Saturday Fulham Stuff - 02/12/23...

[WhiteJC]

Carlos Vinicius, Rodrigo Muniz heading towards Fulham exit?
Brazilian clubs are reportedly interested in signing Fulham strikers Carlos Vinicius and Rodrigo Muniz.

Despite scoring three goals in Monday's win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Cottagers are still among the lowest scorers in the top flight.

Marco Silva's side have scored 13 times in as many league games – only the three newly-promoted sides have scored fewer goals this season.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's summer departure to Saudi Arabia has been a key factor behind Fulham's struggles in the final third.

No Fulham player has been able to fill the void left by the Serbia international, who racked up 111 goals in 206 appearances for the Cottagers.

As a result, the West London club are expected to make signing a new centre-forward one of their main priorities for the January transfer window.

With Fulham likely to recruit a new striker in the new year, it raises the question of whether they will consider selling at least one of their current forward options.

According to journalist Eduardo Gabardo, Brazilian clubs are showing an interest in signing Carlos Vinicius and Muniz.

The report claims that current Brasileirao leaders Palmeiras are keen to acquire Carlos Vinicius in the winter window.

With Silva preferring to use Raul Jimenez, Carlos Vinicius has had to settle for just two Premier League starts in the 2023-24 campaign.

The 28-year-old has only scored twice in nine competitive appearances this term, finding the net in a Premier League win over Luton Town and an EFL Cup victory against Norwich City.

Meanwhile, Gremio and Atletico Mineiro are currently keeping tabs on Muniz's situation, as they weigh up a potential move.

Muniz has been restricted to just eight appearances this season, with his only goal arriving in Fulham's EFL Cup win over Ipswich Town earlier this month.

Although neither of the two forwards are considered regular starters, it remains to be seen whether Fulham will allow either of them to leave in the January window.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/carlos-vinicius-rodrigo-muniz-heading-towards-fulham-exit_530282.html

[WhiteJC]

Brazilian clubs mull Vinicius and Muniz moves
Fulham forwards Carlos Vinicius and Rodrigo Muniz are the subject of serious interest from their homeland ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports from Brazil.

Brazilian clubs are considering tabling offers for both back-up Fulham strikers with the Whites planning to strengthen their attacking options in the new year. Brazilian football correspondent Eduardo Gabardo reported today that Brasileirao leaders Palmeiras are looking to sign Vinicius, who has made just two Premier League starts with Marco Silva preferring Raul Jimenez up front. The former Tottenham striker has scored twice this term – once in the League Cup against Norwich City and scoring the only game in a tense victory over Luton Town.

Muniz, currently sidelined by a knee injury that curtailed an impressive start against Manchester United before the international break, is attracting attention from Gremio and Atletico Mineiro. The former Flamengo centre forward has scored just once – against Ipswich in the League Cup – in eight appearances and was heavily linked with a move away from Craven Cottage during the summer.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/11/brazilian-clubs-mull-vinicius-and-muniz-moves/

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Fulham
Seeking an 11th win from 11 home games in the 2023-24 season, Liverpool host Fulham at Anfield in Sunday's Premier League encounter.

The Reds advanced to the last 16 of the Europa League with a 4-0 drubbing of LASK Linz in Group E on Thursday, where Cody Gakpo netted a brace alongside a Luis Diaz header and Mohamed Salah penalty.

Prior to extending their unblemished Merseyside streak, Jurgen Klopp's men fought back from a goal down to hold treble winners Manchester City to a 1-1 top-flight draw last weekend, but they were bumped down to third in the rankings by new leaders Arsenal a few hours later.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Liverpool's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the visit of Fulham, who came out on the correct end of a 3-2 scoreline in Monday's controversial affair with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Alisson Becker
Status: Out
Type of injury: Thigh
Possible return date: December 14 (vs. Union SG)

Alisson Becker was one of two casualties from Liverpool's draw with Man City, going down with a thigh concern deep into second-half injury time, and the Reds will have to cope without their number one goalkeeper for the next couple of weeks.

Diogo Jota
Status: Out
Type of injury: Muscular
Possible return date: Unknown

Earlier in the second half of last weekend's Etihad encounter, Diogo Jota left the field with an apparent leg problem of his own - which is more serious than Alisson's - and Klopp cannot say for sure when the Portuguese attacker will be back in action.

Andrew Robertson
Status: Out
Type of injury: Shoulder
Possible return date: January 1 (vs. Newcastle United)

Andrew Robertson is making steady progress in his recovery from a dislocated shoulder and subsequent operation, but there is no chance of the left-back making his return before the New Year rolls around.

Thiago Alcantara
Status: Out
Type of injury: Hip
Possible return date: January 1 (vs. Newcastle United)

Veteran midfielder Thiago Alcantara has been sidelined by a hip injury since April and has seen his return date pushed back by a couple of complications, but there is hope that he will also be back at Klopp's disposal at the start of January.

Stefan Bajcetic
Status: Out
Type of injury: Calf
Possible return date: Unknown

Thiago's fellow Spaniard Stefan Bajcetic has only played twice this season due to his previous adductor problem and ongoing calf injury, and the Liverpool medical team are not rushing the 19-year-old in his recuperation, as his latest issue is related to his growth.

