Sunday Fulham Stuff - 26/11/23...

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Results

Saturday 25/11
Man City	1-1	Liverpool
Burnley	1-2	West Ham
Luton	2-1	Palace
Newcastle	4-1	Chelsea
Forest	2-3	Brighton
Sheff Utd	1-3	Bournemouth
Brentford	0-1	Arsenal

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Silva: Jimenez can hit the goal trail
Marco Silva believes Raul Jimenez can become a regular goalscorer after scoring his first Fulham goal at Aston Villa before the international break.

The Mexican international opened his Cottagers account with a simple finish at Villa Park – which ended a goal drought that stretched back to March 2022 – and Silva believes the striker, who has struggled to replace Aleksandar Mitrovic in the early months of his Craven Cottage career, will feel a 'weight off his back' against his former club on Monday.

The Fulham boss told his pre-match press conference earlier today:

"It was really important for him first of all. We lost the game so it's not the same feeling when a player has scored a goal and you lost the game. He is always trying to help the team. Definitely, we are going to see more confidence for sure. But now it's up to him to keep working hard and to be more confident in certain moments around the box because he has the capacity to do it. He has the quality to do it as well."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/11/silva-jimenez-can-hit-the-goal-trail/

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Wolves boss Gary O'Neil gives Pedro Neto injury update ahead of Fulham clash

Wolves manager Gary O'Neil has revealed that Pedro Neto is making good progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury but Monday's trip to Craven Cottage has come too soon for the forward

Pedro Neto is nearing his return for Wolves but won't be playing in Monday's match against Fulham.

The Portugal international had a flying start to the season with seven assists in 10 Premier League games before he got a hamstring injury during last month's draw with Newcastle. There were worries that Neto might not play again in 2023, but while he's not ready yet, it won't be long before he's back.

"Pedro won't make Monday," Wolves boss Gary O'Neil told reporters at a press conference. "He's got a little bit more work to do. Pedro will stay with the physios and fitness staff for a bit longer.

"There's no exact time frame, but Monday he won't be available. Hopefully it's weeks. It's hard because there'll be tests done, he goes for other check-ups and scans and you're sort of guided by them, how quickly he's healing, but he's healing very well."

"He's probably ahead of where they would have wanted him to be at this point. We're pleased with the progress he's made, but with the nature of the injury, we need to make sure everything's ticked off properly before he's back with the group."

Wolves do have other injury concerns ahead of their journey down to London, but the Monday night game should ensure O'Neil has a largely fully-fit squad to select from. Craig Dawson won't be playing due to suspension after getting his fifth yellow card of the season in the last-minute win over Tottenham.

Joseph Hodge (shoulder) and Nathan Fraser (quad) are still out of action, but Matt Doherty and Mario Lemina are expected to recover from their injuries. O'Neil said: "I think everyone came back OK. Nathan Fraser's still out. Mario rolled his ankle on international duty, but should be fine."

"Matt Doherty has a tight hamstring but will be fine. Hugo Bueno is back involved, as he was just before, he's doing well. Hodgey is doing well, he's back on the grass, but it comes a bit too quick for him. We're pretty much as we were as long as nothing happens the next couple of days."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/wolves-pedro-neto-injury-latest-31517637

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The Breakdown | Fulham vs Wolves
Club football is back, with Wolves concluding the weekend's Premier League schedule on Monday night at Craven Cottage and wolves.co.uk presents all the main talking points.

#1 Inside both camps
Both Wolves and Fulham will need to do without key players when they clash at Craven Cottage. For the Old Gold, they'll start a Premier League match without Craig Dawson for the first time this season, after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign against Tottenham Hotspur. His one-match ban opens the door to others, with Santiago Bueno maybe set for a first league start, while Matt Doherty and Hugo Bueno could be other defensive replacements. A change in shape may open the door for Pablo Sarabia, Tommy Doyle or Sasa Kalajdzic, who have staked a claim in recent weeks. Pedro Neto remains out, but is ahead of schedule in his recovery according to Gary O'Neil, while youngsters Joe Hodge and Nathan Fraser are also absent.

Similar to Dawson, Palhinha will sit out Monday's fixture, having picked up a fifth booking last time out at Villa Park. He'll likely be replaced by Harrison Reed or Sasa Lukic in the midfield. Forward Rodrigo Muniz will also miss out, while there are doubts over the fitness of Issa Diop and Tosin Adarabioyo. The fixture could, however, provide Raul Jimenez with a first opportunity to face Wolves since departing for the Cottagers in the summer, however he won't be joined by Adama Traore, who has been ruled out through injury.

