Friday Fulham Stuff - 16/02/24...

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Nigeria's seventh most capped player Iwobi makes decision on international future after overtaking Okocha
Alex Iwobi has no plans whatsoever to quit the Nigeria national team contrary to sensational reports in the local media that he was calling time on his international career in the wake of the unfortunate incidents that happened during and after Sunday's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast.

The Fulham midfielder was a victim of cyberbullying after the 2-1 loss to the Elephants, with many Super Eagles fans questioning his pedigree and ability as a Super Eagles player.

Though the Africa Cup of Nations ended four days ago, Iwobi is still in the news as he's still trending on X as at this very minute.

The Arsenal Hale End Academy product was forced to delete all photos and videos from his Instagram page, leaving only one due to the weight of criticism.

When Iwobi started the Super Eagles' 1-0 win over Angola in the quarterfinals of the 2023 AFCON, he overtook his famous uncle Austin Jay-Jay Okocha as Nigeria's seventh most capped player, behind only Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, John Mikel Obi, Nwankwo Kanu and Muda Lawal.

According to The Guardian UK reporter Osasu Obayiuwana, citing an unnamed source close to the player, Iwobi is totally unaffected by all the noise that has been making the rounds and has no plans to retire from the Nigeria national team as he loves playing for his country.

Former England U17 international Iwobi made his debut for the Super Eagles in a friendly against Democratic Republic of Congo in October 2015 and played a cap-tying game for his country of birth when he came off the bench in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt in March 2016.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=50475

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Full Aston Villa squad to face Fulham as Unai Emery could be without six players
Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as Unai Emery's side target back-to-back away league wins this weekend

 Aston Villa head to Craven Cottage this weekend to take on a Fulham side who have only been defeated once at home in six Premier League games.

Marco Silva's side come into Saturday's clash with Villa on the back of an impressive 3-1 win over Bournemouth and have scored 22 goals at home this term, which is more than Man Utd, Chelsea, Wolves and West Ham. Villa thrashed bottom club Sheffield United 5-0 at Bramall Lane in their last away game and head to the capital looking to return to winning ways after a cruel 2-1 defeat to United.

Villa side didn't deserve to lose the match considering their dominance in the second half, but they didn't take their chances. Ezri Konsa missed the game through a knee injury, while Boubacar Kamara will missing for the rest of the season due to a suspected ACL rupture suffered on Sunday.

Diego Carlos is the latest player in the Villa squad to pull up with an injury after he sustained a hamstring injury in training this week. Ahead of Emery's press conference on Friday afternoon, when he will give a team news update, here's the current squad he is working with for Fulham.

Goalkeepers
Emi Martinez, Robin Olsen, Joe Gauci.

Defenders
Matty Cash, Kaine Kesler Hayden, Clement Lenglet, Pau Torres, Calum Chambers, Lucas Digne, Alex Moreno.

Midfielders
Douglas Luiz, John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, Moussa Diaby, Leon Bailey, Jacob Ramsey, Tim Iroegbunam

Forwards
Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Nicolo Zaniolo.

Unavailable
Diego Carlos (hamstring), Jhon Duran (hamstring), Ezri Konsa (knee), Boubacar Kamara (knee), Emi Buendia (knee), Tyrone Mings (knee).



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/full-aston-villa-squad-face-28637290

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Fulham loanee has 'evening of his life' against Rangers as Aberdeen get it straight over top-six chances
Rangers restored their place at the top of the table as an Aberdeen legend gives a pessimistic prediction about his former club.

Hibs return to action this weekend with an intriguing encounter against an Aberdeen team led by new manager Neil Warnock.

The Hibees are under pressure to get a victory and will be determined to end their long drought of seven league games without three points. Their counterparts Aberdeen played out a thrilling 3-3 draw against Motherwell last time out.

