Friday Fulham Stuff - 21/04/23...

[WhiteJC]

Whites welcome Watret
Talented Ayr United teenager Dylan Watret will be training with Fulham at Motspur Park next week, according to reports from Scotland.

The sixteen year-old full back, who enjoyed a spell at Barnsley last week, is being tracked by a number of leading English sides having made a couple of substitutes' appearances for Lee Bullen's side. The schoolboy, who is considered one of the Scottish game's most promising prodigies, signed his first professional deal at Somerset Park in February and Ayr's managing director, Graham Mathie, told the Ayrshire Post:

Ayr's managing director, Graham Mathie, told the Ayrshire Post:

    "It's further confirmation of the fantastic work being done by everyone within our Academy setup here at Ayr United. The key thing for any young player is development and a pathway within the game.

    This is a great experience for Dylan to go and learn and continue his already impressive development which has seen him involved with our first team this season. In terms of the bigger picture – for our young players to consistently enter the conversation at some of the country's biggest names is never a bad thing and says a lot for the fabric of our club moving forward."

The right back, born in Bellfield, made his senior debut as a substitute in Ayr's 2-0 win over Raith Rovers in December and enjoyed a slightly longer cameo off the bench as the Honest Men won 3-0 at Cove Rangers in the third round of the Scottish Cup at the end of January.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/04/whites-welcome-watret/

[WhiteJC]

Leeds United: Patrick Bamford has 50% chance of return as injury news drops v Fulham

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford is said to have a 50% chance of featuring against Fulham at the weekend, according to Ben Dinnery

The injury expert believe that his "evolution" is close to a stage where he could be back in contention from the calf problem that he picked up against Crystal Palace.

Rodrigo came into the side in the heavy defeat to Liverpool, with another option, Georginio Rutter still yet to collect his first Premier League start.

The striker is one of several key figures out for the Whites at a time when the pressure is mounting on head coach Javi Gracia and the players, with Dinnery sharing the update on his website.

"After the last game, some players had some issues," stated the report quoting the Leeds boss.

"One of them was Patrick, he had problems in his calf, and we'll see his evolution if he will be ready for the next match."



Potential impact
With just three Premier League goals to his name this season, the 29-year-old has not been on the winning side in the trio of games that he has been on the score sheet.

However, he showed his potential impact in the recent fixture against Palace when he executed a deft, glancing header to open the scoring. It proved to be meaningless due to the horror second half that followed, with Roy Hodgson's side taking full advantage of defensive frailties.

That pattern continued against Liverpool, as relegation fears increased but if attack is to be the only meaningful form of Leeds defence over the remaining games then Bamford will be required.

He is capable of high quality, but that commodity has mostly eluded the striker this season due to a combination of poor team form, inconsistent individual displays and injury.

It is the latter that matters most, ahead of a huge contest in west London on Saturday. The supporters need something to hold on to and Gracia must find a way for his team to deliver a result.



https://motleedsnews.com/news/leeds-united-patrick-bamford-has-50-chance-of-return-as-injury-news-drops-v-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Notes from April meeting with FFC

On Wednesday 12 April 2023 at 13.30, the Fulham Supporters' Trust (FST) met with Fulham FC via video conference.

The Club was represented by:

    Darren Preston (Chief Operating Officer, DP)
    Carmelo Mifsud (Communications Director, CM)
    Eleanor Rowland (Head of Safeguarding, ER)
    Katy Brecht (Head of Ticketing, KB)
    Nicola Walworth (Supporter Liaison Manager & Disability Liaison Officer, NW)
    Aimee McKenzie (Operations & Venue Director, AMK)
    Chris Baker (Head of Safety, CB)
    Sam Curteis (Supporter Relations & Communications Executive, SC)

Apologies were received from

    Alistair Mackintosh (Chief Executive Officer)
    David Daly (Non Executive Director)

The FST was represented by:

    Simon Duke (Chair, SD)
    Ian Clarke (Vice Chair, IC)
    Hayley Davinson (Board Member, HD)
    Farrell Monk (Board Member, FM)

HOW IT WORKS

At our regular monthly meetings, Trust board members ask questions relating to as many topics as possible in the time available, based on responses from members to the advance notification of the meeting and our own observations from interacting with the wider supporter base.

