Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 29/08/23...

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Cheer On Fulham FC Women This Weekend!

Show your support at Motspur Park for Fulham FC Women in their fixture against Aylesford.

Fulham FC Women return to Motspur Park on Sunday as they take on Aylesford on Sunday 3rd September, kick-off 2:30pm.

Should Fulham FC Women take all three points from Aylesford, it could see them climb four places in the London and South East Regional table, ready for their fixture against Ebbsfleet United the following week (Sunday 10th September, kick-off 2:30pm).

Tickets for both of these fixtures are priced at just £5 for Adults and £1 for Juniors, so why not bring the family along for an afternoon of fun!

SECURE YOUR SEAT FOR AYLESFORD

SECURE YOUR SEAT FOR EBBSFLEET UNITED
HOW TO BUY

Supporters can purchase their tickets online at tickets.fulhamfc.com, over the phone by calling 0203 871 0810 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) or in person from the Fulham FC Ticket Office (Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:30pm)

Tickets on the door will be subject to availability.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/august/29/cheer-on-fulham-fc-women-this-weekend/

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Antwerp chasing former Fulham target Fodé Ballo-Touré, but player prefers Bundesliga side
According to HLN, Antwerp have reached an agreement with Milan for the loan of Fodé Ballo-Touré. While Milan have accepted the deal, it appears that the Senegalese international is unsure about a move to the reigning Belgian champions. His preference is for a move to the Bundesliga and Werder Bremen, but the German side has yet to reach an agreement with Milan. According to the report, the Italian side want to move Ballo-Touré quickly. Antwerp are in need of another left-back after Gaston Avila joined Ajax. However, Ballo-Touré has already turned down Fulham this summer so there is not certainty that he will be joining Antwerp.

The 26-year-old joined Milan from Monaco on a free in the summer of 2021. However, he struggled to break into the first team and is set to leave Italy with just 26 appearances for the side. The left-back began his career in France with PSG, but did not make a first team appearance for the Parisians. Instead, he moved to Lille and played 47 games for the club. Monaco signed him in January 2019 and he made 74 appearances in the Principality. Ballo-Touré has made 13 appearances for Senegal and was part of the side that won the countries first ever AFCON at the 2021 tournament.



https://getfootballnewsbene.com/antwerp-chasing-former-fulham-target-fode-ballo-toure-but-player-prefers-bundesliga-side/#google_vignette

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Spurs Tickets
Watch Carabao Cup action at Craven Cottage as Fulham take on Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday evening.

Spurs visit SW6 for a Carabao Cup Round Two tie on Tuesday 29th August, kick-off 7:45pm.

Tickets for this match will remain on General Sale over the Bank Holiday weekend with Adult tickets available to purchase from £30 and Juniors from just £10!

Please be aware that all prices will increase by £10 on matchday, so secure your seat on Monday to avoid having to pay the additional charge.

Only supporters with a previous booking history will be eligible to purchase additional tickets on matchday (max. 6 per person), these tickets will be subject to the matchday price increase.

Supporters can purchase tickets online at tickets.fulhamfc.com, by calling the Fulham FC Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm), or in person from the Ticket Office (open Mon-Fri, 9:30am-4:30pm).

Further matchday information can be found here.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/august/28/spurs-tickets/

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Confirmed Match Officials: Manchester City vs Fulham (Premier League)
Michael Oliver will take charge of the clash between Manchester City and Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, the Premier League have announced.

Manchester City will be hoping to extend their winning start to the season to four matches this weekend, after Sunday's dramatic win over Sheffield United moved the Blues to the top of the Premier League table.

Rodri smashed Manchester City back into the lead moments after Jayden Bogle surprisingly cancelled out Erling Haaland's opening goal, as Sheffield United looked set for a shock draw against the treble-winners.

Fulham, who travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, secured a point at the Emirates last weekend, with an 87th minute goal from Joao Palhinha to draw 2-2 with Arsenal in North London.

Manchester City are unbeaten in their past 20 matches against Fulham, winning 2-1 at both the Etihad Stadium and Craven Cottage last season.

Pep Guardiola will remain absent from the Blues' dugout this weekend, but the 52-year-old is scheduled to return for the trip to West Ham after the international break.

