Saturday Fulham Stuff - 27/05/23...

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

Manchester United will be bidding to secure third position in the Premier League table when they welcome Fulham to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Devils guaranteed themselves a top-four finish with a 4-1 victory over Chelsea on Thursday, and the result moved them above Newcastle United into third.

Erik ten Hag's side are now two points ahead of the Magpies, and another win on the final matchday of the campaign would see the 20-time English champions claim the spot behind Arsenal.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Man United's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the clash with Fulham, who sit in 10th position in the table ahead of the final set of fixtures.

Antony
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: May 28 (vs. Fulham)

Antony was stretchered off in tears after injuring his ankle against Chelsea on Thursday, and Man United will now assess the seriousness of the damage before determining his involvement for the rest of the season.

Luke Shaw
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Back
Possible return date: May 28 (vs. Fulham)

Luke Shaw was replaced at the interval of the clash with Chelsea due to a back injury, and the defender is now a major doubt for the contest with Fulham at Old Trafford.

Donny van de Beek
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

Donny van de Beek's campaign ended when he suffered a serious knee injury in January, but the midfielder has recently returned to the grass and is on course to be back for the start of pre-season.

Tom Heaton
Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: Unknown

Tom Heaton was again missing against Chelsea due to an ankle issue, and the goalkeeper will also miss out this weekend, so he could have played his last game for the club.

Lisandro Martinez
Status: Out
Type of injury: Foot
Possible return date: Unknown

Lisandro Martinez fractured his metatarsal during the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final with Sevilla, and the Argentina international is working to be fit for the start of next season.

Marcel Sabitzer
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

Marcel Sabitzer was recently diagnosed with a meniscal injury, and it remains to be seen if he features for Man United again, as his loan spell from Bayern Munich is due to end this summer.

MANCHESTER UNITED SUSPENSION LIST
Man United will not be missing any players through suspension for this match.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/top-four-race/injuries-and-suspensions/man-united-injury-suspension-list-vs-fulham_514686.html

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Chelsea will make move for 'unbelievable' £22m PL striker, he's scored 52 goals for his country – journalist

Chelsea are set to make a move this summer for Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to reports.

Simon Phillips has claimed on his Substack that Chelsea are now looking at Aleksandar Mitrovic as a genuine summer transfer target.

In fact, sources add that the Blues will now approach the 28-year-old about a potential transfer.

Mitrovic, who's had a fantastic season, has scored 15 goals in 27 games across all competitions this year for Fulham.

He's a powerhouse centre-forward that is great in the air and can hold the ball up. It's a lethal combination to go alongside his movement and finishing around the box.

The Serbia international has 52 goals in 81 senior caps for his country, which is further proof that he's a natural scorer.

Fulham's £22million frontman is exactly the kind of player that Chelsea don't have at Stamford Bridge right now, so we can definitely support a potential bid to get him.

Mitrovic definitely fits the profile of what Chelsea need in their next No 9.

The 'unbelievable' striker has the physicality and experience of the Premier League that should see him step up.

It definitely looks like he's entering his prime and improving each year, too.

Chelsea have learned the hard way for many years now that there's no guarantee when signing a forward to put the ball in the back of the net, but we certainly like the Mitrovic idea.



https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/transfer-news/chelsea-will-make-move-for-unbelievable-22m-pl-striker-hes-scored-52-goals-for-his-country-journalist/

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Marco Silva rejects job offer amid uncertainty over Fulham future

Marco Silva will reject a move to Saudi Arabia side Al Ahli, but his Fulham future remains unclear.

The 45-year-old has one year left on his contract, which has a £6million release clause, and Fulham are confident talks will reach a positive conclusion.

Silva wants further investment in players and for the club to keep star midfielder Joao Palhinha.

West Ham are monitoring Silva's talks with Fulham, amid uncertainty over David Moyes's future. And, having failed to land Feyenoord manager Arne Slot, there is a possibility Spurs could poach a move for the Portuguese.

Director of football Tony Khan told The Athletic this week that his club will build on their successful season back in the Premier League with Silva still at the helm: "It has all come together for a really special moment and I am very positive about Marco.

"He is very happy at Fulham, and all of us are very happy with him. We want that to continue, hopefully for a very long time."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-rejects-job-offer-fulham-future-b1083971.html

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Team news for United's Fulham finale
Manchester United have injury concerns over Luke Shaw and Antony ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Fulham.

