Thursday Fulham Stuff - 22/02/24...

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Results

Wednesday 21/01
Liverpool	4-1	Luton

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Man United Starting XI Prediction vs Fulham FC
Believe it or not, Manchester United are undefeated in their last seven across all competitions/every match of 2024. What is even impressive is the from guide: 6W1D.

While a few of these wins have certainly been anything but pretty...if you can get results like this, you'll take 'em! Now comes a visit from Fulham FC, who United beat 1-0 in the reverse fixture, right before the November international break ensued.

Fulham FC at Manchester United FYIs
Kick off: 3pm, Saturday Feb. 24, Old Trafford, Manchester, UK

Man United Preview Content:  On-the-pitch Team News   Off-the-pitch Team News   Starting XI Prediction

PL Position:  Man United   6th, 44 pts    Fulham  12th, 29 pts

Form Guide:  Man United   WWWWD    Fulham   LWDDL

Result Probability: Man United 62%  Fulham 17%   Draw 21%

In order to sweep the season series/keep winning ways going, manager Erik ten Hag will need to find an answer to the injury crisis that he currently has going on in defense.

As it stands, he does not have a fit left back on the roster. We're guessing that central defender Victor Lindelof will have to continue on in that position, sliding over.

Man United Starting XI Prediction vs Fulham FC
Andre Onana; Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof; Scott McTominay, Kobbie Mainoo; Alejandro Garnacho,  Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Rasmus Hojlund



https://www.thesportsbank.net/football/manchester-united/xi-predict-fulham-fc-5/

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Is Fulham's João Palhinha a hot topic again at Bayern Munich?
During the summer, Bayern Munich set their sights on signing Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur for a club-record fee. However, in the process, they failed to focus on other key targets, leaving their hunt for midfield and defensive reinforcement until the late stages of the transfer window.

With the aim of luring in a number six, Der Rekordmeister attempted to sign Fulham's João Palhinha. Nevertheless, the deal collapsed in the final hours of deadline day due to the Premier League club's inability to identify a replacement.

In very un-Bayern Munich fashion, the record champions were unable to land their target—an issue that was not rectified during the winter window. Regardless, as reported by Sky Germany, there is still a possibility that Bayern will turn their attention back to the Portuguese international at the end of the season.

Despite Palhinha signing a new deal until 2028 at the Cottagers, Fulham would be willing to listen to offers, as stated by co-owner Tony Khan: "I want him to stay part of the team for as long as possible, and we were very happy to extend his contract. But if an offer comes along that makes sense for everyone, then you have to weigh it up with each player at the right time."

It is understood that Fulham would demand around €70 million for Palhinha's services, and Der Rekordmeister would face competition from others, such as Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City. Nonetheless, in light of recent performances, it could be a price worth paying.

Countless times this season, Bayern have appeared vulnerable, and this was highlighted in their defeat to VfL Bochum on Sunday evening. When the ball was lost in the final third, there was little protection offered to Bayern's back four, and if they are to compete for silverware next year, then personnel changes will need to be made.



https://www.getfootballnewsgermany.com/2024/is-fulhams-joao-palhinha-a-hot-topic-again-at-bayern-munich/?expand_article=1

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Manchester United team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Fulham
By Matt Law, Football Editor | 21 February 2024

Manchester United will be bidding to make it six wins in a row in all competitions when they welcome Fulham to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

The Red Devils recorded a 2-1 success over Luton Town in the league last weekend, with the result keeping them sixth position in the Premier League table.

However, Erik ten Hag's side are now three points behind fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and five from fourth-placed Aston Villa in the race to secure Champions League football for the 2024-25 campaign.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Man United's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the clash with Fulham, who currently occupy 12th position in England's top flight.

Tyrell Malacia
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

Malacia is now in individual training, as he bids to recover from a knee injury which has required two separate occasions, but he is not yet ready to return to action.

Mason Mount
Status: Out
Type of injury: Calf
Possible return date: Unknown

Mount has recently been back in individual training after recovering from a calf issue, but he will again be unavailable for selection here and is still weeks away from a return.

Lisandro Martinez
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

Central defender Martinez will be out until at least the start of April due to the severe knee injury which he suffered against West Ham United at the start of February.

