Friday Fulham Stuff - 28/04/23...

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Results

Thursday
Everton	1-4	Newcastle
Southampton	0-1	Bournemouth
Spurs	2-2	Man Utd

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Spurs: Fulham "set to intensify" Silva contract talks
The Portuguese tactician is attracting interest from Tottenham.

Fulham are set to step up new contract talks with Marco Silva amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is under intense pressure to get his next managerial appointment right after Antonio Conte's tenure ended disastrously, with supporters also making their feels known.

Tottenham fans have been protesting the ownership of ENIC recently with Levy losing backing on a consistent basis. The Lilywhites won't be helped by a very turbulent last fortnight, either.

Spurs have lost sporting director Fabio Paratici after he was forced to resign from his post due to a worldwide ban from football, forcing Levy and co to spearhead the hunt for a new manager.

The north Londoners also suffered a major dent in their hopes of sealing a top four Premier League finish, having recently succumbed to a 6-1 hammering away at Newcastle.

The result cost ex-interim coach Cristian Stellini his job with Ryan Mason placed in temporary charge until the end of the season.

Levy quite simply must get Tottenham's next managerial decision spot on, with the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique, Vincent Kompany, Arne Slot and Ange Postecoglou recently mooted as contenders.

Another coach to have been linked in the last month is Fulham boss Silva, snd according to reporter O'Rourke, the Whites are taking measures to ensure they don't lose their head coach.

Indeed, writing for Football Insider, the journalist claims that Fulham are 'set to intensify contract talks' with the 45-year-old amid 'interest from Tottenham'.

Sources with knowledge of his situation explain that talks will commence at the end of this campaign - and the club are 'hopeful' they can get it done.

What would Silva bring to Spurs?
The tactician has arguably been one of the managers of the season - leading Fulham to a solid league position after they were promoted from the Championship last year.

The 4-2-3-1 boss, we believe, could emerge as a strong outside contender if Levy opts to take Tottenham's interest further.

Silva has trophy-winning experience in Greece with Olympiacos and has been praised for his work in west London.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, commenting on the ex-Everton boss this season, claims Silva has done an 'incredible' job at Fulham and deserves more admiration.

If Fulham can't agree fresh terms with their manager, Spurs should certainly make an approach to gauge whether he could be interested in replacing Conte.



https://www.footballfancast.com/spurs-manager-fulham-tottenham-hotspur-news-marco-silva/

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Don't miss out on Liverpool (A) tickets

Follow Fulham away as they make the trip to Merseyside to take on Liverpool.

The Whites make the journey to Anfield as they face Jürgen Klopp's side under the lights on Wednesday 3rd May, kick-off 8pm.

Don't miss out on your chance to purchase tickets, as this fixture will go off sale on Friday 28th April at 3pm. After this point, supporters will only be able to purchase tickets in person from the Fulham FC Ticket Office on Sunday 30th April and Tuesday 2nd May.

Tickets for this fixture are on sale to 22/23 Season Ticket Holders, 22/23 Members and Supporters with a previous Booking History, where supporters able to purchase up to four tickets per person.

SECURE YOUR SEAT

Fans will be able to secure their seats online at tickets.fulhamfc.com or by calling the Fulham FC Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810, or by visiting the Ticket Office in person.

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.

More information about this fixture can be found here.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/april/27/dont-miss-out-on-liverpool-a-tickets/

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Fulham 'consider offering' new deal – Player tells agent to 'sit down' for talks with PL side

Willian arrived at Fulham on a free transfer last summer and signed a one-year deal with the London club.

With a contract expiring at the end of this season, the Premier League side have 'decided to move forward' with the winger's renewal.

That's according to UOL, who state Fulham are already discussing internally the possibility to keep the 34-year-old for longer.

Marco Silva's side had initially thought of extending the Brazilian's contract until 2024. Their plans seem to have changed as it's claimed Fulham are 'considering offering' Willian a deal for two or more seasons, which feels a stretch.

The former Chelsea man has been one of the key figures under Silva this season, scoring three goals and registering four assists from 22 league games. The manager is the 'greatest enthusiast' when it comes to the South American's continuity at Fulham.

Luckily for the English club, Willian also 'wants to continue' with them. UOL add the player has asked his agent to 'sit down and negotiate' a new deal with Fulham, but only at the end of May.

With both parties wanting to extend the contract, an agreement could be found after next month's meeting.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-considering-offering-new-deal-silvas-star-player-tells-agent-sit-talks-pl-side-next-month/

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Five young starlets Fulham should target this summer

Macsen Morgan scours Europe to find some young prospects the recruitment team should be looking at.

