Saturday Fulham Stuff - 14/01/23...

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REVEALED: Joao Felix's red card against Fulham will cost Chelsea a MASSIVE £2.1M, with his loan deal working out at £714,286 per Premier League game - after Blues paid Atletico Madrid £9m and agreed to cover his £6m wages for the rest of the season

    Chelsea's new signing Joao Felix was sent off in their 2-1 defeat to Fulham 
    He joined the club on Wednesday with Chelsea paying a £9m loan fee to sign him
    The Blues also agreed to cover his £6m wages, meaning the deal will total £15m
    Felix's combined loan fee and wages are expected to be at £714,286 per game 
    As a result, his three-match suspension is set to cost the club a massive £2.1m

Joao Felix's red card against Fulham is set to cost Chelsea a huge £2.1million after he joined the Blues on Wednesday.

Felix made his debut for Graham Potter's side in the west London derby on Thursday, with Fulham running out 2-1 winners.

However, after initially impressing, his debut ended in catastrophic fashion as he was sent off for a reckless lunge on Cottagers defender Kenny Tete.


Felix was sent off in his first game for Chelsea after a reckless lunge on Fulham's Kenny Tete 

However, in order to secure the talented forward, Chelsea agreed to pay a loan fee of £9m for the short-term deal - while they will also cover Felix's wages during his spell in west London - estimated to be worth £6m.

This works out as a cost of £15m to the Blues over the remaining 21 Premier League games, including Thursday's defeat to Fulham.

As a result, Chelsea will be paying £714,286 per game to have Felix as part of their squad as they aim to recover from a disastrous start to the season that has seen them languishing in mid table.

Felix's dismissal for violent conduct means he will miss the Blues' Premier League games with Liverpool, Fulham and West Ham.

In total, as part of the loan deal, this three-game suspension for Felix will cost his new club £2,142,858. 

Despite his costly mistake on and off the pitch, which leaves the under-pressure Blues boss Potter with further selection headaches, the Englishman defended the Portuguese forward after the game.

'A forward's tackle,' said Blues boss Potter.

'It didn't feel like an emotional one. It was miscontrolled, and a football action that can happen with the speed of the Premier League. He didn't go to hurt anybody. He didn't lose his head.

'They're all learning moments. Joao is a young player, top player, and you see his qualities. There was no malice in it at all but I understand why it was a red. It was a little bit high and the referee has decision to make.

'It's really frustrating, incredibly challenging and I feel for the supporters. It is another blow the hits keep coming at the moment. He was really good you could see his quality in the game so to lose Joao for three matches is really disappointing.'

The defeat to their west London rivals leaves Chelsea in 10th place - 10 points off the top four - and having played a game more than Manchester United who sit in fourth. 



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11629973/Joao-Felixs-red-card-against-Fulham-cost-Chelsea-MASSIVE-2-1M.html

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Vinicius delivers derby victory
No Aleksandar Mitrovic, no problem. Fulham followers fretted before the derby that the absence of their suspended Serbian talisman could cost the club their best chance of beating Chelsea since Luis Boa Morte's moment of magic in 2006. Instead, their mercurial number nine watched from the stands as his understudy Carlos Vinicius picked the perfect moment to score his first Fulham goal and seal a famous victory – piling more pressure on poor Graham Potter in the process.

Fulham's finest run of top flight wins since 1966 have lifted Marco Silva's side into the top six. Four consecutive victories since the World Cup have the Craven Cottage regulars singing about Europe rather than worrying about the bottom three – a welcome change after the Whites' cursed Premier League campaigns over the past four years. Plenty predicted that Fulham would struggle this season, but this team are cut from a different cloth. They have relished the chance to transfer their stylish Championship success to English football's top table and tonight were ruthless enough to punish Joao Felix for a wild lunge at Kenny Tete that cut short his Chelsea debut.

The £9m spent to free the Portuguese playmaker from kicking his heels at Atletico Madrid initially looked like a shrewd investment as the former Benfica sensation sparkled in the early stages of an incredibly open game. He skipped away from Tim Ream to fashion the game's first opening for Kai Havertz, with teenage full back Lewis Hall slamming a shot straight at Bernd Leno. The German made another good save later on from the young left back, but Chelsea ultimately paid the penalty for trying to pass their way out of trouble.

They hadn't heeded the warning signs that flashed after Kalidou Koulibably was robbed by the all-action Vinicius, who played in Bobby Decordova-Reid. The versatile Jamaican who powered up and down the right flank all evening cracked a rising drive against the crossbar. He held his head in despair but the former Bristol City man's work ethic was soon to set up the opening goal. Decordova-Reid picked Hall's pocket and sent in a cross that Trevoh Chalobah could only head to Willian. The wily winger, reborn on the banks of the Thanes, darted inside Cesar Azpilicueta before shooting into the far corner, with the aid of a deflection off the defender that left Kepa Arizzabalaga with no chance.

Willian opted not to celebrate against his former employers, but Craven Cottage bounced with a buoyancy to rival the night Roy Hodgson's men knocked out Hamburg on their way to a European final. Chelsea came back with Felix their most frequent source of guile. He might have done better than shoot straight at Leno after Kai Havertz had stolen possession from a twitchy Tosin Adarabioyo before Fulham finished the half in rousing fashion. Vincius, who won his battle with Chelsea's three centre backs, almost poked a Tete cross past an uncertain Kepa before the Cottage roared the Whites off at the interval.

Chelsea regrouped during the interval and penned their hosts back from the restart. A generous free-kick awarded against Decordova-Reid saw Mason Mount go for goal from an acute angle. The ball bounced back off the base of the near post and Koulibaly diverted the rebound over the line before Leno could recover. For the first time since the early stages, Potter's men were in the ascendancy but Felix's wild lunge at Tete meant it was merely fleeting.

