Saturday Fulham Stuff - 08/04/23...

[WhiteJC]

Away Day Guide – Everton

Fulham travel to Goodison Park looking to arrest their run of poor away form in a clash with a side struggling against the drop.
TICKETING INFORMATION

Tickets are currently on sale to Fulham fans with a previous booking history, priced at £30 for adults, £25 for supporters aged over 65 and £20 for juniors (four per person). Supporters booking tickets will gain five loyalty points.
GETTING TO GOODISON PARK
BY CAR

Take the M62 until the very end of the motorway and then remain in the right-hand lane and take the A5058 Ring Road North, following the signs for 'Football Stadia' for approximately three miles. When you reach a junction with a McDonald's on the corner, turn left into Utting Avenue and continue along this road for a mile, whereupon you should turn right at the corner of Stanley Park into Priory Road. Goodison Park is at the end of the road.

Fulham fans are able to park in the Stanley Park car park for £10.
BY TRAIN

Kirkdale station is closest to Goodison Park. From the station, turn right and cross over the railway bridge. From the traffic lights, head up Westminster Road until you reach the Elm Tree pub, when you should turn left into Barlow Lane. You will soon be on County Road (A59). Cross over the road at the traffic lights and head down Spellow Lane and Goodison Park will be on the left.

Fulham fans may find it easier to head to Sandhills Railway Station, from where special Soccerbus shuttles run for two hours before the game and 50 minutes after the final whistle. You can take a train to Sandhills from Liverpool Central (which you can reach from Liverpool Lime Street) and if you ask for a ticket to Goodison Park – the price of Soccerbus is reduced to £3. Supporters are advised to have a back-up, like a taxi or walking to Kirkdale station, for after the game as the shuttle buses become very cramped after the final whistle.

Most Fulham fans will be arriving via Liverpool Lime Street, which is three miles from the ground. A taxi will cost around (£8) or the 919 Special Bus, which takes you directly to Goodison Park in around ten minutes, from Stand 10 in St. John's Lane for a single fare of £2.20.
BY COACH

The official coaches will depart at 7.30am on matchday and are priced at £30 for adult season ticket holders and members and £20 for juniors, with non-season ticket holders and non-members seats priced at £35 for adults and £25 for juniors.
AWAY PUBS

There are a few options within the vicinity of Goodison Park for Fulham fans. The Thomas Frost (177-187 Walton Road, Liverpool, L4 4AJ) is the nearest Wetherspoons pub, which welcomes home and away fans. The Spellow (79 Goodison Road, Liverpool, L4 4EN) just outside the ground has previously extended a warm welcome to Fulham fans, but gets very busy on a matchday. The Liverpool Taxi Cab Drivers, Sports and Social Club (2 Walton Hall Avenue, Anfield, Liverpool L4 6UF) has also admitted Fulham fans in the past for a small fee. Otherwise, The Arkles (77 Anfield Road, Anfield, Liverpool, L4 0TJ) – across Stanley Park and the designated away pub for Anfield – has been popular with Fulham fans.

The city centre offers plenty of excellent alternatives, including The Head of Steam (85 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DY), which features in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2023/04/away-day-guide-everton/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham vs West Ham United Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats

Fulham will take on West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday, looking to bounce back with a positive result at home.

Fulham come into the game on the back of three consecutive league defeats, and they will be under pressure to grind out a positive result against West Ham United on Saturday.

Fulham made an exceptional start to the season after their promotion, and they were pushing for European qualification. However, they have been quite disappointing in recent weeks, and the home side find themselves tenth in the league table right now.

They will not want to drop down to the bottom half after the kind of season they have had in the first few months. It will be interesting to see if Silva can get his side firing on all cylinders once again. Meanwhile, West Ham United are fighting for their survival in the Premier League, and they are 15th in the league table.

David Moyes is under a lot of pressure to get his side to safety this season, and the Hammers will treat this as a must-win contest. West Ham cannot afford to keep dropping points if they want to preserve their status as a Premier League club next season.

On paper, the two teams are quite evenly matched. But Fulham have been far better this season. It will be interesting to see which of the two sides comes out on top in the end. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.

Team News and Tactics
Fulham
The London club will be without the services of Neeskens Kebano, Layvin Kurzawa and Aleksandar Mitrovic. While Kebano and Kurzawa are ruled out with injuries, Mitrovic is suspended and is set to return in May.

The home side are likely to shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Bernd Leno in goal.

Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson will be deployed as the full-backs here and the two players will look to add creativity and width to the side along with the defensive responsibilities.

Issa Diop will partner with Tim Ream at the heart of the defence.

In the midfield pivot, Harrison Reed will start along with Joao Palhinha. Reed will look to break up the opposition play and Palhinha will add drive and defensive cover to the side.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Manor Solomon will start as the wingers. The two players will look to break down the West Ham defence and add flair in the final third.

Andreas Pereira will start as the central attacking midfielder behind striker Carlos Vinícius.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; Reid, Pereira, Solomon; Vinicius

West Ham
The Hammers will be without the services of Striker Gianluca Scamacca, who has been ruled out with a knee injury. David Moyes is likely to field his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Lukasz Fabianski in goal.

Thilo Kehrer and Emerson Palmieri will start as the full-backs. Kurt Zouma will start alongside Nayef Aguerd in the centre of the defence. In the midfield pilot, Declan Rice will start along with Tomas Soucek.

The two players will look to protect the central defenders and keep the side defensively compact. Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma will add creativity and goals to the side from the wide areas. Lucas Paqueta will add creativity in the middle of the park with Danny Ings leading the line.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Kehrer, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Rice, Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Benrahma; Ings

Key Stats

    In the last five matches for Fulham, three have ended with both teams scoring.
    West Ham United have fired blanks in 11 games this season.
    Out of 18 previous meetings, Fulham have won three matches, while West Ham United won 11. Four matches between them have ended in a draw.
    Fulham have lost their last three matches in the Premier League.
    West Ham are undefeated in their last eight matches against Fulham in all competitions.

Player to Watch
Jarrod Bowen
The 26-year-old West Ham United winger has been the club's best player in his last five outings. And the Hammers will need him to be on top form if they want to break down the Fulham defence and grind out the all-important three points.

Bowen will look to add goals and creativity in the final third. The West Ham winger will be reasonably confident despite his team's poor performance in recent weeks. It remains to be seen whether he can expose Fulham's vulnerabilities and help his side pick up a priceless win.

Prediction
Fulham 1-1 West Ham
Both teams will be desperate for all three points here, and this is likely to be a close contest. A defeat would be a devastating blow to either club, and they are likely to take a cautious approach here.

A low-scoring game is very much on the cards here, and the two teams are likely to cancel each other out in the end. The Hard Tackle predicts a 1-1 draw between the two sides on Saturday afternoon.


https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2023/04/07/fulham-vs-west-ham-united-preview-probable-lineups-prediction-tactics-team-news-key-stats/

[WhiteJC]

Silva: 'We must learn to cope without Mitrovic'
Marco Silva was reluctant to discuss what he felt about Aleksandar Mitrovic's eight-match suspension, but admitted Fulham will have to learn how to cope without the Serbian striker as they seek to get their season back on track against struggling West Ham United tomorrow.

