Thursday Fulham Stuff - 21/12/23...

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Report: Premier League club 'braced for more enquiries' for 26-year-old Spurs target
The Telegraph have revealed that Fulham a bracing themselves for interest in rumoured Tottenham target Tosin Adarabioyo during the January transfer window.

The speculation linking Adarabioyo with a move to Tottenham has died down a bit over the last couple of months, with the likes of Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite being more heavily linked with a move to the North London side (Sky Sports).

However, Football.London reported a little over a week ago that the Fulham star very much continues to be on Spurs' radar and the defender has been in impressive form for the Cottagers since returning from injury at the end of last month (transfermarkt).

Cottagers braced for interest in Adarabioyo
This has now been backed up by The Telegraph, who claum that Spurs have monitored Adarabioyo closely, particularly since the player now has just six months left on his contract at Craven Cottage.

The report states that Marco Silva's side are 'braced for more enquiries' for the player, who was the subject of plenty of interest during the summer transfer window, including Ligue 1 outfit Monaco.

Given Adarabioyo's contract situation, the publication suggests that the English defender 'could come into the thinking' of clubs who are looking to add reinforcements to their backline next month.

Spurs Web Opinion
All indications are that Tottenham's interest in Adarabioyo has cooled a little since the summer. Having said that, with there being no indication that the 26-year-old is open to extending his contract at Fulham, and I would expect the Cottagers to cash in on the player next month unless he pens a new deal.



https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/report-premier-league-club-braced-for-more-enquiries-for-26-year-old-spurs-target/

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Ipswich eye Stansfield swoop
The East Anglia Daily Times reveals this morning that Championship promotion contenders Ipswich Town have made Fulham forward Jay Stansfield one of their January transfer targets as they seek to strengthen their striking options.

Town are believed to have submitted an enquiry to the Whites about buying the 22 year-old striker, who is currently on loan at Birmingham City. Fulham rate the England under-21 international highly and will not countenance a permanent departure for Stansfield, who has scored five goals in eighteen appearances since moving to St. Andrew's.

The Tiverton-born striker, under contract at Craven Cottage until 2027, spent most of last season on loan at his boyhood club Exeter City, scoring nine goals in League One, after making three Premier League appearances for the Cottagers at the start of the campaign.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/ipswich-eye-stansfield-swoop/

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Fulham Pondering A Move For Red-hot Ligue 1 Striker: Excellent Option For Silva?
Fulham are reportedly lining up a January swoop for Montpellier striker Akor Adams.

The Cottagers brought in Raul Jimenez as a replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic in the summer. However, Jimenez has not been able to live up to the expectations since his move to Craven Cottage, scoring only four times in 16 league appearances. As a result, Marco Silva is seeking reinforcements up front in January and has seemingly drawn up a list of targets.

According to Football Insider, Fulham are plotting a bid for Montpellier striker Akor Adams. The Premier League outfit have sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old in action for Montpellier on several occasions this season.

Adams, 23, has been a sensation in Ligue 1 following his summer move from Lillestrom, hitting seven goals in 16 outings for Montpellier. Due to his powerful play in the final third, the Nigerian forward has caught the attention of Fulham and West Ham scouts, the report adds.

Akor Adams to Fulham—Right option?
Fulham are in the transfer market for striking reinforcements in January after losing Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in the summer window. They have struggled to replace Mitrovic's goals, with Jimenez, Carlos Vinicius and Rodrigo Muniz sharing only six goals between them so far.

Marco Silva's side could do with more goals up front at the moment. The Portuguese tactician is relying on wingers and midfielders to find the net more often than not, which is a risky business. A potent striker is needed if the Cottagers are to sustain their current momentum and target a top-half finish, and Montpellier's Akor Adams would be a good resource in that endeavor.

Adams arrived at Montpellier in the summer and has had a superb impact in his relatively short time in France, scoring seven goals in 16 Ligue 1 appearances so far to attract interest from even bigger clubs. He has shown a natural eye for goal and could make an impact in the Premier League if a move materialises.

Undoubtedly, the Nigerian is a quality player who is likely to improve with further coaching and experience. Given how Silva wants his team to play, the 6ft 3ins tall Adams would fit the system perfectly at Craven Cottage. He could be the traditional target man Silva's side have lacked following Mitrovic's exit.

Akor Adams will be attracted to the idea of playing in the Premier League and competing with the best in the business. However, he has a contract with Montpellier until the summer of 2027, so the striker is unlikely to come cheap. Nonetheless, the 23-year-old could be a fine acquisition for Fulham, but one imagines Montpellier won't want to lose him just six months after bringing him to the club.



https://madaboutepl.net/2023/12/fulham-pondering-a-move-for-red-hot-ligue-1-striker-excellent-option-for-silva/

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Pathetic Burnley hammered at Fulham
Burnley were faced with one of their toughest assignments of the season when they travelled to Fulham in December 1998 to take on a side that seemingly had more money to spend than the rest of the division.