#2 Coming into it
Wolves enjoyed a thrilling win two weeks ago and probably felt the international period came at a bad time for them. However, Monday's Fulham clash represents the start of a glut of fixtures for the Old Gold. Gary O'Neil's side banished the memory of defeat to Sheffield United in style with their late, late show against Tottenham Hotspur, which saw Pablo Sarabia and Mario Lemina stun Spurs. Wolves have been good on home soil lately, unbeaten in four, but the Bramall Lane loss was a setback on the road. Still, should they win at Fulham, it would better last season's away win total already, following successes at Everton and Bournemouth so far.

Wolves' last three | W 2-1 Tottenham (H) – L 2-1 Sheff United – D 2-2 Newcastle (H)

Fulham are winless in four going into Monday's clash. They were beaten 3-1 at Aston Villa last time out but did have former Old Gold hero Jimenez on the scoresheet for the first time. Last time at Craven Cottage, Manchester United scored in injury time to subject the Cottagers to a 1-0 defeat. Before that, Marco Silva's side drew at Brighton & Hove Albion and lost at Tottenham. Fulham have won two of their five home games this season, against Sheffield United in October and Luton Town in September, but have yet to score at home outside of those two games.

Fulham's last three | L 3-1 Aston Villa (A) – L 1-0 Man United (H) – D 1-1 Brighton (A)

#3 Since last time
Fulham 1 Wolves 1 | 24th February 2023

Wolves and Fulham played out a hard-fought draw at Craven Cottage when they last met back in February. Like last week, Sarabia was on target that night too, firing home a header from Jimenez, who now lines up in white and black. Manor Solomon ensured the Cottagers had their point, however, curling in a fine effort after the break. Sarabia had had an earlier attempt saved by Bernd Leno, while Jimenez headed a second half chance wide, before Solomon struck.

Wolves' XI | Sa, Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Bueno, Sarabia, Neves, Lemina, Nunes, Jimenez, Cunha.

Of the Wolves side, Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes and Jimenez have moved on since. The other eight were in the squad against Spurs a fortnight ago. As for Fulham, all 11 who started that night nine months ago remain at the club, with seven of the 11 starting at Villa Park a fortnight ago. Since then, Jimenez has been joined by Alex Iwobi, Timothy Castagne and Calvin Bassey.

Fulham's XI | Leno, Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson, Reed, Palhinha, De Cordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian, Vinicius.

#4 In the media
Mike Taylor, of BBC Radio WM, says Sarabia's stunning cameo off the bench against Spurs could provide a springboard for his Wolves career.

"Come Monday night, Wolves will have gone 16 days between Premier League games, which is a long time to stay grinning after the astounding finish to the one against Tottenham. It was a plot twist not only in that match, but perhaps also to Pablo Sarabia's whole Wolves career. For a player of his ability, with significant achievements on his CV, his time with Wolves has so far seemed unfulfilling. Until Spurs, that is, when Sarabia seized the moment - and it really was only a few moments.

"Gary O'Neil introduced him with only four minutes left, but the coach deflected the credit for the substitution: "I put him on the pitch because of what he's shown me in training. That's no masterstroke from me... the fact that he was able to impact it is because of how he's worked, and the condition he's in at this moment - mentally and physically." O'Neil will need all of his squad in the busy midwinter, but perhaps he will turn to Sarabia more readily now."

Dom Smith of Standard Sport says there have been pros and cons coming out of the Fulham camp in recent weeks.

"Following last season's 10th–place finish was always going to be tough, and the sale of talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic tempered expectations. But Fulham's lack of goals has been a bigger problem than expected. Only Burnley have scored fewer than their 10 in the top-flight. Supporters are understandably concerned about the lack of goals and recent form.

"Sunday's defeat at Aston Villa followed the same script as the draw at Brighton a fortnight ago. Fulham were better in the second half after looking miles off the pace in the first. Marco Silva's team are usually composed in midfield and counter-attack well, but they must start games better. The manager did sign a new contract a few weeks ago, committing until summer 2026, in a huge boost for Fulham."



https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/mens-first-team/202321124-the-breakdown-fulham-vs-wolves/

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Silva seeks reaction from Fulham
Marco Silva has demanded a reaction from his Fulham squad on Monday against Wolverhampton Wanderers as the Whites head into what he describes as a 'really important' spell before Christmas.

