Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 02/04/24...

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Reedy: Fond Forest Memories

Harrison Reed is hoping for a repeat performance of our most recent trip to the City Ground, when we face Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.

Last season was a classic under the lights, with Fulham scoring three goals in seven minutes to secure a 3-2 win over our fellow promoted side, with Reed opening his account for the Club with what proved to be the winner.

Asked if he's hoping for similar on Tuesday, he replied: "Yeah, I could do with a goal to be fair! I haven't scored too many since that day.

"In the second half we blew them away a little bit. We were 1-0 down at half-time and then we scored three quick goals.

"It was my first goal for Fulham and my first goal in the Premier League, so that was a special night for me. Hopefully we can recreate that again."

Forest's recent points deduction saw them slip into the relegation zone, and Reed knows they will be fighting for their lives in each of their eight remaining fixtures.

"Really, really tough place to go," he said of the City Ground. "The crowd are right behind them.

"Obviously with the points deduction that they've received, there's going to be that extra bit of momentum and motivation for them.

"Always a tough place to go, tough team to play against. I think every team in the Premier League needs respect, but we'll respect ourselves first and we'll go there and try and get the three points, for sure."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/april/01/reedy-fond-forest-memories/

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Kudus the star of Premier League Team of the Week
After three weeks, a full slate of thrilling Premier League action returned over the Easter weekend. Here, we've taken a look at the round's standout performers, with Burnley, Brighton, Brentford, Chelsea, Manchester City, West Ham, Sheffield United and Fulham all represented in our XI.


Arijanet Muric (Burnley) - 8.63
Burnley goalkeeper Arijanet Muric made just his second league start of the season at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The 25-year-old, who turned in a fine performance in the Clarets' win over Brentford before the international break, improved on that rating here. Muric made a whopping 11 saves in total, while he also made three high claims and one tackle to take home a WhoScored rating of 8.63.

Dara O'Shea (Burnley) - 7.91
Republic of Ireland defender Dara O'Shea netted his second-ever Premier League goal as Burnley secured a deserved point against Chelsea on Saturday. O'Shea also contributed with a tackle, an interception, four clearances and two blocks to earn himself a WhoScored rating of 7.91.

Lewis Dunk (Brighton) - 7.72
Brighton may have narrowly lost out at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, but Seagulls captain Lewis Dunk earns a spot in our team of the week. In a strong defensive display, the 32-year-old won four aerial duels, made one tackle, three interceptions, eight clearances and three blocks to land a WhoScored rating of 7.72.

Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford) - 7.62
Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer made it goals in back-to-back Premier League matches when he netted a late, late equaliser for the Bees against Manchester United on Saturday evening. Ajer's 98th-minute strike followed a solid defensive showing in which the Norwegian made two tackles, one interception, three clearances and three aerial wins to register a WhoScored rating of 7.62.

Cole Palmer (Chelsea) - 9.20
Cole Palmer's tally of goal involvements for Chelsea in the Premier League this season surpassed 20 when he scored both of the Blues' goals in their draw with Burnley on Saturday. Palmer has now scored or assisted in his last three league matches, and five of his last six. The 21-year-old found the net against the Clarets with two of nine attempts on goal, while he also made five key passes and completed three dribbles on his way to a WhoScored rating of 9.20.

Rodri (Manchester City) - 8.25
Sunday's title showdown between Manchester City and Arsenal may not have lived up to the billing, but that was not to stop Rodri from turning in yet another formidable display in the middle of the park. City's No.16 completed a total of seven dribbles against the Gunners, at least four more than any other player on the pitch. Rodri also made three key passes, 10 accurate long balls, one tackle and one clearance to earn a WhoScored rating of 8.25.

Josh Cullen (Burnley) - 8.58
Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen netted his first-ever Premier League goal in some style at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, as he volleyed home from outside of the box to bring the visitors level just two minutes into the second half. Cullen, who also made an interception and three key passes, then went on to provide the assist for Dara O'Shea to equalise for the Clarets in the 81st minute.

Mohammed Kudus (West Ham) - 9.34
With a WhoScored rating of 9.34, West Ham star Mohammed Kudus is our Premier League player of the week after his performance against Newcastle. Despite ultimately being on the losing side at St James' Park, Kudus was instrumental in everything that the Hammers did well, as they took a 3-1 lead shortly after half time. The former Ajax man both scored and assisted in a Premier League match for the very first time, while he also made five tackles, two key passes and six successful dribbles in a sensational individual display.

Ben Brereton (Sheffield United) - 8.90
Sheffield United loanee Ben Brereton made it four goals in five league appearances for the Blades when he bagged a brace against Fulham on Saturday. The 24-year-old put the hosts ahead after 58 minutes, before turning provider for Oliver McBurnie 10 minutes later and adding the hosts' third another two minutes later. The Chilean attacker also made two tackles, one clearance, two blocks and one key pass to post a WhoScored rating of 8.90.