The Portuguese boss was tight-lipped on the club's reaction to their talisman's ban for his altercation with referee Chris Kavanagh during Fulham's FA Cup quarter final defeat at Manchester United last month – which was handed down by an independent regulatory commission last week. He insisted that his side, who have lost four games in a row, will need to improve without Mitrovic and that the number nine's absence is an opportunity for others to shine in a Fulham shirt.

Silva told his pre-match press conference earlier this afternoon:

    "We will keep inside all of the strange feelings we feel right now. Of course he is an important player for us, we cannot hide our situation. When you have such an important player, your top goalscorer, who goes out of the game, you are always facing something. But at the same time it is a moment for the player that is going to play in this position – it could be Carlos Vinicius or another player – to show their qualities.

    Always when these type of things happen, it is an opportunity for the other [player] to come in and to show quality, to show why he is here at this level, by being involved in our squad. But I cannot lie to you that Mitrovic is really important for us. He did not play the last game, will not be in tomorrow's match and the next games as well."

The Fulham head coach is seeking a return to the sort of form that has seen the Whites surprise everyone in their first season back in the Premier League.

    "We know that all of us have to try to get that consistency which made us to be in a good position. It is difficult to find the reasons why the team dropped in the second half [at AFC Bournemouth last week]. After analysing the game, we already found it and we spoke with the players and showed them why these things cannot happen for us."

Silva insisted that he has put West Ham's poor league position to one side as Fulham prepared for tomorrow's London derby at Craven Cottage – knowing that the Hammers will be desperate for the three points themselves.

    "We're not thinking that they are struggling, because if you are going to think [like that] then I think Bournemouth is a good lesson. They were struggling, and we did so well first half, and with no reason we didn't perform second half. I know it is really tough to be in position [West Ham] are in, and probably for a squad, a team like that, they were not even thinking of being where they are right now. As you know, they are competing in European competition, which means that last season they finished in a very good spot.

    The money they spent, the signings that they made, showed that they wanted to fight again, so of course for them to be the position they are is not a good feeling inside the dressing room, for their staff, for sure, for David Moyes and their fanbase. But that is not important for us really, we look at ourselves, we demand some pressure and put some pressure on ourselves that each game is for us to win and to improve from the last one. That's something that we want, clearly.

    We are going to play against a very good side. They are not in a good moment, but we focus on ourselves because we want to perform well. I would like to mention and make a message for our fans. They know how we are doing so, so well this season. Now we are in a not very, very good moment, and it's a moment for them to play their part as well.

    As I asked them from the first day of the season, and last season, we are going to be all together for the good days and the bad days as well. Tomorrow I am really confident that it will be a good day for us, and we need them to be behind the team."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/04/silva-we-must-learn-to-cope-without-mitrovic/

[WhiteJC]

Banned Fulham man Marco Silva simply can't believe where West Ham are but is confident of piling on more misery

Banned Fulham man Marco Silva simply can't believe where West Ham are but is confident of piling on more misery for David Moyes.

West Ham attentions now turn to Fulham and putting things right after the Newcastle debacle in midweek.

The Hammers must move on quickly from the horror show because Fulham is a game they must be looking to win.

The Cottagers will be without star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and manager Marco Silva who are both banned for the clash.

They are in no man's land in the middle of the Premier League with a European spot now extremely unlikely given the loss of their main goalscorer.

West Ham actually go into the game in better form than Fulham. The Hammers have drawn one, won one and lost one of their last three in the league while Fulham have lost their last three in the Prem and four in all competitions.

Banned Fulham man Marco Silva simply can't believe where West Ham are but is confident of piling on more misery
Fulham probably did not expect in their wildest dreams to be coasting along in no danger at all with two months of the season remaining following their promotion.

And at the other end of the scale West Ham certainly did not expect to find themselves battling relegation after finishing in the top six and seven in the last two campaigns.

That is the reality, though, even if the Fulham boss can't comprehend it himself.

Banned Fulham man Silva simply can't believe where West Ham are but is confident of piling on more misery.



https://www.hammers.news/match-preview/banned-fulham-man-marco-silva-simply-cant-believe-where-west-ham-are-but-is-confident-of-piling-on-more-misery/

[WhiteJC]

Report makes big Rafa Benitez claim as pressure cranks up on David Moyes at West Ham

Wets Ham are fully aware that Rafa Benitez is open to taking the job at the London Stadium, should David Moyes be sacked.

According to a report from The Guardian, Rafa Benitez would be willing to step in in place of David Moyes, although West Ham are unwilling to offer him a long-term contract.

Hammers boss Moyes has performed terribly in his role at the London Stadium this season. The Scot has refused to evolve and change up his tactics.

As a consequence, West Ham have become incredibly predictable to play against.

And should we lose to Fulham, Moyes's days in East London could be numbered...

Report makes big Rafa Benitez claim as West Ham boss David Moyes feels the heat
Jacob Steinberg claimed earlier today that a defat at Craven Cottage could see Moyes's time at the London Stadium come to an end.

And if that happens, Rafa Benitez could be the man to come in and take over from the Scot according to The Guardian.

The two-time La Liga winner, who has Champions League and FA Cup winner's medals to his name as well, is currently out of work.

In my opinion, Moyes needs to go now and Benitez would be a great option for us up until the end of the season.

The problem will clearly be tempting the ex-Liverpool boss into the West Ham manager's job without offering him a long-term contract.

It's such a shame that we're in this mess now, considering where we were last year. And most frustratingly it has all been Moyes's fault, with his failure to evolve and get the best out of the new signings.

Rafa Benitez would undoubtedly keep West Ham up, I have absolutely no questions about that.

Once again though, it will all come down to whether or not we manage to beat Fulham tomorrow.



https://www.hammers.news/news/report-makes-big-rafa-benitez-claim-as-pressure-cranks-up-on-david-moyes-at-west-ham/

[WhiteJC]

Moyes cautious as double blow hits Fulham

Fulham's manager and top scorer will be missing first from the dug out and  the pitch at Craven Cottage tomorrow afternoon (Sat).

Boss Marco Silva has been suspended from the touchline after his over exuberant protests during the FA Cup clash against Manchester United

Aleksander Mitrovioc meanwhile was pushing the manager in the same match and was handed an eight match ban by the Football Association.

However, David Moyes is careful to ensure that he doesn't claim either or both events will be game changing – one would expect nothing else.

But the absence of Mitrovic will surely be welcomed by Hammers supporters who will believe the Hammers need every bit of help it can get right now.

He has been in fantastic form scoring ten Premier League goals as the Cottagers have all but ensured their safety at the highest level.

Moyes was ready to discuss the absences at his pre match press conference and said: "Marco Silva won't be on the touchline on Saturday, but I don't think that will have a big change on how he prepares.

The managers are getting sent-off a bit more often, for different reasons. Whether they don't think the refereeing is good enough, or whether we're too exuberant, whatever it may be.

He'll probably be upstairs, mic-ed up and can speak to people, so I don't think it's a huge problem nowadays and we take the game as it is.

Mitrović has done amazingly for Fulham. The goals he scored in the Championship last season were incredible and to be fair I think he had a season in the Premier League.

Before that when he didn't get quite as much, but he hasn't half gone on [this year] and shown he can do it in the Premier League.