As the transfer window approaches, Marco Silva will be looking to bolster our Fulham squad to hopefully avoid the haunting second-season syndrome. From the addition to the Welsh contingent to a lesser-known Croatian striker, here are my top five players that should be on Fulham's shopping list this summer.

Brennan Johnson
Welsh wonderkid Brennan Johnson should be, in my opinion, one of the first players that Fulham should look for as he provides starting 11 quality on the wings, and can also cover the number nine position. He can even play as an attacking midfielder if needed. His footwork and skill are sought after and his goal-scoring isn't bad, chalking up eight goals this season as second striker. However, these traits come at a hefty cost as he has a market value of £30 million. If Forest do go down though, then we might be able to get him for a bargain.

Anel Ahmedhodžić
Next up is a lesser-known name, but Ahmedhodžić would be a very good player to bring in to help provide defensive cover and can provide a longer-term replacement for Tim Ream. The Bosnian CB is 24 and the oldest on this list, but still has time on his side. The Sheffield United player stands at 6 foot 3, and he has the ability to dominate the air.

As well as his height, his pace and agility are top-notch for a player of his stature. However, he lacks awareness and is vulnerable to passes played in behind. There also comes the problem of whether he is Premier League quality. While I have no doubts that he could be, the fact he currently plays in the Championship casts some doubts on whether he fits straight into the team. This, combined with the estimated £16 million price tag, means that he might not be the one.

Mohammed Salisu
Another option for defensive cover is Mohammed Salisu, the Ghanaian defender who plays for Southampton. The 23-year-old was one of the most promising centre-backs last year, and although he hasn't performed brilliantly this season, he could still be a very valuable pick-up, especially if Southampton gets relegated. Salisu is a defender who plays on the front foot and likes to drive forward and can rank highly in progressive passes and final third passes. I think that he has the quality to fit into our starting XI immediately, and he plays in the same attacking style as Tim Ream and can provide a long-term replacement for him.

Thiago Almada
Almada is a versatile attacking midfielder who would provide great competition with Andreas Pereira. The Argentinian is one of the more promising prospects in the MLS at this moment, getting 13 goals and assists last season and being on track to beat it this season with nine in just six games. He's a great dribbler and can think on his feet to find space in tight situations and find that crucial pass to set up that chance. As mentioned earlier, he can score goals, create chances, and even play on the wings. He was part of the World Cup-winning squad with Argentina, and there has been interest shown in him. With a market value of €25 million, he would most likely be the most expensive player on this list, but I think that he would be worth it.

Dion Drena Beljo
The thing that everyone has been waiting for: a back-up striker. Dion Drena Beljo is a 21-year-old Croatian striker who moved to FC Augsburg in January of this year. It could mean that trying to get him here could be a difficult task, but the Croat would be well worth it. His physical presence is one of his best traits, being a massive 6 foot 5 means that he can dominate those attacking set pieces even better than, dare I say, Mitrovic himself.

This doesn't mean that his finishing ability is lacklustre as he can play as your typical poacher, but he's also not scared to take a shot from outside the box and score them. In my opinion, he might be a perfect replacement for Mitrovic as he offers something else: pace. This could, as we have seen recently, have a great effect against teams that play a high back line.

Overall, these players could have a massive effect on next season and maybe enable a proper push for those coveted European places.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-04-27-five-young-starlets-fulham-should-target-this-summer/

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Man Utd to shatter Liverpool, Tottenham plans as Ten Hag is set achievable fee to land tigerish Prem midfielder

Manchester United are reportedly considering an approach to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha amid claims the Cottagers have named their price for the tough-tackling Portuguese star.

The 27-year-old moved to the Premier League last summer from Sporting Lisbon in a bargain £20m switch. At the time, the likes of Tottenham and United were among those considering moves for the 20-times capped star.

However, it was Fulham who landed his signing, pinning the all-action midfielder down to a deal to 2027.

Palhinha has adapted quickly to life in the Premier League, scoring four times in all competitions for Marco Silva's side.

But it seems that Fulham will have a tough time holding on to his services beyond this season, with a string of admirers casting admiring glances his way.

To that end, Tottenham are being tipped to rekindle their previous interest in the player. Chelsea, meanwhile, are also being tipped to launch a move as Mauricio Pochettino plots ways to strengthen his Blues squad.

Liverpool are also being strongly tipped to move for the Portuguese star. Jurgen Klopp is keen to add fresh faces to his engine room and Palhinha is reportedly on his shortlist.