LIVERPOOL'S SUSPENSION LIST
Liverpool have no players suspended for this match.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/injury-news/injuries-and-suspensions/liverpool-injury-suspension-list-vs-fulham_530259.html?newsnow

[WhiteJC]

Fulham could get Adama Traore injury boost for Liverpool trip after hamstring setback
Spain winger faces a late fitness test to determine his availability for tough Anfield assignment

Adama Traore could be fit for Fulham's trip to Liverpool on Sunday after overcoming a small setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

The Spanish international will undergo a final assessment on Saturday to determine whether he can play at Anfield.

After appearing off the bench in three of Fulham's first four Premier League games of the season, Traore suffered a hamstring injury in a behind-closed-doors friendly match during the September international break.

The 27-year-old winger returned to make a substitute appearance in the 3-1 defeat by Aston Villa on November 12, but then had a setback with his injury.

Traore, who joined Fulham as a free agent in August, was not risked in Monday's dramatic 3-2 win over former club Wolves at Craven Cottage, but left the stadium walking freely.

The former Barcelona, Villa, Wolves and Middlesbrough man has made just five appearances in all competitions since signing for Fulham and is yet to be handed a first league start.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-liverpool-fc-adama-traore-b1124122.html

[WhiteJC]

Prem panel backs VAR over Wolves controversy against Fulham
The Premier League's Independent Key Match Incidents Panel has said Stuart Attwell got all VAR decisions correct in Fulham's controversial 3-2 win at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.

The findings, seen by ESPN, state that referee Michael Salisbury made two errors that went against Wolves, but those mistakes were not clear and obvious for the VAR to intervene.

Wolves boss Gary O'Neil was fuming after the game, believing Fulham's first penalty should have been overturned by the VAR while the home side's stoppage-time match-winning spot kick should not have been given on review. He also felt Carlos Vinicius should have been sent off for a headbutt on Max Kilman, and Tim Ream shown a second yellow card for the foul on Hwang Hee-Chan which gave Wolves their penalty.

Fulham went 2-1 up on 59 minutes through Willian's first penalty after a Nélson Semedo challenge on Tom Cairney. Contact appeared to be minimal, and O'Neil said Salisbury told him afterwards he "regrets the fact that he wasn't sent to the screen" to overturn it. But the panel backed Attwell's decision not to intervene on a split 3-2 vote, saying it was not a clear and obvious error.

Shortly afterwards Wolves were given the chance to equalise when Ream, who was on a yellow card, brought down Hwang, and it was said the challenge didn't come under the definition of denying a goal-scoring opportunity so shouldn't be a second caution.

In the 88th minute, Vinicius appeared to place his head into Kilman as he stood up. Again it was a split 3-2 vote backing the VAR's decision not to advise a red card for violent conduct as it was not a clear and obvious error. It's the third time this season Vinicius has escaped a red card for a violent act.

Fulham won the game deep into added time when Harry Wilson ran across João Gomes and went to ground inside the area. Attwell told Salisbury to go to the monitor to change his decision, and Willian stepped up to win the game. The panel voted 4-1 that this was correct use of VAR, as there was "evidence of upper leg contact."

However, the panel believe Salisbury shouldn't have given the first penalty (4-1 vote) and should have sent off Vinicius (3-2 vote), as well as giving the injury-time penalty.

The panel has five members, made up of three former players and/or coaches, plus one representative each from the Premier League and PGMOL. It was set up at the start of last season to give an independent assessment of decision-making rather than relying on the views of PGMOL or the clubs themselves. The judgement is intended to provide an arm's-length assessment of all major match incidents.

Wolves have been on the wrong end of a series of poor VAR decisions this season, leading to O'Neil's exasperation with the process.

"We're probably seven points down on PGMOL reviews, depending on what they come back with this time," he said. "So that's the difference between 22 points and 15 on my reputation at a big club, trying to build as a new manager. The difference between 15 and 22 is irreparable.

"Maybe with just a human referee one of the penalties may have gone against us, but the fact that we have conceded two, for me VAR is not helping with subjective decisions. Maybe tonight has finally turned me against VAR."

Wolves have had three VAR errors logged against them this season. They should have been given an injury-time penalty in a 1-0 loss at Manchester United in the opening weekend, while incorrect spot kicks were given to Newcastle United (drew 2-2) and Sheffield United (injury time winner for 2-1) before the international break.

It's the second gameweek in a row that the panel has logged no errors by the VAR, though it felt referee Sam Barrott should have awarded a spot kick on the field to Burnley for Vladimír Coufal's trip on Luca Koleosho. All other decisions and VAR interventions were deemed to be correct.

The VAR penalty given to Nottingham Forest against Brighton, when Jack Hinshelwood was adjudged to have held back Callum Hudson-Odoi, was only supported on a 3-2 split vote with two members believing there was "not sustained holding and that the situation was not clear and obvious."

Across the season so far, the panel has logged two incorrect interventions, one wrong rejected overturn and 13 missed interventions across the first 13 gameweeks.

The panel also ruled Newcastle United's controversial winning goal against Arsenal was not a mistake.



https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/39019036/panel-backs-var-wolves-controversy-fulham

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool predicted line-up vs. Fulham: seven changes made from midweek as £45m forward misses out
All the latest injury updates and team news as Liverpool prepare to face Fulham in the Premier League.

