Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 05/12/23...

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£2m Fulham player was absolutely sensational vs Liverpool yesterday
Fulham suffered the cruellest of defeats against Liverpool at Anfield yesterday, but one player who can keep his head held high is Antonee Robinson.

Robinson stood out on the left-hand side for Marco Silva's team and the stats from Sofascore back that up.

A trip to Anfield is never easy but Fulham have had some recent success on Merseyside.

Mario Lemina's goal earned Scott Parker's team a 1-0 win the last time Fulham were relegated from the Premier League.

A very harsh penalty cost the Whites last season and again they cruelly missed out on taking something back to the Cottage.

Antonee Robinson laid on Fulham's first equaliser for Harry Wilson as he showed Liverpool what they were missing after they sold him to the Whites a few years ago.

Fulham battled back again after Alexis Mac Allister's unbelievable strike with Kenny Tete marking his return to the team with a goal.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid must have thought he'd won it, but two more fantastic strikes from the hosts ended those hopes.

Fulham haven't played their best football this season, but yesterday's performance was very encouraging.

To lose to four strikes of such magnificent quality will be disheartening but should give them confidence for the visit of Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

Robinson stars for Fulham vs. Liverpool
According to Sofascore, the £2m full-back was incredibly impressive defending up against Mohamed Salah.

To add to his assist, he also completed 70% of his passes which while under such intense pressure isn't too shabby.

However, it was his four clearances, four tackles and a whopping 13 interceptions that caught the eye.

Robinson is insanely quick and his anticipation helped Fulham launch several counter-attacks against Liverpool.

Thomas Sorensen recently said that the left-back could be in contention for the Premier League Team of the Season thus far.

He's now recorded three assists in three games and adding more attacking impetus to his game.

Given his pace, he gets into dangerous areas more often than not but has struggled to deliver that killer pass.

He appears to have that in his locker now and even though Fulham's forwards are still struggling in front of goal, other players are beginning to chip in at important moments.



https://www.fulham.news/2023/12/04/2m-fulham-player-was-absolutely-sensational-vs-liverpool-yesterday/

[WhiteJC]

Robinson rises to the occasion
The morning has arrived and it would be natural to reflect on yesterday's astonishing afternoon at Anfield with disappointment – if not regret. Fulham were close to pulling off a magnificent victory, but not close enough. We will simply have to make do with playing our part in one of the great Premier League encounters after being beaten by those two heart-breaking late Liverpool strikes. As Marco Silva said after the final whistle, there was plenty to proud of.

One of the reasons Fulham had such a successful afternoon – no visitors to Anfield had scored more than a single goal this season before yesterday – was because of a man who spent his formative footballing years across Stanley Park. Antonee Robinson has had his detractors amongst the Fulham fanbase, seemingly initially because his crossing wasn't in the Joe Bryan mould, but his display against a modern great like Mo Salah was one of best I've ever seen from a Fulham full-back.

The American might be in a rich vein of form but his understanding with Alex Iwobi has already added an extra dimension to our attack. The duo dovetailed deliciously to ruthlessly exploit the latitude Jurgen Klopp affords Trent Alexander-Arnold to attack – mostly notably with a well-crafted equaliser for Harry Wilson that was so psychologically important after the Liverpool full back's free-kick. The way Robinson surged into the final third wasn't new but he produced his third league assist in succession with a ball of the highest quality.

Robinson's pace and athleticism make him an ideal left-back for Silva's style of play. He now leads the top flight in number of progressive carries by a defender, with forty to his name. That run of assists, began by a determined run and cross for Raul Jimenez's first Fulham goal at Villa Park before the international break, might make people sit up and take notice but his all-round game was outstanding yesterday afternoon. Salah, chasing his 200th Liverpool goal, hardly had a kick until he spooned a rebound over from close range after Bernd Leno had made a miraculous save from Luis Diaz. Robinson's shackling of high-quality wingers has been commonplace this campaign, which is no mean feat, considering how much is asked of him to contribute in an attacking sense.

Raw pace might help both get him out of trouble and saw him accelerate away from opponents down the flank, but Robinson's reading of the game was remarkable yesterday. He made a total of thirteen interceptions, sweeping up balls intended for Liverpool's Egyptian forward to feast upon, and won five of his eight one-to-one contests with Salah, who was subdued for much of an enthralling contest. His own distribution was largely accurate as well, which was vital in helping the Whites keep possession when they were on the ball.

