Thursday Fulham Stuff - 05/10/23...

[WhiteJC]

Crystal Palace, Fulham rival Tottenham in Jota pursuit
Crystal Palace and Fulham are ready to rival Tottenham in the pursuit of wantaway Al-Ittihad winger Jota in the January window.

According to 90min, Tottenham have the company of Fulham and Crystal Palace in the pursuit of 24-year-old Portuguese winger Jota. The former Celtic star faces an uncertain future at Saudi side Al-Ittihad, as he could reunite with former boss Ange Postecoglou at Spurs.

The summer window saw the presence of the Saudi Pro League and their pursuit of some top talents in Europe. Some of those clubs plucked top talents from the continent, including former Celtic star Jota, as Al-Ittihad paid £25 million for the prolific winger.

While he looked like a key signing for compatriot Nuno Espirito Santos, problems behind the scenes have seen Al-Ittihad take a dramatic turn. Jota was left out of the club's Saudi Pro League squad, thus fueling speculation about his future.

As things stand, Jota is already in discussions with Al-Ittihad to find a solution. Some sources insist he will look to cancel his contract and take a massive pay, while others suggest the Saudi side could sell the forward to a European club.

These problems started emerging before the European window closed and Tottenham were interested in signing him. However, the player remained with Al-Ittihad, hoping to resolve his issues and start his career in the Saudi Pro League.

Now, as things have become clearer, Jota is likely to depart the club, and Tottenham are considering a move. A reunion with Ange Postecoglou looks likely, with the Australian manager instrumental in signing while at Celtic.

However, Tottenham have the company of Fulham and Crystal Palace in the chase for the 24-year-old Portuguese winger. Both those London sides are keen on adding to their attacking side and may seek a bargain deal for Jota.

Tottenham do have the upper hand in this chase due to the presence of Postecoglou. With the player keen on playing regularly after January, he may evaluate his options and decide on a club where he gets ample game time.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have already signed a similar player in Brennan Johnson on deadline day, but Postecoglou would not hesitate to bring Jota. The 24-year-old Portuguese winger played a vital role during the Australian's success at Celtic.

Jota registered 28 goals and 26 assists in 83 games, which shows why Postecoglou would not hesitate to bring him to Tottenham. He offers more than what his current wing options do, as the 24-year-old Portuguese winger can make Spurs even stronger in the final third.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/10/04/crystal-palace-fulham-rival-tottenham-in-jota-pursuit/

[WhiteJC]

Iwobi battles ex-Chelsea schoolboy Nwoko, seven others for Fulham Goal of the Month for September
Super Eagles playmaker Alex Iwobi and former Chelsea schoolboy Chibuzor Nwoko are among the nominees for Fulham's Goal of the Month award for September 2023.

The Arsenal-reared player has been nominated for his brilliant strike against Norwich City in the third round of the Carabao Cup on September 27.

In what was his starting debut for the Cottagers, the Nigeria international scored a crucial second goal in the 72nd minute when he slotted into the bottom corner after he was played in by Harry Wilson.

Nwoko netted in the 18th minute of Fulham's 3-1 win against his former employer Chelsea in an U18 Premier League fixture staged at Cobham Training Ground on September 16.

The England U18 international rifled an effort from far out into the top right corner to give the Cottagers a two-goal advantage.

In their bid to win the award, the two players of Nigerian descent face competition from seven other players, namely Ollie O' Neill who has been triple-nominated, Lilly Lambird, Tia Foreman, Callum Osmand, Madi Parsonson, Matt Dibley-Dias and Callum McFarlane.

Iwobi joined Fulham on deadline day, signing a five-year deal that will keep him at Craven Cottage until the end of the 2027-2028 season, while central midfielder Nwoko has been with Fulham since U12 level.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=49025

[WhiteJC]

Who will step up to replace Mitrovic's goals?

The loss of maverick striker Mitrovic was never going to be easy. Not only did he score 109 goals in 190 league appearances, but Silva's attacking system at Fulham was largely designed around the Serbian's strengths.

Although this presents Silva with an opportunity to change the team's style of play away from an over reliance on one striker, a shortage of goals is a serious worry.

Fulham were noticeably less threatening in attack last season in the eight games when the talismanic striker was banned for his push on referee Chris Kavanagh. A lack of clinical edge in a Mitrovic-less Fulham has continued to be evident at the start of the new campaign.

Concerning numbers
Fulham found the net 55 times in the 2022/23 season, averaging 1.44 goals per game. But in the first seven games of this season have only yielded five goals, with 0.71 goals a game, a goalscoring rate of less than half of last year. Even last season's lowest scorers, Wolves, scored at a rate of 0.81 a game. The three relegated sides, Leicester, Leeds, and Southampton had a combined average of 1.14 goals a game.