The Reds are preparing to meet the Cottagers in Sunday's 16:30 BST kick-off, for our final match of the league season. Third place is still at stake, with United currently two points ahead of Newcastle United, who travel to Chelsea this weekend.

Erik ten Hag admitted after his team's 4-1 win over Chelsea that Antony looks to have a serious injury after he was forced off on a stretcher in the first half, following a challenge by Trevoh Chalobah.

Marcus Rashford came on in his place, after a lay-off due to injury and illness, and scored his 30th United goal of the campaign.

Shaw is also a doubt after failing to reappear for the second half on Thursday night. The England international was replaced by Tyrell Malacia and the manager admitted when asked about his first-choice left-back:  "In this moment, I can't say if he is available or not for Sunday."

Erik told club media on Friday that he had no fresh update on the pair, adding: "No, I can't tell in this moment. It's too soon, it was a short night."

With the Emirates FA Cup final looming on 3 June, against Manchester City, it is perhaps unlikely any risk will be taken, although Ten Hag has stressed the importance of finishing on a high with another victory, to maintain the team's rhythm in advance of the derby at Wembley.

Lisandro Martinez, Marcel Sabitzer and Donny van de Beek have already been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

FULHAM'S TEAM NEWS
Andreas Pereira misses out on a reunion with the Reds as our former Academy graduate's campaign was cut short by a fractured ankle.

Another former United player, winger Daniel James, who scored in the corresponding fixture at Craven Cottage, is likely to be available again, according to manager Marco Silva's latest press conference updates.

Layvin Kurzawa could also be back but defender Tim Ream is definitely absent.

Aleksandar Mitrovic is back playing again after serving an eight-match ban for his red card and confrontation with referee Chris Kavanagh during our FA Cup quarter-final victory over the Cottagers at Old Trafford in March.



https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/team-news-for-man-united-v-fulham-on-28-may-2023

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Manchester United v Fulham

Manchester United winger Antony was clearly in pain after being injured versus Chelsea in midweek

TEAM NEWS
Manchester United are waiting to discover the severity of the injury suffered by Antony against Chelsea, leaving the Brazilian at risk of missing next weekend's FA Cup final.

Luke Shaw was withdrawn at half-time of Thursday's 4-1 win because of a back problem, and may not be risked since United are assured of a top-four place.

Fulham remain without Tim Ream, Andreas Pereira and Layvin Kurzawa.

Daniel James may return after resuming training following a hamstring issue.

CHRIS SUTTON'S PREDICTION
Fulham gave it a really good go the last time they were at Old Trafford in the FA Cup quarter-finals in March before things unravelled for them extremely quickly.

I think Marco Silva's side will make a game of it this time too. United made sure of a Champions League place next season with Thursday's 4-1 win over Chelsea and I am sure next weekend's FA Cup final will be on their minds.

Erik ten Hag's side have limped over the line a bit in the race for the top four, but their home form has been solid and they should have too much for the Cottagers again this time too.

Fulham will finish 10th whatever the result - they have had a brilliant season and I've enjoyed watching them. I must admit I thought they would get relegated so I was only slightly out there.

Prediction: 2-1



MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

    Manchester United lost back-to-back matches against Fulham in 2009 but are unbeaten in the subsequent 14 Premier League fixtures, winning 11 of those.
    The Londoners have lost 18 of their past 21 away league games against the Red Devils, with their last win being by 3-1 in October 2003.

Manchester United

    Erik ten Hag's side are unbeaten in 17 home league matches since defeat by Brighton on the opening weekend (W14, D3), and have won each of their past five top-flight fixtures at Old Trafford.
    Manchester United have won their five Premier League games versus newly promoted opposition this season - they last won all six such fixtures in a single campaign in 2011-12.
    The Reds have lost their final league match in two of the past four seasons, as many times as they had in their previous 33 top-flight campaigns.
    Marcus Rashford is the first Manchester United player to score 30 league and cup goals in a season since Robin van Persie in 2012-13, and the first to net 20 at Old Trafford since Wayne Rooney in 2009-10.