Robinson's full throttle displays are all the more remarkable because it is only a few weeks since he was left out of a United States squad because of fitness concerns following two years of non-stop football. Robinson made a mockery of those worries with his dominant displays in the CONCACAF Nations League to steer the States into the semi-finals, scoring home and away against Trinidad and Tobago, and – as we've seen – there has been no let off in his club commitments either. Long may it continue.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/robinson-rises-to-the-occasion/

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McAteer: Liverpool's winner shouldn't have stood
Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer believes Trent Alexander-Arnold's late winner against Fulham should have been disallowed for a foul on Bobby De Cordova-Reid.

The visiting bench were furious that referee Stuart Attwell, who was looking directly at the incident, allowed the goal to stand despite Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas barging over Decordova-Reid as he tried to reach a cross from Darwin Nunez before the ball broke to Alexander-Arnold on the edge of the box.

Republic of Ireland international McAteer, working as a pundit for BEIN Sports, also felt his old club got the benefit of a questionable decision. In his post-match analysis, he said:

I've got to admit, I thought there was [a foul]. Tsimikas, the way he challenged, I think he didn't win the ball and he barged into the back of the player. It's a brave call to disallow that, but for me it's a foul."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/mcateer-liverpools-winner-shouldnt-have-stood/

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"Have done deals with their rivals before" - QPR circle Fulham player ahead of January: The verdict
FLW's verdict on QPR's pursuit of a Fulham transfer move

    QPR needs to add firepower in the January transfer window to boost their chances of survival in the Championship.
    Rodrigo Muniz has struggled to adapt to English football but a loan move could be a relatively low-risk option for QPR.
    Muniz's addition would provide extra depth to QPR's squad and give them another option for rotation and potential injuries.

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

QPR are interested in signing Rodrigo Muniz from Fulham in the January transfer window.

According to Teamtalk, the London club have set their sights on the 22-year-old ahead of the winter window opening.

Muniz has struggled for game time since joining the Cottagers in 2021 from Brazilian side Flamengo.

The forward made 25 appearances in the Championship as Marco Silva's side won the second division title in 2022, but he has made just five appearances in the Premier League since.

Would Rodrigo Muniz be a good signing for QPR?
The Brazilian spent last season out on loan with Middlesbrough, where he made just 17 appearances, scoring twice, as Boro finished fourth in the table.

Here we ask our FLW writers their verdict on whether the striker would be a good addition to Martí Cifuentes' side at Loftus Road...

Declan Harte

QPR will need to add extra firepower in the January window in order to boost their chances of surviving in the Championship.

Rodrigo's time at Middlesbrough didn't stand out, and he has really struggled to adapt to English football since moving in 2021.

But if a loan move is secured then it could be a relatively risk-free move for QPR from a financial perspective.

It is a risk in the sense that he may not have the desired impact, but he will, at the very worst, add some extra depth to Cifuentes' squad.

QPR have Lyndon Dykes and Sinclair Armstrong to choose from, so having another option for rotation and in case of injury wouldn't be a bad idea for their January plans.

It wouldn't be the most exciting arrival, but it could be the kind of move the Hoops need to make to pad out their squad for a very important second half of the campaign.

He did manage two goals for Boro from 17 appearances last season, so QPR will be hoping for a bit more from him at Loftus Road, but perhaps Cifuentes is the man to finally get the best out of him to achieve that.

Ned Holmes

QPR need more forward firepower in January - of that there is no doubt.

Lyndon Dykes bagged a brace in the week but has struggled to get going this term and for all he offers as a physical target man, has never been a reliable goalscorer at Championship level.

Sinclair Armstrong is an exciting talent but still very young. He's raw, has not yet found his clinical edge in front of goal, and needs to have his minutes managed while the jury is still out on whether Charlie Kelman can cut it at Championship level.

As impressive a job as Marti Cifuentes has already started to do at Loftus Road, he needs reinforcements in January if the R's are to avoid the drop and a striker will be high on his list.

He may have struggled at Middlesbrough last term but a loan deal for Rodrigo Muniz could make a lot of sense. The Brazilian is still developing but there's a lot to like about his game and while he's got the physicality to play on his own up top, he's a different profile of forward to Dykes.

