Saturday Fulham Stuff - 30/03/24...

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Marco Silva addresses Willian's Fulham future
Fulham boss Marco Silva has admitted that he has spoken to Willian about his future with the club.

After spending a year with Corinthians, Willian returned to the Premier League in the summer of 2022, joining Fulham on an initial one-year deal.

Willian looked set to leave Craven Cottage at the end of last season after he allowed his contract to expire amid interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.

However, the Brazilian ultimately decided to sign a new contract with Fulham, penning a new one-year deal with an option to extend by a further 12 months.

With his deal set to expire on June 30, Willian recently stated he will wait until the summer before deciding whether to stay with the club for the 2024-25 campaign.

Silva has now backed up Willian's stance, confirming that he has held conversations with the 35-year-old about his future in West London.

"The Willian situation is more or less the same as last season," the Fulham boss told reporters ahead of Saturday's away meeting with Sheffield United.

"When he first joined us, he signed a one-year deal. During the season I had conversations with him, and we decided to leave it for the end of the season.

"This season I have had some conversations with him throughout this season. He's going to wait until the end of the season. Of course, it's important for a player at his age to assess how's feeling, to analyse the season and then take decisions. Of course, we respect that situation for him."

Willian has been a valuable player for Silva's side this season, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 30 competitive appearances.

Who else is out of contract at Craven Cottage?
In addition to Willian, defender Tosin Adarabioyo is nearing the end of his contract and it is currently unclear whether he will sign a new deal with the club.

With Fulham keen to retain Adarabioyo's services, they are willing to offer him a lucrative deal in a bid to ward off interest from potential suitors.

Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have both been linked with the centre-back, while Italian giants AC Milan have also been mooted as a possible destination.

Fulham are said to be working on a new deal for Bobby Decordova-Reid, whose current contract expires at the end of the campaign.

Goalkeeper Marek Rodak and full-back Kenny Tete are also out of contract, although both of their deals include one-year options.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/transfer-talk/news/marco-silva-addresses-willians-fulham-future_539998.html?newsnow

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Silva: We're full of motivation
Marco Silva knows Fulham will face a Sheffield United side scrapping for their lives when the Premier League programme resumes on Saturday – but insists his side are 'full of motivation' for the final few weeks of the domestic season.

Silva told his pre-match press conference at Motspur Park this afternoon that he expects a tough game at Brammall Lane on Saturday.

"[They are] a team that is going to fight really hard to get the points, definitely. They are not in the position that they wanted, for sure. When you are at the bottom of the table, it's really tough, and every single game that you don't get points you know that you are getting more in trouble, all that stuff.

But the reality is that, with some tough games, even some tough results as well, heavy results for them, they have been showing the capacity to react, and the last game is a good example. They went away from home, a tough place to go, and they were winning the game until the last stages of the match. They got just one point but it was a game where they performed well, they changed their formation, they changed some players as well.

So of course we expect a tough game, it's always tough to play there, with the crowd, all the environment around.

They are going to fight really hard because they still think that the chances are there for them to fight for, and they are going to do it to make it really hard for us."

Silva dismissed the suggestion that Fulham have very little to play for in the closing weeks of the campaign – revealing that he wants to better last season's tenth place finish.

"Full of motivation. You have some obligations, some things that are compulsory for us – it's about motivation, about desire and will to go every single time. Our commitment with the football club and with ourselves is to be always on the top, and it's going to be the same for us every time we play a football match. It's to do our maximum, with 100 per cent motivation. That is the way that I demand them to train every single day, and it would not make sense if we don't do that in the game again."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/silva-were-full-of-motivation/

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Silva wants Muniz to meet raised expectations
Marco Silva has urged Rodrigo Muniz to meet the raised expectations after the Fulham forward's remarkable Premier League scoring run.

The former Flamengo forward has scored seven goals in seven games since being restored to Silva's starting line-up at the beginning of February and the Fulham head coach wants the 22 year-old to continue his improvement.

Silva said:

"The pressure is a privilege for Rodrigo's situation. He is in a much better position now than he was three months ago. Why should he feel so much pressure now? Three months ago he was on the bench and fighting to have a chance to score.

He's playing so well, he's improving and working hard and scoring goals so why should he feel so much pressure now? The defenders are more aware of him and it's fantastic for a striker when you feel the people around you trust that you can solve the problems for us and that you can be a decisive player. I see it as a privilege rather than something which is not good."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/silva-wants-muniz-to-meet-raised-expectations/

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'Willian's situation is same as last season', says Silva
Marco Silva says Willian is going to wait until the end of the season to decide whether he stays at Fulham.

The Fulham boss told his press conference ahead of this weekend's trip to Sheffield United that the Brazilian veteran's future is up in the air – but that he has discussed the matter with the winger.