We'd beaten Blackpool at home on the previous Saturday, courtesy of a controversial penalty, before going out of the Auto Windscreens against Preston in midweek.

It was a week when the Clarets Independent Supporters Association called for the Burnley FC board to resign when the accounts were published showing a loss over the year of £800,000 and debts totalling almost £4 million.

Frank Teasdale's response was to tell supporters it was not all doom and gloom but CISA chairman Peter Heywood reported: "We are involved in another relegation battle and have been knocked out of every cup competition in the first round. When is someone at the club finally going to accept responsibility for what has happened? When is someone at the club going to hold up their hands and admit they've got it wrong? Who is going to admit that the club is in a mess and that they are to blame? Someone has got to accept that the desperate financial situation is their fault and do the decent thing by tendering their resignation. As things stand, sorry really doesn't seem to be the hardest word."

If things continued to be worrying off the field, it wasn't too much better on with injuries ruling out players from key games. For the trip to Fulham, Stan Ternent reported that he was hopeful that Gordon Armstrong, Mark Robertson, Steve Morgan, John O'Kane and Peter Swan would all be available but hr was still without long term casualties Paul Smith, Neil Moore and Ronnie Jepson who had been joined by Glen Little who had received surgery for a hernia.

Ternent was looking to add to his squad with the capture of Vinnie Jones who was in dispute with his club QPR. Jones said he'd love to come and help out Stan although the finances were a stumbling block to any deal should QPR be prepared to let him go.

One player not mentioned in the list above was Paul Weller who had undergone surgery to remove his large bowel and would now need six months rest. Ternent had visited him at Burnley General Hospital and said afterwards: "Hopefully the operation will clear the problem. As far as I know there are no complications and he can rest before coming back next season. It's a desperate situation for the lad, but he's a battler and I would expect to see him back in the running next season."

Andy Payton was available again for the game having completed a suspension and Morgan had also completed his suspension. There was one other concern with Andy Cooke having picked up an injury having been kicked on the calf by Preston's Michael Jackson.


John O'Kane blocked off by two Fulham players

If we were hoping for some kind of upset at Craven Cottage, we were very much disappointed as the Clarets fell to a simply embarrassing 4-0 defeat. Opting for a man marking system in the first half with Chris Brass, Brian Reid and Matty Heywood tasked with looking after Paul Peschisolido, Barry Hayles, a recent recruit from Bristol Rovers, and Geoff Horsfield.

All three did well but further forward, Simon Morgan, Steve Hayward and Neil Smith ran the game for Fulham in the midfield.

We got almost to the half hour before falling behind but the goal had been coming for some time. Fulham won a throw in which was worked to Hayward who crossed quickly for MORGAN to head home from ten yards.

It should have been 2-0 only four minutes later but we scrambled the ball clear. Then Hayles had a goal disallowed for offside, but with seven minutes left we conceded a second. Three times we should have cleared the ball and failed and that left MORGAN to ram the ball home for his and his team's second.

We changed the system at half time but it did little to improve things. Hayles missed a sitter but two minutes later, Peschisolido got down the flank and this time HAYLES made no mistake in converting.

It had become embarrassing by this stage and the only positive thing was only conceding one more goal, this one scored by man of the match PESCHISOLIDO who was sent clear by Horsfield.

Fulham came close to more goals but Burnley somehow kept it down to four after another totally unacceptable performance that left supporters raging at the final whistle as the players and management left the field after a flare up as our players showed some fight for the first time all afternoon.


Players and staff involved at the final whistle

Manager Ternent wasn't happy either. After the game he said: "We were totally dominated throughout the game. We were outplayed and outbattled and that's how hard the job is that I have taken on.

"We are a lot better side than we showed but all credit to Fulham. They are a very good side. Their desire, their passion and their play was far superior to ours and, if that's the standard, then we are a miles away at the moment. In a word, we were pathetic."

More concerningly, he added: "I am not critical of the players, I am critical of their attitude, their endeavour and their commitment. I take that as read before we start and I didn't get that. I am disappointed, but I have come to expect it during my time at the football club.

"We are very hit and miss and, until such time as I am in a position to strengthen the team, I am going to have to put up with it. That wasn't my team out there. When I do get my team you will see a marked difference, but we have to get on with what have got and try and make the most of it. I am not protecting the players. I have told them what I think and that's the end of it."