Two goals in 17 appearances for Boro is a poor return but five in 488 Championship minutes for Fulham shows he can find the net at this level while he already lives in the area, which should mean he can settle better in W12.

They have done deals with their rivals before so that should be no issue.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/journalist-makes-rotherham-united-claim-after-nathan-jones-spotted-in-stands/

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Tim Ream looking at Fulham positives after 'frustrating' loss to Liverpool
Marco Silva's side were minutes away from another famous win at Anfield but the defender is happy his team have found their scoring touch


REUTERS
Tim Ream insists that Fulham's goalscoring woes are over after six goals in two games, but lamented the way they let victory "slip through our fingertips" at Anfield.

Fulham were leading 3-2 with three minutes to go on Sunday, before Liverpool netted twice within 79 seconds to consign the Cottagers to defeat.

Had they held on, Fulham would have handed Liverpool their first home Premier League defeat since they lost to Leeds in October last year.

"To let it slip away like we did, it was right there at our fingertips," said Ream. "To not come away with, at minimum, a point is frustrating. We were sitting in [the dressing room] thinking of what could have been."

Fulham had scored just 10 goals in 12 League games before the international break, but beating Wolves 3-2 and losing 4-3 at Anfield inside six days suggests they are finding their feet in front of goal.

"In the first eight of nine games, you are wondering where the goals are coming from," added Ream. "When you're not scoring the way we did last season and then you get two great goals from open play, one almost a carbon copy of one against Wolves, you see that you are doing the right things, getting in the right positions.

"That's important for us to recognise. The finishes are starting to happen, the goals are coming, and that is a good way to look at things."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tim-ream-fulham-fc-liverpool-b1124547.html

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Ream: 'The goals are coming'
Tim Ream tried to strike an upbeat tone after admitting Fulham let a famous win at Liverpool 'slip through our fingertips' yesterday afternoon.

Marco Silva's equalised twice at Anfield before Bobby De Cordova-Reid put them 3-2 up with ten minutes to play only for late strikes from Wataru Endo and Trent Alexander-Arnold grabbed the three points for Jurgen Klopp's side.

The American defender, speaking to the Evening Standard, admitted conceding two goals in 79 seconds was gut-wrenching but tried to follow his manager's example – and focus on the positives.

"To let it slip away like we did, it was right there at our fingertips. To not come away with, at minimum, a point is frustrating. We were sitting in [the dressing room] thinking of what could have been."

Ream was delighted that Fulham's attacking resurgence, which has delivered six goals in their last two games after a toothless start to the season, continued on Merseyside.

"In the first eight of nine games, you are wondering where the goals are coming from. When you're not scoring the way we did last season and then you get two great goals from open play, one almost a carbon copy of one against Wolves, you see that you are doing the right things, getting in the right positions. That's important for us to recognise. The finishes are starting to happen, the goals are coming, and that is a good way to look at things."

The Whites will be targeting a return to winning ways when Nottingham Forest visit Craven Cottage on Wednesday evening.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/ream-the-goals-are-coming/

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Iwobi: 'We must turn performances into results'
Alex Iwobi rued the 'fine margins' of the Premier League after Fulham's crushing late defeat at Liverpool.

The Whites led 3-2 at Anfield with ten minutes to play but were beaten after conceding stunning two goals in the space of 76 seconds to substitute Wataru Endo and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Iwobi, who followed him his first league strike for Fulham by playing a part in Harry Wilson's opener, admitted plaudits counted for little without the points to accompany them.

The Nigerian international told the Athletic's Peter Rutzler:

"Of course, it's good to have good performances but we need to turn them into results. That's what pushes you up the table. It's all good saying you performed well, but we need results. It's fine margins."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/iwobi-we-must-turn-performances-into-results/

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Preview: Fulham vs. Nottingham Forest - prediction, team news, lineups
Both hoping to bounce back from agonising 1-0 defeats at the weekend, Fulham meet Nottingham Forest in Wednesday's Premier League clash at Craven Cottage.

Marco Silva's side came away empty-handed from their clash with Liverpool, which ended in a 4-3 win for the Reds, while Steve Cooper's team were put to the sword 1-0 by Everton.

Match preview
Marco Silva's face said it all during Fulham's seven-goal extravaganza with Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, where the Cottagers came from behind twice in the first half to enter the tunnel on level terms thanks to Harry Wilson's strike and a Kenny Tete toe-poke in added time.

