Saturday Fulham Stuff - 28/10/23...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Friday 27/10
Palace	1-2	Spurs

[WhiteJC]

Berbatov: 'Fulham need to learn to not make silly mistakes'
Former Fulham forward Dimitar Berbatov has warned the Whites that they need avoid making silly mistakes following the defeat at Tottenham on Monday night.

In his preview of the weekend's action for today's edition of the Metro, the Bulgarian striker – who scored twenty goals in 54 games at Craven Cottage between 2012 and 2014 – tipped Brighton to beat Marco Silva's side on Sunday and was disappointed by the concession of two sloppy goals at another of his former teams in their defeat at Spurs.

"[This is] Fulham's second away game in a row, although they're playing good football. But Fulham need to learn how to not make silly mistakes.

Do you see what I mean when I say mistakes? In the last game against Spurs, they tried to play out from the back. They make mistakes because they didn't know how to get the ball out and Spurs were more experienced and took advantage of their mistakes. Thank you very much – two goals, three points.

They need to correct this type of stuff. I like that they are trying to play this way, and will continue to try to play from the back, but be smarter. So, in this game honestly, I don't see them winning."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/10/berbatov-fulham-need-to-learn-to-not-make-silly-mistakes/

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool? Fulham? Stay at Leicester? The next steps for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
The midfielder is excelling for the Foxes right now

     Leicester City midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could face a big decision over his future in the January transfer window.
    Dewsbury-Hall has become a key player for Leicester, helping them push for an immediate promotion back to the Premier League.
    Potential options for Dewsbury-Hall include a move to Liverpool, Fulham, or staying at Leicester, with each option having its own pros and cons.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, one player who could soon have a big decision to make over his future is Leicester City midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Following the Foxes' relegation from the Premier League to the Championship at the end of last season, a number of the club's senior players would depart the club.

However, Dewsbury-Hall was not one of them, with the midfielder remaining at The King Power Stadium.

Having done that, he has become a key player under new manager Enzo Maresca, helping the club make a strong early push for an immediate promotion back to the top flight.

That though, could now see Dewsbury-Hall attract plenty of interest once the market reopens at the turn of the year.

As a result, there could be plenty for the Leicester man to think about in January, so with that in mind, we've taken a look at some of the options that could be available to him and whether they are worth pursuing.

Liverpool
During the summer transfer window, it was reported that Liverpool were considering a move for Dewbsury-Hall, as they looked to update and overhaul their options in the centre of the park.

In the end though, no deal for the Leicester man materialised, with the Merseyside club instead updating their midfield options with the additions of Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai.

As a result, while a move to Anfield would see Dewsbury-Hall join a club who are expected to challenge for trophies and compete in European football, it would be one where it could be difficult for him to get regular senior football, meaning it may not be the best option for him from a personal perspective.

Fulham
According to recent updates from talkSPORT, another Premier League side who are interested in a move for Dewsbury-Hall ahead of the January transfer window are Fulham.

With Joao Palhinha's future often the subject of much speculation, and Tom Cairney out of contract in the summer, there may be more opportunities for Dewsbury-Hall if he is to move to Craven Cottage in January.

However, it is also less likely that the midfielder would be challenging for silverware or European football, if he was to switch to Marco Silva's side, which may make him reluctant to make this move, given what he has the chance to do at Leicester over the rest of the season.

Leicester
Of course, Dewsbury-Hall does also have the option of staying at Leicester for this season, which could be appealing to the midfielder as a boyhood fan of the club, who has the chance to play a vital role in what looks as though it could be a relentless march to promotion this season.

Indeed, speaking after his side's 12th win in 13 league games this season on Tuesday, Dewsbury-Hall admitted he feels he has a point to prove with the Foxes after their relegation last season, and believes his club belong in the Premier League.

That may suggest that staying at Leicester for the rest of the campaign for the very least could be preferential for Dewsbury-Hall, and with a contract at the club that runs until the end of the 2026/27 season, he is in a strong position to do exactly that.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/liverpool-fulham-stay-at-leicester-the-next-steps-for-kiernan-dewsbury-hall/#leicester

[WhiteJC]

Brighton predicted line-up vs. Fulham: four major changes made as £38m duo dropped
The latest Brighton and Fulham team news, injury updates, and predicted XIs ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash.

Brighton will be hoping to end a run of three Premier League matches without a win when they host Fulham at the Amex Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Seagulls have endured a testing few weeks in the top flight, with defeats to Aston Villa and Manchester City bookending a battling draw against Liverpool, but did taste victory in mid-week with a 2-0 win over Dutch giants Ajax courtesy of goals from Joao Pedro and Ansu Fati.

For their part, Fulham have been checkered in their recent form, recording two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches. On Monday night they fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Tottenham, and now find themselves 13th in the table. A win at the weekend would, however, take them to within two points of Albion.

But how are both sides likely to line up on Sunday? We've taken a closer look at their respective team news, and their probably starting XIs below...