Often members ask similar questions, and, in these cases, we use our judgement to summarise, provide the Club with feedback and gain as much useful information as possible in the time available. We also prioritise new and time-critical topics, whilst also seeking updates on longer running issues.

You can access notes of all previous meetings on our web site, including the most recent information on key topics not covered at this meeting.

If any member has raised a new issue that it was not possible to discuss in the time available, then please do contact us again in good time before the next meeting or alternatively we can seek to raise it between meetings if that is more appropriate.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

Considering the announcement of season ticket prices on the day prior to the meeting it was agreed to amend the original agenda and prioritise this topic.

The following topics were therefore discussed:

    Season tickets
    Riverside Stand and other season ticket issues
    Women in football
    Regulation of football
    Manchester United fixture
    AOB
    Other items covered outside the meeting

SEASON TICKETS

SD opened the meeting by expressing disappointment that not all senior management were present for the meeting where the recent announcement of season ticket pricing was always going to be the main focus. CM, on behalf of the Club, explained that that whilst some were not available it was felt that it was important that the meeting still took place and not be postponed.

SD continued with the following statement based on the Trust's own review of the pricing proposals and feedback already received from members.

    The Trust was extremely disappointed at the level of increase proposed and the level of dissatisfaction reflects in members emails we have received.
     
    The Trust was grateful that the information was shared with us before release but there was no opportunity for discussion and the messages/guidance we have been giving for some months on pricing expectations has been ignored.
     
    Whilst the Trust does not use social media as a direct correspondence mechanism with members/supporters, it is quite clear the level of disappointment is wide and across all age groups. 
     
    The disappointment extends to a number of season ticket holders who have had tickets for 40+ years and who are now questioning whether the Club value their commitment.
     
    In recent years the Trust has been supportive and defensive of the Club's policy on season ticket pricing, but this year's increases are not ones we can support or defend.
     
    The Riverside Stand pricing is much higher than expected with a top "general" ticket price of £3,000 making it one of the most expensive tickets in the Premier League.
     
    Increases of a minimum of 18% elsewhere, in the current environment with inflation running at around 10%, are not supportable.
     
    A number of members have commented that the Club appear to be disregarding the long-standing dedicated supporters in favour of pricing to attract more one off and tourist type attendees. This is not sustainable over time, particularly should the Club run in to more difficult times on the playing field or, dare we say it, get relegated.
     
    Whilst not directly related to this year's pricing, some members are already drawing conclusions as to what next year's renewal prices may look like based on the "new" price for this season.
     
    The Trust acknowledges the significant financial investment provided to our Club by the owners as evidenced through the recent publication of financial information. We also fully understand the need to make the Club financially sustainable.
     
    Despite these considerations we feel the price rises now proposed are excessive, above inflation and will price out a lot of members/supporters from renewing. If this is what the Club want, then can they please say so as it goes against the family/custodial ethos regularly expressed.
     
    Again, not directly related to ST pricing but if a similar structure is seen for general match days sales for members and others then it can be expected there will be a similar response.

Considering the above, the Trust proposed:

    Taking account of the depth of feeling across the supporter base we would like the Club to urgently review the proposed pricing with a view to bringing it down to more reasonable levels. If this is not possible then some guidance as to the thought process for such significant increases would be appreciated.

The Trust also highlighted further actions:

    In the spirit of openness and transparency it is the Trust's intention to write an open letter to the owners expressing our disappointment and asking them to reconsider.
     
    The Trust would be happy to meet with relevant people from the Club if this would be felt useful.

Club Response

CM responded that they would pass on feedback. The club have already been in direct communication with supporters around the new Riverside Stand pricing however and he reminded this season the Riverside Stand £1,000 season ticket was a one season only offering with no undertaking to offer renewal.