Oliver McBurnie (Sheffield United) - 8.69
Joining Ben Brereton in our team of the week is teammate Oliver McBurnie, with whom the former combined so effectively in Saturday's draw with Fulham. Like Brereton, McBurnie both scored and assisted against the Whites, as he set up the home side's opener before restoring their lead 10 minutes later with just his fifth league goal of the season. McBurnie also won a total of eight aerial duels, made two tackles and two clearances to take home a WhoScored rating of 8.69.

Rodrigo Muniz (Fulham) - 8.56
On the opposing side at Bramall Lane was Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz, who has been a revelation in recent weeks. The 22-year-old Brazilian continued his remarkable goalscoring form in spectacular fashion, finding the net with an acrobatic effort in stoppage time to help the visitors to a point. That strike was Muniz's eighth in his last eight league matches; no Premier League player has scored more since the beginning of February than the Fulham man.



https://www.whoscored.com/Articles/aeSqeUmAH0qhkQlK-xrCzg/Show/Kudus-the-star-of-Premier-League-Team-of-the-Week

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Rodrigo Muniz injury: Fulham striker contending with issue before Nottingham Forest trip, Marco Silva confirms
Brazilian has been dealing with an ankle issue despite scoring magnificent equaliser away to Sheffield United on the weekend

Marco Silva says Rodrigo Muniz is still "not 100 per cent" fit after he suffered an ankle injury during the international break, but hopes the Brazilian will be fit for Fulham's match at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.

Muniz is in blistering form after scoring eight goals in his last eight league games — the most of any Premier League player in 2024 — but had to pass a late fitness test before starting in the 3-3 draw with Sheffield United on Saturday, in which he scored a late equaliser.

The 22-year-old is still carrying swelling on his ankle and will be given a final assessment after training on Monday to determine his readiness to face Forest.

"He twisted his ankle during the international break", Silva explained. "He had a bad injury. He was out of training for eight days. There was really bad swelling in that ankle. He did well to get fit again.

"Luckily, he is reacting well from the game. I had a chat with him yesterday. The feedback from the medical staff looks like he is probably going to be okay for the match. He's not 100 per cent.

"We are going to assess him again [on Monday]. He got that injury ten days before the match."

Besides Muniz, Silva has a clean bill of health for his team ahead of their away game at Forest, who Fulham thrashed 5-0 in the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage back in December.

Silva said: "We keep assessing the players from Saturday's match. We don't have anything serious from the last game. We are probably going to have all the players for the match."

Fulham have scored 46 league goals so far this term, and Silva believes his team will beat last season's tally of 55 by the end of the campaign.

"The last two or three months, not just in terms of goals but in terms of chances created, the team is really growing," he continued. "We probably should have been scoring more. I really believe we are going to achieve it.

"It's nice that everybody notices we have good options [up front]. At the beginning of the season, everyone was saying we were going down because we didn't have options. That's how football changes so quickly."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/rodrigo-muniz-injury-fulham-fc-nottingham-forest-b1148749.html

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Silva confident Muniz will be fit for Forest
Marco Silva is confident that in-form forward Rodrigo Muniz will be fit for Fulham's trip to Nottingham Forest tomorrow night.

The Brazilian striker, who scored a sensational stoppage time equaliser to rescue a point at Sheffield United on Saturday, passed a late fitness test to be involved at Bramall Lane after injuring his ankle during the international break.

Silva told his pre-match press conference this morning:

"He twisted his ankle during the international break. He had a bad injury. He was out of training for eight days. There was a lot of swelling in that ankle. He did well to get fit again.

Luckily, he is reacting well from the [Sheffield United] game. I had a chat with him yesterday. The feedback from the medical staff is that he is probably going to be okay for the match. He is not 100 per cent. We are going to assess him again [before the Nottingham Forest match]".

Silva confirmed that Fulham have no other injury concerns ahead of their visit to the City Ground.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/silva-confident-muniz-will-be-fit-for-forest/

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Pre-Forest Press Conference
Marco Silva feels as though Fulham are stronger now than when we last faced Nottingham Forest.

A magnificent week in December saw us secure two 5-0 wins in five days against the Reds and West Ham United, but our Head Coach believes that his side are an even better outfit at the moment.

"That was a really strong week for us, with two back-to-back 5-0s at home," he said in his press conference on Easter Monday.

"As a team, I have to say that we are stronger right now, we are in a better moment than that December when we played against them, even if they were two impressive performances and results for us.

"They are in a position that they don't want to be, and it's going to be a team that is going to fight really hard to get out of that position.

"We know that but, at the same time, we want to fight for the points because we want to keep climbing the table and go for the higher positions in the table if we can."

Forest have won just one of their last 10 Premier League games, but when asked if they've been better than that run suggests, Silva replied: "Yes, I really believe [that] and I have this feeling as well because I know what is their value collectively.

"When you look at each player they have on the pitch, players that they have on the bench as well, you can see the individual quality they have.

