Sunday Fulham Stuff - 21/04/24...

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Results

Saturday 20/04
Luton	1-5	Brentford
Sheff Utd	1-4	Burnley
Wolves	0-2	Arsenal

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Liverpool could make five changes against Fulham as Alexis Mac Allister decision nears
Liverpool are next up against Fulham in the Premier League with Jurgen Klopp facing some selection posers

Liverpool's hopes of a trophy treble were dashed following a frustrating night against Atalanta in the Europa League on Thursday.

Mohamed Salah scored an early penalty but the Reds were unable to build on that platform with a 1-0 success meaning they bowed out 3-1 on aggregate in the quarter-final.

Liverpool now turn their attentions back to the Premier League with the trip to Fulham on Sunday. And here we look ahead to the changes Jurgen Klopp could make when his team are next in action.

Quansah question
With Sunday the first of three Premier League away games inside a week, Klopp will have to juggle his resources and rotate accordingly particularly in a defence that now has genuine options in every position.

In goal, Alisson Becker's recent return has pushed Caoimhin Kelleher back down as number two ahead of Adrian. Trent Alexander-Arnold made his first start in more than two months at right-back on Thursday with Klopp admitted there is no time to ease his vice-captain back to full fitness, and with Conor Bradley out until next month the alternative is now Joe Gomez, who ended the game at Atalanta in the position.

Andy Robertson has regained the left-back role with Kostas Tsimikas having started just once since December, with the versatile Gomez another choice. And at centre-back, a decision must be taken on whether Ibrahima Konate can manage successive games over a number of weeks as partner to Virgil van Dijk, with Jarell Quansah prepared to step in. Joel Matip is out for the season.

Mac Allister rest?
Wataru Endo was rested in Italy but is likely to return against Fulham as the defensive midfielder, which would allow Alexis Mac Allister to return to his favoured more advanced role.

The Argentine, however, has featured heavily of late and will surely be soon due a breather to the bench. Both Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch, who has made just one start in almost two months, are also competing for a place on the left of the engine room.

On the right of the triumvirate, Dominik Szoboszlai has struggled to convince of late and could come under pressure from both Jones and Gravenberch, although Harvey Elliott would appear a more likely starter in the position.

Bobby Clark is again pressing hard for an outing having not played a minute since last month's international break. Fellow youngsters James McConnell and Stefan Bajcetic missed out against Atalanta, while long-term injury victim Thiago Alcantara remains sidelined.

Strong up front
With all five senior forward options available, Klopp has a major decision to make in attack. Despite a series of indifferent performances, Mohamed Salah received the backing of the Liverpool manager after the Atalanta game and would be expected to start on the right, although Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and, to a lesser extent, Elliott can play in the role.

Gakpo and Jota are both competing for roles down the left and centre along with Darwin Nunez, although Luis Diaz has been the regular on the left flank for much of the season. Gakpo has appeared sharper in recent outings, and Jota is closing on a start after returning from injury. Teenager striker Jayden Danns is another option having made his European debut in midweek.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-could-make-five-changes-29027802

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Fulham 'in conversations' with Tete over future
Fulham head coach Marco Silva has confirmed that the club remain in discussions with Kenny Tete and his representatives regarding his future at Craven Cottage and have offered the Dutch international a new contract.

Reports this week have linked the right back, who has lost his place in Silva's starting line-up to Timothy Castagne, with possible moves to Besiktas and Ajax – even though Fulham have the ability to trigger a year's extension on his current contract, which expires in June. Silva emphasised that the former Lyon full-back has not been omitted from the matchday squad due to his failure to sign a new deal – saying:

"First, about Kenny, it's important to talk about Castagne. Everything in terms of injuries with Kenny is not to do with his contract situation. He's an important player. It's been a long time he has not been available to play this season. It's for different reasons: not to do with his contract. It's important to be clear about this.

We are having conversations with him and his agent. But if you ask if we offered a contract, then yes, we did offer a contract. A long time ago. We have the option if we want to trigger it – that's a decision we will take soon."