However, the trio could all find themselves beaten to the punch by Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag is looking to bolster his midfield and is reportedly also considering a move for Palhinha. And with Donny van der Beek and Scott McTominay possibly departing this summer, Ten Hag could have room to strengthen.

They have already been linked with Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton. However, Football Insider believes a move for Palhinha could also be on the cards.

Realistic fee set for Man Utd to sign Palhinha
If United are to pounce for the player, then Fulham are seemingly putting a obtainable fee on his head.

And while they would prefer to keep him, the report claims they are setting a fee of around £50m to consider his sale. That would see the club make a 150% profit on their initial investment in just 12 months, giving Marco Silva the finances to further strengthen his squad.

The Cottagers have enjoyed an excellent first season back in the Premier League but plans are in place to consolidate their place among the elite.

And the Portuguese coach has ambitious plans to further push Fulham up the Premier League table next season.

However, the loss of Palhinha would certainly hit them hard. Per this season's statistics, he has clocked up the most tackles of any player in the division this season with 119. That's more than the likes of Tyler Adams of Leeds and Brighton's Moises Caicedo.

An ever-present when available, the Portuguese has had to sit out three games as a result of suspensions. Indeed, he has chalked up 12 bookings from 29 appearances so far this season.

He earns an estimated £50,000 a week at Craven Cottage. However, the 27-year-old would see his wage sky-rocket by sealing a move elsewhere.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/man-utd-shatter-liverpool-tottenham-plans-ten-hag-set-achievable-fee-land-tigerish-prem-midfielder

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U18s' league finale with Fulham moved to Rush Green

West Ham United U18s' final U18 Premier League South match of the season has switched venues.

Kevin Keen's young Hammers are set to take on Fulham in their last league match of the 2022/23 campaign on Saturday 29 April 2023, with kick-off set for 11am.

The fixture had originally due to be played at the Little Heath Training Facility but will now take place at Rush Green Stadium at the West Ham United Training Ground.

Saturday's fixture comes just a few days after the U18s successfully claimed the FA Youth Cup in a thrilling 5-1 win at Arsenal, completing a league and cup double after finishing top of the U18 Premier League South table.

The young Irons are also preparing for a national U18 Premier League play-off with Northern champions Manchester City, the date, time and venue of which will be confirmed in due course.



https://www.whufc.com/news/u18s-league-finale-fulham-moved-rush-green

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Manchester City will continue their march to the title by brushing past Fulham

Okay, it's all over. Nothing to see here. Move along please.

It's done and dusted, the title race is over and Manchester City have won the Premier League for the fifth time in six years.

What? They're not even top? But they are two points behind Arsenal with two games in hand and the Gunners are in freefall after taking just three points from the last 12 available.

Yes, yes we all know City could still drop points with a draw here and a share of the spoils there but they won't as they have the experience, maturity and class to win every match they play between now and the Champions League final in June.

Pep Guardiola takes his champions-elect to Craven Cottage on Sunday to face a Fulham side with nothing to look forward to but a top-ten finish and bragging rights if they wind up above west London neighbours Brentford and Chelsea.

That's not enough to stop a relentless machine like City, who know they will go top with an eighth straight league victory since surprisingly being held to a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest in February.

The defending champions have scored three or more goals in eight of their last nine matches in all competitions, the only exception being a 1-1 draw at Bundesliga kings Bayern Munich, and the floodgates can open once more on the banks of the Thames.

Over 3.5 goals is 7/5 with Paddy Power and Betfair and it's worth having a dabble on more than 4.5 at 7/2 with the same firms.

Sticking with the two bookies, City to win by more than two goals catches the eye at 2/1 and it's the same price with the same duo for Erling Haaland to celebrate 50 goals in all competitions by breaking the deadlock.

Kevin De Bruyne, who cashed in big time for us by scoring the opener and also at any time against Arsenal, is 7/2 to get on the scoresheet once more.



https://metro.co.uk/2023/04/27/manchester-city-look-unstoppable-after-thumping-arsenal-in-title-clash-18682835/?ito=newsnow-feed

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'Fantastic' Fulham man keen to sign new deal this summer after brilliant season

Fulham star Willian is keen to sign a new contract with the club this summer after a fantastic debut season at the club.

That's according to journalist Bruno Andrade who provides the latest details on the mood of both the club and the player.

Many people were sceptical when they heard Willian was keen to sign a contract with Fulham last year.

The newly promoted West London side had a reputation for poor recruitment each time they returned to the top flight.

On paper, offering a 34-year-old winger a contract after struggling during his last spell in the Premier League didn't make much sense.

He wasn't exactly having a great time in his native Brazil either, but he did enough during a short trial at Fulham to convince Marco Silva to sign him.

It turned out to be one of the best pieces of business done in the Premier League this season.

Willian has been incredible for Fulham, winding back the years as Silva's side push for a top-half finish.

His three goals and four assists don't do justice to how important he's been to Fulham's success.

Now, both parties seem keen to continue the Brazilian's Premier League renaissance.

Willian wants new Fulham contract this summer
Andrade took to Twitter to provide an update on Willian's situation and said: "Fulham want Willian's renewal. Willian wants to renew with Fulham.

"Initially, the idea was a new contract valid for one more season (Jun/24), but the possibility of a bigger bond has grown.

"They will sit down to negotiate and close the details at the end of May."

The idea of Fulham giving the 'fantastic' forward more than a one-year contract at his age may be a step too far.

It's hard to know exactly when a footballer is going to drop off, but when it happens it can be a rapid decline.

Fulham can't afford to have Willian sign a new contract on high wages and then just sit on the bench.

However, they would be silly not to keep him for another year given the influence he has on and off the pitch.

Bernd Leno has been raving about Willian this season, and in a squad full of Portuguese speakers, he's very much a leader.

Silva's side already have their eye on another player with a Portuguese connection in the summer.

Willian may be just the perfect player to help him settle in if a deal is done.



https://tbrfootball.com/fantastic-fulham-man-keen-to-sign-new-deal-this-summer-after-brilliant-season/

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Fulham 'hoping' for 'hefty profit' on summer signing as Man Utd, Chelsea, Spurs all circle

Fulham are bracing themselves for offers for midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer, according to a report.

The Portuguese international joined the Cottagers from Sporting last summer.

Despite costing a measly £17million, Palhinha has been one of the signings of the season and is already being linked with an exit.

Man Utd were believed to be interested in signing the 27-year-old before he joined Fulham following their promotion to the Premier League.

The Red Devils will probably feel they made a mistake not signing Palhinha and will now need to spend around triple what Fulham did if they want to sign him this summer.

Interest in Palhinha is no surprise whatsoever given his terrific form in the Premier League.

In comparison to other central midfielders in Europe's top five leagues, Palhinha ranks the highest in tackles per game (4.15) and also boasts very impressive numbers when it comes to interceptions (1.29 per game), aerials won (2.06), clearances (1.99) and passes blocked (0.42).

The Portuguese midfielder's form has helped Fulham safely avoid relegation to the Championship. For context, they have been relegated in their previous three top-flight campaigns.

Marco Silva is doing a fantastic job at Craven Cottage, but does have his compatriot to thank for much of his side's success.

Football Insider claimed earlier this week that Spurs are keen on signing Palhinha, with Liverpool also very interested.

And the same outlet has revealed how much he will cost if he does leave Fulham at the end of 2022-23.

Silva's side 'will ask for offers in excess of £50m' and are 'braced' for a high volume of bids this summer.

Unsurprisingly, the London outfit are 'hopeful of making a hefty profit on their investment'.

Palhinha's 'impressive debut season in England' has attracted interest from a host of Premier League and European clubs.

Mentioned in the report are Man Utd, Spurs and Chelsea, who could all do with a player of Palhinha's quality and profile.

Erik ten Hag does have Casemiro at his disposal but will likely pursue another No. 6 for depth, with the Brazilian picking up three separate suspensions this season.

Spurs, on the other hand, have been let down by Yves Bissouma, though they do have Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur, who are both admittedly more box-to-box midfield players.

It is no surprise to see Chelsea linked with Palhinha given how happy they have been to spend money in recent transfer windows.

The Blues did sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for a British record £107m in January, though he is not a natural deep-lying midfielder and should be utilised further up the pitch or in a pivot.

With N'Golo Kante expected to leave when his contract expires in June, Graham Potter's replacement at Stamford Bridge – who is expected to be Mauricio Pochettino – will probably look to sign a player like Palhinha, or the man himself.



https://www.football365.com/news/fulham-hoping-hefty-profit-summer-signing-man-utd-chelsea-spurs-circle

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Manchester City team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Fulham

Manchester City will be looking to move to the top of the Premier League table when they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Sunday.

The Citizens have taken control of the title race after securing a commanding 4-1 victory over leaders Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, courtesy of goals from Kevin De Bruyne (2), John Stones and Erling Braut Haaland.

Pep Guardiola's men now sit just two points behind Arsenal, who have played two games more, and a victory against Fulham will see them move one point clear at the top before the Gunners face Chelsea next Tuesday.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Man City's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the contest with Marco Silva's side, who sit 10th in the table.

Nathan Ake
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: April 30 (vs. Fulham)

Nathan Ake has missed the last two matches since sustaining a hamstring injury against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and the Dutch defender is a major doubt for the trip to Craven Cottage.

Kevin De Bruyne
Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Leg
Possible return date: April 30 (vs. Fulham)

After putting in a man-of-the-match display against Arsenal, Guardiola revealed after the match that the Belgian requested to be taken off in the second half due to "some niggles in his legs". De Bruyne is therefore considered a minor doubt, but City will be hopeful that he can recover in time to feature on Sunday.

MANCHESTER CITY'S SUSPENSION LIST

Manchester City have no suspended players for this match.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-city/title-race/injuries-and-suspensions/man-city-injury-suspension-list-vs-fulham_512454.html

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90min and Climate Clubs team up to launch Fulham kit highlighting flooding concerns

When we hear the phrase 'climate change', most people tend to have an image in their mind of a polar bear stood on a melting ice cap somewhere far away.

However, Climate Clubs are challenging that vision with their latest project called 'Close To Home'. The non-profit are keen to use the power of football to raise awareness that climate change is an issue that's right on our doorstop, and how it can directly effect the things we love and are passionate about - including the beautiful game.

Research shows that 23 out of the 92 English league stadiums are set to be flooded by 2050. Clubs are also being effected right now, with teams like Tadcaster and their Ings Lane ground being flooded seven times since 2020 alone.

To raise awareness to the threat flooding poses to football, 90min and Climate Clubs have teamed up to launch an exclusive Fulham home jersey with the help of ethically-minded designers.

The kit features a wave across the shirt in the shape of the iconic River Thames. The red fabric around the mid-riff of the jersey is a symbolic warning that Fulham's stadium Craven Cottage, which sits right on the banks of the river, is in serious danger of being effected by climate change in the coming years.
The back of the jersey

On the back of every shirt is the name 'Flooded' and number '23', to accentuate what could effect the club very soon.



https://www.90min.com/posts/90min-and-climate-clubs-team-up-to-launch-fulham-kit-highlighting-flooding-concerns

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Harrison Reed exclusive interview: Fulham midfielder on tactical secrets of his partnership with Joao Palhinha

In an exclusive interview with Fulham's Harrison Reed, the midfielder discusses his rise and goes into detail about his partnership with Joao Palhinha;watch Fulham vs Manchester City live on Sky Sports Premier League this Sunday from 1pm; kick-off 2pm

Harrison Reed continues to improve at Fulham having found a new role under Marco Silva

At 28, Harrison Reed has established himself as a starting midfielder in a top-half Premier League team. Almost a decade on from his debut in the competition, everyone has come to appreciate that he belongs at this level — himself included.

There were doubts. He was not always flying with Fulham. Appearances at Southampton were sporadic. Loan moves to Norwich and Blackburn were not straightforward. He has no regrets over the route he has taken but he is open about the challenges.

"Playing regularly in the Premier League was always the dream but do not get me wrong, there were moments during my career when I doubted that I would get there. As a footballer, people do not see that from the outside," Reed tells Sky Sports.

"You have big ups and downs. There were big drops in confidence. There were times on loan at Norwich when I could not get into a midtable Championship side. In those moments, you do go home and analyse it and wonder where your level is."

The story of how Reed discovered his level was as high as this - and still rising - is both simple and complicated.

Simple because, supported by family and friends, it has been about hard work. "I stuck at it. When you are down, you have to fight. That is when your true colours show. It was all about the determination to keep working, keep learning. That was my pathway."

Complicated because Reed's success at Fulham is a tale of tactical nuance, of a player thriving in a system. Mentally, he has always been tough. Physically, he has always had it. Technically, he has always been able to receive a pass and find a team-mate.

He credits Fulham boss Marco Silva as the catalyst for that change. "You need trust from the manager. Marco has given me that." Reed had worked on the training ground with high-class coaches before but it is different when a player feels truly important.

"When I was young, I would not always be at the forefront of the manager's mind in terms of information. You would hear little bits that they were saying to other players and try to pick up on that. Now, I get a lot more feedback. That has helped me a lot."