"When you can play in your attacking line with [Chris] Wood, of course [Taiwo] Awoniyi is not ready, but after with [Anthony] Elanga, [Callum] Hudson-Odoi, [Morgan] Gibbs-White, [Divock] Origi, all these players they have around their attacking areas, you see the quality, the individual quality they have.

"Of course, we are aware of it, it's a game that is going to demand ourselves to be at our best level to be able to win the game."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/april/01/pre-forest-press-conference/

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Forest Matchday Preview
Nottingham Forest v Fulham | Tuesday 2nd April | 7.30pm | City Ground | #NFOFUL

The opposition

    A four-point deduction handed out to Forest for breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules recently had them drop into the relegation zone, though Saturday's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace saw them climb back up to 17th courtesy of a superior goal difference to Luton Town.
    Wins have been hard to come by of late for Forest, with a 2-0 victory over West Ham in mid-February the last time that they took maximum points from a game. They are unbeaten in their last two, though, with that Palace draw preceded by a result of the same scoreline with relegation rivals Luton.
    The Reds have relied heavily on the goals of Chris Wood this season, with his intelligent header at the weekend taking him into double figures in the league this season.

Forest team news

Willy Boly missed the Palace draw with an injury he picked up on international duty and will be assessed ahead of Tuesday. Taiwo Awoniyi, Gabriel Montiel and Nuno Tavares are all expected to miss out.

Fulham team news

The Whites should have a full squad to choose from for our trip to the Midlands.

Tickets

Fans can continue to purchase tickets until 1pm on matchday, either in person or over the phone (0203 871 0810). The Ticket Office is closed on Bank Holiday Monday.

Weather

There is a chance of rain during the game, with temperatures around 11 degrees.

Player insight

Harrison Reed expects a galvanised Forest side on Tuesday, but says Fulham will be concentrating on ourselves first and foremost.

"Obviously with the points deduction that they've received, there's going to be that extra bit of momentum and motivation for them," he said.

"Always a tough place to go, tough team to play against. I think every team in the Premier League needs respect, but we'll respect ourselves first and we'll go there and try and get the three points, for sure."

Coverage

The match will be shown live on TNT Sports, while FFCtv subscribers can listen to commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid.

Form

Forest: LLLDD

Fulham: WWLWD

Top scorers

Forest: Chris Wood (10)

Fulham: Rodrigo Muniz (8)



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/april/01/forest-matchday-preview/

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Reed wants to rekindle Forest magic
Harrison Reed hopes to rekindle some special memories when Fulham travel to Nottingham Forest tomorrow night – having opened his account for the club at the City Ground last season.

The industrious midfielder scored the winner in a rollercoaster 3-2 win over Forest last year, when Marco Silva's side claimed a memorable win after coming from behind.

Reed told the club's official website this morning:

"Yeah, I could do with a goal to be fair! I haven't scored too many since that day. In the second half we blew them away a little bit. We were 1-0 down at half-time and then we scored three quick goals. It was my first goal for Fulham and my first goal in the Premier League, so that was a special night for me. Hopefully we can recreate that again."

Reed knows the Whites will face a tough challenge – with Forest buoyed by coming from a goal down to earn a point against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

"Really, really tough place to go. The crowd are right behind them. Obviously with the points deduction that they've received, there's going to be that extra bit of momentum and motivation for them. Always a tough place to go, tough team to play against. I think every team in the Premier League needs respect, but we'll respect ourselves first and we'll go there and try and get the three points, for sure."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/reed-wants-to-rekindle-forest-magic/

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EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd target Barkley and Adarabioyo for summer window
Manchester United have turned their attention to Ross Barkley of Luton Town and Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo in a bid to bolster their squad depth, FootballTransfers has been told.

The club are looking to reinforce their midfield and defence and are anticipating a number of key departures in the summer window.

Barkley was brought to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Nice last season, netting four goals in 28 games, and has rejuvenated his career this season with the Hatters, with eight contributions in 25 Premier League matches.

Man Utd believe Barkley fits the bill as a versatile and experienced player, while Adarabioyo has been a standout performer for Fulham.

Adarabioyo's contract ends at Craven Cottage in June while it's not clear if Barkley will extend an extra year at Luton. The belief is that the pair would represent a low-risk acquisition.

Adarabioyo's contract ends at Craven Cottage in June while it's not clear if Barkley will extend an extra year at Luton. The belief is that the pair would represent a low-risk acquisition.

Indeed, the club are going to go 'all in' for Branthwaite ahead of the summer transfer window - but Manchester City and Newcastle have emerged as contenders for the England international's signature, too, as previously reported.

Sources have told us that it won't be smooth sailing for the Red Devils as Real Madrid are keen on the Everton defender, too, while Man City and Newcastle are also admirers, though it's believed to be unlikely that the centre-back opts to make a move to St James' Park.

How much would Jarrad Branthwaite cost?
We were told that Everton will ask for around £75 million for Branthwaite in the upcoming window, though there is an idea that an initial £65m will be enough for Man Utd if add-ons make up the rest of Everton's valuation.