The Athletic are reporting that Fulham, who would like to keep Tete on their books beyond this summer, are scouting potential replacements as a contingency.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/fulham-in-conversations-with-tete-over-future/

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Four-star Fulham U21s thrash Chelsea
Fulham's under 21s produced a formidable display to thrash Chelsea 4-0 at Kingsmeadow tonight and reach the final of the Premier League Cup.

The Whites ended the contest inside the first 36 minutes by scoring four goals with a breathtaking performance full of attacking football that blew their local rivals away. Delano McCoy-Splatt and Devan Tanton fired Hayden Mullins' men into a commanding position with two goals in the space of three early first-half minutes and subsequent strikes from Terrell Works and Adrion Pajaziti put the contest beyond Chelsea before half-time.

The visitors were on the front foot from the outside and could easily have gone ahead inside four minutes when a brilliant bit of combination play saw Tanton and Works play a one-two only for the winger's effort to roll wide after taking a deflection. The reprieve was shortlived for the young Blues. McCoy-Splatt surged onto a wonderfully weighted ball from Works and the Jamaican international's finish was too hot to handle at his near post for home goalkeeper Ted Curd.

Midfielder McCoy-Splatt turned creator two minutes later, picking up the overlapping Tanton in all sorts of space on the right flank. The Colombian international fired a fabulous low finish into the bottom corner across Curd, who this time stood absolutely no chance. The home side gradually settled and saw plenty of the ball, but it was Fulham who extended their lead 25 minutes in.

Callum Osmand robbed Kiano Dyer of possession and the Welshman played Works into a one-on-one with Curd, with the winger making no mistake from close range to grab a deserved goal. The young Whites ruthlessly punished another Chelsea error as captain Matt Dibley-Dias slid in to win the ball back from Leo Castledine and Josh King found Pajaziti on the left flank and the reigning PL2 player of the month drilled Fulham's fourth between Curd and his near post.

Mark Robinson's side came out for the second half determined to prove a point and almost clawed a goal back three minutes after half time. Dujuan Richards raced onto a long ball down the right but Jimmy-Jay Morgan couldn't convert his cut back from six yards out. Fulham still threatened, though, with McCoy-Splatt firing wide and it took a triple change to bring more potency to Chelsea's attack.

Two of the substitutions almost made an immediate impact with Tyrique George skying a shot over the bar from Donnell McNeilly's cross before Alex Borto was finally forced into meaningful action with less than fifteen minutes to play. The American goalkeeper did well to parry a venomous free-kick from Richards and made two more stops from the Jamaican striker as the young Whites recorded a resounding victory.

CHELSEA UNDER 21s (3-4-1-2): Curd; Hughes, Acheampong (Wilson 78); Williams; Silcott-Duberry (Moreira 62), Sturge, Dyer, Tauriainen (Golding 72); Castledine (George 62); Richards, Morgan (McNeilly 62).

BOOKED: Castledine.

FULHAM UNDER 21s (4-3-3): Borto; Tanton, Okkas, Araujo, de Fougerolles; Dibley-Dias, McCoy-Splatt (Amissah 87), King (McAvoy 88); Works (Gordon 72), Pajaziti, Osmand (Loupalo-Bi 67). Subs (not used): McNally.

GOALS: McCoy-Splatt (9), Tanton (11), Works (25), Pajaziti (36).

REFEREE: Andrew Humphries.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/four-star-fulham-u21s-thrash-chelsea/

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Liverpool starting lineup to face Fulham - predicted
Liverpool are aiming to keep the pressure on Premier League title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City this weekend when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Reds were knocked out of the Europa League on Thursday night and have failed to win either of their last two Premier League matches, massively denting their title aspirations.

A 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend is likely to prove costly come the end of the season, but the Reds need to bounce back with a win against Fulham on Sunday afternoon.

Liverpool have won two and drawn one of their three meetings with Marco Silva's side this term, but all have been incredibly tight clashes.

In a must-win fixture, here is how Jurgen Klopp could line his Liverpool side up for the trip to west London.

GOALKEEPER & DEFENCE
Liverpool were able to field their first-choice defence and goalkeeper against Atalanta on Thursday evening, something they haven't been able to do too often this season.