These poor attacking returns are because Mitrovic has not been adequately replaced. Raul Jimenez is a recognisable name, but the Mexican has understandably not been able to perform at a high-level since his life-threatening head injury. He is yet to score, with the exception of a penalty in the shoot-out against Spurs in the EFL Cup. Carlos Vinicius has shown promise, but neither he nor Rodrigo Muniz have ever shown the consistent quality to justify a starting berth in the Fulham side.

So, with our strikers appearing unlikely to match the 14 goal haul of Mitrovic from last season, even combined, who else can we rely on to replace his goals?

Our biggest hopes

Willian
Willian is likely to be an important source of goals this year. The Brazilian winger scored five in the league last season, four more than during his season-long stint at Arsenal two years ago. His goals made him the club's joint second top scorer on our first season back in the Premier League. Despite turning 35 in August, Saudi sides and Forest were vying for his signature this summer. Thankfully he has stayed at the Cottage and he will have to up his recent performances to become a crucial contributor to Fulham's goal tally this year.

Andreas Pereira
Another former Brazilian international, Pereira has already scored a superb goal at the Emirates this season. He notched four goals in his debut season for Fulham, double the number he bagged in his entire eight-year stay at Manchester United. He expertly dispatched a penalty away at the Etihad last November, and without Mitrovic on penalty-duty, Pereira may be afforded further opportunities from the spot. The set-piece expert has proven he can score against the top teams, and now needs to do so with greater consistency.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid
BDR was the club's top scorer in the 2020/21 season, and out of the current squad his Fulham goalscoring record is only bettered by Tom Cairney. The Jamaican international is highly versatile, and despite his capabilities up top, he has spent most of Fulham career on the right wing. If Jimenez cannot find his goalscoring boots, De Cordova-Reid's involvement will be even more essential.

Who will hopefully add a few

Alex Iwobi
The Nigerian international has showed some attacking promise in his first few appearances in white. But finishing is not his forte. He has come from an equally poor attacking side, and only scored six goals in four years at Goodison Park. About three to four goals would be a positive return for the Nigerian this season.

Joao Palhinha
Few predicted our star midfielder would sign a new contract in West London after his move to Bayern Munich broke down on transfer deadline day. His defensive work is lauded but Palhinha does also have an excellent strike in his locker. His long-range finishes against Leeds and Forest were highlights of last season's campaign, and he added a last-minute equaliser against Arsenal in August to his collection. He will score a few goals this year but as a central midfielder he cannot be expected to be relied upon up top.

Adama Traore
The Spanish forward has blistering pace and is an exciting addition to the squad. But his lack of end product has been a consistent feature of his game both in the Premier League and during his time at Barcelona. If he finally improves in front of goal, then he could be a serious asset this season.

Harry Wilson
Wilson only scored two goals for Fulham last year. However, a knee injury kept him out of the beginning of the campaign, and he only played a full 90 minutes once. With more minutes the Welshman should boost Silva's attacking hopes.

Who we can't rely on

Harrison Reed
Reed was excellent last year as he chipped in with three league goals. There were even calls from Fulham fans for Southgate to call him up to the England squad. Reed is stronger in defence, and it's highly unlikely he will be able to reach his 2022/23 tally.

Tom Cairney
The club captain is the highest scoring current player at the club. But most of these goals have come in the championship. Cairney scored twice last year, with both coming in a dominant 5-3 performance over Leicester. Although he is adored at the Cottage Cairney has never been able to produce great goalscoring returns in the Premier League and can't be relied on to step up in Mitrovic's absence.

Any other options

Our defence has started the season much stronger than the attack and they can also help at the other end of the pitch. Ream has scored away at the Champions, and Diop looks threatening from set pieces, having scored six times in the league for West Ham. Hopefully academy players will be able to step up if needed. Luke Harris looks the most likely.

Fulham's defence looks solid enough to stave off any serious worry of relegation. But it is hugely disappointing to have regressed in attack despite receiving £50m from Mitrovic's Al-Hilal transfer alone. Willian, Pereira, and De Cordova-Reid will have to add at least four or five goals each to our misfiring striker's tallies to make a top-half finish a realistic possibility.

It's puzzling that Tony Khan did not add further attacking reinforcement in summer besides Jimenez, Iwobi, and Traore, none of whom are consistently scoring. Another striker will be essential in the January transfer window to match the successes of last season.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-10-04-who-will-step-up-to-replace-mitrovics-goals/

[WhiteJC]

Selection options for Fulham as Sheffield United pair on standby to address possible issue
Paul Heckingbottom may be forced into shuffling his defensive pack following John Egan's injury at West Ham last weekend

Paul Heckingbottom may revert to the back three that kept Tottenham Hotspur at bay for 97 minutes when he hands in his teamsheet at Fulham on Saturday if captain John Egan's injury is as bad as it looks. The Republic of Ireland defender came off 10 minutes into the second half after landing awkwardly following a corner and was pictured leaving the London Stadium on crutches.

Heckingbottom admitted afterwards that 'coming off he did not look good' and if the injury does keep him out of this week's trip to Craven Cottage, the Blades boss will have two likely options to replace Egan. The obvious choice is to move Anel Ahmedhodzic inside to the centre of the defensive three and bring in vice-captain Chris Basham on the right.

That was what Heckingbottom plumped for at Tottenham when Egan was missing through injury and it was moments away from delivering a first clean sheet of the season for Sheffield United and a first win after taking the high-flying hosts until the eighth minute of 12 added on before they finally broke through.

It appears to be his first port of call, with that his preferred option again on Saturday when Egan came off. With Ahmedhodzic having played in the centre already, both this season and last, and with the need for experienced heads and leaders right now given United's position in the table, there are merits for Heckingbottom opting for this back three.

However, he does have an alternative but it is one he is yet to try in the Premier League. Summer signing Auston Trusty arrived from Arsenal for £5m after impressing on loan at Birmingham in the Championship last season and could go straight into the centre as a direct replacement.

He was seen more as competition for the left-side of defence but with Jack Robinson having done little wrong this season he has had to be patient. He has dipped his toe into the top flight on only two occasions, coming on with four minutes to go at Spurs and 11 minutes from time on Saturday. He represents more of a gamble due to his lack of game time in a red and white shirt but will be keen to impress and stake a claim.

With United having conceded 19 goals, admittedly a goal difference swelled by the Newcastle collapse, Trusty may well feel he has a case to be given a chance. Heckingbottom has two chances if Egan is out, stick with plan B once more or take a chance on the US international.



https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/sheffield-united-fulham-selection-options-27838209

[WhiteJC]

Games for the weekend 07/10
We welcome another of the promoted teams, Sheffield Utd to the Cottage for a 3 o'clock kick off

A very disappointing result against Chelsea, we just didn't turn up for what for most? fans would have been "the" game we wanted to win this season.
The one player who had a decent game was Iwobi, he's got to start the next game. Raúl is still struggling, after 7 games I'm sure he'd want to have gotten on the score sheet, I'm sure he'll come good eventually, but I'd start Vinicius and bring Raúl on later in the game if needed.
Castagne was really good going forward but I don't think he's quite as good as Tete in defence.
Tim made a mistake for their first goal, if fit I think Bassey should start as he's going to be our long term option.

Sheffield are currently bottom with only one point , they lost at home to Newcastle 0-8, but had a creditable 1-2 to Man City, their not as bad as the 0-8 would make them appear.

Marco is one win away from his 50th Premier League win (D28, L63), it would have been nice if it had come against Chelsea, but it wasn't to be, perhaps this weekend will be the one.

Our recent record against the blades is fairly even with 4 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws.

Assuming no further injuries my team would be

COYW's

Other Games of Interest...
Saturday 7th
Luton v Spurs
Burnley v Chelsea
Fulham v Sheff Utd
Man Utd v Brentford
Palace v Forest

Sunday 8th
West Ham v Newcastle
Arsenal v Man City
come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=2923

[WhiteJC]

Brighton (A) Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's away fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion will go on sale from Friday 6th October, 10am.

Fulham make the trip to the south coast to take on Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday 29th October, kick-off 2pm.

Tickets for this fixture will be released to 2023/24 Season Ticket Holders (four tickets per person) from Friday 6th October, 10am. Before going on sale to 2023/24 Members (four tickets per person) on Wednesday 11th October, 10am and then to Supporters with Previous Booking History (four tickets per person) on Thursday 12th October, 10am.

Adult tickets for this match are priced at £30, with Over 65's and Under 21's tickets priced at £26 and Under 18's priced at £18.

BUY TICKETS FROM FRIDAY

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

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

More information about this fixture can be found here.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/october/04/brighton-a-tickets/

[WhiteJC]

Show Your Support at Motspur Park

Join us this October for Fulham FC Women's upcoming fixtures!

With three fixtures in two weeks, it's the perfect time to show your support at Motspur Park for the Whites.

First up Fulham FC Women take on local rivals Sutton United on Sunday 8th October, kick-off 2:30pm, as they look for their sixth consecutive win!

Next up is midweek action at Motspur Park as they welcome Dulwich Hamlet on Wednesday 11th October, kick-off 7:30pm before facing Enfield Town on Sunday 15th October, kick-off 2:30pm.

Tickets for all three fixtures are priced at £5 for adults and just £1 for juniors!

SECURE YOUR SEAT
HOW TO BUY

Supporters can purchase 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 will be available to purchase on the door, subject to availability.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/october/04/show-your-support-at-motspur-park/

[WhiteJC]

McDonald takes temporary charge at Bradford
Former Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald has been placed in temporary charge of Bradford City after the League Two club sacked Mark Hughes this evening.

The former Fulham manager, who left Craven Cottage in 2011 decrying the Whites' lack of ambition under Mohamed Al-Fayed, has been dismissed after nineteen months in charge of City.

Bradford's chief executive officer Ryan Sparks said in a club statement:

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark and Glyn for their efforts and services to our football club over the past 19 months. They made a great impact when they arrived at the club, both on and off the field, and last season came close to delivering on our aims. Unfortunately, since our defeat at Carlisle in the play-off semi-final, results have been disappointing, and after 11 league games we find ourselves a long way away from where we expect to be.

As a result, the decision has been taken to move in a different direction in an effort to get our season on track. On a personal level, I have very much enjoyed working alongside Mark and Glyn, and we go our separate ways on good terms. I would ask supporters to join me in wishing both them and their families the very best for the future, while reflecting on some of the memorable moments they brought us."

The club's statement concludes by confirming that McDonald, who joined Bradford on a free transfer from Exeter City in the summer, 'will now take temporary charge of the men's first team in a caretaker player-manager role, and will be assisted by Mark Trueman, commencing with this weekend's visit of Swindon Town.'



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/10/mcdonald-takes-temporary-charge-at-bradford/

[WhiteJC]

Leadership qualities of former Spurs and Fulham players light up a night when Mbappe was eclipsed
Here is a question for Spurs and Fulham fans. Who among the players who left in the modern era do you wish you still had in the ranks?

For Spurs, Harry Kane. Obviously. But there are others. Others who have left and continued to reach great heights.

A couple of months ago one player made a strong case to be mentioned among the very best who got away.

It was only a cameo in the Champions League final in Istanbul, but Kyle Walker was so impressive as he helped get Man City over the line against Inter in a tight, tight contest.

Yet if there is another name that still has fans feeling wistful it is surely Kieran Trippier - now part of the Newcastle United revolution and finding himself back in the Champions League maelstrom.

On a night when the Magpies made a huge statement with their 4-1 win against a very ordinary-looking Paris St Germain, he was a proud figure.

He was, of course, part of the Mauricio Pochettino side that made it to the final in Madrid in 2019, and if it was felt his very best days might be behind him when he departed for Atletico Madrid - even if it was to an elite club - the 33-year-old is enjoying a thrilling twilight to his career.

The Geordies' vice captain is the sort of leader Spurs could do with even now. In the programme notes ahead of a pulsating first Champions League tie at St James' Park for 20 years, he spoke with the sort of authority that only experience of top end football can bring.

The man whose goal in Moscow in the 2018 World Cup semi-final put England in dreamland, is a man attuned to the big occasion: "We know it's down to us to decide what kind of season we want it to be. Only us players can dictate that," he wrote.

He was involved in the set pieces, in the cajoling and in the subduing of arguably the best player in Europe these days in Kylian Mbappe.

There was another leader for Newcastle though. One who Fulham fans would surely not hesitate in naming as one they wish was still around - a man who did not play nearly enough for them.

For the giant of a man at left back, this was truly Burn's night.

It seems like only yesterday Dan Burn was first making a name for himself by striding like a colossus at Old Trafford, repelling Man United attacks with a withering disdain. Afterwards he said it had been easy because they just kept giving him crosses to head away.

Against PSG, he was grit and determination personified. Ousmane Dembele proved livelier that Mbappe in Wednesday's encounter, yet still Burn refused to yield to the former Barcelona striker.

He stuck to him all evening and manhandled at every occasion - even when the ball was nowhere to be seen.

After one sliding tackle on Dembele, he was so pumped up that he couldn't resist giving it the full clenched-fist treatment to ecstatic Geordies fans, who could hardly believe how dominant their side was against one of the competition's perennial contenders.

On this occasion, though, the Qatari riches enjoyed by the French club were more than matched by the Saudi investment on Tyneside.

Burn seemed even more delighted with that block than with the towering header he put past Italian stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma just before half-time to make it 2-0.

Tackles and headers. His stock in trade. And none of it done without the brute force of a particularly angry hod carrier who takes offence at the sight of bricks. I think they call it warrior class.

The 31-year-old turned out 61 times for Fulham between 2011-16. Would that it had been a longer spell.

At the end of a magical statement-win night at St James' Park, both Trippier and Burn shone. They were the ones leading the team around for a lap of applause at the end.

For Mbappe, there was a consoling hug from Trippier. It was just about the only moment of generosity from the duo all night.



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/leadership-qualities-of-former-spurs-and-fulham-players-light-up-a-night-when-mbappe-was-eclipsed