The Toffees are reluctant to see the defender leave Goodison Park - but their situation around the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Regulations means that they will look to offload the player, who is one of their biggest assets.



https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/tag/exclusive-newsnow/exclusive-man-utd-target-barkley-and-adarabioyo-for-summer-window

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Nottingham Forest vs Fulham: Preview and Prediction

Relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest are all set to host 12th-placed Fulham in search of three important points.
Fulham will look to return to winning ways when they hit the road to square up against Nottingham Forest, who have struggled for wins of late. A defeat here could see the home team fall into the drop zone.

The Tricky Trees are currently 17th on the points table with 22 points out of their 30 matches after being handed a four-point deduction during the international break for breaching Premier League's financial rules. They are level on points with 18th-placed Luton Town and if they want to avoid dropping into the relegation zone, they will have to secure all three points.

Nottingham Forest have been winless since mid-February when they won 2-0 against West Ham. Post that fixture, they lost three league games in a row and their last two outings have ended in a draw. They are not in the best of forms, but it is a must-win and they will look to step up their game.

Meanwhile, Fulham are 12th on the points table with 39 points in their 30 outings. The Cottagers do not have to worry about being involved in the relegation battle as they have a 17-point advantage over the 18th-placed team. But, they will still be eager to win and push to finish as high as possible.

The visitors have won three out of their last five league games but are heading into this one on the back of a 3-3 draw against Sheffield United. While it was not the ideal result, they came back from two goals behind to claim that point, and it will give them a boost heading into this fixture. Meanwhile, The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could put to use.

Team News & Tactics
Nottingham Forest
Taiwo Awoniyi, Willy Boly, and Nuno Tavares are all unavailable for this fixture. Ola Aina made his return on the weekend and could start here. The home team will stick to the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Matz Sels will be in goal. Neco Williams and Ola Aina will be the full-backs, while Felipe and Murillo will take charge in the heart of the defence.

Ryan Yates will pair up with Ibrahim Sangare to form the double pivot in the centre of the park. The duo will look to ensure they have the majority of the ball and control the tempo of the game.

Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi will provide the width to their attacks. They will look to stretch the opposition's defence. Meanwhile, the highly sought-after Morgan Gibbs-White will feature as the attacking midfielder. Chris Wood will be the one leading the line for them.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sels; Williams, Felipe, Murillo, Aina; Yates, Sangare; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood

Fulham
Fulham are the only English top-flight team that do not have any injuries to worry about. Marco Silva has a full-fit squad at his disposal, and he could field the same XI that he did last time out.

The visitors will stick to the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Bernd Leno will be in goal. Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson will be the full-backs, while Tosin Adarabioyo and Calvin Bassey will feature in the heart of the defence.

In the centre of the park, Joao Palhinha and Harrison Reed will form the double pivot. They will look to ensure their team controls the tempo of this game. Alex Iwobi and Willian will feature on the flanks. They will provide width to their attacks while Andreas Pereira, who will be the attacking midfielder will look to create chances for their star forward Rodrigo Muniz.

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

Key Stats

    Nottingham Forest have been winless in their last five league games.
    Fulham have won each of their last four games at the City Ground.
    The home team were handed a four-point deduction during the international break for breaching the Premier League's profitability and sustainability regulations.
    After being on a three-match losing streak, the Tricky Trees have bounced back with two consecutive draws in the league.
    Nottingham Forest lost the reverse fixture 5-0 which had a big say in the sacking of fans-favourite Steve Cooper.

Player to Watch
Willian
At the age of 35, Willian still seems to have it in him. The Brazilian winger might be in the final phase of his career, but he is still getting it done in the English top flight. He has featured in 25 league matches for the Cottagers this season and has contributed towards six goals. He has been a constant threat while going forward. The former Chelsea star will look to add to his tally when he takes the field against Nottingham Forest.

Prediction
Nottingham Forest 1-2 Fulham
Nottingham Forest's recent form suggests it is going to be very difficult for them to get one over Fulham. They have not won in a long while and are unlikely to do so against the Cottagers. The visitors have a lot more quality in their team than that of the home team and they should come out on top here. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for the away team.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2024/04/01/nottingham-forest-vs-fulham-preview-and-prediction/

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Up next: Nottingham Forest (a)
Fulham travel to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest on Tuesday hoping to banish the defensive mistakes from Saturday's epic against Sheffield United but retain the fighting spirit that saw them battle back from 3-1 down to earn a point at Bramall Lane. The Whites looked dead and buried with five minutes to go in south Yorkshire but earned a point after late goals from substitute Bobby De Cordova-Reid and a stunning scissor kick from Rodrigo Muniz, who had shaken off a troublesome ankle injury to continue his fine form up front.