Liverpool host Fulham on Sunday in the Premier League as the Reds look to extend an unbeaten domestic run which stretches back to the controversial defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of September – but they will have to face the Cottagers without at least one very important player.

Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson will definitely miss out, with Jürgen Klopp providing a negative update on his condition ahead of the Europa League victory over LASK – and he won't be the only player that misses out on the match at Anfield. The visitors, meanwhile, will be looking to build on a crucial 3-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.

We've compiled all the latest team news and injury updates for you below, and also ventured a likely starting eleven ahead of a game which could see Liverpool go top of the table, so long as results elsewhere fall in their favour.

Goalkeeper & Defence
Alisson, statistically one of the best goalkeepers in the top flight this season, will most certainly miss out on Sunday – he has a hamstring injury which will probably keep him out of the next three Premier League matches at least, with Klopp saying he "should be kind of OK" after next weekend. That timeframe will still rule him out of the matches against Sheffield United and Crystal Palace as well. Caoimhin Kelleher will deputise between the sticks while Alisson recovers.

Andrew Robertson is the only other defender who's expected to be out of action, with the Scottish full-back not likely to be available until towards the end of January as he recovers from a serious shoulder injury. Based on the selection decisions Klopp made for Thursday's Europa League game, he is likely to start the same back four as played against City last weekend.

Midfield
There have been no new updates on either of Liverpool's long-term absentees in the heart of midfield, with veteran Thiago Alcântra and rising star Stefan Bajčetić both remaining on the sidelines with hip and calf injuries respectively.

Thiago is expected back in training in the new year for what is likely to be his last stretch with the club, but no return date has yet been set for the 19-year-old Bajčetić, who underwent surgery back in March. Neither are likely to be rushed back and neither have restarted training as of yet.

Forwards
Liverpool will also be without the services of Portuguese winger Diogo Jota, who like Alisson was injured in the 1-1 draw at the Etihad last weekend. Klopp said Jota "will take a little bit longer [than Alisson] – we don't know exactly how long, but it's a bit more severe" – so that certainly rules the forward out for at least the next few matches.

Happily, Klopp has a clean bill of health across the rest of his forward line, with Darwin Núñez and youngster Ben Doak both fully fit have missed matches in recent weeks, while none of the front three selected against LASK – all of whom scored – are believed to have sustained any knocks.

Full predicted line-up vs. Fulham
Kelleher; Tsimikas, Van Dijk, Matip, Alexander-Arnold; Jones, Mac Allister, Szboszlai; Díaz, Núñez, Salah.



https://www.3addedminutes.com/sport/football/liverpool/liverpool-predicted-lineup-fulham-seven-changes-midweek-45m-forward-misses-out-4429951

[WhiteJC]

Before The Whistle: Liverpool v Fulham

It's a tough one this Sunday as the Whites travel to Anfield to face a Liverpool side that sits two points off the top of the Premier League, having lost just once all season. Add to that, Mohamed Salah is on 199 Liverpool goals. I think we can all see what might well be coming...

Joao Palhinha is expected to come back in following his suspension; the complexion of the three in the middle will be what everyone's looking at. Will Reed return? Will Cairney feature? Will Pereira remain in the 10 or will Iwobi move there from the wing?

In defence, there'll be calls from some quarters to mix things up a bit, despite Monday's win against Wolves. Tim Ream was at fault for their penalty and looked off the pace. With Tosin returning to full fitness, Silva may well opt for a change.

Up top, if Marco was playing Willian into form, he may well have found that spark following his penalty brace. It'd be great if Wilson came in on the other wing – he deserves it after his recent cameos.

We're not expected to get anything here. Wouldn't it be great to bloody a big boy's nose? Stranger things have happened. You Whites.
ℹ️ MATCH DETAILS

Kick-Off: Sunday, 2.00PM
Stadium: Anfield
Competition: Premier League
TV Channel (UK): None

🚦 LEAGUE FORM

Liverpool: ⬜ ✅ ✅ ⬜ ✅ ⬜
Fulham: ✅ ❌ ⬜ ❌ ❌ ✅

⚖️ MATCH PROBABILITY

Liverpool: 63.6%
Draw: 22.7%
Fulham: 13.7%
🥊 MOST RECENT MATCHES

May 23: Liverpool 1-0 Fulham
Aug 22: Fulham 2-2 Liverpool
Mar 21: Liverpool 0-1 Fulham
Dec 20: Fulham 1-1 Liverpool



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-12-01-before-the-whistle-liverpool-v-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Panel says VAR decisions were right in Fulham win
The Independent Key Match Incidents Panel has said Stuart Attwell got all his Video Assistant Referee decisions right in Fulham's dramatic Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.

An ESPN report this morning revealed that the panel's report identified two errors made by referee Michael Salisbury during the course of Fulham's 3-2 win at Craven Cottage – but cleared Attwell of any wrongdoing as he was not able to intervene according to the current VAR protocol as Salisbury's mistakes were not clear and obvious.

The news will not improve Wolves manager Gary O'Neill's mood after his rage at the two penalties awarded to Fulham and Salisbury's decision not to show a second yellow card to Tim Ream after he conceded a penalty. O'Neill, whose side have suffered egregious VAR decisions already this season, was particularly aggrieved by the spot-kicks won by Tom Cairney and Harry Wilson. Willian converted both – including a stoppage-time winner – to secure a vital win for the Whites.