The visitors looked lively despite being a man short as Havertz fired a shot into Leno's face after a lightning fast break. Silva sent on Tom Cairney and Fulham were fluent again. A simple pass from Tete gave Andreas Pereira room on the right and the Brazilian's perfect cross allowed Vinicius to peel off Silva and punish Arrizabalaga for venturing off his line. Fulham endured six minutes of stoppage time, during which Havertz stung Leno's palms, but were eventually able to celebrate a victory that meant much more than just three points.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, A. Robinson, Adarabioyo, Ream; Palhinha, Reed (Cairney 68); Decordova-Reid (Wilson 68), Willian (Solomon 83), Pereira (James 90+3); Vinicius (N. Chalobah 90+4). Subs (not used): Rodak, Diop, Kurzawa, Harris.

BOOKED: A. Robinson, Pereira, Adarabioyo, Leno.

GOALS: Willian (25), Vinicius (73)

CHELSEA (3-4-3): Arrizabalaga; T. Chalobah (Cucurella 79), Silva, Koulibaly; Azpilicueta, Hall (Chukwumeka 79), Kovacic (Gallagher 79), Zakaria (Jorginho 56); Mount (Ziyech 80), Felix, Havertz. Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Badiashile, Fofana, Aubameyang.

BOOKED: T. Chalobah, Hall, Mount.

SENT OFF: Felix

GOAL: Koulibaly (47).

REFEREE: David Coote (Northamptonshire).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/01/vinicius-delivers-derby-victory/

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Fulham 2-1 Chelsea: Player ratings
Bernd Leno: If you are going to beat Chelsea, your goalkeeper will need to have a good game. Even in their worst run of form for decades and down to ten men, Graham Potter's men made enough chances to have won this contest twice over. Bernd Leno made a number of outstanding saves, keeping out young left-back Lewis Hall twice in the first few minutes, before bravely repelling Kai Havertz on two occasions after Carlos Vinicius had restored Fulham's lead – the first time with his face. 8

Kenny Tete: There's a case for the Dutchman to be considered as one of the most consistent right backs in the Premier League. His raids down the right proved vital again here, none more so then when his simple ball created a crossing angle for Andreas Pereira to whip over a brilliant ball for the Vinicius winner. Hall got into advanced positions from Chelsea's left wing back role in the early stages, but Tete had conclusively won their individual battle by the time the teenager was replaced in the second period. 7

Antonee Robinson: The American is quietly having a season for the ages. He has all the characteristics of a modern full back and is blessed with searing pace. What was impressive here was that his defensive positioning was impeccable and he picked the first moment to burst forward and boost Fulham's attacks. A whole-hearted display saw Robinson win a number of crucial balls in the air and, to prove how fit he is, the left back was still rampaging along the wing deep into stoppage time. 7

Tosin Adarabioyo: A surprise selection for this game considering Issa Diop's excellent form since Christmas, Adarabioyo did loose Kai Havertz a couple of times and was caught in possession once or twice. But he headed countless crosses and set pieces clear of danger and was always a willing outlet for the ball. His confidence both in bringing the ball out from the back and distributing it was one of the ways Fulham were able to put a creaking Chelsea rearguard under real pressure. 7

Tim Ream: We will eventually run out of superlatives for the man who Pep Guardiola insisted could be one of his own centre halves at Manchester City. One of the highlights of the night for me was seeing this Fulham stalwart celebrating with the Hammersmith End at the final whistle. Ream timed his tackles to perfection and remains a reassuring sight at the heart of a miserly backline, having still not missed a Premier League minute in his incredible renaissance at the highest level. Long may it continue. 7

Harrison Reed: On a night that might called for Reed's appetite for a tackle, we should toast Marco Silva's decision to reinvent him as a box-to-box midfielder. The 'special one Iniesta' popped up in the wide areas that are difficult for his opposition numbers to cover and helped the Whites keep the ball to tire out a Chelsea side that had been dominating possession. He had covered every blade of grass with his insatiable appetite for running before being replaced by Tom Cairney. 7

Joao Palhinha: The biggest compliment you can pay the Portuguese high prince of tackling is that nobody is surprised by another sublime showing in the engine room against some of the world's leading technicians. Palhinha was typically tenacious in his attempts to win the ball back, but he linked the play effectively and never stopped working hard off the ball. That became crucial once the visitors were reduced to ten men, but his consistency is a key reason why the Whites have risen to the dizzy heights of sixth in the table. 7

Bobby Decordova-Reid: If we lived in a fairer world, Bobby Decordova-Reid's rising drive would have flown into the roof of the net rather than cracking against the crossbar. But the Jamaican international, who is keeping Harry Wilson out of Marco Silva's starting line-up on account of his industriousness, keep working. He taught Lewis Hall a lesson in not switching off by seizing possession and standing up the cross that created the first goal and was full of tireless running throughout. 7

Willian: Plenty of people expressed surprise when Fulham opted to sign the 34 year-old Brazilian winger this summer, especially under his underwhelming season with Arsenal. But Willian has so superb on his return to west London that he has quickly become an integral part of Silva's plans. His direct running and desire to work hard off the ball makes him a manager's dream – and, although he may not have celebrated his opening goal, it gave the hosts a real platform to build from. 8

Andreas Pereira: This probably wasn't Pereira's best game in a Fulham shirt, but that says more about how outstanding he has been since he swapped Old Trafford for Craven Cottage. He lead the press relentlessly and was always driving at the Chelsea defence with the ball at his feet. £10m for his services feels like a snip. The ball he bent in for Vinicius' winner was of the highest quality – and the attacking midfielder looks like a man loving his football again. 7

Carlos Vinicius: The former Benfica forward has copped plenty of criticism since he joined from Benfica on deadline day, but his first goal for the club sees him write his own chapter in Fulham folklore. His movement to arc a run between two experienced centre halves and get himself into a position where he had to simply steer a header into the unguarded net was sensational. But this outstanding performance was about more than the goal. He led the line with real hunger and in a way that meant the Whites didn't miss Aleksandar Mitrovic – which seems a preposterous sentence to write, but it is true. 9

Substitutes:

Tom Cairney: Fulham's peerless playmaker emerged from the bench to tilt another tight tussle in our favour. Cairney has done that several times this season – and his precise passing helped the hosts relax as they pondered how to break down Potter's ten men. Cairney also drove Fulham forward with his own running and was unfortunate not to score himself in the closing stages. 7