Regarding the pricing in the rest of Craven Cottage, CM stated that the price comes from a low base in comparison to other clubs like Brighton or Crystal Palace for 'behind the goal' tickets and Fulham is now on par with those clubs, as reference in the article written by the FST. The club believes that a season ticket still represents value for 19 home games on a per game basis. Last season, uptake on season tickets was over 15,000, recognising that it is due to the Premier League and the excitement that comes with it. CM was not a position to speak about exact strategy but highlighted that because of the club's instability in the league in the past few seasons and COVID, there had been limited opportunity to bring prices in line with other similar clubs.

Trust feedback from last year has been taken on board with all prices released at the same time.

The Trust reiterated the position that members would have understood a price rise, but this kind of increase was unreasonable. Any additional revenue generated is relatively insignificant when Premier League TV revenue is taken in to account.

IC said that the mood amongst the fanbase is low which has been backed up by the messages received from members in the past 24 hours, some of which point towards long-standing Fulham fans losing all feeling of being valued as a supporter and now they just feel like a customer to be transacted with. IC stated that there seemed to be a disregard that people are struggling and wished the club recognised that.

SD said that it would have helped if the Club had provided some explanation for the level of increase. The current position of the Club increasing season ticket as well as match ticket prices at above inflation levels will continue to disenfranchise a lot of supporters.

CM and KB pointed towards the benefit and the success of the Ticket Exchange system for season tickets which has been in operation in 6 of the 15 home games this season. In all but one of these, 99% the tickets listed on the exchange were bought. However, in the last home game against West Ham there were considerable tickets that went unsold.

HD highlighted that with a larger capacity coupled with high prices and that it is only open when the stadium is close to selling out, that it could go largely unused next season.

RIVERSIDE STAND AND OTHER SEASON TICKET ISSUES

The Trust asked about the arrangements for the Riverside Stand specifically, where there will be most upheaval and to clarify the timelines of the season ticket sales.

The timeline was clarified as followed:

18 April : Riverside Stand only
On sale by priority group (notified to supporters via email) and ticket type in following order

    Group 1 : Former Riversiders who have continued to hold ST anywhere (Platinum & Gold)
    Group 2 : Riverside Lower STH (Platinum & Gold)
    Group 3 : Former Riversiders who have continued to hold ST anywhere (Silver & Bronze)
    Group 4 : Riverside Lower STH (Silver & Bronze)
    Group 5 : All other 22/23 STH (All price categories)
    Group 6 : Waiting list (All price categories)

9 – 22 May : Hammersmith, Putney and Johnny Haynes
On sale to 22/23 STH for own seat
Non STH seats available to 22/23 Riverside STHs not renewing in Riverside

23 May : Move window 1
On sale only to 22/23 Riverside STHs not renewing in Riverside
Non-renewed Hammersmith, Putney and Johnny Haynes seats now available

24 May : Move window 2
On sale to all STH

25 May : Waiting list
31 May : General sale

In answer to questions from IC around the rationale for the timeline, the categorisation of seats into bronze, silver, gold and platinum and why certain seats in the Riverside Stand were available first, the club stated that this was a business decision.

Other clarifications by the club regarding the Riverside Stand Season Tickets:

    General admission
    All Riverside Stand season tickets going on sale are general admission only, including the £3,000 seats.
     
    Concourse access
    All general admission season tickets in Riverside Stand will only have access to the lower concourse which is the same as this season.
     
    Available seats
    The visual of the gold/silver/bronze for the Riverside Stand on the website is only an illustration. Actual seats may vary, and supporters will have a tailored offering showing them available seats and categories when they go to renew.
     
    Displaced Riversiders
    There are currently approximately 1,800 'displaced' former Riverside Stand season ticket holders who have continuously held a season ticket since the old stand was demolished. These fans were split this season approximately 50:50 between the Riverside Lower and other parts of the ground (mainly the Putney End)
     
    Options for Riverside STHs wishing to renew elsewhere
    If current Riverside Stand season ticket holders do not want to renew in the Riverside Stand, they will still have access to renewal pricing for non-season ticket seats in other areas of the ground from 9 May. There will then be a further one day move window for these supporters on 23 May with access to seats where season ticket holders have not renewed.
     
