Friday Fulham Stuff - 24/02/23...

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Wolves Matchday Preview

Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers | Friday 24th February 2023 | 8pm | Craven Cottage | #FULWOL

The opposition

    A disappointing start to the season had Wolves sitting bottom of the Premier League, having won just twice in their 15 matches, prior to the World Cup.
    Things have turned around following the hire of former Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui, who has won half of his eight Premier League matches to date. They do head to the Cottage on the back of a frustrating home defeat by Bournemouth, though.
    It's up top where Wolves' main struggles lie, with their 17 goals scored matched only by Everton, but a 3-0 routing of Liverpool earlier this month suggested there is firepower within the group.

Fulham team news

Aleksandar Mitrović is up against it in his quest to be fit for Friday night, but Marco Silva will give him every chance. Tom Cairney and Neeskens Kebano are both out.

Wolves team news

Former Fulham loanee Mario Lemina returns from suspension, but the game comes too soon for fellow midfielder Boubacar Traore despite a return to training. Hwang Hee-Chan is out with a hamstring injury, while Chiquinho and Sasa Kalajdzic are long-term absentees.

Tickets

This match has sold out – thank you for your terrific support!

Weather

Despite a potentially rainy day, it should be dry by the time of kick-off, with temperatures around five degrees.

Player insight

Issa Diop said that the Fulham camp is a happy place to be, following three consecutive victories.

Our imposing centre-back is a key reason for that, helping shut out the opposition in our previous three Premier League fixtures.

"We know that if we want to have a good season we need a lot of clean sheets, and at the moment we're doing it a lot so I hope we will keep doing this," he told the official website.

"We're still improving and that's a good thing. The mood is good. Everyone is happy, everyone is working hard."

Coverage

This match will be broadcast on Sky Sports, while FFCtv subscribers can listen to live commentary from Gentleman Jim, Sean Davis and Jamie Reid.

Forever Fulham

On the 30 year anniversary of his passing, Bobby Moore's Forever Fulham award will be presented to his widow Stephanie and daughter Roberta. His former teammates Rodney Marsh and Les Strong will take to the mic at half-time to recall their memories of playing with Bobby.

Seating

Fans are reminded to only sit in their allocated seat, as congregating groups could risk ejection from the ground.

Early bird

Fans can take advantage of discounted food and drink inside the ground up until 7.30pm.

Fulham Flutter

Win prizes while supporting the Foundation by playing the Fulham Flutter!

Form

Fulham: DDWWW

Wolves: LLWWL

Top scorers

Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrović (11)

Wolves: Ruben Neves, Daniel Podence (5)


https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/february/23/wolves-matchday-preview/

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Pereira 'feels free' at Fulham
Andreas Pereira has told the Guardian this afternoon that he 'feels free' at Fulham and is grateful to the Whites for giving him the opportunity to thrive in the Premier League.

The Brazilian attacking midfielder has three goals and six assists to his name so far this season and has starred as Marco Silva's playmaker since leaving Manchester United in the summer. Pereira is enjoying his football at Craven Cottage after rediscovering his verve on loan at Flamengo last year having not been trusted with a regular starting place during his time at Old Trafford.

    "I knew the team did very well in the Championship. It was perfect. The way he [Silva] plays is the exact same way I think about football. Pressing, scoring a lot of goals, taking risks. Defensively you have to be disciplined too. But I feel free. It's the mentality the manager gives us. It's in the group. That's the main thing in the Premier League – nobody likes to play a team that never surrenders."

Pereira cites the smash and grab win on the south coast at Brighton last Saturday as an example of the belief that Silva has imbued in the newly-promoted side.

    "One chance pops up and Solomon finished it. We can play better. But we were fighting for every yard; fighting for the player next to you."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/pereira-feels-free-at-fulham/

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Silva keen to keep Fulham faithful dreaming
Marco Silva wants Fulham to continue their fine recent run of form in order to keep their fans dreaming.

The Portuguese coach has guided his side to eight wins in eleven matches since the winter break and the six league victories have lifted the Whites, amongst the favourites to go straight back down in the summer, to sixth in the Premier League table. Silva told his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage:

    "I am not the guy that dreams too much, I am ambitious – of course I am – but I think we are showing that on the pitch, our ambition and our desire. To dream is for our fans. For us it's game by game and you have to go each game to prepare our players as best we can with full ambition to win the football match.