Anthony Martial
Status: Out
Type of injury: Groin
Possible return date: Unknown

Martial, who has not featured for the Red Devils since early December, has undergone a groin operation which will sideline him until at least the end of March.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Status: Out
Type of injury: Muscle
Possible return date: Unknown

Wan-Bissaka was again absent against Luton last time out due to an issue which he picked up in training, and the defender is now facing more time on the sidelines.

Luke Shaw
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Unspecified
Possible return date: February 24 (vs. Fulham)

Shaw was substituted at the interval of the clash with Aston Villa on February 11; he was passed fit to face Luton but was then substituted before the interval of that clash, and he is therefore a major doubt for the game with Fulham.

MANCHESTER UNITED SUSPENSION LIST
Man United have no players suspended for Saturday's match.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/injury-news/injuries-and-suspensions/man-united-injury-suspension-list-vs-fulham_537199.html?newsnow

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Shaw, Mount & Wan-Bissaka: Man Utd injury news and return dates ahead of Fulham clash
The latest Manchester United injury news ahead of the Premier League match against Fulham.

Manchester United may have successfully navigated a tricky fixture away to Luton Town at the weekend, but victory came at a cost, with Luke Shaw forced from the field with an injury for the second match in a row – and the full-back joins a fairly long list of injury worries ahead of Saturday afternoon's meeting with Fulham in the Premier League.

As many as six first-team players will most likely miss the match against the Cottagers, with the defence in particular a point of concern once again. We've brought together all of the latest injury updates below, along with what we know about potential return dates.

Luke Shaw
Erik ten Hag couldn't offer a positive assessment of Shaw's fitness after the game against Luton, simply saying that "it doesn't look great" after the England international limped off in the first half – having been substituted due to a knock against Aston Villa in the preceding game.

It has now been reported that Shaw has suffered a serious hamstring injury which could keep him out for up to three months, meaning his season is likely to be over. No surgery is required, at least, but if the reports prove to be true then it would be a bitter blow for Ten Hag, especially with injuries elsewhere in defence.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The former Crystal Palace right-back has been dogged by injuries all season and was hurt again ahead of the FA Cup win over Newport County with a leg injury – and has since suffered another setback after damaging his thigh in training shortly before the game against Villa.

On Friday, Ten Hag told reporters that Wan-Bissaka will not return for "some weeks" due to the fresh injury issue, and he will not feature against Fulham. An exact return date has not been offered, but he should be back in action at some point next month.

Mason Mount
Another player who has terrible luck with injuries over the course of the campaign. The 25-year-old has made just 12 appearances since signing from Chelsea in the summer, and he has struggled with a persistent thigh injury since November.

Despite having been initially touted for a January return, Mount has still not made the matchday squad and Ten Hag said that he too would be "some weeks" away from a return before the Luton game. The Dutchman has previously stated that he "absolutely" expects Mount to play again this season, but that United would not rush him back and would prioritise his long-term fitness.

Lisandro Martínez
Ten Hag described the World Cup winning centre-half as a "fighter" after his latest injury setback, and added that "we think he will still be back by the end of the season" despite having to leave the field with knee ligament damage during the West Ham game. It is estimated that he will be out for around two months, with the end of March being the most optimistic return date.

With the Argentine out and occasional central defender Shaw a doubt, it is likely that Harry Maguire and Raphaël Varane will continue as the centre-half pairing of choice for the foreseeable future.

Anthony Martial
Martial underwent successful surgery on a groin injury in January and the club stated at the time that he would be out for 10 weeks – which means he will likely next be available for selection at the beginning of April. The 28-year-old will hope to have the chance to play a few games in the run-in as a likely farewell before his contract expires in the summer.

Tyrell Malacia
The Dutch left-back continues rehabilitation after undergoing two surgeries on a serious knee injury. Like Mount, he had initially been earmarked for a January comeback, but setbacks in his recovery mean that he is no closer to making the playing squad. United have kept details of his return under wraps for now, but he is unlikely to feature for several weeks at the very least.



https://www.3addedminutes.com/sport/football/manchester-united/shaw-mount-wan-bissaka-man-utd-injury-news-return-dates-ahead-fulham-clash-4527313

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Fulham chief confirms club will listen to offers for Joao Palhinha
Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan has revealed the club would consider offers that "make sense" for midfielder Joao Palhinha.

The Portugal international was on the verge of completing a move to Bayern Munich on the final day of last summer's transfer window.

Although Palhinha travelled to Germany ahead of the anticipated transfer, the move ultimately failed to materialise before the transfer deadline passed.