Brighton Team News
Brighton suffered a significant double injury blow during their 2-1 defeat to Manchester City last weekend, with both Solly March and Danny Welbeck being unwillingly withdrawn with complaints. The former was stretchered off deep into stoppage time after jarring his knee awkwardly, while the latter was taken off in the 16th minute due to a hamstring problem. Neither featured in the Seagulls' Europa League clash with Ajax on Thursday evening.

Elsewhere, Pervis Estupinan and Tariq Lamptey are both sidelined with muscular injuries, while Julio Enciso has been forced into a watching brief after picking up a serious knee injury in August. Jakub Moder, who has been out of action for over a year, is now back in full training, and is understood to have played in friendly matches behind closed doors.

Brighton Predicted XI
Jason Steele; James Milner, Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Joel Veltman; Simon Adingra, Pascal Groß, Billy Gilmour, Kaoru Mitoma; Ansu Fati, Joao Pedro.

Fulham Team News
Fulham were without a quartet of players on Monday evening against Tottenham, and are likely to be without the same four names again at the weekend. Adama Traore has been carrying a muscular injury since last month, Kenny Tete is battling a groin issue, and Tosin Adarabioyo has also been marooned on the treatment table with a similar complaint.

Issa Diop is the last name on the Cottagers' potential injury list as a consequence of an ongoing foot problem. Speaking ahead of Monday night's defeat in north London, manager Marco Silva said: "As you know, last game he got an injury. We are assessing him, let's see how things go in the next few days, but he's going to be out of the game." Whether the Frenchman is fit enough to return against Brighton remains to be seen. If he does miss out, Calvin Bassey could keep his place at the heart of defence alongside Tim Ream.

Fulham Predicted XI
Bernd Leno; Timothy Castagne, Calvin Bassey, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Alex Iwobi, Joao Palhinha, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Andreas Pereira, Willian; Carlos Vinicius.



https://www.3addedminutes.com/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/brighton-predicted-line-up-vs-fulham-four-major-changes-made-ps38m-duo-dropped-4387323

[WhiteJC]

Sources: Fulham January priority signing revealed after Silva deal agreed

Marco Silva has been given assurances about spending big in the January window and beyond after penning a new deal at Fulham, sources have told Football Insider.

The Cottagers confirmed on Tuesday (24 October) that Silva has put pen to paper on a new contract, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

His previous deal was set to expire at the end of the current season.

Silva is believed to have been promised significant funds in the transfer market to improve his squad and take Fulham to the next level.

The Londoners sold talisman Aleksandar Mitrović to Al-Hilal in the most recent summer window and are yet to adequately replace him.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that a new striker signing is the "priority" for Fulham and Silva ahead of the January window.

The Craven Cottage outfit are currently among the lowest scorers in the Premier League, having managed just eight top-flight goals in nine games so far this season.

Raul Jimenez arrived at the club in the summer window but is yet to score in nine appearances across all competitions this term.

Tottenham flop Carlos Vinicius has shared striking responsibilities with Jimenez but has managed just two strikes.

Mitrovic notched 15 goals in 28 games across all competitions last term to earn a reported £46million move to the Saudi Pro League.

Fulham sit 13th in the Premier League after nine games.

They are next in action against Brighton on Sunday (29 October).

In other news, Fulham could sign Darwin Nunez ally in real bargain.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-fulham-january-priority-signing-revealed-after-silva-deal-agreed/

[WhiteJC]

Tim Ream shares who he thinks are better this season – Tottenham or Manchester City
Tottenham Hotspur are top of the Premier League at the moment, but there's still this distinct view that they're not genuine title contenders.

The north London club are top of the table, but many believe it's just a matter of time before the new manager bounce wears off and Spurs slip down the league – even if Ange Postecoglou himself is refusing to rule out a title charge.

However, it does sound as though Spurs may be the real deal.

Those within the game can't speak highly enough of Ange Postecoglou at the moment, and speaking on The American Dream Podcast, Tim Ream has actually named Tottenham as the best team he has faced this season ahead of Manchester City.

Tottenham better than Man City
Ream spoke about the north London club.

"I mean, I'd say Man City on their day are still the best, but they lose to Wolves, so you throw that in the mix and can you say they're the best? I have to say after playing Tottenham the other night, they just figure out ways to win, on that basis alone, right now, I'll say Tottenham, but I don't think they'll win the league," Ream said.

Massive praise
If you weren't convinced that Spurs were the real deal, these comments should show you that they are.

Ream has played against some of the very best teams in world football over the years, and if he says that Tottenham are as good as Man City, they must be something special.

Of course, you can't really gauge a team on a one-off game, but playing against Spurs is fresh in Ream's memory after Spurs' meeting with Fulham on Monday, and it's clear that the north London club left a big impression on the defender.

Spurs are being written off as title contenders by some, but perhaps we should be taking them a bit more seriously going forwards.



https://tbrfootball.com/tim-ream-shares-who-he-thinks-are-better-this-season-tottenham-or-manchester-city/

[WhiteJC]

Tosin Adarabioyo: Fulham defender close to first-team return after injury in boost for Marco Silva's team

Tosin Adarabioyo has been unavailable for Fulham selection since August but is closing in on a return to action; the centre-back was close to leaving Craven Cottage for Monaco in the summer; the news is a boost for Marco Silva's side


Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo is close to a return from injury

Tosin Adarabioyo is closing in on a return to the Fulham first-team as he steps up his recovery from a groin injury.