The panel was split 3-2 on both incidents with a slender majority deciding that Attwell was correct both not to send Salisbury to the screen to review his decision to penalise Nelson Semedo's sliding challenge on Cairney and then right to instruct the match official to take a second look at Joao Gomes' challenge on Fulham substitute Wilson. The report also decided, on a 3-2 majority, that Attwell was correct to clear Carlos Vinicius for violent conduct after he aimed a headbutt on Wolves defender Max Kilman shortly after coming off the bench.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/panel-says-var-decisions-were-right-in-fulham-win/

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool Matchday Preview
Liverpool v Fulham | Sunday 3rd December | 2pm | Anfield | #LIVFUL

The opposition

    After a disappointing fifth place finish last season, Liverpool look set to be title contenders once more this time around, losing just one of their 13 Premier League matches to sit just two points adrift of current leaders Arsenal.
    The Reds' home form has been particularly impressive this campaign, as they boast a 100 per cent record from their games at Anfield, also shipping just two goals in their six matches on their own patch.
    They go into Sunday on the back of a European midweek, when a 4-0 victory over LASK confirmed top spot for the Reds in their Europa League group.

Liverpool team news

The hosts will be without Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, Thiago Alcantara, Andrew Robertson and Stefan Bajcetic through injury.

Fulham team news

After his late cameo on Monday, Marco Silva has said that Tosin is not yet ready to play 90 minutes, but did not rule out a start for the centre-back. Adama Traoré and Issa Diop remain sidelined.

Tickets

Fulham have sold out our full allocation for this fixture, meaning there will be more than 2,500 fans backing the boys on Merseyside.

Rail strike

Due to train strikes, there will be no rail services from London to Liverpool on Sunday.

Weather

Sleet and light winds are forecast in Liverpool, with temperatures around two degrees.

Player insight

Calvin Bassey knows a big test awaits, but says Fulham are capable of causing plenty of problems of our own.

"Everybody knows the quality they've got," he told FFCtv. "They've got a good manager, good players, and for us it's just about our gameplan. It's going to be hard, it's going to be difficult, we might have to suffer, but I think we've got more than enough quality."

Coverage

FFCtv subscribers can listen to live commentary of the game from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid.

Bag policy

Liverpool do not permit bags any larger in size than A5.

Form

Liverpool: DLWDW

Fulham: DWLLW

Top scorers

Liverpool: Mohamed Salah (10)

Fulham: Willian (3)

Away fan guide

Liverpool have provided a supporter guide for travelling Fulham fans, which can be viewed below.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/december/01/liverpool-matchday-preview/

[WhiteJC]

Premier League panel back VAR decisions in Wolves' defeat by Fulham
Video assistant referee Stuart Attwell has been backed over his interventions during Fulham's controversial 3-2 win over Wolves by the Premier League panel that reviews key incidents in matches.

Wolves boss Gary O'Neil was fuming over a string of decisions that went against his team at Craven Cottage on Monday.

The visitors conceded two penalties and also believed Fulham forward Carlos Vinicius should have been red carded.

But the independent key match incidents panel felt the VAR calls were correct.

As first reported by ESPN, while a majority of the panel felt on-field referee Michael Salisbury was wrong to award Fulham's first penalty for Nelson Semedo's 'foul' on Tom Cairney, and that Vinicius should have been shown a red rather than yellow card for head-butting Max Kilman, in neither instance did they believe the decisions fell into the 'clear and obvious' category that would have warranted them being overturned.

The panel also felt Salisbury was incorrect to wave away Fulham's penalty claims when Harry Wilson went down over Joao Gomes' leg in stoppage-time, but that VAR was correct to intervene and recommend he look at the pitchside monitor and overturn the decision.

The KMI panel is made up of three former players or coaches, one Premier League representative and one from referees' body the PGMOL.

It is intended to provide an independent retrospective view of decisions around major incidents that can be used as a guide to assess the performance of officials.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67592553

[WhiteJC]

Silva confident ahead of 'tough task' at Anfield
Marco Silva knows that Sunday's trip to Anfield represents 'a tough task' for his Fulham side – but believes the Whites will travel to Liverpool in good heart after Monday's victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Portuguese boss told his pre-match press conference at Motspur Park this afternoon:

"It's always tough to play at Anfield with the quality and manager they have. The crowd will push them [on] – they've been perfect at home. It's a tough task but we go to play our game, to do our best. We have to keep improving, do the right things and try to take points. The intention is the same, the idea is the same. Three midfielders, two wingers, but it's up to me for the plan.

Silva admitted that the squad's morale has been lifted by beating Wolves – but insisted he wasn't panicking despite picking up only point from Fulham's previous four league fixtures.

"It's not the end of the world after the month before, we didn't panic, we know what we are building. We have ups and downs, especially in this competition. But the players need good results, that's the thing above all else, results, it lifts them."

He will welcome back Joao Palhinha after the Portuguese international missed the dramatic win against Wolves through suspension.

"He's so important, since he arrived he's started all the matches. But we showed we can win without Joao, or any player. With all the players available, we are stronger, all teams are. I wanted to show we can win without him. He's ready to go."