With the board room changes, which had seen Barry Kilby join, it was a time of change and Ternent said on that: "Until such time as that is all sorted out we have to grin and bear it. But we are not pulling any punches. There has to be a major turnaround at Burnley Football Club in the playing staff if we are going to be successful. If I get my way, that is what we will do.

"I felt they let themselves down. They certainly let me down and they let the supporters and everyone connected with Burnley Football Club down. And that's what I told them in the dressing room."

The teams were;

Fulham: Maik Taylor, Gus Uhlenbeek, Rufus Brevett, Simon Morgan, Chris Coleman, Kit Symons, Steve Hayward, Smith (Francois Keller 75), Geoff Horsfield (John Salako 85), Paul Peschisolido, Barry Hayles. Sub not used: Paul Trollope.

Burnley: Paul Crichton, Matt Heywood, Brian Reid, Gordon Armstrong, Chris Brass, Mark Robertson, Matt Hewlett (Brad Maylett ht), Mark Ford, John O'Kane, Andy Cooke (Kevin Henderson 73), Andy Payton. Sub not used: Phil Eastwood.

Referee: Ray Oliver (Sutton Coldfield).

Attendance: 9,983.

Attendance: 11,925.

The December results up to and including the day of our game at Fulham are below.
Division Two Results

Tuesday 1st December
Wigan 2 Fulham 0

Saturday 5th December
Blackpool 1 Chesterfield 1

Tuesday 8th December
York 2 Lincoln 1

Saturday 12th December
Blackpool 0 Wycombe 0
Bournemouth 2 York 1
Fulham 4 Burnley 0
Lincoln 0 Colchester 0
Macclesfield 2 Luton 2
Manchester City 0 Bristol Rovers 0
Millwall 1 Reading 1
Northampton 1 Chesterfield 0
Notts County 2 Preston 3
Oldham 0 Walsall 2
Stoke 0 Gillingham 0
Wigan 1 Wrexham 1

Burnley Goalscorers (League)

11: Andy Payton
5: Andy Cooke
2: Rune Vindheim
1; Gordon Armstrong, Phil Eastwood, Glen Little, Brian Reid
Burnley Goalscorers (Cups)

3: Andy Payton
1: Andy Cooke
Leading Goalscorers

11: Richard Cresswell (York), Andy Payton (Burnley)
10: Carl Asaba (Gillingham), Barry Hayles (Fulham, 9 with Bristol Rovers), Andy Rammell (Walsall), Mark Stein (Bournemouth)
9: Martin Williams (Reading)
8: Stuart Barlow (Wigan), Carlo Corazzin (Northampton), Shaun Goater (Manchester City)
7: Grant Brebner (Reading), Kurt Nogan (Preston), Paul Shaw (Millwall), Darren Wrack (Walsall)



https://www.uptheclarets.com/pathetic-burnley-hammered-at-fulham

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Carabao Cup semi-final draw: Chelsea face Middlesbrough as Liverpool battle Fulham
The draw for the last four has been completed

Chelsea have been drawn against Championship side Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Meanwhile, west London rivals Fulham will take on fellow Premier League side Liverpool for a place in the February showpiece at Wembley.

It will be the first meeting between Chelsea and Middlesbrough since March 2022, when the Blues ran out 2-0 winners in an FA Cup quarter-final contest at the Riverside Stadium thanks to first-half goals from Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech.

Chelsea have won all of their last nine meetings with Boro dating back to 2007, with the Teesiders last beating them in 2006.

The semi-final tie will take place over two legs across the weeks commencing January 8 and 22, 2024, with Chelsea set to be at home at Stamford Bridge for the second leg after heading to the Riverside first.

Chelsea beat AFC Wimbledon, Brighton and Blackburn to advance through to the quarters, before Mykhailo Mudryk's last-gasp equaliser against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night cancelled out Callum Wilson's early opener to tee up a penalty shootout won after Kieran Trippier's miss and Djordje Petrovic's save from Matt Ritchie.

Middlesbrough, who beat Bolton in Cardiff to win the then-Carling Cup under Steve McClaren in 2004, currently sit in mid-table in the second tier after recovering from a dire start to the season under Manchester United legend Michael Carrick and saw off Huddersfield, Bolton, Bradford and Exeter before easing past League One outfit Port Vale 3-0 away on Tuesday night to secure their first semi-final spot for two decades.

Fulham, meanwhile, will travel to Anfield for the first leg of their semi-final tie before hosting the record nine-time winners at Craven Cottage in the return fixture next month.

The Cottagers have already ousted Liverpool's rivals Everton on penalties - with Tosin Adarabioyo the hero - to mark a winning return for manager Marco Silva to Merseyside, also knocking out Tottenham, Norwich and Ipswich before that.