Fulham

    The Londoners are guaranteed their first top-half finish in the Premier League since coming ninth in 2011-12.
    Fulham's total of 15 league wins in 2022-23 is their second highest in a top-flight season, bettered only by their haul of 17 in 1959-60.
    Their tally of 54 goals is the most they have scored in a Premier League campaign.
    The Whites have lost their final league game in four of the previous five seasons.
    Fulham have only won three of their 53 Premier League away matches against sides in the top four of the table, drawing 12 and losing 38 of those fixtures.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65661809

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How Manchester United could line up against Fulham

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is expected to make changes to his starting side for Sunday's Premier League clash with Fulham at Old Trafford.

The 20-time English champions secured a top-four position in the Premier League table on Thursday evening courtesy of a 4-1 success over Chelsea, and they will now be aiming to finish above Newcastle United in third.

The victory over Frank Lampard's side came at a cost, though, with Antony suffering what appeared to be a serious ankle injury, while Luke Shaw picked up a back issue.

Shaw's problem is believed to be minor, but he is unlikely to be risked here, while Antony is almost certain to miss out, with Man United currently assessing the damage to the Brazilian.

The hosts will definitely again be without Lisandro Martinez, Donny van de Beek and Marcel Sabitzer, while Tom Heaton remains a doubt due to an ankle issue.

Ten Hag is likely to shuffle his pack, with the FA Cup final against Manchester City to come next weekend, so Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia and Scott McTominay could come into the side.

The match could mark Maguire's final Old Trafford appearance for the Red Devils, as the club captain continues to be heavily linked with a summer transfer.

Marcus Rashford made his return from injury and illness as a substitute against Chelsea, and the team's leading goalscorer should now be brought into the starting side on Sunday.

Manchester United possible starting lineup: De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Malacia; Fernandes, Casemiro, McTominay; Sancho, Martial, Rashford



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/predicted-lineups/how-manchester-united-could-line-up-against-fulham_514753.html

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'I'm not 34, I'm 35' – USMNT defender Tim Ream confirms response to transfer revelation from Man City boss Pep Guardiola

Tim Ream has confirmed that he made a point of correcting his age to Pep Guardiola when receiving a transfer revelation from the Manchester City boss.

    Fulham met City at the Etihad in November
    Cottagers suffered a dramatic defeat
    Defender's performance praised by rival boss

WHAT HAPPENED? The Fulham defender was approached by the Catalan coach at the end of a Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium on November 5, 2022. There had been fireworks on the field that day, with Erling Haaland converting a 95th-minute penalty for 10-man City that earned them a 2-1 win after Joao Cancelo's first-half sending off.

United States international defender Ream appeared to have helped the Cottagers to a battling point at one stage, keeping record-setting Haaland quiet in the process, but it was not to be. He was, however, to receive words of encouragement from Guardiola afterwards, with City's boss telling him that he would have been tempted to make a bid for the commanding centre-half if he were not 34 years of age.

WHAT THEY SAID: Ream pointed out that he was in fact 35, and has told CBS Sports when asked if that is exactly how a surprising post-match discussion played out: "Pretty much. That was my response. I probably could have chosen a better response. After that game he was in a pretty good mood – he must have been, they scored a 92nd-minute penalty to win the game! He was dishing out compliments and I was happy to take one. But a pretty cool story to have in my locker."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Ream has enjoyed a stunning renaissance at Fulham over the course of the last two years, with captaincy duties taken on while helping the Cottagers to the Championship title and a top-half finish in the Premier League – while also starting all four games for his country at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

WHAT NEXT? Ream did see a broken arm suffered in a return date with Guardiola and City on April 30 bring his 2022-23 campaign to a close, but the USMNT star is tied to a contract in west London through to 2024 and will be back for more next season.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/usmnt-tim-ream-confirms-response-transfer-revelation-man-city-pep-guardiola/bltd5c2f85c633a3e03

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Manchester United XI vs Fulham: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, Luke Shaw injury latest

Jadon Sancho is set to start for Manchester United against Fulham on Sunday as Erik ten Hag contends with fresh injuries for Antony and Luke Shaw.

Brazilian winger Antony was taken off on a stretcher in the 4-1 win over Chelsea leading to Ten Hag's acknowledgement that the blow to his ankle was "serious".

It means he will sit out the Premier League final day at the very least, handing Sancho the chance to impress and earn his place in the FA Cup final.