The Fulham head coach reserved warm words of praise for captain Tom Cairney, who returned to the starting line-up with a masterful midfield display as Fulham ended their winless run and admitted he may have a tough decision over who to select in the engine room at Anfield.

"Tom knows how he has important for me since the first day. I know what he can give us, from the start or the bench. He gave us calm, right decisions, commitment [in the match against Wolves]. I'm pleased for him. I don't see a rule that the captain always has to start. Tom knows he's important for us. He's captain, he deserves to be and he's really important for me. As a professional, top behaviour always, starting or not. He wants to play."

Fulham may give a late fitness test to Adama Traore but Silva said the injury updates he had received contained 'no big difference from the last game'. Centre back Issa Diop has continued to train with his team-mates this week but is not fully fit, with Traore, Rodrigo Muniz and Tyrese Francois also building up their fitness on the training ground.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/silva-confident-ahead-of-tough-task-at-anfield/

[WhiteJC]

Pre-Liverpool Press Conference
With Anfield proving the toughest ground for teams to visit this season, Marco Silva is aware that a stern challenge awaits Fulham on Sunday.

Liverpool have won all six of their home games – a feat matched by Aston Villa – and currently sit two points off the top of the table.

"It's always really tough to play at Anfield," Silva said. "The quality they have, the manager they have, the crowd is going to push them – they are three really important factors that can make things really difficult for us.

"They have started really well at home. They have been impressive, they have been perfect at home until now.

"In the Premier League – six games, six wins. And 10 out of 10 [all competitions]. They've been winning all the games at home so far.

"Tough task for us, really difficult one, but – as always – we go there to play our game, to do our best. We know it's going to be tough, like it always is in the Premier League, against a top side in a very good moment, who are in very good form.

"But we have to keep improving, to keep in the process that we have to keep improving, trying to do the right things and, of course, do our best to take points."

Asked if the potential to be the first side to take points away from Anfield could be an extra motivation for the Whites, Silva replied: "Always.

"If you look at it on paper, it shows it's going to be a really tough task for us because they have been doing really well, with the style they've been playing at home, and credit for them.

"It shows that it's going to be tough, but at the same time it's there for someone to break. We are going to be the next ones to play against them, [and] it's always a chance to break that home record that they have right now.

"This is a very good challenge, but that is a motivation for us as well."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/december/01/pre-liverpool-press-conference/

[WhiteJC]

Jurgen Klopp labels 'little curly one' Willian a 'Premier League great' and historic Liverpool moment could explain why
Jurgen Klopp has labelled Willian a 'Premier League great' as the Brazilian prepares to take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

The Reds boss watched his side book their place in the Europa League knockout stages last night but a quick turnaround sees Marco Silva's Fulham up next for the Merseyside club.

That means the German will come up against a player he describes as one of the greatest players to grace the Premier League – 'the little curly one', Willian.

While some may appear perplexed by Klopp's admission, the Liverpool manager's infatuation with the 35-year-old likely comes from his heroics in helping the Reds win the Premier League title in 2020.

The Brazilian converted a penalty to hand Chelsea a 2-1 win over Manchester City which confirmed Liverpool's first top-flight title since 1990 – a moment Klopp previously revealed as his favourite ever in the Premier League.

"That's easy – we didn't even play," Klopp said when asked about his standout moment. "It was the penalty for Chelsea, when Willian scored a penalty.

"It was against Man City, and we became champions in that moment. Definitely that one, yeah."

Third-placed Liverpool are well positioned to launch another assault on the Premier League title this season, but must first find a way past the Cottagers to stay in touch with Manchester City and leaders Arsenal.

Ahead of Sunday's clash, Klopp was full of praise for Silva's exploits in west London and warned his side they must be on guard to deal with Fulham's threat from set-pieces.

"They have very creative set pieces, really creative, so we need to make sure we prepare for that properly," Klopp told his press conference ahead of the game.

"Marco is a top manager, he's doing a brilliant job in a strong league, I'm not saying they are overachieving but they are doing particularly well and it's a really good football team.

"With Jiminez up front, Vinicius, and then one of the greatest, the little curly one, one of the greatest the Premier League ever saw, who is still going and going and going [Willian] and Pereira.

"It's just a good football team, well set up and it makes it special, and their little stadium there, they can create a proper atmosphere and we've had our struggles there.

"But this time it's at Anfield, it's home and we have to make sure it will be extremely difficult for them."



https://talksport.com/football/1662327/

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool v Fulham

TEAM NEWS
Liverpool will again be without goalkeeper Alisson and forward Diogo Jota.

Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic and Andrew Robertson also remain on the sidelines.

Fulham have midfielder Joao Palhinha available after he served a one-match suspension against Wolves on Monday night.

Issa Diop, Tyrese Francois, Rodrigo Muniz and Adama Traore will all again miss out.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

    Fulham's only two wins in 36 away matches against Liverpool in all competitions have both been 1-0 victories in the Premier League in May 2012 and March 2021.
    The Reds have lost just one of their last 10 league games against Fulham.
    The Cottagers have scored just four goals in 16 Premier League away games against Liverpool, and never more than once in a match. It's the lowest goals-per-game ratio of any team to play more than 10 away games against an opponent in the competition.