Harry Wilson: The Welsh winger has been starved of starting opportunities since coming back from the World Cup because of the consistency of Marco Silva's other wide options. He injected some pace and purpose into Fulham's attacks after stepping off the sidelines here at a time when Fulham's patient probing was becoming ineffective. 7

Manor Solomon: Another eye-catching cameo from the Israeli, who has done so well to come back from a horrible injury at the start of his Fulham career. He used the ball intelligently and looked bright as he darted in from the left wing. 7

Dan James: There wasn't much time for James to display his blistering pace but one lungbursting run keep the ball deep in Chelsea territory late in stoppage time. 6

Nathaniel Chalobah: The former Chelsea trainee came on to ensure Fulham didn't surrender their slender lead in the closing stages. 6



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/01/fulham-2-1-chelsea-player-ratings/

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Fulham approach Ligue 1 side Rennes over the signing of defender Hamari Traore... with Marco Silva looking to strengthen his side following their excellent return to the top-flight

    Fulham have made an approach to Rennes over 30-year-old Hamari Traore 
    The Mali defender has made over 200 appearances since joining the Ligue 1 side 
    Marco Silva's side are enjoying a brilliant season and are sixth in the standings 

Fulham are looking to strengthen their defensive options after making an approach to Rennes for Hamari Traore.

The Mali international has spent five seasons at the Ligue 1 club making 224 appearances across all competitions.

Marco Silva is looking to strengthen his side in a bid to build on their excellent return to the Premier League.


Fulham have made an approach to Rennes over their 30-year-old Mali defender Hamari Traore


Traore has made over 200 showings in five seasons for Rennes and has been linked with Roma

Following their 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Thursday night, they sit sixth with 31 points after 19 games - already three more than they achieved in the whole of the 2020-21 season when they suffered relegation to the Championship.  

Ahead of their game with Chelsea, Silva when asked about the January window, said: 'We are looking to get players in but I am not a big fan of changing things in the January market.

'It's only if something has gone wrong – and that's not the case. We have strengthened in some positions, which is what we are doing, with high ambition.

'We are pleased with the squad, but we need to perhaps strengthen two or three positions.'

French publication Foot Mercato have reported that it will take an offer worth £3.5million to sign Traore, and there have also been reports that Roma are also interested in the player.  



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11630967/Fulham-approach-French-Rennes-signing-defender-Hamari-Traore.html

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Advantage Newcastle United after Fulham exertions

Fulham are up next at St James' Park.

Newcastle United playing Marco Silva's team five days after NUFC put in a dominant performance against Leicester, to send the Magpies into their first semi-final in 18 years.

Nobody taking anything for granted but zero complaints when it came to Wednesday night's draw.

Eddie Howe's side drawing Southampton out of the hat after their stunning 2-0 victory, where Man City didn't even have a single effort on target.

As I say, nobody is thinking anything is a walkover, after all, why would you when the Saints have just played like that against Pep Guardiola's side. However, reality is that any rational person would have been happy to avoid Man Utd and get either Forest or Southampton at this stage of the competition. If Man City had won on the south coast, then safe to say everybody would have made that the worst possible draw, if Guardiola's team had been drawn against NUFC.

No exact dates for the Southampton semi-final games but what we do know is that they will be played in the two midweeks that fall between Saturday 21 January and Saturday 4 February.

This is where when you look at how things are falling, you can't help but believe that things are really going Newcastle's way.

Newcastle play Palace away on 21 Jan and West Ham at home on 4 Feb, in the two weeks between these games NUFC only have those two semi-final matches. The weekend of Saturday 28 January is free because it is FA Cup fourth rounds fixtures then, Newcastle of course knocked out at Hillsborough.

In contrast, Southampton won at Palace in their FA Cup third round game, so they have a game on that Sat 28 Jan weekend, at home to Blackpool in the fourth round. You can only assume Nathan Jones will prioritise the Newcastle Carabao Cup matches over the Blackpool one when it comes to when he plays his stronger team, however, this is undoubtedly an advantage for Eddie Howe with having no distractions. Able to totally focus on getting to Wembley in that fortnight.

Speaking of advantages, Fulham have also served one up, well more than one potentially.

The fixture schedule saw them play their biggest game of the season on Thursday night and when the final whistle blew, it was only 64 hours before Fulham would then kick-off at St James' Park. In contrast, Eddie Howe's Newcastle side having an extra couple of days of recovery and preparation, a massive help when taking into consideration the high tempo high press way that Howe has the team playing.

Fulham gave it everything at Craven Cottage, this the match their fans want to win more than any other, their local rivals.

To put it into perspective, Fulham had won only once against Chelsea since 1979, one win in 40 (FORTY!) games.

Watching the game last night, I was obviously loving the fact that Chelsea lost yet again, however, it was also uplifting to see just how much this was taking out of the Fulham players ahead of Sunday.

Goals from Willian and Vinicius won it deservedly for Fulham, Koulibaly with the Chelsea consolation goal.

They ended up playing some eight minutes added time as well, just to add to the efforts Fulham needed to put in.

It leaves the Premier League table looking like this on Friday morning:



Marco Silva (just one of the countless managers that Everton fans have forced out of Goodison, how they must wish they had somebody like him instead of the woeful Frank Lampard) doing a brilliant job as he has lifted Fulham into the top six as things stand.

The other bonus from last night is that surely when it comes to Newcastle's hopes of top four / top six, we can surely think that Chelsea are not an obvious threat this season now. You can never say never BUT Chelsea are now on a hilarious run of nine domestic games with seven defeats, one draw and only one win. I like Graham Potter but seeing Chelsea struggle is naturally far more of an enjoyable priority.

In their latest desperate and very expensive move, Chelsea have signed Joao Felix on loan, a deal that will cost the blues roughly £1m per game with loan fee and wages. That price per game has increased even more, as Felix was sent off after a horrific challenge last night, so will miss at least the next three Premier League matches, further adding to Chelsea's woes.