The encounter showcased the defensive frailties of the Dons, who went three down within just 26 minutes, but also showcased their fighting spirit as a double from substitute Duk and a strike from Stefan Gartenmann pulled the team level before the 50th minute mark.

As it stands Aberdeen, like Hibs, sit three points behind sixth-placed Dundee. They have nine games to break into the top six before the split but club icon Billy Dodds does not feel the team have enough to secure their target. The 1996 League Cup winner told BBC Radio Scotland: "It has been a disappointing season for them, no doubt about it.

"Even the game tonight and the Hibs game on Saturday are real opportunities to push for that top six and try and latch on to even further up the table. But you are not giving yourself the best opportunity when you drop points at home and they have to do the business on Saturday.

"As proven last year, they can go on a run but there doesn't seem to be enough for Aberdeen this season to go on another run like last season."



https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/fulham-loanee-has-evening-of-his-life-against-rangers-as-aberdeen-get-it-straight-over-top-six-chances-4519827

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Another 250 homes will be built next to River Thames in tower blocks up to 17 storeys tall
The applicant, Henley Investment Management, has also said it will safeguard the wharfs for ongoing use, and introduce a new jetty

More than 250 homes have been approved as part of a new riverside development to be built right next to Wandsworth Bridge. The existing structures on the Albert Wharf/Swedish Wharf site in South Fulham, including several 'shed-like buildings', will be demolished, and replaced with a mixed-use development featuring blocks up to 17-storeys tall.

The applicant, Henley Investment Management, has also said it will safeguard the wharfs for ongoing use, and introduce a new jetty.

Following last night's (February 13) Hammersmith and Fulham Planning and Development Control Committee meeting, Ian Rickwood, Chief Executive at Henley Investment Management, described the scheme as "a prime example of how underused brownfield land can be repurposed to help meet housing need in London".

Amounting to a total of 276 homes, 35% of which will be 'affordable', the redevelopment is the latest granted approval along the South Fulham riverside. These include the former Hurlingham Retail Park, located the other side of Wandsworth Bridge, on which will be built 269 homes, and the Fulham Riverside development, to the east of the Albert Wharf/Swedish Wharf site, which has already been completed.

The new scheme has undergone numerous amendments since pre-application discussions in December 2020, at which stage buildings up to 23 storeys and 350 to 380 homes were envisaged. The re-working of the plans was noted by officers during last night's meeting, at which a primary concern raised by multiple councillors was that of noise.

Cement supplier Cemex is one of the site's current neighbours, a business Cllr Alex Karmel said he was worried may be forced to close unless effective mitigations are put in place protecting it from residents' complaints. On the flip-side, he added there are also concerns about the impact on the quality of life of those moving into the development, due to the noise from next door.

Cllr Wesley Harcourt had also raised a similar concern, comparing it to people moving into housing around Fulham FC's stadium Craven Cottage, or Queen's Park Rangers' ground in Shepherd's Bush. "It's the same sort of principle," he said, "so I'm concerned about the residents obviously and I'm aware of the possibility of the noise, but I think there's plenty [that's] been said in terms of mitigation and such-like."

Cllr Patrick Walsh added future technical advancements in the concrete industry, which may require work such as retrofitting, may also be liable to result in additional noise. "How could an easement agreement be created that takes into account the need for all of these possible other changes at the same time as ensuring that we don't get to a completely unacceptable level for new residents as well?" he asked.

The council's legal officer told the committee the noise limit would need to be set at a predetermined level, though that she believed a small percentage increase may be considered acceptable if circumstances change.

Cllr Karmel later aired his objection to the scheme's design, saying it is not consistent with surrounding architecture and is 'over dominant', and asked whether consideration should be given to an extant planning application by Cemex for a new aggregate storage facility. This would result in a new hopper and conveyor belts, meaning the potential for even more noise from neighbouring premises.

Officers said as no decision has been made on the outstanding application, it would not be 'prudent' to consider it when voting on the proposed scheme.