Ahead of Saturday's clash, the Premier League have announced the Match Officials for Manchester City's match against Fulham.

Match Referee
Michael Oliver has been named as the referee for Manchester City's match against Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

The referee, who has officiated three matches so far this season, took charge of 46 matches last season – showing 159 yellow cards and two red cards.

Oliver last took charge of a game involving Manchester City in May, refereeing the Blues' 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Premier League.

Assistant Referees
Oliver will be accompanied at the Etihad Stadium by Assistant Referees Stuart Burt and Dan Cook.

Video Assistant Referees
Overviewing proceedings will be Video Assistant Referee Tony Harrington and Assistant Video Assistant Referee Adam Nunn.

Fourth Official
Michael Salisbury has been named as the Fourth Official.

The referee will be overseeing conduct within the two dugouts, and the behaviour of managers Juanma Lillo and Marco Silva.



https://cityxtra.co.uk/5856/confirmed-match-officials-manchester-city-vs-fulham-premier-league/

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Spurs Matchday Preview

Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur | Tuesday 29th August | 7.45pm | Craven Cottage | #FULTOT

The opposition

    Spurs installed Ange Postecoglou as their new boss this summer, and he's enjoyed an impressive start in North London, following up an opening day draw at Brentford with consecutive 2-0 wins over Manchester United and Bournemouth.
    The big transfer news of the summer saw their all-time record scorer Harry Kane depart for Bayern Munich, but there are a number of new faces in their line-up, with Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Micky van de Ven and James Maddison all starting each of their three matches to date.
    Manor Solomon was another new arrival at the club, but he's seen just two minutes of action so far. Postecoglou has said he'll make changes at Craven Cottage, so our former winger will be one of those hoping for a chance from the off.

Fulham team news

Calvin Bassey serves his one game ban, but Tim Ream is back following his own suspension. Willian is not yet ready to return, while Marco Silva is serving a touchline ban having accrued three yellow cards.

Spurs team news

Our visitors' starting XI is a difficult one to predict following Postecoglou's comments about switching things up, but Rodrigo Bentancur, Bryan Gil, Ryan Sessegnon and Alfie Whiteman will all miss out through injury.

Tickets

Tickets for this fixture are on sale to supporters with a previous booking history and can be purchased here.

Programme

We hear from Head Coach Marco Silva and skipper Tom Cairney, as ever, with TC also selecting his ultimate five-a-side team based on players he has played against during his career. The question is, which goalkeeper – who he has chosen for his team – is he describing...?

"I'd want to have a 'keeper who is good at playing out, and he's the ultimate goalkeeper for that in the Premier League. You know he'd be as comfortable in midfield as he is in goal!"

Pick up a copy of the programme on the night or online to find out!

The 64-page programme is priced at £3.50.

Weather

There is a small chance of rain at kick-off, with temperatures around 17 degrees.

Coverage

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

Fulham Flutter

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

Wandsworth Bridge closure

Fans are reminded that Wandsworth Bridge is currently closed and to plan their route to the Cottage accordingly.

Bag policy

Bags larger than A4 in size will not be permitted entry to the stadium. Please see our bag policy for full details, and information on our left luggage facility.

Early bird

Fans can take advantage of our early bird offers until 7.15pm! Full price reductions across all items can be viewed here.

Fulham For All

At Fulham Football Club, we believe in the power of unity and respect. We are committed to creating an inclusive matchday environment where every supporter feels valued and safe. Discriminatory chants have no place in football or in our community. We stand together against such behaviour, promoting inclusivity and celebrating the diversity that makes our Club and sport so special. Join us in fostering an atmosphere of respect and camaraderie, as we come together to support our team.

Form

Fulham: WLD

Spurs: DWW

Top scorers

Fulham: Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Andreas Pereira, João Palhinha (1)

Spurs: Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Cristian Romero, Emerson Royal, Pape Sarr (1)



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/august/29/spurs-matchday-preview/

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25-year-old PL player really likes the idea of joining Tottenham Hotspur before deadline day
Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo is keen on a move to Tottenham Hotspur before the transfer window closes this week.

That's according to 90min who shared that Adarabioyo finds the option to join Spurs quite appealing.