Fulham were on the cusp of ending the Reds' perfect Anfield sequence when Bobby Decordova-Reid towered over Kostas Tsimikas and headed home in the 80th minute, but Wataru Endo and Trent Alexander-Arnold proceeded to break Cottagers' hearts, the latter striking a stunning winner in the 87th minute.

Fans of Wolverhampton Wanderers may feel that Fulham got their just desserts on Merseyside, having fallen victim to late controversy in the Cottagers' 3-2 victory six days prior to Fulham's excruciating Anfield defeat, which leaves Silva's men 14th in the Premier League table after 14 games.

The Cottagers still possess a healthy eight-point cushion over the relegation places, but a prolonged run of dissatisfactory defensive performances could drag them closer to danger; Silva's side have now shipped nine goals in their last three games and are without a clean sheet in 10 matches in all tournaments.

With three triumphs and three defeats at Craven Cottage in the 2023-24 Premier League season, Fulham have followed a win-loss pattern at home this term; not a good omen for the Cottagers faithful, and nor is their side's record of failing to win their last 11 top-flight games played on a Wednesday.

Only one place and two points separates Fulham from their upcoming opponents in the Premier League table, leaving the Cottagers at risk of being leapfrogged by Nottingham Forest should their inconsistent home pattern continue, but the Tricky Trees have not proven a tricky test for most of their rivals so far this term.

Seeking to bounce back from successive 3-2 beatings at the hands of West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion, Forest were quelled by a sturdy Everton rearguard at the weekend and succumbed to a stunning Dwight McNeil strike in a 1-0 loss at the City Ground, where boos reverberated around the stadium at the full-time whistle.

Cooper should not be in any danger of being given the boot for the moment, but the 43-year-old is feeling the heat as the winter chill arrives, with his side only six points clear of the drop zone in 15th spot having now fallen to three straight defeats in the top division.

November's surprise 2-0 beating of Champions League-chasing Aston Vila feels like an age ago for Forest, who have only taken one point from their last four Premier League fixtures on the road, failing to make the net ripple in three of those contests.

Both Fulham and Forest have displayed an affinity for 3-2 scorelines in recent weeks, and the Cottagers' trip to the City Ground coincidentally ended with Silva's side prevailing by that margin, before February's clash in the capital saw Willian and Manor Solomon guide the hosts to a routine 2-0 victory.

Fulham Premier League form:

    L    D    L    L    W    L

Fulham form (all competitions):

    D    W    L    L    W    L

Nottingham Forest Premier League form:

    D    L    W    L    L    L

Team News
No fresh injury concerns arose for Fulham during their loss to Liverpool, where Joao Palhinha returned from a domestic suspension, meaning that Silva should only be without three known absentees for the visit of Cooper's team.

Adama Traore (thigh), Issa Diop (foot) and Rodrigo Muniz (knee) are not expected to make their comebacks just yet, but all three are expected to return before the New Year rolls around; the former and latter could even be back for the weekend's derby with West Ham.

Silva's decision to drop two-goal Wolves hero Willian for Wilson was justified at the weekend, but both Tom Cairney and Reid - who combined for Fulham's third at Anfield - have put their name in the hat for starts on Wednesday.

In contrast, Forest boss Cooper was forced into an unwanted change at half time against Everton, as centre-back Willy Boly succumbed to a hip problem and should now cede his place in the shield to Felipe or Moussa Niakhate.

Murillo (knock), Chris Wood (knee) and Danilo (illness) have also emerged as fresh concerns for Wednesday's game, which Taiwo Awoniyi will definitely miss as he recuperates from his severe groin injury.

There were no truly abysmal performances from the Tricky Trees at the weekend, but the quick turnaround should benefit Nicolas Dominguez, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Neco Williams's chances of earning recalls to the starting lineup on this occasion.


Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Tete, Bassey, Ream, Robinson; Palhinha, Cairney; Wilson, Pereira, Reid; Jimenez

Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Vlachodimos; Williams, Felipe, Murillo, Toffolo; Mangala, Yates, Dominguez; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/preview/preview-fulham-vs-nottm-forest-prediction-team-news-lineups_530541.html?cQx=NN&newsnow

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Man of the Match Result: Liverpool

You've voted Antonee Robinson as your Man of the Match from our game against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Despite the result on the day, Marco's side impressed on Merseyside, with only a late winner for the home side taking the points away from Fulham.