Of the five-person committee sitting, two (Conservative councillors Karmel and Adrian Pascu-Tulbure) voted against the application, with all three Labour members backing it. The second officer recommendation, that the Planning Director be able to make minor amends to the conditions or legal agreement, was however waved through unanimously.

 Ian Rickwood, Chief Executive at Henley Investment Management, said following the meeting: "The redevelopment of Albert and Swedish Wharf is a truly unique opportunity to bring this site back into positive use. Not only does it provide much needed housing for London but also an operational wharf for last mile logistics, where demand remains high and having a site like this is incredibly rare. The River Thames has huge untapped potential for handling light freight and utilising the river more will help ease congestion and reduce pollution across London.

"This scheme is a prime example of how underused brownfield land can be repurposed to help meet housing need in London. The development will completely transform this part of the riverfront and the continuation of the Thames Path will create riverside access for new residents and the existing community."



https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/south-fulham-riverside-housing-development-28633988

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Preview: Fulham vs. Aston Villa - prediction, team news, lineups
Now playing catch-up in the race for Champions League qualification, Aston Villa return to Premier League duty on Saturday, travelling south to face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Lions fell short in a 2-1 loss to Manchester United last weekend, while the Cottagers snapped a six-game losing sequence by getting the better of Bournemouth 3-1.

Match preview
Thriving in the Fulham frontline since the late January acquisition of Chelsea-owned Armando Broja, Rodrigo Muniz continues to keep the Blues loanee at bay, following up his strike against Burnley with a pivotal brace in the beating of Bournemouth on February 10.

Bobby Decordova-Reid had drawn first blood with just five minutes on the clock at Craven Cottage, before Muniz registered twice either side of a smart finish from Marcos Senesi, but the Cherries defender had only reduced the deficit for a couple of minutes before Muniz restored the hosts' two-goal cushion.

By picking off the Cherries, Fulham marched to their first Premier League victory of 2024 - not since their beating of Arsenal on New Year's Eve had they come up trumps in a top-flight fixture - while also ending a six-match winless streak in all tournaments stretching back to their FA Cup success over Rotherham United on January 5.

Marco Silva's troops leapfrogged Bournemouth into 12th place in the Premier League table thanks to their eighth top-flight success of the campaign, seven of which have come at their Craven Cottage headquarters, where they have also notched two-thirds of their 33 top-flight goals this season.

Five of Fulham's last seven Premier League contests on familiar territory have now ended in victory, and the Cottagers also boast a 100% win rate in top-flight home games when scoring this season; their five winless matches at Craven Cottage in the 2023-24 Premier League have all come when Silva's men have drawn a blank in front of goal.

In contrast, Aston Villa have now been condemned to a trio of successive Villa Park losses despite making the net bulge in all of them, falling to 3-1 defeats versus Newcastle United and Chelsea before turning their attention to last Sunday's visit of Man United.

Unai Emery's side were behind with just 17 minutes on the clock as Rasmus Hojlund found the mark for the fifth Premier League home game running, and even though Douglas Luiz swept home a second-half leveller for the hosts - coupled with a peculiar shimmy celebration - super sub Scott McTominay popped up with another decisive contribution in the opposition box.

The Scotsman's 86th-minute header denied fifth-placed Aston Villa the chance to rise back above Tottenham Hotspur - who sit one point better off than Emery's team in the fourth and final Champions League position - and Man United have now cut the gap to their European rivals down to just five points.

As the walls of their Villa Park fortress crumble, though, Villa have found defensive solace on the road, where they are yet to concede a goal in four games in 2024 and demolished Sheffield United 5-0 on February 3, their only win from their last six matches in all competitions.

Middlesbrough, Everton and Chelsea have all failed to breach Villa's net as the hosts in 2024, and the Lions have come out on the correct end of the scoreline in four of their last five meetings with Fulham, although the one blot on their notebook in that time was a 3-0 Craven Cottage beatdown last season.