Monaco are still thought to be heavily interested in a deal for Adarabioyo so Spurs could face opposition should they chase a deal.

Perhaps also crucial to any plans is the future of Eric Dier.

Often spoken about in the last few weeks, Dier is thought to prefer to stay at the club until the end of his contract.

Dier has one year remaining on his deal and is reportedly happy to leave on a free and assess his options next summer.

Whether that will impact a move for Adarabioyo remains to be seen.

However, it has been clear that manager Ange Postecoglou would ideally recruit one more centre-back before the window closes.

Tottenham are said to have rejected a bid for Davinson Sanchez today.

Spurs are willing to sell but only at an improved price.

Tottenham are also said to be in less of a rush to find a deal given Sanchez has proved a viable back up for Postecoglou.

Fulham's Adarabioyo is keen on a move to Tottenham
It was always going to be a busy few days for Spurs in the remainder of the window.

The club were known to still have targets but those did hinge on departures being completed.

A deal for Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson looks to be progressing but there are still difficulties with the deal.

Spurs have also been linked with Barcelona's Ansu Fati but there is a big discrepancy in valuations between the sides.

However, if Tottenham are able to complete deals for Johnson and Adarabioyo, which doesn't seem unfeasible, then it really will have been a productive summer.

Losing a player like Harry Kane is never easy, but Spurs are reacting well.

And Fulham's Adarabioyo may be the latest player who wants to be part of this new Tottenham era.



https://tbrfootball.com/25-year-old-pl-player-really-likes-the-idea-of-joining-tottenham-hotspur-before-deadline-day/

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Fulham 'closing in on Steven Benda signing'
Fulham are reportedly close to signing Swansea City goalkeeper Steven Benda.

The Cottagers have started the final week of the transfer window with the addition of Timothy Castagne from Leicester City.

The Belgium international has returned to the Premier League signing a contract until the summer of 2027 with an option for a further year.

After completing their fourth summer signing of the transfer window, Fulham are understood to be close to making their fifth addition.

According to BBC Sport, the Cottagers are on the verge of signing German goalkeeper Benda from Championship side Swansea.

Fulham are keen to add to their goalkeeping department, which features current number one Bernd Leno and his deputy Marek Rodak.

Benda, who joined Swansea from 1860 Munich at the age of 18 in 2017, spent time out on loan at Swindon Town in the 2019-20 season and Peterborough United in the second half of the 2021-22 campaign.

The goalkeeper started the 2022-23 season as Swansea's first-choice goalkeeper, keeping five clean sheets in 21 league appearances before sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Queens Park Rangers in January.

Benda is still recovering from the serious knee injury, and he may not be fully fit until the midway point of the season.

Despite working on his rehabilitation, Benda has reportedly undergone a medical and is set to be unveiled as a new Fulham player.

Fulham's summer business will not stop there, though, with Marco Silva looking to bolster their options in the final third.

The Cottagers have allegedly reached an agreement with Sevilla to sign Lucas Ocampos, leaving it up to the player to decide whether to make the move.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/fulham-closing-in-on-steven-benda-signing_522516.html?newsnow

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Alex Iwobi permanent exit 'Looks Likely' as Everton in advanced talks with Fulham
Alex Iwobi "looks likely" to leave Everton for Fulham before Friday's transfer deadline with the clubs in advanced talks, according to Ryan Taylor.

Writing on his personal Twitter account (29 August), the journalist reports that talks are ongoing between the Toffees and the Cottagers for the permanent transfer of the Nigeria international as he is in the final 12 months of his contract.

And now a deal is said to be likely although there is interest from elsewhere, but it's Fulham that are in advanced talks and lead the way.

"Fulham in talks to sign Alex Iwobi on a permanent deal from Everton," he wrote.

"Toffees have failed to reach agreement with 27-year-old over new contract and current deal expires in summer of 2024.

"Move looks likely but there is interest from another Premier League side."

Cashing in
Iwobi is a key member of this squad and a hugely popular figure in the dressing room and among the fans in the crowd.

But he certainly isn't irreplaceable and if he isn't willing to put pen to paper on a new contract, then the club are doing the right thing when it comes to listening to offers.