Much of that defensive unit will likely be the same this weekend, with Alisson in between the sticks and Ibrahima Konate lining up alongside skipper Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the backline.

Trent Alexander-Arnold played the bulk of the clash in Bergamo and showed his qualities against Gian Piero Gasperini's side, even if he did tire as the game wore on. With Conor Bradley currently sidelined, the No.66 may start again.

Andy Robertson has been asked to play a lot of football in recent matches despite having only recently returned from injury. As a result, Kostas Tsimikas could be handed a rare Premier League start against Fulham.

MIDFIELD
Liverpool started with Alexis Mac Allister in the holding midfield role against Atalanta, but the influential Argentine should be restored to a more advanced position on Sunday.

The World Cup winner has been one of Liverpool's few consistent performers since the March international break and Wataru Endo should be drafted in to help unlock his potential at Craven Cottage.

Dominik Szoboszlai started on Thursday night despite his declining form, with the Hungarian unable to make a significant impact yet again for the Reds.

His waning influence means that he may be removed from the starting XI, with Curtis Jones potentially starting instead of him this Sunday.

FORWARDS
None of Liverpool's five senior forwards have been in particularly glistening form of late. Cody Gakpo has been the best of a sorry bunch, but he played the entirety of the 1-0 win over Atalanta last time out.

As a result, the Dutchman may be rested, with the chaotic Darwin Nunez perhaps being restored to the starting lineup. He simply must convert any goalscoring opportunities he's presented with in the capital.

Luis Diaz has blown hot and cold in recent matches but has generally been one of Liverpool's stronger performers. He should take residence on the left flank ahead of Diogo Jota.

Mohamed Salah has been far from his best lately and his glaring miss against Atalanta summed up his form. He is surely no longer immune from being dropped, although a lack of alternatives on the right-hand side means he is likely to retain his starting spot.

LIVERPOOL PREDICTED STARTING XI VS FULHAM
(4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Endo, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.



https://anfieldwatch.co.uk/liverpool-predicted-starting-lineup-vs-fulham-premier-league/

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'We all know' - Marco Silva says Fulham know exactly what to expect from Liverpool
Fulham boss Marco Silva is braced for a Liverpool backlash when the Reds head to Craven Cottage on Sunday

Fulham manager Marco Silva is gearing up his squad for a tough encounter with Liverpool, anticipating a strong response from the Merseyside club when they visit Craven Cottage this coming Sunday.

Liverpool's recent form has been shaky, starting with a stalemate at Old Trafford, followed by losses to Atalanta and Crystal Palace on their own turf. Despite a narrow 1-0 victory in the second leg against Atalanta, Liverpool's Europa League aspirations were cut short.

Jurgen Klopp, set to depart at the season's end, has urged his players to give their all in the final six Premier League matches as they aim to surpass Manchester City and Arsenal in the tight title race. Silva is well aware of the challenge that awaits at Craven Cottage and is preparing his team to end their season on a high note.

During his pre-match press conference, Silva remarked: "What I know, and what I'm sure of, is that they are going to react.

"We all know Liverpool, we all know that they come from a really tough result in the Premier League, of course to be out of the Europa League was really tough for them as well.

"In 10 days, they lost the chance to be in the semi-finals (in Europe) and probably to fight to be in the final and they lost three points (in the league) that are really important for them, at Anfield which is not something that happens often.

"It is a game that is going to demand more from ourselves than if they had won the last two games."

Silva also emphasised the importance of Fulham focusing on their own game plan, regardless of Liverpool's situation. "Of course, we don't prepare ourselves depending on what is going to be the reaction," He added. "We prepare what we want to do in the game and what we expect from them, to explore some things where they are not so strong, and to be aware of the threat that they have always.

"If you ask me if I expect a more difficult game than if the game was three weeks ago yes. If they are going to be with the same confidence, we don't know."

The Fulham boss added: "We don't care about the title race we care about ourselves. Our fight is about getting three points.

