Assuming no additional injuries my team would be...



COYW's

Games of Interest...
Monday 2nd
Brentford v Liverpool

Tuesday 3rd
Arsenal v Newcastle
Leicester v Fulham
Man Utd v Bournemouth

Wednesday 4th
Southampton v Forest
Leeds v West Ham
Palace v Spurs

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



https://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/

[WhiteJC]

Positives and negatives: Fulham 2-1 Southampton

It may not have been in the swankiest of fashions, but Fulham ended 2022 in suitable style with maximum points and Cam's back to recap.

This time of year calls for reflection and Fulham's pre-game ceremony was dedicated to two greats of the game, Pele, and a firm club legend in George Cohen. A 1966 World Cup winner, eulogised alongside a three-time champion of the beautiful game. It really was a poignant, touching tribute to two great men that influenced the sport in their own uniquely distinguished way.

Nathan Jones' Southampton were in trouble before our meeting on New Year's Eve and on New Year's Day, as a tap this article up, the seasiders are in even deeper, hotter waters. The Saints are in disarray, they battled hard but it was never enough to suppress Marco Silva's soaring Whites, regardless of our out-of-sorts performance, and that doesn't bode well for their top-flight status.

2022 is history, we wished to enter 2023 in the best way possible and that ultimately meant three points. We got there. As 12am arrived, Fulham were seventh in the standings, ahead of Brentford and Chelsea, and whispers of a European tour adorned timelines. It's premature, achieving a top 7 finish is seismic but it isn't impossible. We're allowed to dream, in the past 12 months the Whites have topped tables, smashed records and won titles, so who knows what the next year will bring? Happy New Year, Fulham family.

Positives
Scrappy, happy dub
Admittedly, we didn't play very well at all and if we're being completely honest, Southampton were deserving of a point however, claiming all the spoils, despite it all, is a massive marker for Silva's side. Hard work inevitably pays off, we couldn't build momentum and golden opportunities were at a premium but when it really mattered, we capitalised.

If Scott Parker et al were in the dugout, as James Ward Prowse catapulted his free-kick beyond Bernd Leno, we would have folded and we would have invited the Saints to swarm in the closing stages. It wouldn't have ended in triumph. Silva's instilled a desire in his camp, an attitude that doesn't deplete in adversity and while Southampton shaded periods of the game, the Whites progressed with a greater purpose.

It was far from pretty, it was disjointed, scrappy, but even when things aren't necessarily going our way, we find solutions and that cannot go unnoticed. Heads didn't drop as the visitors pulled level, we regrouped, regained our collective composure and we eventually succeeded in our quest for three points.

We can be proud of the lads, for what they're achieving as a unit, because this club has come such a long way from where it was two years ago, languishing at the foot of the Premier League table without a shred of prospect or ambition. They've recaptured our interest and enthusiasm, we're compelled to back the boys no matter what, and they're are delivering.

So, we probably shouldn't have won on New Year's Eve, but who cares? These kind of results are the difference between survival and relegation, it takes courage and character to win matches in the English top-flight under testing circumstances and strikingly, Fulham are flying, rather than falling. This is a humungous dub and we should toast the team's can-do attitude.

Palhinha seals it
In one way or another, Joao Palhinha is always involved in Fulham's key sequences and this time, in the 87th minute, the badge abusing Portugal international was on-hand to steer home a dramatic winner. Screaming in at the back stick, Palhinha arced his posture to divert Kenny Tete's clever flick-on and within a split second, the fan favourite was Johnny Haynes bound, knee sliding towards his adoring public and it's plain to see that this man absolutely admires us, too.

It wasn't a vintage Palhinha outing, in fairness. He mistimed simple passes, he appeared to be slightly leggy, but glimmers of his revered quality still bled through and he saved his best 'til last. Last-gasp interceptions were reinforced by clinically manoeuvred tackles, the staple elements of his game remained, albeit at a lessened rate, and his temperament refused to subside.

Somebody had to take matters into their own hands, a win was at stake, and Joao is a figurehead that rose above the rest, quite literally, when he was propositioned. He's proactive, improvisational, and he dispatched a sure-fire header that lifted Craven Cottage into the stratosphere.

