Friday Fulham Stuff - 12/01/24...

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Paul Merson predicts the score ahead of Chelsea vs Fulham in the Premier League
Paul Merson has predicted the score ahead of Chelsea against Fulham this weekend.

Chelsea host close rivals Fulham at lunchtime this Saturday afternoon in the Premier League.

They both lost their respective Carabao Cup semi-final first legs in midweek. Chelsea were beaten 1-0 away at Middlesbrough, while Fulham lost 2-1 away to Liverpool.

There's only four points separating the teams in the league table going into Saturday, so we're expecting a tight game. Interestingly, the Blues secured a 2-0 away win in the reverse fixture against Fulham earlier in the season.

Paul Merson has gone with a narrow Chelsea victory at home to Fulham in his pre-mach prediction.

He told Sportskeeda: "This is a big London derby and the two sides are right next to each other on the table, so I expect a fiercely contested game at Stamford Bridge. On their day, Fulham are a really good side and I like them, but you saw what happened against Liverpool yesterday.

"They played really well to take the lead and had one or two glorious chances to add to their advantage, but when it really mattered, they lacked the killer instinct to put the game to bed as the Reds staged a second-half comeback to win 2-1. If Chelsea win by two clear goals, they could go up to seventh on the table. I can't see them winning so comfortably, but something tells me the Blues will show up and secure all three points.

"Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Fulham."

Chelsea vs Fulham
Chelsea have won seven of the previous 10 meetings with London neighbours Fulham, but it's just one victory in the most recent three clashes.

Mauricio Pochettino was without 12 players earlier in the week due to injury, so hopefully there's some good news before this next game.

Pochettino previously shared via Chelsea's official website that defenders Ben Chilwell and Benoit Badiashile may return to the squad by the league clash versus Fulham.

We would like to see Malo Gusto starting at left-back until Chilwell is available to start again.



https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/news/paul-merson-predicts-the-score-ahead-of-chelsea-vs-fulham-in-the-premier-league/

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Ian Maatsen loan highlights major Chelsea issue before Fulham as Blues await injury assessments
Chelsea's injury issues have put a lot of pressure on Mauricio Pochettino's squad and Ian Maatsen's expected move to Borussia Dortmund has illustrated the problems that can cause

Chelsea have already seen some outgoing loans this month in the shape of Eddie Beach and Alex Matos to Gateshead and Huddersfield Town respectively, and have recalled others from their temporary moves away. Andrey Santos and Zak Sturge have both returned to Cobham after difficult stays with Nottingham Forest and Peterborough United.

Ian Maatsen is set to be the next to head out. The Dutch defender is expected to make the move to Borussia Dortmund and was absent from Mauricio Pochettino's squad that faced Middlesbrough on Tuesday night as he flew out to Germany.

That saw Chelsea go into the game one player short of the number of substitutes permitted. Pochettino continued to name two goalkeepers on the bench in Marcus Bettinelli and Lucas Bergstrom.

That left the Blues head coach with options of Mykhailo Mudryk, Armando Broja, Alfie Gilchrist, Deivid Washington, Dylan Williams and Michael Golding to change things up. Against Boro, Mudryk and Broja were selected by Pochettino in the second period while Gilchrist was a late addition to proceedings.

While Chelsea's boss did have academy players to offer more rotation to his side, the evening was evidence that he perceives his options to be limited and the absence of Maatsen has exacerbated that issue. For all of the signings the club have made in the last 12 months, 11 injury issues and Nicolas Jackson's absence due to AFCON has left the squad under strain.

Chelsea will be able to select David Datro Fofana who has been recalled for Union Berlin. However, any apperance for him would mean he could not play for another club this season. With a move expected, an outing for the Blues appears unlikely.

Speaking following Tuesday's defeat, Pochettino admitted uncertainty over whether he would be able to welcome any players back to his squad to alleviate the pressure. Ben Chilwell, Benoit Badiashile and Carney Chukwuemeka have been described as 'so close' as Christopher Nkunku's situation should become more clear ahead of Fulham after continued assessment on his hip issue suffered in training.