"Our preparation for (the next game against) Crystal Palace will be the same as this weekend and our preparation for Luton on the last day will be the same as for Manchester City."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/we-know-marco-silva-says-29030526

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Pundit suggests Tottenham should sign Fulham's £47 million star
A former football player has weighed in on Tottenham Hotspur's summer strategy, recommending that they pursue Fulham midfielder

It's transfer talk time, and Anton Ferdinand is stirring the pot! The former footballer has chimed in on Tottenham Hotspur's summer plans, suggesting they make a move for Joao Palhinha.

But here's the kicker: they might have to duke it out with Manchester United to nab the Fulham sensation.

Now, let's talk Palhinha. This guy's been tearing it up since he landed at Fulham back in 2022. I mean, he's been so consistently solid on the pitch that it's a bit surprising he's still calling Craven Cottage home.

But here's where it gets interesting. Rumor has it that Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is on the hunt for a top-notch defensive midfielder this summer.

And according to the gossip grapevine, football.london's Alasdair Gold reckons they've got their eye on Atalanta's Ederson to give Yves Bissouma a run for his money.

Pundit suggests Tottenham should sign Fulham's £47 million star
But hold on to your hats because Ferdinand has thrown a curveball into the mix: Joao Palhinha. On Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, Anton sang Palhinha's praises, suggesting that he could be a perfect fit for Spurs.

Now, why Palhinha, you ask? Well, besides being a beast on the field, his Premier League experience could give Tottenham an instant boost.

But here's the catch: Palhinha hits the big 2-9 this July, which could raise some eyebrows at Tottenham HQ. After all, they might be hesitant to splash the cash on someone who won't fetch a pretty penny down the line.

Ferdinand's thrown Palhinha into the transfer mix, and now it's up to Tottenham to decide if they want to make a play for the Fulham maestro. It's all heating up in the summer transfer saga, and we can't wait to see how it unfolds!



https://hotspurhq.com/posts/pundit-suggests-tottenham-should-sign-fulham-s-47-million-star-01hvwav4yk3q

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Match12 stats to know ahead of Fulham v Liverpool
Read our statistical preview of Liverpool's Premier League clash with Fulham this weekend, featuring a dozen facts about the game at Craven Cottage.

The Reds visit Marco Silva's men for a 4.30pm BST kick-off on Sunday seeking to maintain their challenge for the league title.

Check out 12 things to know about the encounter in the capital below...

Team Comparison — English Premier League
In Premier League fixtures, Liverpool have won 20, drawn six and lost seven of their 33 meetings with Fulham.

This is the fourth clash between the teams this season, having also faced off in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. The Reds have won two and drawn the other.

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last six visits to Craven Cottage in all competitions, including five in the league.

They have not kept a clean sheet in their last eight league visits to Fulham, however. The last at the ground came in April 2009, when Yossi Benayoun scored a 92nd-minute winner.

Mohamed Salah has four goals in seven appearances against Fulham in a Liverpool shirt, including goals in both league meetings last season.

Not since April 1963 has there been a goalless draw between the sides at Craven Cottage – almost 61 years to the day of this game.

The Reds have scored in each of their last 19 away Premier League matches, the longest current run of any side. In their entire league history, they have had only one longer away scoring run, netting in 21 in a row between February 1955 and February 1956 in the second tier.

Liverpool have not lost in the last seven matches they have played on this date, and only one of the last 12 – against Leicester City in 1999.

Three Reds players have scored a hat-trick against Fulham: Daniel Sturridge at Craven Cottage in May 2013; Maxi Rodriguez in a 5-2 away win in May 2011; and Billy Liddell at Anfield in September 1954.

Harvey Elliott became the Premier League's youngest ever player – aged 16 years and 30 days – when appearing for Fulham in an away defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers in May 2019.

Fulham have already recorded nine top-flight home wins this season – their highest number since totalling 10 in 2011-12.

Rodrigo Muniz has netted six goals in his last five home appearances and is the Cottagers' leading scorer in the league with eight goals.



https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/12-stats-know-ahead-fulham-v-liverpool

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MatchThe opposition lowdown: Fulham
Get the lowdown on Fulham ahead of Liverpool's Premier League encounter with Marco Silva's side at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Recent form
Fulham begin the weekend in 12th place in the table having accumulated 42 points from their 33 games so far this season.