They face a tough task though in their first-ever Carabao Cup semi-final and first cup semi-final of any kind since 2002, with Liverpool back on song to crush West Ham 5-1 in the final quarter-final tie at Anfield on Wednesday night.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/carabao-cup-semi-final-draw-chelsea-fc-liverpool-middlesbrough-fulham-b1128374.html

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Carabao Cup draw: Liverpool to face Fulham in the semi-finals

Liverpool are aiming to reach the final of the competition for the 14th time

Liverpool will play Fulham while Chelsea will face Middlesbrough in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Jurgen Klopp's side thrashed West Ham 5-1 on Wednesday evening to reach the last four, while Fulham won a penalty shootout at Everton on Tuesday.

Chelsea also beat Newcastle on penalties in their quarter-final, while Middlesbrough won 3-0 at Port Vale to set up a repeat of the 1998 final.

The two-legged ties will be played in the weeks commencing 8 and 22 January.

Liverpool are aiming to reach their 14th final and claim a 10th success in the competition they first triumphed in back in 1981.

Marco Silva's Fulham, who travel to Anfield in the first leg, are making their bow in the last four and have not featured in a semi-final of any sort since 2010, when they went on to the final of the Europa League.

Meanwhile, Championship club Boro, who host Chelsea in the first leg of their tie, are appearing in the semi-finals for the first time since 2004, when they won the competition to claim their only major trophy.

Chelsea, who won both the 1997 FA Cup final and the League Cup final a year later against the Teessiders, are looking to win the tournament for a sixth time and collect a first piece of silverware since they lifted the delayed 2021 Club World Cup in February last year.

The final is scheduled to be played at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 25 February.

EFL Cup draw:

Liverpool v Fulham

Middlesbrough v Chelsea



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67782575

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Carabao Cup Semi-Final Draw
Fulham will face Liverpool in the Semi-Finals of the Carabao Cup.

The first leg will be played at Anfield the week commencing 8th January, with the second leg at Craven Cottage two weeks later.

Confirmation of dates and ticket information will be detailed in due course.

The other Semi-Final sees Chelsea take on Middlesbrough.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/december/20/carabao-cup-semi-final-draw/

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Liverpool cruise through to set up semi-final against Fulham
Curtis Jones scores twice as Reds beat West Ham 5-1 to progress to last four of the EFL Cup

Liverpool thrashed West Ham United 5-1 to book their place in the last four of the EFL Cup and set up a semi-final against Fulham.

Jurgen Klopp's side dominated from start to finish, with Dominik Szoboszlai opening the scoring in the first half before running riot after the break, with Curtis Jones finding the back of the net twice, while Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah were also on target.

How the match unfolded
Liverpool made a fast start, with Harvey Elliott twice going close before Szoboszlai shot narrowly wide.

But the Hungarian made no mistake with his next chance, powering a superb strike from 25 yards into the bottom-left corner to put Liverpool in front on the half-hour mark.

The hosts almost doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time, but Gakpo could only direct his header the wrong side of the post.

Liverpool maintained the same intensity in the second half, with Darwin Nunez forcing a save from the recalled Alphonse Areola.

The second goal duly arrived after Nunez found Jones with a clever pass, and the midfielder managed to squeeze his shot in from a tight angle to give Liverpool a deserved two-goal lead with 56 minutes on the clock.

Gakpo made it 3-0 on 71 minutes, receiving the ball from Ibrahima Konate following a surging run by the centre-back, before taking a touch and firing past Areola from the edge of the penalty area.

West Ham pulled a goal back six minutes later through Jarrod Bowen, who turned Jarell Quansah inside out before curling a superb right-footed finish into the far corner of the net.

But Liverpool restored their three-goal advantage with eight minutes remaining through Salah, who slotted home after being played in by a sublime through-ball from fellow substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Jones then scored his second goal two minutes later, running through a tired-looking West Ham defence before tucking in from 10 yards out.

It was a perfect night for Klopp, who was able to manage the minutes of several key players ahead of Saturday's huge showdown with leaders Arsenal at Anfield.

Salah and Alexander-Arnold were introduced on the hour-mark, with captain Virgil van Dijk making way at the same time.

Middlesbrough v Chelsea
Liverpool v Fulham

First legs to be played w/c 8 January, second legs to be played w/c 22 January



https://www.premierleague.com/news/3830142

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When Liverpool will play Carabao Cup semi-final vs Fulham as hectic January awaits
Liverpool will face Fulham in the semi-final of the League Cup after defeating West Ham United at Anfield

Liverpool have been drawn to face Fulham in a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final.

The Reds will host Marco Silva's side at Anfield in the first leg in the week commencing January 8 before making the trip to Craven Cottage in the week commencing January 22.

Liverpool made light work of West Ham United in Wednesday night's quarter-final as goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones (2), Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah sealed a stunning 5-1 victory at Anfield.

Speaking in his post-match press conference after the draw, Reds boss Klopp said: "Two spectacular games. I think Fulham is well set up. [They] were really unlucky against Newcastle with the red card, I wouldn't have given it. Really strong team, they want to go to Wembley as well."

For Liverpool, the two-legged semi-final sets up a hectic early 2024 schedule which already has them pencilled in to face Arsenal in both the FA Cup and Premier League, as well as hosting Chelsea, who will face Middlesbrough in the other Carabao Cup semi-final.

Here's how Liverpool's December and January is shaping up:
December 23 - Arsenal (H), Premier League

December 26 - Burnley (A), Premier League

January 1 - Newcastle (H), Premier League

January 7 - Arsenal (A), FA Cup

Week beginning January 8 - Fulham (H), Carabao Cup

January 21 - Bournemouth (A), Premier League

Week beginning January 22 - Fulham (A), Carabao Cup

January 31 - Chelsea (H), Premier League



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-play-carabao-cup-semi-28327655

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Fulham Transfer Rumour Round-Up: Carvalho, Wieffer, Mayoral

This isn't the meatiest round-up we've ever offered but the gossip within this piece is hot off the press and Cam's serving it up with a whacking-great ladle and there'll be plenty more where that came from. Bibs on, people!

Fábio Carvalho – Liverpool

This has caused such a stir on Fulham Twitter, and beyond, nobody really knows how they feel about it and I guess like anything, each to their own. They say you should never take back an ex (unless they're a solid 10) and according to the Daily Mirror, Fábio Carvalho isn't against the prospect of returning to SW6 on loan, even if it means his loan spell at Red Bull Leipzig is terminated in order to make it happen.

Carvalho was an integral member of Marco Silva's side that claimed the 2021-22 Championship title and while he was adored by all at the club, he made the jump to Liverpool in the summer of 2022 and he soon realised, like many that have gone before, that the grass isn't always greener elsewhere.

Outcast by Jurgen Klopp, the snarling liar who sold the 21-year-old a dud dream, Fabio joined Leipzig at the start of the season but poor form has kept him out of Marco Rose's regular first-team roster. He has no goal contributions in 15 appearances but I ain't fussed about that nonsense. If we get the chance to snap him up, it has to be on a loan-to-buy basis because in this team, safe from Klopp's scolding critique, he would chef it up. Argue with your toilet seat. Bring. Him. Home.

Étienne Youte Kinkoue – Le Havre AC

Subject to a report circulated by Fussball Transfers, Fulham are tailing Le Havre defender Étienne Youte Kinkoue, who is gradually becoming a rising star for the Ligue 1 outfit. Kinkoue has featured 7 times for Le Havre this season, although he has been a regular inclusion within Luka Elsner's matchday squad.

German Bundesliga sides are also allegedly after the young centre-back's highly-rated services and it's thought that with the right guidance, he could bloom into a very dependable option at the back. The 21-year-old is under contract at the Stade Océane until 2025 and it is not yet known what he is valued at by his employers.

Akor Adams – Montpellier HSC

A Football Insider exclusive has revealed that Montpellier's free-scoring striker Akor Adams is on both West Ham United's and Fulham's transfer radars but as he is contracted to the French top-flight side until 2027, a hefty figure will have to be pledged if he is to depart Occitania in the coming weeks.

In all competitions for his current club, Adams has dispatched 7 goals in 16 outings and at Lillestrom SK, his former side, he swept home a whopping 17 goals in 18 outings. The 23-year-old has been a man on fire in front of the target for quite some time now and he could be precisely what we're looking for. Dominant, sharp, Adams would introduce an alternative approach to Silva's set-up but as we've been associated with other strikers recently, we'll continue to window shop until we find a perfect match.

Mats Wieffer – Feyenoord

A credible source has informed Football Insider that Fulham are supposedly mulling over a January swoop for Feyenoord midfielder Mats Wieffer. Wieffer, a Netherlands international, is likely to cost between 20 to 25 million pounds as he is a key member of Arne Slot's Eredivisie-winning camp.

He has three goals and one assist to his name so far this term and he also featured generously in the Champions League. The 24-year-old is a defensive midfielder, he covers vast expanses to offset opponents and the FC Twente youth graduate's deal at De Kuip runs out in 2027. Wieffer is going from strength to strength at this point of his career and he could grow into one of the continent's strongest 6s before long.

Sebastian Cáceres – Club América

Well-known Mexican journalist Fernando Esquivel recently disclosed that Fulham and SSC Napoli are the 'main interested parties' in the hunt for Club América's Sebastian Cáceres. The central defender's contract expired in December 2024 and it's believed he is angling towards a move away from the North American side in the not-so-distant future.

The Uruguay international and his agent have allegedly given the 'green light' for clubs in Europe to make their interest known however Club América's stance on the matter isn't common knowledge. The 24-year-old is naturally a right-footed centre-half but he has played on the left, so his expertise aren't limited to one side and one side only, which would be a massive tick on Silva's checklist.

Borja Mayoral – Getafe CF

Touted to become the next Raul, Getafe striker Borja Mayoral is in the form of his life and it's TEAMtalk's understanding that Crystal Palace and Fulham are keeping a keen eye on the 26-year-old. Mayoral is second in La Liga scoring charts, he has 12 goals in 15 league outings and only Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham has found the back of the net more times to date.

The Whites should definitely take the Spaniard into consideration and as it's thought he'll be available for as little as £12m, we have to test the waters if we're serious about landing another number nine at the turn of the new year. Zinedine Zidane once described Mayoral as a 'striker that can score with every shot' and if that's a true reflection, I am all ears.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-12-20-fulham-transfer-rumour-round-up-carvalho-wieffer-mayoral/

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Fulham face Liverpool in League Cup semi-finals
Fulham have been drawn against Liverpool in the League Cup semi-finals.

Marco Silva's side reached the last four of the competition for the first time in the club's history after they beat Everton on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park last night. The Whites will face Jurgen Klopp's men in the two-legged semi-final tie after the Reds thumped West Ham United 5-1 at Anfield tonight.

The first leg will be played at Liverpool in the week commencing Monday 8 January, with the tie coming to a conclusion at Craven Cottage a fortnight later. The precise dates and times of the two matches will be confirmed in due course.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/fulham-face-liverpool-in-league-cup-semi-finals/

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Premier League predictions: Chris Sutton v 86TVs guitarist & Fulham fan Felix White
The Premier League's top two teams meet at Anfield on Saturday, but will it be Liverpool or Arsenal who make a statement about their title ambitions?

BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton said: "Arsenal went 2-0 up in this game at the end of last season, but didn't hold their nerve and it finished 2-2.

"A lot of people think it will end up in another draw this time, but I really like the look of Liverpool this season - and I would not be surprised if Mohamed Salah has a say in the outcome."

Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's games, he takes on Felix White, guitarist with 86TVs and a Fulham fan.

86TVs latest single, Higher Love, is out now. Their debut, Worn Out Buildings, made the 6 Music playlist and was Radio X's Record of the Week.


Before forming 86TVs, White was guitarist with The Maccabees. He co-hosts the BBC's Tailenders podcast and also fronts the official Fulham podcast, Fulham Fix

Fulham's run to the 2010 Europa League final under Roy Hodgson is still etched on White's brain, and he has been able to relive it recently with many of the players involved.

White told BBC Sport: "I've ended up doing the official Fulham podcast, Fulham Fix, which is so great because I get to speak to all the players from that time, my heroes, almost every week.

"Bobby Zamora came on recently and I have actually got a plectrum signed by him now - I can tell you that is officially the only one in existence.

"But I have met quite a few of the other players from that team and they are just everything you would want them to be really, and they talk about it with such affection.

"That's the beautiful thing about Fulham, although I'm sure it's probably true with most clubs - in that most players who have had an association with us talk about the club in the same way that I would.

"They get over-sentimental, well for footballers anyway, and talk really beautifully about it and kind of feel like they are coming home to Craven Cottage, just like a fan does."


Felix formed 86TVs with brother Hugo - who was also in The Maccabees - plus their younger sibling, Will, and The Noisettes drummer Jamie Morrison. They tour the UK in February and March 2024

While he has happy memories of Hodgson's side, White is falling in love with the current Fulham team too, and the freedom they play with under Marco Silva.

"The best Fulham teams I've seen have sort of been built on knowing our limits," he explained. "So, still playing good football but in quite a rigid style.

"But the thing that really kicks your endorphins into action about us now is Silva. There is just something about him - and you can see it in his body language, even if you are miles away from him - that he just won't accept that idea that we are second best to anyone at all.

"He takes it to the point where it might spill over sometimes, like in the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United last season, where we were 1-0 up and then in the space of a couple of minutes we were down to nine men, had Silva sent off and we were 2-1 down.

"I actually threw my heart into a million pieces all over the floor when I saw that happen, and I still can't get over it.

"But the amazing thing about that was that Silva was so emotional about it, and he was willing to go that far for the cause, rather than accept just going to United and getting knocked out.

"It is amazing how that mindset feeds into the whole feeling of the club - it kind of lifts how everyone feels about themselves, and you can just kind of sense it when you watch us.

"It changes how you feel about yourself as a fan, and how the club feels about itself. Take our win over Everton in the Carabao Cup this week, for example - I don't know if we would have won that game if all those things hadn't happened in the past year.

"There was just that sort of sense at Goodison Park of it not being a case of 'oh here we go again', where this is the part where we fall short. So, yes it is just a really cool time at the moment, and really exciting for Fulham."

Chris Sutton and Felix White were speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.

SUTTON'S PREDICTIONS
THURSDAY, 21 DECEMBER
Crystal Palace v Brighton (20:00)

Crystal Palace have got some good players, but they need to get them fit. Still, Eberechi Eze should be back for this one and Jordan Ayew is available after his suspension.

While the Eagles ended up getting an excellent result at Manchester City last time out, Brighton were a bit disappointing in their defeat by Arsenal.

The Seagulls have not really hit the heights of last season yet - which is probably down to them playing in the Europa League - but I half fancy them to nick this one.

I am going to go for a draw, though - four of the past six games between these two have ended 1-1, so that is the sensible scoreline to go for again.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Felix's prediction: I reckon Chris is going to go Brighton here so I am going to go with Palace. I just want that to be known that I am doing that for Roy Hodgson, as a gesture of enduring love for him. 2-0

FRIDAY, 22 DECEMBER
Aston Villa v Sheff Utd (20:00)

Sheffield United famously scored a ghost-goal at Villa Park in 2020, when they were denied a win because Hawk-Eye did not recognise they had scored.

The Blades could do with a few of those at the other end this time, because I don't see them keeping Villa out otherwise.

I think there has been a slight upturn in performances since Chris Wilder took charge at the start of December but they are still bottom of the table.

Villa, meanwhile, are flying. They had to come from behind to beat Brentford last week but their home form is so impressive. Their long winning run at Villa Park has to end at some point, but it's hard to see it happening here.

Unai Emery's side will be top on Christmas Day if they win this one and Arsenal draw with Liverpool. What an incentive that is to keep pushing on.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Felix on Villa midfielder John McGinn: One of things I love to watch at Villa is how well John McGinn is doing. I think one of the most moving things in football is seeing someone realise they are capable of much more than they assumed they would be, and that is what we are seeing from him. It just struck me the other day when I was watching McGinn when Villa beat City and as a musician I always find that stuff genuinely inspiring, that some sort of change in attitude or circumstance can raise you to a level that no-one ever assume you could reach - including yourself, possibly.

When I see it happen in football, I always think about it in an artistic sense and think 'wow, what more could I be capable of?' ... but maybe I just need Unai Emery to tell me what to do all the time!?

Felix's prediction: I have triple-captained Ollie Watkins in my Fantasy team this week so I am going for him to get a hat-trick. I am bottom of my league because I didn't realise you got charged points for every transfer you make... so I made about 45, and I am so heartbroken about it. I am checking it way more than I should be. 4-1

SATURDAY, 23 DECEMBER
West Ham v Man Utd (12:30)

Manchester United parked the bus at Anfield, so will they do that here too? I don't think so.

I actually think West Ham will beat them, though. I often go for them to draw games, but I liked the way they went at Wolves.

In contrast, I wasn't impressed by Erik ten Hag's side at all. They may celebrate their draw with Liverpool but United fans should not be carried away with the way they got it - that just sums up how far they have fallen.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Felix's prediction: Because I am doing this Fulham podcast, I get to sit in the press box at Craven Cottage and it is great because everyone is tightly packed together. Last year I was sat there on my own watching Fulham play Manchester City, and David Moyes was sitting directly behind me. He was there because West Ham were playing City next. I want to be clear that I wasn't eavesdropping but he was having a conversation about the game the whole way through and I had the best seat in the house because I was there on my own and didn't have a mate or anyone to talk to, so I could just listen to the way he was analysing the game. It was extraordinary hearing someone that you never get to hear on that level. If he can read City like that, I have a feeling he might be able to read United the way they are going, so I am backing West Ham to win this one. 2-1

Fulham v Burnley
Fulham will be without striker Raul Jimenez after his red card against Newcastle, but I don't think they will struggle for goals without him.

I feel like I say the same thing every week about Burnley but they are not going to change. They need something badly from this game, but they look like a team that just aren't quite good enough for the Premier League.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Felix's prediction: This is the big one. I am going to be there with Tailenders co-host Jimmy Anderson, who supports Burnley and, I mean this sincerely, we will have the greatest privilege in football because we will be sitting in the actual cottage at Craven Cottage to watch the game. The dressing rooms are directly underneath it and it is like Fulham Valhalla in there. You feel like you are going to be walking past the ghosts of our great players of the past - it is like the spirits of our legends live in that cottage. Burnley are struggling, Fulham are flying and we are buzzing after Wednesday so I think the mood will be celebratory. 2-0

Luton v Newcastle
First and foremost, it's a relief that Luton captain Tom Lockyer is in a stable condition after his collapse during the Bournemouth game.

Luton have been really competitive at Kenilworth Road but they have still only won one out of eight league matches there this season, and picked up five points in total.

Mind you, Newcastle's away form is hardly convincing either - it is actually identical to Luton's home record in terms of wins and points, so there is plenty of room for improvement.

Eddie Howe's side have got to address that if they want to challenge for the top four - and I think they will address it here, although it is going to be close.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Felix's prediction: I think what happened at Luton last week with Tom Lockyer will inspire them this time. They have been great in every single game at home this season, without getting much reward. So for that reason I think fortune will balance out and the emotive feeling in that ground is going to change something - it will be another smasher of a game and this time, Luton will win. 3-2

Man City P-P Brentford

This game has been postponed because Manchester City are playing in the Fifa Club World Cup in Jeddah.

Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth
I actually thought Nottingham Forest gave it a real go against Tottenham in Steve Cooper's final game, and looked like a team who were still playing for their manager.

I also thought they would have been good enough to stay up with him in charge, but that didn't help him in the end.

I am not sure how excited the Forest fans will be to have Nuno Espirito Santo in charge, but the new era starts here. Will it start with a win though?

The City Ground will be bouncing, because the crowd will know they have to play their part, but Bournemouth are in good form and I fancy Dominic Solanke to keep his good run going.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Felix's prediction: Forest need to win and let's go for a classic manager bounce. 1-0

Tottenham v Everton
This should be an excellent game, and it is very difficult to call.

Sean Dyche has done an incredible job at Everton, and if you were to pick a manager of the season based on what we've seen so far, he has to be in the mix after what he has had to put up with.

This isn't the Dyche who we saw at Burnley, when he was trying to keep them in the Premier League and was quite direct at times. I actually think his Everton team have a nice balance in the way they get the ball and try to play.

Then you have got Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham, who have been the most watchable team in the top-flight.

Spurs can be reckless at times, and will be without Yves Bissouma here after his red card against Forest.

So, it won't be straightforward, and I do think Everton will score... but I am going to go with Ange to win it.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Felix's prediction: Tottenham are obviously a great team to watch at the moment and I don't think Ossie Ardiles is getting mentioned enough, because they are playing a lot like his Spurs team did when I was growing up. Having said that, Sharky who is the Tailenders producer is a massive Everton fan, to the degree that he will not drink, touch or own anything that has been on the front of a Liverpool shirt. Sharky needs this, and Fulham beat Everton on Tuesday which I feel guilty about, so I am going to say they will nick this in classic Sean Dyche fashion. 0-1

Liverpool v Arsenal (17:30)
Arsenal will be bolder than Manchester United were at Anfield last week, but then Sheffield United would probably show more attacking intent than Erik ten Hag's side did.

I still think it will be pretty cagey because the Gunners are not as expansive as they were last season, but they still carry a threat.

There is this argument that they are lacking a centre-forward, which I get, but they have shown they can get goals from all areas of their team.

So, I think this will be tight, but Liverpool are at home and I just don't see them drawing another blank. They only know one way to play, they will take the game to Arsenal - and I think they will edge it.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Felix's prediction: What I really love about Anfield, and I have heard Gary Neville say it on TV last year when Utd got beaten 7-0, and also Mikel Arteta say it on the Arsenal documentary which I absolutely loved and inhaled, is how it doesn't matter about the personnel in the Liverpool side, or how they are playing, it just has the ability like no other ground in the world to make you feel like you are in quicksand and sort of swallow you up, like things are happening too quickly for you. I am obsessed with that analogy, that almost spiritual thing how that space just has that effect on the opposition and they get caught up in the moment, and that's what I think will happen to Arsenal here. 3-1

SUNDAY, 24 DECEMBER
Wolves v Chelsea (13:00)

Wolves lacked intensity against West Ham last week, which makes me think they will bounce back here - but it really does depend on which Chelsea team turns up.

And I'm sorry but I still have absolutely no idea what to expect from Mauricio Pochettino's side so I am gong to sit firmly on the fence with this one.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Felix's prediction: We beat Wolves at the start of our recent high-scoring run, but they were unlucky with a couple of penalties that we got given. That seems to have happened to them a lot, but I've been really impressed by the way they are playing. Their physical attributes are unbelievable and they are a better side than most people think. 1-1



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67743121