The centre-back, who was on the cusp of leaving Fulham for Monaco in the summer, will rejoin the group and be available for selection for the first time since August within the next couple of weeks.

It is seen as a boost for Fulham and head coach Marco Silva, who almost lost the player in the summer but with whom he has always enjoyed a good relationship, and a stark turnaround from the uncertainty that hung over his future in the summer.

Adarabioyo, who was also of interest to Tottenham among other clubs, was ready to join Monaco, with only a year left on his Fulham contract, as the French side pushed hard until the final moments of the transfer window to sign him, with multiple bids.

Fulham were not able to secure a suitable replacement, however, and Adarabioyo has since needed time to recover from the groin problem after playing through pain towards the end of last season.

His only appearance this term so far has been as a late substitute against Arsenal, therefore, but the club and the player have been keen to draw a line under the uncertainty, and all options over his future are thought to be back on the table.

That includes potentially restarting new contract negotiations, although there are currently no discussions over that idea, and he would be free to talk to foreign clubs about a pre-contract on January 1.

A new three-year contract signed by head coach Silva this week has helped stabilise the West London club after a tumultuous summer in which they lost Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi Arabia and almost lost Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich on Deadline Day.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12993755/tosin-adarabioyo-fulham-defender-close-to-first-team-return-after-injury-in-boost-for-marco-silvas-team

[WhiteJC]

Pundits disagree over Brighton vs Fulham prediction as questions raised over 'scary' issue
Brighton are back in Premier League action this weekend as they host Marco Silva's Fulham side at the Amex Stadium looking to get back to winning ways in the top-flight

Former Arsenal and England striker Paul Merson is expecting Brighton to lose in the Premier League once again when they take on Fulham on Sunday afternoon.

The Seagulls have suffered defeats to Aston Villa and Manchester City in their last three league games, with a draw against Liverpool meaning it'll be exactly five weeks since their win against Bournemouth in September when they host the Cottagers at the Amex this Sunday.

The fixture comes three days after Brighton's 2-0 win in the Europa League against Ajax where manager Roberto De Zerbi named a strong starting XI for the crucial Group B clash.

It's the first clean sheet that Albion have kept in 13 games so far this season, with Merson picking out the Seagulls' "scary" record at keeping the ball out of their net as a reason for why he feels Fulham will get all three points this weekend.

Predicting a 2-1 win for Marco Silva's side, Merson told Sky Sports: "De Zerbi is still getting a tune out of his players - especially in forward areas - but a lack of cohesion, probably down to a lack of time on the training field under their supreme coach, is making Brighton's high risk-reward football edge towards the riskier edge of the spectrum.

"Before Thursday night, they had shipped 24 goals in their 12 matches across all competitions this season with no clean sheet in their last 16 matches across the summer. This type of defensive output is quite scary when you asses the strength of their win price in the markets. Despite shipping two goals per game over a healthy sample size, they remain readily available at prices like 1/2 with Sky Bet.

"With that fixture coming just three days after the Ajax encounter - one that De Zerbi will be prioritising - it should prove a profitable strategy to put faith in Fulham on the double chance market at 6/4. Remember, Brighton did lose both fixtures against Marco Silva's well-structured side last season and have never beaten them in six Premier League meetings."

Former Chelsea and Celtic forward Chris Sutton disagrees with Merson however, instead believing that the Seagulls will be able to back up Thursday night's clean sheet with another identical 2-0 win on Sunday.

The pundit, who predicted Albion would get beaten 6-2 by Manchester City last weekend, told the BBC: "A Brighton fan screamed a rude word at me at Manchester Piccadilly station while I was on my way home from the Etihad Stadium last weekend, because I had predicted that City would beat the Seagulls 6-2 and the final score was 2-1.

"He wasn't the only one to remind me about that prediction during the course of the afternoon when I was co-commentating for 5 Live, but I did make the point to him that his side had still lost, so was he celebrating defeat?

"James Milner will probably still be dizzy after being asked to try to deal with Jeremy Doku, who was sensational in the first half of that game, but I am expecting a much easier afternoon for the rest of his Brighton teammates. City pressed them so well, especially early on, that they could not get up the pitch. Fulham will not be able to match that, and I don't think they offer too much of a threat.

"I'm still not sure what to make of Marco Silva's side this season. They don't look quite the same going forward as they did last year, although I do think they have enough to stay up.:



https://www.sussexlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/pundits-brighton-fulham-predictions-scary-8862291

[WhiteJC]

Tottenham thwarted by unexpected U-turn as mutual interest develops for target to sign up with London rival
Tottenham Hotspur target Tosin Adarabioyo could now negotiate a new contract with Fulham rather than explore a transfer in 2024, according to a report.

Adarabioyo is into the final year of his contract with Fulham, who faced interest in his services from Tottenham and Monaco over the summer. As things stand, they risk seeing him sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club in January.

Alternatively, Tottenham have been tipped to revive their interest by making a bid for him, which would give Fulham their last chance to cash in. Or maybe it wouldn't be.