Liverpool

    Liverpool have won all six of their home league fixtures this season by an aggregate score of 17-2.
    Since the Reds lost 1-0 to Fulham in March 2021, which was their sixth successive league defeat on home soil, they have been beaten in only one of their last 48 top-flight matches at Anfield.
    They are three short of becoming the first club to score 5,000 league goals at home in the top-four tiers of English football.
    The Reds have won 12 points from losing positions this season, the most of any top-flight side.
    They have conceded just three second-half goals in league matches this season.
    Mohamed Salah is one short of becoming the fifth player to score 200 goals for the club, emulating Ian Rush (346), Roger Hunt (285), Gordon Hodgson (241) and Billy Liddell (228).
    He can become only the second player to score in a club's first seven home matches of a Premier League season. Alan Shearer did so in Blackburn Rovers' first 13 home games in 1995-96.

Fulham

    Fulham are without a win in all seven of their league games this season against teams that begin this weekend in the top half of the table.
    The Cottagers are without a victory in all six of their away league fixtures since beating Everton at Goodison Park on the opening weekend of the season.
    Having managed only one win in their first 55 away league matches at either Liverpool or Everton, they have won on four of the past five attempts.
    Eight of Fulham's last nine top-flight goals have come in the second half.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67534874

[WhiteJC]

"Shudder at the thought" – How 'retooled' Liverpool midfield could punish Fulham
Liverpool face a must-win Premier League game at home to Fulham this weekend, but where can the Cottagers hurt their opponents?

The Reds earned an excellent 1-1 draw away to Man City last Saturday, coming from behind to outline their title credentials at the Etihad.

Next up for Jurgen Klopp's side is a game that they simply have to win, with Fulham a dangerous team on their day, but one with limitations.

Liverpool have won all six home league games this season and failure to make it seven would be a major blow to their hopes of being champions in 2023/24.

Ahead of Sunday's match, TIA's Henry Jackson spoke with Fulham fan and regular opposition contributor Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) to discuss the Cottagers' season, the Reds' title hopes and more.

How would you assess Fulham's start to the season?
They've honestly done better than I thought. I was worried that this Fulham team would regress from last season and be a relegation candidate.

They've struggled to defend in situations, as I expected, but they have managed to remain dangerous up front, which has been a pleasant surprise, even in the wake of Aleksandar Mitrovic's departure.

They still need a striker, but Willian continues to defy logic as well as Father Time, and that's proving the difference thus far.

What is your main aim for the season at this point?
Avoiding relegation is always the focus, but with so many truly awful sides at the bottom of the Premier League table this year, it feels logical to aim a bit higher.

Reaching the top half would be a dream, but that also seems out of reach.

At this point, staying healthy, bringing along a few good youth players, and finishing 10th-13th would mark a successful season.

Who has starred and disappointed for Fulham so far this season?
Willian has been the star of the show this year. With Mitrovic gone, and both Raul Jimenez and Carlos Vinicius nothing more than black holes up front, the ageless Brazilian has been instrumental in Fulham's success.

It seems patently absurd that the club continues to rely on someone who could disintegrate into ash at any moment, but for now, it's getting the job done.

Antonee Robinson also remains integral to everything that Marco Silva does with this club.

His performances for both club and country should eventually earn him a big-money move to a larger club, but Fulham have not planned well and have been forced to rebuff advances with nobody waiting in the wings to replace him, which is a mistake.

The biggest disappointment has been Issa Diop. With Tosin Adarabioyo hurt and Calvin Bassey still developing, he has been nowhere close to justifying his hefty transfer fee.

Diop is now out injured, and thankfully Adarabioyo is back fit, so the back line gets a needed boost.

Tim Ream has understandably regressed from his wonder campaign last year, but remains a faithful club servant and is still putting in shifts.

Jimenez is a big disappointment, but that was always meant to be a low-risk, high-reward type move that simply didn't work out.

What's one thing you would change at the club?
Building depth as a bottom-half Premier League side is always challenging, but the scouting department has failed miserably to look to the future.

The club's two biggest sellable assets, Robinson and Joao Palhinha, should be eyeing big-money moves elsewhere.

The club should be planning for a sale, but they've become too important to the performances on the field to sell. That's not how you do good business at this level.

Fulham need to capitalise on their most valuable assets at the height of their value and to do that, you must replace them adequately on the pitch. Because there is nobody to step in at either position, they are unable to sell.

That's damaging long-term, and I hope they take steps to find answers at those positions before their value diminishes.

What's your take on VAR? In favour of it?
Well isn't that handy! Shameless self-promotion: Instead of re-hashing my biggest talking points, I'll direct you to something I wrote very recently on this topic.

I toured the Bundesliga VAR studio in Cologne and spoke to American rules analyst Christina Unkel, who regularly appears on CBS's Champions League and Serie A coverage in the United States.

I'm absolutely in favour of VAR, but massive changes are needed. I detailed what those changes are below:

Looking at Liverpool, how you do assess their title chances?
I think Liverpool have a real shot at the title, and I'm not just saying that to appease the masses here.

Most clubs would have withered under the number of punches the Reds have taken this year on multiple fronts (injury, officiating, etc), but they have persevered through it all thanks to the exceptional depth and great coaching.

Darwin Nunez has taken another step from year one to year two with the club, the midfield is completely reinvented, and Mohamed Salah remains a world-class player.