    The mood is really good. We have a group of players that are really focused, as all the teams we need a good result to be confident, even more than the previous one. With good results and a good performance you can achieve it, but we always believe in ourselves, we know the competition we are facing but we know our quality as well."

Fulham might well have to do without top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic again against Wolves – although Silva was pleased to see the Serbian striker, who has scored eleven goals this season, taking a full part in training at Motspur Park this morning.

    It will be difficult for him to be ready but we have some more time until tomorrow. Today he was on the pitch already outside and let's see what the news will be for tomorrow. It will be difficult but the session this morning – it was good to see him outside the last few days, doing some specific work, so let's see the reaction from today and tomorrow we are going to make a decision."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/silva-keen-to-keep-fulham-faithful-dreaming/

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Marco Silva: Fulham are showing 'ambition and desire' but aren't 'dreaming' of European football

Marco Silva insists dreaming qualifying for a European competition is "for the fans" as Fulham prepare to host Wolves in the Premier League on Friday night.

Fulham sit sixth in the table, after a 1-0 victory at Brighton last Saturday, but Silva remains grounded over his side's chances of European football next season.

"I am not the guy that dreams too much, I am ambitious – of course I am – but I think we are showing that on the pitch, our ambition and our desire," the Fulham manager said.

"To dream is for our fans.

"For us it's game by game and you have to go each game to prepare our players as best we can with full ambition to win the football match."

Fulham top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic has not featured for the club since February 11 with a hamstring injury.

The forward has had a number of injuries this season, with an ankle injury overshadowing his preparations ahead of leading Serbia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Silva will make a late call on Mitrovic, who has scored 11 goals this season for the west London club.

"Nothing different (in terms of injuries) from the last game apart from Mitro," he said.

"It will be difficult for him to be ready but we have some more time until tomorrow.

"Today he was on the pitch already outside and let's see what the news will be for tomorrow.

"It will be difficult but the session this morning – it was good to see him outside the last few days, doing some specific work, so let's see the reaction from today and tomorrow we are going to make a decision."

"Tom Cairney is still out, as is Neeskens Kebano."

Fulham have exceeded all expectations this season after winning the Championship the previous campaign, and have won their last three matches – including an FA Cup replay at Sunderland.

Since the World Cup break the Cottagers have only lost two matches – at Newcastle and home to Tottenham – and conceded just four goals in the league.

"The mood (in the squad) is really good," Silva said

"We have a group of players that are really focused, as all the teams we need a good result to be confident, even more than the previous one.

"With good results and a good performance you can achieve it, but we always believe in ourselves, we know the competition we are facing but we know our quality as well.

"I think it is no surprise that the mood is good."



https://www.football365.com/news/marco-silva-fulham-are-showing-ambition-and-desire-but-arent-dreaming-of-european-football

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Mitrovic looks unlikely to return for Fulham against Wolves

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is a major doubt for Friday's game against Wolves at Craven Cottage.

The Serbia international, 27, missed last week's 1-0 win over Brighton after suffering a minor hamstring injury during the win over Nottingham Forest two weeks ago.

He has been struggling with ankle and foot problems this season and not scored since netting the winner against Leicester on January 3.

"It will be difficult for him to be ready," said Whites boss Marco Silva.

"But he will have more time tomorrow so let's see what the news is then.

"Mitro had a session today, so let's see a reaction today."

There are no other injury worries for Fulham, who will move level on points with fifth-placed Newcastle if they beat a Wolves side which lost at home to Bournemouth last week.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/mitrovic-looks-unlikely-to-return-for-fulham-against-wolves

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MATCHDAY: Fulham hosts Wolverhampton, Betis goes to Elche

A look at what's happening in European soccer on Friday:

ENGLAND

Fulham has been one of the big surprises in the Premier League this season and can move to within a point of the Champions League qualification places with a home win over Wolverhampton. Fulham is in sixth place in its first season after promotion, having started out as one of the favorites for relegation. It is coming off back-to-back wins, against Nottingham Forest and Brighton. Another win would see Fulham join fifth-place Newcastle on 41 points. Top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic is an injury doubt for Fulham after missing the Brighton game. Wolverhampton is in 15th place in the 20-team league, three points above the relegation zone.