Pochettino said ahead of Preston: "We are so close with Chilwell, Badiashile and Chukwuemeka but we need to see every day the evolution. Then it's about if we can improve but they are so close. Always the risk is really important and seeing how the players perform in the training session.

"All of the players when they go to the session all feel they are ready. If you ask they say 'I know myself' but 99.9 per cent they make a mistake. They don't know themself. Our opinion is good to see if they are available or not."

Chelsea have attempted to be patient and thorough in the rehabilitation of their injured stars, and their opinion will be tested once more this weekend. Maatsen will be missing from the squad once again and it remains to be seen whether the Blues can fill their squad.



https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/ian-maatsen-loan-highlights-major-28428958

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QPR and Bristol City eyeing deals for Fulham striker
Rodrigo Muniz could be on the move this month

    QPR and Bristol City have inquired about Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz for potential January transfer deals.
    Muniz joined Fulham in the summer of 2021, and spent last season on loan with Middlesbrough.
    The Championship duo are not the only clubs interested in Muniz, as there is also attention from clubs in his native Brazil.

QPR and Bristol City are interested in January transfer deals for Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz.

That's according to journalist Darren Witcoop, who says that the Championship duo have both made enquiries about the Brazilian.

Muniz yet to fully establish himself at Fulham
It is now two-and-a-half years since Muniz first joined Fulham, signing from Flamengo in his native Brazil for a reported €8million in the summer of 2021.

After scoring five goals in 25 league games to help the Cottagers win promotion from the Championship to the Premier League during his first season with the club, Muniz then returned to the second-tier last season.

That move saw the striker link-up with Middlesbrough on a season-long loan, where he scored just twice in 17 appearances in all competitions.

Having returned to Fulham in the summer, the 22-year-old has now found himself in and out of Marco Silva's side during the current Premier League campaign.

As a result, it now seems as though he could be on the move once again, with the January transfer window now open.

Championship duo among clubs eyeing Muniz
Judging by this latest update from Witcoop, both QPR and Bristol City are now taking an interest in Muniz, as they look to add to their own attacking options before the February 1st deadline.

It is thought that the two Championship clubs have both asked about whether the striker is available in January.

However, they are seemingly not alone with their interest in Muniz, who is also said to be attracting attention from clubs back in his home country of Brazil.

As things stand, there are still two-and-a-half years remaining on the Brazilian's contract with Fulham, securing his future at the club until the end of the 2025/26 season.

As a result, the Premier League side are in a strong position to dictate his future during the current window.

Mixed seasons so far for Bristol City and QPR
Both Bristol City and QPR have changed managers in 2023/24.The Robins replaced Nigel Pearson with Liam Manning, and Marti Cifuentes taking over from Gareth Ainsworth at Loftus Road.

That has arguably contributed to differing fortunes for the two clubs, with Bristol City 11th in the Championship table, four points adrift of the play-offs, and QPR 23rd, four points from safety.

Bristol City's next match sees them travel to Deepdale to face Preston North End on Saturday afternoon, while QPR will hosting Watford at Sunday lunchtime in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Muniz an intriguing target for Championship clubs
It does feel as though this is an interesting link to emerge for these two sides.

Both clubs have somewhat lacked a consistent source of goals in the Championship this season, so you can understand why they may be interested in signing a striker this month.

Doing so would obviously boost their prospects for the rest of the campaign, although given he is yet to find top form in England, there may be questions about whether Muniz is the best option to fill that void, while his Premier League status may mean he is not the cheapest option either.

With that in mind, you feel QPR and Bristol City may have to give this potential deal a fair amount of thought, before deciding whether or not to make their move for the Fulham striker.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/qpr-and-bristol-city-eyeing-deals-for-fulham-striker/

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Date and kick-off time confirmed for Fulham FA Cup trip
A date has been confirmed for Newcastle United's FA Cup fourth round clash with Fulham.