Fulham Premier League form:

    L    W    L    D    D    W

Fulham form (all competitions):

    L    D    L    D    D    W

Aston Villa Premier League form:

    L    W    D    L    W    L

Aston Villa form (all competitions):

    D    D    L    W    L    L

Team News
Fulham's Nigerian duo Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey are both due back this weekend after suffering Africa Cup of Nations heartbreak against Ivory Coast in the final, while Tosin Adarabioyo has a chance of returning from the knock which kept him out of the win over Bournemouth.

Kenny Tete also sat out that fixture with a calf concern and is more of a doubt, while Raul Jimenez is a definite absentee as he nurses his severe thigh injury, which will likely sideline him until the end of March.

However, Jimenez's absence has not been felt thanks to the feats of Muniz, who has three goals in his last two Premier League games after failing to score in his first 10, and the Brazilian should be given the nod over Broja once again.

Meanwhile, injury was added to insult for Aston Villa during their loss to Man United last weekend, as midfield fulcrum Boubacar Kamara came off midway through the second half with a "significant" knee injury, which is expected to rule him out for the season.

The unfortunate Frenchman joins fellow long-term knee victims Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia in Villa's treatment room, while Ezri Konsa is facing a couple more weeks out with an issue in the same area, and Jhon Duran's hamstring problem rules him out as well.

Kamara's devastating blow opens the door for Youri Tielemans or Moussa Diaby to return to the Lions' XI on a regular basis, and Emery should also consider recalling Pau Torres and Lucas Digne to the starting lineup following their returns from physical glitches.


Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Diop, Ream, Robinson; Cairney, Palhinha; Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian; Muniz

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Cash, Torres, Lenglet, Digne; Luiz, McGinn; Diaby, Tielemans, Bailey; Watkins

We say: Fulham 1-2 Aston Villa
Only one result is usually on the cards when Fulham score in a Premier League home game, and with Kamara beginning a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the Cottagers will fancy their chances against the out-of-sorts visitors.

Rearguard stability has come naturally to Emery's men on the road in recent weeks, though, and with Fulham still suspect defensively at times, we can picture Emery's men breaking the hosts' golden sequence at Craven Cottage to get their Champions League charge back on track.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/top-four-race/preview/preview-fulham-vs-aston-villa-prediction-team-news-lineups_536762.html?cQx=NN&newsnow

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Aston Villa: Youri Tielemans must seize opportunity amid 'Huge' Boubacar Kamara update
Aston Villa have been devastated by the injury to Boubacar Kamara, with Alan Hutton dubbing the absence of the midfield star a "huge miss".

The 24-year-old has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2023/24 season with an ACL rupture, as per The Athletic, leaving Unai Emery with a tough job to fill his boots in the middle of the park.

Douglas Luiz has been a superb performer during the current campaign, but without Kamara alongside him, it is tough to say what kind of effect his absence could have on the team.

There is little that can be done about the injury blow, with Villa choosing against any new additions during the January transfer window, so Emery will need to call upon his squad players to step up.

Youri Tielemans the midfield solution for Aston Villa?
Having replaced Leon Bailey during a 2-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday 11 February, Youri Tielemans has proven that he has the ability to play alongside Luiz and protect the defensive backline, which has also been struck by injuries.

In just 17 minutes of football against the Red Devils, the Belgian maintained an 86 per cent pass completion as The Villans chased an equaliser, completed 100 per cent of his dribbles, and made five passes into the final third. [FotMob]

Tielemans is known for his attacking ability and calmness on the ball, with Kamara a more box-to-box midfielder in Emery's current set-up. However, the former's stats would suggest that Tielemans could possibly fill the role in his absence.