Fulham are looking a far more serious threat to Newcastle's Premier League hopes this season than Chelsea but Sunday is an absolutely golden opportunity for Eddie Howe's side to put seven points between themselves and the Cottagers (and NUFC have  a game in hand on them).

The Sheffield Wednesday match was a bump in the road but even that, with hindsight, could potentially be seen as a positive for Eddie Howe's side, with it giving them such an advantage over Southampton when it comes to preparing for those semi-final games.

First off though, NUFC need to make this preparation time advantage really tell against Fulham.

Safe to say that Newcastle United will be straight at them from the first whistle on Sunday, this time hopefully taking any early chances that come their way, unlike on Tuesday night when Leicester were let off the hook, for an hour anyway, before Newcastle finished them off.



https://www.themag.co.uk/2023/01/advantage-newcastle-united-after-fulham-exertions/

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Everton, Bournemouth and Fulham 'interested' in same player – 'Strong indications sale is on cards'

Brøndby goalkeeper Mads Hermansen is on the agenda of several clubs across Europe, including Everton, AFC Bournemouth and Fulham from England.

The 22-year-old was promoted to the Danish club's first team in 2019 after coming through the ranks of their youth system.

He has conceded 25 goals and kept four clean sheets from 16 matches this season and it includes four appearances in the UEFA Conference League.

The stopper's displays have attracted attention from Everton, Bournemouth, Fulham, PSV Eindhoven, Napoli and others. That's according to Ekstra Bladet, who explain the Premier League trio are 'interested' in signing the Dane.

Everton, Bournemouth, Fulham, PSV and Napoli have all sent their scouts to watch Hermansen live in action for Brøndby. The goalkeeper's deal expires in 2025 and the report states there are 'strong indications that a sale is on the cards' after this season.

Ekstra Bladet also had a chat with Hermansen, and the goalkeeper suggested he wouldn't sign a new deal. The Dane also stressed there would be a possibility for him to change clubs in January.

"If there are enquiries, we must take them seriously. As it looks now, I have to play at Brøndby. And I am very much looking forward to the spring in the Superliga," Hermansen said.




http://sportwitness.co.uk/everton-bournemouth-fulham-interested-player-strong-indications-sale-cards/

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Fulham ready to offer Marco Silva new contract

Fulham are ready to hand a new long-term contract to manager Marco Silva as a reward for his outstanding progress with the club, 90min understands.

Silva has just 18 months left on the three-year deal he signed when succeeding Scott Parker following the club's relegation to the Championship, having previously had spells in charge of Everton, Watford and Hull.

Silva guided Fulham to the Championship title as they dominated in the second tier, and he has now has the club riding high in the Premier League's top six after a brilliant 2-1 win over big-spending neighbours Chelsea.

Fulham are firmly on course to avoid relegation for the first time in three promotions, and have accumulated more points after 19 games this season than they did during the entire 2020/21 campaign.

90min understands that Fulham are keen to reward Silva's outstanding work with a new contract, knowing that the club's progress under the Portuguese has not gone unnoticed elsewhere in the Premier League.

Indeed, Fulham believe that extending Silva's stay is crucial to their project in both the short and long-term, and there's hope that the 45-year-old will want to put pen to paper on a new deal after a sustained run of fantastic results.



https://www.90min.com/posts/fulham-ready-to-offer-marco-silva-new-contract

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Eddie Howe issues Joelinton update ahead of Newcastle United v Fulham selection call

Newcastle United will consider removing Joelinton from the starting XI for Sunday's Premier League clash against Fulham.

Joelinton could be removed from Newcastle United's starting XI against Fulham on Sunday after being arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

The 26-year-old was stopped by Northumbria Police at about 1:20am on Thursday, January 12 and has now been charged with driving while above the prescribed limit for alcohol.

Joelinton is due to appear in court in Newcastle on Thursday, January 26.

Howe is considering taking the Brazilian out of the team to face Fulham at St James' Park.

Howe said: "I'm going to have to reflect and analyse that. I'll make a decision closer to the game in consultation with him. I'm not 100 per-cent sure yet."

The United head coach added: "It came very much as a shock. It's a difficult situation.

"Joe is very remorseful and was very upset yesterday. I think he knows the seriousness of the situation. I can't go into too much detail out of respect for the case but I think he understands his responsibilities and we're now in a position where we are supporting him.

"We also understand as a football club the seriousness of the situation."

Asked if Newcastle will punish Joelinton, Howe said: "Everything will be dealt with internally. Certainly, looking at Joe as a person, I've said from day one since my interaction with him that he's a very, very good professional.

"He's hugely passionate about his football career and club. I was very much surprised by what happened. We will back him and support him, while also educating him and helping him at this moment, which I think is hugely important because he is young and everyone makes mistakes.

"It's important we don't overreact."



https://www.newcastleworld.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/eddie-howe-issues-joelinton-update-ahead-of-newcastle-united-v-fulham-selection-call-3985404

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Marco Silva's assessment as Fulham beat 10-man Chelsea

Fulham boss Marco Silva was delighted that his side managed to pick up all three points against Chelsea despite not playing at their best in the second half.

The Cottagers opened the scoring in the 25th minute after ex-Chelsea man Willian cut inside on his right foot and curled a shot towards goal, deflecting off Trevoh Chalobah and past Kepa.

Graham Potter's side drew level just after the start of the second half when Mason Mount's free-kick was turned over the line by Kalidou Koulibaly.

The Blue were reduced to 10 men after Joao Felix was sent off on his debut for the club in the 57th minute, losing control of the ball and arriving late in his tackle on Kenny Tete.

Silva's side wrapped up all three points after Carlos Vinicius met Andreas Pereira's looped cross towards the back post.

"I'm delighted with the result," Silva told BT Sport.

"I was pleased with the first half – second half was not at our best level.

"This is the good thing we can take as a group. Our players know that we didn't play at our best level in the second half, and we were able to win a football match against a top side.

"Even if they are in a bad run, they are Chelsea. I said yesterday that they are Chelsea and everyone knows what that means – top-quality players with a great manager.