The Magpies beat local rivals Sunderland 3-0 in the third round last weekend thanks to an Alexander Isak brace and a Dan Ballard own goal, with a trip to Craven Cottage their reward in the next round.

And it has now been confirmed that that tie will be played on Saturday, 27th January, with kick-off set for 7pm GMT.

The match is also one of six FA Cup games to be selected for live television coverage over that weekend. United's game agaisnt Marco Silva's men will be shown live on ITV4.

Any further details regarding the fixture will be confirmed in due course.



https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-news/date-and-kick-off-time-confirmed-for-fulham-fa-cup-trip/

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Stamford Bridge Awaits Chelsea-Fulham Duel

Chelsea and Fulham: A Tale of Two Londons
Stamford Bridge Showdown: Derby Day Looms

Chelsea and Fulham prepare for a captivating west London derby this Saturday. With only four points and three league positions separating them, the stakes are high. Fulham, comfortably nestled in mid-table safety, approach the match with a sense of achievement, while Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino, find themselves grappling with inconsistency, a far cry from their European ambitions.

Blues' Inconsistency Meets Fulham's Road Woes
Chelsea's recent form has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, exemplified in their midweek loss to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi-final's first leg. Pochettino's side has yet to find a rhythm that resonates with the club's lofty standards. Fulham, on the other hand, despite their consecutive home wins, face a daunting task away from home, having not secured a victory in regular time on the road for over two months, including a Carabao Cup setback at Anfield.

Team News: Pochettino's Selection Puzzle
Chelsea's squad depth faces a test with Christopher Nkunku's hip injury casting doubt over his participation. The return of Benoit Badiashile and Carney Chukwuemeka offers some solace, but Ben Chilwell's situation demands caution. Pochettino's choice to field Cole Palmer as a false nine drew criticism, but hopes are pinned on Armando Broja for a starting role. Nicolas Jackson's absence due to the Africa Cup of Nations, along with Fulham's missing trio – Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Fode Ballo-Toure – adds another layer to the strategic conundrum.

Fulham's injury concerns include Tim Ream, who remained benched at Anfield, and a new worry in Harrison Reed. Adama Traore continues to be sidelined.

Rivalry Renewed
The derby isn't just a game; it's a continuation of a historical rivalry. Fulham's memorable win over Chelsea last January stands out, their only victory against the Blues since Luis Boa Morte's triumph in April 2006. With Chelsea leading the head-to-head record with 51 wins to Fulham's 12 and 27 draws, the upcoming clash isn't just a game – it's a chapter in a long-standing London narrative.



https://eplindex.com/102131/stamford-bridge-awaits-chelsea-fulham-duel.html

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Player ratings: Liverpool 2-1 Fulham

George Rossiter has the player ratings from the first leg of the League Cup Semi-Finals.

I got a real sense of déjà vu at Anfield. Sat centrally behind the goal, facing the famous Kop End, hearing Anfield roar as Liverpool turned a losing situation into victory in a matter of minutes. The feeling of heartbreak is ever so slightly less this time, though, with a second leg to turn things round at Craven Cottage in two weeks' time.

Bernd Leno

In terms of shots on goal, Leno was left mostly unchallenged in the first half. It is worth noting, however, just how composed he remained for every Liverpool ball into the box, catching everything that came his way. He was sprung into action mostly after Liverpool had taken the lead, most noticeably with two incredible saves from Darwin Nunez, one acrobatic save from a header heading towards the top corner, and another from close range after a pinpoint cross from the young Bradley. 8/10.

Timothy Castagne

Luiz Diaz looked particularly strong compared to the rest of the Liverpool front line in the first half and Castagne defended against him well. In the first 45 he made a number of brilliant last ditch interceptions in our box too. My biggest issue with his game was the lack of attacking input that hampered us on occasions.70% pass accuracy, no key passes and not a single cross into the box is not good enough for a full back in an offensive sense. 6.5/10.