Both Silva and De Cordova-Reid bemoaned the fact that Fulham had found themselves with a two-goal deficit to overturn against the league's bottom side – but Fulham only had themselves to blame for being in a position that De Cordova-Reid decried as unacceptable. The Jamaican international finished his post-match media commitments by insisting that his team-mates will need to put that right at Forest – and perhaps the swift turnaround will be of benefit to the Cottagers, who still need to stitch together results away from home if they are to fulfil Silva's ambitions of bettering last season's top half finish.

Silva told his pre-match press conference that he feels his side are much stronger than when they beat Forest 5-0 at Craven Cottage – even if his side having found the consistency he craves to take Fulham to the next level. He should benefit from having a fully fit squad for the run-in, even if there might be a few calls to change things up after Fulham failed to take all three points from Yorkshire on Saturday. Tom Cairney and De Cordova-Reid changed the game when they came off the bench at Bramall Lane – and both will be chomping at the bit to get another opportunity in the starting line-up. Cairney, a boyhood Forest fan, will have particular motivation to shine and if Silva wants to dominate possession his precise passing and clever manipulation of the ball could be very useful.

Forest will be fired up to add more points to their tally, especially after their points deduction for breaches of PSR, but they have struggled since the turn of the year. Nuno Espirito Santo made a strong start after replacing the popular Steve Cooper in the City Ground dugout – but they have won just once in their last ten games and could use a win to lever themselves out of what has become something of a scrappy relegation dogfight.

The home side will be without the services of striker Taiwo Awoniyi. who was so crucial to their survival last season, although Nuno is hopeful that he will be able to make a contribution during the run-in. Veteran Chris Wood has stepped up well in Awoniyi's absence, including scoring the equaliser against Palace, but Forest could also be without key personnel in the backline as injuries look set to be without Wily Boly and Nuno Taveres – although former Fulham loanee Ola Aina will be available again having featured against Palace after coming back from the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria.

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



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/up-next-nottingham-forest-a-3/

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Nottingham Forest v Fulham

TEAM NEWS
Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi is still on the sidelines with an unspecified injury.

Willy Boly faces a fitness test but fellow defender Nuno Tavares is likely to remain absent.

Fulham head coach Marco Silva is again expected to have a full-strength squad to choose from.

On-loan Chelsea forward Armando Broja was not named in the matchday squad against Sheffield United and could again miss out.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

    Fulham have won all three of their Premier League fixtures against Nottingham Forest by an aggregate score of 10-2.
    The Cottagers are aiming to win four Premier League matches in a row against one opponent for the first time.
    Their average of 3.3 goals per-game against Forest is their highest against any Premier League opponent.
    Forest have lost their last four home league matches against Fulham, more than they had in their previous 23 matches against the Cottagers at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest

    Nottingham Forest won their final two league games of 2023 against Newcastle and Manchester United, but have managed just one victory in 10 top-flight matches this year (D3, L6).
    The Reds have kept just one clean sheet in their past 19 league matches.
    Forest have conceded the first goal in 17 different Premier League games this season, with only the bottom three doing so on more occasions.
    Five of Chris Wood's 10 league goals this season have been headers, a top-flight high.
    Wood has scored nine goals in his last 11 Premier League starts.
    He is one of only seven players to reach double figures for goals in five or more Premier League seasons since 2017-18.

Fulham

    Fulham have lost only two of their last nine league matches.
    They have scored at least three goals in nine different Premier League games this season, including in three of their last four. This is their highest such total since they did so in 10 top-flight matches in the 1965-66 campaign.
    Fulham have hit the woodwork 14 times in the top flight this season, a figure exceeded by only Liverpool (19) and Tottenham (15).
    Rodrigo Muniz has been involved in more Premier League goals than any other Fulham player this season (eight goals, one assist). All nine of those have come in his last eight appearances.
    Since the beginning of February, Muniz's eight league goals is two more than any other top-flight player.
    Only Sheffield United have won fewer top-flight away games this season than Fulham, who have two victories on the road.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68662326

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Belief Fulham will keep player is described as 'utopian' – No chance of stay, seen as complete flop
The Italian media do not expect Fulham to try to buy Fodé Ballo-Touré from AC Milan at the end of the season.

As TuttoMercatoWeb today shares a story on the future of a couple of Rossoneri loanees, they have a few things to say about the 27-year-old.

It's highlighted that Ballo-Touré has been having a 'marginal role' at Fulham since his arrival at the start of the season, and that's what makes his stay so unlikely.

The outlet writes that it's 'utopian' to think the Whites would spend any money on his purchase.

Since the move, Ballo-Touré only has 212 minutes played for Marco Silva's side, with seven appearances made. The last time he entered the pitch in a Premier League game was in the final five minutes of a win against Bournemouth in early February.

As his contract with Milan runs until 2025, the Rossoneri should now start thinking of a plan for him. He's now valued by Transfermarkt at just €3m, but it seems that now even a very low price would draw Fulham's interest in buying him.

The outlet writes that it's 'utopian' to think the Whites would spend any money on his purchase.

Since the move, Ballo-Touré only has 212 minutes played for Marco Silva's side, with seven appearances made. The last time he entered the pitch in a Premier League game was in the final five minutes of a win against Bournemouth in early February.

As his contract with Milan runs until 2025, the Rossoneri should now start thinking of a plan for him. He's now valued by Transfermarkt at just €3m, but it seems that now even a very low price would draw Fulham's interest in buying him.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/belief-fulham-will-keep-player-described-utopian-no-chance-stay-seen-complete-flop/

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Birmingham City 1-0 Preston North End: Jay Stansfield goal eases Blues' relegation fears
Report and free match highlights from the Sky Bet Championship match between Birmingham City and Preston North End at St Andrew's on Easter Monday | A second-half goal from Jay Stansfield earns Gary Rowett's Blues a priceless three points in their survival quest

Jay Stansfield's goal ensured Gary Rowett celebrated victory in his first home game back in charge of struggling Birmingham as they eased their relegation fears with a priceless 1-0 win over play-off hopefuls Preston.

On-loan Fulham striker Stansfield's 68th-minute strike - his 10th Sky Bet Championship goal of the season - secured interim boss Rowett and Blues a deserved first victory in eight games since manager Tony Mowbray was last in the dugout.

After four straight defeats and one point from the last 21, it was also City's first clean sheet in nine as they remained outside the relegation zone.

In-form Preston were bidding for their third straight win and seventh victory in 11, but the best chances fell to Birmingham.



Watched by their second highest home attendance of the season of 24,511, Blues created two big chances in the first 16 minutes.

Koji Miyoshi released the unmarked Juninho Bacuna for a first-time angled effort from just inside the box that goalkeeper Freddie Woodman shovelled away at his near post before Jordan James' low 25-yard drive was inches wide.

Preston's first chance arrived in the 35th minute. Duane Holmes teed up Noah Mawene 15 yards out, but the midfielder trod on the ball and the chance was lost.

But, almost immediately, Birmingham gifted North End a golden opportunity.

Emanuel Aiwu missed Ethan Laird's back header, allowing Robbie Brady to go clean through.

The captain opted to square the ball, but a recovery challenge from Lee Buchanan cleared the danger.

Aiwu then got away with what appeared a clear push on Preston striker Will Keane in the area after the striker burst away from him.

Keane got his own back with a late swipe across the back of Aiwu's left leg to earn the first booking.

Blues returned to the attack and Buchanan was inches away with a firm left-footed angled drive that flew just wide.

City goalkeeper John Ruddy was called on for the first time when he comfortably smothered Brady's low curling shot.

Stansfield got the all-important goal with the first opening of the second half.

Miyoshi's short pass from inside his own half appeared to carry little danger, but, after one sliding North End player failed to cut it out, it was then completely missed by Liam Lindsay to gift Stansfield a clear route to goal.

The 21-year-old kept his cool to tuck the ball past the advancing Woodman and neatly into the bottom corner of the net.

The managers
Birmingham's Gary Rowett:
"I think for the team it was one of the most important wins of the season. I think this win gives them that belief again of knowing what we need to do to win, knowing what we need to do to compete in a game.

"It's also about knowing that if we show that desire as a group, we've got the quality.

"It was an important three points. There's no feeling like winning games - the feeling for the crowd after the game, the feeling after the final whistle, the feeling as a player coming back into the dressing room.

"Recognising and understanding what got you that feeling and replicating day in, day out is what makes people win all the time. That's what we need to do."

Preston's Ryan Lowe:
We can't legislate for that slip - it cost us a point, minimum.

"But we could have had the game out of sight in the first half when we had two glorious chances to score and it would have been a potentially game-over situation at 2-0.

"My centre half (Lindsay) who has been outstanding all season slipped at the wrong time.

"And if you give a player of that calibre a one-versus-one he will have every chance of scoring."



https://www.skysports.com/football/birmingham-city-vs-preston-north-end/report/485170

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Rodrigo Muniz 'not 100 per cent' after ankle injury, confirms Fulham boss Marco Silva
Fulham's in-form striker Rodrigo Muniz is 'not 100 per cent' after suffering an ankle injury during the international break, but will be fit enough to play at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old has been one of the surprise packages of the season, hitting an incredible purple patch since the start of February.

The Brazilian has scored eight goals in his last eight Premier League games, netting more times than any other player in 2024 so far.

He started and scored in the dramatic 3-3 draw with Sheffield United on Saturday, despite struggling with an ankle problem in the days before the game.

Cottagers boss Marco Silva confirmed he is still not at peak fitness, but is recovering well enough to be involved at the City Ground on Tuesday night.

'He twisted his ankle during the international break,' Silva said. 'He had a bad injury. He was out of training for eight days. There was really bad swelling in that ankle. He did well to get fit again.

'Luckily, he is reacting well from the game. I had a chat with him yesterday. The feedback from the medical staff looks like he is probably going to be okay for the match. He's not 100 per cent.

'We are going to assess him again [on Monday]. He got that injury ten days before the match.'

Incredibly, Fulham appear to have no players sidelined for the clash with Forest, which, in a season that has seen teams plagued by injuries, is quite an achievement.

'We keep assessing the players from Saturday's match,' said Silva. 'We don't have anything serious from the last game. We are probably going to have all the players for the match.'

Fulham do not appear to have a great deal left to play for this season, sitting comfortably in 12th, 17 points ahead of the relegation zone, although a strong finish to the season could see them pinch an unlikely European place.

Forest certainly do need points, currently 17th and only outside of the drop zone on points difference ahead of Luton.



https://metro.co.uk/2024/04/01/rodrigo-muniz-injury-striker-not-100-per-cent-confirms-fulham-boss-marco-silva-20567897/?ito=newsnow-feed

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Marco Silva claims Fulham stronger now than in December ahead of Nottingham Forest clash
Fulham take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Tuesday night

Marco Silva believes Fulham are even better now than they were when the Cottagers thrashed Nottingham Forest 5-0 in December ahead of the teams' clash at the City Ground.

Two goals each for Alex Iwobi and Raul Jimenez and Tom Cairney's late strike led then Forest boss Steve Cooper to declare he was "embarrassed" but Fulham showed it was no one-off by thumping West Ham by an identical scoreline a few days later.

Cooper was sacked a couple of weeks after the heavy defeat and replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo, whose team are scrapping for their lives in a bid to secure Premier League survival. Out of the drop zone on goal difference alone, Forest's bid to give themselves some breathing room from the bottom three will be tested on Tuesday by the visit of Fulham, whose head coach Silva delivered an ominous warning for their hosts.

"As a team, I have to say that we are stronger right now, we are in a better moment than December when we played against them," Silva told a press conference.

"That was a really strong week for us, with two back-to-back 5-0s at home. They were two impressive performances and results for us.

"They are in a position that they don't want to be, and it's going to be a team that is going to fight really hard to get out of that position.

"That was a really strong week for us, with two back-to-back 5-0s at home. They were two impressive performances and results for us.

"They are in a position that they don't want to be, and it's going to be a team that is going to fight really hard to get out of that position.

"We know that but, at the same time, we want to fight for the points because we want to keep climbing the table and go for the higher positions in the table if we can."

Fulham are all but assured of their top-flight status next season after collecting three wins in four matches before a 3-3 draw at Sheffield United, where the west Londoners hit back from two goals down after 85 minutes to ensure a share of the spoils.

While Forest have won just once in the Premier League in their last 10 matches, Silva believes they are better than that faltering run suggests.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/marco-silva-claims-fulham-stronger-28921204

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Stansfield scores Birmingham winner
Fulham forward Jay Stansfield scored a vital winner for Birmingham City against Preston North End at St. Andrew's this afternoon.

The England under-21 international's cool finish after a solo run from the halfway line was his eleventh goal of an impressive loan spell at Blues and earned Gary Rowett his first win in his second spell as the club's manager.

Birmingham's first win in nine games lifts them two points above the Championship relegation zone. You can watch Stansfield's goal below:

Jay Stansfield scoring for Birmingham this afternoon 😍😍😍 #FFC ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/7jPZY31P1X

— Fulham FanZone (@FulhamFanZone) April 1, 2024

In a successful day for Fulham's loanees, Luke Harris scored the equaliser as Exeter City came from behind to beat relegation-threatened Cheltenham Town. Martial Godo scored for Wigan Athletic but the Latics were well beaten at Cambridge United, whilst Kieron Bowie set up the first goal for Northampton Town in a 2-0 win over Port Vale.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/stansfield-scores-birmingham-winner/

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Fulham dealt worrying blow over in-form striker before Nottingham Forest clash
Fulham boss Marco Silva has revealed striker Rodrigo Muniz is "not 100 per cent" ahead of Tuesday's Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest.

Muniz is currently enjoying a scintillating run of form, having scored eight goals across his last eight Premier League matches.

The Brazilian's most recent strike took place in Saturday's six-goal thriller against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Muniz helped his side fight back from 3-1 down, scoring a 93rd-minute equaliser to ensure his side returned to West London with a precious point.

After passing a late fitness test to feature in Saturday's contest, Muniz is still dealing with an ankle problem ahead of the midweek trip to the City Ground.

Although Muniz will need to be assessed, Silva is hopeful he will be ready to lead the line against Forest on Tuesday.

"He twisted his ankle during the international break," Silva told reporters at Monday's pre-match press conference.

"He had a bad injury. He was out of training for eight days. There was really bad swelling in that ankle. He did well to get fit again.

"Luckily, he is reacting well from the game. I had a chat with him yesterday. The feedback from the medical staff looks like he is probably going to be okay for the match. He's not 100 per cent. We are going to assess him again. He got that injury ten days before the match."

Apart from Muniz, Silva has reported no other fresh injury concerns ahead of the clash with relegation-threatened Forest.