Last time out, on Sunday, the Cottagers claimed a 2-0 victory away at West Ham United, with goals in either half from Andreas Pereira earning all three points.

That result made it five wins and a total of 16 points from the past 10 outings in the league for Silva's men, who are now mathematically guaranteed another year in the top flight.

Ones to watch
Rodrigo Muniz leads Fulham's scoring chart in the Premier League this season with eight goals, and the Brazilian forward was named the division's Player of the Month for March.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid has delivered six strikes, while Alex Iwobi and Raul Jimenez have each netted five times.

Pereira has been the team's chief assist-maker with seven in league football, just ahead of full-back Antonee Robinson on six.

Only Arsenal's David Raya has registered more Premier League clean sheets this term than Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno, who has nine.

Squad news
The hosts currently have an entirely clean bill of health within the squad, and speaking on Friday, Silva was hopeful that would continue to be the case ahead of the Reds' visit.

"Until now everything is going OK," said the Portuguese.

"We have another session tomorrow [Saturday] and we have to assess after that. But until now everyone looks like he is going to be available for the match."

Previous meetings
Liverpool and the Cottagers have already clashed on three occasions in 2023-24.

The Reds trailed 3-2 with four minutes left of the Anfield league fixture in December, but goals from Wataru Endo and Trent Alexander-Arnold snatched all three points.

The clubs then met in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. Liverpool came from a goal down to establish a 2-1 advantage in the home leg and a 1-1 draw in the return sent them through to Wembley.

In this corresponding game last season, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah scored in a 2-2 draw on the opening day.

What they said
Fulham head coach Silva

"It's a big one, a big game ahead of us at Craven Cottage, on a Sunday, it's going to be another great one for us. We want to play at our best level. It is going to be the fourth time [playing Liverpool this season]. Of course, they have been tight games all of them, at Anfield, at the Cottage as well in the second leg of the semi-final. Even last season, the games were really tight for both sides. Top side, they want to react. They lost the last game in the Premier League, out of the Europa League as well and of course we are going to see a reaction from them.

"Probably the game was going to be difficult before the last two matches – right now, probably it is going to be even more difficult because I am 100 per cent sure a strong reaction will come from them. But it is going to be good at the same time because it is going to demand a very good performance from us and for us to be at our best level. Playing at home, we want to get a good result and when you start to prepare these types of games, a good result for us is always to try to win the game, even if you face a team that is going to be there at the top fighting for the title."



https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/opposition-lowdown-fulham-1

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"It just wasn't the right time" – Fulham star reveals why he turned down Whites exit
Since Fulham were promoted to the Premier League, Rodrigo Muniz has been linked with a move back to Brazil.

The Whites didn't seem to have big plans for him, and even loaned him out to Middlesbrough, while clubs from his home country remained interested in him.

Muniz is today featured in a long interview with Globo Esporte, and didn't mind giving some details about the chase for him.

"There were some offers for me to leave. And I didn't even want to listen, because I wanted to play here this year. I get injured against Brentford, come back, start playing well, score in the cup, start against United and get injured again. Now, in January, they've signed a new striker. Before that I was baptised in church. When the other striker arrives, in the first game I start scoring goals and, thank God, I don't stop."

The Fulham player claimed that Grêmio and Atlético-MG were some of the clubs who tried to sign him, and both failed with their attempts. The first to try weas Grêmio, with manager Renato Gaúcho picking up the phone trying to convince him.

"Renato called me and made me an offer. He said he really wanted me. He's known me since Flamengo. I told him I'd think about it and let him know tomorrow. I spoke to my wife and family. We thought it would be great, because Grêmio is a great club, but we realised that maybe it wasn't the right time."

Then there was Atlético-MG, and he had reasons to accept and decline that specific club, due to some rivalry.

"Galo did it now, in the middle of last year. I didn't get to talk to anyone from Atlético, but my agent did and told me I just had to say whether I wanted to or not. But I'm from Minas Gerais. And Atlético is a great club, and I do want to play. It just wasn't the right time for me to come back. And the moment I'm living now told me that it was the best decision at the time.