Tosin

Really poor performance I think, which is surprising on recent form. Looked really lapse on the ball from the off, misplacing multiple passes and getting caught in possession too often. It was like watching the Tosin of two years ago who always seemed to struggle on the ball. While he was unlucky to see Jones' equaliser deflect off him, if he tried defending the ball instead of stepping off 10 yards...that probably doesn't result in a goal. 4.5/10.

Issa Diop

A less dramatic performance from Tosin's centre back partner. Maybe you could argue he could have tracked Gakpo better for the winning goal and reacted quicker to Nunez's cross, but that would quite a harsh assessment. Diop was solid on the ball, did well at defending his own box and especially strong at helping to defend set pieces. 6/10.

Antonee Robinson

Defensively played really well, completely isolating Harvey Elliott out of the game in the 56 minutes the ex-Fulham academy graduate was on the pitch for. Going forward, Jedi offered a hell of a lot more of a threat than Castagne. But as the game on, he became annoyingly wasteful in possession. The number of long balls down the channel that were completely unrealistic for any of our attackers to chase down after Liverpool took the lead was particularly frustrating. 6/10.

Joao Palhinha

The Portuguese man was the perfect shield any time any one of Liverpool's midfield trio ventured forward throughout. His nine tackles were triple the amount of the next best Fulham player, his 10 clearances comfortably the best from anyone in a white shirt too. Even late into the game, Joao was one of the only players showing any attacking intent as Fulham remained a goal behind. 7.5/10.

Harrison Reed

A proper captain's performance from the man wearing the armband on the night. Lots of trust was put into Harrison after a recent spell out of the side which has seen Tom Cairney deployed in a deeper midfield position. In the first half, he was the best of the 22 players on the pitch, winning every second ball in the middle of the park and driving Fulham forward at any given opportunity. To continue until deep into the second half on the back of a knock taken just before half time showed a real warrior's attitude on a big occasion. 8/10 – Man of the match.

Andreas Pereira

Really good first half showing as the most forward thinking of the midfield three. Looked really neat on the ball and played a number of lovely touches to set Fulham on the counter attack. Does really well to bring the ball down under pressure from Van Dijk and slide in Willian for our goal too. 7/10.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid

Didn't see too much of the ball in the first half as Fulham looked to attack more down the right hand side, with Willian and Robinson frequently doubling up on Liverpool's young full-back Bradley. Covered Castagne well for the most part too in a defensive sense. When Fulham focused on soaking up pressure in the second half and playing on the counter, Bobby was set free multiple times and his decision making left a little bit to be desired when Fulham had chances to find a second goal. 5.5/10.

Willian

His class showed in the composure he showed to score our goal, not rushing a shot the moment it came to him in the area and gliding past a defender before squeezing a shot past Kelleher. Saw a lot less of the ball in the second half as Silva seemed to target counter attacks down the opposite side of the pitch. 7/10.

Raul Jimenez

A lot of Fulham's best attacking play came out wide, so it was hard for Raul to play his way into the game at any stage really. At least in the first half he showed the intent to track back for the team and defend from the front. In the second, it felt as if he'd lost a bit of fight, jumping less for aerial duels and pressing less on Liverpool's centre backs. 5.5/10.

Substitutes

Tom Cairney and Harry Wilson

Subbed on after 71 minutes for Andreas Pereira and Willian

Neither had the desired impact of getting their foot on the ball and pushing Fulham forward on the counter. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone would have the way we were set up to play in the second half, which was frustratingly negative. 6/10 for both.

Sasa Lukic (subbed on after 82 minutes for Harrison Reed) came on too late to be fairly rated, but you do wonder what his role is in this squad going forward.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-01-11-player-ratings-liverpool-2-1-fulham/

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Newcastle United Supporters Trust make football regulator request after 'disgraceful' FA Cup decision
Newcastle United will travel to Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round for a 7pm kick-off on January 27

Newcastle United supporters are raging after their trip to Fulham in the FA Cup was confirmed for a 7pm kick-off.

The Magpies had not been in the hat for the fourth round since 2020 but advanced this time around after a 3-0 win over bitter rivals Sunderland. A trip to the capital beckons as Newcastle drew Fulham, with the game taking place on January 27.

Their last trip to the capital ended in heartache - and a cup exit - as Chelsea beat United on penalties in the Carabao Cup. Newcastle take on another West London outfit as Eddie Howe's men aim to end the club's 69-year wait without a domestic trophy.

However, fans are furious after ITV announced the fourth round TV schedule. Newcastle will be broadcast on ITV1 for a 7pm kick-off time, meaning fans planning a 550-mile round trip from the North East will not return home until the early hours of the morning.

One supporter echoed the collective feeling among supporters once the announcement was made. His social media post read: "Need to start lodging complaints about these kick-off times. Are supporters expected to stay overnight in extortionate London hotels? (It is) difficult to get the train back at that time of night."

Another went as far as to call the decision a "disgrace", questioning why the broadcaster needed to televise the game given the alternatives. The Newcastle United Supporters Club also hit out, urging the incoming football regulator to take action.

"Once again we are appalled at the lack of thought given to travelling supporters ahead of our FA Cup match at Craven Cottage," a statement read. "A 7pm kick-off leaves supporters with no option of catching a train home, with the last train for Newcastle departing King's Cross at 9pm, leaving thousands now looking for accommodation in London with only two weeks' notice.

"The financial and logistical burden imposed on travelling supporters by TV companies is shocking in an industry repaying huge profits. It is always the fans who pay the price.

"The loyalty of our supporters is once again being taken for granted in the knowledge that we will fill the away end regardless of the kick-off time. We urge the incoming football retail tour to ensure that significant changes are put in place to ensure fans are prioritised when it comes to TV scheduling of games."



https://www.newcastleworld.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle-united-supporters-trust-make-football-regulator-request-after-disgraceful-fa-cup-decision-4475401

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Bristol City Make Enquiries For £4.5 Million-Rated Premier League Striker
Queens Park Rangers and Bristol City have registered an interest in signing Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz, according to Darren Witcoop of the Sunday Mirror.

Muniz has struggled to nail down a starting spot at Fulham this season and has been attracting interest since the start of the window. QPR and the Robins have made enquiries to the London club about the player's availability.

The two Championship clubs are not the only sides interested. Muniz has also garnered interest back in Brazil, having initially spent time at Cortiba and Flamengo previously before signing for Fulham.

Marco Silva has struggled to find game time for the 22-year-old this season. He has started just three games in the Premier League, with the majority of his minutes coming in the cup competitions. His one goal this term came in the EFL Cup, in Fulham's fourth-round win over Ipswich Town. Muniz didn't feature against Liverpool last night despite being named in the squad.

The Hoops are currently on a torrid run of form, failing to score in three of their last five games. They have the joint-lowest goal tally in the Championship with just 21 goals and need a striker like Muniz to come in and change their fortunes in front of goal.

The Robins are in a different situation, lingering around mid-table. Still, the signing of the Brazilian could help bridge the four-point gap currently between them and sixth-place Sunderland in the play-off positions.

Muniz had a loan spell in the Championship last season but failed to make any major impact during his time at Middlesbrough. The former Cortiba man scored two goals in 17 games during his time with Michael Carrick's side, and his market value currently sits at just £4.5 million, according to FotMob.

There is also the subject of interest from Brazil. Ge Globo in Brazil reported last week that Muniz had interest from Atletico Mineiro, but their proposal to Fulham did not suit the English club. The report also stated that the striker was unlikely to leave Europe, making a move to one of the interested Championship clubs all the more likely.