No fee has been mentioned yet but there are only a few days remaining in the window and you would expect that Everton would get a fair chunk of change from their Premier League rivals for one of their key players.

That money could be used towards signing a direct replacement or strengthening the squad elsewhere before Friday night's deadline.

Either way if we get an offer that matches our valuation it could be best for all parties to go their separate ways if Iwobi isn't willing to commit long-term to us considering the financial situation we find ourselves in.



https://www.goodisonnews.com/2023/08/29/alex-iwobi-permanent-exit-looks-likely-as-everton-in-advanced-talks-with-fulham/

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Fulham: Lucas Ocampos transfer update
The Cottagers have revived their interest in the winger...

Fulham are now preparing a new offer for Sevilla's Lucas Ocampos, having already agreed personal terms, with a report revealing how much they may have to fork out on the winger.

What's the latest Fulham transfer news?
The Cottagers completed the signing of former Wolverhampton Wanderers man Adama Traore earlier this month, which suggested their pursuit of a new winger was over, with Marco Silva more likely to be keen on replacing Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Several different striker targets have been identified, with Paris Saint-Germain's Hugo Ekitike being named as a potential, should the Londoners be willing to re-invest a large chunk of the £46m fee they received for Mitrovic on the £34m-rated star.

Flamengo star Pedro has expressed a desire to leave the Brazilian club, and Fulham have been mulling over making an offer in excess of €25m (£21.4m), while they have also been named as potential suitors for Genk attacking midfielder Mike Tresor.

Silva is clearly still keen on bolstering his attacking options this summer, with a move for a new winger also still possible, and reports from Spain claim the manager has now revived his interest in signing Ocampos from Sevilla (via Hammy End).

The Whites had two offers for the 29-year-old rejected earlier in the window, but they are now keen to get a deal over the line, with the Spanish press previously reporting that Sevilla were seeking a fee of around £17m.

The winger is seeking more regular game time, meaning he could be attracted by a move away from the Spanish club, and Fulham are now growing in confidence that they will be able to reach a suitable deal swiftly, having verbally agreed personal terms.

In a more recent update on X, though, The Daily Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath has now indicated that the deal could be edging towards completion, saying:

"#FulhamFC have agreed the terms of a deal for Sevilla forward Lucas Ocampos and the player must decide if he wants to swap Champions League football this season for the Premier League."

How many goals has Lucas Ocampos scored?
The Argentina international has scored 91 goals in his professional career, including 39 in 165 appearances for Sevilla, during which time he has also picked up 18 assists, so it is evident that he poses a considerable threat on the front foot.

Over the past year, the Sevilla star ranks in the 82nd percentile for successful take-ons per 90, when compared to his positional peers, again showcasing his attacking qualities, while he also ranks in the 92nd percentile for tackles, indicating he is willing to pitch in defensively.

The right-winger has experience playing at the very highest level, having amassed 21 appearances in the Champions League, and having just turned 29 he should be in the peak years of his career, so he could be a great addition for Fulham.

Lauded as "dangerous" by members of the media, Ocampos has proven himself in a number of top leagues, including Ligue 1, Serie A and La Liga, and he could now be ready to test himself in the Premier League, so it is exciting news that terms have been agreed with Sevilla.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-premier-league-lucas-ocampos-transfer-news-rumours-updates/

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EXCLUSIVE: Eric Dier is set to be LEFT OUT of Tottenham's squad for their Carabao Cup clash at Fulham with the England defender's future looking bleak under Ange Postecoglou amid links to Bayern Munich

    Eric Dier will play no part in Tottenham's EFL Cup clash with Fulham on Tuesday
    Spurs have repeatedly offered Bayern Munich the chance to sign Dier

Tottenham stalwart Eric Dier's future under Ange Postecoglou is looking bleak, with the defender set to be left out of the squad to face Fulham in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.

Dier hasn't featured in a single one of the Postecoglou's opening three match-day squads during Spurs' unbeaten start to the season.

There had been hope that Dier would feature at Craven Cottage tonight given where the EFL Cup stands in Tottenham's priorities.

However, it is understood Dier is set to be left out again to provide a clear indication that he is not in Postecoglou's plans.