It also helps that Silva discovered a player who was hungry to learn. "I watch a lot of football, listen to the analysis, study players in my position. That has added to my game and my tactical knowledge has certainly improved. I know what the manager wants now."


Reed's role in the team has evolved under Marco Silva at Fulham

What the manager wants is tricky. Reed is operating in a more advanced role with greater responsibility to score and create. But his presence in the opposition half is also about closing down when Fulham are out of possession. Defending on the front foot.

The statistics show that Reed's midfield partner Joao Palhinha has made more tackles than any other player in the Premier League this season. The Portugal international has received huge credit for his performances and rightly so. But he is not working in isolation.

"We set the triggers," Reed explains.

"Joao is a tackling machine. My job is to get pressure on the ball. It is about complementing his style and forcing the ball into areas where we can win it. My tackle numbers are not very high but in terms of pressuring the ball that is where I affect the game more."


Interceptions from Fulham's midfielders has been a fruitful attacking tactic for the team

Delve deeper into those statistics and that truth reveals itself. Reed ranks highly for pressures. Both men are among the top five players in the Premier League for interceptions leading to expected goals. Winning the ball back high up the pitch is all part of the plan.

"The two of us work on it a lot in training and the manager demands a lot from us. One has to be forcing pressure on the ball and the other needs to be in a balanced position to block a passing lane into the attacker's feet. We try to force the ball where we want it to go.

"We show the passing lane to be open but we try to anticipate so that when the passer's head goes down, he thinks the pass is on but we are already looking to intercept. Knowing that we are covering for each other allows us to disrupt the play into the pockets."


Reed's defensive action areas for Fulham reveal his influence

It is rare to hear a player speak about these tactical details but this is the daily reality of life working under Silva. "It is brilliant," says Reed. "The information every day on the pitch. The standard that the manager drives. I have not seen it before, if I am honest.

"You always come up with enthusiasm but we felt it was different this time. The organisation and the structure that the manager gives us, when we cross the white line, everybody in the team understands their role. I think that is crucial at the highest level.

"We have done extremely well but every day he is making sure we are still learning, making sure we are working even harder. He has hammered home to us the fact that if standards slip, results start to turn. You are not really allowed an off day with the manager."



Those demands include scoring goals.

That is new. "Very new! Showing after 100 games for Fulham I can score goals." His finish at Everton was his third of the season. "I set myself a target at the start of the season and I have not reached it yet but I want to prove my team-mates wrong," he adds.

One more and only Aleksandar Mitrovic among them will have outscored him. Reed knows that his role is to make Fulham difficult to play through. "Sometimes my job is not pretty. It is not about flicks and tricks and standing out that way." But that is changing.


Reed has been getting into goalscoring positions for Fulham this season

"This new position that I have been playing in the last two years under this manager, I do find myself in the positions. I have had games where I have missed chances but you have to keep putting yourself there. It is about having the composure to stick it away.

"In previous years, I had a lot more responsibility defensively but playing alongside Joao really gives me that licence. The manager demands it. If I were not doing it, I would not find myself on the team-sheet. I felt that pressure and it is a good pressure to have."

Silva's demands aside, Fulham go into Sunday's game against Manchester City at Craven Cottage with the pressure firmly on their title-chasing visitors. For Reed, the identity of the opponent harks back to his Premier League debut all those years ago.

It was 2013 when he came on during Southampton's 1-1 draw with City. With the game in the balance, Mauricio Pochettino turned to the teenager. "I remember warming up thinking he was not going to bring me on in a close game," Reed recalls.

"As a substitute, you want to be comfortably leading or coming on to make a difference. I just remember being really nervous as I jogged back to the dugout but the manager gave me a few words of encouragement and the mind switches. It was a special moment."

Ten years on and Southampton's Premier League prospects looks precarious. Reed's future looks brighter. "It is not something I like to see and I do not wish it upon them at all. But I suppose, personally, it does show how much I have come on," he says.

"Thinking back to that time, you think you are ready for first-team football and are disappointed not to be playing. But it is all part of the learning curve of getting to this point now where I really feel at home in the Premier League. Every step has played a part.

"I had to be patient and believe in myself. Now I am in a team looking up rather than down. We have a really good manager, really good players, and next season can be an exciting one too. It is a really exciting time. I just had to stayed focused and wait for my moment."

Harrison Reed's moment has arrived.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12867459/harrison-reed-exclusive-interview-fulham-midfielder-on-tactical-secrets-of-his-partnership-with-joao-palhinha

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Andreas' PLP Chat

Andreas Pereira spoke to Premier League Productions this week on a range of topics ahead of our clash with Manchester City on Sunday.

on City's 4-1 win over Arsenal...