However, it was Antonee Robinson that garnered the most plaudits after making 13 interceptions against Liverpool. No player has made more in a Premier League match since Opta started collecting data in 2009/10, adding to his total which sees him sit top of the Premier League interceptions table (38).

Additionally, Jedi became the first USMNT player to record an assist in three consecutive Premier League appearances after setting up Harry Wilson and the first to do it in the five major European leagues since at least 2006-07.

It was a convincing Man of the Match win for Jedi, who won 60% of your votes, followed by Kenny Tete (8.2%) who scored on his return to the side after his spell on the sidelines through injury and Alex Iwobi (8.5%).



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/december/04/Man-of-the-Match-Result-Liverpool/

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West Ham United, Fulham and Crystal Palace 'keeping tabs' on Leeds United forward
Leeds United prodigy and current Middlesbrough loanee Sam Greenwood is reportedly attracting Premier League interest.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed an impressive first few months of the current campaign, having left Elland Road for the Riverside in August. He has scored four goals in 13 Championship outings under Michael Carrick, who has been impressed by the former Arsenal youngster.

According to TEAMtalk, he is being monitored by Premier League clubs West Ham United, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Brentford. Championship promotion-chasers Leicester City and Southampton are also said to be keeping an eye on his progress.

Reports have suggested Middlesbrough have the option to make Greenwood's loan move permanent for a fee of £1.5m. However, securing his services may prove tricky if interest emerges from the top flight.

Speaking about Greenwood ahead of the recent meeting between Leeds and Middlesbrough, Whites boss Farke said: "We were not just thinking selfishly to keep him. Although we know it's difficult for him to get minutes (at Leeds), it's important he develops. No regrets, you want a player to do well.

"He has the chance to look back on the season as a really good loan and if he does this, perfect. The main topic is he doesn't score against us, this won't happen and he won't in the second leg.

"In other terms, it is beneficial when I think about some end-products he has delivered against some opponents around us in the table. At the moment, it's very beneficial."



https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-united-fulham-and-crystal-palace-keeping-tabs-on-leeds-united-forward-4433009

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The Big Match Preview: Wycombe vs Fulham U21s
Wycombe Wanderers vs Fulham Under-21s
Tuesday 5th December 2023 (k.o. 7pm)
Adams Park
Bristol Street Motors Trophy Round of 32
Referee: Kirsty Dowle

Wanderers are back in cup action on Tuesday night, taking on Fulham Under-21s in the round of 32 of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy at Adams Park (k.o. 7pm).

Matt Bloomfield's men progressed from the group stages for the first time since 2016 with a perfect record of three 1-0 wins, and now face a young Cottagers side who progressed with five points from their group.

A tough run of results culminated with the injury-plagued Blues exiting the FA Cup on Saturday but they harbour hopes of a prolonged run in the Trophy, which also provides an opportunity for returning players to build up fitness and for youngsters to blossom.

The game will be preceded by a Q&A with chairman Rob Couhig in the Caledonian Suite from 6.15pm.

If the scores are level after 90 minutes, there'll be a penalty shootout to determine which side progresses to the next round.



https://www.wwfc.com/news/2023/december/04/the-big-match-preview-wycombe-vs-fulham-u21s/

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Fulham player could move in January after family blocked summer transfer – Back on the radar
As recent reports from Brazil have been claiming that clubs are again chasing Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz, it seems there's a good reason for them to believe that a new effort could be successful.

It's JB Filho who now features a story on this battle, stating that Grêmio are willing to move to sign the centre-forward in January.

It's recalled that the club already tried to land Muniz in the summer, and back then, despite the player's approval, it was his family who chose that he stayed at Fulham.

The problem is that the striker has been playing little, with eight appearances this season so far, and that's why he's 'back on the radar'.

Grêmio are thinking of a way to convince Muniz of a transfer. If they get the green light, only then will they open talks with Fulham.

JB Filho says the Whites demanded €5m to let the striker leave in the summer, and it's not yet known how much they'd demand this time.

Muniz's contract with Fulham runs until 2026, with an option for an extra year.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-move-january-family-blocked-summer-transfer-back-radar/

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Boly, Murillo, Danilo - Nottingham Forest injury update ahead of crunch Fulham clash
Latest Nottingham Forest news as Steve Cooper's Reds prepare to face Fulham in the Premier League on Wednesday

Nottingham Forest are sweating on the fitness of defender Willy Boly ahead of Wednesday's 7.30pm clash with Fulham.

The 32-year-old was forced off at half-time of Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Everton with a hip problem and is said to be a doubt for the trip to Craven Cottage. Fellow centre-back Murillo also took a knock against the Toffees.

Midfielder Danilo was absent at the weekend due to illness, while Chris Wood hurt his knee early on in the game. Ahead of the midweek game, head coach Steve Cooper was giving little away about the availability of the quartet against the Cottagers.

"Willy came off at half-time. It's his hip and is still settling down," Cooper said. "Because it's such an awkward place, it's still difficult to know how bad it is. He's in a lot of pain today.

"Danilo has been quite poorly with an illness. Murillo limped off. Chris Wood did well to get through the game after hyperextending his knee in the first half.

"We've definitely got a few bumps and bruises from the last game. Whether players will be available or not, I'm not quite sure yet."

One of the few positives from the dismal performance against the Toffees was the return of Felipe. The Brazilian replaced Boly for his first first-team appearance of the season after being sidelined with a knee issue which had also affected him last term.

"It was definitely a positive," Cooper said. "Sometimes when a player has been out injured, when they are a centre-back it can be difficult to give them game time because it's not a natural change - although we've been forced into that change a couple of times this year, which hasn't been ideal.

"Felipe getting the minutes was good. He has the experience and the level and the talent. Everyone has seen that with how important he was for us last season.

"Nothing counts like match minutes, whether you are a younger player or an experienced player like Felipe. For him to get those important minutes in a demanding game will be good for him."



https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/nottingham-forest-injury-news-fulham-8951736

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Gremio ready to resurrect Muniz move
Gremio are ready to resurrect their bid to sign Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz, according to reports from Brazil today.

JB Filho claim that the former Flamengo striker was close to a return to his homeland for around £4.3m in the summer but Muniz's family persuaded the striker to stay at Craven Cottage. The 22 year-old has only made eight appearances for Fulham this season despite the departure of Aleksandar Mitrovic – and has also attracted interest from Atletico Mineiro ahead of the reopening of the transfer window.

Previous reports had suggested that it would be Marco Silva's decision whether to let Muniz leave in January – and the centre forward, whose only goal this term came in the League Cup fourth round win at Ipswich, is interesting Championship clubs Bristol City and Queens Park Rangers, who are poised to boost their attacking options through the loan market next month. The JB Filho article suggests that Gremio are preparing to try and raise Muniz's interest in a permanent return to Brazil and they will table a formal offer to Fulham should they get the thumbs up from the striker himself.

Muniz, who arrived at Fulham after the Whites won a protracted battle for his signature with Middlesbrough, has scored six goals in 35 games for the Cottagers, although most of his appearances have been as a substitute. He spent last season on loan at the Riverside Stadium but fell out of favour after the appointment of Michael Carrick, scoring twice in seventeen appearances.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/gremio-ready-to-resurrect-muniz-move/

[WhiteJC]

28-year-old Fulham star was 'really, really good' against Liverpool yesterday
It was a little bit of a surprise to some Fulham fans when the team news was announced and Kenny Tete was back in the starting line-up against Liverpool.

The 28-year-old came in for Timothy Castagne at right-back after spending several weeks on the sidelines with an injury.

Pundit Don Hutchison, speaking on The Weekend Wrap, was very impressed with the Dutchman on his return to the side.

After a season of struggles in front of goal, Fulham finally found their shooting boots.

Harry Wilson finished off a brilliant move to equalise after an unfortunate own goal from Bernd Leno.

Liverpool thought they were going into the break 2-1 ahead after Alexis Mac Allister's wonder strike, but Kenny Tete made sure Fulham were level at half-time.

He pounced on a loose ball after a corner and beat Caoimhin Kelleher in the Liverpool goal to score his first goal of the season.

Hutchison admitted he was really impressed with Tete against Liverpool as he slotted straight into the Fulham line-up.

The full-back has become a cult hero at the club and in one-on-one situations he's one of the best players in the league.

In Castagne, he arguably has the toughest competition he's faced so far to get into the team.

But the 14-time Netherlands international is unlikely to shy away from the challenge of staying in the team.

Tete stars for Fulham against Liverpool
Speaking about the defender, Hutchison said: "I really felt for the Fulham players because I thought Kenny Tete at right-back was really, really good. He nullified Luis Diaz.

"I thought Antonee Robinson at left-back nullified Mo Salah. [Darwin] Nunez had a couple of chances but the defenders defended well.

"They were really brave, they made substitutions to try and win the game and when it went to 3-2 I thought, Liverpool are going to lose their unbeaten at home record for just under a year.

"The ending to the game was off the charts, so much drama."

Tete did fantastically well against the £37m Liverpool winger Luis Diaz yesterday who couldn't penetrate Fulham's defence.

Alongside Antonee Robinson – who also had a superb game – Liverpool were forced to try and break Fulham down from central areas.

In the end, they scored one of the best collections of goals the Premier League has seen to steal all three points in the dying moments.

Fulham can take plenty of confidence from their performance into Wednesday's match against Nottingham Forest.

It's much more important that Marco Silva's side come away with a win against one of the rivals with matches coming quickly between now and Christmas.



https://www.fulham.news/2023/12/04/28-year-old-fulham-star-was-really-really-good-against-liverpool-yesterday/

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Cooper previews Fulham trip
Head Coach Steve Cooper met the media on Monday to preview Forest's trip to Fulham on Wednesday night.

The Reds will hope to get back to winning ways following Saturday's defeat to Everton, with a trip to Craven Cottage the first of two away matches this week.

Here's what Cooper had to say ahead of the midweek trip to the capital...

On recent results...

"We have to face up to it and roll our sleeves up.

"It's not a new experience because we had some similar feelings to this last season, but we knew what it took to put it right.

"We've lost by the odd goal in the last three games, they are games we know we could have done better in and should have got different results."

On the week ahead...

"We're just putting all our attention into Fulham and going to London and trying to get the right result.

"It would be a great time to get a positive result and we really want to do that.

"We have to look forward, be motivated and have a good anger about the previous results in terms of believing in ourselves. There's a lot to stand up for and we really want to represent the football club the best we can."

On team news...

"Willy (Boly) obviously came off at half-time the other day and Danilo has been quite poorly with an illness.

"Murillo limped off and Chris Wood did well to get through the game as well with a hyper extended knee in the first half.

"There are a few bumps and bruises from the Everton game, so whether they'll be available or not, we'll see."



https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/news/2023/december/04/cooper-previews-fulham-trip/

[WhiteJC]

Star duo look set for Nottingham Forest and Fulham moves in £36m double-deal
Nino and Andre Trindade are 'about to leave' Fluminense with Premier League duo Nottingham Forest and Fulham seemingly at the front of the queue to sign the Copa Libertadores-winning duo.

Fortunately, Fluminense have had plenty of practice when it comes to selling and replacing star players.

Richarlison, Gerson, Luiz Henrique, Kaiky and more have all swapped the Brazilian giants for a new challenge on the other side of the Atlantic in recent years, and the South American champions may need to call upon that experience as captain Nino and midfield maestro Andre Trindade close in on January moves to England.

Nottingham Forest, per Globo Esporte, look set to sign Fluminense skipper Nino, a £6 million release clause in his contract. Brazil international Andre, meanwhile, appears to be on his way to Fulham in what is likely to be The Cottagers' biggest transfer coup since Joao Palhinha – the man Andre could eventually replace – arrived in West London from Sporting Lisbon.

Nottingham Forest and Fulham close in on deals
"We are going to work hard on exits. There won't be many. I believe the departures will happen quickly," Paulo Angioni, Fluminense's sporting director, tells the Charla Podcast.

"Nino and Andra are players who are about to leave."

Antonio Carlos of MLS outfit Orlando City appears destined to fill a Nino-shaped void at the heart of La Flu's backline.

"Fluminense is preparing to have a maximum of two sales," Angioni adds. "So we will work to replace them. Arriving, so far, we only have Antonio Carlos. This (deal) is underway."

Joao Palhinha's replacement?
Nino will join a Nottingham Forest side who have endured their fair share of defensive injuries since returning to the Premier League in 2022. He will be the third Brazilian centre-half in Steve Cooper's squad, after Felipe and the excellent Murillo.