The Fulham head coach was disappointed with the defeat at Aston Villa before the international break which extended their winless run to four fixtures after his side were unable to match the opposition's intensity. Fulham have won just once in seven games and slipped further down the table as a result of poor defensive mistakes.

The Portuguese boss told his pre-match press conference yesterday:

"We want to show a reaction. We know that the last month was tough for us, with a tough schedule, but performance wise, we have to do better. We know that. We have not been consistent during matches. Apart from the [home defeat against] Manchester United, we just reacted second half after not so good first halves. We want to be consistent from the first minute. [The forthcoming month] is really important. A lot of the games will be big, if not huge. Our players are ready for that period."

Despite a setback for Adama Traore which will see the Spanish winger miss the meeting with his old club, Silva should be able to call upon services of defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who has spent much of this season on the sidelines with injury.

"We have more sessions to prepare the game, he's trained with the team for the last ten days. Last game I decided not to put him in the squad list because he was not ready to go. I'll have a conversation with him and then decide."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/11/silva-seeks-reaction-from-fulham/

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Fulham U18s drawn against Cardiff in FA Youth Cup
Fulham's under 18s have been handed a trip to Cardiff City in the third round of the FA Youth Cup.

The young Whites will take on the Bluebirds on Friday 15 December at the Cardiff City Stadium, with kick off scheduled for 7pm.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/11/fulham-u18s-drawn-against-cardiff-in-fa-youth-cup/

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Fulham U21s to face Wycombe in Trophy
Fulham's under 21s have been drawn against Wycombe Wanderers in the second round of the Football League Trophy.

The young Whites qualified for the knockout phase of the competition for the first time in the club's history after Aaron Loupalo-Bi's strike secured a win at Gillingham last month. Hayden Mullins' side had earlier drawn against Portsmouth and Leyton Orient.

The Chairboys won all three of their group fixtures to ease into the next round of the tournament and Matt Bloomfield's men are currently sitting twelfth in League Two. Whilst all ties must be completed by Saturday 16 December, precise details of the date and time of the fixture – as well as ticketing information – are yet to be confirmed.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/11/fulham-u21s-to-face-wycombe-in-trophy/

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Castagne: 'I want to achieve something'
Timothy Castagne has been pleased with the start of his Fulham career but is desperate to 'achieve something' with his new club in the second half of the season.

The Belgian international has impressed when deputising for both Antonee Robinson and Kenny Tete in the first team since signing from Leicester City towards the end of the summer transfer window – having watched Fulham as a fan at Craven Cottage when he was a teenager.

Castagne told the club's official website that he has settled in well with the Whites:

"I think it's been pretty good. I've managed to play a lot of games so it's good. The staff have been great, the players have been great, and also life here is a lot better than in Leicester obviously because it's London. So it's been good."

The full back underlined just how important Marco Silva's influence was in both securing his signature and then integrating him into the first-team squad.

"I spoke with the manager in the middle of the transfer window. I liked what he did and what he said, and from then it was a bit of a waiting game but I was waiting to come here. I don't regret that. He has been great. He's always pushing you and he has great ideas, so I really like what I've seen so far."

The determined defender has plenty of ambitions for the remainder of the season – and doesn't share any concept of Fulham's campaign petering out.

"I want to continue to play well here and try to achieve something. If it's a cup or a European place, I don't care, but it would be nice to get something. I think if you look at the table, we're not that far. You just have to get a few results in a row, especially to get out of the red zone, but if we can string a few good games together, we can definitely look for the top ten."

Castagne is targeting a return to winning ways against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night.

"It's very important, we know that, but we try not to put too much pressure on ourselves. We know we had some games where we did well but maybe the result slipped away at the end, but we know we have to do better. It's not like we're playing very badly. We've just been a bit unfortunate, maybe through a lack of experience or maybe through small mistakes that can happen. We know it's not too far.

It's not just about the strikers needing to score or the defenders needing to defend. We have to do everything as a team. We definitely need to score more goals, but we need better deliveries, we need better starts to games, we need better everything to score. And then defensively, we've had some mistakes so we need to clean those and then it's going to be better."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/11/castagne-i-want-to-achieve-something/

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'He was something else': Bobby Zamora says he loved playing with £2.5m player at Fulham
The Fulham team of the early 2010s still has a special place in many fans' hearts.