This team has the makings of a title contender — my only concern is the defensive unit, which has shown slightly more vulnerability this season than in previous years.

What do you think has changed with the Reds from last season?
If anyone else answers something other than the midfield, they're sorely mistaken.

Have we ever seen a retool of this calibre in a single off-season in recent memory? I think not.

Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo – are you kidding me? Utterly brilliant business.

Gravenberch is a brilliant player who would be flourishing at any other club, but instead, he has been forced to kick down the door amidst a loaded Liverpool squad, and he's done just that.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister are both players who aren't afraid to do the dirty work and let others hog the spotlight, and Endo is as good as you can expect from a purely squad role.

Add in the youth players like Curtis Jones and Stefan Bajcetic (who I rate VERY highly) and my goodness, what a turnaround from the swiss cheese on Jurgen Klopp's teamsheet last season.

Where will the key battles take place on Sunday?
In the Fulham defensive third. I'm not looking forward to watching the likes of Bassey handle the Liverpool wingers cutting inside while their midfielders also push up to the top of the penalty area.

I'm not terribly worried about the full-backs dealing with moves out wide, but Palhinha will have a massive job to do shielding the back-line through the middle.

If Liverpool can get their midfielders to trail attacking moves into the final third, they could cause overload problems in the middle.

Finally, hit us with your prediction...
See above.

There is no chance Fulham can manage to handle the fluidity and pace of Liverpool's front three and also still keep an eye on their advancing midfielders.

I honestly shudder at the thought of how this match could end up.

The Reds don't often like to make things easy on themselves, and Fulham have the ability to properly muck up a game, but I think in the end this finishes 3-1 to Liverpool, with Bernd Leno keeping it from being anything more damaging.



https://www.thisisanfield.com/2023/12/shudder-at-the-thought-how-retooled-liverpool-midfield-could-punish-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham manager welcomes back £60m star but reveals four absentees ahead of Liverpool
The Fulham manager has spoken ahead of his side's trip to face Liverpool on Sunday.

Fulham manager Marco Silva has revealed the extent of his side's injuries ahead of their trip to face Liverpool at Anfield this weekend.

The Cottagers have been in mixed form this season and that is certainly an apt way to describe their recent outings; they've won three, lost four and drawn one since the start of the October.

Their most recent victory has been drenched in controversy, as their 3-2 win over Wolves included controversial VAR decisions and the Premier League have since ruled their last-minute penalty as being a clear and obvious error.

Despite that, it was a confidence boosting win, if anything, which helped them earn three points for the first time since October 7 when they beat Sheffield United.

Ahead of the game with Jurgen Klopp's side, Silva is able to welcome back midfielder Joao Palhinha after he missed the win over Wolves due to suspension. The Portuguese midfielder has the most tackles in the league by some distance with 52 - which is 12 more than second-place and 23 more than Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister, who leads the way for Liverpool.

In terms of players who will be missing, defender Issa Diop is doing more work with the team but still recovering and not fully fit. And the trio of Adama Traore (thigh) and Rodrigo Muniz (knee) and Tyrese Francois (knock) are all unavailable. Klopp is fortunate to have a mostly fully fit squad to choose from, a lot of players earned a run out during the 4-0 midweek win over LASK, but key figures such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahim Konate were rested.

In terms of missing players, long-term absentees include Thiago (hip) Stefan Bajcetic (calf) and Andy Robertson (shoulder) as well as Alisson Becker, who they are hoping will be back before December 17 when they face Manchester United.

Also Diogo Jota is missing and could be out for some time, as revealed by Klopp: "Both are out. With Ali it is lesser. Day by day. Not on Sunday, and probably not the week after but then should be ok. With Diogo it will take a bit longer, we don't exactly know how long but it is a bit more severe."



https://www.liverpoolworld.uk/sport/football/liverpool/fulham-manager-welcomes-back-ps60m-star-but-reveals-four-absentees-ahead-of-liverpool-4430786

[WhiteJC]

Fulham wait for decision over Muniz future as January striker targets lined up
Fulham are poised to make a decision over the future of striker Rodrigo Muniz in January, with Championship clubs poised to move if he becomes available, TEAMtalk can confirm.

The 22-year-old striker was on loan at Middlesbrough last season but returned to Fulham hoping to make an impact in the wake of Aleksandar Mitrovic's move to Al Hilal.

Opportunities have been few and far between though and interest is growing as Fulham weigh up their situation ahead of the January window.

Atletico Mineiro and Gremio both have an interest in him and explorations from his homeland have begun.

In England, Boro are not interested in taking him back following a loan spell last season but Bristol City and Queens Park Rangers are believed to hold some interest in the Brazilian forward.

Fulham are currently facing a big moment in their season as they decide on a striker signing of their own.

We have reported how the likes of Stuttgart's Serhou Guirassy, Gent's Gift Orban and Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez have all shown up on their transfer radar.

And the latest information coming out of the club suggests no decision on Muniz will be made until a new striker is landed to replace him in the squad.

Fulham can not afford to be left short of options in attack, having already been short of goals this season. They have only scored 13 this season but had bagged 19 at the same stage last season.