"The Willian situation is more or less the same as last season. When he first joined us, he signed a one-year deal. During the season I had conversations with him, and we decided to leave it for the end of the season. This season I have had some conversations with him throughout this season. He's going to wait until the end of the season. Of course, it's important for a player at his age to assess how's feeling, to analyse the season and then take decisions. Of course, we respect that situation for him."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/willians-situation-is-same-as-last-season-says-silva/

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Fulham 'unlikely to make Broja loan permanent'
Fulham are unlikely to make Armando Broja's loan permanent at the end of the season, according to the Daily Telegraph's Mark McGrath.

The Chelsea striker has yet to start a game for the Whites since making the deadline day loan switch from the Blues to Craven Cottage after Rodrigo Muniz's remarkable run of the form that has seen the Brazilian striker score seven goals in as many Premier League matches since the start of February.

Broja has had to settle for limited appearances off the bench, but has yet to spend longer on the pitch that the sixteen minutes he managed on debut at Burnley, when the Clarets completed a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to draw 2-2. The Albanian international featured twice for his country during the recent international duty, but was left out of Marco Silva's squad entirely as Fulham beat Tottenham Hotspur before the pause in the Premier League programme.

It remains to be seen whether Broja, initially valued at £50m by Chelsea in the summer, will be involved as Fulham prepare for Saturday;s trip to Sheffield United.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/fulham-unlikely-to-make-broja-loan-permanent/

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Castagne: We'll need to be at our best
Timothy Castagne knows Fulham will need to be at their very best to come home from Sheffield United on Saturday with all three points.

The Fulham full back, who starred for Belgium during the international break, told FFCTV:

"It's [the] Premier League so there's no easy games. We dropped points against Burnley as well, so we can't do that here. We know it is going to be tough, but we need to get the three points. It was tough [at home], they had a good system and it is always tough against a good system. We'll see on Saturday, but if we don't bring our A-game, then we're not going to win.

I think from now on, we don't need to look down. We can just focus on what's above us and try to grab a few more places in the table. That would be nice"



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/castagne-well-need-to-be-at-our-best/

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Silva keen for Fulham fans to fill Cottage
Marco Silva says he has no plans to visit the two Michelin Starred restaurants in Fulham's new Riverside Stand – but hopes the £120m development will take the club to the next level.

Five years after work began on the project, which also features a rooftop swimming pool and spa that overlooks the River Thames, it will finally be fully open midway through next season, with the club selling hospitality packages from April 9.

The stand has been dogged by delays since work first began in June 2019 but it will increase Craven Cottage's capacity to more than 29,000 and also see the club's revenue streams soar, with season tickets available from £3000.

Whites boss Silva said: "What I want to see first is the stand to be full of fans to support us, that is the main thing for me as a manager.

"I understand it is a big project for the club in all aspects, not just football. The people who are taking these decisions feel it is the best for the club. For us football people inside the club it is going to help us on a matchday to have more support.

"Ever since I joined the club I have asked every single month 'When is it going to be ready?' I know that when our ground is full it will make us even stronger at home and it is something that is really important for me.

"If it is going to help us in terms of revenue then that is fantastic as well because it is going to make Fulham stronger.

"But for all the facilities and stuff I won't have time to enjoy this type of thing."

Meanwhile, Silva says Willian's Fulham future will be decided at the end of the season.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-keen-for-fulham-fans-to-fill-cottage

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Chris Wilder's "no chance" Sheffield United warning as Blades look to halt alarming Bramall Lane run v Fulham
Sheffield United boss admits supporters have been let down by Blades' home form in recent weeks

Chris Wilder has warned his Sheffield United players that they must improve their recent disastrous Bramall Lane form if they are to have any chance of surviving in the Premier League this season. The Blades' last home game was a 6-0 hammering by Arsenal, which saw them become the first side in the top four tiers of English football to concede five or more goals in four successive matches on home soil.

Wilder's men are back at Bramall Lane this weekend to face Fulham, having seen Nottingham Forest's points deduction over the international break change the relegation scrap once again. The Blades are now eight points adrift of fourth-bottom Luton - effectively nine because of their poor goal difference - with 10 games of the season in which to pull off the greatest of all escapes.

Despite accepting the size of the challenge facing him and his players Wilder has not yet thrown in the towel - but admits that much rests on their remaining home fixtures, starting with the visit of Marco Silva's side. "If we continue the way we have done over the last four or five games at home then we have no chance," Wilder said. "We have to be defensively tighter with a shape about the team, not giving away anything cheaply. It is something we as staff have addressed.

"Away form is huge, but at home is where the bulk of your points are picked up and we've got to give the fans something. We have let the supporters down more than ourselves, so it is about giving them something to shout about now. The manner of the goals is something we've got to get a grip on."

There was some optimism to come out of a much-improved display away at Bournemouth last time out, which saw United minutes away from what would have been a huge victory before a stoppage-time equaliser saw them head into the international break with just a point to show for their efforts.

"We're coming off the back of a decent performance and result," Wilder added, "so hopefully the spirit and desire is there because the prize at stake is still in front of us. It's still something we believe we can achieve. We're going to have to have positive results from the last 10 games to give ourselves any sort of opportunity. From a tactical point of view how do we go about it? From a physical and mentality point of view, how do we go about it as well?

"All of those things have been discussed over the last two weeks. Of course, your away form is huge but home is where the bulk of your points are picked up and where the majority of your supporters watch you and want to get behind you. We've certainly got to give them something to shout about because we've let them down more than we've let ourselves down over the last three or four games."



https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/chris-wilders-no-chance-sheffield-united-warning-as-blades-look-to-halt-alarming-bramall-lane-form-v-fulham-4573944

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Sheffield United v Fulham

TEAM NEWS

Sheffield United defender Mason Holgate is available after a ban, while Cameron Archer and Anis Ben Slimane could return from injury.

George Baldock is rated "touch and go" by manager Chris Wilder after limping off with a calf problem while on international duty for Greece.

Fulham have no fresh injury worries arising from the international break.

Defender Calvin Bassey returned early from Nigeria duty with a minor problem but is expected to be fit.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

    Fulham could complete their first top-flight double over Sheffield United.
    However, the Cottagers have only won one of their last 10 away games versus Sheffield United in all competitions, beating Chris Wilder's side 5-4 in the Championship in November 2017 (D3, L6).

Sheffield United

    Sheffield United have won just one of their last 12 Premier League games (D3, L8).
    The Blades have suffered three successive home league defeats, conceding 16 goals without reply. In total, they've lost 10 of their 14 league fixtures at Bramall Lane this season.
    They have conceded 42 Premier League goals at home this season, only four short of the record for a single campaign, set by Watford in 2021-22.
    Sheffield United have conceded 74 Premier League goals in total so far in 2023-24. The record for a 38-match season is 89 by Derby County in 2007-08.

Fulham

    The Cottagers have won just two of their 14 Premier League away fixtures this season (D4, L8).
    Rodrigo Muniz has scored seven goals in his last seven Premier League appearances. Since the beginning of February, he has scored more top-flight goals than any other player.
    Alex Iwobi could become the third Fulham player to score in three consecutive Premier League away matches for Fulham, emulating Luís Boa Morte and Heidar Helguson.
    All six of Antonee Robinson's assists for Fulham in the Premier League this season have been from open play; the only defender with more in 2023-24 is West Ham's Vladimir Coufal.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68644068

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Sheffield United vs Fulham – Preview
Bottom of the league Sheffield United host 12th place Fulham on Saturday afternoon. With time running out for the Blades, they will view the game against the Cottagers as a must-win.

Sheffield United very nearly claimed three points against Bournemouth after taking a two-goal lead. Ultimately, Chris Wilder's men were pegged back late on by two of the Cherries' substitutes.

Despite Sheffield United's commendable efforts on the South Coast, the harsh reality persists for the Premier League's lowest-performing team. They are still firmly rooted at the bottom of the division with only 14 points, trailing eight points behind safety.

Saturday's visitors have hit a purple patch of late winning four of their last six games, including a last-gasp away win at Manchester United.

Benefiting from what could be considered as one of Spurs' weakest performances during the Ange Postecoglou era, in their most recent game Fulham dominated their London rivals.

Marco Silva's men demolished them with two goals from Rodrigo Muniz, his sixth and seventh in his last eight Premier League matches, along with a finish from Sasa Lukic. This victory marked the second time this season that Fulham have defeated Tottenham at Craven Cottage, following their EFL Cup shootout triumph.

Team news
The Blades will be without Max Lowe, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Chris Basham, John Egan, Daniel Jebbison. Meanwhile, Wilder revealed in his pre-match press conference that George Baldock will be "touch-and-go". Cameron Archer and Anis Slimane are close to a return.

Silva's Fulham have no injury doubts for Saturday's visit to Bramall Lane.

Players to watch
After scoring his first goal for England's U20's squad in midweek, Oli Arblaster will be brimming with confidence. The young midfielder impressed on his full Premier League debut against Bournemouth, in fact, he ended the game being United's top passer with an 81% completion rate.

The crux of Marco Silva's team is the midfield. Having very good anchors in Joao Palhinha and Sasa Lukic to screen the defence as well as distribute the ball to their danger men such as the flamboyant Andreas Pereira.

Without question the Blades will have to overcome this likely trio if they are to win, and with the confidence and fearlessness of Arblaster he could pose them problems.

Since the beginning of February, Rodrigo Muniz has scored seven goals. In the Premier League, no player has scored more during this period, with only Harry Kane and Jonathan David surpassing him in Europe's top five leagues. With Sheffield United having secured just one clean sheet throughout the entire season, the in-form player must feel confident about his chances of scoring.

Stats
Sheffield United have only managed to win one out of their five Premier League encounters against Fulham, although they have maintained an unbeaten record in matches played at Bramall Lane.

Fulham, often referred to as "The Whites," are aiming to achieve their first league double over Sheffield United since the 2017/18 Championship season. Notably, Fulham have never secured victory against United twice within the same top-flight campaign.