Roy Hodgson's side reached the Europa League final in what was one of the most incredible runs in the competition's history, and this was a team built on hard-work and passion that resonated with many who didn't even support the club.

While workhorses such as Dickson Etuhu and Bobby Zamora were the heartbeat of this team, there were a number of really skilled players in there too.

Speaking to Off The Ball, Bobby Zamora has been speaking about his time at Fulham, and he says that Damien Duff was one of his favourite teammates in his entire career, claiming that he had an almost telepathic connection with the £2.5m winger.

Zamora loved playing with Duff
The striker spoke about his former teammate.

"Honestly, he was something else. As a player you get sort of telepathic connections with certain players and me and Duffer had that. He'd play right-wing for us at Fulham, and every ball that came into him he'd flick it around the corner or go down the side, we just had a real good connection. I really loved playing with him. He's my all-time favourite Irish player," Zamora said.

What a player
Damien Duff may well be one of the most underrated players in Premier League history.

It's easy to forget just how good the Irishman was.

There's a reason he once made the UEFA Team of the Year, he had almost everything you'd want from a winger. He was incredibly creative, skilful and hard-working.

Yes, he may not have been as fast as he once was during his time at Fulham, but he was still a star and the fact that Zamora speaks about his former teammate in such a way is testament to his quality.



https://www.fulham.news/2023/11/25/he-was-something-else-bobby-zamora-says-he-loved-playing-with-2-5m-player-at-fulham/

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Bowie and Hoskins on target as Cobblers climb clear of trouble with nervy victory over Cambridge United
Northampton Town 2 Cambridge United 1

Two goals in the space of five second half minutes from Kieron Bowie and Sam Hoskins were enough for Cobblers to make it back-to-back League One victories as they nervily edged past Cambridge United with a 2-1 victory at Sixfields on Saturday.

Northampton shaded the first half in terms of possession and territory but it wasn't until the second half when the game sparked into life. Town scored twice in five minutes as Bowie pounced on a defensive calamity before Hoskins moved into double figures for the season with a wonderful team goal.

The home side appeared in control of the contest at that point but they became a little sloppy and reactive in the closing stages and Gassan Ahadme's goal duly set up a tense finish.

However, a red card to Cambridge's Paul Digby just minutes later eased nerves and although Cobblers weren't wholly convincing in defending their narrow lead, they just about clung on for a second straight win, one which lifts them up to 15th in League One.

Jon Brady named the same starting XI that beat Burton Albion two weeks ago but he was not allowed on the touchline due to suspension having picked up his fourth yellow card of the season during the midweek cup game at MK Dons.

Cobblers made the more assured start at Sixfields and they were first to go close on 14 minutes when Aaron McGowan found Marc Leonard in a pocket of space inside the penalty shot and the midfielder's shot was well struck but too close to visiting goalkeeper Jack Stevens.

Whilst Cambridge had their moments on the break, Town were edging things and a clearer opportunity came their way midway through the first half when Shaun McWilliams released Patrick Brough and his cross was glanced wide by an unmarked Kieron Bowie.

United's first shot in anger saw Max Thompson beat away Jack Lankester's low drive but it was not a game rich on goalmouth action and the opening 45 minutes ended in stalemate.

The breakthrough arrived just four minutes after the restart and it was the result of a monumental mix-up in the Cambridge defence. A long ball was played over the top and the defender and goalkeeper left it to each other, which allowed Bowie to nip between the two, round Stevens and roll into an unguarded net.

And within five minutes of that Northampton doubled their lead thanks to a superb team goal. Mitch Pinnock sprayed a glorious pass out to Leonard, he slipped in Brough and his low cross was met by Hoskins who smashed home via the post.

Danny Andrew's free-kick flew wide while Cobblers were a threat on the break as Stevens kept out substitute Louis Appéré, but Cambridge were back in the game when they halved the deficit with 13 minutes to play, Ahadme tapping in after Thompson spilled Elias Kachunga's long-range shot.

The visitors lost a man almost immediately as Digby was sent off for two yellow cards in the space of 30 seconds, first hauling down Appéré and then kicking the ball away, but they were still able to put pressure on the home side at a nervy Sixfields.

There were one or two scares but Cobblers did enough to claim all three points and give them some breathing space in a congested League One table.