With J-Pally, we get protection, intelligence and every once in a while, limbs aplenty. He's a player, like Aleksandar Mitrovic, that feeds off the crowd. His objective is to entertain, he has endeared himself to the masses and he's easily the sturdiest defensive midfielder the capital has to offer. Already, Fulham is his club and to the same token, he is undeniably one of us.

Ream and Diop
These two, Tim Ream and Issa Diop, have forged a ridiculously cohesive partnership at the heart of our back four. Southampton were limited moving forward, simply because our two centre-halves constricted their final third expansion, and it's a collaboration that meshes new-found confidence with trustworthy knowhow.

Screening across our 18 yard box, Ream and Diop shepherded possession with a measured intent, as they shifted across, the entire fold followed suit and it was constant throughout proceedings. The American hit switches, the Frenchman brushed constructive passes into feet without fail, and if one contested in the air, the other filed in behind to mop up potential spillages.

It's an understanding that clearly gets results. In weeks gone by, Diop has flourished with consistency, he's challenged himself to establish himself and now, he's our defensive specialist, a deadeye doorman that denies entry and his right-hand man, on his left, is the overseer.

Ream should be used as a case study in schools. You should never doubt yourself and the 35-year-old is the reason why. He's unruffled, not even Che Adams could unsettle his self-control and following a relatively positive World Cup campaign with the USMNT, he's operating at a level that nobody could envisage. Tosin Adarabioyo has a serious task ahead of him if he's to dislodge either of our current centre-backs and that's a dilemma I and Silva, presumably, relishes. Healthy competition breeds outstanding efforts and that is how standards are regulated.

Cairney's still game
He may only be able to kick it for half an hour or so but Tom Cairney is by no means a spent force. Southampton, in the second half, overloaded the midfield to dampen Fulham's involvement and though Harrison Reed patrolled incessantly, the Whites had to reclaim control. Off the bench, fresh legged, there's only guy that can do the trick and he comes with neat flicks and divine dinks.

Almost instantly, Cairney places his Nikes on the ball and orchestrated, he found destinations ingeniously, knitting and weaving possession into advantageous areas and with raking cross-field swipes and intricate give-and-goes, the skipper supremo enabled the Whites to cause sincere conundrums.

He somehow crammed a game's worth of industry into 30 minutes, he's a craftsman that understood the assignment and he always makes the grade. At 31, TC isn't over the hill and if he's going to feature in the closing stages as a supplementary, the Whites will continue scrutinise opponents until the final few seconds.

There's nothing second-rate or peripheral about Cairney, though. He still has an important role to play in Fulham's season and he's still a Premier League calibre playmaker. Utilising Cairney's expertise sparingly isn't indicative of his stamina or endurance, not really. Tom's deployed midway through the second half to distract and disturb, it's actually a cunning tactical exercise and it came to fruition against the Saints.

Praising Pereira's press
His performances frequently skim below the radar and it wasn't really any different against Southampton however, as he's a non-stop pressing machine that contributed to Fulham's deflected opener, Andreas Pereira is certainly deserving of recognition.

Our corner routine isn't discreet, it's been tried and tested on multiple occasions and just after the half hour mark, it finally worked, sort of. The ball floated towards Pereira invitingly and the Brazilian, perched on the edge of the box, volleyed goal bound. The strike cannoned through bodies and ricocheted off Ward Prowse, it was a stinging effort that deviated and Gavin Bazuna was stranded.

He simply had to have a go, it was the correct thing to do and even if it's been attributed to JWP as an own goal, you'll bet your bottom dollar that Pereira will claim it as his own. From the off, Andy-P stimulated a high press, he hustled Southampton, coaxing them into awkward situations and though he tires, naturally, his willingness to pursue is unquenchable.

I don't think he's ever dropped a stinker, not by my recollection, anyway. His deeds go undetected because he just gets on with it, no messing, and his output speaks for itself. 2 goals (call it 3) and 4 assists in 17 Premier League games isn't to be overlooked, it may not be the most prolific of returns but his work rate and yield in simply doing what he paid for is highly beneficial to Fulham's approach and he's the very definition of an unsung hero.