Sheffield United have become only the second team across the top four tiers of English football to concede five or more goals in three consecutive home league matches, a feat previously achieved by Rochdale in Division 3 North back in April 1932.



https://sheffunitedway.co.uk/2024/03/29/sheffield-united-fulham-preview/

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"It was worse for them" – Fulham player says his family 'suffered more' due to injury incident
Fulham's Raúl Jiménez has said that his family were more worried than himself after he suffered a skull fracture in November 2020.

The Mexico international has been speaking to Caliente TV's Burro Van Rankin and one of the topics discussed during a lengthy interview was his head injury. His quotes  are relayed by La Razón.

This incident took place when the Fulham man's former club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, faced Arsenal.

The striker was left on the pitch after a clash of heads with David Luiz, who was then with the Gunners. The 32-year-old received extensive treatment, before being stretchered off the field.

Jiménez has now opened up about the head injury and how he had no clear recollection of what occurred after he went to the ground.

"I don't remember anything about the accident. I remember arriving at the stadium, going to the dressing room and leaving my things, going out to see the pitch, going in to change and from there, I don't remember changing, going out to the match, or anything," he said.

"Nowadays, I remember some things in the hospital, doing some tests with the nurses, some of the meals they took to my bed and some video calls I made with my family."

The Fulham player had a long spell on the sidelines and La Razón now state he valued the 'unconditional and emotional support' received from people close to him. The Mexican has also explained why his family were more impacted with the injury incident.

"I didn't have a lack of memory or anything like that. I was in hospital for five days, but I only remember certain things," Jiménez explained.

"I know how hard the crash was and what could have happened, but I think the people outside and my family suffered more; it was worse for them than for me because I don't remember anything anyway."

Last summer, Jiménez left Wolves for Fulham and he's scored five goals from 25 matches for Marco Silva's side.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/worse-fulham-player-says-family-suffered-due-injury-incident/

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Sheffield United vs Fulham: Preview and Prediction

Relegation-favourites Sheffield United will host an in-form Fulham as the Blades go into their last-chance saloon mode.
Sheffield United fans would have taken a draw before their game against Bournemouth before the international break, but they will want a win over Fulham. What transpired at the Vitality stadium was an unprecedented 2-0 lead for the Blades, although Bournemouth's fightback to claim a draw must have left a bitter taste.

Dango Ouattara and Enes Unal secured a fighting draw for the Cherries, which in turn left Sheffield United in an inevitable position with regards to relegation. They are still mathematically in the equation. But with ten games left to play, Chris Wilder must feel this is that last chance saloon mode for his team.

Sheffield United are bottom of the table with 14 points and have the worst metrics of all teams when it comes to attacking or defending. Another loss or dropped points will accelerate their journey towards an inevitable return to the EFL Championship, as Fulham come to visit them on Saturday.

Fulham had a testing game on their hands before the international break. But Marco Silva's men took full advantage of an unfortunate performance by Tottenham to blow them away. A brace from in-form striker Rodrigo Muniz and a Sasa Lukic strike ensured the Cottagers put a dent in Ange Postecoglou's hope of securing a top-four finish.

After a run of consecutive wins in the Premier League earlier, including victories over Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham continued to show inconsistencies in their results. Their loss to Wolves highlighted that, but they quickly bounced back against Spurs to put themselves in a position to finish in the top half.

Silva must have seen games involving sides coming to Sheffield United and will feel his side must take three points in. a thumping manner. Brighton, Aston Villa and Arsenal have all secured heavy victories at this venue lately, with the Cottagers likely to add to that list on Saturday.

Team News & Tactics
Sheffield United
If Sheffield United suffer relegation, Chris Wilder will rue his luck with injuries this season and might even blame predecessor Paul Heckingbottom for some of the issues. Heading into the final phase of the season, the Blades are still without a host of their critical stars, with as many as five essential players set to miss the game against Fulham.

There are other potential casualties, with Cameron Archer and Anis Ben Slimane both doubtful for the clash. Wilder will hope the duo will make themselves available after a period of rest during the international break.

Wilder will hope to have some contributions from his forward including Ollie McBurnie and Ben Brereton Diaz. Even in midfield, there are some of those who have underperformed, including Vinicius Souza and Gustavo Hamer.

Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Grbic; Baldock, Trusty, Robinson; Bogle, Souza, Arblaster, Hamer, Osborn; Brereton Diaz, McBurnie

Fulham
Marco Silva will be delighted at having a fully fit squad at his disposal at this juncture of the season. The only question mark with player fitness comes in the form of in-form striker Rodrigo Muniz, who felt some tightness in his hamstring areas.

The striker was taken off against Spurs as a precaution and is expected to start up front, as Silva will likely name his most robust lineup to face Sheffield United. Tosin Adarabioyo and Calvin Bassey have given the manager no reasons to ponder changes at the back, and the same goes for full-backs Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson.

Sasa Lukic has given himself every reason to start this game after his performance and goal against Tottenham. He will partner with enforcer Joao Palhinha in the central areas. Andreas Pereira will play the attacking midfield role, with Alex Iwobi and Willian likely to be preferred on the wings.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Adarabioyo, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Palhinha; Iwobi, Pereira, Willian; Muniz

Key Stats

    Sheffield United have conceded at least five goals in each of their last four games at home in all competitions.
    Sheffield United have conceded at least two goals in eight of their last ten matches in the Premier League.
    Sheffield United have the worst defensive record with 74 goals conceded and likewise in the attack with 24 goals scored.
    Fulham have never done the double over Sheffield United in their history.
    There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Fulham's last seven games in the Premier League.