"My wife is a fanatical Atlético fan, my parents are Cruzeiro fans. And in my town I have friends who are both Atlético and Cruzeiro fans. And it was that go, no go. And just being remembered by a team like Atlético makes you think."

After Muniz stayed at Fulham, he ended up finding some good form at the club in the past few months. Now he's happy to be doing well for the Whites, and is hopeful that he'll soon get called up by the Brazilian national team to be their number nine.

"I have a guy who works with me. He's my psychologist and personal trainer. André. He talked to me in the second game when I scored two goals. He said that we have to know how to navigate what we're going through. Because before I wasn't the worst player and now I'm not the best. Matheus, who looks after my image, set up a team to work with me, and that's making a big difference.

"I'm working hard to keep this momentum going. Of course, selection is a dream for every young Brazilian. I really want to. I have to keep playing my part here at Fulham, keep putting in good performances and scoring goals. Things will happen. If I'm in a good moment, a call-up could happen."



http://sportwitness.co.uk/just-wasnt-right-time-fulham-star-reveals-turned-whites-exit/

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Spiderman's soft spot for Spurs and the Hollywood A-Lister with a Fulham affiliation... After Anne Hathaway revealed her love of Arsenal, can you match the celebrities to the surprising Premier League clubs they support?

    Hathaway revealed that she is an Arsenal supporter during a recent interview
    She is one of many celebrities to profess their love for Premier League clubs

Football fandom is a strange, often exhilarating, equally despairing kind of thing. For supporters across the globe, their team chose them, whether that be through family ties, geography or any another ethereal reason.

For others a selection is made, perhaps due to a team's success or favourite player. Whatever the circumstance that leads an individual to agonise over every result their squad produces; once tethered it's nigh on impossible to sever.

The weird and wonderful complexities of being a fan do not discriminate. Many of the world's most famous names and faces may not be able to attend every home game - though, plenty still manage to pop up from time-to-time - but that alone should not denigrate their devotion.

Take Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway, who recently interrupted an interview to  'get Mikel Arteta's attention' ahead of Arsenal's clash with Aston Villa, or Tom Holland's attempts to lure Kylian Mbappe to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Celebrities love their Premier League teams all the same. Here, Mail Sport takes a look at some of those stars and the clubs they've decided to tie their happiness to.

Anne Hathaway
Let's begin with the Oscar-winning actress, whose love for the red half of north London was previously unknown. The 41-year-old was promoting her new movie, The Idea of You, alongside die-hard Gooner and co-star Nicholas Galitzine.

During a chat with Interview Magazine, the Princess Diaries star said: 'Okay, next question. What formation should Arsenal be playing in?'

Her shocked co-star replied: 'Oh, thank you, Anne Hathaway! The people at Interview don't know that we're both diehard Arsenal fans.

'I really believe we're in a great place right now. Is this a genuine question? Because I will tell you.'

To which Hathaway said: 'I just thought this is a good chance to get Mikel Arteta's attention.' Galitzine then proceeded to share his view on the system the Spanish coach should deploy.

Hathaway would have been distraught by the manner in which Arsenal exited the Champions League on Wednesday night, though, the Arsenal faithful can still take hope in winning the Premier League.

Tom Holland
Spiderman himself is a Tottenham fan. The 27-year-old Londoner has been outspoken in his love of Spurs in the past, and even tried to persuade Kylian Mbappe to join the club during the 2021 Ballon d'Or gala.

Holland said in an interview with Unilad last year that supporting the club has taught him 'resilience'. Feels like a bit of a dig.

'Tottenham has never won anything,' he added. 'And supporting them is incredibly difficult.'

Little did he know, the fortunes of Tottenham fans was about to change. The arrival of Ange Postecoglou has breathed new life into a fanbase starved of exciting football.

And despite their recent wobbles, it's likely Holland retains similar feelings to the ones he shared with the club's website in September.

'It seems like they are playing really great football. The lads seem like they are really enjoying it so us, as Tottenham fans, right now, it feels really good.'