So I think him being suspended will be a huge blow to Fulham and if it was us, we'd be saying it's a huge blow to us. But it's more of a question for Marco Silva than it is for me really.



https://www.claretandhugh.info/moyes-cautious-as-double-blow-hits-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

U21s report: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

WHAT HAPPENED

Our under-21s suffered a narrow 2-1 away defeat to Fulham on Friday night.

On the road for the third straight league game, Ali's side started positively with Catalin Cirjan firing an early effort just over the bar.

Our next opportunity came with Mauro Bandeira driving up the pitch to play in Charles Sagoe Jr, but the latter's strike just missed the target.

Soon after, Matt Smith's delightful defence-splitting pass found Khayon Edwards but the striker was unable to bring the ball down with the goal at his mercy.

However, it would be the hosts to break the deadlock five minutes before half time when Oliver Sanderson headed home the rebound after Hubert Graczyk brilliantly denied the preceding effort.

Mehmet Ali brought on Amario Cozier-Duberry at the break and the winger made an immediate impact from the bench - firing home an equaliser from Sagoe Jr's cutback just 40 seconds after the restart.

We would only remain level for a short time before Luke Harris' effort snuck past Graczyk to restore the Whites' lead.

Despite the setback, we never let our heads drop and Cozier-Duberry was causing problems for Fulham down the right hand side. On one occasion he easily beat his marker but Sagoe Jr failed to connect with his cutback.

Edwards almost rescued a point late on when he made a darting near post run but he diverted his effort agonisingly wide from Sagoe Jr's cross.
WHAT IT MEANS

The result sees us remain in seventh place with 29 points after 22 games.
WHAT'S NEXT

We return home for an important home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday, April 14.

Kick-off at Meadow Park is at 7pm (UK).
TEAM NEWS

Arsenal: Graczyk, Sweet, Monlouis, Awe (Lewis-Skelly, 63), Jeffcott, Smith, Bandeira, Cottrell, Sagoe Jr, Cirjan (Cozier-Duberry, 46), Edwards

Subs not used: Cooper, Nichols, Gower

Copyright 2023 The Arsenal Football Club plc. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.



https://www.arsenal.com/premier-league-2-amario-cozier-duberry-mehmet-ali-fulham

[WhiteJC]

Harris guns down Arsenal
A super strike from Luke Harris secured a return to winning ways for Fulham's under 21s as they won a tight London derby against Arsenal at Motspur Park this evening.

The Welsh youth international produced another moment of magic to secure a precious three points for Steve Wigley's side seven minutes into the second half. The young Whites staged a superb response after seeing Olly Sanderson's opener cancelled out by Amario Cozier-Duberry forty seconds after the interval. Martial Godo thought he had restored the hosts' lead from Fulham's first attack after conceding the equaliser but the former Margate winger's celebrations were curtailed by an offside flag.

But Harris fired in his tenth under-21 goal of another productive campaign with a brilliant bit of individual skill. The attacking midfielder dashed away from an Arsenal defender in the penalty area and squeezed his shot between goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk and the near post. That fine finish secured a hard-fought victory that lifted Wigley's charges up to fifth place in the PL2 table.

Wigley sprung a surprise with both his selection and system, by ditching the usual 4-2-3-1 formation for a three at the back that saw newly-capped Welsh under-21 international Jay Williams operating at centre half. That switch didn't affect Fulham's fluent football with the Whites almost making a superb start inside the first minute when a purposeful run from Harris forced Graczyk into making a hurried clearance with the talented teenager haring down on goal.

Arsenal looked dangerous when they had the ball and it didn't take long for the Gunners to put Fulham under pressure. Romanian midfielder Catalin Cirjan cut inside to find the space for a shot but blazed over before Mauro Bandeira did brilliantly to play in Charles Sagoe Jr but the teenage winger shot wide of goal. In a positive period of play for the visitors, Matt Smith then supplied a superb pass to send Khayon Edwards clear but a heavy touch from the forward allowed George Wickens to intervene.

Fulham remained adventurous and, after Sanderson was dubiously flagged offside, Godo was afforded the opportunity to run at the Arsenal rearguard with the ball at his feet before testing Gracyzk with a drive from about 20 yards. A brilliantly timed challenge from Henry Jeffcott denied Terry Ablade as the Fulham forward looked to latch onto a lovely through ball from Sanderson, who shone once again in a central midfield role.

Ablade then saw a fierce drive well saved by Graczyk as he let fly from a tight angle, but the Whites did go in front just before the break. A rasping drive from George Okkas proved too hot to handle for Graczyk and Sanderson showcased his striker's instincts, following up to head home the rebound. Fulham finished the half in fine fettle with Harris seeing a shot deflected wide and Ablade heading a good chance over.

Arsenal head coach Mehmet Ali made a half-time substitution sending on Cozier-Duberry for Cirjan and the winger needed less than a minute to bring the Gunners level. A superb move from saw Sagoe cut the ball back for Cozier-Duberry to find the net with a clinical finish within forty seconds of the restart. Godo was frustrated by the assistant referee's flag after he turned home a Sonny Hilton cross, but Harris seized his opportunity to fire Fulham back in front.

That great goal galvanised the young Whites. Ablade again pulled the trigger from acute angle but the ball whistled over the crossbar and Matt Dibley-Dias then had a snapshot deflected over from just outside the box after Arsenal had failed to clear a corner. Godo was thwarted by Graczyk twice in quick succession, with Sanderson clipping the crossbar with a superb strike from distance.

The hosts were almost punished for failing to take those chances when Sagoe found Edwards in the area with three minutes to go, but the striker's shot drifted wide of goal after he had made a clever near post run.

FULHAM UNDER 21s (3-3-3-1): Wickens; Williams, Araujo, Odutayo; Okkas. Dibley-Dias, Sanderson; Hilton, Godo, Harris; Ablade (McFarlane 84). Subs (not used): Borto, Essenga, Wahid.

BOOKED: Dibley-Dias, Harris.

GOAL: Sanderson (41), Harris (52).

ARSENAL UNDER 21s (4-2-3-1): Graczyk; Lannin-Sweet, Jeffcott, Monlouis, Awe (Lewis-Skelly 63); Smith, Bandeira; Sagoe, Cirjan (Cozier-Duberry 45), Cottrell; Edwards. Subs (not used): Nichols, Cooper, Gower.

BOOKED: Cottrell.

GOAL: Cozier-Duberry (46).

REFEREE: Ritchie Watkins.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/04/harris-guns-down-arsenal/

[WhiteJC]

WILLIAN INTERVIEW: London is my home now but I cannot ignore the poverty of the favelas in Brazil – plus, why I'm so grateful Fulham gave me this big chance and my verdict on THAT crazy game at Old Trafford

    Chelsea legend is a vocal supporter of Brazil's Gerando Falcoes charity initiative
    Founder Edu Lyra called him 'one of the biggest symbols of the new generation'
    Willian is using Premier League star power for good while enjoying life at Fulham

Willian did not expect to be back in England so quickly. Not at Fulham. Not anywhere. When the 34-year-old left Arsenal for his boyhood club Corinthians in 2021 it felt as though he had completed a career circle.