Negatives
Send James back
I'm not going to linger on this for too long, I can't really be arsed, but I think we can all unanimously agree that Dan James is a woeful baller and he should return to Elland Road immediately. He isn't invested, people talk of confidence, or lack of where James is concerned, and I think that's nonsense.

The bloke's just come back from a World Cup, he's a full-fledged international that's had more than enough time to settle in SW6 and each time he takes to the turf, he cuts a forlorn, dethatched stranger that doesn't listen to basic instructions. He held onto possession for inordinate amounts of time (get bloody rid of it), he actively sought danger, rather than evading it, and while he may have won the penalty, he was so, so disappointing but that's hardly surprising.

You've two more Welshmen on the bench in Harry Wilson and Luke Harris and for reasons known, we chose to throw on a glorified fly-half. He only deals in straight lines and even then, he's wayward. It just hasn't worked out for James, it's been a pretty miserable venture for the 25-year-old and we've really, really seen enough. Thanks for the goal against Manchester United but as Claude once said: "it's time to go!"

Mitro misses penalty
Can we stick Pereira or Willian on penalties, please? Mitro, we love you, but you can't take a decent penalty for buggery and I think it's time we pass the baton on. He definitely had far too long to think about it before he dropped the ball on the spot. Ideally, Mitro would've set his sights and detonated but those two-or-so minutes before the penalty area was vacated killed the Serb's conviction.

It happens, despite his indomitable tendencies, he's still human, but as he's shanked more penalties than he's netted this season, he's got to do the right thing and step down, even if it's only for the next few spot kicks we're awarded. I mean, Andreas spanked his past Ederson at the Etihad, so what are we waiting for?

Of course, it doesn't matter now the game's done and dusted, although it would've been nice to round off proceedings with a two-goal buffer and importantly, it tampered with my precious FPL points and that is unforgivable. So, if Fulham have a penalty, whether it's in the 15th minute or the 90th, Aleksandar has to be nowhere near it. It's nothing personal, it's for the greater good.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-01-01-positives-and-negatives-fulham-2-1-southampton/

[WhiteJC]

Scout Selection: Best FPL team for Double Gameweek 19

MItrovic bought by over 1.1 million managers in last two Gameweeks ahead of Fulham's two matches

A Double Gameweek 19 for Fulham has made Aleksandar Mitrovic (£7.1m) a huge target for managers in Fantasy Premier League ahead of Monday's 16:00 GMT deadline.

The Serb is the most-bought player in both Gameweek 18 and 19, collecting over one million new owners in that period.

Mitrovic can now be found in over 28 per cent of squads for the Cottagers' encounters with Leicester City and Chelsea.

He is among five players with two matches selected in a best XI that lines up in a 3-4-3 formation. The Fulham forward is handed the armband, with Erling Haaland (£12.2m) named as vice-captain.

Bernd Leno (FUL) £4.5m

Fulham's goalkeeper offers many routes to returns for his DGW19. Leno has three clean sheets, seven save points and eight bonus points in his last seven outings.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (LIV) £7.2m

Liverpool's right-back visits Brentford on the back of his best score since Gameweek 4. Alexander-Arnold was his side's top performer in Fantasy in the 2-1 win over Leicester City in the previous Gameweek, supplying an assist and maximum bonus to collect eight points. 

Marc Cucurella (CHE) £5.2m

The wing-back can deliver points at both ends of the pitch across Chelsea's two matches against Manchester City and Fulham. Cucurella is the second most-bought defender in the Gameweek, earning over 70,000 transfers in. 

Luke Shaw (MUN) £4.9m

The Manchester United defender has blanked just once in his last eight matches ahead of a home meeting with AFC Bournemouth. Shaw combined two assists with five clean sheets and seven bonus points in that run. 

Mohamed Salah (LIV) £12.9m

The Egyptian has delivered double-figure returns in each of his last two road trips. Salah amassed 27 points in matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, scoring three goals and supplying an assist. 

Mason Mount (CHE) £7.6m

The midfielder is the only player to start all 10 of Graham Potter's matches in charge of Chelsea, suggesting he is unlikely to be rotated for their DGW19. Mount has delivered all three of his double-figure returns this season over those contests. 

Marcus Rashford (MUN) £6.9m

The Man Utd star has three double-figure scores in his six starts at Old Trafford in 2022/23 Fantasy, including a 14-point haul in his last home outing. Rashford can take advantage of an AFC Bournemouth side who have conceded at least twice in seven of their eight away matches.

Andreas Pereira (FUL) £4.6m

A cost of just £4.6m makes the playmaker a standout source of value for Fulham's two matches. Andreas has created 41 chances this season, more than twice the total of any team-mate.

Erling Haaland (MCI) £12.2m

Manchester City's striker averages 8.2 points per start on his travels this term. Despite playing only one match, away to Chelsea, Haaland's huge 84 per cent ownership means he is very likely to remain the top captaincy pick.

Harry Kane (TOT) £11.6m

The Spurs star has a prolific record against his hosts Crystal Palace, totalling 45 points in his previous five thanks to five goals and two assists. Away from home in 2022/23, Kane's total of 30 shots is more than any other player.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (FUL) £7.1m

Fulham's forward looks set to be Haaland's main rival for the captaincy due to his DGW. When considering the armband, Mitrovic's owners should be aware he is one booking away from a single-match ban. If he is cautioned against Leicester, he would then miss the second fixture of his Double, at home to Chelsea. 



https://www.premierleague.com/news/3003456

[WhiteJC]

Southampton are sliding towards the Premier League abyss after defeat by Fulham... but new boss Nathan Jones can seek solace in history being on his team's side when it comes to surviving the drop

    Southampton suffered another Premier League defeat to Fulham on Saturday
    The result sees Nathan Jones' side rooted to the bottom of the league table
    But Saints have managed to survive the drop when in a similar position before
    Something needs to change soon to keep their 10-year stint in the top flight alive 

The only positive Nathan Jones can take into the new year is that history is on Southampton's side.

The Saints have been bottom of the top-flight table at the start of January once before — in the 1991-92 season, when they went on to finish 16th and avoid relegation.

But then-manager Ian Branfoot had Alan Shearer and Matt Le Tissier to call upon. Jones is not so fortunate.

Southampton are reliant on James Ward-Prowse, who scored at both ends in the 2-1 defeat at Fulham on Saturday. The midfielder diverted Andreas Pereira's shot into his own net in the first half before redeeming himself with a trademark free-kick in the second.

Southampton had wasted several chances to take the lead before going behind in the first half and failed to use the momentum of equalising to punish Fulham in the second.

'They're big misses and you have to take your chances when you get them in this league,' Jones said.

He is missing a natural goalscorer, something Southampton have not possessed since they sold Danny Ings to Aston Villa. They just about coped last season with Ward-Prowse scoring 10 and Che Adams and Armando Broja weighing in with seven and six respectively.

Now Broja is back at Chelsea after his loan and Adams looks desperately low on confidence. Adam Armstrong hasn't scored since August. But with Jones unlikely to spend big in the January transfer window, he needs to find solutions — and fast.

'We don't have the biggest or most aggressive side,' he admitted. 'We're having to find formulas and situations where we can be strong.'

Southampton's struggles are not limited to their frontline, as Jones highlighted after the game. The two goals conceded against Fulham came from poor defending at set-pieces. Jones was furious as he had told his players what to expect. 

'We showed them the exact same set-play 10 times, it's not the first time Fulham have done that,' he said. 'It's exactly the same positionally. They do it week in, week out. It's frustrating — we should be better than that.'

It is now five league defeats in a row and Jones admitted his side are suffering from a lack of confidence. 'We're in a tough moment,' he added. 'But only we can get ourselves out of that, we're not going to get any help. We need to make sure that we're the best versions of ourselves.'

Fulham know all about being in Southampton's position, having been relegated from the Premier League twice in the last four seasons. But Saturday's win means Marco Silva's side are now closer to the top four than the bottom three. Silva, though, dismissed suggestions they should be thinking about anything other than staying in the top flight.

'We have to be realistic,' he said. 'We know our reality and the type of competition we are playing against. We're not in the position to change one word of our target this season. We have to keep our feet on the ground.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11590633/Southampton-sliding-Premier-League-abyss-defeat-Fulham.html

[WhiteJC]

Okkas' Fulham now above 'honest' Chelsea in EPL

Tottenham have lost at home to Aston Villa and Chelsea been held at relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest in a slow start to 2023 for two big London clubs.

The New Year was explosively launched in London with fireworks on the Thames but for the capital's two faltering soccer giants 2023 has started with a damp squib.

Tottenham were booed off after losing 2-0 at home to mid-table Aston Villa while Chelsea were held at relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.

The results left both outside the top four Champions League qualifying places and well adrift of league-leading rivals Arsenal.

Spurs are fifth, 13 points behind their title-chasing north London neighbours and two behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

Chelsea are five points further behind, in eighth place below their modest neighbours Fulham, home to young Aussie Georgios Okkas.

Tottenham coach Antonio Conte blamed his team's third home defeat in five on a lack of squad investment, despite adding Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Ivan Perisic and Yves Bissouma to a squad that came fourth last season.

"I know what is the reality because I am the coach," he said.

"You have to know that there are clubs who can invest PS200m ($A350m) or PS300m ($A530m). I believe in these players, but don't ask me for things I cannot promise you."

"In the summer people talked about Tottenham as title contenders but in my experience it was a bit crazy to read this."

The fans appear to blame the board, not Conte, as there were chants directed at chairman Daniel Levy after Villa's win, earned via second half goals from Emiliano Buendia and Douglas Luiz.

In Sunday's second match Chelsea dominated the early exchanges at the City Ground and took the lead after 16 minutes. Raheem Sterling reacted quickest to a rebound off the bar from Willy Boly's attempted clearance.

But Forest raised their tempo and deserved their well-taken equaliser through Serge Aurier just after the hour-mark.

"We were the better team for me over the course of the game," said Forest boss Steve Cooper. "A point is the least we deserve."

Forest remain in the bottom three, but only on goal difference. Their victory was soured by reports of homophobic chanting by the home fans which the club are investigating.

Chelsea have now won 15 points in 10 Premier League games since Graham Potter moved from Brighton to take over as manager.

"Our overall performance wasn't good," said Potter. "We have to be honest and try to improve.

"It's a performance we're not happy with. We are disappointed. We need to be more consistent."



https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/okkas-fulham-now-above-honest-chelsea-in-epl-589459

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Fulham 'advance' for signing – Player could 'soon join' Silva's side if they make progress

On December 28th, Calciomercato.it stated Fulham are pushing hard to sign AS Roma's Rick Karsdorp in January.

The 27-year-old's future seems to be away from the Serie A side after a fallout with José Mourinho.

Fulham 'advance' for the right-back and are joined by Marseille in the chase to sign him in the winter market.

That's according to Romagiallorossa.it, who say Roma need to offload a few players before bringing in new faces to the club in the winter market. The Dutchman's exit can help them with this, and he's attracted interest from the Premier League side and Marseille.

Marco Silva's side have asked for information about the player. His agent made a trip to England two months ago to explore the market and Fulham are the 'most interested' team when it comes to Karsdorp.

The French club want to take the defender on loan with an obligation to buy if certain set conditions are met. Roma chief Tiago Pinto, on the other hand, aims for a definitive sale and is asking for €10m to part ways with the defender.

Roma have given a mandate to an Italian intermediary to take care of this operation. If the right formula is found, Karsdorp could 'soon join Fulham'. It's explained the operation could be 'closed in a short time' if Silva's side make progress in the transfer negotiations.

Marseille won't give up easily and therefore a potential battle between them and Fulham is expected in the first week of January.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-advances-signing-player-soon-join-silvas-side-make-progress/

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Ex-Sunderland, Fulham and Stoke City man confirms contract talks with European club

Josh Maja has confirmed he is in talks with French club Bordeaux over a new contract.

Maja's departure from Wearside mid-way through Sunderland's first season in League One was a controversial episode with the player and his agent often portrayed as the villain.

Having sold Maja to Bordeaux in the January of the 2018-19 campaign, Sunderland are entitled to 10 per cent of the profit Bordeaux make on Maja, who still has six months left on his deal. The French outfit were relegated to Ligue 2 last season following financial issues with Maja netting eight goals and notching three assists so far this campaign.

Maja has spent time on loan at Fulham in the Premier League and Stoke City in the Championship in recent years and saw a move to Birmingham City collapse during the last transfer window.

"Where is my contract extension? It's in talks. For now, I'm focused on being good with the team on the pitch. And let non-sporting things sort themselves out," Maja told French media girondins4ever.

"But the further the season progresses, the more we will discuss. And when the time is right, it will. If I see myself continuing here? Yes, honestly yes. I'm happy here because I play often. Thanks to the confidence of the trainer, I have a role in this team. I can't complain, I'm happy."

Maja said of coach David Guion: "I am grateful to him. Ever since I came back from England, he has trusted me. I want to thank him because, with another coach, it could have been different for me, and the club. We are going in the right direction and I hope to continue."

Sunderland are in the market for several additions up front after loanee Ellis Simms was recalled by parent club Everton, leaving Ross Stewart – who is the subject of transfer interest – as Tony Mowbray's only senior striker.



https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/ex-sunderland-fulham-and-stoke-city-man-confirms-contract-talks-with-european-club-3971289

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Pre-Leicester Press Conference

Leicester City's post-World Cup form may be the polar opposite to Fulham's, but Marco Silva knows a difficult test awaits on Tuesday night.

While the Whites took maximum points in December, Brendan Rodgers' side were beaten 3-0 by Newcastle United, before two own goals in eight minutes cost them at Anfield.

"We go there with full ambition to get the three points, but we know their quality as well," Silva explained. "We know what type of game they can play if they're at their best level.

"After the break they've had two defeats – in the last one, I think they performed really well against Liverpool, the first one at home against Newcastle wasn't their best game.

"But they want to react, because I know – and they know as well – how they were strong before the break. They didn't start the season well but they reacted and they started to get very good results, impressive scores as well, away and at home, against some good sides in this competition.

"They are really strong if they are at their best level, and we are preparing ourselves to play against them in their best level. It will be tough, it's always a tough place to go. There's a lot of individual quality around the team.

"I think everything they have been doing since Brendan is there speaks for itself, even getting some important titles for the club. I think they are a really strong side.

"They want to react from the last two defeats, but at the same time, we want to keep doing the same – playing at our best level. We got a good result last game but we know that wasn't our best performance.

"We know that for us to get the three points at Leicester we have to perform better than the last game and be stronger to fight for the three points, and that is what we're going to do."

When asked where in particular he thinks the Foxes can cause problems, Silva highlighted their strength in midfield.

They will likely be without playmaker James Maddison for Tuesday's match, but our Head Coach knows there are plenty of other top class players in the side.

"Firstly, collectively they are strong," he stated. "They have a clear idea of the way Brendan wants to play.

"Some very good quality players in the midfield zone. With Maddison or without Maddison they are slightly different because you're talking about a top, top quality player.

"And there is a moment for [Youri] Tielemans to come back again in their XI, a player that can give them that extra quality in the midfield zone and that creativity that all the teams need.

"And of course after they have good players like [Wilfred] Ndidi and [Boubakary] Soumare behind to support that midfield line and attack line.

"They will probably start the game with [Jamie] Vardy, and [Harvey] Barnes on the left hand side, who are always a threat for all the backlines that they play against.

"For sure it will be a tough team because they have a lot of quality around and we have to be really strong from a collective point of view. And, of course, our individuals as well, they have to pop up.

"I think it will be a good game, two teams that want to win the match, and let's hope we can perform well."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/january/02/pre-leicester-press-conference/