The 26-year-old won 100 per cent of his tackles, combatting a strong midfield of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, while winning 75 per cent of his ground duels and 100 per cent of his aerial battles. [FotMob]

Adopting Boubacar Kamara's role for Unai Emery
Although replacing winger Leon Bailey against Man United, it can be clearly seen, via the player's heatmap, that Tielemans was deputising in a far more central role, adopting Kamara's usual role. [Sofascore]

And despite a limited cameo at Villa Park, Tielemans looks to have outperformed the Frenchman before he was taken off injured after 65 minutes.

Kamara only made four passes into the final third, while winning one tackle, albeit 100 per cent tackle success, compared to Tielemans' three tackles. While he had an impact on the ground, he won 0 per cent of his aerial duels. [FotMob]

If Emery chooses to trust the former Leicester City midfielder, he may have quickly found a solution to Kamara's long-term injury, or at least a fix until the summer transfer window.



https://www.astonvillanews.co.uk/2024/02/15/aston-villa-youri-tielemans-must-seize-opportunity-amid-huge-boubacar-kamara-update/

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Belief Fulham could return for prolific forward after 'first contacts' – Has scored 5 goals in last 4 league games
Fulham could soon be back for the signing of Riccardo Orsolini from Bologna, according to the latest reports from Italy.

The winger has been in great shape in Italy of late, as he has scored five goals in their last four league games, and that has been generating some noise about his future.

It's Calciomercato who features a story about his form, claiming that even though Orsolini renewed his contract in August, the market could still attract him elsewhere.

The outlet recalls that Fulham made 'first contacts' for his transfer last summer, having asked for information, and even though nothing happened, that could be a topic for the upcoming transfer window.

It's said his name could get 'back into fashion' in the next few months, and Fulham, as well as Fenerbahce, could be there to sign him.

Orsolini is currently valued by Transfermarkt at €12m, and the main reason for that is that he's already 27.

Featuring for Bologna this season, he has nine goals and one assist in 21 appearances, meaning that if Fulham still have his name on their minds, his goals could be a sign that they should try again.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/belief-fulham-return-prolific-forward-first-contacts-scored-5-goals-last-4-league-games/

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Chelsea Tensions Rise: Gallagher and Broja at the Core

Chelsea's Internal Strife: Gallagher's Future and Pochettino's Discontent
In the cauldron of Stamford Bridge, the temperature is rising, not from the fervour of the fans, but from the brewing tension within Chelsea's own ranks. Fraser Gillan of TEAMtalk sheds light on the internal discord, specifically focusing on Mauricio Pochettino's growing dissatisfaction with the board's handling of Conor Gallagher and the failure to secure a replacement for Armando Broja.

Pochettino's Predicament
Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea's tactician, finds himself in a precarious situation, deeply disappointed with the board's approach to squad management. A staunch supporter of Conor Gallagher, Pochettino has made his admiration clear, frequently entrusting him with the captain's armband and ensuring his presence on the pitch whenever possible. "Pochettino has always been an avid supporter of Gallagher. It's why he's given him the captain's armband on occasion this term," Gillan notes, highlighting the manager's faith in the young midfielder.

Despite Gallagher's crucial role in the team, the Chelsea board contemplated his exit in January, a decision that did not sit well with either the player or his manager. The possibility of Gallagher's departure, particularly with Tottenham showing interest, has only fueled Pochettino's frustration. Gillan reveals, "Tottenham interest in January could have been detrimental," underscoring the potential impact on the team's cohesion and morale.

Gallagher Shines Amid Uncertainty
Amidst this backdrop of uncertainty, Gallagher has continued to prove his worth on the field, delivering a standout performance with a brace in a recent 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace. Pochettino's post-match comments, as shared by Gillan, reflect a mix of pride and resignation: "Pochettino stated he was 'so happy' for his midfielder," yet the matter of Gallagher's contract renewal remains a contentious issue between the player and the club.