Indeed, the Evening Standard is now reporting that Fulham are open to holding new talks with Adarabioyo about a contract extension. Although the report does not fully explain it, the headline also indicates the player himself is ready to follow manager Marco Silva in committing his future at Craven Cottage.

Adarabioyo has played for Fulham since 2020, when they took him from Manchester City on the back of a productive loan spell with Blackburn Rovers.

At the age of 26, he should be aware that the next contract he signs – with Fulham or anyone else – would likely last for the course of his prime years.

Adarabioyo has previously played in the Champions League for Man City and may have more of a chance of getting back to that level with Tottenham than Fulham, though Silva's side have made a good impression since their return to the top flight.

And after the manager signed a contract extension, it appears some of his key players might be reassured that they are building something.

For Adarabioyo specifically, his current stance is deemed as something of a U-turn after he previously looked more likely to uproot in the new year.

In this case, it seems Fulham may yet have a chance of having the last laugh over Tottenham, who this summer signed Manor Solomon after his spell with the Cottagers.

What next for Tottenham if they miss out on Adarabioyo?
Finding a new defender could still be on Tottenham's agenda, since Eric Dier has not been relied upon by Ange Postecoglou and is expected to leave the club in 2024.

Postecoglou's preferred partnership has been Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven at centre-back. However, Tottenham might need more depth, especially if they return to European football next season.

If Fulham get their way and tie Adarabioyo down, then Spurs will simply have to look elsewhere – or face up to the reality of having to pay a higher fee than planned.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/tottenham-thwarted-unexpected-u-turn-mutual-interest-develops-target-sign-fulham

[WhiteJC]

This Weekend Only: 25% Off Away Kit

Don't miss out on this limited time offer!

To celebrate the Men's First Team wearing our 2023/24 Away Kit for the first time this season against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, you can get 25% off all Away Kit.

Simply purchase the shirt, shorts or socks from our shock-pink strip instore or online this weekend to receive your discount.

Act fast as this offer is only valid until 11:59pm on Sunday 29th October!

SHOP AWAY KIT

T+C's apply. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer runs from Friday 27th October 2023 until 11:59pm on Sunday 29th October 2023. Available instore and online.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/october/27/this-weekend-only-25-off-away-kit/

[WhiteJC]

Lukić: Come Back Stronger

Following his positive display at Tottenham earlier in the week, Saša Lukić caught up with fulhamfc.com to discuss the Spurs performance and our next test at Brighton and Hove Albion.

On the game against a Spurs side at their peak, Saša said: "We did very well in the first 30 minutes, but we then conceded and from that moment we felt a little bit low.

"In the second half, we started well again but unfortunately we conceded a second goal. However, we created chances and of course I'm disappointed overall because we didn't get a result.

"We created opportunities which is a good sign, although in some moments we needed to be calmer," he added.

The Serbian international has respect for the work Roberto De Zerbi has done on the South Coast so far and is aware of the challenge Sunday brings.

"They're a very good side and I try to watch them as much as possible because they have an Italian coach. When I was at Torino he managed Sassuolo and he adopted more or less this style of always wanting to dominate possession.

"Last season they played very well and this year they are playing in the same way, and we know we'll need to prepare well for this match.

"I saw their second half in the Europa League against Ajax yesterday and you can see the similar style to last season as they have the same coach and set up."

After a difficult period, Saša was pleased to get himself back out on the pitch.

"I'm happy to have made my first start after my injury because I was out for about a month," he said.

"It was a tough moment for me because the injury came when I was in a very good condition and I was playing regularly. I found my rhythm and then I picked up the injury.

"I worked hard to try to come back stronger and now I'm happy because I'm back in the squad and able to help my team."

Saša was quick to praise the supporters, who have been just as excellent this season when the team have hit the road.

"We feel the fans' support both at home and away. When we're away, they're really important for us as they give us a big push, and we hear them when we are on the pitch.

"It's great to see this fantastic support as we need this," he added.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/october/27/Lukic-Come-Back-Stonger/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Bayern Munich will not bid €65 million for Fulham's João Palhinha in January
Tuchel still wants to sign a No. 6, but it's now looking like it won't be Palhinha.

Thomas Tuchel still very much wants Bayern Munich to sign a defensive midfielder in the January transfer window, but it now looks like they will be out of the race to go in for Fulham's João Palhinha again. They almost had a deal over the line for the Portuguese international in the final hours of the summer transfer window in Germany, but the transfer collapsed, partially because Fulham was unable to find an ample replacement midfielder for him.

Per new information from Sport Bild's Tobi Altschäffl and Christian Falk (via @iMiaSanMia), Bayern is not going to be making another bid in excess of €65 million in the January transfer window for Palhinha. For a while, it had been internally discussed that there was still the option on the table of going back in for him in the winter, but the club's hierarchy have ultimately deemed that they do not want to go back in with that kind of offer.

Tuchel knows how much he wants a No. 6, but the front office might not be exactly on the same page as far as what they would be willing to spend, and honorary club president and supervisory board member Uli Hoeneß disagrees with Tuchel in the club even needing a defensive midfielder. The latter feels that the current squad already has the requirements for a No. 6, contrary to how Tuchel feels.