Cobblers: Thompson, McGowan ©, Willis (Odimayo 81), Sherring, Brough, Sowerby, McWilliams, Leonard (Monthé 90), Pinnock (Appéré 71), Hoskins, Bowie (Simpson 82)

Subs not used: Dadge, Haynes, Hondermarck



https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/bowie-and-hoskins-on-target-as-cobblers-climb-clear-of-trouble-with-nervy-victory-over-cambridge-united-4423216

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Crawley player ratings vs Harrogate: 8s for Fulham loanee, 'classy' midfielder and substitute who was 'difference maker'
Crawley Town sealed their third home win in a row, in all competitions, in a hard-fought battle with Harrogate Town.

Goals from Ben Gladwin and Klaidi Lolos were enough for the Reds to take all three points, as they defeated a stubborn Harrogate 2-1.

In a cagey affair, the hosts took the lead after 23 minutes – with captain Gladwin finding the bottom corner from outside the box.

The Reds had chances to add to their lead but lacked some intensity and were made to pay when Jack Muldoon headed in an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

The second half lacked quality for large periods but Crawley managed to find a winner through Lolos, who was in the right place at the right time to find the net from a corner.

Scott Lindsey's side couldn't find a third goal – making the last few minutes nervy – but managed to seal their third consecutive home win.

Here's how we rated the Crawley players:

Luca Ashby-Hammond – 8: The Fulham loanee is now the first choice keeper for the Reds. Pulled off a superb save to deny Jack Muldoon in the first-half but couldn't have done much to stop the forward's goal. Great save on the 85th minute to preserve Crawley's lead. Assured performance

Kellan Gordon – 7: Defended well in a centre back position, as Crawley dealt with the absence of Dion Conroy and Will Wright. Lindsey said it was a 'gamble' that paid off, with the defender supporting the attack too. Nearly had an assist when his cross was headed onto the post by Danilo Orsi.

Laurence Maguire – 7: Some good blocks, throwing himself at shots and standing tall. An excellent sliding block to clear the danger was a stand-out moment. Lindsey revealed post match that Maguire was ill but the defender soldiered on to help his team.

Jay Williams – 7: Thankfully okay to carry on after a nasty fall early doors. Defended well Booked

Nick Tsaroulla – 6: Quiet performance, by his standards. Wanted a penalty after going down in the box but nothing given – sparking fury from the home fans. Everyone expected a goal when the ball felt to him in acres of space but his effort was brilliantly saved

Ben Gladwin – 8: The captain's classy finish from outside the box opened the scoring after 23 minutes. Operated in a more defensive role than he's used to but did his jobs well. Suffered from cramp late on, which showed hard he worked.

Liam Kelly – 6: Not Kelly's best performance for Crawley. Guilty of a few sloppy passes. Some good moments in the game. Booked

Ronan Darcy – 5: Back in the starting XL and was quiet in the game. Lost the ball in good crossing position and then scuffed a pass straight to an opposition player. Things were not going his way before he was subbed off just before the hour mark

Klaidi Lolos – 7: Was quiet for large periods with a couple of long range efforts but he came to life in last third of the game. In the right place, at the right time to score the winner. The fans enjoyed his hard but fair tackle late on. Clever pass but no one on the same wavelength to kill the game

Danilo Orsi – 6: Had a big early chance but the defender did well to stop him getting a clean shot off. Great header onto the post, so unlucky. Some impressive hold-up play in the game and was denied by superb save in injury-time.

Adam Campbell – 6: Looking to drive Crawley forward, picking the ball up in deep areas. Provided assist for the opening goal. Given warm applause as has replaced by Travis Johnson

Subs:

Ade Adeyemo – 8: He didn't get a goal contribution but he was the difference maker. He was lively as soon he came on, trying to get on the ball. Good tracking back. Dangerous cross nearly led to a goal. Excellent touch in injury-time. Booked

Travis Johnson – 6: N/A



https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/crawley-player-ratings-vs-harrogate-8s-for-fulham-loanee-classy-midfielder-and-substitute-who-was-difference-maker-4423298

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Fulham boss Marco Silva sends Joao Palhinha message after another transfer confession

Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha came agonising close to joining Bayern Munich on transfer deadline day before the move collapsed in the final minutes of the German window

Fulham boss Marco Silva takes no issue with Joao Palhinha disclosing his feelings of regret over his failed Bayern Munich transfer.

The 28-year-old spoke from the heart this week while away on international duty with Portugal, admitting the collapse of his move to Bavaria "really affected" both him and his family.