Born in Kingston-upon-Thames, Holland managed to take some time out of his relentless Marvel schedule to see his beloved side get hammered 3-0 at home by Manchester United in 2021.

Harry Styles
On the topic of the Red Devils and celebrity sightings, Harry Styles was all smiles as he was pictured for game at Kenilworth Road in February.

The pop superstar has long been a fan of United, having previously been pictured in the club's kit during his time with One Direction.

TV cameras caught Styles meeting the Sky Sports team in the gantry, and he was pictured alongside Gary Neville, Jamie Redknapp, Curtis Davies and Hatters' captain Tom Lockyer prior to kick-off.

Styles is known for his unlikely friendship with Rio Ferdinand, with the former United stalwart bringing Styles one of his shirts to wear on stage for a One Direction concert at the Manchester Arena in 2013.

The 30-year-old also previously enjoyed a kickabout with club legend David Beckham and his son, Brooklyn, in 2015.

Styles was able to enjoy a United win, thanks to a brace from Rasmus Hojlund, on his trip to the smallest Premier League ground.

Cara Delevingne
Talk of Styles and Cara Delevingne's secret relationship was all the rage about a decade ago. The two were spotted in a theatre and then there were reports that Styles rushed back from LA to see her.

Sadly things didn't' work out, reports citied 'career concerns' but perhaps it was because they could never reconcile their competing footballing loyalties.

The model, actress and livelong Chelsea fan Delevingne, popped up at Stamford Bridge again this month to passionately cheer on her squad.

The 31-year-old took a well-earned break from performing in Cabaret, amid her successful West End stage debut. She spent the first half of the match in the owners' box, before enjoying the second half in a £4,000 seat in the dugout.

Fully immersed in the thrilling atmosphere, Delevingne hoisted her blue and white scarf above her head and screamed her team on to victory from the sidelines.

And what a game it was to attend, the Blues ran out 4-3 victors over Harry's team.

Margot Robbie
We stay in west London for an admittedly tenuous link, but a link nonetheless. Back in 2014, Wolf of Wall Street and Barbie star Margot Robbie attended Craven Cottage to watch a Fulham side - then managed by Felix Magath - take on Millwall.

Despite witnessing a 1-0 defeat for the home side, the Australian actress revealed in an interview four years later that, even though she is yet to return to the ground, her 'allegiance' remains with Fulham.

'I actually haven't been to another Fulham game in a while but they're playing tomorrow,' she told BBC Sport ahead of a huge Championship clash against Aston Villa.

'It's my two best friends, my husband and my other best friend Josie.' She explained.

'Aston Villa's Josie's team, Fulham is Tom's team, and they're going to the game and it's very tense already. I'm on the edge of my seat to see who wins.

'I've pledged my allegiance to Fulham so I want Fulham to win.'

Tom Hanks
Fulham beat Villa 2-0 in February 2018 meeting Robbie was present for, before prevailing once more, this time in the play-off final in May.

The Midlands outfit would have to wait an additional season to end their exile from the top-flight and among those rejoicing when Dean Smith's side earned a 2-1 victory over Derby at Wembley was Tom Hanks.

Yes, that Tom Hanks. Two-time Oscar winner and star of numerous classics. Hanks has expressed his passion for Villa as far back as January 2008. He has claimed that the team's name, which conjured daydreams of picturesque vacation spots, is the primary reason why he began supporting the outfit.

Regardless, Hanks had been on quest - reminiscent of the odyssey his iconic 1994 character Forest Gump undertook across the US - to watch a match a Villa Park.

He was finally able to accomplish his mission when he attended Villa's 4-2 defeat to Arsenal at the end of last season. After meeting Unai Emery's squad in the dressing room ahead of the game, the 67-year-old was seen taking in the action from the directors' box.

'I try to keep up.' he said of his support in a 2013 interview with Channel 5. 'I have a very good friend that lives and dies by Aston Villa, he's in Los Angeles as well, so I'm always getting my updates from him.'

LeBron James
'Back the f*** off. Knocking over my wife.' Tom Hanks yelled to a group of fans who had threatened to bowl over his spouse Rita Wilson.