There are other candidates Bayern can and will pursue, but Palhinha was at the top of Tuchel's radar and the type of midfielder that genuinely fit the profile of what he has been looking for. Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips has also been a name mentioned at Bayern as well as Borussia Mönchengladbach's Manu Koné, but there have not been any concrete discussions with either player or their representatives at this stage. Also, it is now looking more likely that Koné would be too expensive for Bayern and that he will more than likely be wind up going elsewhere.

For now, the question remains looming large as we broach closer and closer to the winter; who will Bayern wind up going for in the defensive midfield position? A lot can happen between now and then, but it would be safe to assume whoever they wind up trying to sign would cost less than Palhinha's price tag of €65 million.



https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2023/10/27/23934180/bayern-munich-fulham-joao-palhinha-transfer-update-premier-league-bundesliga-thomas-tuchel-ucl

[WhiteJC]

Brighton vs Fulham: Prediction and Preview
We look ahead to Sunday's Premier League action at the Amex Stadium with our Brighton vs Fulham prediction and preview. Can the hosts get back to winning ways?

Brighton vs Fulham: The Quick Hits

    Brighton and Hove Albion are winless in three league games, but the Opta supercomputer gives them a 46.2% chance of ending that run against Fulham on Sunday.
    Brighton have never beaten Fulham in six Premier League meetings (three draws, three defeats), the most they've faced any team in the competition without winning.
    The hosts have scored and conceded in all nine of their Premier League games this season. The last top-flight side to do so in their first 10 matches was Tottenham in 1988-89.

Match Preview
A busy Premier League Sunday features a clash of styles at the Amex Stadium as a swashbuckling but open Brighton side host goal-shy Fulham. With Roberto De Zerbi and Marco Silva facing very different problems, who will come out on top?

Serial entertainers Brighton have both scored and conceded in all nine of their Premier League games this season, and could become the first team to do so in their first 10 matches of a top-flight campaign since Tottenham in 1988-89.

Brighton have scored a league-high 19 goals from open play across the first nine matchdays, but they are without a clean sheet in 13 Premier League outings, shipping 66 goals in 41 games under De Zerbi – only Bournemouth (72) and Leeds United (68) have conceded more in the competition since his first game in charge last October.

Brighton's fragility has slowed their assault on the European places, though a difficult run of fixtures has hardly helped the Seagulls, whose three-game winless run in the league comprises a 6-1 defeat to Aston Villa, a 2-2 draw with Liverpool and a 2-1 loss at Manchester City.

De Zerbi's team could have folded when they went 2-0 down within 19 minutes at the Etihad Stadium, but they almost staged an improbable fightback with Ansu Fati halving the arrears. Fellow winger Solly March, however, was carried off with a serious-looking injury in stoppage time.

While March's injury is a real blow, Brighton have plenty of attacking options. Kaoru Mitoma's tally of 16 carries ending in a shot or chance created over the first nine matchdays of the season is only matched by Manchester United's Marcus Rashford and Tottenham's Dejan Kulusevski, while just two players have bettered João Pedro's average of 2.25 open-play chances created per 90 – Kulusevski (2.47) and Brighton's own Pervis Estupiñán (2.36).



De Zerbi has a few selection dilemmas with Danny Welbeck, Estupiñán and Tariq Lamptey all sidelined, but the Italian can use his bench with confidence if things don't go to plan. Brighton have had 15 Premier League goals scored by substitutes in 2023, the joint-most in a single calendar year by any team in history, alongside Spurs in 2008 and Arsenal in 2009.

While Brighton need to tighten up, Silva – who signed a three-year contract extension this week – must find a way of making Fulham more prolific if they are to avoid glancing over their shoulders. Fulham enter Matchday 10 seven points clear of the relegation zone despite Monday's 2-0 defeat at league leaders Tottenham, but their attacking numbers are worrying.

At Matchday 9's conclusion, only Sheffield United (two), Luton Town (three) and Everton (four) had scored fewer goals from open play than Fulham (five) in the Premier League, with Silva's team ranking 18th in the division for total shots (96) and shots on target (30).

While Raúl Jiménez's Premier League goal drought stands at 23 games and Bobby De Cordova-Reid (two goals) remains the only Fulham player to net more than once this season, chance creation has also been an issue.

Andreas Pereira and Willian were two of Fulham's key performers last season, recording six and five Premier League assists respectively, but they have just one between them in 2023-24 (via Pereira). Of all Fulham players to play at least 90 minutes this campaign, former Everton man Alex Iwobi averages the most open-play chances created per 90 (2.22), so he could come into their lineup on Sunday.

Fulham have selection problems in defence with right-sided centre-backs Issa Diop and Tosin Adarabioyo injured. Calvin Bassey was unconvincing in the role on Monday, so Silva must decide whether to look for another makeshift option.

Brighton vs Fulham Forest Head-to-Head
Brighton are looking to do something they have never done on Sunday – beat Fulham in a Premier League fixture.

The Seagulls have failed to win any of the teams' six all-time meetings in the competition (three draws, three defeats), the most they have faced any team without winning.