"It was a tough game for us. In the first half, we didn't start the game well – we took some time to adjust.

"After we adjusted, it balanced the game."

Speaking on Felix's red card, Silva added: "It's always important when you're playing against 10.

"It was then our obligation to go and try to win the football match. It was a great night for our fans – it's everything we want to give them."



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/marco-silvas-assessment-as-fulham-beat-10-man-chelsea/

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One Of The Things – Fulham Boss Marco Silva Praises Newcastle United

Fulham boss Marco Silva has admitted that the intensity Newcastle United display on and off the ball is something that should be admired.

Silva's Fulham side will be travelling to the north east of England to take on Newcastle at St. James' Park on Sunday.

Fulham are coming into the game on the back of some very good form, including a win over Chelsea on Thursday night, and are sixth in the Premier League table.

However, a trip to Newcastle is expected to be one of the stiffer tests of the season given the way Eddie Howe's team have been playing in the ongoing campaign.

Newcastle are third in the league table and Silva stressed that apart from the quality they have, it is their intensity that should be admired.

The Fulham boss revealed his admiration for the way Newcastle defend and attack aggressively and are very direct when needed.

Silva said in a press conference: "One of the things that I like, besides the quality, it's the intensity.

"On the ball and off the ball.

"They can be so direct, when they attack in behind, when in their defensive organisation.
"They are so aggressive in their press in a good way."

Fulham could close the gap to Newcastle to just a point if they pull out a shock win on Tyneside this weekend.



https://insidefutbol.com/2023/01/13/one-of-the-things-fulham-boss-marco-silva-praises-newcastle-united/590905/

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Howe believes Fulham will test Magpies' defensive resolve

Eddie Howe believes Newcastle United's fine defensive record will face a stern examination at the hands of Fulham on Sunday afternoon (2pm kick-off).

United currently have the best-performing backline in the top flight, having conceded just 11 goals in their 18 Premier League games so far.

After Tuesday night's 2-0 Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Leicester City, the Magpies return to league action this weekend hoping to consolidate their place in the top four with a result against the upwardly-mobile Cottagers at St. James' Park.

Marco Silva's men - who have won their last five games in all competitions - lifted themselves up to sixth in the table with their win over Chelsea on Thursday night and they now sit just four points behind Newcastle in what is their first season back in the top division after their promotion from the Championship last term.

Head coach Howe sat down to speak to the media at the Magpies' Benton training base on Friday morning. Here are some of the main talking points from the United boss' pre-match briefing:

On the prospect of facing Southampton in the Carabao Cup semi-finals...

"It's a tough game, but we're just pleased to be in it. It's a two-legged semi-final, so we're looking forward to that.

"It's on the horizon for us, and I think it's given us a lot of positivity, and hopefully the whole club and the supporters a lot of positivity as well. But at the moment, our focus now turns to the Premier League."

On the latest injury news from inside the Magpies camp...

"Matt Targett and Jonjo Shelvey continue their journies back - I think they've both respectively been doing well, but they're still some time away.

"Apart from that, I think we're pretty much OK. We've got a lot of our loan players at the moment who've picked up injuries out and about over the country - Matty Longstaff's just had his operation on his ACL, so we wish him well, and we wish all those other lads well as well."

On Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, and the club's options in the centre forward position...

"Of course they could be on the pitch together. I have to evaluate every game and every situation that we face and try and balance the fact that you want two attackers on the pitch, but you don't want to damage the balance of the team.

"They're two outstanding players in their own right. In the game the other day, I decided to replace Callum - we're nursing him back from a bad illness - and I thought Callum did well, and Alex did well. Both players respectively are looking good."

On Isak's last week as he continues to work towards regaining full fitness after a long spell out injured...

"He's responded very well physically - there've been no ill effects. He's trained well this week off the back of that cameo (against Leicester on Tuesday). I think we have to be very careful with him, just with the length of time he'd been out and the type of injury that he had.

"He's done all the work, he's looked in good condition, he's looked confident and he's very keen to be involved. But I think we need him for the long term, and it's great to have a very strong choice in the centre forward unit at the moment."

On Silva's newly-promoted Fulham and their excellent recent results...

"They're very much in good form. I think Marco's done a very, very good job with the team. I'm very impressed with the style of play. They're not getting results by anything other than (being) a very cohesive team unit, playing a lot of really good football.

"Tactically, they're very interesting, and they've got players in form so they're a dangerous opponent from our perspective. I think it will be a good test of our defensive capabilities, with two very good teams - and form teams - going at it."

On young Australian forward Garang Kuol and his loan move to Scottish Premiership side Hearts...

"I think when you give a player an opportunity to go on loan, it's very much a personal choice. I think from a football club we can advise and give our opinion, but ultimately, it's down to the player himself as to what his feeling is, what his gut feeling is, when he meets the manager and the coaches and visits the club.

"That's what we did - we gave him an opportunity to go and visit people and see the environment, and Hearts was his choice, and we very much respect and back that."



https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-news/howe-believes-fulham-will-test-magpies-defensive-resolve/

[WhiteJC]

Man of the Match Result: Chelsea

Andreas Pereira has been crowned Fulham's Man of the Match for his sublime display against Chelsea on Thursday night.

The Brazilian baller was silky all over the park and also showed a different side of his game, getting stuck in to tackles in a fiery contest between us and our near neighbours.

With a near-perfect pass accuracy it was only a matter of time until one of them paid off, and on the 73rd minute it did just that. A lucious looping cross found Pereira's good friend Carlos Vinicius at the back post, and sent Craven Cottage into hysterics. 

In a closely contested contest, the midfield maestro edged the vote with 32% of the count. Close behind him were Bernd Leno (22%) and then Willian (19%), on a night where anyone would've been a worthy recipient of the award with shifts put in all over the pitch.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/january/13/man-of-the-match-result-chelsea/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss Marco Silva blasts 'really dangerous' Premier League scheduling after Chelsea derby win

Marco Silva has hit out at the Premier League for scheduling Thursday night's win over Chelsea under 72 hours before Fulham travel to Newcastle.

Silva believes the tight turnaround is putting the welfare of players at risk, with Sunday's game at St James' Park due to kick-off at 2pm.

The Fulham manager also feels that Newcastle have an unfair advantage due to the fact that they last played on Tuesday night, when they defeated Leicester at home in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Fulham beat Chelsea 2-1 to move up to sixth in the Premier League, but Silva is now worried about how his players will recover and cannot understand why the game was rearranged for a Thursday evening.

"It will be difficult for us because we almost don't have time to prepare for the game [at Newcastle]," said the Portuguese. "I think it is unfair for us to start that game at 2pm on a Sunday.

"The way they scheduled the game with Chelsea for a Thursday night is difficult to understand. After such a busy period after the World Cup, playing almost every three days for all the football clubs, a game that wasn't scheduled, they decide to put it on a Thursday night, two-and-a-half days before the Newcastle match.

"We finished the game yesterday at 10pm and we are going to start the [next] game at 2pm. It is not taking care of the players. I know that the Premier League is tough, it is tough for everyone, it has to be.

"But it is really dangerous. It is really dangerous for the players that they are going to start the game again at 2pm and you have to take care of the players if you want to see good games, if you want to have them in the best physical condition they can be. With this time between both games, you are not taking care of the players.

"It's not Newcastle's fault at all. Newcastle played last Tuesday, they did really well again. The situation is [about] why the game against Chelsea was yesterday night."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-chelsea-fc-marco-silva-premier-league-b1052802.html

[WhiteJC]

Games for the Week-end 15/01
We travel up to St. James' Park for a 14:00 Sunday kick-off

Wow, we're up to 6th on 31 points, I know that'll change over the weekend but we're 6th!, above Liverpool and Chelsea, I wonder what odds the bookies would have given at the start of the season?
Winning against our nearest rivals, especially as it doesn't happen too often, made Thursday evening very, very special.
I'm so pleased for Carlos Vinicius, it can't be easy being Mitro's understudy but hopefully scoring the winner against Chelsea will have brought him some "browny points"? Once again it was a "team" performance, every player appears to be playing for his team mates, this must be largely down to Marco, Boa and the rest of the backroom staff?, long may it continue!

Our opponents also are defying expectations this season? They've not really spent huge amounts, compared to the "normal" big 6, but Eddie Howe has got them playing really well. A draw against league leaders Arsenal last game, following 4 wins on the bounce shows the form we'll be up against.
The only game this season that we were defiantly second best, was against Newcastle at home back at the beginning of October, however we were down to 10 men after Chalobah's VAR awarded red card 8 minutes into the game, not the first and won't be the last time "unusual" decisions go against us.
I truly believe this Sunday's game will be a very different affair, bring it on!

Our recent record against Newcastle is quite even with 7 wins, 6 losses and 3 draws.

Current Form:
Newcastle: WWWWD
Fulham: LWWWW

With Robinson unavailable due to suspension, my team would be...

COYW's

Games of Interest...
Saturday 14th
Forest v Leicester
Wolves v West Ham
Brentford v Bournemouth

Sunday 15th
Chelsea v Palace
Newcastle v Fulham
Spurs v Arsenal

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

[WhiteJC]

'Woke up this morning feeling fine, Carlos Vinicius on my mind'
Has anyone heard from the Carlos Vinicius doubters today? All the detractors who told us he was comparable to a League One or League Two striker seemed to have lost access to their keyboards. Football is a funny old game. The Brazilian was brilliant last night, run Chelsea's creaking defence ragged, and headed the winning in the SW6 derby – guaranteeing that he'll never need to be a beverage in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham again. His reward on Sunday at St. James' Park will probably a spot on the bench as Aleksandar Mitrovic returns to the north east as well as coming back from suspension.

That last detail encapsulates why finding further forwards will always be difficult for Fulham. Marco Silva's most pressing task on taking over at Craven Cottage was convincing Mitrovic, who had one foot out the door after being jettisoned by Scott Parker, to stick around. Building the team around a number one who was considered a flat track bully has probably worked out far better than Silva and his Motspur Park brains trust could ever have envisaged. When the number nine looms so large, appearing as the understudy might be daunting – and it will certainly impact upon the calibre of player Fulham can attract. The substitutes bench is still the substitutes bench, wherever you are playing on a Sunday morning or in the Premier League.

Vinicius hadn't had the most auspicious of starts and hardly pulled up any trees on loan with Tottenham a couple of seasons ago. He did, at least, have the experience of being a back-up for Harry Kane. But he did visibly unsettle Manchester United the longer Fulham's final league fixture before the World Cup went on and it was clear from the way he led the line against Wembley in a friendly last month that a period of working at close quarters with Silva and his coaches had done the former Benfica forward the world of good.

Doing it on the big stage against Fulham's bitterest rivals was still a tough assignment, especially as his every move would be compared to Mitrovic. Vinicius, who relished his battle with Chelsea's three centre backs, warmed to the task early. He chased down the blue shirts with unrelenting energy and seized upon a mistake from Thiago Silva to set up Bobby Decordova-Reid for the chance that the Jamaican banged against the crossbar. Towards the end of the first half, with the Whites a goal to the good, Vinicius almost prodded in a second from a looping Kenny Tete cross. But the best was yet to come.

Strikers are judged on goals. Vinicius had only scored previously against the Hammers in a glorified training game. But his movement to the near post to find the net that day showed an intelligence that some centre forwards lack. His clever dart between Khalid Koulibaly and Thiago Silva put the Brazilian in the perfect place to profit both from Andreas Pereira's cross and more calamitous goalkeeping from Kepa. It was the sort of headed goal that Mitrovic would have been proud of – and the Serbian leapt to his feet in approval on the Cottage balcony.

Vinicius may never score another Fulham goal. He doesn't have to. His place in Fulham folklore is assured next to the man he embraced warmly after the final whistle: Luis Boa Morte. The last man to score a winner in the SW6 derby is now Silva's loyal lieutenant and his influence on this stylish side – now up to sixth in the table – is unmistakeable. The symmetry was stunning. Last night will always belong to Carlos: who came up trumps just when opportunity knocked.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/01/woke-up-this-morning-feeling-fine-carlos-vinicius-on-my-mind/

[WhiteJC]

AEW owners Shad and Tony Khan - who also own Fulham - are 'interested' in BUYING rival wrestling promotion WWE... and could incredibly let Vince McMahon STAY with the company after potential £5billion sale

    AEW owners Shad and Tony Khan want to merge their promotion with the WWE 
    The Khan family also own Premier League Fulham and the Jacksonville Jaguars 
    They could let WWE's Vince McMahon remain with the company after a deal
    McMahon recently returned to the franchise to help secure a sale of the WWE

WWE's closest rival All Elite Wrestling, owned by Fulham and Jacksonville Jaguars owners Shad and Tony Khan, is keen to merge with its biggest competitor, according to reports.

AEW, which is also based in Jacksonville, Florida, started in 2019, and has grown to become the second largest wrestling franchise behind WWE over the past four years.

CNBC report that the Khans could partner with a strategic media company to share the intellectual property while merging the wrestling leagues, in a deal that could be worth £5bn (£4.1bn).


Fulham owners Tony and Shad Khan want to merge their AEW franchise with the WWE

While WWE's controlling shareholder Vince McMahon is keen to sell the company, it is not clear whether he would be interested in a merger with AEW, which is much smaller.

WWE raked in almost $1.3bn (£1.07bn) in revenue in the past year. By comparison, Tony Khan said in September that AEW was on pace to generate more than $100m (£82.1m) in revenue in 2022, but still less than a tenth of its more-established rival.

McMahon, who was worth more than $3 billion (£2.5bn) in July, helps to formulate some of the WWE's intricate storylines.

Meanwhile, Flex-N-Gate owner Shad Khan has a net worth of $7.56 billion (£6.2bn), and he owns AEW with his 40-year-old son Tony, who is president, chief executive, general manager and executive producer of the promotion.

Shad Khan has owned Fulham Football Club for almost a decade, spending a reported £200m to purchase the London-based Premier League team from Mohamed Al-Fayed. 

The 2013 purchase of Fulham came one year after he took full ownership of NFL side the Jacksonville Jaguars in January 2012.  


AEW only started in 2019, but has risen in four years to become the WWE's closest competitor

However, Khan, 72, and his associates have yet to strike up talks with McMahon, or WWE chief executive Nick Khan, about any possible move and the intricacies of any deal to merge their prospective wrestling franchises, including McMahon's future role.

The plans were rumoured to involve allowing McMahon to maintain a role within the new wrestling league going forward, although it is not clear what the 77-year-old business executive would do in the continued venture.

McMahon left WWE in July amid allegations he spent $12m over six years to silence claims of sexual misconduct and infidelity.

His comeback prompted his own daughter Stephanie McMahon to sensationally resign as Chairwoman and co-CEO of the wrestling franchise on Tuesday. It has led to some speculation that her husband, the former wrestler Triple H, may also step away from WWE business, where he created the experimental NXT branch. 

Rival wrestling leagues have merged before. In 2001, the then-WWF, now WWE, acquired World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from Turner Broadcasting.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/wwe/article-11631817/AEW-owners-Shad-Tony-Khan-Fulham-interested-BUYING-rival-promotion-WWE.html

[WhiteJC]

Newcastle United v Fulham

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says he is unsure about picking Joelinton, who was charged with drink-driving this week

TEAM NEWS

Newcastle's club record signing Alexander Isak could make his first league appearance for four months after playing in two cup ties since his return from a thigh injury.

Head coach Eddie Howe must decide whether to select Joelinton, who was charged with drink-driving on Thursday.

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic returns from a one-match suspension to face his former club.

Left-back Antonee Robinson is banned for accumulating five yellow cards.

CHRIS SUTTON'S PREDICTION
It was too little, too late for Newcastle when they brought their big guns off the bench to chase the game against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup, but I don't think that defeat has any bearing on their league form.

Fulham have surprised a lot of people this season but I think the Magpies will have too much for them. No shocks here.

Prediction: 3-0



MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

    Newcastle are unbeaten in six Premier League home matches with Fulham, winning three and drawing three.
    Fulham's most recent Premier League victory at St. James' Park came in May 2009.
    The Magpies are aiming to complete a league double over Fulham for the first time since 2007-08.

Newcastle United

    Newcastle are vying to equal a club record of 14 top-flight games without defeat, set in 1950 and equalled between May and November 2011.
    The Magpies could also keep five consecutive top-flight clean sheets for the first time in their history.
    Eddie Howe's side have conceded just five league goals at St. James' Park this season, with three of those coming against Manchester City.
    Callum Wilson has scored four times in four Premier League matches against Fulham.
    Sven Botman is yet to lose in 16 top-flight appearances since his debut in August (W9, D7). It's the longest unbeaten start for any Newcastle player in Premier League history.

Fulham

    Fulham have won four top-flight matches in a row for the first time since a run of five in 1966.
    The Cottagers can equal the club Premier League record of three successive away wins, set from April to May 2008 under Roy Hodgson.
    Marco Silva's side have earned four away victories this season, as many as they managed in their previous two Premier League campaigns combined.
    Fulham's tally of 31 points is the highest by a promoted team at this stage of a Premier League season since Wigan accrued 34 in 2005-06.
    Aleksandar Mitrovic is aiming to become the first Fulham player to score in four Premier League away games in a row.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64201167

[WhiteJC]

Emirates FA Cup:
Fulham tie confirmed

Sunderland AFC will face Fulham FC on Saturday 28 January in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup (KO 3pm).

Tony Mowbray's side secured passage from the third round with a 2-1 win over Shrewsbury Town to set up the tie at Craven Cottage.

Ticketing information for the fixture will be released in due course.



https://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2023/january/fulham-fac/fulham-details-confirmed

[WhiteJC]

Latest Newcastle United injury news ahead of Premier League clash with Fulham

Eddie Howe's side return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon as Newcastle United take on Fulham at St James' Park

Eddie Howe has confirmed that although he has a near full squad to pick from ahead of Newcastle United vs Fulham on Sunday afternoon, there are still some tough decisions to be made regarding Callum Wilson, Alexander Isak and Joelinton before kick-off.

Howe named the same side that drew 0-0 against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium for Newcastle's Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Leicester City. After ringing the changes in the FA Cup, the Toon Army will be delighted to have seen such a dominating performance from their side over the Foxes.

Fulham are next opposition to make the trip to St James' Park and Marco Silva's side have demonstrated they are no pushovers following their promotion to the top-flight this season. The Cottagers currently sit sixth in the Premier League and will be looking for revenge following their 4-1 defeat to Newcastle when the two teams last met back in October.

Below is the latest injury news and expected return dates for the Newcastle squad ahead of the game against Fulham.

Joelinton
Howe has confirmed that he will wait before making a selection decision on Joelinton against Fulham. The Brazilian was hit with a drink driving charge on Thursday morning and face a magistrates court appearance at the end of the month.

What Howe said (Jan 13): "I'm going to have to reflect and analyse on that. I'll make a decision closer to the game, in consultation with him. I'm not 100 per cent sure."

Callum Wilson
Wilson started against Arsenal and Leicester, but following his return from illness, Howe has admitted that he needs to be careful with the number of minutes his forward is getting this season.

What Howe said (Jan 13): "In the game the other day [against Leicester], I decided to replace Callum - we're nursing him back from a bad illness - and I thought Callum did well."

Alexander Isak
Isak came on as a late substitute against the Foxes and will be keen for a starting XI spot. However, Howe knows that he does not want to cause further damage by rushing their new signing back to action too quickly.

What Howe said (Jan 13): "He's responded very well physically - there've been no ill effects. He's trained well this week off the back of that cameo [against Leicester]. I think we have to be very careful with him, just with the length of time he'd been out and the type of injury that he had.

"He's done all the work, he's looked in good condition, he's looked confident and he's very keen to be involved. But I think we need him for the long term, and it's great to have a very strong choice in the centre forward unit at the moment."

Matt Targett and Jonjo Shelvey
Targett has been suffering with a 'heel problem' and has been out of action since the start of the year. Shelvey meanwhile picked up a calf injury during the festive period and it looks to still be some time before the pair return to action.

What Howe said (Jan 13): "Matt Targett and Jonjo Shelvey continue their journies back - I think they've both respectively been doing well, but they're still some time away."

Potential return date: Unknown

Matty Longstaff
Longstaff has returned to the club following his loan spell at Colchester United and undergone surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

What Howe said (Jan 13): "Matty Longstaff's just had his operation on his ACL, so we wish him well."

Potential return date: Unknown

Emil Krafth
Krafth is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Tranmere in August.

What Howe said (Aug 30): "It's an ACL injury. He's not been operated on yet, so it's difficult to give a firm date, but it's going to be six to nine months. A long time out, which is a huge blow to us."

Potential return date: Unknown



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-joelinton-wilson-isak-25969270

[WhiteJC]

Away Day Guide – Newcastle

An always fun – and sometimes fruitful – away day awaits for Fulham fans this weekend. Here's our latest away day guide.
TICKETING INFORMATION

All away tickets have sold out. There will be no tickets available to visiting supporters on the day. Supporters should be pre-warned about the number of stairs to access the away end, although there is a lift close to the away section and any fans with mobility issues should ask a steward to use it.
GETTING TO ST. JAMES' PARK
BY CAR

From the A1(M), continue on the A1 and follow the A184 towards Newcastle. Continue along the A184, veering left onto the A189. Go over the River Tyne on the Redheugh Bridge, from where the ground will be visible. Go straight up the dual carriageway (St James Boulevard), which will lead you to the Gallowgate End. There are a number of car parks in the vicinity and there are around 400 spaces at the Newcastle College Car Park, which is between 15 and 20 minutes away.
BY TRAIN

Newcastle Central Rail Station is about half a mile from St. James' Park and a walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Those wishing to walk should head out of the station, across the two zebra crossings and along Pink Lane, crossing Westgate Road at the top. Walk up Bath Lane and turn right on to Stowell Street (Chinatown). At the end of Stowell Street bear left up St Andrews Street by Rosie's Bar, under the Chinese arch. Take a left onto Gallowgate and St. James' Park is on your right.
BY BUS

Supporters can also take bus numbers 36, 36B, 71, 87 or 88 to the ground from Berwick Street, which is directly across the road from Newcastle Central Rail Station.
BY AIR

Newcastle Airport is about seven miles away from the City Centre. The airport has its own Metro station next to the passenger terminal and it takes 23 minutes to get to the City Centre (£2 single, £3 return – £3.80 during peak time or £3.50 for a 'day saver;). Supporters should change at Monument Metro Station for a metro to St James Park Station.
AWAY PUBS

As St. James' Park is in the city centre, there are a number of local pubs, bars and clubs to choose from. The pubs closest to the Newcastle Central Railway Station, such as 'A Head Of Steam' 'The Lounge' and 'O'Neills,' usually only admit fans if away colours are covered up and many have refused to allow children inside. The Union Rooms on Westgate Road, formerly a Wetherspoons, is a fixture in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and welcomes both away supporters and families enthusiastically.

Alternatively, alcohol is available inside St. James' Park including Carling (500ml bottle £4.50), Coors (330ml bottle £4.40), Kingstone Press Cider (500ml bottle £4.40), Kingstone Press Wild Berry Cider (500ml bottle £4.70), Wine (White, Red or Rose 187ml bottle £5), Gin and Tonic (Can £5.50) and Jack Daniels and Coke (Can £6).
SIR BOBBY ROBSON

On previous visits to St. James' Park, Fulham fans have made generous donations to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation which raises funds for cancer research in memory of the legendary former Fulham and Newcastle United midfielder and manager. You can donate here if so inclined.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2023/01/away-day-guide-newcastle/