"We keep assessing the players from Saturday's match," the Fulham boss added. We don't have anything serious from the last game. We are probably going to have all the players for the match."

Fulham may have lost just one of their last five matches, but they have struggled to produce their best form on the road, having won just two of their 15 away league games this season.

However, the 12th-placed side have fared well in recent meetings with Forest, winning each of their last three head-to-head matches, including a dominant 5-0 win in December's reverse fixture.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/fulham-dealt-worrying-blow-over-in-form-striker-before-forest-clash_540325.html?newsnow

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Marco Silva addresses Armando Broja's long-term future as Fulham boss reveals failed transfer pursuit
New revelation shows Fulham's longstanding pursuit of Chelsea man

Fulham tried and failed to sign Armando Broja as Aleksandar Mitrovic's replacement in August.

Mitrovic scored 111 goals in six seasons for Fulham before joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for £46million on August 19.

That came 25 days after Fulham had signed Raul Jimenez from Wolves for £5m, and they have not made a permanent signing in the forward position since.

However, Broja was signed via a deal sheet late on transfer deadline day on February 1. He has struggled for game-time, though, in what has turned out to be an ill-fated six-month loan, given the emergence of Rodrigo Muniz as a regular source of goals.

Manager Marco Silva has now revealed to Standard Sport that the club attempted to sign Broja permanently as Mitrovic's replacement last summer.

"It's been difficult for him and it's been difficult for me as well", Silva said of Broja.

"I was the main one responsible for him being at this football club. I pushed really hard for him to be here. I have to say that, last summer, I tried to sign him when we sold Mitrovic.

"He's a player I really appreciate. He has all the abilities to play at the highest level.

"Last few games we've had everybody available. Issa Diop, for example, has been a starting XI player so many times this season and the last three games was out of the squad list as well. No one speaks about that because he's not a Chelsea player.

"It's been tougher for Armando, with all his ambition to play. When you go for a loan in the last days of the market, you expect the player to come and have an impact. But when you have a striker scoring goals the way he [Muniz] has been scoring, it is not giving chances for the others."

Muniz is currently Fulham's starting striker with Jimenez often appearing off the bench. Broja's loan fee would have been free if he had played a certain percentage of Fulham's matches this season, but an automatic clause was recently triggered, costing the Cottagers £4m.

"It's competition between the three", Silva said. "I start with one striker, another on the bench. In football, everything happens so quickly. We have two great examples even in his position: Raul was 16 months without a goal. And Rodrigo, in two months, all the questions are about him."

Asked whether any desire to sign Broja permanently has now dissipated, Silva said: "I will not talk about the future of Armando. He's not our own player and it doesn't depend only on us."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-transfer-news-broja-premier-league-2024-b1148794.html

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E.ON Spotlight: Forest v Fulham
Forest return to Premier League action on Tuesday night as Fulham visit The City Ground.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of the game...

FIXTURE DETAILS

Nottingham Forest v Fulham

The City Ground

Tuesday 2nd April 19:30 BST

Referee: Michael Oliver

Assistant referees: Stuart Burt, Dan Cook

Fourth official: Darren England

VAR: Peter Bankes

HEAD COACH'S VIEW

Nuno spoke to Forest TV this week to preview the clash against the Cottagers.



https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/news/2024/april/01/e-on-spotlight--forest-v-fulham/

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Silva tried to sign Broja in the summer
Marco Silva has revealed that he wanted to sign Chelsea striker Armando Broja as Aleksandar Mitrovic's replacement in the summer.

The Fulham head coach stressed that the Albanian international's spell at Craven Cottage has been 'difficult' for all concerned, with the 22 year-old – a player Silva stress he still values highly – eclipsed by the sensational form of Rodrigo Muniz, who has scored eight goals since the start of February.

Silva told the Evening Standard:

"It's been difficult for him and it's been difficult for me as well. I was the main one responsible for him being at this football club. I pushed really hard for him to be here. I have to say that, last summer, I tried to sign him when we sold Mitrovic. He's a player I really appreciate. He has all the abilities to play at the highest level.

Last few games we've had everybody available. Issa Diop, for example, has been a starting eleven player so many times this season and the last three games was out of the squad list as well. No one speaks about that because he's not a Chelsea player. It's been tougher for Armando, with all his ambition to play. When you go for a loan in the last days of the market, you expect the player to come and have an impact. But when you have a striker scoring goals the way he [Muniz] has been scoring, it is not giving chances for the others. I will not talk about the future of Armando. He's not our own player and it doesn't depend only on us."

The Fulham boss believes competition between Broja, Muniz and a fit-again Raul Jimenez is delivering real benefits to his squad.

"It's competition between the three. I start with one striker, another on the bench. In football, everything happens so quickly. We have two great examples even in his position: Raul was 16 months without a goal. And Rodrigo, in two months, all the questions are about him."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/silva-tried-to-sign-broja-in-the-summer/