It's a team that's been doing this for the last five, six years. They know how to play these games. They can do everything, they can go long, they can play short, so it will be a very interesting game on Sunday.

on Fulham's 95th minute defeat at the Etihad in November...

It was a very difficult one to take because we did very well there. We did a great job there and were so unlucky to get the goal against us in the last minute when they scored the penalty. We still have a bad feeling about that, and we know it's a very, very difficult game, but we want to take points at home.

on losing six of the last eight...

You cannot look only at the last eight games. If you think about the season that Fulham is having as a club, we are doing amazing. We still have that feeling inside of us, that we are doing amazing, and we're proud of where we've got to today, so we have to keep this feeling going into the next game.

on exceeding expectations...

In the summer when I came here and spoke to the manager, my family as well, I was like, 'we have to get safe, we don't want to go down, but we'll try to aim a little bit higher.' And, to be honest, it's been more than a dream – we've been sixth, fifth. We've dropped down a little bit now, but we've been battling with the big teams in this competition which is very difficult, so I'm very, very proud of the team, and everyone at the Club.

when he realised Fulham were not in a relegation scrap...

I think it was when we came back after the World Cup and we went and won five games. That's when we realised as a team, and me as well, that this season was going to be a lot better than we expected, that we were doing well, and that we could do even better, so let's keep this up.

on hearing people say that Fulham's players are "on the beach"...

It's unfair because we still have a lot of aims. We want to beat the [points] record of the Club in the Premier League, we want to win games. It's what I live for, to play football games, so I'll do everything to win games. I'm not going to be sitting here for the last six games thinking about the beach, it's not something we do.

on the target of surpassing 53 points...

We are very driven, it's something that we mention a lot and have in our focus. It's in our reach and is something that's very possible.

on his debut season...

I'm happy that I could adapt well to the Club. I felt at home straightaway here, they helped me a lot to feel good at the Club. Since I started, I felt it could be a good season and I'm very happy with the way it's turning out.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/april/27/andreas-plp-chat/

[WhiteJC]

Manchester City Starting XI Prediction at Fulham FC

When it comes to the Premier League title chase, Manchester City are in the driver's seat, to say the least, ahead of a weekend match at Fulham. They can afford to drop three points down the stretch here, and almost certainly four, due to goal differential, even if Arsenal win out.

Given the form that the Gunners are in, it is highly unlikely the north London side runs the table.

Manchester City at Fulham FYIs

Kick-off time/Date 2 PM, Sunday 30th April 2023, Craven Cottage

Team News for Both Sides: go here

Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK

PL Form: Man City  WWWWW  Fulham  LWWWL

PL Standing: Man City 2nd, 73 pts  Fulham 10th, 45 pts

Google Result Probability:  Man City 77%  Fulham 8%   Draw 15%

With yesterday's 4-1 emphatic rout, Pep Guardiola has now won seven straight against his mentee, Mikel Arteta. The goal differential over the course of those seven matches is an eye-popping 19-3! Yikes.

But Pep maintains this title race is far from over.

"I don't underestimate Arsenal for one second," he said in his postgame press conference last night.

"I know how good they are. I give incredible credit to what they have done. I prefer to think they didn't have their best level because we were really good. I prefer to analyze that game not saying they were not..."

Up next is a Sunday matinee at Craven Cottage, so let's look at who Guardiola might select for his first team in that one.

Manchester City Starting XI Prediction at Fulham FC
Ederson, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, John Stones, Rodri, Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland



https://www.thesportsbank.net/football/manchester-city/xi-predict-fulham-2/

[WhiteJC]

"They clearly showed it" – Fulham player glad that Marco Silva wanted him so much

Portuguese newspaper A Bola this week featured a nice interview with Cedric Soares about his time at Fulham.

Loaned by Arsenal, the fullback is staying with the Whites until the end of the season, and is glad at having made that choice.

His move to Fulham has a lot to do with Marco Silva, since they've previously worked together at Sporting.

Cedric claims that the manager had a big influence on his switch to Craven Cottage, and has been helping him a lot there.

"Of course yes. And a manager I already knew who wanted me to move here to Fulham. Then, in addition to speaking the same language, I know his work methods well, which would always be a positive factor when deciding. It helps the adaptation to be quite smooth," Soares told A Bola.

It had been eight years since their time together with the Lions, and he says they both feel different now.