    Unavailable blocks
    The two unavailable blocks immediately behind the dugouts and the end blocks in the upper tier have been reserved by the Club for internal use. The unavailable seats at the rear of the upper tier are due to capacity restrictions as this season.

When pressed on the above matters the club reiterated that these were all business decisions.

IC stressed that the Trust has received a lot of feedback from Riverside Stand season ticket holders concerned about the strain placed on facilities in the lower concourse by supporters coming down from the upper tier and that it will come as a surprise to many that this configuration will continue.

Other clarifications by the club regarding other Season Tickets:

    Away allocation
    Due to the slight increase in capacity, as per league rules, there will be an increase to the away allocation which has to be 10% of the entire capacity of the stadium. Therefore, there are approximately 130 season ticket holders in block P4 that will need to move. The club are contacting those people directly.
     
    Moving in groups
    If groups of season holders want to move together, they will have to wait until they are all on the same priority window to move together.
     
    Season ticket benefits
    The stated benefits offered to Riverside season ticket holder next year, which include "Priority access to buy tickets for away league matches, as well as home and away cup ties" are the same as for all season ticket holders. Riverside season ticket holders will not have greater priority for these tickets than other season ticket holders.

The club did not disclose how many season tickets it plans to sell, the split of how many match tickets would available and if they benchmark this against other clubs.

WOMEN IN FOOTBALL

HD then provided an update on the 'Supporting Fulham Females' activities, for which the last presentation was 12 months ago. The presentation covered key areas as follows:

    Safety & behaviour
    The visibility of the Ful-Stop text messaging service for reporting anti-social behaviour has been seen a success. However, the feedback from ER stated that the service is being misused for trivial or unrelated matters. IC highlighted that mobile phone signal is not deemed good enough to provide consistent service.
     
    Stewarding
    ER and CB stated that the Premier League are rolling out a standardised stewarding training programme for all clubs. All matchday stewards will need to complete an online training module before they can steward Premier League games. CB stressed that this is an important step forward as previous training programmes were not tailored to football or football stadiums in particular. The modules are in the final stages before implementation.
     
    Encouraging more females
    Social media behaviour
    Following FFC Women

ER has established a working group of women at the football club which focusses on three key areas to improve the women belonging in the game, increasing attendance of women at football games and equality of opportunity at Fulham Football Club.

ER is also working on a women in football celebration day to be held at Craven Cottage. The celebration day will highlight the achievements of women working at Fulham or Fulham fans who are women.

The Club have agreed to continue to work with the Trust & Lillies, and plan to increase growth in these areas over the following 12 months.

REGULATION OF FOOTBALL

In response to the news of the introduction of an independent regulator for English Football, DP said that the club broadly welcomes the proposals and they accept that there needs to be more governance. DP was keen to outline that there were some important areas where the club views are:

    That there are no unintended negative consequences for local communities or the positive work that clubs do in their local communities.
     
    That it will be a light touch approach and that the club are against salary caps and financial fair play proposals. The club has a long-term belief that this only benefits larger clubs.
     
    Some regulation functions could be delegated to the Premier League.
     
    Ensure that the regulator is fully independent, with those tasked with handing out judgements being fully independent but with the understanding and knowledge of football.
     
    The independent regulator is fully funded. 

IC noted that the recommendations included the introduction of fan advisory boards, the subject of which is already under discussion with the Trust.

MANCHESTER UNITED FIXTURE

SD said members had been in touch to express their views on the incident and punishment of Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrović, with responses ranging from disappointment in their behaviour to fully supportive of Marco & Mitro and its time to move on. SD mentioned that the Trust Board's view is recognising that it is now in the past and has been dealt with, we need to move on The Trust Board also confirmed Marco & Mitro have their full support.  CM confirmed that this message had been passed on to them, which was well received. The Club highlighted that although the FA have stated it is their intention to appeal the bans handed to the pair, that they would have to prove that the punishment was manifestly incorrect.

AOB

    Infant priced same as juniors
    HD questioned why the club's policy currently is to require that all infants have a seat which is charged at the same price as a junior, (0 – 17 years). CB said that the seat requirement was in line with their safety certificate because every person in the ground must have a seat; this is to guarantee they always fall within their maximum attendance. This is therefore an issue of price rather than capacity, which differs from other clubs. HD is working with the FSA to work on the big disparity between clubs and producing guidance for parents and young children to attend football games. CB is aware that this is something that the Premier League is also looking into.

    As a starting point a member of the Trust/Lillies has been invited to join the end of season Safeguarding review meeting to discuss improvements that can be made for next season.
     
    Congestion at Hammersmith End concourse
    IC noted the extra cameras at the West Ham game that were used as part of the Movement Strategy work to find solutions to help alleviate the congestion issues at this end of the ground. DP said the results of this survey will be shared with the trust when they are available.

OTHER ITEMS COVERED OUTSIDE THE MEETING

    Overcrowding in Riverside Stand Concourse
    In response to this issue (some of which was highlighted to the club in response to season ticket pricing and arrangements for next season) the Club responded that the lower concourse size and all amenities are fully in compliance with the Green Guide and Football Stadia Advisory Design Council for the number of people in the stand. Obviously, as final facilities open in their ultimate position crowd flows will improve in line with their intended design. The club have heard of fans queuing for just one set of toilets in the male basement block when there are more toilets around the corner, this is something the club are investigating.
     
    Bishops Park turnstiles
    When asked when these will be operational, the club said they'll open as they are able to put more people in the fit-out spaces in the building.  The club are working on this with the fit-out contractor and hope to provide more information soon.
     
    Streaming of U21s matches on FFCTV
    In response to what can be streamed, there are budget constraints meaning that only 60% of the home games are covered and no away games are streamed (unless there is a special arrangement with opposition club). The club are not permitted to stream any Premier League international cup games or PL2 games that clash with broadcast first team Premier League matches. 
     
    Pre-match build up of first team games on FFCTV
    The output of FFCTV will be under review in the close season but the audio only offering currently already has some build up.
     
    Fan input into new kit designs
    As David Daly was not present this will be added to next months meeting.
     
    Re-entry to Riverside Stand
    One member advised that on Saturday Riverside season ticket holders were being refused re-entry to the stand after the game even though they had just crossed the line to talk to relatives. Some had just brought drinks or having drinks brought for them but still not allowed back. The club have said that there is no re-entry into any stand or building. Once you have left the building, people could pass their tickets on to others.
     
    BBC Site
    Certain preliminary works have been started to comply with the terms of the planning permission.

The meeting closed at 15:00



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2023/04/notes-from-april-meeting-with-ffc-5/

[WhiteJC]

Villa (A) & Leicester (H) On General Sale

Secure your seat today as tickets for two of Fulham's upcoming Premier League fixtures are now on General Sale.

First up, Fulham travel to Villa Park to face Unai Emery's side on Tuesday 25th April, kick-off 7.45pm. Fulham will be keen to replicate their win over Villa at Craven Cottage back in October, where the Whites triumphed 3-0 over their visitors.

Further information for Aston Villa (A) can be found here.

Then in Fulham's penultimate fixture at Craven Cottage of the 22/23 season, Leicester City travel to SW6 on Monday 8th May, kick-off 3pm. The Whites are also looking to do the double over the Foxes, following their win at King Power stadium back in January.

Further information for Leicester City (H) can be found here.

BUY TICKETS
HOW TO BUY

Fans can now secure their seats online at tickets.fulhamfc.com or by calling the Fulham FC Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810.

Please note, supporters will need to ensure they are logged in to their OneFulham Account and have linked their ticketing account in order to purchase online. For more information on the OneFulham Account, please click here.


https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/april/20/villa-and-leicester-on-general-sale/

[WhiteJC]

Paul Merson predicts result of Leeds United Premier League clash v Fulham

Paul Merson has backed Fulham to beat Leeds United 2-1 on Saturday afternoon and inflict a third straight defeat on Javi Gracia's side.

The Whites will be looking to stem the flow at Craven Cottage after conceding eleven goals in their last two Premier League fixtures.

Fulham head into the clash off the back of an impressive win over Everton and Merson has backed Marco Silva's men to make it back-to-back victories.