The development comes amid tentative interest from Bayern Munich in Dier.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12457953/Eric-Dier-left-Tottenham-squad-face-Fulham-Tuesday-night-talk-Bayern-Munich-continues-gather-pace.html

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Everton Alex Iwobi sale collapses with days left until transfer window deadline - Sky Sports
Fulham are currently not expecting to complete a deal for Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi, according to Sky Sports.

The publication reported on its website on Tuesday (29 August) that the Cottagers were involved in talks about his signing just earlier today.

Iwobi, who joined the Toffees from Arsenal in 2019, made two appearances this season before suffering a hamstring injury against Aston Villa.

"Fulham are not expecting to sign Alex Iwobi from Everton at the moment," according to Sky Sports.

"Sky Sports News revealed earlier today that the west London club were in talks over the singing of Iwobi, who has entered the final year of his contract at Goodison Park.

"Two other clubs are interested in the Nigerian midfielder – one unnamed Premier League club and one from Europe."

One to keep
This should be welcome news to Everton supporters, who will not want to lose one of their star players this summer. Fans should be desperate to keep hold of Iwobi for various reasons, the main one being that he is one of the few players at Goodison Park who possesses a creative spark.

Secondly, it wouldn't make sense to lose the Nigerian international to a Premier League rival, while it also wouldn't make sense to sell him this late on in the transfer window.

If he does leave, it would mean Everton have very little time to bring in a much-needed replacement, particularly given how Iwobi is capable of playing in various positions across the pitch.

The only reason to sell the 27-year-old would be if there was a large fee involved, which certainly doesn't seem to be the case.

The Toffees have endured a nightmare start to the new season, and need to sign new players as opposed to losing members of their current squad.



https://www.goodisonnews.com/2023/08/29/everton-alex-iwobi-sale-collapses-with-days-left-until-transfer-window-deadline-sky-sports/

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Opposition watch | Fulham
Fulham provide the opposition for our first second round tie in the Carabao/League Cup since 2009 this evening. Here's a rundown of the men from Craven Cottage...

Form
Fulham's first three matches of 2023/24 have thrown up a bit of everything, from a 1-0 win against the run of play at Everton on the opening day, a red card and 3-0 loss at home to Brentford and then another red card, this time followed by a recovery from 2-1 down to snatch a point at Arsenal on Saturday.

Players to watch
Joao Palhinha continues to impress in midfield, particularly his strength of breaking up play and keeping the ball moving, but he was the man on the spot at the Emirates to secure that late point for Fulham on Saturday with a clever volley from Harrison Reed's corner. In terms of incomings, Calvin Bassey is the headline arrival, the former Rangers defender arriving from Ajax. Fulham also went to Wolves for a double raid in striker Raul Jimenez and winger Adama Traore. Full-back Timothy Castagne's move from Leicester was announced on Tuesday.

Manager - Marco Silva
A professional for 15 years in Portugal, Marco Silva made his coaching name at Estoril, where he won the Segunda Liga in 2011/12. He switched to Sporting in 2014/15 and then Olympiacos (2015/16) before arriving in the Premier League at Hull City in 2017. Spells followed at Watford and Everton before his arrival at Craven Cottage in 2021. He led Fulham to the Championship title in 2021/22 and followed up with an impressive 10th in their first season back in the Premier League in 2022/23.

Last time we met
Harry Kane scored the only goal of the game as we won our last meeting against Fulham at Craven Cottage on 23 January. It wasn't just any goal, either, a superb curling effort from the edge of the box equalled Jimmy Greaves' all-time goalscoring record of 266 goals. Two weeks later, he broke the record with goal 267, another winning goal against Manchester City.

How to follow
onight's match has not been selected for live television broadcast in the UK, but live radio commentary can be found on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and talkSPORT 2.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm UK time - overseas broadcast listings can be found here.

As usual, you can also follow all the action via our Match Centre here on tottenhamhotspur.com and the Spurs Official app, where you'll find live text updates and audio commentary, images, stats and so much more.

Video highlights will be available on SPURSPLAY from one hour after the game, alongside post-match interviews, with the full match replay available from midnight (UK and Ireland only).



https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2023/august/opposition-watch-fulham/