Broja's Departure and Recruitment Woes
The departure of striker Armando Broja to Fulham on loan has further compounded Pochettino's woes. The absence of a suitable replacement has left Chelsea's attack vulnerable, especially with injuries plaguing key forwards. Pochettino's plea for a strategic approach to recruitment, favoring experienced world-class players over youthful prospects, appears to be falling on deaf ears, as Gillan points out, "If it was up to Pochettino, that's the type of player that would be recruited to replace the midfielder."

Call for Harmony and Strategy
The narrative woven by Fraser Gillan in TEAMtalk paints a picture of a club at a crossroads, with a manager's vision clashing with the board's directives. Pochettino's commitment to nurturing talent like Gallagher is commendable, yet the overarching strategy for Chelsea's future remains muddled. As the saga unfolds, the hope for resolution hangs in the balance, with Pochettino's desire for harmony and strategic foresight echoing through the halls of Stamford Bridge.



https://eplindex.com/104824/chelsea-tensions-rise-gallagher-and-broja-at-the-core.html

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Fulham vs Aston Villa team news - 5 doubts and 6 outs despite major Villains boost
Fulham look to build on a convincing win over Bournemouth when Aston Villa come calling on Saturday afternoon.

Fulham could welcome back Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey into the matchday squad to take on Aston Villa this weekend with the two Nigeria internationals back in the UK after the end of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Cottagers are looking to build on last weekend's 3-1 victory over Bournemouth with a fired-up Rodrigo Muniz leading the line. The Villains have lost to Newcastle United and Manchester United in recent weeks but a 5-0 thumping of Sheffield United came between those to highlight Unai Emery's side's threat.

Aston Villa were boosted this week by news that Tyrone Mings was back in training after picking up an ACL injury on the first day of the season but the centre-back isn't quite ready for action yet. Here's your team news.

1. Tosin Adarabioyo - DOUBT
Missed out against Bournemouth with a knock but should have recovered in time for Aston Villa.

2. Alex Iwobi - Doubt
Has been absent from the side on AFCON duty but is expected to be back in the squad.

3. Calvin Bassey - DOUBT
In the same boat at Alex Iwobi.

4. Matthew Dibley-Dias - DOUBT
Continues to battle a hamstring injury.

5. Raul Jimenez - OUT
Enduring a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

6. Diego Carlos - DOUBT
Picked up a hamstring injury in training this week and looks likely to miss out.

7. Boubcar Kamara - OUT
Suffered a 'significant' knee injury against Manchester United.

8. Ezri Konsa - OUT
Not expected back from a knee injury until March.

9. Tyrone Mings - OUT
Back in training but not ready for action in his fightback from ACL heartbreak.

10. Emiliano Buendia - OUT
Long term absentee with a knee injury.

11. Jhon Duran - OUT
Has a hamstring injury.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-vs-aston-villa-team-news-5-doubts-and-6-outs-despite-major-villains-boost-4520420

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Photo confirmation the (Super) Eagles have landed: Iwobi, Bassey resume training at Fulham
Nigeria internationals Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey are back in the English capital, London after their international commitments with the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and this is official.

Through their official X account, Fulham have uploaded two images from their training session at Motspur Park on Thursday, with the Super Eagles duo part of the workout.

The pair looked in good spirits as they smiled for the cameras in what was their first training session with the Cottagers since the start of year.

They have not figured for Fulham since December 31, 2023 when they started the 2-1 win against Arsenal in the Premier League.

Iwobi and Bassey's trip to London was delayed  due to a directive from Nigeria's number one citizen, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The duo and their international teammates were at the State House Council Chambers on Tuesday and hosted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who awarded the players the prestigious Member of the Order of the Niger(MON) national honour for their second place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Manager Marco Silva will assess Iwobi and Bassey during Thursday and Friday's training sessions in order to determine whether they will participate in the Premier League meeting with Aston Villa on February 17.