More bad news for Fulham?
There could be more bad news for Fulham as they brace for reignited interest from Bayern Munich in Joao Palhinha next month. TEAMtalk revealed that the Premier League club are not willing to let Palhinha go on the cheap if Bayern attempt a January swoop.

There had been reports emerging from Germany that the Whites would be willing to part with the midfielder for less than the £57million fee discussed back in the summer window when a deal between the sides collapsed. However, sources have told TEAMtalk that this is just "PR talk" from the Munich side and Fulham have no intention of selling below the previously discussed value.

Palhinha remains interested in joining the German giants and his current club are aware of the temptation of joining the Bundesliga side, despite recently penning a contract extension until 2028. However, the conditions around a deal could be complicated and make a winter move unlikely.

The Cottagers have identifed Andre of Fluminese as a replacement for Palhinha but evidently their priority in the winter will be for a new attacker that will clear up the future of Muniz.



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/fulham-wait-decision-over-muniz-future-january-striker-targets-lined-up

[WhiteJC]

Jurgen Klopp calls Fulham star 'one of the greatest the Premier League ever saw' ahead of Liverpool clash
Jurgen Klopp has hailed former Chelsea and Arsenal star Willian as 'one of the greatest the Premier League ever saw' ahead of Liverpool's clash with Fulham.

The Reds have the chance to go top of the table on Sunday when they face the Cottagers at Anfield.

Having lost just twice in 20 games across all competitions this season, Liverpool are expected to sweep aside Fulham who are 14th in the table having won just one of their last five league matches.

Moreover, only Luton, Sheffield United and Burnley have scored fewer goals than Marco Silva's side in the top-flight.

Nevertheless, Klopp is taking nothing for granted, and was keen to highlight the opposition's attacking quality, reserving extra special praise for their veteran winger.

'They have very creative set pieces, really creative, so we need to make sure we prepare for that properly,' the Reds manager said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

'Marco is a top manager, he's doing a brilliant job in a strong league, I'm not saying they are overachieving but they are doing particularly well and it's a really good football team.

'With [Raul] Jimenez up front, [Carlos] Vinicius, and then one of the greatest, the little curly one [Willian], one of the greatest the Premier League ever saw, who is still going and going and going and [Andreas] Pereira.

'It's just a good football team, well set up and it makes it special, and their little stadium there, they can create a proper atmosphere and we've had our struggles there.

'But this time it's at Anfield, it's home and we have to make sure it will be extremely difficult for them.'

Even at the age of 35, Willian is still delivering the goods, having recorded 14 goal contributions since joining Fulham last season.

The former Brazil star has scored 46 goals and made 43 assists in 298 Premier League appearances, and is best known for his seven-year spell at Chelsea where he won two league titles, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Europa League.

While undoubtedly a Premier League icon, it may be a stretch to put him in the same bracket as the competition's very best wingers.



https://metro.co.uk/2023/12/01/liverpool-jurgen-klopp-calls-ex-chelsea-arsenal-star-one-greatest-premier-league-ever-saw-19914303/?ito=newsnow-feed

[WhiteJC]

Bristol City and QPR line up Muniz loan
Bristol City and Queens Park Rangers are lining up loan moves for Rodrigo Muniz in January should Fulham let the striker leave Craven Cottage, according to Teamtalk.

Marco Silva will make a decision on the former Flamengo forward's future next month but Muniz will likely only leave SW6 if the Whites manage to sign a first-choice centre forward to finally replace Aleskandar Mitrovic. The 22 year-old has scored six goals in 37 games since arriving from Brazil as one of Silva's first signings after being appointed to succeed Scott Parker and struggled on loan at Middlesbrough last season after falling out of favour with new boss Michael Carrick.

Muniz has been heavily linked with a return to his homeland and, although Atletico Mineiro and Gremio are keen on signing the striker, they have yet to be able to meet Fulham's valuation to secure a permanent deal. A second loan into the Championship might be an option if Muniz, who has managed one goal – against Ipswich in the League Cup – in eight appearances this season, drops further down the Fulham pecking order should Silva supplement his striking resources in January.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/bristol-city-and-qpr-line-up-muniz-loan/

[WhiteJC]

Silva ready to let Fulham youngster Harris leave on loan
Marco Silva says he is ready to let young Fulham midfielder Luke Harris go out on loan during next month's transfer window.

The Jersey-born Wales Under-21 international was included on the bench for Monday's win over Wolves but has struggled to break into the first team despite being highly-rated by the Whites boss.

Harris almost went on loan in the summer but the uncertainty caused by Joao Palhinha's potential move to Bayern Munich saw Fulham pull the plug on the deal.

Palhinha's return from suspension could see Harris miss out on a place in the squad that will face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday and Silva admits the 18-year-old needs game time.

"Last summer it was planned that Luke would go and play senior football and become stronger but unfortunately regarding the situation with Joao it didn't give us time ," Silva said.

"If he goes he has to play football he is still a young lad and learning what division is not the most important thing.

"It is about what type of football he is going play, what type of manager. A good example is when we let Martial Godo go to Wigan on loan.

"He is developing and I know the manager there really well, he is a former player of mine, plays good football and I have good connection with him and he wanted to sign Martial.

"Sometimes you have to be careful where you put the players, you have to see the people in charge and how they prepare themselves to make sure it is the right place for a young player."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-ready-to-let-fulham-youngster-leave-on-loan