Fulham, meanwhile, could secure Andre's sought-after signature for around £30 million. Manchester United and Tottenham have also shown an interest, albeit without submitting a bid, while Andre turned down a move to Liverpool over the summer.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/12/04/star-duo-look-set-for-nottingham-forest-and-fulham-moves-in-36m-double-deal/

[WhiteJC]

Zouma updated on Spurs/Fulham plan
Kurt Zouma will play in two successive Hammers games for the first time in many months! The captain and central defender and his family are still recovering from the burglary at their home on the eve of the Palace match which left him traumatised and unable to turn out for the Irons against Crystal Palace on Sunday. But Zouma has been updated on the Spurs/Fulham plan.

But Claret and Hugh was told exclusively this evening that he will bne expected to play in both London derbies at the Tottenham, Hotspur Stadium and Craven Cottage this week as the team looks to continue its unbeaten run against the old enemy who drew 3-3 with Man City on Sunday whilst Fulham lost a 4–3 thriller against Liverpool at Anfield.

The news that Zouma will be expected to play in the two games is something of a kick up Konstantinos Mavropanos' rear after he gifted Palace their equaliser with a really poor ball supposedly out of defence. We were also told that Edson Alvarez got out of his sick bed for the Palace game having been been really poorly with a virus as was reported on Claret and Hugh.



https://www.claretandhugh.info/zouma-updated-on-spurs-fulham-plan/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Bayern Munich‎ transfer trail "cold" on Premier League midfielder
Oh, what could have been?

Bayern Munich came within inches of getting a big-money transfer for Fulham's João Palhinha over the line on Deadline Day from the summer transfer window. But though the Bavarians have maintained their interest in the Portuguese midfielder, a January move is starting to look less and less likely.

Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has the latest update this Monday. Via @iMiaSanMia:

    João Palhinha to FC Bayern is getting 'cold'. The club is gradually distancing itself from a potential January move for the Portuguese midfielder. The club's priority and focus at the moment is on a centre-back that can also play right-back. Within the club, there are doubts Palhinha would be an upgrade on Kimmich/Goretzka/Laimer, even for €45-50m [@Plettigoal]

Bayern and Thomas Tuchel have had to juggle a light squad in the Hinrunde. The three midfielders on the roster — Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Konrad Laimer — cover two-plus spots on the field, as Goretzka has filled in at center-back and Laimer is in the rotation at right-back. Palhinha's profile as a destroyer is also said to be closer to what Tuchel wants at the position.

But it looks like the prospect of a major fee and the need for defensive cover in January will be the first item on the transfer agenda this winter.



https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2023/12/4/23973755/report-bayern-munich-50m-transfer-rumors-premier-league-joao-palhinha-fulham-kimmich-goretzka-laimer

[WhiteJC]

Arsenal look at 28yo Premier League midfielder transfer
Arsenal are looking at Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, but a January transfer currently appears to be unlikely.

Connor Humm and football insider Team News and Ticks report that Arsenal are interested in Fulham's Joao Palhinha, with the player emerging as a potential target for the Gunners in the transfer market.

But a transfer doesn't look likely in January, with Humm writing that it's more likely to be a summer transfer if Arsenal go for it.

Team News and Ticks adds that they don't see the transfer as particularly likely in any case, due to the player's age.

Palhinha is 28, and he'll be 29 in the summer (that's how it works). Arsenal have generally opted for much younger players, so the addition of the Fulham man would certainly be surprising.

The Portuguese international has performed excellently for Fulham, but he doesn't have a huge amount of experience at the top level for his age.

When he turns 29, Palhinha will have just eight Champions League appearances under his belt, as well as eight further appearances in the Europa League. He only made his Portugal debut in 2021, and he only joined the Premier League in 2022.

Arsenal might overlook their age policy for the right player, but it's not clear that someone with relatively little experience at the top like Palhinha would fit that bill.

On the other hand, this is a player who has performed very well in England for the last season and a half, and who was the subject of intense interest from Bayern Munich over the summer.

Bayern were willing to pay around £56m for Palhinha in the summer, and Arsenal are probably going to need midfield additions in 2024.

So whilst a move for Palhinha probably isn't quite a no-brainer, it could be worth at least keeping an eye on.



https://dailycannon.com/2023/12/arsenal-palhinha-fulham/