"What has happened to Leeds this past week? Their goal difference was outstanding, but they've now lost their last two games by an aggregate margin of 11-2. They've basically conceded a point – it's crazy," said Merson (Sportkeeda predictions, 20 April).

"Leeds are always going to score because of the way they play, but these are worrying times for them. The slump has come at the wrong time. When you concede those many goals, they're not just defeats – it could come down to goal difference.

"Fulham were outstanding last week. I thought Everton would be a hard game, but they beat them comfortably. Fulham are the better team and I'm backing them to win this game. Fulham 2-1 Leeds United."

Turn the tide
This is where Gracia needs to earn his money. The losses to Liverpool and Crystal Palace have turned the season on its head. Before that, it felt as if progress was being made, however, that has been swiftly forgotten. The Palace game could potentially be looked back on as a turning point.

It was either going to rejuvenate the players or result in a complete capitulation – and after the Liverpool result, the latter seems the more likely outcome.

Leeds have already lost to Fulham twice during the 2022/23 campaign and a third loss could well be cataclysmic in their battle to avoid relegation. Finally, a gap has somewhat emerged at the bottom of the Premier League, with Leicester, Nottingham Forest, Southampton, Leeds and Everton the five teams who are battling to avoid the drop.

With Leicester and Bournemouth to come, this run of fixtures will be telling when it comes to the Whites' Premier League status next season.



https://motleedsnews.com/news/paul-merson-predicts-result-of-leeds-united-premier-league-clash-v-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Willian Expecting Leeds Reaction

Willian is ready for a Leeds United reaction when they travel to Craven Cottage for Saturday's early kick-off.

Shipping 11 goals in their previous two outings has put a dent in United's goal difference, and also means they've conceded more often than any other side in the Premier League.

But when asked if he anticipates a reaction this weekend, Willian said: "For sure, we have to expect that, because they are fighting down in the table. We need to be ready for this game, because it's going to be a tough one for us.

"As we know, in the Premier League there are no easy games to play, only difficult ones. And against Leeds it's going to be a difficult game again.

"But we're playing at home and we have to win this game, because we want to achieve something important for the Club."

Fulham's victory over Everton at the weekend strengthened our top-half standing, and with 24 points still to play for, Willian is continuing to look up.

"We need to get as many points as we can, and we'll see which position we're going to finish in the league," he stated. "We need to enjoy this moment, keep playing good football, and try to win the games that are coming up."

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/april/20/willian-expecting-leeds-reaction/

[WhiteJC]

'Similar to Everton': Willian and Harry Wilson give Leeds verdicts ahead of Saturday clash

Fulham stars Harry Wilson and Willian has told the London club's website that they are expecting a tough game against Leeds United on Saturday – with the two clubs having already met twice this season, once in the FA Cup.

Leeds come into the game off the back of 5-1 and 6-1 defeats to Crystal Palace and Liverpool, the Whites take on Fulham at Craven Cottage – a lunchtime kick-off. The odds do not look good for Leeds going into the London clash.

Every Leeds fans will know our troubles in London of late – but also, Fulham have already beaten Leeds twice this season. A 4-3 loss at Elland Road, and a 2-0 loss in the FA Cup – though, a match where Javi Gracia made changes.

Saturday comes at a time where Leeds desperately need to pick up points, after two woeful results. A game where Fulham will be without star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, and on-loan Dan James. Leeds must avoid defeat, at least.

Wilson, who is likely to start with James missing after scoring against Everton last time out – and Willian – both gave their verdict on Leeds and this Saturday's upcoming game. They are both expecting a really tough test against us.

"As we know, in the Premier League there are no easy games to play, only difficult ones. And against Leeds it's going to be a difficult game again," Willian said. Wilson added: "We know what a dangerous team they can be.

"Similar to Everton, they are down there and they'll be scrapping for their lives. We know that they'll be coming here and giving it their all, but, as always when we play at home, if we play well – we are confident of getting the result."

Fulham stars Wilson and Willian expecting tough game against Leeds
It will be a tough game for Leeds, but perhaps, it is a good time to play Marco Silva's side. Everton handed Fulham the win in all honesty last weekend. But the Cottagers have little to play for, and their best player in Mitrovic is out.

Leeds have the players to play on the counter. You imagine this kind of game will be close and the first goal will be important. Of course, Fulham will be the favourites but there is every chance Leeds can nick a draw, even a win.



https://www.leedsunited.news/news/fulham-duo-willian-and-harry-wilson-give-verdict-on-leeds-ahead-of-saturday-clash/

[WhiteJC]

Javi Gracia shares Patrick Bamford update ahead of Leeds United Premier League clash v Fulham

Javi Gracia has provided a Leeds United injury update ahead of the Whites' Premier League clash against Fulham on Saturday.

The Spaniard has revealed (Leeds Live, Beren Cross, 20 April) the 29-year-old forward is training but is unsure if he will be fit for Saturday's fixture (22 April).

Max Wober is also in contention to return, however, the Spaniard revealed a decision still needs to be made on the Austrian's fitness (Adam Pope, 20 April, Twitter). Tyler Adams and Stuart Dallas are both still absent from Leeds' first-team plans.

Bounce back
This feels like another make-or-break moment in the 2022/23 season; the list is continually growing. It's remarkable how dramatically Leeds' campaign has fallen off a cliff since their first half against Crystal Palace. The demolition against Roy Hodgson's side has seen confidence levels shatter and the season hanging by a thread.

One saving grace is the fixture list. It actually looks quite gentle compared to some of Leeds' rivals. Fulham are coming off a good win against Everton but they playing for nothing but pride. They could turn up and play with the shackles off or they could prove to be slightly inconsistent.

Leicester and Bournemouth follow the West Londoners and two wins would see Leeds into an extremely strong position heading into the season's final fixtures. With Tottenham, Manchester City and Newcastle towards the back end of the campaign, the Whites will want to have their league status tied up as soon as possible.


https://motleedsnews.com/players/javi-gracia-shares-patrick-bamford-update-ahead-of-leeds-united-premier-league-clash-v-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

2 key pieces of Leeds United team news emerging from Javi Gracia pre-Fulham

Leeds United manager Javi Gracia is hoping to have Patrick Bamford and Max Wöber available and ready for the visit to Fulham on Saturday.

Leeds are in need of a huge turnaround in the quality of their performance this weekend as they face high-flying Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

This is after two defeats at Elland Road where the Whites have conceded 11 goals to Crystal Palace and Liverpool, taking a hammer to their previously relatively strong goal difference.

Injuries haven't helped Leeds in their attempts to solidify the defence and keep up the goalscoring form that Javi Gracia's side have demonstrated at times under his management.

Here, we look at two key pieces of injury news that the Leeds manager shared during his pre-match press conference...

Will Max Wöber return?
The main question on the lips of the Leeds fans is whether Max Wöber will be fit enough to finally play a part for Leeds, having not featured in the last four games – where the side conceded 16 without him.

He was available during the defeat to Liverpool, but was an unused sub as Leeds picked the ball out of the net six times against the Reds.

When asked about the defender during his press conference, Gracia had positive news on the 25-year-old (via @LUFC):

    "Max was available [against Liverpool] but only trained one, two days and I think now he is in a better condition to help the team."

What injury does Patrick Bamford have?
Bamford was absent from the defeat to Liverpool after being taken off prior in the loss to Palace, having scoring in the first half of that game.

Gracia confirmed that it was a calf issue that was keeping Bamford sidelined, but he had positive news for the striker.

Speaking in his press conference, he stated:

    "Patrick is training but I don't know if he will be ready."



https://www.leedsallover.com/2-key-pieces-of-leeds-united-team-news-emerging-from-javi-gracia-pre-fulham/

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Willian wary of wounded Leeds
Willian is wary of facing a wounded Leeds United when Javi Gracia's side come to Craven Cottage for the early kick off on Saturday lunchtime.

Leeds were beaten 5-1 at home by Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace and were pulled apart at will by Liverpool in a 6-1 defeat on Monday night to leave them just two points above the drop zone with seven games to play. But Willian, who scored his first Fulham goal when Marco Silva's side came from behind to win in Yorkshire in the reverse fixture, isn't counting any chickens.

The Brazilian winger said:

    "As we know, in the Premier League there are no easy games to play, only difficult ones. And against Leeds it's going to be a difficult game again. But we're playing at home and we have to win this game, because we want to achieve something important for the club. We need to get as many points as we can, and we'll see which position we're going to finish in the league," he stated. "We need to enjoy this moment, keep playing good football, and try to win the games that are coming up."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/04/willian-wary-of-wounded-leeds/

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Fulham forward attracting transfer interest ahead of the summer as Marco Silva faces decision

Latest transfer news regarding Fulham emerges as they prepare for their next Premier League against Leeds United

Fulham striker Carlos Vinicius is reportedly a wanted man ahead of the next transfer window. The 28-year-old, who made the move to Craven Cottage only last year, has struggled to make a real impact for Marco Silva's side.

According to Brazilian outlet Torcedores, Flamengo could try and lure him away from England. The Cottagers have a big decision to make this summer about his long-term future.

Fulham landed the former Tottenham Hotspur man in September to add more competition and depth to their attacking options following their promotion from the Championship. However, he has played second fiddle in this campaign behind top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Vinicius penned a three-year deal with the London club with the option of a further 12 months on top of that. However, he has found the net twice in his 25 appearances so far this term.

Prior to his move to the Whites, he spent three years on the books at Benfica and had fired 24 goals in 50 games. He had also had loan spells away from Portugal at Spurs and PSV.

Flamengo may now try and persuade Fulham to cash in on the forward and his situation is now up in the air. Silva's men are back in action at home to relegation threatened Leeds United.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-forward-attracting-transfer-interest-ahead-of-the-summer-4112479

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Chris Sutton predicts Leeds United vs Fulham result for BBC Sport amid 'surprised the life out of me' admission

Chris Sutton hasn't got much faith in Leeds United after two-straight hammerings but has predicted them to narrow the margin of defeat at Fulham.

Javi Gracia's side responded to their second-half collapse to Crystal Palace with an even worse defeat – 6-1 following 5-1 – against Liverpool on Monday night (17 April).

The Cottagers had been on a miserable run of their own with five defeats in a row but got back to winning ways at Everton last week (15 April) to shock Sutton, and prompt him to predict a 2-1 win for them on Saturday (22 April).

In his predictions column for BBC Sport the pundit said: "Fulham's win at Everton last week surprised the life out of me. Where on earth did that come from after four straight league defeats!?

"Marco Silva's side thoroughly deserved it too, and they will have their confidence back now. That doesn't make them any easier to read though, and I don't really know what to expect from them next.

"Leeds, meanwhile, have absolutely fallen to bits. I was a long way out when I predicted they would draw with Liverpool on Monday, but I don't think many people could have seen them capitulating the way they did.

"They surely cannot concede another five or six, but I really don't see them keeping Fulham quiet."

Signs of life?
The timing of Fulham's return to form, just as the Whites' has disappeared over a cliff-edge couldn't be much worse, but moderate encouragement can be taken from the last trip to Craven Cottage.

The 2-0 FA Cup defeat on 28 February came in the midst of a scoring drought that defied believe at times on the night as two goals were ruled out and two screamers won it for the home side despite Leeds United having the better chances.

An ability to find the net hasn't been so much of an issue in the weeks since, but a new-found total inability to prevent opponents putting them past Illan Meslier is very much a problem.

Having Max Wober available again, as Javi Gracia confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Thursday [Leeds Live, 20 April] should make a difference to that as long as he isn't rusty after injury.

But there will need to be a far better collective performance from the entire defensive unit, as well as huge improvements from central midfield.

Just two weeks ago the Whites could feasibly have gone into this fixture as favourites, and while the tables have turned in a big way since they doesn't mean they can turn again if the manager makes the right changes.



https://motleedsnews.com/matchday/chris-sutton-predicts-leeds-united-vs-fulham-result-for-bbc-sport/