Fulham, meanwhile, have only played more Premier League games against Norwich City (eight) without ever losing than they have against Brighton, doing the double over them in 2022-23.

A Lewis Dunk own goal condemned Brighton to a 2-1 defeat when the teams met at Craven Cottage last August, before Manor Solomon fired Fulham to a 1-0 triumph at the Amex in February.

Silva has won three Premier League games against Brighton overall, overcoming a different Seagulls boss on each occasion, beating Chris Hughton, Graham Potter and De Zerbi.

Recent Form
Brighton's current three-match winless run is their longest such streak in the Premier League since they failed to win any of their first five under De Zerbi last October.

Indeed, the Seagulls don't tend to enjoy this time of year, only winning one of their last 15 league games played during the month of October (eight draws, six defeats), though that lone victory was a 4-1 rout of Chelsea exactly one year before Sunday's game.

They did however get back to winning ways in Europe on Thursday, overcoming struggling Ajax 2-0 in the Europa League.

Fulham are winless in their last four on the road in the league, drawing two and losing two, while they have lost 17 of their last 24 top-flight games played on Sundays (three wins, four draws).

While Brighton may have defensive issues, they have scored in their last 25 Premier League games. There have only been five instances of a team scoring in more consecutive matches, most recently Liverpool between March and December 2021 (28 in a row).

Opta Power Rankings
The Opta Power Rankings are a global team ranking system that assigns an ability score to over 13,000 domestic football teams on a scale between zero and 100, where zero is the worst-ranked team in the world and 100 is the best team in the world.

Ahead of kick-off, here is the Opta Power Ranking for both sides.

RANK	TEAM	RATING
22	Brighton and Hove Albion	90.1
49	Fulham	85.6

Brighton vs Fulham Prediction


The Opta supercomputer makes Brighton favourites for this one, with the Seagulls winning 46.2% of our 10,000 match simulations ahead of kick-off. Fulham were victorious in 25.6%, with 28.2% finishing level.

In the supercomputer's season projections, Brighton are assigned a 52.3% chance of a top-seven finish, which should be enough to secure another season of European football.

Despite their attacking woes, Fulham are only relegated in 1.7% of season simulations, with 14th (17.7%) their most common finishing position.



https://theanalyst.com/eu/2023/10/brighton-vs-fulham-prediction-and-preview/

[WhiteJC]

Pre-Brighton Press Conference
Marco Silva offered his thoughts to the press ahead of Sunday afternoon's Premier League clash away at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Marco began his press conference by speaking on the late Bill Kenwright, who he worked with during his time at Everton Football Club.

"Firstly, of course, condolences for his family and for the Everton family as well.

"It was a pleasure for me to share some moments with a great man and a great Evertonian and my thoughts are going for him and for everybody that's around him and for his family and for the club as well."

This week saw Marco extend his deal with the Fulham, keeping him at the Club until the end of the 2025/26 season.

"It was something that we have been talking about a long time," he said when asked about the deal.

"It's something that we probably could have done earlier, to be honest and the decision was a simple one."

Marco also took the time to offer his thanks to the fans for their support throughout his time at the club thus far: "Their support has been really important, not just for me, for the players.

"The last two seasons, what we have achieved in a quick time was really, really good.

"It's good to have the feeling that the fans are happy with everything that we have been doing in this football club.

 "I have to say that it is a pleasure to feel that from the fans. At the end, we are working here to make them proud and that is a priority for me as a manager of this football club."

The injury situation is starting to look much better for some of the players that have been out after Marco's update.

"Good to see him [Tosin] back on the grass. Of course, not fully involved with the team, I think one or two weeks he is going to be fully involved with the squad.

"Nice to see finally Kenny as well. Adama is coming back too and of course just Issa looks a bit more."

Sunday's opponents have had a turbulent history but have enjoyed several seasons in the Premier League and now European football too, something that Marco admires.

"It's been an incredible journey for that football club and what they've been achieving.

"The percentage of big, very good decisions is huge in my opinion.

"Last night they achieved the first win in Europe I believe, and this is a really important step for them but to be honest, they deserve it, not just last season of course but the way they have been the giving the right steps.

"They keep growing, growing, and growing and I think this is a very good example of that and they deserve the credit for what they've been achieving."

Talking once more on his new contract, Marco spoke openly about his feelings since joining Fulham in 2021.

"I have to say that this is different. I've been in this club longer than any other but normally I'm feeling really at home at any club I have worked for so far.

"I'm not just talking about England; I'm talking about all the clubs that I have had the pleasure of working for and the people that have been a pleasure to work with as well.

"I'm feeling at home. From the first day I felt really welcome in this football club.

"But I have to say, and to be fair, that I felt the same in the other football clubs of course.

"As more time you spend in a football club, you get more connections, a stronger relationship with people as well but it is normal in this football club I have created this relationship like with the other clubs as well. That is the truth."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/october/27/Pre-Brighton-Press-Conference/

[WhiteJC]

Tottenham, Man United and West Ham 'willing to spend' big to secure signing – Tussle on the horizon
Fulham, Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham are all 'willing to spend' to secure the signing of Uruguayan defender Sebastián Cáceres from CF America.