Footage of the June 2022 exchange quickly went viral, with many surprised by Hanks momentarily losing his nice guy persona, while others lauded his stern stance. LeBron James was in the latter camp. A man extremely well placed to empathies.

A near infinite number of pictures must have been taken of the 39-year-old at this stage, from action shots on the court to snaps in more intimate settings. Nowadays, though, it's not uncommon to see pictures of the NBA superstar with a Liver Bird on his chest.

James is a minority shareholder in Liverpool, having first bought a two per cent stake in 2011 for £4.7million with business partner Maverick Carter, the same year FSG bought Liverpool for £300m.

Last year, the Reds unveiled special edition LeBron James collection after he became the NBA's all-time leading scorer. The LFC X LeBron collection features both a fashion and footwear range which the club says 'embodies a long-standing connection between two global sporting icons, celebrating our shared values and illustrious histories'.

This certainly explains some of his loyalty to the Anfield club but after more than a decade connected to the outfit, it's probably fair to say he has built up some affection.

Martin Lewis
In June 2022, Forbes named LeBron James as the first active NBA player to become a billionaire with his stake in FSG worth £74m. Unlike the sporting megastar, the best the average person can do by way of financial advice is consumer champion Martin Lewis.

Born in Manchester, the money-saving expert is an avid Manchester City supporter and has publicly shown his support on social media.

'To City fans: COME ON!!!! To friendly United fans: Thanks for the banter. To abusive United fans: Grow up.' Lewis wrote on X, formerly Twitter, after City's 2-1 win at Old Trafford in April 2013.

In the more than decade that has followed, one would imagine Lewis - as countless other City fans - is bored senseless of their relentless winning. Or maybe not.

AT the very least. he continues to provide vital tips on how to make your hard-earned cash go further in these most trying of times.

Triple H
Last month, Lewis made one of his regular appearances on This Morning Today to explain how you can make money - simply by changing your bank account.

Lewis joined hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, a livelong West Ham supporter, on the programme. Hammers fans like Shephard have been on quite the journey since moving to London Stadium, culminating in winning the Conference League in 2023.

James Corden and Danny Dyer are just a couple of the famous faces spotted at the ground and Shephard is certainly a widely-known figure, owing to his role on daytime TV.

But WWE boss and former star Triple H could stake a claim to be the Hammer's most famous of all. The 54-year-old is a big supporter of the Irons, and he has even compared the West Ham fanbase to WWE's.

'West Ham is probably the closest to what we do, with the passion of their fanbase and their loyalty, right? That's the closest to what we do,' he told ITV in 2015.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13322911/Spidermans-soft-spot-Spurs-Hollywood-Lister-Fulham-affiliation-Anne-Hathaway-revealed-love-Arsenal-match-celebrities-surprising-Premier-League-clubs-support.html

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Opposition Analysis: Liverpool Face Tricky Fulham Test

Analysing the Premier League's Upcoming Clash: Liverpool vs Fulham
Overview of the Matchup

As the Premier League heats up, Liverpool is gearing up to take on Fulham in a pivotal match. Following a tense Europa League exit, Liverpool's focus is back on the domestic front where they aim to regain momentum after recent setbacks. The game against Fulham, known for their unpredictability this season, is crucial as Liverpool seeks to reclaim their position at the top of the table.

Key Insights from Anfield Index Podcast
Hari Sethi from Anfield Index hosts a detailed pre-match discussion with Kyle Bonn of The Sporting News, delving into what can be expected from this encounter. They explore Fulham's season, marked by inconsistency but ending on a positive note, and discuss Liverpool's current form and strategy.

Liverpool's Response to Setbacks
On the podcast, Hari discusses Liverpool's recent performances: "The Reds need to shake off those cobwebs... after such a poor leg at Anfield and a loss to Crystal Palace" he notes. This weekend's match is seen as an opportunity for Liverpool to demonstrate resilience and get back in contention for the league title.

Fulham's Campaign Insights
Kyle Bonn provides an insightful analysis of Fulham's season. Despite inconsistencies, Fulham's campaign is seen as positively trajectory. