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

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Tottenham predicted lineup vs Fulham - Carabao Cup

    Tottenham last won Carabao Cup in 2008, their most recent piece of silverware
    Knocked out of the competition in third round last season by Nottingham Forest
    Spurs have won two games on the bounce under new boss Ange Postecoglou

Tottenham travel to city rivals Fulham on Tuesday night looking to seal their spot in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Spurs are playing in the second round for the first time since 2009 after finishing eighth and failing to qualify for Europe. Cup runs have been hard to come by in recent years, exiting this competition in the third round last year to Nottingham Forest, while their FA Cup run came to an end in the fifth round at Sheffield United.

A change in playing style may help their prospects as manager Ange Postecoglou - successful in cup competitions at Celtic - targets the club's first piece of silverware since 2008.

Here's the side Tottenham could put out at Fulham on Tuesday night.

Tottenham predicted lineup vs Fulham - Carabao Cup
GK: Guglielmo Vicario - Cup competitions are often used to give second choice goalkeepers a run out but that makes little sense with Vicario arriving in the summer and Fraser Forster the current reserve option.

RB: Emerson Royal - The Brazilian is duking it out with Pedro Porro for the right-back berth and is seen as the more defensive option compared with the Spaniard's attacking intent.

CB: Cristian Romero - There are fewer games to negotiate for Tottenham this season due to their lack of European involvement, so building the centre-back partnership between Romero and Van de Ven is a must right now.

CB: Micky van de Ven - Has complimented Romero's aggressive approach with his lightning fast recovery pace, helping Spurs record clean sheets in back-to-back 2-0 wins.

LB: Ben Davies - Destiny Udogie was taken off against Bournemouth as a precaution but swapping Davies in at left-back is still a safe option.

CM: Oliver Skipp - Has watched on from the bench after Pape Matar Sarr took his chance against Manchester United and will need to impress in a similar box-to-box role to earn back a starting role.

CM: Yves Bissouma - Already looks integral to this new-look Spurs side, comfortably keeping the ball and rolling forward like he did when at Brighton.

RW: Manor Solomon - The Israel international could bag his first start of the season against his former side. Solomon scored four goals in 19 league appearances for the Cottagers last term.

AM: Giovani Lo Celso - Seen as the natural back up to James Maddison, Lo Celso may also get his first start of the season at Craven Cottage having impressed during pre-season.

LW: Son Heung-min - Tottenham's new captain may target this game as the perfect opportunity to get up and running goal-wise this campaign.

ST: Richarlison - The Brazilian number nine has been ineffective and sometimes detrimental to Tottenham's attack in their opening three games. Has had four shots in total.



https://www.90min.com/posts/tottenham-predicted-lineup-vs-fulham-carabao-cup-29-8-23

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Sources: Bayern Munich could now blow Nottingham Forest away to sign Ndidi
Bayern Munich and Nottingham Forest are interested in Leicester City midfielder Wilfried Ndidi, sources have told Football Insider.

The German giants want a holding midfielder and Football Insider revealed on Saturday (26 August) that they have targetted Joao Palhinha of Fulham in a big-money deal.

But Ndidi could provide a cheaper alternative for Thomas Tuchel's side if a deal for Palhinha cannot be struck before Friday's (1 September) deadline.

The Bundesliga champions have the financial might to blow interest from Nottingham Forest out of the water.

Ndidi wants to leave Leicester following their relegation from the Premier League last term.

He has, however, continued to play for the Foxes in the second tier and has featured in each of their five games so far this season.

The 51-cap Nigeria international is in the final year of his contract at the King Power Stadium.

He signed for Leicester in 2017 and has gone on to make 242 appearances for the club, notching 12 goals and 12 assists.

Ndidi was part of the side which won the FA Cup under Brendan Rodgers' stewardship in 2021.

It is believed both Bayern and Forest value the 26-year-old's versatility, with the Lagos-born ace capable of playing in holding midfield and as a centre-back.

Football Insider revealed last week (24 August) that Nottingham Forest have submitted a £21.3million loan-to-buy bid for PSV Eindhoven star Ibrahim Sangare.

Ndidi could emerge as a cut-price alternative to the Ivorian as the final week of the deadline plays out.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-bayern-munich-could-now-blow-nottingham-forest-away-to-sign-ndidi/

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Lo Celso and Richarlison start, Son call - The Tottenham team Postecoglou should pick vs Fulham
Here are the Tottenham teams our football.london reporters would select for Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie against Fulham at Craven Cottage

Tottenham start their Carabao Cup campaign on Tuesday evening with a tricky tie away at Fulham on the agenda. Tending to enter the competition in the third round in previous years due to their European commitments, Spurs' failure to qualify for Europe last season means they come in at round two for the first time since 2009.

Missing out on a tie against an EFL side and instead drawn to face Fulham, Ange Postecoglou's team will have to be at the top of their game to ensure they don't suffer an early cup exit. With no European football on the calendar this season, all Spurs fans are desperate for a cup run as the club look to end their long trophy drought.

 So who exactly should Postecoglou pick in his Tottenham side for the showdown in west London? Our football.london Tottenham reporters have named the teams they would pick below.

Rob Guest - Tottenham Hotspur reporter
It's about Ange Postecoglou striking the right balance in terms of his team selection for the Fulham match after admitting that he will make changes to the side that won at Bournemouth. Suffering embarrassing early exits in the domestic cup competitions last year after Antonio Conte made a number of alterations to his team, Postecoglou and Spurs cannot afford for the same to happen again, especially with no European football to look forward to over the coming months.

So, sticking with Guglielmo Vicario in goal, Emerson Royal and Ben Davies come in at right-back and left-back respectively as Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven remain at the heart of defence. In midfield, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Giovani Lo Celso both deserve starts and come into the middle alongside Yves Bissouma.

Maybe the perfect opportunity to give the Mali international a breather, Spurs needs to progress through to round three and so that means he starts as he has been influential for Postecoglou so far this season.

Richarlison also remains in the team as he desperately needs a goal and so does Son Heung-min, which will come as disappointing news to Ivan Perisic. As much as the Croat deserves a chance from the off after some brilliant cameos from the bench, Tottenham need to ensure they don't exit the competition at the first time of asking and that means Son operates from the left to begin with.

Rather than shunting either Son or Perisic to the right and upsetting the balance as they are both left-sided players, Manor Solomon should play on the right rather than Dejan Kulusevski.

Guest's team: Vicario; Emerson, Romero, Van de Ven, Davies; Bissouma, Hojbjerg, Lo Celso; Solomon, Richarlison, Son

Lee Wilmot - Head of Football
Once again we're in a difficult situation at Tottenham.

The Carabao Cup begins this week and difficult decisions abound. The stick used to beat Spurs with is that they never win trophies. Yet here is the Carabao Cup, probably the easiest route to busting that.

Yet there are players who need more game time, so making changes should be expected as Ange Postecoglou looks for his perfect starting XI.

Fraser Forster can play in goal, with Emerson Royal and Ben Davies playing at full-back. Cristian Romero should play and captain the team, alongside Davinson Sanchez at the back.

Then, ahead of them, the changes are not too major, given most of the midfield have had minutes in the Premier League. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg should be alongside Oliver Skipp and Giovani Lo Celso - the Argentine can be the creative presence that will be missed with James Maddison's omission from the team.

Up front I think Ivan Perisic is worth a start, alongside Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison, who needs to keep playing to build his confidence.

Wilmot's team: Forster; Emerson, Romero, Sanchez, Davies; Hojbjerg, Skipp, Lo Celso; Perisic, Kulusevski, Richarlison



https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/fixtures-results/tottenham-team-fulham-richarlison-postecoglou-27609198

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Fulham U21s put five past Palace
Fulham under 21s continued their confident start to the new campaign by producing a five-star performance as they thrashed Crystal Palace 5-2 at Selhurst Park this afternoon.

Hayden Mullins' side made the perfect start when winger Terrell Works put them ahead in the third minute with Martial Godo and Chris Donnell adding further finishes either side of a missed penalty from Matt Dibley-Dias. Palace did convert a spot-kick in the seventh minute of first half stoppage time, but full back Devan Tanton volleyed a stunning fourth off his weaker foot to restore Fulham's three-goal cushion before Godo converted a penalty he had won himself. Even a late own goal from the unfortunate Harvey Araujo couldn't take the gloss off an astonishing attacking display.

Just like at Portsmouth in their last outing, the young Whites began at quite a pace. Dibley-Dias won possession and found Godo, who tricked his way past a defender, but saw his speculative shot well saved by Joe Whitworth. It didn't take long for the visitors to hit the front with Works making no mistake in finding the far corner racing onto Godo's glorious through ball. Donnell headed against the post from Tanton's cross before the full back tested the Palace keeper's relaxes in a serious sell of Fulham pressure.

Whitworth did well to keep out Dipley-Dias' penalty kick after a handball, but that only seemed to encourage Fulham to turn the screw. The in-form Godo made it two with sensational skills as he beat his marker and made light of an acute angle to leave Whitworth with little chance. Callum McFarlane headed wide from a delightful Dibley-Dias delivery but it was soon 3-0 in any case as Donnell nodded home Dibley-Dias' pinpoint corner.

Palace gratefully seized upon a lifeline in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Luc de Fougorelles was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Jack  Wells-Morrison stepped up to reduce Palace's arrears and the hosts began the second period brightly. Justin Devenney went remarkably close to making it 3-2 when he clipped the crossbar with a rising drive from distance.

Tanton settled any lingering nerves about the possibility of a Palace fight back with a venomous half volley and Godo then rounded off the scoring from the spot before Araujo was unlucky to divert an attempt from Chris Francis past his own goalkeeper.

CRYSTAL PALACE UNDER 21s: Whitworth (GK), Imray, Grehan, Francis, Kporha, Raymond, Wells-Morrison, Nascimento (Devenny, 15), Akinwale, Ola-Adebomi (Ebiowei, 72), Umeh (Mathurin, 66). Subs (not used):  Izquierdo, Sheridan.

BOOKED: Ola-Adebomi, Imry, Wells-Morrison, Kphorba

FULHAM UNDER 21s (4-3-3): Borto, Tanton, Essenga, de Fougerolles (de Jesus 74), Araujo; McCoy-Splatt (Okkas 34), Dibley-Dias, Donnell; Works (Sekularc 65), Godo, McFarlane (Osman 72). Subs (not used): McNally.

BOOKED: Dibley-Dias.

GOALS: Works (3), Godo (26, 68), Donnell (45+1), Tanton (65).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/fulham-u21s-put-five-past-palace/

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Fulham: Cottagers looking at Sergio Reguilon
The left-back will be allowed to leave Tottenham Hotspur before the deadline.

Fulham have now "looked at" signing Tottenham Hotspur left-back Sergio Reguilon, but another player remains Marco Silva's priority target, according to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas.

Who are Fulham signing this summer?
Fulham have now reached an agreement to sign Leicester City full-back Timothy Castagne, in what could be a £15m deal, and the Belgian is set to join on a four-year contract, with the transfer set to be formally announced by the club on Tuesday.

However, The Evening Standard report the Cottagers ideally want to bring in two new full-backs, indicating they could also sign a left-back, and they have recently stepped up their interest in signing AS Monaco's Ismail Jakobs, according to a report from TEAMtalk.

Jakobs is said to be Marco Silva's top target in that area of the pitch, with discussions currently ongoing, and the manager is determined to win the race for his signature, but there are some alternative options in mind, including Reguilon,

In a recent update on X, Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas has claimed that Fulham are one of the Premier League clubs who have "looked at" signing the Tottenham left-back, but they may have to fend off interest from elsewhere, with Manchester United also interested.

In what could be a boost for both clubs, the Spaniard will be allowed to leave Spurs before the transfer deadline on September 1st, with Sky Sports reporting he is one of four defenders "expected to depart" the north London club.

The Cottagers' interest only appears to be tentative at this stage, and their priority is getting a deal for Castagne over the line, but given that Silva wants to bring in two new full-backs, the Tottenham defender could also be brought in before the deadline.

How good is Sergio Reguilon?
The "fantastic" 26-year-old had two full seasons as a first-team regular for Spurs, making a total of 67 appearances for the club, however he was unfancied by former manager Antonio Conte ahead of last season, being sent out on loan to La Liga side Atletico Madrid.

However, the £48k-per-week full-back was unable to make the impact he would have been hoping for in his home country, making 11 appearances in La Liga, and featuring for just 303 minutes in total, never managing to force his way into Diego Simeone's plans.

Given that he has received very little game time over the past year, and did not stand out during his time in the Tottenham starting XI, it may be unwise for Fulham to pursue a move for Reguilon, particularly considering they have some other good options in mind.

Silva's priority target, Jakobs, has received far more game time for Monaco, making 32 Ligue 1 appearances last season, and he poses a real threat on the front foot, ranking in the 89th percentile for assists per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

There is a reason why Tottenham have no qualms about parting ways with Reguilon, and Fulham should avoid making a move for him this summer.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-premier-league-sergio-reguilon-transfer-news-rumours-latest-updates/

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Silva: 'Castagne was one of my first targets'
Fulham head coach Marco Silva confirmed that Leicester full back Timothy Castagne was on the cusp of a permanent move to Craven Cottage this afternoon – and revealed that the defender was one of his top targets over the summer.

The Belgian international had his medical ahead of a £12m switch today and is expected to sign a long-term contract with the Cottagers within the next 24 hours. The 27 year-old, comfortable on either side of a back four and able to operate further forward, was at the top of Silva's shortlist of potential signings back in May and the Whites appear to have beaten Juventus and a host of English clubs to his signature.

Silva told his press conference:

"It's not 100 per cent done but it's almost done and when this happens I can speak about him. He was one of my first targets since the beginning and when we started to plan for this season. We have Kenny [Tete] and [Antonee] Robinson who we are really happy with but we need a right back and we can get one with the quality of Timothy, with his experience and versatility at left-back also.

He's a player who will give us very good solutions in terms of position, he's a very good player who I believe will be a great addition for us. The feedback I have got is that things are on the right track and either today or tomorrow we will have news about him and he is really close to being our player, I am really pleased."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/silva-castagne-was-one-of-my-first-targets/

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Fulham transfers: Marco Silva reveals £15m defensive coup is 'almost done'
Fulham boss Marco Silva has revealed Timothy Castagne's transfer to the club from Leicester is "really close" to being completed.

A fee understood to be in the region of £15million is close to being agreed after Silva's recent calls for transfers ahead of the September 1 deadline, following the departure of star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic earlier this month.

"We have to do our maximum because we are really short and light in numbers and we have to try everything," Silva said.

"It's not 100 per cent done but it's almost done (Castagne to Fulham) and when this happens I can speak about him. He was one of my first targets since the beginning and when we started to plan for this season.

"We have Kenny (Tete) and (Antonee) Robinson who we are really happy with but we need a right-back and we can get one with the quality of Timothy, with his experience and versatility at left-back also.

"He's a player who will give us very good solutions in terms of position, he's a very good player who I believe will be a great addition for us.

"The feedback I have got is that things are on the right track and either today or tomorrow we will have news about him and he is really close to being our player, I am really pleased."

Silva miffed over Fulham red cards
Silva will miss Fulham's second-round Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham on Tuesday after picking up his third yellow card of the season during his side's 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League.

The Cottagers boss feels the ban is harsh and is frustrated by the decisions to send off two of his players – Tim Ream against Brentford and Calvin Bassey on Saturday – this season.

"Yes (it is harsh) but I understand what it is," Silva added.

"This is the decision and I am here to respect the decision even though sometimes they are difficult to understand. I have to understand and try to change some things that they want me to change.

"I know my feelings and I know the feelings of everyone in this football club about all the situations that has happened in the last three weeks and my feeling is not good.

"My concern is that I've finished two games this season with 10 men, this is a concern for me and against Brentford it was a clear and obvious mistake from the referee which put us in a position to play with 10 men, and the way Calvin was booked (for time-wasting) from a goal kick was impossible for us to understand how."



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/transfers-marco-silva-reveals-15m-cottagers-coup-almost-done

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Silva ponders Spurs selection
Marco Silva will rotate his Fulham squad for tomorrow night's League Cup second round tie against Tottenham Hotspur – but is still musing over precisely which eleven to select with the Whites' trip to league leaders Manchester City looming large.

The Cottagers' head coach confirmed that the Craven Cottage clash will come too soon for winger Willian and Silva told his pre-match press conference that he will rest several first-teamers who fought back to claim a precious point at Arsenal with ten men on Saturday.

"Probably for tomorrow I will have to make more rotations in some positions. Some will be impossible, so I will have to make a technical decision. It is important to see some players, who deserve to have minutes as well. Our last home game was not the best result but we want to see a reaction like we did in our last game against Arsenal. It was a good reaction after our last home game against Brentford.

It is a very good competition at the start of the season where some players are tired and we have to see each player and approach the situation in the right way because we have some players who have come back from big injuries, we have to manage these types of situations."

Silva has no doubt that Spurs will offer a stern test whatever side Ange Postecoglou puts out after the Australian's impressive start in his new job.

"We expect something from them. They started the season well. They are playing good football as well. As always, Tottenham has a lot of good players, quality players all around the pitch."

The Fulham boss won't be on the touchline tomorrow having picked up his third yellow card in three matches this season at the Emirates – and will have to watch from the Riverside Stand.

"I understand that that is the decision and I respect the decisions, even if sometimes they are difficult to understand. I have to understand though and change some things that they want me to change."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/silva-ponders-spurs-selection/

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Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Marco Silva's Fulham are all set to host Tottenham Hotspur at the Craven Cottage in the second round of the EFL Cup.

In the second round of the EFL Cup, Fulham will square up against Tottenham Hotspur. It is arguably the biggest game of this round as two top Premier League teams go head-to-head. The Craven Cottage will play host to this high-voltage fixture on Tuesday evening.

Fulham have had a decent start to the new Premier League season. They have accumulated four points in their three outings and are currently 12th on the points table. While the overall, start looks decent, their only win came on the first matchday, post which they have not been convincing enough.

The Cottagers are heading into this cup fixture on the back of a 2-2 draw in the Premier League. They managed to snatch a point from the Gunners despite being a man down. The draw might not be that great a result. But given the circumstances and the opposition, it would have surely given them a lot of confidence.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur look like a well-oiled outfit under Ange Postecoglou. Everyone expected them to struggle for goals because of the departure of Harry Kane. But, it seems the Australian manager has found a way out and they have been off to a great start in the new season.

Spurs have seven points in three matches, and they are currently third on the points table. They have scored two goals in each of their Premier League matches. After playing out a disappointing draw against Brentford in the first outing, they have won 2-0 against Manchester United and Bournemouth.

Postecoglou's men will be confident of getting the job done against Fulham. But, Marco Silva's men will surely give it their all to create an upset early on in the EFL Cup. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both the squads and tries to predict the tactics they could use.

Team News & Tactics
Fulham
Marco Silva will be without the services of Calvin Bassey, who was sent off in their last outing against Arsenal. Meanwhile, there are doubts over the availability of Willian, and he is unlikely to be risked. The positive for Fulham will be the return of Tim Ream, who is back after serving his suspension and is expected to make it into the playing XI.

Silva is expected to make quite a few changes to the XI that took the field in their Premier League outing against Arsenal. Marek Rodak will be in goal as the Cottagers will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Kevin Mbabu and Antonee Robinson could be the full-back pairing for this outing. In the heart of the defence, we could see Tosin Adarabioyo pair up with Ream. The back four will have a tough task at their hands of stopping Spurs' high-flying attack.

Harrison Reed will pair up with Sasa Lukic in the centre of the park. The duo will form the double pivot and they will look to dictate the pace of this game. Tom Cairney could be seen in the attacking midfielder role. Meanwhile, new signing Adama Traore and Harry Wilson will feature out wide on the flanks. They will look to stretch the opposition defence and supply balls to their striker Carlos Vinicius.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Mbabu, Adarabioyo, Ream, Robinson; Reed, Lukic; Traore, Cairney, Wilson; Vinicius

Tottenham Hotspur
Ange Postecoglou will be without the services of quite a few players. The likes of Tanguy Ndombele, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ryan Sessegnon, Bryan Gil and Alfie Whiteman are all out injured. Meanwhile, there are doubts about the availability of Destiny Udogie as he recently picked up a knock.

The Australian manager will also make a number of changes to the XI that started against Bournemouth. In a 4-3-3, Fraser Forster could be seen in goal. Emerson Royal and Ben Davies could start out wide in defence as the full-backs. While their primary task will be to defend, the duo are expected to be high up the pitch in the opposition half.

Davinson Sanchez could feature in the heart of the defence alongside new signing Micky van de Ven. Oliver Skipp, Giovani Lo Celso and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will be the three in the centre of the park. Skipp is expected to be in a bit more defensive role while Lo Celso and Hojbjerg will look to contribute at both ends.

Ivan Perisic could start on the left flank and on the right we could see former Fulham player Manor Solomon star. With Kane no longer at the club, Richarlison has taken over the central role and he is expected to start in their EFL Cup fixture.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Forster; Emerson, Sanchez, Van de Ven, Davies; Hojbjerg, Skipp, Lo Celso; Perisic, Richarlison, Solomon

Key Stats

    Fulham have only won two out of the 20 matches against Tottenham Hotspur.
    Tottenham Hotspur have won the three last fixtures against the Cottagers.
    Fulham's last win against Spurs came back in 2013.
    The Cottagers have lost each of their last five home games against Tottenham.
    Spurs have won 15 out of the 20 outings against the Cottagers.

Player to Watch
Richarlison
The 26-year-old Brazil international has not had the best of times since joining Tottenham Hotspur. He made the move to the North London club last summer from Everton and has since been involved in a total of 38 matches and only has seven goal contributions.

Richarlison will be used up top as a striker this season and he has already featured in that role in all three of their Premier League fixture. But, he has not managed to find the back of the net yet. The 26-year-old will be eager to prove himself and this EFL Cup fixture could be a great opportunity for him to get things going.

Prediction
Fulham 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham started off the new season with a win. But post that, things have not really gone according to plan. The 2-2 draw against Arsenal last time out will surely give them a boost heading into this encounter against Spurs. But they still might not have enough firepower in their ranks.

Tottenham are flying him in the new season with back-to-back 2-0 wins over Manchester United and Bournemouth. They have been doing everything right under their new boss and are expected to get it done against Fulham. The Hard Tackle predicts another 2-0 win for Spurs.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2023/08/28/fulham-vs-tottenham-hotspur-preview-probable-lineups-prediction-tactics-team-news-key-stats-2/

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Report explains one factor that is delaying Tottenham's pursuit of 25-year-old
Dean Jones has written in his column for GiveMeSport that Tottenham are expected to make a move for Tosin Adarabioyo once Davinson Sanchez seals an exit from the club.

There continues to be plenty of speculation linking Adarabioyo with a move to Tottenham with reports over the last week indicating that Fulham want to sell the player to Spurs over Monaco, even though the centre-back prefers to join the Ligue 1 side (Fabrice Hawkins).

This is because Marco Silva allegedly wants to sign Eric Dier as part of the operation, with Sky Sports even claiming on Thursday that the Lilywhites have already explored the possibility of including the 29-year-old in a deal for the Fulham man.

Spurs still in conversation over Adababiayo
Jones has now said that talks between Tottenham and the Cottagers regarding Adarabioyo are continuing and adds that Sanchez might need to leave N17 before we see progress in the deal.

The journalist reveals he has been informed by agents around the deal that Spurs are waiting for the Colombian to depart before signing the 25-year-old.

Jones asserts that while Sanchez has been 'hotly tipped' to join Rennes, Monaco are also battling for the 27-year-old's signature.

Spurs Web Opinion
It appears as if Tottenham's plan is to move Sanchez on and bring in another right-sided centre-back such as Adarabioyo or Perr Shuurs before the window closes. I can also see Spurs pursuing a late deal for Clement Lenglet if they are successful in offloading Eric Dier over the coming days.



https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/report-explains-one-factor-that-is-delaying-tottenhams-pursuit-of-25-year-old/

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Team News: Fulham vs. Tottenham Hotspur injury, suspension list, predicted XIs
Premier League rivals Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur will lock horns in the second round of the EFL Cup at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night.

The home side will enter the match off the back of a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League, while Tottenham beat Bournemouth 2-0 last time out, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news.

FULHAM vs. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
FULHAM
Out: Calvin Bassey (suspended)

Doubtful: Willian (knock)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Rodak; Mbabu, Adarabioyo, Ream, Robinson; Reed, Lukic; Traore, Cairney, Wilson; Vinicius

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Out: Rodrigo Bentancur (knee), Ryan Sessegnon (thigh), Bryan Gil (groin), Tanguy Ndombele (fitness), Alfie Whiteman (ankle)

Doubtful: Destiny Udogie (knee)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Forster; Emerson, Sanchez, Van de Ven, Davies; Hojbjerg, Skipp, Lo Celso; Perisic, Richarlison, Solomon



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/spurs/league-cup/team-news/team-news-fulham-vs-spurs-injury-suspension-list-predicted-xis_522322.html?newsnow

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Fulham agree £15 million deal to sign Timothy Castagne
Fulham have reached an agreement with Leicester City for the services of 27-year-old Belgian defender Timothy Castagne.

According to Sacha Tavolieri, Fulham are keen on having Timothy Castagne in their ranks before the end of the transfer window. The Cottagers have been pushing for his signature of late and finally, have an agreement in place with Leicester City over the transfer of the 27-year-old full-back.

Marco Silva is keen on having more depth in his defence and to be precise he is looking for more quality at the right-back position. He is a big fan of Castagne and is keen on having him at his disposal.

He has asked Fulham to land the Belgian international at the club and they have been in talks with the Foxes of late. Finally, the two teams have reached a common ground. Leicester and Fulham have both agreed on a transfer worth £15 million including add-ons.

The player already has an agreement in place with the Cottagers as he was keen on a return to the top flight. The 27-year-old is all set to pen down a four-year contract and he is expected to complete his medical by the end of the day. The official announcement of this transfer could take place on Tuesday.

Castagne's arrival will bolster Fulham's defence and it will allow Marco Silva to push for a better finish in the league. It will also help the Belgian international to return to the top flight after being relegated to the Championship with Leicester City.

While the Foxes want to keep the 27-year-old at the club, the player is pushing for a return to the top flight. He doesn't want to feature in the second division and hasn't made any appearances for them in the new season. His contract runs until the summer of 2025 but he is keen on leaving in the ongoing window.

And, Leicester have decided to let him leave the club. Meanwhile, Fulham have received a major financial boost following the sale of Aleksandar Mitrovic. While his absence leaves a void, the money earned is being used to strengthen the squad and make them a lot more competitive.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/08/29/fulham-agree-15-million-deal-to-sign-timothy-castagne/

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Fulham prepare new Ocampos offer
Fulham have revived their interest in signing the Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos, according to reports from Spain.

The Whites had two offers for the Argentinian international rejected by Sevilla five weeks ago and they have returned to try and sign the 29 year-old in the last five days of the summer transfer window. Ocampos, who has scored 39 goals in 163 games for the La Liga side, is now into the final twelve months of his contract with Los Nervionenseses and is seeking more regular game time.

Ocampos, who has won a pair of Europa League titles whilst in Spain, has won eleven senior caps for Argentina and has reportedly already verbally agreed personal terms with Fulham. Sevilla and Fulham are believed to be haggling over the precise amount payable up front for Ocampos – but the Londoners' recruitment team are more confident of reaching a suitable deal swiftly.

The Spanish press suggested in June that Sevilla were seeking around £17m for the right winger, but Ocampos' interest in moving to the Premier League and the fact that he doesn't appear to be in José Luis Mendilibar's long-term plans at The Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/fulham-prepare-new-ocampos-offer/

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Fulham are set for two new arrivals in Timothy Castagne and Steven Benda as Marco Silva is boosted by Championship signings after a mixed start to the season

    Fulham are set to announce two new arrivals from Championship clubs
    Leicester's Timothy Castagne and Swansea's Steven Benda are nearing moves
    Would Mohamed Salah 'do the dirty' on Liverpool by leaving? And what about Man United 'diving'?: Listen to It's All Kicking Off , Mail Sport's new podcast

Fulham are set to land a double transfer swoop as Timothy Castagne and Steven Benda prepare to complete moves from their respective Championship clubs.

Leicester are willing to let Castagne leave for Craven Cottage as Fulham close in on a £13.5million deal for the full-back.

The 27-year-old can play across the back line and has experience playing at both right-back and left-back, as well as as a wing-back on both sides.

Mail Sport revealed on Sunday that the two clubs had advanced their discussions over a move for Castagne and the Premier League side are now set to unveil him as their newest signing after the player underwent a medical on Monday.

Fulham manager Marco Silva has been desperately attempting to reinforce his squad following a mixed start to the new Premier League season and views the versatile defender as a perfect fit.


Timothy Castagne is set to be unveiled as a new Fulham player as his transfer nears completion
 

Castagne moved to Leicester three years ago after joining in a £22m deal from Atalanta

The Belgian moved to the King Power in a £22m deal from Atalanta three years ago and helped the club win the FA Cup a year later.

However, Castagna was also involved in Leicester's relegation to the Championship last season where he made 42 appearances for the Foxes in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Fulham are also close to completing the transfer of German goalkeeper Benda from Swansea.


Fulham manager Marco Silva has been desperate to bring in new defensive reinforcements
 

Swansea's German goalkeeper Steven Benda underwent his medical with Fulham on Monday

The shot-stopper has been at the Welsh side since joining from the TSV 1860 Munchen youth set-up in 2018.

Loan spells at Swindon Town and Peterborough followed before he began to get more opportunities in the Swansea first-team.

However, despite being currently side-lined with a serious ACL injury that ended last season prematurely for him, Benda is set to join Fulham on a permanent deal.

The 24-year-old also went through a medical on Monday ahead of his move being confirmed.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12454995/Fulham-set-two-new-arrivals-Timothy-Castagne-Steven-Benda-Marco-Silva-boosted-Championship-signings.html

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Tottenham projected starting 11 for Carabao Cup at Fulham
Big Ange is set to make some personnel changes for Tottenham's second-round Carabao Cup match at Fulham on Tuesday, but who will he give the starting nod to?

Ange is tasked with finding a delicate balance between providing some starters a rest while ensuring his side is strong enough to find a way past Fulham and into the third round.

At least the Australian gaffer, unlike his predecessors, wants to win the Carabao Cup. Check that; he wants to win every match regardless of the competition.

His opinion on the perceived second-fiddle domestic cup competition is refreshing, akin to most of his opinions as it offers hope and provides inspiration.

With that in mind, here's who Ange should go with for Tuesday's away encounter.

Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
This is a difficult decision.

Fraser Forster is fit, available and might get the nod. However, Vicario is a pivotal part of Angeball. He's far superior with the ball at his feet than Forster, who's more of an old-school shot-stopper. Based on that thought pattern, look for Vicario to get the nod.

Right back: Emerson Royal
Emerson Royal started at Brentford for Tottenham's Premier League opener. Royal was excellent, particularly going forward. He positioned himself well in the inside channels and scored a cracker. Royal's side was exposed a few times, which may have led to Pedro Porro replacing him in the second match.

Porro cemented the starting role with his brilliant play in both matches he was named in the first 11. But Royal deserves another go, and this match provides an ideal opportunity to get him back into the starting team.

Left-back: Ivan Perisic
Destiny Udogie has been absolutely brilliant. But he deserves a rest, particularly after a physical encounter at Bournemouth, which saw him take a knock in the latter stages. Ivan Perisic should come in and show his outstanding quality at Craven Cottage.

Centre-back: Cristian Romero
Cristian Romero should captain the side against Fulham. I feel Ange wouldn't want Ben Davies and Davinson Sanchez to form the team's spine, no matter the competition. The problem is, if Romero starts, who plays on the left side of him?

You'd think Ange would want to give either starter, Romero or Micky van de Ven, a rest. But based on the importance of his two starting backs, he may decide to keep the status quo and return to his preferred partnership.

If he does rest one of the two, Davinson Sanchez should come into the team.

Centre-back: Davinson Sanchez
The Colombian performed well off the bench against Brentford in the opener. He's a solid option to get his first start. Ben Davies is also in contention, but the Welshman has yet to see any time as a centre-back under Ange since the season started.

Central midfield, No. 6: Pierre Hojbjerg
The dogged Dane should come back into the team, getting the nod as Spurs' No. 6. It will be interesting, if he does start, to see how he acquits himself as a starter for the first time this season.

Central midfield, No. 8: Giovani Lo Celso
Giovani is almost a sure thing. Ange said it himself. Well, he said Gio will play, which I assume means start. I know what they say about assumptions, so I hope I'm right.

Central midfield, No. 8: Oliver Skipp
Oliver Skipp enjoyed a pretty good outing against the Bees on matchday 1. He'll come in and play where he did in the opener. Look for the Englishman to run more than he ever has before. He's battling with Pape Sarr for a spot in the first 11, so he's obviously facing an uphill battle.

Right winger: Dejan Kulusevski, Left winger: Manor Solomon, No. 9: Richarlison
Dejan Kulusevski should get the nod to work on his final touch. Also, Sonny shouldn't start, allowing Manor Solomon to make his long-awaited first start. If Ange wants to rest Sonny and Kulu, he might opt for a winger partnership of Solomon and Perisic, allowing Ben Davies to start at left-back.

Richarlison needs more match time. He had an abbreviated outing at Bournemouth and missed a couple of sitters. He must get back on that menacing horse. Hopefully, he scores a goal or two for a much-needed confidence and morale boost.



https://hotspurhq.com/2023/08/29/tottenham-projected-starting-11-carabao-cup-fulham/

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Steven Benda was said yesterday to be undertaking his medical at Fulham ahead of a £1m move which will take him to the Cottagers despite an injury that is likely to keep him out of action until after Christmas.

It was back at the end of July that we first wondered whether the arrival of Carl Rushworth at Swansea could signal the end for Steven Benda and just a few days later there were the first press suggestions that Fulham could be the destination for the keeper.

We covered that press reporting in our article of 1st August (here) and yesterday the same journalist (Ian Mitchelmore) stated that he was having a medical at Fulham ahead of the move.

With Benda in the last year of his contract a fee of £1m appears on the face of it to be good business although with now just loanee Rushworth and Andy Fisher at the club it does leave us short of goalkeeping cover in the event of any injury or suspension to either of the two goalkeepers.

It does give us the clear indication though that Michael Duff did not see Benda as part of his first team plans when he returns from injury and, with that being the case, a move away was the only logical outcome.

Official outcome I guess is to follow shortly.



https://planetswans.co.uk/2023/08/29/fulham-set-to-complete-1m-move-for-keeper/

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Tottenham predicted team vs Fulham: Solomon one of five Postecoglou changes, Richarlison starts
Here is how we believe Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham will line up against Fulham in Tuesday evening's Carabao Cup round two clash between the sides at Craven Cottage

Tottenham fans will have their fingers crossed that their Carabao Cup showdown against Fulham on Tuesday evening is the first of seven games in the competition this season. Following their failure to secure European football at the end of last campaign, Spurs enter the second round for the first time since 2009.

Having the opportunity to come up against clubs from the Championship, League One and League Two, Ange Postecoglou and his Spurs team were handed one of the toughest possible draws with an away trip to Fulham. Just like Tottenham, the Cottagers will be looking to go far in the competition as they aim to build on an impressive first season back in the Premier League.

Making big strides in the Premier League under Ange Postecoglou so far after collecting seven points from a possible nine, now Tottenham need to maintain the feelgood factor around the club and secure a place in the hat for the third round draw. Following last Saturday's 2-0 win away at Bournemouth, the Spurs boss admitted in his post-match press conference that he will make changes to his XI for the match at Craven Cottage.

"Yeah we'll make some changes," he explained. "We've got some guys who are really keen to play and are working hard in training. And the way we play takes a lot out of us. It's a short turnaround and also another game the following week.

"We'll make some changes, but because we want to win the game. That's why we're making changes. Not because I want to give guys a game. Hopefully by making the changes we maintain the intensity and tempo and quality of our game."

So who exactly will be in his team to face Fulham? Rather than making wholesale changes and giving Fraser Forster his opportunity between the sticks, Guglielmo Vicario should retain his place in goal.

Emerson Royal and Ben Davies then come into the team in the full-back positions, with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven retaining their places at the heart of defence as Davinson Sanchez has to settle for a spot on the bench once again. In midfield, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Giovani Lo Celso look likely candidates to come into the side but it remains to be seen who will partner them in the middle.

Given the importance of making it through to round three and avoiding another cup exit at the first time of asking, Yves Bissouma could keep his place in midfield as he has been an influential figure under Postecoglou so far. Richarlison will be a contender to start again as he desperately needs a goal to spark his season into life, while captain Son Heung-min may get the nod over Ivan Perisic despite another impressive cameo from the Croat.

Rather than putting Perisic in the team and playing him out of position on the right, Manor Solomon comes in and takes Dejan Kulusevski's place in the three-man attack.

Here is the team we believe Postecoglou will select:

Predicted Tottenham XI: Vicario; Emerson, Romero, Van de Ven, Davies; Bissouma, Hojbjerg, Lo Celso; Solomon, Richarlison, Son.



https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/fixtures-results/tottenham-team-fulham-solomon-richarlison-27609743

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Fulham target Everton star Alex Iwobi ahead of Friday's deadline as Marco Silva continues to look for improvements in attack following Aleksandar Mitrovic's £46m exit

    Fulham are interest in pursuing a move for Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi
    Aleksandar Mitrovic left Craven Cottage to join Saudi giants Al-Hilal for £46m

Fulham are showing interest in Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi.

The Cottagers are keen to bolster their attack following the £46million exit of star forward Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal earlier this summer.

Iwobi suffered an injury during Everton's miserable 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa and thus missed out on the Toffees' 1-0 loss to Wolves last weekend.

Sean Dyche, who has strengthened on the flanks with new summer signings Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison, may feel Iwobi is now surplus to requirements and sanction a move should Fulham submit an offer.

Everton sit bottom of the Premier League table after three matches and have a crucial early relegation battle with newly-promoted side Sheffield United this weekend.


Fulham are showing an interest in Everton star Alex Iwobi ahead of deadline day on Friday


The Toffees midfielder suffered an injury during Everton's miserable 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa

Fulham, meanwhile, have endured a mixed bag of results to start the new Premier League campaign, beating Everton before losing 3-0 to Brentford and drawing 2-2 with Arsenal.

Iwobi, who has taken on a deeper role at Goodison Park since his switch from the Gunners, has only racked up nine goals and 16 assists from 140 appearances with the Toffees.

The Cottagers have had a somewhat quiet window in the transfer market, signing only Calvin Bassey, Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore this summer.

Bassey, who arrived from Ajax for £18.2m, was sent off at the Emirates before Joao Palhinha's late equaliser rescued a point for Marco Silva's side.


Aleksandar Mitrovic left Fulham to join Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal for £46m this summer



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12455823/Fulham-target-Everton-star-Alex-Iwobi-ahead-Fridays-deadline-Marco-Silva-continues-look-improvements-attack-following-Aleksandar-Mitrovics-46m-exit.html

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Up next: Tottenham Hotspur (h)
What a difference a point makes. Marco Silva was adamant that his Fulham side would deliver a much-improved display at Arsenal after their meek capitulation to Brentford and the Whites certainly did so: their outstanding effort at the Emirates was rewarded with a share of the spoils after Joao Palhinha popped up with a fabulous finish three minutes from. The precious point was all the more remarkable given that the Whites had been reduced to ten men and had to recover from the psychological of conceding twice in two minutes having led for more than hour. An unexpected draw buoyed the spirits of everybody – and Silva himself sounded positively buoyant in yesterday's press conference as he hailed the imminent arrival of Timothy Castagne.

The dominoes are now dropping into place for Fulham's frenzied finish to the transfer window. Castagne had his medical at Motspur Park yesterday ahead of a permanent move from Leicester City, whilst Steven Benda was also at the training ground yesterday, moving closer to a switch from Swansea City. Silva has demanded at least five further signings before Friday evening – and they might be a little easier to pull off after his side's excellence against last season's runners-up. The fixtures come thick and fast at the moment and before the Whites can contemplate the challenge of travelling to Manchester City on Saturday, they have to negotiate a stern test in the League Cup tonight with Tottenham, revitalised under Ange Postecoglou, heading to Craven Cottage.

Another intriguing London derby is difficult to call, especially as both sides will make a host of changes with the league campaign in mind. Postecoglou, who has quickly brought the adventurous football that made Celtic unstoppable in his only season in Scotland to Spurs, was clear about his intentions in an engaging pre-match press conference: declaring 'I love winning'. He has yet to taste defeat since taking over from Antonio Conte and, whilst ringing the changes with the league campaign in mind, will still be able to field a very strong eleven. There's every chance that Manor Solomon, who lit up Craven Cottage with five goals in five games at the turn of the year, will line up for his new employers this evening. Postecoglou has also confirmed that Giovanni Lo Celsi will feature whilst the likes of Fraser Forster, Emerson Royal and Ivan Perisic could come into the starting line-up, but former Fulham favourite Ryan Sessegnon is sidelined having had surgery to repair a hamstring problem picked up in pre-season.

Silva spoke yesterday about the need to rotate his squad, which is the oldest in the top flight, as well as one of the smallest. He will have to do without Calvin Bassey following his harsh sending off at the Emirates and the head coach himself is suspended, having picked up three yellow cards for remonstrating with the officials in each of Fulham's opening three fixtures. The Whites will also be without Willian, who is still recovering from the calf complaint that has hindered the Brazilian's start to the new campaign. Tim Ream is available having sat out the visit to the red half of north London following his own controversial dismissal against Brentford and he could partner Tosin Adrabioyo, who made a surprise appearance in the dying embers of that pulsating encounter at the Emirates, in central defence.

It will be interesting to see just how strong Silva opts to go with the trip to the Etihad on the horizon. The likes of Kevin Mbabu and one-time Tottenham centre forward Carlos Vinicius are due some minutes, whilst this could be a good opportunity to give Luke Harris, who was on the bench at the weekend, his first taste of senior action this season. Adama Traore looked lively as a substitute at Arsenal – and might even have pinched all three points with his blistering pace in stoppage time – and the Spanish winger would benefit from a start this evening as he seeks match sharpness.

Fulham's record in the League Cup is pitiful – with last season's desperate defeat at the hands of League Two Crawley Town still fresh in the memory – and you have to go back a decade to find the last time the Whites triumphed against top flight opposition in this competition. Silva does like his sides to spring a surprise – and meeting with an in-form Spurs side under the Cottage lights also offers an opportunity for someone to stake a claim on a starting spot before those rumoured new arrivals can press their own claims.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Mbabu, Parkes, Tosin, Ream; Reed, Cairney; Traore, Decordova-Reid, Harris, Vinicius. Subs: Wickens, de Fougerolles, Palhinha, Pajaziti, Godo, Pereira, O'Neill, Wilson, Muniz.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/up-next-tottenham-hotspur-h-6/

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Fulham keen on Iwobi swoop
Fulham are considering a surprise swoop for Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi, according to the Daily Mail.

The Whites are looking to supplement their squad with Premier League experience in the final days of the summer transfer window. They failed in a protracted attempt to sign Demarai Gray from Everton over the summer and, with the Toffees needing to sell players in order to find their own acquisitions, the versatile former Arsenal man has emerged as a potential cut-price option.

The Nigerian international is thought to be surplus to requirements at Goodison Park after Sean Dyche signed Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison and would offer the ability to cover a number of positions having operated as a wing-back, winger attacking midfielder and in a deep-lying engine room role in his time with the Toffees. The 27 year-old came through the ranks at Arsenal, making 149 appearances and scoring fourteen goals after breaking into the first-team in 2015.

He moved to Everton for £28m in 2019 and has scored nine goals in 140 appearances on Merseyside but has struggled to hold down a regular place at Goodison Park of late. Iwobi, who has won 63 senior caps for Nigeria and scored ten goals, injured his hamstring in Everton's 4-0 hammering at Villa Park earlier this month and missed the defeat by Wolves last weekend. He has ten months left on his current contract – so could be a cut-price option for Fulham in the coming days.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/08/fulham-keen-on-iwobi-swoop/