That's according to Fanaticos, who cover the player today and the Premier League quartet's willingness to spend what is required to secure his signature.

Cáceres has found himself increasingly linked with a move to Europe over the last few weeks, with Tottenham in particular thought to be keen on him.

Fanaticos back this up and say with the pre-planning for the January transfer window in Europe starting to heat up, America are one of the clubs that could be most affected.

There is growing interest in Cáceres from England, with Fulham, Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham all having shown an interest and a wiliness to spend the money required to get him.

His performances in the games between September and October have been 'exceptional', helping to raise his profile and generate interest in Europe too.

America are not willing to let their jewel go 'easily', though, and sources close to the club have confirmed to Fanaticos that the board are asking for no less than $5m for their player. That would work out at around £4.1m.

Such a figure would seemingly be no problem for any of the clubs, with Fulham, Manchester United, Spurs and West Ham all paying considerably higher fees last summer alone.

That's the asking price either way and American seem to think that someone will pay it for Cáceres eventually, with Fanaticos adding that they're already hunting for a replacement.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/tottenham-man-united-west-ham-willing-spend-big-secure-signing-tussle-horizon/

[WhiteJC]

Tosin closing in on comeback
Tosin Adarabioyo is set to return to first-team training following shortly his groin injury in a significant boost for Fulham, according to Sky Sports.

The former Manchester City defender has been out of action for two months having had surgery on a persistent problem but his imminent return – coupled with the news that he is now considering committing his future to the club – is welcome news for Marco Silva, who is currently juggling defensive injuries. The 26 year-old's absence at the same time as Issa Diop has led to Calvin Bassey and Tim Ream, two left-footed centre halves, playing alongside one another and the problems that caused were evident in the 2-0 defeat at Tottenham on Monday night.

The Sky story also confirms yesterday's reporting that Tosin is ready to restart contract renegotiations with Fulham after Silva signed a new three-year contract at Craven Cottage last week. The cultured centre half enjoys a strong relationship with the Portuguese head coach and is open to staying in SW6 now that Silva's long-term future is secure – having been heavily linked with a move to Spurs and Monaco over the summer. The Cottagers will need to move fast as the defender can begin pre-contract discussions with foreign sides on January 1.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/10/tosin-closing-in-on-comeback/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham to make late call on Issa Diop's fitness for Brighton clash
Cottagers desperate for defensive help after errors in Tottenham loss

Fulham will make a late decision on whether Issa Diop is fit to face Brighton on Sunday.

The centre-back missed Monday's defeat at Tottenham with a foot injury and was replaced by Calvin Bassey.

Bassey was at fault for both of Spurs' goals. It was only the Nigerian's second Premier League start, having been sent off on his first.

Marco Silva admitted Fulham had been "punished" by Bassey's mistakes and he is due to discover in the next day whether Diop has recovered in time to reclaim his place in the team.

Kenny Tete, Adama Traore and Tosin Adarabioyo are all expected back from injury in the next three weeks.

Centre-back -Adarabioyo has played just a single minute of action so far after undergoing groin surgery, and was the subject of an £8.5million bid from Monaco in August.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-brighton-issa-diop-injury-b1116418.html

[WhiteJC]

Alex Iwobi is already showing his Fulham merit as more than just Joao Palhinha's long-term replacement

Having already signed the player while Everton manager, Marco Silva knows all about the qualities Alex Iwobi can bring to his Fulham side.
It may have only been a brief four-month Goodison Park dalliance – the midfielder joining from Arsenal on a five-year deal in August 2019 before Silva was duly sacked in December, but the player clearly remained on the Fulham boss' radar ever since.

Iwobi's Everton career was arguably one of unfulfilled promise, making 123 appearances (scoring six goals) during a period of turbulence at the Merseyside outfit.

However, this summer's uncertainty around Joao Palhinha's Fulham future nevertheless persuaded Silva to reunite with his former player to provide a versatile alternative within his squad.

For Iwobi, the move represented a homecoming to the city where he grew up along with the hope the more stable Craven Cottage surroundings can finally see the 27-year-old realise his potential.

Arriving at the end of the transfer window and carrying a small injury, Iwobi has had to wait for his opportunities, with his debut coming off the bench in the 1-0 home victory over Luton Town on September 16th.

The minutes have gradually built up from there as he has continually impressed off the bench – including scoring the winner against Norwich City in the League Cup Third Round.

His first Fulham start eventually came ahead of the international break earlier this month, with the Cottagers running out comfortable 3-1 winners over Sheffield United.

After the game, Silva was full of praise for the midfielder, saying: "Every time he is coming into games, he is making a very good impact.

"For Sheffield United, it was clear we needed a bit more creativity and he performed well and is only going to improve because his energy, dynamic decision-making and creativity is going to be important for us.

"He is going to improve but must adapt in the way we need to defend. He must adapt sometimes as a second midfielder and play side by side by Joao (Palhinha)."

At Everton, Iwobi played as an attacking creative midfielder and while Silva's comments suggest he wants him to continue this role, he may also have to occasionally fill in as a holding midfielder as well.