After seeing the proposed deal fall through, Palhinha subsequently agreed to extend his contract with Fulham until the summer of 2028 with an option to extend by a further year.

Despite appearing to commit his long-term future to the club, the 28-year-old continues to be linked with a move away from Craven Cottage.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea have all been credited with an interest, while there is a possibility that Bayern could decide to renew their pursuit.

With uncertainty surrounding Palhinha's future, Khan has admitted he will listen to sensible offers despite being keen to retain the midfielder's services.

Khan told talkSPORT: "Palhinha is a phenomenal player and I think Joao's acclimation to the Premier League has shown that he is an amazing player.

"He's a huge part of the core of Fulham and we love having him here. I would want him as part of the team for as long as possible and we were very happy to extend his contract.

"But if an offer came along that would make sense for everyone I think that's something you have to consider with every player at the right time.

"We wanted to keep him and we have kept him, he's staying with us and there's a lot of demand for Palhinha. He was a great signing for us."

Palhinha continues to be a regular fixture in Marco Silva's side, having started 21 of his 22 Premier League appearances this term.

However, he will have to sit out the next two games against Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion due to suspension after he picked up his 10th yellow card of the Premier League season in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/chelsea/transfer-talk/news/fulham-chief-confirms-club-will-listen-to-offers-for-palhinha_537211.html?newsnow

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Fulham striker 'grew' during his difficult Middlesbrough loan spell
Fulham boss Marco Silva believes striker Rodrigo Muniz is now reaping the rewards from his tricky loan spell at Championship side Middlesbrough last seaso.

The 22-year-old has scored four in his last three outings in the Premier League, bagging a brace in the 3-1 win over Bournemouth and scoring in the 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa last weekend.

Brazilian Muniz spent last season on loan with Boro but only featured 17 times, playing just 12 minutes of Championship football in the second half of the campaign.

The former Flamengo youngster is leading the line for Silva, keeping deadline day loan signing Armando Broja on the bench.

Silva said: "Last season unfortunately wasn't the best on the pitch. The loan, we decided something for him, was not the best.

"Some difficulties for him to face, and sometimes even if you don't grow playing football matches you can grow in a different way.

"It was a moment for him to think about himself, what he should do, to be in a good level, and of course he came back.

"It's a really competitive position right now, with Armando [Broja] here – he is a player we really believe that came to help us and reach a different level."

Fulham head to Manchester United on Saturday as they look to stop Erik ten Hag's side from recording their fifth straight Premier League win.



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/fulham-striker-grew-during-his-difficult-middlesbrough-loan-spell/

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The Sean Davis Column
It's going to be a little bit sore on Sunday when the Carabao Cup Final is on, as we'll be thinking that it could have been us. I remember when we went out in the FA Cup Semi-Final in 2002, I couldn't bring myself to watch the Final. For Fulham to go on a cup run and get to the Semi-Finals was fantastic. The players will be disappointed but they've got to pick themselves up. No hard luck – hopefully we will have gone out to the winners and Liverpool will beat Chelsea, I'm sure most Fulham fans will want that to be the outcome! I think a lot of people probably wanted to see a different Final, but never mind. When I look back on my career, sometimes I think maybe we could have gone for a cup a bit more. A lot of the time in my playing days, the manager would use those competitions as a breeding ground for the younger players, which is good, but equally you want to reach cup finals, you want to win trophies. Hopefully getting so close this year will see us push on next time and get to Wembley.

We go to Man United away in the next game with nothing to lose really. They're back in form, despite maybe not playing especially well, they're digging out results. We can go there with nothing to be fearful of as we always give them a good game. We deserve to have beaten them at least once recently. We created enough chances but just weren't quite able to punish them. The cliché is that goals change games, and the timing of a goal can change the game. We've been on top against United a lot the last couple years without really making the most of it, and when you don't take chances against the big boys, you know they're going to come back at you.

For us to go there and get something out of the game, obviously we're going to have to be hard to beat, when we do get the ball we're going to have to be brave on it, keep it, and they've shown this season that teams can get at them. Luton did really well against them, got a lot of balls into the box and kept the ball well, so we need to do that, quieten the crowd for the first 20 minutes, and then try and take our chances.