Player to Watch
Rodrigo Muniz
Muniz has steadily entered the conversation of a top Premier League performer and will probably put in his best shift against Tottenham before the international break. The striker will want to continue with his tremendous form and might get a favourable result against Sheffield United.

Considering how bad Sheffield United's defence has been, any striker would dream of such games, and Muniz will undoubtedly relish the prospect of scoring more in this clash. All eyes will be on the striker as he would like to add to his tally and finish the season for Fulham rather strongly.

Prediction
Sheffield United 0-3 Fulham
The Cottagers have been inconsistent this season, but they have also shown a ruthless streak when on song. Considering how bad this Sheffield United side is, Fulham will relish the chance to come here and put in a commanding performance.

Chris Wilder will know his side needs an exceptional performance to have a slim hope of staying alive, but they are set to face a young team at this juncture. Hence, the likelihood of them getting anything will be slender, although the manager will hope to contain Fulham to a limit and that his defence allows a minimal amount of goals, with the Cottagers the clear favourites for this one.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2024/03/29/sheffield-united-vs-fulham-preview-and-prediction/

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Up next: Sheffield United (a)
If Marco Silva wanted a game to demonstrate that Fulham were capable of winning games away from Craven Cottage, then Saturday's fixture against Sheffield United appears the ideal opportunity. Silva expressed disappointment with his side's away form during Thursday's pre-match press conference and revealed that he had spoken to his squad about needing to improve their record on the road. The Cottagers have won just two league matches away from SW6 – a scarcely-deserved victory at Goodison Park on the season's opening weekend and a stunning success at Old Trafford – but Silva was just as insistent that taking on the bottom of the table Blades will be no cakewalk.

Confidence should be high amongst Silva's side given the way they stylishly swatted Spurs' aside before the international break. Rodrigo Muniz added a brace to brilliant form since being reintroduced into the starting line-up at the start of February and the Brazilian striker has shaken off a hamstring problem to be fit and available for selection ahead of the trip to Bramall Lane. Few would have predicted that the 22 year-old would emerge from the shadows to usurp both summer signing Raul Jimenez and deadline day loan arrival Armando Broja, who has barely had a kick since moving from Chelsea in pursuit of more regular first-team football. Silva has backed the striker he signed from Flamengo in the summer of 2021 to live up to the increased expectations after scoring seven goals over the past six weeks – and his sensational scoring form definitely makes Fulham more unpredictable up front.

There is even good news at the other end of the pitch – with Calvin Bassey expected to be available after the injury that saw him return early from international duty with Nigeria appears to not have been as serious as initially feared. Bassey has been brilliant since coming back into Silva's starting eleven and forging a formidable partnership with Tosin Adarabioyo before Christmas. His physicality and ability on the ball has seen him overtake Tim Ream in the defensive pecking order – although Fulham's American veteran is expected to be recognised by the Blades after the way he consoled Chris Basham when the Sheffield United stalwart suffered his horrible injury during the reverse fixture between the sides at the Cottage earlier this season.

That might have been one of the lowest moments of a forgettable season for the Blades, with even the reinstalling of Chris Wilder in the dugout failing to arrest an immediate slide back towards the Championship. There have been a few glimmers of hope in an ultimately infuriating campaign, but most have disappeared almost as quickly as they arrived – like the way the 2-0 advantage at Bournemouth fashioned by goals from Gus Hamer and Jack Robinson was cancelled out by a late leveller from Enes Unal. That galling draw leaves Wilder's men eight points from safety at the foot of the table.

United do at least have a game in hand on relegation rivals Luton but time is fast running out for the Blades to stage one of the top flight's most extraordinary acts of escapology. They have won just one of their last twelve league encounters and will need to draw inspiration from a relatively encouraging recent record against the Cottagers. Wilder is hoping that his attacking resources will be boosted by the return of Cameron Archer and Anis Ben Slimane, who didn't travel for Tunisia's international commitments over the past week or so, from injury – and the manager will also have to mull over whether to pick Vinicius Souza in midfield ahead of Tom Davies.

Fulham are likely to be unchanged but the Londoners will need to match the intensity of the home side, who will be desperate to prove a point in front of home fans, who would be forgiven for feeling underwhelmed by much of the fare they've watched so far this season.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, A. Robinson, Adarabioyo, Bassey; Palhinha, Lukic; Iwobi, Willian, Pereira; Muniz. Subs: Rodak, Tete, Ream, Reed, Cairney, De Cordova-Reid, Wilson, Traore, Jimenez.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/up-next-sheffield-united-a-3/

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Fulham midfielder reveals West Ham United transfer offer
Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha has revealed that he was the subject of a transfer bid from West Ham United last summer.

The Portugal international was on the verge of completing a move to Bayern Munich in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

Palhinha flew to Germany with a view to finalising a transfer, but the move ultimately failed to materialise before the transfer deadline passed.

The 28-year-old subsequently put pen to paper on a new contract with Fulham, extending his deal until June 2028 with an option for a further year.

When asked if the renewal was a result of the failed Bayern move, Palhinha made the surprising omission that West Ham made a bid to sign him before the German giants.

"No. The renewal had already been scheduled since our pre-season training camp in the United States," Palhinha told Portuguese outlet O Jogo.

"At the time, I had received an excellent offer from West Ham and had a conversation with Fulham's owner, who committed himself to renewing my contract.

"I took it as a vote of confidence. I never expected that Bayern would turn up in the final stages of the market."

Palhinha, who joined Fulham from Sporting Lisbon in 2022, has continued to play a key role in his second season with the West London club.

The Portuguese midfielder has started 22 of his 24 Premier League appearances this term, chipping in with three goals and one assist.

Will Palhinha be on the move this summer?
Despite having a long-term contract with Fulham, Palhinha continues to be linked with a move away from Craven Cottage ahead of the summer transfer window.

Last month, Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan admitted that the club would consider "sensible offers" for Palhinha ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been credited with an interest, while it remains to be seen whether Bayern will renew their pursuit.

After returning from international duty, Palhinha's current focus will be on helping Fulham achieve a positive result in Saturday's away league game against Sheffield United.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/transfer-talk/news/fulham-midfielder-reveals-west-ham-transfer-offer_540074.html?newsnow

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Timothy Castagne issues 'tough' Sheffield United warning to Fulham teammates
Latest Fulham news and gossip as Marco Silva and Co. travel to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United in the Premier League with Timothy Castagne sending a warning to his teammates

Fulham defender Timothy Castagne has warned his team not to underestimate Sheffield United in their upcoming Premier League match.

Saturday will see Fulham travel to Bramall Lane to face the Blades in their first match after the international break. The Cottagers are currently in 12th place in the Premier League standings and will have ambitions of climbing into the top half of the table across the final weeks of the season.

Marco Silva's side recorded an impressive 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in the final match before the international break. Now Fulham will be hoping for a repeat performance when they travel to South Yorkshire to face Sheffield United this weekend.

Castagne has explained why, despite the Blades' position in the Premier League table, Fulham must not underestimate their opponents. The Belgium international also explained how previous results should serve as a warning to Fulham.

Speaking to FFCtv, Castagne said: "It's the Premier League, so there are no easy games. We dropped points against Burnley as well, so we can't do that here."

"We know it's going to be tough, but we need to get the three points."

In the reverse fixture in October, Fulham secured a 3-1 victory over the Blades thanks to goals from Bobby De-Cordova Reid, Willian and a Wes Foderingham own goal. However, Castagne is aware that Chris Wilder's team can pose a real challenge.

"It was tough," said Castagne. "They have a good system and it's never easy against a good system."

"So we'll see on Saturday. If we don't bring our A game then we are not going to win."

Currently sitting comfortably in mid-table after winning four of their last six games, Fulham are looking to finish the season strong. With a match against Nottingham Forest following their trip to South Yorkshire, Castagne is keen to keep their momentum going.

"That would be nice (to continue their run of form)," Castagne added.

"From now we can look up and we don't have to look down. We can focus on what's above us and try to grab a few more places in the table."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/timothy-castagne-issues-tough-sheffield-28911979

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Fulham looking to achieve first-time feat against Sheffield United
Fulham will attempt to complete a top-flight double over Sheffield United for the first time in their history.

The Cottagers carried significant momentum into the international period, collecting three wins from their last four matches.

They produced an impressive display to ease to a 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in their final outing before the two-week break.

Fulham will return to action in 12th place and four points adrift of eighth position, which could become a European qualification spot.

They will now attempt to close that gap in Saturday's clash with relegation-threatened Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

The visitors will also be looking to complete their first top-flight double over the Blades after emerging victorious in October's meeting at Craven Cottage.

Bobby Decordova Reid saw his opener cancelled out in the reverse fixture, before a Wes Foderingham own goal and a Willian effort proved enough to secure a 3-1 victory.

While Fulham will be eying another victory on Saturday, they have only managed to win one of their last 10 competitive away meetings with Sheffield United (D3, L6).

The West London club fell to a 4-0 defeat in their most recent trip to Bramall Lane in a Championship fixture in May 2022.

Marco Silva's side have also struggled to produce their best form on the road this term, winning just two of their 14 away league matches (D4, L8).

Muniz, Iwobi could be crucial to Fulham's efforts
Rodrigo Muniz and Alex Iwobi may have key roles to play if Fulham are to claim their third away league win of the season this weekend.

Muniz has scored more Premier League goals than any other player since the start of February, netting seven times in his last seven top-flight appearances.

Iwobi has also been contributing in the final third, finding the net in Fulham's last two away games against Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

As a result of those strikes, the Nigeria international has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Luis Boa Morte and Heidar Helguson by becoming the third Fulham player to score in three successive Premier League away games.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/fulham-looking-to-achieve-first-time-feat-against-sheffield-united_540091.html?newsnow

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Tim Ream's Chris Basham class highlighted ahead of Fulham's Sheffield United trip amid Tom Lockyer point
Tim Ream prepares to face Sheffield United for first time since Chris Basham's horror injury at Fulham last year

Chris Wilder has admitted that the human kindness and decency showed by Tim Ream towards stricken Sheffield United star Chris Basham at Fulham earlier this season will be appreciated when the American international arrives at Bramall Lane this afternoon. Today's clash is the first meeting between the sides since Basham's sickening injury at Craven Cottage back in October.

The injury saw Basham undergo multiple operations and spend significant time in hospital with the 35-year-old Blades legend admitting he is still unsure whether his playing career will continue. The defender has returned to United's Shirecliffe training ground for some gym work but remains some way off a return to action, with the immediate focus on him getting back to day-to-day activities with his family.

Thoughts of that sickening blow in October, and the subsequent delay while Basham received on-field treatment, will come back when Marco Silva's men arrive at Bramall Lane - with Ream, the defender who stayed with Basham after he went down until medical attention arrived, surely assured of a warm reception from the home support ahead of kick-off.

"It's an incredibly competitive sport that we're playing," said boss Wilder, who compared Ream's compassion to the reception after Luton Town defender Tom Lockyer's cardiac arrest at Bournemouth late last year. "But it takes an incredibly vicious, hostile crowd or team to go against the human nature of what happened to Bash or Tom Lockyer down at Bournemouth.

"The attitude of the Luton fans and the supporters at Bournemouth was an understanding that we're all after three points but that there are bigger things to consider. There was that same consideration with the pain that Bash was going through at Fulham. I've had a couple of dealings with Tim and he's a real solid guy and I know what their supporters think of him. He won't be looking for anything but the part Tom and their medical staff will be very appreciated on Saturday."



https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/tim-reams-chris-basham-class-highlighted-ahead-of-fulhams-sheffield-united-trip-amid-tom-lockyer-point-4574224

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Sheffield United v Fulham: Chris Wilder 'enthusiastic as I've ever been' over hands-on role in Blades rebuild
"The mood of everybody at the moment is not great because it's been an incredibly disappointing season so far," says Sheffield United's Chris Wilder in his bid for under-statement of the year.

The Blades have lost 20 of 28 Premier League games this term and go into Saturday's at home to Fulham eight points adrift of safety with only 10 games to make up the gap.

However you want to spruce it up, it has been a pretty miserable season for those who love Sheffield United.

As a boyhood fan, former player and now two-time manager, Wilder certainly falls into that category, yet he claims to be "as enthusiastic as I've ever been."

The reason? He has come in at the start of a period of major change and is not just along for the ride. He is driving it.

A new training ground is in the works, with plans to upgraded the existing one to a "category one" academy so a system churning out youth internationals – Oliver Arblaster scored for England Under-20s this week, Will Osula played for Denmark Under-21s, Sam Curtis for Ireland Under-21s and Ryan One for Scotland Under-19s – to compete on a more level footing with the elite. The recruitment team is being revamped and the medical department looked at afresh.

Such resets happen from time to time at football clubs but increasingly they are not led by the man who picks the team on a Saturday.

But as Wilder likes to stress, the Blades are not like other clubs, they have their own character and culture. As someone who could have a PhD in it, protecting it is his job.

So whilst other head coaches watch a director of football plot the course, at Sheffield United those responsibilities are combined in the manager. Some might moan it is too much for one person but most of Wilder's counterparts would love such influence. Only a few have it.

"Ever since I came back, if you speak to people around me I've been as enthusiastic and more determined than I've ever been," he says.

"I still think why can't I be better than I've been in the past? When you're not successful, why can't you learn from it?

"I've got the best coaching staff I've ever managed. The (playing) group needs a bit of work, they need to be healthy and fit and we possibly need to change a few things in the summer but I'm as enthused determined as I've ever been to get this right and happy to take that responsibility on my shoulders."

Three weeks without a game allowed Wilder to fly to Saudi Arabia and speak to owner Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad Al Saud about where the club should be going.

"The club have always allowed me to manage," he says, proudly.

"There's different ways different clubs are run but I still look at the top ones – Pep (Guardiola, of Manchester City), (Arsenal's Mikel) Arteta, he manages the club, (Liverpool's Jurgen) Klopp. Their infrastructure might be a bit different, they might have some more bodies around them, they might be more established and the set-up might be a little bit stronger but these are established, successful football clubs that not only succeed at domestic level but European and world level.

"You can't micromanage – I get that – but you have to oversee and understand what's going off. We had an academy meeting last week where we were talking about players at under-15 and under-16 level.

"You might lose your job if you don't get results at first-team level but I've still got to do my job, which is ensuring the future of the football club is going in the right direction."

Clubs with disengaged owners rarely do well – just look at Bradford City – and with the club up for sale pretty much since Wilder's first spell as manager ended, that is the worry. For the prince to summon Wilder to Riyadh was promising.

"He's committed but things can change and clubs move in different directions," says Wilder.

"Our relationship was on the road to recovery not long after I left the football club (in 2021) and him offering me the job was the biggest compliment I could have had after I left.

"I want to repay him and the supporters and everybody trying to get the club back on the front foot and winning games of football.

"He'll be totally disappointed but he's in sport and has been for a number of years. He was at Al-Hilal before and his background was football so when he came in, he understood the challenges.

"When it goes well he enjoys it and when it doesn't there's that disappointment for everybody connected to the football club.

"In the ticket office young girls will be starting their career in sales having to deal with people coming in having a moan and a groan.

"Everything's wrong when you lose, everything's great when you win. We're trying to get into a situation where we're winning again."

Doing that on Saturday at a ground where his side have lost their last four matches by an aggregate 21-2 is Wilder's first task but the fact his responsibilities stretch so far beyond that is important.



https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-v-fulham-chris-wilder-enthusiastic-as-ive-ever-been-over-hands-on-role-in-blades-rebuild-4573826

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Khari Ranson and Sam Chapman make debuts for Arsenal U18s against Fulham; Brando Bailey-Joseph gets first callup
U16 players Khari Ranson and Sam Chapman have been given their debuts for Arsenal U18s at home to Fulham today.

Goalkeeper Ranson has previously been on the bench for the U18s and has been capped by England at U16 level. Ranson is very much a modern goalkeeper with impressive distribution.

Centre-back Sam Chapman has impressive leadership skills and featured for Arsenal U17s at the Flamengo Adidas Cup in Brazil earlier this season.

Five other schoolboys start, with Theo Julienne, Louis Zecevic-John, Chido Obi-Martin, Ife Ibrahim and U14 prospect Max Dowman all called upon.

There are a further four schoolboys on the bench, including U15 winger Brando Bailey-Joseph, who receives his first callup at this level.

Goalkeeper Owen Asemota is also on the bench along with Andre Annous and Samuel Onyekachkuwu (previously Samuel Chinedu).

Second year scholar Seb Ferdinand captains the side as he makes his return from injury, while recent signing Brayden Clarke also starts.

Ranson

Julienne-Clarke-Chapman-W. Sweet

Ibrahim

Casey-Dowman

Zecevic John-Obi Martin-Ferdinand

Subs: Asemota, Onyekachukwu, Copley, Annous, Bailey-Joseph.



https://arsenalyouth.wordpress.com/2024/03/30/khari-ranson-and-sam-chapman-make-debuts-for-arsenal-u18s-against-fulham-brando-bailey-joseph-gets-first-callup/

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Alex Iwobi reveals the 'narrow escape' AFCON match that made Jose Peseiro turn the Super Eagles defensive
The three-time African champions played a brand of football that relied more on defensive solidity than attacking brilliance at the AFCON

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened up about the decision of the team's coaches to deploy a defence-first strategy at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire, Soccernet.ng reports.

One of the pre-tournament favourites, Nigeria had a relatively easy opening AFCON match against Equatorial Guinea in Abidjan.

However, the Equatoguineans kept the Super Eagles at bay for half an hour before netting the opener in the 36th minute through Iban Salvador.

Nigeria equalised two minutes later courtesy of a Victor Osimhen header, but the Super Eagles failed to find the winning goal, eventually settling for a 1-1 draw.

Iwobi confessed that the Nigerian contingent felt lucky to have avoided a defeat to Equatorial Guinea.

The Super Eagles were scheduled to face Cote d'Ivoire next, and with the Elephants beating Guinea-Bissau in the tournament opener, Nigeria's head coach, Jose Peseiro, decided a more pragmatic approach was needed against the hosts.

Fulham midfielder Iwobi maintains that the draw with Equatorial Guinea prompted Peseiro to switch to a five-man defensive set-up against Cote d'Ivoire.

The 5-3-2 formation worked wonders as Nigeria defeated the Ivoirians and went all the way to the final, where they faced the Elephants for the second time. Nigeria lost that tie 2-1.

    "We thought it was a lucky escape [against Equatorial Guinea]," Iwobi said, as per Fulham FC.

    "[After that] the manager's gone a bit defensive, put five at the back, and the next game's against the host nation who just won.

    "[After beating Cote d'Ivoire 1-0] Confidence is high thinking, 'yeah this formation sticks, it'll work.' Then we win our next game, go through to the next round and everyone's on a high thinking, 'ok there's a chance we can do something here.'

    "We got to the Final and thought we could beat the host nation again, but it just wasn't meant to be.

    "It does help when you're the host. The fans, you're just seeing orange. So it does play a big part, although we don't think it fazed us. We just couldn't get out of our half with the ball."


Iwobi has five goals and one assist in 23 Premier League games this term for Fulham.



https://soccernet.ng/2024/03/alex-iwobi-reveals-the-narrow-escape-afcon-match-that-made-jose-peseiro-turn-the-super-eagles-defensive.html