Palhinha has since penned a new long-term contract with the Cottagers but also conceded that he wants to play at a "higher level" during the same damning interview. Bayern remain public about their interest and are expected to try and finalise the deal in January at the second time of asking.

However, Silva wants his compatriot to continue improving in west London to help raise his side's performance levels before his future is inevitably reassessed this winter.

"Joao said what's inside of him," said Silva, who will be without the suspended Palhinha for Monday's clash with Wolves.

"What I've been seeing from Joao from the day after that tough period during the last week of the market was that he was ready to train, ready to work hard and ready to help the team. And that's it. Of course he wants to perform better, I want him to perform better but one thing that nobody can complain about is his attitude and commitment."

Silva was rather abrupt when quizzed on whether Bayern's ongoing interest in Palhinha could prove to be a lingering distraction during the coming weeks. He added: "For me it's no distraction because I know what I will do and I know what is my job. I know what to expect from all of the players in the football club and that is the same."

The visit of Wolves could prove to be the perfect acid test for Fulham and how they may potentially cope without their tough-tackling talisman in the future. But Silva's greater concern rests with inspiring a collective response from his players after suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time this season.

"For some reason Joao has always been playing ever since he arrived in this football club," he said. "It means that he's an important player for us. It's not new. Last season he had some games out and, of course, the results were not the best for us.

"Now it's another good opportunity for us to show we can do it - not because Joao is not going to play but we want to react from the last few games which were not good results for us. It's about much more than the fact Joao will not play."

Meanwhile, sidelined striker Rodrigo Muniz is a January target for Brazilian outfit Atletico Mineiro. Silva has slowly warmed to the 22-year-old forward, who has not featured since sustaining a knee injury during the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United.

Raul Jimenez and Carlos Vinicius have both struggled for goals this term and the issue could be addressed when the transfer market reopens. Now Muniz, signed for £7million from Flamengo in 2021, is being lined up for a return to his homeland meaning Silva could be faced with a difficult decision over the player's future.

Fulham had been prepared to offload the former Middlesbrough loanee in the summer but their stance on a sale is now likely to have changed following his recent promising cameos in attack.

The Cottagers have been tipped as potential suitors for Timo Werner, who can leave RB Leipzig on loan but the German's wages are likely to prove problematic even if interest does prove to be genuine. Furthermore, sources close to Wolfsburg striker Jonas Wind have also played down recent links with the Dane claiming a move "is not hot".



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-joao-palhinha-transfer-bayern-31523769

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Liverpool, Man Utd must fight Bayern for the Premier League's leading defensive midfielder
Joao Palhinha might just be the Premier League's best defensive midfielder; Liverpool and Manchester United both need a defensive midfielder. They can't let Bayern sign him without a fight.

It will come as absolutely no surprise to anyone that Bayern Munich remain interested in Joao Palhinha. The German giants saw a summer bid of £57m rejected for the defensive midfielder, but will reportedly return with a fresh offer in January, with Fulham supposedly now willing to part with the Portugal international, who presumably still has designs on bigger and better opportunities.

Having failed to sign a like-for-like alternative to Palhinha, Thomas Tuchel has used Konrad Laimer – who joined on a free transfer from RB Leipzig – or Leon Goretzka in a double-pivot with Joshua Kimmich, but neither have looked comfortable and don't provide anything like the aggression and defensive cover Tuchel is clearly after.

There's a Palhinha-shaped hole at Bayern. But so too is there at Liverpool and Manchester United.

"I think if Palhinha plays for Liverpool, then they can win the league. He is that good," said Owen Hargreaves, a man who could be described as an old-school version of the player he believes is the missing piece in Jurgen Klopp's midfield.

Alexis Mac Allister has been operating in that defensive role since his £35million move from Brighton, and done so impressively in the most part. There's certainly a benefit to having a creator like Mac Allister in that deeper position, but Liverpool's failed chases of Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo in the summer, as well as reports continually linking them with other No.6 options, suggests they're merely making do before Klopp's able to complete his midfield rebuild.

Palhinha has been linked, but only in an idle 'he's a defensive midfielder and Liverpool need one' way – there's no substance to, or corroboration of, the fleeting rumours. To not hold serious interest in Palhinha given his desire to play at a higher level and the club's requirement for a defensive midfielder is odd.