Rodrigo Muniz has had to be patient and work hard for his chance, so it's great to see him doing so well now. For strikers, it's a confidence thing – they get a couple and then they go on runs. It's like London buses, you wait ages for one and then three or four come at once, which is exactly what's happened with Rodrigo. Hopefully he keeps scoring, and if he does then Raúl Jiménez is going to have to work his way back in. The manager is not going to change his striker when he's currently on fire. It's really good competition for places now, which is testament to Rodrigo's professionalism. He's also got Armando Broja breathing down his neck, a striker I really like. He's very powerful, he runs the channels. We've got a lot of players who can feed him and, like with all our strikers, hopefully he can build relationships with the two wide players and Andreas Pereira in behind.

It was fantastic to see Tom Cairney and Tim Ream commit their futures recently. That will take them to 10 years at Fulham, and I can't speak highly enough of the pair of them. They've both been through a lot at the Club, the ups and downs of promotions and relegations. TC has had to come back from injuries, while Tim showed great character having previously not really been given a chance in the Premier League. He was genuinely one of our best players last season. They've both surpassed 300 appearances for Fulham now, and that number would be much greater for TC if he hadn't suffered with injury. He'd have a lot more goals and assists, too. I never had any doubt that, if given the chance, both would prove themselves as top, top Premier League players, and fingers crossed we've still got a few more years of those two in black and white.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/february/21/the-sean-davis-column/

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Fulham boost performance and medical data strategies with Kitman Labs deal
February 21 – Premier League Fulham have announced a new partnership with global enterprise software platform Kitman Labs.

The partnership will enable the Premier League club's medical and performance data team to access Kitman Labs' Performance Medicine, Performance Optimisation and Coaching & Development Solutions.

By incorporating medical, performance, and talent development data, Fulham's teams will have access to a unified interactive platform. The objective is to elevate player performance outcomes and provide valuable insights into talent development strategies.

Kitman Labs and the Premier League announced the launch of the Football Intelligence Platform for all Academies last month – a partnership that has encouraged the move towards Fulham.

"The traditional approach to simply collecting medical and performance data will no longer suffice.  We needed a single system that combines diverse sets of data across the organization. One that ensures accuracy of information, allows the information to be shared and utilized in real time, and supports planning and player health and development with actionable insights" said Chris Hanson, head of medical at Fulham.

Kitman Labs' technology has been adopted by several clubs in Europe, including Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Sporting Lisbon.

"We're thrilled to be working with Fulham FC – one of the most accomplished and storied football clubs in the English Premier League – helping to bring innovation to how medical and performance data and analytics are being leveraged across the entire organization to inform strategy and decision-making with objective, analytics-based insights," said Stephen Smith, CEO and Founder of Kitman Labs.

Fulham travel to Old Trafford for their Saturday afternoon showdown versus Manchester United in the Premier League. They currently sit 12th in the league table, with 29 points from 25 games.



https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/02/21/fulham-boost-performance-medical-data-strategies-kitman-labs-deal/

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Fulham talent celebrates debut for loan club as Calvin Bassey and Willian react
Fulham talent Tyrese Francois has celebrated a debut for loan club Velje on Monday evening with Calvin Bassey offering support.

Fulham pushed through an incoming deal late on deadline day as Armando Broja arrived on loan from Chelsea.

There was also an outgoing deal as midfielder Tyrese Francois completed a loan switch to Danish club Velje.

23-year-old Francois joined the Fulham ranks way back in 2013 as his family moved from Australia to England.

First-team chance have been hard to come by though, totalling just 396 minutes across 11 appearances.

Francois needs to be playing regularly and he has now been given that chance over in Denmark, joining Velje until the summer.

Tyrese Francois celebrates Velje debut
Francois turned out for Velje for the first time on Monday night, appearing as a substitute in a 0-0 draw against Aarhus GF.

The midfielder couldn't help turn the game in Velje's favour but is still delighted to have made his first appearance for the club.

Francois took to Instagram to state 'first run out in [red and white], let's keep fighting'.

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey showed his support with a heart emoji whilst striker Rodrigo Muniz stated 'vamos'.

Willian posted a rocket emoji and there were also messages from loaned-out Fulham goalkeeper George Wickens and former Fulham talents Sonny Hilton and Sylvester Jasper.

It's clear that Francois remains popular in the Fulham squad and even with some prospects who have left the club.

Francois needs to make this spell count as his contract expires at the end of the season.

Fulham do have an option to extend the deal by another year, but it's unclear whether that will be taken up with Francois now loaned out.

Francois will be looking to shine one way or another; either to convince Velje into signing him, to put himself in the shop window or to prove himself to Fulham.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/02/21/fulham-talent-celebrates-debut-for-loan-club-as-calvin-bassey-and-willian-react/

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Fan Advisory Board

Following the publication of the Club's Fan Engagement Plan in September 2023, we are pleased to announce details of how supporters can become candidates to serve on a new official Fan Advisory Board (FAB).

FORMATION OF THE FAB

The formation of the Fan Advisory Board (FAB) follows the launch of the Premier League's Fan Engagement Standard (FES) last year.

The Standard, which embraces the unique identity of each club and its supporter base, is part of league-wide measures designed to ensure long-term meaningful engagement underpinning clubs' commitment in this area. The Fan Engagement Standard establishes a clear required framework for supporter engagement.

Fulham FC's Fan Advisory Board, which will officially be established before the end of the current 2023/24 season, will consist of up to eight fan members who will meet formally with Club officials - including the Club's Nominated Board Level Official for fan engagement - to discuss a range of off-pitch topics and issues of importance to both the Club and supporters.

Having successfully worked with supporter groups over many years, the FAB will serve as Fulham Football Club's official advisory organisation and be recognised by the Club accordingly. The creation of the Club's first FAB reinforces our ongoing commitment to fan engagement.

The introduction of the FAB also presents an exciting opportunity for a wider representation of fans to collaborate with the Club and help inform key strategic decisions.
COMPOSITION OF THE FAB

The FAB will meet three times per season, and will cover any one or more of the following areas:

    The Club's short and long-term strategic vision & objectives;
    Important Club general updates & commercial matters;
    Matchday & non-matchday operations - including the home and away Fulham fan experience for Men's, Women's and Academy matches;
    The Club's local community commitments & EDI strategy;
    Fan engagement and developing and continuing to build the Club's domestic and international fanbase;
    Fan behaviour & support;
    Proposals of significant changes to any club heritage items; and
    Environmental sustainability.

The selection of members for the Club's FAB will be reflective of our diverse community and fan base.  The Club welcomes representation from supporter groups who currently meet monthly with club representatives. Correspondingly, each of the following groups are welcomed to put forward a selected board member who will represent each organisation within the FAB:

    x1 representative from the Fulham Supporters' Trust ('FST'); and
    x1 representative from the Fulham Disabled Supporters' Association ('DSA')

To ensure representation from across the Fulham supporter base, the remaining membership of the FAB will be selected via an open application system which seeks to include:

    x4 representatives from domestic Fulham supporters (e.g. Season Ticket Holders for Fulham Men's and/or Women's teams, Club Members, Seasonal Hospitality Members);
    x1 representative from an international Fulham supporter (e.g. part of a registered overseas Fulham supporter's group); and
    x1 representative who is a Fulham supporter and participates in Fulham FC Foundation's programmes (excluding Club or Fulham FC Foundation staff).

Applications are welcome from all supporters aged 16 years and above.

The Club, acting through the Selection Panel described below, shall determine any applications in its absolute discretion. Once the FAB is fully constituted, the Selection Panel shall appoint the Chair of the FAB.

Any applications made by persons under 18 must be accompanied by written consent of their parents / guardians. Should a junior supporter be selected to join the FAB, we would ask that they attend meetings with an accompanying adult.
FAB APPLICATIONS

Supporters are now invited to apply for a position on the FAB, with applications open until Friday 8th March 2024.

Once the application period closes, a Selection Panel consisting of members of the following groups will carefully review, shortlist and select candidates for the FAB:

    The Club's Nominated Board Level Official for fan engagement;
    Fulham FC's Management Board;
    The Club's Supporter Liaison Officer;
    Representative from Fulham FC Foundation; and
    Representative from the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion group.

APPLY NOW

To apply, please complete the FAB Membership form via the button below, sharing why you would like to sit on the Fan Advisory Board.

Supporters will need to demonstrate that they have read and understood the Fan Advisory Board Terms of Reference, also available to view below.

We politely ask that anyone who applies does so with the desire to actively participate and engage with the Club on fan-related matters.

High demand is expected, and therefore the Club will only contact those supporters who have been shortlisted.

We would like to thank all supporters who apply, and updates will be shared across Club channels throughout the process.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/february/21/fan-advisory-board/