He had made it in England, where he won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and League Cup in seven years with Chelsea, and it was time to give something back to the club that had made him.

Things don't always work out in football, though. And after Willian's opening season back in Brazil was characterised by up and down form and then, more significantly, an online hate campaign against his family, it was time to think again.

'I am so happy to be back here,' Willian smiles.

'In England, in London and in the Premier League. This feels like my home and I will live here after I have retired.


Willian has made London his home for now but his heart is still with his home country, Brazil
 

The winger has been impressing for Fulham in his unanticipated but enjoyable return to the UK

'Fulham brought me back and I am very happy that they did.'

Willian loves his home country. So much so that he is one of several Brazilian footballers supporting the work of Sao Paolo entrepreneur Edu Lyra as he looks to improve the conditions of the millions of people living in slum conditions in the favelas.

His year at Corinthians has left its mark though. The social media threats against his family — which were never properly investigated by the authorities — saw him hiring security to accompany him, his wife Vanessa and their two children whenever they left the house.

'I was really scared,' he tells Sportsmail. 'In Brazil you never know what could happen. The world is a little bit crazy.

'I left Brazil in 2007 when I was 18. I have lived most of my professional life outside of Brazil. So it's difficult to deal with those situations. Maybe it's normal for them but it's not for me.

'I am not saying bad things about Brazil. I am just explaining what happened. I love Brazil and its people but to live the life we want to live it's better to be here.'

Willian did not grow up in a favela but he did grow up poor.

'I knew that many of the boys I played with were going home to favelas where there was no water and no food on the table,' he explains.


The goal of the Gerando Falcoes initiative supported by the player is 'to place favela poverty in the museum'

'It is a shame now to see people with so much money who don't care about these situations in Brazil. They have an unbelievable life and don't care about others or feel the pain. For me it's a pleasure to help even in a small way.'

The number of favelas in Brazil doubled to around 13,000 between 2010 and 2019, providing home to more than 14 million people. Edu Lyra's Gerando Falcoes (Raising Falcons) initiative doesn't aim to rid Brazil of the favelas but to help lift their inhabitants out of poverty by teaching them life skills and working with local activists and support groups.

'I was born in a shack in Sao Paolo and my father was arrested,' Edu Lyra tells Sportsmail on a Zoom call from South America.

'It was a tough life but my mother always told me that if I wanted to one day see the favela different I would have to do something to make it different.

'I always wanted to do that for my community and now we have 6,000 favelas undergoing the transformation I dreamed of.


Gerando Falcoes founder Edu Lyra said that Willian is a 'fundamental' supporter of his work

'Having Willian with us is fundamental. He is one of the biggest symbols of the new generation. He is loved by the young people and the children in the favelas.'

On April 18 Willian will attend a fund-raising dinner in London along with other Brazilian footballers such as Philippe Coutinho, Fulham team-mate Andreas Pereira and Arsenal sporting director Edu. Many others have signed shirts.

'It makes me feel proud,' Willian explains. 'I grew up not in a favela but I had a difficult time. I played with young players who really suffered a lot so I understand we have to help.

'Every year that comes the same things happen in Brazil. The poverty is maybe worse. It makes me sad so we have to do something.'
Off the field Willian remains instantly recognisable. The hair, the huge smile.

'If I'm out for dinner here or for a walk it's nice because fans from Arsenal will say they are happy I am having a good spell now and I even see ones from Tottenham who say I wish I had signed for them before I joined Chelsea,' he reveals.

'The Fulham fans are great and then there are the Chelsea ones. They just shout out "Legend!".'

Willian's year at Arsenal was miserable and a three-year contract was mutually annulled after just one. He looked, in short, as though his time at the very top level was over. But his season at Fulham under Marco Silva has rejuvenated him. They face West Ham at home on Saturday and are a very respectable 10th in the league. 

'Many people thought I was coming here just to chill and only play when I wanted to,' he nods. 'But I have proved them wrong. It's been brilliant for me and I am really enjoying it.

'I had some doubts. Fulham have in the past been up and down, they have struggled. I didn't want to go to a club fighting down the table. But the first contact with Marco I was very impressed. I trusted him and what he told me.'


Fulham manager Marco Silva (R) was a guiding factor in Willian's move back to west London
 

The 34-year-old is a regular starter for the side, registering three goals and three assists
 

Upon returning to Stamford Bridge in February, Willian received a warm welcome from fans

Fulham could have been anticipating an FA Cup semi-final by now. A goal up in a quarter-final at Manchester United last month, their world fell apart when Willian was penalised for a goal-line handball and sent off.

Silva followed him after insulting referee Chris Kavanagh before centre forward Aleksandar Mitrovic also walked for shoving the official. United scored the penalty and went on to beat Fulham's nine men 3-1.

'That was just so hard as the game was in our control and I still can't believe we lost it,' says Willian, shaking his head.

'We were much the better team. United are a huge club and it's hard to play there. But we were the better team and could have scored maybe three goals.

'But football is crazy and things can change just like this. I always say football is a sport where you can control the performance but not the result. For that United penalty I tried to intercept the ball but it went over me and I had to sprint back. Then Jadon Sancho was one-v-one so I had to sprint back to try to do something.

'The ball came to my hand. I didn't want to put my hand to the ball and I tried to say to the referee that my hand was close to my body. I knew it would be a penalty but hoped for a yellow. The red card came and that finished the game for us.'

Mitrovic faces an eight-match ban for pushing Kavanagh. The Serb, with 12 goals, is arguably Fulham's most important player.


The Brazilian was dejected after being sent off for a handball in the FA Cup tie against United
 

Team-mate Aleksandar Mitrovic received a strong penalty for shoving referee Chris Kavanagh

'I don't think the ban is right because it was an emotional situation,' says Willian. 'He didn't want to punch the referee or something like this. So maybe three games or four games, I don't know. But eight games I think is too much.

'He is OK but sad because he is going to miss a lot of games that are coming up.

'He is so important for us. These games without him will be difficult. When we are under pressure and the opponent comes to press us and we can't play short, we know Mitro is there to hold the ball.

'Without him it will be difficult but we have Carlos Vinicius who is a strong one as well. We have players who can still do things to help us win football matches.'

Willian's contribution to Fulham's season has also been profound. He puts his enduring energy levels down to a 10pm bedtime routine and hopes to play for five more years.

'Look at Thiago Silva at Chelsea,' he smiles. 'He is 38, yeah? Maybe in two years I will change position. Central midfield. Just stand and pass.'
His fondness for Chelsea remains. His children support the team now under the control for the second time of Willian's old team-mate Frank Lampard.

'He's a great guy and was an unbelievable player, a legend for Chelsea,' adds Willian.

'I had a great time with him when he was there as a manager. He gave me freedom and confidence to play and I wish him all the best, you know. I want him to make a success there.'

For now, though, Willian's eyes are focused on ensuring Fulham finish the season well. 'We can take a European place and must dream,' he says.

He will be at the gala dinner with Edu Lyra later this month and the last word lies with the man recently voted by the World Economic Forum as one of the young Brazilians most likely to change the world.

'We want a systematic change about what the favelas are,' Edu Lyra adds. 'In one favela in Sao Paolo we reduced the number of children waiting for creches and nursery to zero and also reduced unemployment to less than five per cent.

'But we can only do this if we have a big community behind us. Football in Brazil is like a religion. Having these players who are so important in Brazil is fundamental to raising awareness and fund-raising for the project.

'Willian is a leader. When he gets involved everyone follows. He is an influencer.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11950461/WILLIAN-INTERVIEW-London-home-ignore-poverty-favelas-Brazil.html

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool now 'in the picture' to sign £50m Premier League star at Anfield

Liverpool are "in the picture" to sign Premier League star, Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT.

Interest in Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha is expected to ramp up towards the end of the season - with Liverpool in the picture.

Jurgen Klopp is ready for Liverpool to dive into the market this summer as they attempt to fix a squad that has failed to live up to expectations.

Could Liverpool sign Joao Palhinha this summer?
Jude Bellingham is the big-name target most spoken about, yet sources believe Liverpool will probably look into signing two midfielders—and Palhinha's brilliant campaign in West London has caught the eye.

He is a combative, high energy defensive midfield player that has been a huge asset for Marco Silva's team this term. He joined Fulham from Sporting Lisbon for £17million on a five-year deal and indications around the club suggest it would take upwards of £50m to get him out of the club.

Fulham boss Silva would not welcome offers at any level for Palhinha, the heartbeat of his team, and hopes the board will remain strong if offers land for the Portugal international.

But recent history shows that when vultures circle above Craven Cottage, players usually end up being nabbed. Liverpool have already poached youngsters Fabio Carvalho and Harvey Elliott from Fulham in the past couple of years, while Ryan Sessegnon joined Tottenham in 2020.

Would Joao Palhinha be tempted by a move to Liverpool?
Palhinha is a more established talent than any of those three were and is enjoying life at his new club, so there will be hope he sticks with them for season two. Yet the lure of Anfield and becoming a destroyer in the centre of the Liverpool midfield may prove tempting.

The Reds have lacked someone of his quality all season and actually had him on their radar before he moved to the Premier League last year.

Fulham know they have an absolute gem in this 27-year-old and his consistency is almost unrivalled across the league for players in this position.

Tottenham have also held a passing interest in the player but other clubs from Europe are believed to have an eye on him now, too.



https://www.givemesport.com/liverpool-jurgen-klopp-joao-palhinha-fulham-premier-league-transfer-news-anfield/

[WhiteJC]

Pundit 'very concerned' by West Ham United in relegation scrap amid 5-1 loss v Newcastle United, tells David Moyes how to beat Fulham

We're delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he'll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium...

Frank McAvennie has admitted that he is "very concerned" for West Ham in their relegation battle after their 5-1 loss to Newcastle, but told David Moyes how to beat Fulham.

The Hammers were thumped by the Magpies and now sit outside of the relegation zone on goal difference alone, but Moyes is still going to be in the dugout against Fulham but has been told he must not lose.

But after admitting that he is scared for the team amid their poor defensive performances this season, McAvennie has told Moyes to switch back to a three-centre back system and play two strikers together to have the best chance of getting his win over the Cottagers.

"He said he was still sure he had the backing of the board, but he's not got the fans," he told West Ham Zone.

"The fans, for me, they run the club. If they stop going... you don't want that. You don't want to see the stadium half empty and that's what it'll be if they go down to the Championship.

"I think something has got to give. Fulham and then Arsenal, that's two games and I'm scared to say what I think.

"I'm very concerned about them. That performance.. the defence was ugh. He's got to go back to a 3 because that defence was awful. It looked as if nobody knew what they were doing.

"The boy Kehrer at right-back.. for the right-back not to know where the players are running about him. There's obviously nobody there working on defence, and I'm sure Stuart Pearce would have been doing that.

"Kevin Nolan is there but that won't come as second nature to him. He won't be telling players where to be and where to stand. I think sometimes defence is the biggest issue.

"Ogbonna should be back this weekend but I'd go back to a three. Play a three and let them go out and play.

"Play Antonio and play two up front. We need goals, we need to win, draws aren't good enough anymore."



https://www.westhamzone.com/exclusives/pundit-very-concerned-by-west-ham-united-in-relegation-scrap-amid-5-1-loss-v-newcastle-united-tells-david-moyes-how-to-beat-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Manchester United accept fine for failing to control their players against Fulham in the FA Cup

Manchester United have been fined by the Football Association for failing to control their players in the FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham, at Old Trafford.

The fine relates to an incident in the 71st minute of the game which saw United awarded a penalty from a Willian handball on the goal line stopping a certain Jadon Sancho equaliser.

The aftermath saw Alexander Mitrovic also given his marching orders after he put his hands on referee Chris Kavanagh, with a melee between both sets of players ensuing soon after.

Mitrovic has subsequently been handed a whopping eight game ban for his actions.

Fulham's manager Marco Silva was also sent to the stands on the day for comments aimed at Kavanagh, after the award of the penalty following a VAR check.

United have been fined £65,000 for their players part in the fracas, which they have accepted.

The fine seems a curious one, with United players appearing to predominantly attempt to protect the referee from the ire of the Fulham players.

The penalty eventually gave United a chance to level the scores, after Fulham had controlled the majority of the 70 minutes beforehand.

Bruno Fernandes calmly slotted home the spot kick with Marcel Sabitzer's clever flick just minutes later putting United in control.

Fernandes lashed a third past Bernd Leno in stoppage time to put the gloss on United's ticket back to Wembley, setting up an FA Cup semi-final clash against Brighton in just over two weeks time.

Should United get past Brighton, a mouthwatering Manchester derby will almost certainly be waiting for them in the final, with City heavy favourites to get past Sheffield United in the other semi.



https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/04/08/manchester-united-accept-fine-for-failing-to-control-their-players-against-fulham-in-the-fa-cup-262225/

[WhiteJC]

Full West Ham squad available for Premier League clash against Fulham with confirmed absentee

West Ham United will hope to move clear of the Premier League's relegation zone when they take on Fulham on Saturday afternoon at Craven Cottage (3:00pm kick-off)

West Ham United manager David Moyes is set to have a near fully fit squad to choose from when they take on Fulham.

The Hammers are in action for the third time in the space of six days on Saturday when they head across London to face the Cottagers, who themselves are dreaming of qualification for one of Europe's club competitions at the end of the campaign.

Ahead of the game, manager Moyes did not confirm any fresh absences, with his pre-match press conference taking place prior to training on Friday.

The only confirmed absentee is Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca, who has missed the last two games with a knee injury.

Moyes confirmed that Scamacca is set for two weeks of rehabilitation on the injury. There is hope that the issue does not require surgery at this stage.

Here is a look at who could feature for the Hammers against the Whites.

Full West Ham United squad available to face Fulham
Goalkeepers: Lukasz Fabianski, Alphonse Areola, Joseph Anang.

Defenders: Vladimir Coufal, Ben Johnson, Angelo Ogbonna, Thilo Kehrer, Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma, Aaron Cresswell, Emerson.

Midfielders/wingers: Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek, Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen, Manuel Lanzini, Pablo Fornals, Said Benrahma, Maxwel Cornet.

Forwards: Danny Ings, Michail Antonio.



https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/full-west-ham-squad-fulham-26656815

[WhiteJC]

Willian: 'I'm so happy at Fulham'
Willian has told the Daily Mail that he's so grateful to Fulham for giving him another chance to play in the Premier League.

The Brazilian winger, who details his commendable charity work to reduce the poverty in the favelas in his homeland in a wide-ranging interview with the newspaper today, says he is so happy back in London that he will remain in the English capital once he retires – although he is far from thinking about hanging up his boots after making such an impact with the Whites after signing on a free transfer in August.

Willian, who cancelled his Corinthians contract after he and his family received death threats following some perceived poor performances, said:

    "I am so happy to be back here. In England, in London and in the Premier League. This feels like my home and I will live here after I have retired. Fulham brought me back and I am very happy that they did. If I'm out for dinner here or for a walk it's nice because fans from Arsenal will say they are happy I am having a good spell now and I even see ones from Tottenham who say I wish I had signed for them before I joined Chelsea. The Fulham fans are great and then there are the Chelsea ones. They just shout out "Legend!".

The 34 year-old former Brazilian international admits he had to dispel some perceptions about returning to England for one last payday when he began training with the Whites.

    "Many people thought I was coming here just to chill and only play when I wanted to. But I have proved them wrong. It's been brilliant for me and I am really enjoying it. I had some doubts. Fulham have in the past been up and down, they have struggled. I didn't want to go to a club fighting down the table. But the first contact with Marco [Silva] I was very impressed. I trusted him and what he told me.

He admits that Fulham should be looking forward to an FA Cup semi-final this month after leading for more than 70 minutes before imploding in a 'crazy' quarter final against Manchester United.

    "That was just so hard as the game was in our control and I still can't believe we lost it. We were much the better team. United are a huge club and it's hard to play there. But we were the better team and could have scored maybe three goals. But football is crazy and things can change just like this. I always say football is a sport where you can control the performance but not the result. For that United penalty I tried to intercept the ball but it went over me and I had to sprint back. Then Jadon Sancho was one-v-one so I had to sprint back to try to do something.

    The ball came to my hand. I didn't want to put my hand to the ball and I tried to say to the referee that my hand was close to my body. I knew it would be a penalty but hoped for a yellow. The red card came and that finished the game for us."

Willian also believes talismanic striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been hard done to after being banned for eight matches following his altercation with referee Chris Kavanagh.

    'I don't think the ban is right because it was an emotional situation. He didn't want to punch the referee or something like this. So maybe three games or four games, I don't know. But eight games I think is too much. He is okay but sad because he is going to miss a lot of games that are coming up. He is so important for us. These games without him will be difficult. When we are under pressure and the opponent comes to press us and we can't play short, we know Mitro is there to hold the ball. Without him it will be difficult but we have Carlos Vinicius who is a strong one as well. We have players who can still do things to help us win football matches."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/04/willian-im-so-happy-at-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

The value of an IAG

What does an Independent Advisory Group do, and how does it benefit match-going fans? FST Board Member and IAG representative Sue Couch explains what the IAG does and how it can positively impact attending matches.

The police central football unit Independent Advisory Group (IAG) was set up in November 2018 to allow supporter representatives from every football club in the 32 London Boroughs to offer their perspectives on the policing of football, with the intention of helping the police to provide a better service in their communities.

The group acts as a 'critical friend' to the police, hearing and commenting on development and review of police policy, procedure and practices as they relate to football and football supporters. We can make suggestions for change but can't force them to be accepted. In practice, the process works both ways, as the police consistently and patiently explain the law as it relates to football and the complex logistics of keeping supporters safe on a city-wide and local level.
How it works

Fulham supporters are represented by myself and Ian Clarke as Trust board members.  Other regular attendees are from AFC Wimbledon, Arsenal, Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Leyton Orient, Millwall and West Ham, and the IAG is open to representatives from any League Club in London – minutes are disseminated to them all. We're able to question, challenge and discuss absolutely any aspect of the policing of football with representatives from the MPS Football Unit, including a Chief Inspector, an Inspector, two Sergeants, and often a few Designated Football Officers (DFOs), including our own PC Tony Delamo. The Football Unit is based in Lambeth, and theirs is a full-time role, though sometimes the officers are called upon to do other police work, as they were during the pandemic and Operation London Bridge.

Covid and its attendant restrictions put meetings on hold for a long time, but they have resumed with enthusiasm from all participants. The Met told us at the very start that the IAG was much more than a 'box-ticking exercise', and the consistent attendance of their key officers indicates that they do value this involvement with supporters. No question or topic is taboo, although occasionally some elements are covered by the Official Secrets Act, and we've found the police to be open and frank about their work in football. In turn, supporter representatives take the opportunity to question and challenge often misunderstood aspects of law and the roles of the police on matchdays. We volunteers set the meeting agenda, which can include any topic and is sometimes sparked by events that have raised questions about the role of the police in situations both inside and outside the ground.

For example, the throwing of flares or smoke bombs at a ground can create discussion about the law and police response when this occurs. And in recent months there was a change to the law around bringing Class A drugs into a football ground, which means more stringent and proactive policing to prevent this happening. We hope to soon be able to share an explanatory form of words from the police about the change in law and the new measures, but the essential message is 'Don't do it – it's not worth it'. The lifelong effects of a criminal conviction on a young person can be ruinous. Even a football banning order is devastating and these are now almost certainly automatically applied along with a conviction of this nature. Police have no choice but to uphold the law, and there is now no longer any possibility to use amnesty bins or get leniency from stewards for anyone found to be in possession of Class A illegal substances inside or on their way to a game.

Other topics have included the safety concerns of minority groups, dealing with pitch incursions, the policing of international games home and away, the differing roles of police and stewards, and many more. 
The latest IAG meeting

Our last meeting was held on 29th March in the Press Room at Craven Cottage, and I definitely did not sit in Marco Silva's chair and pretend I was answering questions from a roomful of reporters.

That meeting was essentially an extended, informal Q&A session about the many aspects of policing a Premier League match, including the planning, assessment of security risks, interactions with the host and travelling Clubs, British Transport Police, Safety Advisory Groups, and Club officials. We visited the Control Room overlooking the pitch at the Putney End, and were shown by Fulham's deputy Safety Officer, Steve White, how technology and sophisticated cameras help identify individuals and deal with all kinds of issues as they arise.

Crucially, everything within the footprint of the ground is regarded as private property and is therefore the responsibility of the Club itself, so any response to incidents is managed by our own Head of Security and their team of stewards. The police become involved if the law is broken, and it is their decision whether to take action straight away or wait until the individuals concerned are leaving the ground. We heard that communications and the relationship between the Met and Fulham's security team are very good.

Importantly, if any supporter feels a need to report an incident, it needs to be done there and then, with clear details of what is wrong, and where in the ground it's happening. Waiting till next day to report racist abuse, or other antisocial or illegal or dangerous events makes them difficult or impossible to deal with. Where possible, it's recommended that youreport via text using the Ful Stop text number, where it should be picked up and acted upon immediately. Do let the Trust know if you ever have any problems using this, and we will relay them to the Club.

The Trust thanked the Club for allowing this meeting to take place at Fulham and for giving us access to the Control Room.
Final thoughts

Speaking personally, it is a privilege to be a part of the IAG and I find it so rewarding to share views with not only the police but with counterparts from other Club Trusts and Supporters' Groups and be reminded there's more in football that unites than divides us. I'm really pleased to be able to say there are usually as many females as males in the room, including the IAG Chair, Sue Watson from West Ham Utd Supporters' Trust and Secretary Margaret Wittich from Chelsea Supporters' Club.

The FST will continue to attend the regular meetings of the IAG so do share any comments, thoughts or suggestions that you have on football related policing matters by emailing [email protected] or contact us. Please include IAG in the subject heading. We are there to give a voice to you and your concerns as well as to learn and share information.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2023/04/the-value-of-an-iag/

[WhiteJC]

If it is any consolation after Wednesday's debacle West Ham still have a game in hand over all their relegation rivals as they travel to Craven Cottage

But games in hand mean nothing unless you pick up points from them

I find it difficult to add to Geoff's excellent article this week. If you haven't read it yet, then I recommend you do so now. Of the nine teams still involved in the fight against dropping into the Championship, only West Ham and Forest have failed to change their manager this season. Will one or both go down? Who knows? It is still too close to call. I keep reading that our manager has one more game to save his job, but if he wasn't going to go after a 5-1 home drubbing then I guess he's here for the season now come what may. And I find that truly astonishing.

There are three specific changes I would definitely like to see for our trip to Craven Cottage. Firstly, I believe that a change of goalkeeper is long overdue and Areola must surely replace Fabianski now. Our number 1 has been good, but time is catching up on him.

Kehrer must be replaced by Coufal. I thought Kehrer was badly at fault for the first two goals (although not the only one!). As a defender he lacks awareness of what is going on around him and I believe Coufal, while not perfect, is a better bet in that position.

As for Soucek, I just cannot understand how he can possibly be picked for game after game. To me his season has been full of giving the ball to the opposition or committing fouls and giving an innocent look at the referee as if he cannot understand why a decision has gone against him.

Of course defensively there are others who had poor games against Newcastle. Perhaps Aguerd could be replaced by Ogbonna, but I'd personally be happy to retain him, or perhaps as Geoff has suggested we might even go with a 3-5-2 formation, and keep Zouma, Ogbonna and Aguerd? Fornals and Downes come into the picture, or perhaps play Antonio and Ings together up top and move Bowen a little deeper in a 4-4-2? I don't think Ings as a lone striker works – he's not that type of player.

My team would be (4-3-3): Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Rice, Paqueta, Downes; Bowen, Antonio, Benrahma.

But I very much doubt that will be the starting eleven.

So who will go down? It's still a tough question to answer. There's still only three points separating Palace in twelfth with Bournemouth in the third relegation spot. We are 15th but only out of the bottom three on the basis of (a worsening) goal difference. All the teams involved at the bottom still have nine games to play, although we have ten.

Bookmakers' relegation odds are not changing too much and we are still eighth favourites to go down. If you look at the form table for the very last game then we are bottom on goal difference! But if you look at the last five games then it is a different story. The three teams who are odds on to go down are Southampton, Bournemouth and Forest. Everton, Leicester, Leeds and Wolves come next (in that order) and then we are equal eighth favourites with Palace.

The league table at present from the bottom up:

Southampton 23 (9 to play), Leicester 25 (9), Bournemouth 27 (9), Forest 27 (9), Everton 27 (9), West Ham 27 (10), Wolves 28 (9), Leeds 29 (9), Palace 30 (9).

The form table (once again from the bottom up) for the last five games played shows ourselves and Leeds as the in-form teams:

Leicester 1, Forest 2, Palace 3, Wolves 4, Southampton 5, Bournemouth 6, Everton 6. West Ham 7, Leeds 7,

None of the bottom seven teams is averaging a point a game for the season to date, although five of the bottom nine teams are averaging a point a game for the last five games played (including two of the bottom three in the league table Southampton and Bournemouth).

I have updated the table that sets out our remaining 10 league games with the figures in brackets the points that we picked up in the reverse fixtures already played earlier in the season. If we were to replicate those then we would collect another 7 points to take us up to 34. Might that be enough? It might be or it might not. We now have only four home games left (where we have collected the bulk of our points this season) and Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are three of them – not the simplest games on paper. If we are to survive then collecting more points on the road is likely to be vital.

8/4 Away v Fulham (3)

16/4 Home v Arsenal (0)

23/4 Away v Bournemouth (3)

26/4 Home v Liverpool (0)

29/4 Away v Palace (0)

3/5 Away v Man City (0)

7/5 Home v Man Utd (0)

13/5 Away v Brentford (0)

20/5 Home v Leeds (1)

28/5 Away v Leicester (0)

Fulham have had an excellent season and sit in the top half of the table, but their form in the last five games shows only four points attained (three less than ourselves) and they have lost their last three. We must go into this game thinking we can win. But will we be set up by the manager not to lose? The 'six pointers' still to come at Bournemouth, Palace and Leicester and at home to Leeds will be crucial to our hopes of survival, but we must look to pick up some points in games where we are possibly not expected to. I think we will win today and I'm confident we will stay up. What are the chances?



https://westhamway.net/2023/04/08/if-it-is-any-consolation-after-wednesdays-debacle-west-ham-still-have-a-game-in-hand-over-all-their-relegation-rivals-as-they-travel-to-craven-cottage/

[WhiteJC]

Up next: West Ham United (h)
After four consecutive defeats, any dreams of European competition for Fulham feel a long, way away. The consequences of a crazy minute at Manchester United continue to be felt with Aleksandar Mitrovic having started an eight-match suspension – which the Football Association still feel to be two lenient – and Marco Silva set to sit in the stands for two games. That collapse at Old Trafford still rankles as does how Fulham folded in a feeble second half at Bournemouth last weekend. The poise and purpose of the early weeks of the season, which was present in an impressive opening 45 minutes on the south coast, suddenly evaporated once the Cherries began to play some football of their own. A seething Silva insisted afterwards that things would need to improve quickly – and we'll see if they do this afternoon.

West Ham United head to Craven Cottage also in need of an improvement after shipping five goals to Newcastle in an abject showing that left David Moyes in the last chance saloon. There has been a stark contrast between the Hammers' excellent Europa Conference League form – they have won all ten of their continental fixtures en route to a quarter final with Gent next week – and how things have rather fallen apart domestically. United are only above the relegation zone on goal difference but the lower half of the table is so congested that a win in SW6 today could vault the visitors up to twelfth.

Silva was at pains to point out the quality that lies within the West Ham squad during his pre-match press conference yesterday. Moyes will be looking to arrest the joint worst away record in the top flight, having managed just a single Premier League win on their travels so far this term, and will be at least be cheered that Gianluca Scamacca is now his only injury absentee. It is probably a good omen that the Scot remains unbeaten in thirteen top flight matches against Fulham, since Everton were beaten 2-1 at Craven Cottage in September 2009 – and he can look back on a controversial victory at the London Stadium in the reverse fixture, even if Chris Kavanagh infuriated Fulham that day as well.

West Ham are on a strong recent run against the Whites – unbeaten in five fixtures, having won the last four – and have plenty of potential matchwinners in their line-up. Luksaz Fabianski had a horrendous evening in goal in midweek, but will still likely keep Alphonse Areola, who starred during his loan spell at Craven Cottage during Fulham's last relegation from the Premier League, on the bench here. Moyes will be desperate for a defensive improvement after that humbling at the hands of the Magpies, but Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice remain one of the strongest holding midfield partnerships in the division – even if the pair haven't hit the heights of last season. Jarrod Bowen was unlucky not to make the last England squad, whilst Fulham fans don't need reminding of the pedigree of Said Benrahma or Michail Antonio.

Silva has his own defensive calamities to confront after a Fulham rearguard that has been miserly for much of the season has been opened up far too regularly in the last few fixtures. The Whites have let in at least two goals a game in their last four matches, having been cut open alarmingly in the first half by a rampant Arsenal and letting that lead slip at Dean Court last Saturday without too much of a fight. Issa Diop will be motivated to show his former employers what they let go this afternoon, but there is a case for shaking up at least one point of the back four – especially after Antonee Robinson's lethargic attempt to stop Dominic Solanke scoring the winner last weekend.

The Whites will at least be able to welcome Willian, who served his one-match ban for his fateful handball at Old Trafford last weekend, into a side that has become a little predictable at the moment. Andreas Pereira scored a sublime goal against the Cherries but Fulham failed to make their fine football pay whilst they were on top, which has been a familiar theme in the recent reverses. The Cottagers will of course miss the mighty Mitrovic up front, but Silva was adamant his side have to work out how to survive without the services of the Serbian. Last week's serving of Carlos Vinicius wasn't promising – but as I wrote in the preview for that game, this correspondent still believes the Brazilian has been written off far too quickly. It would help if he could deliver a top class performance in this London derby by finding the goalscoring form that he appears to have exclusively reserved for local skirmishes.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, A. Robinson, Diop, Ream; Palhinha, Reed; Willian, Solomon, Pereira; Vinicius. Subs: Rodak, Duffy, Adarabioyo, Cedric Soares, Cairney, Lukic, Decordova-Reid, Wilson, James.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/04/up-next-west-ham-united-h-3/

[WhiteJC]

West Ham today head to Craven Cottage in desperate need to bounce back from the humiliating loss mid week to Newcastle with David Moyes' future in doubt.

Our Hammers were thrashed 5-1 at London Stadium to throw questions once again over whether Moyes should remain as manager following a very poor season domestically.

It has been reported by ExWHUEmployee that support of Moyes from the club's hierarchy has 'dwindled significantly' and that defeat against Fulham today could 'spell the end' of the Scots reign in east London.

There will be no excuses from the Hammers boss in terms of player availability, with a fully fit squad aside from Gianluca Scamacca available – as West Ham seek to recover from the loss midweek and get our Premier League survival back on track.

The hosts will be without influential striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, however Willian has returned from his suspension while Harrison Reed should be available after recovering from injury.

Todays match kicks off at 3pm and is available to listen to on BBC Radio London 94.9FM.



https://www.thewesthamway.com/2023/04/08/could-spell-end-fulham-vs-west-ham-team-news-preview/

[WhiteJC]

David Moyes will be crazy not to give 27-year-old West Ham ace his first Premier League start since January vs Fulham

Pablo Fornals surely has to start for West Ham against Fulham this afternoon.

West Ham head to west London to take on Fulham in the Premier League today and I think that Pablo Fornals could make the difference for us.

Hammers boss David Moyes is in desperate need of all three points. The Scot allegedly could be sacked if we lose to Fulham today.

Fulham will represent a really stern test, although the fact that Aleksandar Mitrovic will miss the game through suspension will be a huge boost for us.

West Ham have to take the game to the hosts today if we are to win the match. And the best way to do just that will be to start Pablo Fornals in my opinion...

Pablo Fornals must start for West Ham against Fulham
The 27-year-old Spaniard has not started a Premier League game since our 1-0 defeat to Wolves at Molineux way back on January 14th.

The way that Fornals has been ostracised by Moyes seems really strange, especially when we have been lacking that extra bit of quality, creativity and composure in possession in the middle of the park.

The Spaniard has only been handed three starts by Moyes in the Hammers' last 19 Premier League games.

And in five of those 19 games, Moyes didn't even bring him on off the bench. Fornals has been given just 351 minutes of action in the Premier League since we beat Fulham on October 9th (Transfermarkt).

Fornals has played just under 25 minutes per game on average during those 14 matches where he has featured.

What must really infuriate Fornals is that when he does play, he is constantly played out of position by Moyes.

Why on earth Moyes views him as a left winger really is anyone's guess – Fornals has absolutely zero pace.

The Scot needs to play the Spaniard centrally for West Ham against Fulham today, alongside Lucas Paqueta and Declan Rice.

If he does that, I have every faith that we can get a result at Craven Cottage. However, if Tomas Soucek starts the game, my feelings will be the complete opposite.



https://www.hammers.news/news/david-moyes-will-be-crazy-not-to-give-27-year-old-west-ham-ace-his-first-premier-league-start-since-january-vs-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Next West Ham manager: Irons know Benitez stance on replacing Moyes

West Ham United know that Rafa Benitez is ready to take over as their next manager right away should they sack David Moyes. The Irons will ponder his future if they lose at Fulham.

That is according to The Guardian, which reports that Moyes faces a must not lose London derby this Saturday. West Ham will give serious consideration to a change in head coach if they fail to take at least a point at Craven Cottage. Yet Moyes could still stay on with a loss.

West Ham sense there is a lack of suitable replacements available to take over if they sack Moyes. But the Scot faces increasing pressure to retain his job after Wednesday night's 5-1 defeat to Newcastle United. The result has now set off alarm bells at the London Stadium.

Sullivan's faith in Moyes remaining the manager of West Ham has started to fade
David Sullivan has been Moyes' biggest backer amongst the hierarchy at West Ham in him remaining their manager. But their defeat to Newcastle has seen the Hammers co-owners' total support fade. Now, Moyes must avoid West Ham losing at Fulham or the axe may fall.

The manner of West Ham's defending against Newcastle raised concerns among the club's leaders that their players are no longer responding to Moyes or believing in his tactics. But the Hammers are reluctant to part with their coach due to a lack of suitable replacements.

The Hammers know Benitez is ready to come in and replace Moyes right away
West Ham know that Benitez is willing to come in as their next manager right away should the Irons sack Moyes. But the London Stadium hierarchy do not want to give the Spaniard a long-term contract. The 62-year-old would likely seek assurances over his long-term role.

Benitez signed a three-year contract to become the manager of Everton in June 2021. Yet he only saw out six-and-a-half months of his terms before the Goodison Park natives fired the coach. He has remained out of work since leaving the Merseyside club in January 2022.

Everton fired Benitez – who Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp called 'one of the best managers in the world' in March 2018 – having lost 11 of their 22 games under him. The Toffees also only won seven games across all competitions. They also conceded 47 to 38 goals scored.

Now, Benitez is ready to return to work as the next manager of West Ham if the Irons sack Moyes. But the Hammers are reluctant to give the Madrid native, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2004/05, the long-term contract he is likely to want to take over.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/04/08/next-west-ham-manager-irons-know-benitez-stance-on-replacing-moyes/