The central defender and midfielder were involved in every single game played by the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Our Super Eagles are back. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/yQElQcD1uy

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) February 15, 2024

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=50481

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£41m duo now set to return in Fulham boost ahead of Aston Villa clash on Saturday
Aston Villa will travel to West London to face Fulham on Saturday, looking to get their top-four aspirations back on track.

Unai Emery's side are coming off the back of a damaging 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United but still sit just one point adrift of Tottenham, who occupy fourth spot.

Villa have typically reacted well to setbacks this season. The 5-1 defeat to Newcastle United was followed up with a 4-0 win over Everton. A 3-1 win over Burnley followed the 3-0 loss at Liverpool.

Carrying on, the 2-0 loss to Nottingham Forest was followed by a victory over Fulham. It was the same case after the away loss to Manchester United and the home defeat against Newcastle.

This side can respond well, irrespective of who the opponent is.

This weekend's clash against Fulham promises to be a tough assignment, with Marco Silva's side improving of late.

Furthermore, the hosts could be boosted as two key players return to first-team contention.

Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey in contention for Fulham v Aston Villa
Nigerian duo Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey could line up against Villa on Saturday afternoon.

According to The Evening Standard, the duo are set to return following Nigeria's AFCON final defeat to the Ivory Coast.

It's believed the pair return to training this week and should be available for selection.

Iwobi completed a £22million move from Everton during the 2023 summer window (The Daily Mail). Bassey also joined in the summer, sealing a £19.3million move from Ajax.

With the duo's value over £40million, this is certainly a welcome boost for Silva.

The trip to Craven Cottage will be a stern examination of Villa's credentials, with the home side unbeaten in three matches and coming off of an impressive 3-1 win over Bournemouth.

The Villans also have to contend with several injury issues. Ezri Konsa is currently sidelined, with the 26-year-old out for a number of weeks, and Diego Carlos is also out after sustaining a hamstring injury in training.

The defensive duo follow Boubacar Kamara into the treatment room after the French midfielder's season ended after he suffered an ACL injury during Villa's loss to Manchester United.

With Carlos and Konsa out, forgotten man Calum Chambers could be in line to make only his second start of the season.

The 29-year-old was close to completing a January move to West Brom after being told he could depart by Emery, now the former Arsenal man could be handed a start by the Spaniard.



https://www.astonvilla.news/match-coverage/i-expect-them-paul-merson-predicts-aston-villas-clash-at-fulham-makes-tottenham-claim/

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Fulham's deadline day deal now causing tension inside Chelsea
Fulham striker Armando Broja is at the centre of real tension inside Chelsea after being let go on deadline day.

Fulham left it late – very late in fact – to get Armando Broja signed up on deadline day.

By the time Fulham announced that Broja had joined on loan, the time was half past midnight and the window has been officially closed for an hour and a half.

Still, the deal was done and Fulham fended off competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers to bring Broja across West London.

We haven't seen much of Broja just yet; two substitute appearances against Burnley and Bournemouth have amounted to just about half an hour of action.

Yet as Broja settles in at Craven Cottage, there are rumours that his exit has caused some tension inside Chelsea...

Armando Broja at centre of Chelsea tension
TEAMtalk now claim that Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has been left 'disappointed' after Broja was allowed to leave.

Pochettino only wanted to let Broja go if a replacement came in, otherwise he wanted the Albanian to stay put.

Chelsea had other plans though, allowing Broja to join Fulham and leaving Pochettino a striker short.

Given Christopher Nkunku's injury woes and Nicolas Jackson's patchy form, letting Broja go seems pretty risky.

Pochettino is seemingly unhappy with the situation but with the window now closed, there isn't much he can do about it.

Well, Chelsea's loss is Fulham's gain and Broja will be looking to seize his chance under Marco Silva before heading back to Chelsea.

Broja faces competition in Fulham attack
Raul Jimenez's injury left Fulham needing another attacking option so Broja's arrival was well-timed.

Fulham have though stumbled into another attacking threat though with Rodrigo Muniz finding some form.

After no goals in 10 Premier League appearances, Muniz suddenly has three in his last two outings.

The Brazilian is deservedly keeping Broja out of the side right now and the Chelsea loanee simply has to be ready to pounce on his opportunity whenever it comes.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/02/15/fulhams-deadline-day-deal-now-causing-tension-inside-chelsea/

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'I expect them...' Paul Merson predicts Aston Villa's clash at Fulham & makes Tottenham claim
Paul Merson has backed Aston Villa to get back to winning ways when they travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham on Saturday.

The last time Aston Villa made this trip, they got well-beat by the London side and it proved to be Steven Gerrard's final game in charge of the club.

The rest is history because Unai Emery would then enter the Aston Villa building and the club is now on some journey.

Although, that took a bit of a hit when Manchester United secured a 2-1 win at Villa Park last Sunday.

That's why Paul Merson feels fourth-placed Tottenham will 'finish above' Unai Emery's men when the final ball is kicked in May, as he told Sportskeeda.

Only one point separates the two, with the possibility that fifth spot also opens up for Champions League football, but that's not yet guaranteed.

Nonetheless, Paul Merson explains why he feels his former side will secure a 2-1 win against Marco Silva's Fulham.

Fulham v Aston Villa
"Fulham are a funny team," said Merson.

"Armando Broja really struggled to score goals for Chelsea in the first half of the season, but they suddenly took him on loan thinking he'll score a bunch for them! The home side always have a go and that will play into Aston Villa's hands, so I expect them to win this one.

"Right now, I fancy Tottenham to finish above Villa in the race for a top-four spot, but as we've seen countless times before, football changes so quickly!"

Bouncing back after injuries
The injuries to the team have hurt the fans more than the actual defeats, it's been very damaging, with Boubacar Kamara out for the rest of the season.

Not forgetting Diego Carlos and the worries around Ezri Konsa, but on a plus side, Tyrone Mings has returned to training.

The only way to try and ease this pain is by putting up three points against Fulham.

Yes, the defeat to Man United was bitterly disappointing, but the performance was very strong, with that cutting edge just lacking.



https://www.astonvilla.news/transfer-news/aston-villa-plot-boubacar-kamara-repeat-with-five-time-champions-league-winner-eyed/

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Boubacar Kamara To Miss The Clash | 4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham
4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham ahead of the crucial contest in the Premier League.

Aston Villa will travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in a Premier League fixture this weekend. They will look to return to winning ways after facing a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Manchester United. The defeat pushed them out of the top four position.

The Villans are fifth in the points table with 46 points in 24 games and eight points off the toppers. With a limited number of games left in the domestic league, they need to buckle up and start delivering the results. They desperately need to secure three points against Fulham on Saturday.

4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham
Defence
Emi Martinez will once again line up in goal for Aston Villa. He failed to put in an impactful performance in the previous game. Hence, he will be eager to step up and register his seventh clean sheet of the season in the league.

Both Matty Cash and Alex Moreno will retain their right-back and left-back positions respectively. They are contributing well in the offensive areas but need to be more solid in the defensive aspects. While Diego Carlos is likely to continue as the centre-back, Clement Lenglet could be replaced by Pau Torres.

Midfield
Douglas Luiz and John McGinn are going to be the holding midfielders after Boubacar Kamara suffered an injury which will keep him sidelined for the rest of the season.

The duo will have the services of Leon Bailey, Jacob Ramsey and Moussa Diaby in front of them. The drop of McGinn in the double pivot will make room for Diaby to operate in the advanced position.

Attack
Ollie Watkins is likely to lead the attacking unit for Aston Villa despite missing a couple of good opportunities in the previous game. He would like to forget the past and put on a special performance for his side in the upcoming game.

https://the4thofficial.net/2024/02/boubacar-kamara-to-miss-the-clash-4-2-3-1-aston-villa-predicted-lineup-vs-fulham/