Ten Hag spoke highly of the 23-year-old's display on the right wing on Thursday night, which included the assist for Anthony Martial to make it 2-0.

"He did very well on the right side, and I think he played a very good game," said the United boss.

"And I think Jadon Sancho was one of the players who [has made good] progress in this season. And there were many players in our squad who made good progress. I think it's a good base to build further on."

United may choose to take no risks with left-back Shaw after he was forced off at half-time against Chelsea with a back complaint. Tyrell Malacia is primed to provide cover at Old Trafford should he not make the line-up.

With the FA Cup final just six days after the visit of Fulham, and with a top-four finish assured, there could be temptation for Ten Hag to rotate his team and keep the likes of Marcus Rashford and Raphael Varane fresh after recent issues.

Lisandro Martinez, Marcel Sabitzer and Donny van de Beek are all unavailable.

Predicted Man Utd XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/man-utd-xi-vs-fulham-predicted-lineup-confirmed-team-news-luke-shaw-injury-latest-b1084038.html

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Report: Tottenham now in talks to sign a player Roberto De Zerbi absolutely loves

Tottenham are in talks over the signing of Manor Solomon from Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Israeli winger has spent this season on loan at Fulham, and after impressing in spells, Spurs have taken a shine to the 23-year-old.

According to ONE, an Israeli outlet, Tottenham have decided to add Solomon to their squad next season and are in negotiations about a move.

The winger is in a bit of a tricky situation at the moment. His Shakhtar contract is up in December, but he will return to Ukraine at the end of this season after his loan with the Cottagers comes to an end.

Solomon will be available to sign on a pre-contract agreement to come in January, but if Spurs and Shakhtar can come to an agreement, he could join this summer.

Of course, it is difficult for Tottenham to do any deals at the moment as they don't have a manager or a Sporting Director, but this signing could catch the eye of one of their main managerial targets.

Indeed, Roberto De Zerbi, a manager Spurs have had a real look at, is a noted big fan of Solomon.

The Italian spoke highly of the Fulham loanee after he scored against his Brighton side earlier this season, while he was a key part of his team back when he was the manager of Shakhtar Donetsk.

If Solomon were to come into Spurs, that could help the club convince De Zerbi to come to north London. After all, the Italian could be tempted by the idea of working with Solomon once again.

Whether or not this move comes to fruition remains to be seen, but it's certainly one to keep an eye on as we head into the summer.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-tottenham-now-in-talks-to-sign-a-player-roberto-de-zerbi-absolutely-loves/

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Man Utd Matchday Preview

Manchester United v Fulham | Sunday 28th May 2023 | 4.30pm | Old Trafford | #MUNFUL

The opposition

    With the Carabao Cup and a Champions League place in the bank, Manchester United will surely consider the 2022/23 campaign a successful one.
    Another domestic trophy remains up for grabs, though, with the first ever Manchester derby FA Cup Final taking place next month. With rivals City chasing the treble, motivation will be incredibly high for the red side of the city to remain the only team to have achieved that feat.
    It remains to be seen how strong a side Erik ten Hag will field on Sunday. On the one hand, only a win will guarantee third place, but any injuries or suspensions picked up ahead of the cup final a week later would be a disaster for United.

Man Utd team news

United suffered some injuries in Thursday's win over Chelsea, with Antony and Luke Shaw both needing to be withdrawn. Lisandro Martinez, Donny van de Beek and Marcel Sabitzer are definitely out.

Fulham team news

Tim Ream and Andreas Pereira are Fulham's only absentees.

Tickets

The away allocation for this match has sold out, meaning there will be the best part of 2,500 Whites fans at Old Trafford.

Weather

A dry day with sun and clouds is forecast in Manchester, with temperatures around 18 degrees at kick-off.

Player insight

Tom Cairney knows it would be a special end of the season if Fulham can break our Premier League points record with a victory on Sunday.

"We broke a few records this season, but to get that would be magnificent, especially at that stadium," he told FFCtv. "We've played Man U twice this year, been unlucky twice, but they're a top team so it will be difficult."

Coverage

FFCtv subscribers can listen to commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid.

Fan behaviour

Fans are politely reminded to be considerate of those around them when celebrating goals and on public transport at away matches.

Top scorers

Man Utd: Marcus Rashford (30)

Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrović (15)

Form

Man Utd: LLWWW

Fulham: LLWWD



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/may/26/man-utd-matchday-preview/

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Pre-Man Utd Press Conference

Sunday will see Fulham come up against a Manchester United side with plenty still to play for in 2022/23.

The Reds have already secured the Carabao Cup and a Champions League place, but will be hoping to add another trophy to their successes this season when they partake in the first ever all-Manchester FA Cup Final next week.

"This will not be the last game, they are going to play another final," Marco Silva said in his pre-match press conference. "They already played one final and they are going to play another one.

"And, of course, for a club like Man United it is really important that they are fighting for some titles. They changed some things [this season], they signed good players as well.

"Some players have been the key for them the last few seasons, like [Marcus] Rashford, like Bruno [Fernandes], all these players. They signed two or three players that made a huge impact in their squad as well.

"You know that you are going to play against a very good side. I think they've been showing this season that they're a massive club, last night [against Chelsea] they showed again their quality.

"The individual quality they have, in my opinion, is clearly in the best teams in this league, because if you look for their individuals they are really a top, top, top level.

"They have players in the attack line and midfield line who can decide the game in one second if you switch off. And, of course, all those things demand from us to be top in all the moments of the game."

Our two previous clashes with United this season saw us adopt a front-foot approach, and Silva insisted that would be the case again on Sunday.

"It's our image as a team, it's our philosophy as a team, and we are not going to change our approach to the game," he explained. "They were two games we definitely didn't deserve to not take anything from.

"We didn't take [anything] but clearly we showed our quality in all the moments of the games, and if you asked me if I would like to repeat the performance, I would sign straightaway now because we did so well at home and at Old Trafford, in terms of performance.

"Of course, we want results, and we are going to fight for it."

When asked if Aleksandar Mitrović will be especially fired up on his return to the stadium where he received his first red card for the Club, Silva replied: "No, not at all. Mitro doesn't need this type of incentive.

"I think he showed in 25 minutes again Southampton that it doesn't matter the club that he is going to play against, [and] last week against Palace.

"He is Mitro, he doesn't need to play against certain types of teams or in certain situations to be more motivated."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/may/26/pre-man-utd-press-conference/

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Report: 'Great' manager wanted by Tottenham has now turned down the chance to take another job

Tottenham target Marco Silva has been the subject of plenty of interest recently, but he's now turned down one job offer.

Indeed, the Portuguese manager was reportedly offered the Al-Ahli job this week, but the 45-year-old is not keen to move to Saudi Arabia at this point in his career according to The Standard.

Rest assured, Silva would have earned an absolute fortune over in the Gulf, but he's not ready to give up managing at the very highest level just yet.

Silva may have turned down this deal in order to stay at Fulham, but he could also have another job that may be on the horizon in his mind.

Indeed, Silva has been strongly linked with Tottenham, and he may have the big contract at Spurs on his mind when turning down the chance to go and earn the big bucks in Saudi Arabia.

The 'great' manager has also been linked to West Ham, so he has no shortage of options within London.

As you can imagine, Fulham are very keen to keep Silva at Craven Cottage, and a new contract offer is apparently being prepared.

The Whites may well face an uphill battle to keep their manager, and they know better than most that gaffers can be quick to jump ship when their stock is on the up.

Scott Parker left Fulham just two years ago amid an offer from Bournemouth, while Roy Hodgson famously left the Cottagers high and dry back in 2010 when he accepted an offer to become Liverpool's new manager.

Whether or not Silva will follow that trend and leave west London for north London remains to be seen, but Fulham will not be in any rush to let him go.



https://tbrfootball.com/report-great-manager-wanted-by-tottenham-has-now-turned-down-the-chance-to-take-another-job/

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Fulham: Willian in "talks" over a new contract
The Whites forward will be out of contract at the end of the season so will be a free agent should he not sign an extension.

Fulham are in "talks" with Willian regarding a new contract at Craven Cottage, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Willian leaving Fulham?
The Brazilian only joined Marco Silva's side from Corinthians last summer and has impressed during his 29 appearances in his debut season, ranking as the manager's overall second-best-performing player this term with a WhoScored match rating of 6.99.

The Whites winger, though, is already used to playing in the Premier League having previously undergone spells at both Chelsea and Arsenal so is no stranger to the style of play in England, hence why he's likely adapted so well since putting pen to paper in SW6.

Willian, however, will be out of contract at the end of the season meaning that he could be set to depart as a free agent should the club not offer him an extension, but it sounds like work is already underway behind the scenes to retain his services beyond the current campaign.

Have Fulham offered Willian a new contract?
Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Fulham have now opened discussions with Willian over fresh terms, but admitted that there are admirers overseas that are keen to recruit him should he leave. He wrote:

"Understand talks are ongoing between Willian agent and Fulham over [a] new deal in order to stay next season. Nothing is done/sealed yet. There are more European clubs and Saudi League clubs interested in signing Willian."

Fulham will know how much of an integral part of their success Willian has been this season, and having been hailed "electric" in the final third by journalist Simon Collings, the left-winger being rewarded for his displays with a new contract would be nothing less than he deserves.

The Cottagers' £40k-per-week attacker has ten goal contributions (five goals and the same number of assists) to his name in 29 appearances since joining, with this form having seen him receive three man-of-the-match awards, not to mention that he's averaging 4.38 shot-creating actions per top-flight game which is higher than any other member of Silva's squad, via FBRef.

Willian also provides the boss with wonderful versatility having operated slightly deeper in left midfield and even on the opposite flank as a right-winger over the course of the current term which is a great attribute to have, so making the decision to keep him beyond the summer has to be a no-brainer for the Craven Cottage board.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-willian-premier-league-transfer-news-update/

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Silva reveals he's 'talking' to Fulham chiefs 'every single day' to 'plan' for the future – 'the main focus'

Marco Silva's focus is on "planning" for the future as Fulham attempt to secure a record Premier League points return on the final day of the season.

Silva has previously stated that he will seek assurance that Fulham are as ambitious as him before entering into talks over a new contract. His current deal is set to expire in 2024.

But the 45-year-old – who is being linked with Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli – has confirmed that he is in dialogue with the club's hierarchy "every single day" to push Fulham forward.

"Normally I don't talk too much about the situation," Silva said ahead of the trip to Manchester United on Sunday.

"But we are here and I am talking every single day with people to keep planning and improving this football club as best as we can, as we did from the first day.

"This is the main focus for us. I'm under contract with this football club and this is the main thing."

After promotion from the Sky Bet Championship last season, Fulham will end up 10th whatever happens at Old Trafford.

It will be their first top-half finish in the Premier League since coming ninth in 2012.

But Fulham have the incentive of eclipsing the 53 points they achieved in the 2008-09 season under Roy Hodgson.

Silva said: "There are three points to fight for, that is the main thing.

"From the first day they (players) know what our demands and standards are every single time.

"Even if we can not go for a difference in position right now, the points are still there and it's for us to fight for."

Fulham's successful season has seen Silva join Manchester City's Pep Guardiola, Arsenal's Mikel Arteta, Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi, Newcastle's Eddie Howe and Aston Villa's Unai Emery on a six-man shortlist for the managerial award.

"These sort of nominations make all of us proud but it is a consequence of how the team perform," Silva said.

"Even though the name is there, it is not an individual thing, it is a collective.

"It is a consequence of the season Fulham Football Club has had, but I am proud my name is in there."

Former United winger Daniel James could be denied the chance of an Old Trafford return because of a hamstring problem.

Another former United player, midfielder Andreas Pereira, is definitely out with a fractured ankle, while Tim Ream (arm) will also be absent.



https://www.football365.com/news/silva-reveals-talking-fulham-chiefs-every-single-day-plan-future-main-focus

[WhiteJC]

Will Fulham exert FA Cup revenge?

Another season is coming to a close this weekend and for the first time since 2013, Fulham have survived a Premier League campaign. Not only have Marco Silva's side stayed up, but they've competed with the very best and have been rewarded with a top half finish. Our final test of the season comes at Old Trafford with an opportunity to break our points record still up for grabs.

You won't need reminding what happened in March, so how do we right those FA Cup wrongs?

The opposition
Manchester United come into this game in fine form, three wins on the bounce and no league defeats at Old Trafford since the opening day has resulted in Ten Haag's side sealing Champions League football with a game to spare. His side will be without Luke Shaw and Antony who both went off injured during their midweek demolition of Chelsea.

While the Red Devils will want to end their league season on a high, their attention will surely be turned to an FA Cup final and an opportunity to disrupt their local rivals Manchester City in their hunt for the domestic treble. I don't think United will be 'on the beach' so Fulham will have to be right up for this one, how do we achieve this?

How do we prepare?
Silva and co will be frustrated that we didn't break our points record last week against Crystal Palace and will want to right those wrongs. With no new injury concerns, here's how I'd line-up for the final game of the season.

I don't see the need to make any changes, while it wasn't the strongest game from our midfield of Reed & Palhinha (against Crystal Palace) they have both been so solid this season and deserve one last run out. The same goes for Cairney who has more than pulled his weight since Pereira's injury.

In defence and attack I don't see the need to make any changes, Wilson appears to have cemented himself in that right wing slot and with Solomon's future up in arms, keeping the Welshman in the eleven makes sense.

Mitrovic now has three goals since his return and will have a point to prove up at Old Trafford, I just hope he makes it.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-05-26-will-fulham-exert-fa-cup-revenge/

[Bill2]

Chelsea will make move for 'unbelievable' £22m PL striker, he's scored 52 goals for his country – journalist

Chelsea are set to make a move this summer for Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to reports.

Simon Phillips has claimed on his Substack that Chelsea are now looking at Aleksandar Mitrovic as a genuine summer transfer target.

In fact, sources add that the Blues will now approach the 28-year-old about a potential transfer.

Mitrovic, who's had a fantastic season, has scored 15 goals in 27 games across all competitions this year for Fulham.

He's a powerhouse centre-forward that is great in the air and can hold the ball up. It's a lethal combination to go alongside his movement and finishing around the box.

The Serbia international has 52 goals in 81 senior caps for his country, which is further proof that he's a natural scorer.

Fulham's £22million frontman is exactly the kind of player that Chelsea don't have at Stamford Bridge right now, so we can definitely support a potential bid to get him.

Mitrovic definitely fits the profile of what Chelsea need in their next No 9.

The 'unbelievable' striker has the physicality and experience of the Premier League that should see him step up.

It definitely looks like he's entering his prime and improving each year, too.

Chelsea have learned the hard way for many years now that there's no guarantee when signing a forward to put the ball in the back of the net, but we certainly like the Mitrovic idea.



https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/transfer-news/chelsea-will-make-move-for-unbelievable-22m-pl-striker-hes-scored-52-goals-for-his-country-journalist/

Are they having a laugh, 22 mill I would expect something nearer the 50 mark.

[btffc]

Chelsea will make move for 'unbelievable' £22m PL striker, he's scored 52 goals for his country – journalist

Chelsea are set to make a move this summer for Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to reports.

Simon Phillips has claimed on his Substack that Chelsea are now looking at Aleksandar Mitrovic as a genuine summer transfer target.

In fact, sources add that the Blues will now approach the 28-year-old about a potential transfer.

Mitrovic, who's had a fantastic season, has scored 15 goals in 27 games across all competitions this year for Fulham.

He's a powerhouse centre-forward that is great in the air and can hold the ball up. It's a lethal combination to go alongside his movement and finishing around the box.

The Serbia international has 52 goals in 81 senior caps for his country, which is further proof that he's a natural scorer.

Fulham's £22million frontman is exactly the kind of player that Chelsea don't have at Stamford Bridge right now, so we can definitely support a potential bid to get him.

Mitrovic definitely fits the profile of what Chelsea need in their next No 9.

The 'unbelievable' striker has the physicality and experience of the Premier League that should see him step up.

It definitely looks like he's entering his prime and improving each year, too.

Chelsea have learned the hard way for many years now that there's no guarantee when signing a forward to put the ball in the back of the net, but we certainly like the Mitrovic idea.



https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/transfer-news/chelsea-will-make-move-for-unbelievable-22m-pl-striker-hes-scored-52-goals-for-his-country-journalist/

Are they having a laugh, 22 mill I would expect something nearer the 50 mark.

22 million is how much he was purchased for and a lot of times journalists will use the purchased for number if there is no indication what the selling price would be. It's happened with Palhinha a few times where's he called a 17 million midfielder

[filham]

That Mitro/Chelsea rumour hurts, the person responsible for originating that one should be made to buy a the most expensive season ticket at the Bridge.