Muniz may prefer to join Bristol City due to QPR's involvement in the relegation battle. Gareth Ainsworth's side are currently four points from safety and are showing no signs of turning their form from the first half of the season around. Liam Manning's side remain in with a shout at promotion and therefore may feel confident if it turns into a battle to sign the Fulham forward.

Writer's View
Muniz is yet to find form at Fulham but has proven in Brazil that he can be a valuable asset for a team. Bristol City are likely to have the upper hand when it comes to signing him, but if QPR can get their hands on the Brazilian it could transform their season completely.

A move to Brazil looks unlikely, so it's imperative that one of the Championship clubs takes advantage of the opportunity to land Muniz this January.



https://therealefl.co.uk/2024/01/11/bristol-city-make-enquiries-for-4-5-million-rated-premier-league-striker/

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Nkunku To Spearhead Pochettino's Attack | 4-2-3-1 Chelsea Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham
4-2-3-1 Chelsea Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham ahead of their crucial Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge this Saturday afternoon.

Chelsea will welcome Fulham at Stamford Bridge this Saturday afternoon as they look to secure a win in the Premier League. The Blues suffered a 1-0 defeat away at Middlesbrough in midweek, so they would be eager to bounce back by putting in a much-improved performance in this London derby.

Mauricio Pochettino will stick with his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to name a strong first XI for this game. Christopher Nkunku could get a chance to play from the start of this contest if he can recover in time from his injury.

4-2-3-1 Chelsea Predicted Lineup To Face Fulham

Defence

Dorde Petrovic will continue to function in goal for Chelsea after shipping in one goal in his last outing. Thiago Silva will resume his defensive partnership with Axel Disasi at the centre of Pochettino's backline as they try to keep the Fulham attackers frustrated throughout the 90 minutes.

Malo Gusto will operate as the right-back while Levi Colwill fills in on the other flank as the left-back. Both of them will have to pick and choose their moments to join in on the attack.

Alfie Gilchrist will have to settle for a spot on the bench as he offers cover for the defensive positions.

Midfield

Conor Gallagher and Moises Caicedo will anchor the midfield for Chelsea as they try to win the 50-50 duels at the centre of the park. Both of them need to retain possession well if they want to cause some problems for the Fulham defendes.

The talented trio of Raheem Sterling, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke will play just ahead of them as part of Pochettino's attack. All three of them will have to combine well if the Blues are to create enough chances to win this London derby.

Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez will be named on the bench as they wait for their chance to impress in the second 45 minutes if Pochettino decides to call upon their services.

Attack

Christopher Nkunku could spearhead Chelsea's attack if he can recover in time for this game. Armando Broja will offer cover for him on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the latter stages if the Blues are in need of a goal by then.

https://the4thofficial.net/2024/01/nkunku-to-spearhead-pochettinos-attack-4-2-3-1-chelsea-predicted-lineup-vs-fulham/?utm_content=cmp-true

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Inter Milan targeting move for Fulham defender of Nigerian descent
Italian giants Inter Milan are keeping tabs on Fulham defender of Nigerian descent  Tosin Adarabioyo who will be out of contract in the summer.

According to FCinter1908 citing Italian journalist Marco Barzaghi,  the right-footed center-back is being targeted by Inter Milan Piero Ausilio as one who could help bolster their defense.

The Serie A table-toppers had eyed a move for Lille defender Tiago Djalò but are now set to miss out to Juventus for his services and that has ignited their interest in Adarabioyo.

The list of the 26-year-old'S admirers seems to be growing by the day with clubs becoming aware that he will be available for free next summer.

Besides the Nerazzurri, the Super Eagles-eligible defender has been linked with two other Serie A sides in AC Milan and Napoli.

While he is yet to play outside the Premier League, his experience in playing at the top level is evident having played 118 games for Fulham since joining the club in the summer of 2020.

Marco Silva will be well aware that he is on the verge of losing one of his best players and might not have given up on convincing Adarabioyo to extend his stay at the Craven Cottage.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=50084