SPAIN

Real Betis visits last-place Elche aiming to collect an easy three points that will keep it in the hunt for a top-four finish and a resulting Champions League berth. Elche looks destined for the second division after managing to win just once in 22 rounds played so far this season. Manuel Pellegrini's Betis is in fifth place and just four points behind Atletico Madrid, which faces a tough game at Real Madrid on Saturday.

GERMANY

Coming off a morale-boosting win over Bayern Munich last week, Borussia Mönchengladbach visits mid-table rival Mainz. Gladbach beat Bayern 3-2 with help from an early red card for Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano. Gladbach is eighth and Mainz is ninth after recent inconsistencies, and the gap to the European places has widened.



https://apnews.com/article/sports-soccer-bayern-munich-fulham-fc-spain-840a705d552f2f3179dc77ee1fe8b4a0

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Fulham XI vs Wolves: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest

Team news update as Fulham sweat on Aleksandar Mitrovic

Marco Silva has admitted it "will be difficult" for Aleksandar Mitrovic to declare himself fit to face Wolves on Friday, saying the Serb remains an injury doubt.

Sixth-place Fulham host Wolves at Craven Cottage tomorrow night and a win would put them level on points with fifth-placed Newcastle.

Just like in the 1-0 win over Brighton last weekend, Silva's side may have to make do without top scorer Mitrovic who is still recovering from a hamstring problem.

"It will be difficult for him to be ready but he will have some more [training] time tomorrow," Silva said on Thursday. "He was on the pitch today. Let's see the reaction from today. Tom Cairney is still out, as is Neeskens Kebano."

Cairney is out with an ankle injury until at least next week while Kebano is a long-term absentee having ruptured his Achilles in early November.

Silva opted to move Bobby Decordova-Reid to centre-forward in place of the absent Mitrovic in the win over Brighton but despite the result it didn't work.

He says he may not ditch the plan forever but the manager is expected to pick out-and-out striker Carlos Vinicius for the visit of Wolves.

Predicted Fulham XI: Leno; Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson; Palhinha, Reed; Solomon, Pereira, Willian; Vinicius.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-xi-vs-wolves-predicted-lineup-confirmed-team-news-injury-latest-premier-league-2023-b1062714.html

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Attila Szalai was 'joining Chelsea' but now Fulham can sign him for £13m

Premier League high-flyers Fulham will need to improve their offer for Attila Szalai if they are serious about bringing the £13 million-rated Fenerbahce centre-back to Craven Cottage, according to Sporx.

This is not the first time we have seen a newly-promoted team take the top-flight by storm. See Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds, for instance. Chris Wilder's Sheffield United the year before. Steve Coppell's Reading, even.

Only a select few sides have ever qualified for Europe during their first season back in the big time, however. Carry on like this and Fulham, sixth place with 11 wins from 24 matches, may soon be following in the footsteps of Nuno's Wolves or the great Ipswich Town outfit of 2001.

An excellent first season, however, gives way to a disappointing second more often than not. But Fulham can go some way to easing fears of that dreaded 'second season syndrome' with a couple of intelligent additions in a couple of key areas.

Fulham already drawing up summer transfer plans
Tosin Adarabioyo's future looks uncertain. And Tim Ream, while one of the Premier League's most in-form, reliable centre-backs, will turn 36 in October. So Szalai, a Hungary international ten years Ream's junior, could be a potentially inspired addition at just £13 million.

Fulham, Sporx say, recently had a bid of £9 million rejected, presumably during the January window. Fenerbahce are unwilling to sell for less than £13 million. Although, if Marco Silva and co are serious about Szalai, that £4 million gap will probably be bridged. 

A physical, 6ft 4ins man-mountain of a defender; Szalai is likened to Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk due to his size and often-underrated passing range. A defender in Silva's system needs to be able to play out from the back Szalai – left-footed like US veteran Ream – is certainly more than capable in that department.

This is not the first time Szalai has been linked with a move to the Premier League. Just one year ago, Hungary coach Marco Rossi told Calciomercato that he expected to see the former Rapid Vienna youngster end up at Fulham's West London neighbours.

"I think he is joining Chelsea," said Rossi, who also talked up a move to Leeds United.

"He has been followed by big clubs in Spain but would also be a great player for Italian football."



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/02/23/attila-szalai-was-joining-chelsea-but-now-fulham-can-sign-him-for-13m/

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Fulham vs Wolves Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats

Fulham host Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Friday night and they will be hoping to continue their impressive run of form with the home win.

The London club are currently 6th in the league table and they are coming into this game on the back of three consecutive victories across all competitions.

Marco Silva's men are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions and they will fancy their chances of picking up all three points at home against an inconsistent Wolves side.

Meanwhile, the visitors are currently 15th in the league table and they are just three points clear of the drop zone. Wolves will have to continue picking up points if they want to preserve their status as a Premier League club next season. A poor result here could see them drop back into the bottom three once again.

Wolves have picked up just two wins from their last five league matches and they will have to improve immensely in order to grind out an away win here.

Team News and Tactics
Fulham
The London club will be without the services of Neeskens Kebano and Tom Cairney because of injuries.

Meanwhile, star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic missed the game against Brighton with an injury and he could return here.

Silva is likely to field his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Bernd Leno in goal.

Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson will line up as the full-backs here and they will look to add creativity and width to the attack. In the heart of the defence, Issa Diop will partner with Tim Ream.

Harrison Reed and Joao Palhinha will start in the midfield pivot and the two players will look to provide defensive cover to the central defenders and break up the opposition play.

Harry Wilson and Willian are expected to line up as the wingers here and they will hope to add creativity and goals from the wide areas.

Andreas Pereira will be the attacking midfielder behind Mitrovic, who is set to lead the line.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; Wilson, Pereira, Willian; Mitrovic

Wolverhampton Wanderers
The visitors will be without the services of Chiquinho, Boubacar Traore, Sasa Kalajdzic, and Hwang Hee-Chan because of injuries.

Mario Lemina is set to return to the side after serving his suspension against Bournemouth. Julen Lopetegui is set to field his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Jose Sa in goal.

Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri will start as the full-backs and Craig Dawson will partner Max Kilman at the heart of the defence.

Ruben Neves will look to add defensive cover to the side in the midfield pivot, while Lemina adds creativity and drive in the middle of the park.

Pablo Sarabia and Daniel Podence are likely to be deployed as the wide midfielders here and they will look to add creativity from the flanks.

Joao Moutinho will start as the central attacking midfielder here and the Portuguese will be expected to drop deep and help control the tempo of the game.

Matheus Cunha will lead the line for the visitors.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sa; Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Ait-Nouri; Lemina, Neves; Sarabia, Moutinho, Podence; Cunha

Key Stats

    Wolves have kept a clean sheet in their last 4 matches against Fulham in all competitions.
    Fulham have kept a clean sheet in their last 3 matches (Premier League).
    Wolves are undefeated in 14 of their last 15 matches against Fulham in all competitions.
    Wolves have scored a joint-league-low 17 goals so far, and their top scorers are Daniel Podence and Rúben Neves with five each.
    After the World Cup break, only Manchester United (seven) have won more games than Fulham (six).

Player to watch
Aleksandar Mitrovic

The Serbian striker has been in exceptional form this season and he has scored 11 goals in the league so far.

The 28-year-old missed the game against Brighton owing to an injury and he will be hoping to make an explosive return to action. Wolves have been quite vulnerable at the back this season and Mitrovic has the quality to punish them.

Prediction
Fulham 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Fulham are undoubtedly the better team here and they will be full of confidence and momentum heading into this game. They are unbeaten in their last five outings across all competitions and they should be able to grind out an important win here.

Marco Silva's side will be boosted by the return of talisman striker Mitrovic and the Londoners have the quality to come out on top in the end.

Wolves will look to put up a fight here but their porous defence could be their undoing once again.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2023/02/24/fulham-vs-wolves-preview-probable-lineups-prediction-tactics-team-news-key-stats/

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How Leno is proving his worth at Fulham

Adrian Clarke says goalkeeper is enjoying the best season of his Premier League career

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 25.

Bernd Leno (FUL)
You would be hard pushed to find a better value-for-money signing than Leno across the last 12 months, as he prepares to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.

Brought in for just £3million from Arsenal last summer, the German has been outstanding for Fulham throughout 2022/23.

Leno has been the second busiest Premier League goalkeeper and risen to the challenge.

Making 92 saves, the 30-year-old's form has played a significant part in Fulham's unexpected push for a top-six finish.

Leno kept busy
Under Marco Silva, you would not describe Fulham as a cautious or defensive side.

Partly down to personnel limitations at the back, and also courtesy of a desire to outscore the opposition, they are a team that concede plenty of chances.

In open play, they have an Expected Goals Against (xGA) tally of 30.07, currently the highest in the division.

One of the primary reasons they have only let in 21 goals from open play, though, is thanks to the quality of Leno.

Goals prevented/conceded 2022/23

Player	Goals prevented	xGOT Conceded*	Conceded
Alisson	8.8	32.8	24
Leno	7.8	32.8	25
Arrizabalaga	7.2	16.2	9
Neto	4.7	13.7	9
Raya	3.3	30.3	27

*Expected Goals on Target (xGOT) Conceded

Statistically, Leno has prevented an additional 7.8 goals this season, according to Opta.

This ranks him second behind Alisson, who has also enjoyed an inspired campaign for Liverpool.

When you consider that 16 Premier League 'keepers have a Goals Prevented total that is in minus figures, it shows just how superb he has been.

Saves in box 2022/23

Player	Saves in box	Player	Saves in box (%)
Leno	68	Arrizabalaga	75.00
Pickford	58	Leno	72.34
Guaita	57	Pope	71.43
Raya	54	Neto	70.45
Meslier	52	Raya	70.13

Leno has always been a terrific shot-stopper, but this season his reflexes have been at their sharpest.

No other top-flight 'keeper has made as many saves from inside the penalty area and his success rate from close range has been exceptional.

https://twitter.com/FulhamFC/status/1610595017466290176

Chelsea goakeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is the only player to top his 72.34 per cent save ratio.

Leno's speed is one of his strongest suits.

He is very fast at sprinting out to attackers to close down angles, or smother the ball, while he reacts quickly to point-blank shots.

In those situations, he is one of the best around.

Leno is particularly strong at making saves low by his feet, especially when springing right.

Proving he has a full repertoire, meanwhile, many of his more difficult saves tend to be off the ground when diving to his left.

Revelling in his role as first-choice at Craven Cottage, there is no doubt Leno is enjoying a fresh lease of life.

Bouncing back
It will have hurt Leno to lose his place at Arsenal to Aaron Ramsdale, but his reaction to that setback has been excellent.

Proving he is one of the best goalkeepers in the division, Leno has delivered the best save percentages of his career in English football this season.

Leno save % by season

Season	Save (%)	Saves in box (%)
2018/19	71.23	62.04
2019/20	74.17	65.00
2020/21	69.42	61.18
2021/22	52.63	50.00
2022/23	76.47	72.34

His success under Silva is also providing Leno with the confidence to be more assertive inside his box.

Making 21 catches, he is now one of the most dominant number ones.

Until this point, it has been a wonderful campaign for Fulham, who sit in sixth place, just four points outside the top four.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's goals have been a factor in their surprise success, but at the other end of the pitch, Leno is just as important.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/3079563

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Fulham aiming to end 11-year winless run in Wolverhampton Wanderers clash

Fulham will attempt to end an 11-year wait for a Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers when the two sides go head-to-head at Craven Cottage on Friday evening.

Fulham have not looked back since winning promotion from the Championship last season, going on to pick up 38 points from their 24 Premier League games.

As a result of their impressive campaign, Fulham occupy sixth position in the Premier League table, leaving them four points adrift of the Champions League places.

While Marco Silva's side will be keen to extend their unbeaten run to six competitive games on Friday, they will also be looking to claim their first top flight victory over Wolves since securing a commanding 5-0 win in March 2012.

Fulham had to wait six years until they next faced Wolves in the Premier League, playing out a 1-1 draw in December 2018.

The three meetings that followed all ended in 1-0 defeats, before the two sides were involved in a goalless draw at Molineux when they met earlier this season.

Fulham have proven to be a resolute side in recent weeks, keeping clean sheets in their last three league games, drawing against Chelsea before they beat Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion.

They now have the chance to record four consecutive shutouts in the top flight for the first time since December 2001.

On that occasion, Fulham were involved in three goalless draws, while they also claimed a 2-0 victory over Everton.

A win on Friday would move Fulham level on points with fifth-place Newcastle United, who have a superior goal difference and have played a game less.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/fulham-aiming-to-end-11-year-winless-run-in-wolves-clash_507446.html

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Why Bernd Leno's been 'brilliant' for Fulham
Ahead of tonight's televised game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Adrian Clarke has authored a great piece over at the Premier League's official site acclaiming Bernd Leno as one of the best value signings of the past twelve months.

Fulham were in negotiations with Arsenal for almost the whole summer about bringing the German international to Craven Cottage and the goalkeeper's outstanding displays since making the move show exactly why. As Clarke outlines, Leno has been the second busiest keeper in the division – making 92 saves – with Silva's insistence on attacking football leading to the Whites having the highest number of Expected Goals Against in the league (30.07).

Opta's calculations claim that Leno has prevented a further 7.8 goals already this season – second only to Alisson in the division. Leno has made 68 saves inside the penalty area – the most in the top flight – and an incredible eleven inside the six yard box. Little wonder that Silva praised his goalkeeper's peerless performances during his pre-match press conference yesterday.

    "Bernd has been brilliant for us. I have to mention my goalkeeper coach, Hugo [Oliveira]. He showed me he was the right guy for us, to go for him. We waited and waited to get him. We knew he would be key. Now working with him, every match I'm more impressed. For me, he's one of the best three goalkeepers in the competition. Okay, you can say he's my player and that's why I'm saying that. But he is proving it. He has the quality, maturity and experience of the national team, top clubs in European competition. He's a top professional."

Clarke's deep dive into the data also recognises that Leno's overall save percentage this season (76.47%) is his highest in all of his five campaigns in English football. Statistics are just one measure of a player's effectiveness – but after applying the eye test, there's no doubt that Leno has made a massive difference to what had previously been a vulnerable Fulham rearguard at the highest level. To pay only an initial £3m for his services, arguably makes the German one of the best bargains in the club's history.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/why-bernd-lenos-been-brilliant-for-fulham/

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Manor Remembers

Fulham versus Wolverhampton Wanderers falls on the one-year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces.

As a Shakhtar Donetsk player, Manor Solomon was living in Ukraine at the time, and he can still vividly recall that infamous moment.

"It was a terrible day," he told the official matchday programme. "I woke up in the middle of the night when I heard explosions, so I turned on the TV and I opened my phone and I saw that some other players were texting asking what's going on.

"Then on the Israeli news and the Ukrainian news they said something started in Kyiv and there were some explosions.

"Nobody knew what was going on exactly, but we understood that something bad was happening. I got a driver to take me to the border. I took all the luggage that I could.

"It was a terrible day, really. It took us maybe 18 hours to get to the border. And if it wasn't a fast driver and if he didn't take the back roads, it would have taken maybe two or three days, because everybody was going to the same place.

"And, also, at the border it was a big nightmare, seeing all the children, with their mothers suffering, not knowing what was going to happen to them.

"I passed the border, I had a family to come back to, I had a country to come back to, I had a home in Israel, but they didn't know what was going to happen to them, so it was a really horrible day."

Solomon still has friends living in Ukraine, and is desperate for the day when their lives – and those of the entire nation – can return to normal.

"It's still bad," he said. "I don't know exactly what's going on there in some parts. I know that my friends there are now more in the west, and there it's more easy.

"But I know that in Kyiv it's not normal. Sometimes there are alarms and I think they cannot leave their homes after 11pm, so it's not a normal life and I just hope it will be finished as soon as possible, because it's terrible."

The full interview with Manor can be read in the Wolves matchday programme.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/february/24/manor-remembers/

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Club decide price for Fulham and West Ham target – Told market about intentions

Fulham and West Ham United are again being linked to São Paulo midfielder Pablo Maia.

The information comes from the Brazilian media, where journalist Alexsander says the Tricolor made a decision regarding the player.

It's claimed that São Paulo should negotiate Maia in the summer window, and already 'told' the market that they're only selling him for at least €10m.

Both Fulham and West Ham are considered to be contenders for that signing, since they are some of the clubs who made recent approaches for the player.

And since it's said this bid 'should arrive', we better wait and see if any of those clubs are putting that amount on the table.

Besides Fulham and West Ham, other Premier League sides such as Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Nottingham Forest are said to be interested in Maia as well.

The midfielder had already been linked to English clubs in January, but São Paulo did their best to hold him then. Now it seems there's bigger interest in engaging in negotiations, partly because the summer window should attract more interested clubs.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-decide-price-fulham-west-ham-target-told-market-intentions/

[WhiteJC]

Manchester United urged to sign Fulham star who is a "step up" from current player

Manchester United have been urged to sign Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic who is a "step up" from Wout Weghorst.

Weghorst signed for Manchester United on loan from Burnley during the summer transfer window and has been fairly underwhelming just looking at his contribution on paper. However, what Weghorst lacks in goalscoring ability he makes up for in other departments.

Weghorst has been dropped into a number-ten role at times this season and his immense pressing ability makes it difficult for opposition sides.

Manchester United may not look to sign Weghorst on a permament deal as despite his contribution to the side, they may be looking for more of a complete forward to help them push for a Premier League title.

Now, former Premier League manager Timm Sherwood has urged Manchester United to sign Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is a step-up from Weghorst.

"He's a step up from him. If Weghorst can play for Man United, then so can Mitrovic," said Sherwood, on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast.

Mitrovic has been impressive this season for Fulham in the Premier League, but as previously mentioned, you'd imagine Manchester United will be in the market for an elite-level forward if they want to push their rivals Man City and Arsenal at the top of the table.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2023/02/24/manchester-united-urged-to-sign-fulham-star-who-is-a-step-up-from-current-player/

[WhiteJC]

Wolves: Lopetegui taking huge risk dropping £38m star at Molineux

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager would be risking alerting other clubs to Matheus Nunes' services if he were to drop the midfielder.

Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Julen Lopetegui should be "careful" about dropping Matheus Nunes from the starting XI for their trip to Fulham this evening, journalist Dean Jones has suggested to GiveMeSport.

The midfielder has caught the eye of multiple Premier League sides ahead of a potential move away from Molineux this summer.

Wolves transfer news – Matheus Nunes
With the squad desperate for another midfielder, Wolves dropped a then club-record fee of £38m to bring Nunes to the West Midlands from Sporting Lisbon last summer.

The 24-year-old had been the subject of interest of both Liverpool and Manchester City, but it was the Wanderers who managed to prize him away from Portugal to the Premier League.

However, as per a report in The Telegraph in January, Chelsea are now preparing to battle it out with Liverpool with both clubs looking to strengthen in the middle of the park next summer.

Last month, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano told GiveMeSport that the Reds have a good relationship with Nunes' agent in Jorge Mendes, potentially giving them the edge in any potential deal in the coming months.

And Jones has hinted that despite Nunes' below-par performance in Wolves' 1-0 home defeat to Bournemouth last weekend, Lopetegui should avoid dropping him in order to wade off interest in his services.

What has Jones said about Wolves and Nunes?
When asked about potentially dropping Nunes for Mario Lemina for this evening's trip to Fulham, Jones told GiveMeSport: "Nunes wasn't at his best but I would still be careful about leaving him out of the team. A lot of other clubs will be watching his situation if they start doing that."

How has Nunes performed for Wolves this season?
Nunes – who has previously been described as a "special" talent by former coach Ruben Franco – has substantially improved his level of performance since the arrival of Lopetegui at Molineux in November.

The 11-cap Portugal international has played in 78% of available Premier League minutes this term but has only been able to provide one assist across 20 appearances to show for his efforts, whilst he is yet to hit the back of the net for the Wanderers.

However, the 6 foot star does compare favourably to his positional peers in some aspects of his game, ranking in the top 7% of midfielders across Europe's big five leagues as well as the Champions League and Europa League for progressive passes received (4.90) and the top 11% for progressive carries per 90 minutes (2.57) over the last 365 days, according to FBref.

Therefore, Lopetegui will be looking towards his star man in the centre of the park to provide the performances to keep Wolves in the top flight come the end of the season and will hope to wade off transfer interest in the summer, if they can retain their Premier League status.



https://www.givemesport.com/wolves-wolverhampton-wanderers-julen-lopetegui-matheus-nunes-premier-league-molineux/

[WhiteJC]

Chris Sutton makes 'amazing' prediction ahead of Fulham vs Wolves

Latest Wolverhampton Wanderers news from BirminghamLive as BBC pundit looks ahead to Friday's 8pm clash with Fulham

Chris Sutton believes Wolves will not bounce back against Fulham tonight (8pm) following their shock home defeat to Bournemouth last time out.

Julen Lopetegui's side were riding a run of three wins in their last four when they hosted Bournemouth on Saturday. The Cherries had gone seven games without a win prior to their trip to Molineux, but a Marcus Tavernier goal proved to be enough for Gary O'Neil's side to take the points and climb out of the bottom three.

Wolves' run prior to that had seen them move away from the danger zone, but the surprise setback means they still only have three points more than West Ham in 18th. And while Lopetegui will be looking for a response from his players at Craven Cottage, they will be taking on one of this season's surprise packages.

Marco Silva's side currently sit 6th in the table, four points short of the Champions League spots and three points above Brighton, Brentford and Liverpool. It is a remarkable achievement for the newly-promoted side and BBC pundit Sutton has backed them to continue their European push against Wolves, with or without star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

"I thought Wolves had turned a corner under Julen Lopetegui, so I certainly didn't see them losing to Bournemouth last weekend," Sutton told BBC Sport , predicting a 1-0 defeat for Wolves.

"In contrast, Fulham got a great result with their win at Brighton, and Marco Silva's side are flying at the moment. For them to be sixth and chasing a European spot is just amazing. They could be without their top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has a hamstring problem, but they are at home and even without him I think they will find a way to win."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wolves-fulham-chris-sutton-prediction-26319446

[WhiteJC]

Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves midfielder Mario Lemina, who is available after suspension, played on loan for Fulham in 2020-21

TEAM NEWS

Fulham head coach Marco Silva has said "it will be difficult" for top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic to overcome a hamstring issue in time to face Wolves.

Tom Cairney and Neeskens Kebano definitely remain unavailable.

Midfielder Mario Lemina returns from suspension for Wolves.

Boubacar Traore is not quite ready to play after a groin injury, while Hwang Hee-chan is at least a week away from being fit.

CHRIS SUTTON'S PREDICTION
I thought Wolves had turned a corner under Julen Lopetegui, so I certainly didn't see them losing to Bournemouth last weekend.

In contrast, Fulham got a great result with their win at Brighton and Marco Silva's side are flying at the moment. For them to be sixth and chasing a European spot is just amazing.

They could be without their top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has a hamstring problem, on Friday but they are at home and, even without him, I think they will find a way to win.

Prediction: 1-0

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

    Fulham's only victory in 13 league matches against Wolves was 2-0 at Craven Cottage in the Championship five years to the day before this latest fixture (D3, L9).
    The Cottagers have gone four Premier League games without a goal versus Wolves since Ryan Sessegnon scored in a 1-1 home draw on Boxing Day 2018.
    A Wolves triumph would equal their club record of seven Premier League wins against a particular opponent. They've beaten both Southampton and West Ham seven times.

Fulham

    A win would give Fulham 41 points, the highest tally by a promoted team after 25 fixtures of a 38-match Premier League season.
    Only the two Manchester clubs have earned more points than Fulham's 19 since the Premier League resumed after the World Cup.
    Sixth-placed Fulham's solitary defeat in 17 league games this season against teams currently below them in the table came at West Ham in October (W11, D5).
    They can equal the club top-flight record of four consecutive clean sheets, set in March 1963 and matched in December 2001.
    Manor Solomon can become only the second Israeli player to score in three successive Premier League appearances, emulating Ronnie Rosenthal for Liverpool in November 1992.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

    Wolves can win consecutive away league matches for the first time since a run of four from December 2021 to February 2022.
    Their only point from five Premier League visits to London this season came in a 1-1 draw at Brentford in October.
    Wolves are unbeaten in their past seven top-flight away games against promoted opposition since a 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United in July 2020.
    Craig Dawson is one short of 250 Premier League appearances.
    Mario Lemina scored one goal in 28 Premier League matches for Fulham during a loan spell from Southampton in 2020-21.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64671841

[filham]

My best memory of a match against Wolves goes back to1950, they were our opponents at the Cottage for our first ever match in the top fight and they beat us 2-1.
Our team that day was :-
                                                                Flack
                                    Freeman                                     Baccuzi

                                 Quested                   Taylor                  Beasley

                                                   Thomas              Jezzard
                                    Stevens               Rowley                  McDonald
It was the team that had won the 2nd division title, no new players added.