No Premier League player has more than Palhinha's 69 combined tackles and interceptions this season. In fact, no-one really comes close, with Yves Bissouma second best on 54. It was the same story last term, with Moises Caicedo (156) a distant second best to Palhinha (193).

Chelsea paying £115m for Caicedo after his displays for Brighton last term and the praise that's been lavished on Bissouma this season should illustrate just how brilliant Palhinha has been, if the numbers alone aren't evidence enough.

His age may be an issue. Liverpool signed Ryan Gravenberch (21) and Dominik Szoboszlai (23) along with Mac Allister (24) in the summer, and 28-year-old Palhinha would be considered a short-term solution compared to those three.

But he's a relatively young 28-year-old, if that makes any sense at all, in that he didn't start a huge number of games until 2019 – he's something of a late bloomer. Palhinha has made 290 appearances in his senior career, which is in stark contrast to someone like Bruno Fernandes, who's just a few months older, and has racked up over 500. You could say – though we wouldn't as it borders on inappropriate – that Palhinha's got the legs of a 26-year-old.

Manchester United may well be more concerned by his age than Liverpool given Casemiro's alarming downturn. But it's precisely because of the Brazilian's speedy demise that United need Palhinha as much – if not more – than their red rivals. They were linked with slightly more gusto than Liverpool in the summer.

We're not sure how much more wincing we can take watching Christian Eriksen chase counter-attacking whippersnappers in vain at Old Trafford. He needs a warrior – as Casemiro was last season – alongside him, and Scott McTominay, oodles of Manchester United DNA considered, is not the answer to Erik ten Hag's midfield problem. Sofyan Amrabat hasn't looked as though he will be either.

Palhinha is the ready-made solution for both United and Liverpool, both of whom would be mad to allow Bayern a free hit at player who would immediately and undeniably make them significantly better football teams.



https://www.football365.com/news/liverpool-man-utd-must-fight-bayern-for-the-premier-leagues-leading-defensive-midfielder

[WhiteJC]

Silva to make four changes, 26-year-old could make first start: Fulham predicted XI to face Wolves
Fulham face a huge game against Wolves on Monday night in the Premier League and Marco Silva's team selection is going to be very interesting.

Silva provided an update on his squad's availability ahead of their return following the final international break of 2023.

Fulham fans were already aware of one glaring omission from the team before the Portuguese manager provided a fitness update.

Joao Palhinha picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign against Aston Villa, meaning he's banned for tomorrow's match.

The 28-year-old is still on Bayern Munich's radar although you wonder if his disciplinary record is something that might put them off.

Without Palhinha last season, Fulham's record was awful and Wolves are not going to be an easy team to face without him.

Gary O'Neil has built his club's recent success on a strong midfield three, meaning whoever comes in for Palhinha has to be on top of their game.

There are other questions that Silva has to answer such as who will start in attack.

Raul Jimenez finally got off the mark against Aston Villa but as one of the lowest-scoring teams in the Premier League, other players need to chip in to help the strikers out.

There could be a change in defence too with two players returning to full fitness over the international break.

Fulham predicted team to face Wolves
There are no surprises that Bernd Leno will once again start in goal tomorrow.

The German has been brilliant this season although not quite at the heights he reached last year.

At the back, Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson will return on the left-hand side after a decent showing for the USA.

There could be two changes on the right though, with Kenny Tete and Tosin Adarabioyo fit again.

Fulham have missed having a right-footed player next to Ream and Tosin should come back into the team against Wolves.

Harrison Reed is likely to come in to replace the suspended Palhinha and he should start alongside Alex Iwobi and Andreas Pereira.

Jimenez should retain his place in attack with Willian who didn't travel on international duty.

That might determine who starts on the other wing, with Bobby De Cordova-Reid returning from a long trip with Jamaica that might see Harry Wilson come in.

Rodrigo Muniz is still unavailable with Silva saying he should be back next month: "It won't take a long time, we believe, but we have to take care of him. Rodrigo, let's hope we have him back from the middle of December."

After wins for Luton and Bournemouth tomorrow, Fulham need three points to open up the gap over the bottom five once again.

Everton will be on the charge after their points deduction too making this season suddenly much more nervy.



https://www.fulham.news/2023/11/26/silva-to-make-four-changes-26-year-old-could-make-first-start-fulham-predicted-xi-to-face-wolves/

[filham]

Good to be reminded of Damien Duff, he was a lovely player so skillful and rarely wasted a ball. A real favourite of mine in that great euro final team of ours.