"As is to be expected, over the years of work we have always perfected a series of things. The mister is now a more mature person, with more experience and that helps him to manage the group in a different, more capable way. And the result is in sight. Fulham have been doing an excellent job and it's clear that they have a good coach, with very clear ideas."

The 31-year-old also claimed that specific players in Fulham's squad have been helping him to settle well at the club. He also said he wanted to stay in London.

"I've been feeling pretty good. Of course it's a change and that always brings different things and a need to adapt, but in that respect, having João here and others I've played with, like Willian, Bernd Leno or Harrison Reed, has helped. Then, this is a league that I know very well.

"All the factors were weighed in the balance and this was one of them, of course. Staying in the city turned out to be important as we don't have to move the family back and forth for a matter of months. It was a good thing. But I wanted to stress that, for me, the most important thing was that the club and the coach were in tune with the desire to want me here. And they clearly showed it."

Barely having any playing time for Arsenal this season, Soares now has seven appearances for Fulham so far. The loan expires in a few weeks, and for now, there's no information on whether the Whites have any intention to make that transfer permanent. That subject was also not mentioned in the interview.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/clearly-showed-fulham-player-glad-marco-silva-wanted-much/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham U21 1-2 Brentford B

Fulham Under-21s found themselves on the wrong end of a hard-fought 2-1 scoreline with Brentford B.

There was little between the sides, but clinical finishes in either half from Alex Gilbert and Tristan Crama put the visitors in control at Motspur Park.

Luke Harris hit back in stoppage time at the end of the game, but there was not long enough left to salvage the Premier League Cup Semi-Final.

With George Wickens limping off in our recent draw against Arsenal, USA youth international Alex Borto started in goal. Young Luc De Fougerolles played in his natural position at right-back, with Devan Tanton another absentee.

Further up the pitch, Terry Ablade returned in attack with captain Sonny Hilton to his right. Both started on the bench last week in North London.

The first chance fell Brentford's way following good play down the left between Val Adedokun and Ryan Levitt, who worked it inside to Gilbert who caught a shot sweetly but sent it just over.

An immediate response came through Martial Godo, who twisted in the box to find a yard of space before firing low into the body of goalkeeper Matthew Cox, and then Matt Dibley-Dias who saw his header from a corner deflect over.

Fulham had grown into the game following Brentford's initial early threat, with Ablade making a chance for himself by winning possession 25 yards out. Unfortunately, he drilled his shot just wide.

But it was the Bees who drew first blood 25 minutes in. Norway international defender Kristoffer Ajer won a big sliding tackle high up the pitch, allowing his side to work it to the free Gilbert who beat a man before placing a low effort beyond Alex Borto.

The goal sapped Fulham's momentum, with almost quarter of an hour further played before our next effort, when De Fougerolles saw his snapshot deflect behind. George Okkas went one better shortly after as his attempt made its way on target, but it was too close to Cox.

The second half could not have started much worse for the young Whites. After we conceded a corner, captain Gilbert sent in a enticing delivery, and Crama powered it home.

It's not in this group's mentality to crumble, though, and a response was launched with a corner of our own from Sonny Hilton which was volleyed marginally off target by Harris.

Just after the hour mark, some hard pressing from Ablade almost got us back it when he closed down Cox's clearance, but the ball did not ricochet in our favour.

The best chance to half the deficit arrived on 78 minutes when Hilton's centre expertly picked out Harris, but his firm first time hit was smothered by Cox at the second attempt.

Seven minutes added on gave the Whites hope, hope which swelled further when Harris' instinctive finish in the box brought us back to 2-1.

The boys continued to push and Harvey Araujo got his looping header from a free-kick on target, but Cox watched it all the way and pushed it around the crossbar before it could drop under.

And with that, the last chance was gone, and Fulham's hopes of Premier League Cup glory were over until next season.

Fulham U21: Borto, de Fougerolles, Charlie Robinson, Williams (Odutayo 73'), Araujo, Dibley-Dias, Okkas (Sanderson 62'), Hilton (Sekularac 83'), Harris, Godo (McFarlane 74'), Ablade

Subs: Allen, Odutayo, Sanderson, McFarlane, Sekularac

Brentford U21: Cox, Ajer (Jones 71'), Crama, Oyegoke, Syla, Adedokun, Stevens (Farr 72'), Trevitt, Olakigbe (Yogane 97'), Young-Coombes (Dickov 90'), Gilbert

Subs: Beckham, Farr, Jones, Yogane, Dickov



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/april/27/fulham-u21-1-2-brentford-b/

[FishaPrice]

Really interesting article on Reed and our tactics.