Fulham's tactics often revolve around two defensive-minded midfielders creating the solid base from which to launch their attacks down the wings.

Palhinha and Harrison Reed have been the midfield generals for the last 18 months, but with the former's possible move to Bayern Munich still on the horizon, Silva is keen for Iwobi to show his quality in different areas of midfield.

While it may seem Iwobi's arrival was due to offset Palhinha's apparently imminent summer departure, Silva is constantly at pains to praise his new signing and underline how important he is to the squad on his own merit.

Iwobi's increasingly impressive performances so far backs Silva's narrative and, although his natural position is as an attacking midfielder, he has also been used centrally as well as deputising in the holding midfielder for Harrison Reed.

Against Chelsea he replaced Harry Wilson on the right and played even further forward against Tottenham, coming on as a half-time substitute for Andreas Pereira to underline his dynamic attacking prowess.

Iwobi's versatility is not only testament to his footballing adaptability but also his determination to successfully integrate into any role Silva gives him.

Only time will tell whether Iwobi will be able to fix his sights on just one position but either way, the early signs suggest he has more than enough talent at his disposal to have a long and prosperous Fulham career.



https://londonfootballscene.co.uk/2023/10/27/alex-iwobi-is-already-showing-his-fulham-merit-as-more-than-just-joao-palhinhas-long-term-replacement/

[WhiteJC]

Exclusive: Fulham lead Tottenham, Aston Villa in race to sign Stuttgart striker with bargain £15m release clause
Premier League clubs have been put on high alert as one of Europe's hottest targets has a release clause that could land them the bargain of the window, TEAMtalk can reveal.

Serhou Guirassy has been in unbelievable form for Stuttgart this season and is the top scorer in Europe's top five leagues with a staggering 14 goals in eight games.

The striker joined the Bundesliga side on a permanent basis in the summer after spending last season on loan from Rennes but a move is already possible due to a £15million release clause.

Multiple English Premier League sides are keen and have watched him this season with sources stating there is a race on for his signature. Spurs are targeting a front man in the winter window and the on-fire forward is on their list.

Fulham are also keen to strengthen up top and sources state they have been the most proactive in their attempts to bring in the Guinea international.

Conversations have happened between the London side and the forward's agents over a potential deal, according to sources, and the Cottagers are extremely keen to bring him in during the January window.

Sources claim that the top scoring striker has a multitude of opportunities and will take his time to decide his next move. There is also a suggestion from those close to the player that he would be willing to wait until the summer and continue his development in Germany for the rest of the season.

Unai Emery and Aston Villa have also taken notice and would like to add numbers to help their in-form forward Ollie Watkins. The recruitment strategy at Villa Park is designed to build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.

Clubs queuing to sign Serhou Guirassy for bargain price
Clubs in Spain and Portugal have also been keen but there is a belief from within the Guirassy camp that he would like a move to England and would prioritise talks with clubs in the world's best league.

The 27-year-old signed for Stuttgart in a deal worth £8million after a season on loan at the club. The German outfit moved to make his move from Rennes permanent early in the summer window after an impressive spell at the Mercedes Benz Arena.

The attacker signed a three-year-deal worth just under £1million a year and had the release clause inserted into his contract due to a belief that another big move beckoned and he didn't want to be hampered should the opportunity arise.

That opportunity is now well in sight and moves from the likes of Fulham are very likely to happen in the coming months with the release clause triggering one of the biggest races for a signature in the upcoming winter window.



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/exclusive-fulham-spurs-aston-villa-stuttgart-striker-release-clause

[WhiteJC]

Lukic aims for Albion response
Fulham midfielder Sasa Lukic has urged his team-mates to respond to Monday's disappointing defeat at Tottenham with an improved display against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.

The Whites were left ruing defensive mistakes following their 2-0 defeat to the league leaders at the start of the week, although the Serbian international felt Marco Silva's side should have converted their chances at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He told the club's official website:

"We did very well in the first 30 minutes, but we then conceded and from that moment we felt a little bit low. In the second half, we started well again but unfortunately we conceded a second goal. However, we created chances and of course I'm disappointed overall because we didn't get a result. We created opportunities which is a good sign, although in some moments we needed to be calmer."

The former Torino midfielder knows just how tough a test Roberto De Zerbi's Albion will pose at the AMEX on Sunday having played against the Italian's Sassuolo side during his spell in Serie A.

"They're a very good side and I try to watch them as much as possible because they have an Italian coach. When I was at Torino he managed Sassuolo and he adopted more or less this style of always wanting to dominate possession. Last season they played very well and this year they are playing in the same way, and we know we'll need to prepare well for this match. I saw their second half in the Europa League against Ajax yesterday and you can see the similar style to last season as they have the same coach and set up."

Lukic is delighted to be playing again after a frustrating period on the sidelines that followed a knee injury ending an excellent display at Arsenal in August.

"I'm happy to have made my first start after my injury because I was out for about a month. It was a tough moment for me because the injury came when I was in a very good condition and I was playing regularly. I found my rhythm and then I picked up the injury. I worked hard to try to come back stronger and now I'm happy because I'm back in the squad and able to help my team."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/10/lukic-aims-for-albion-response/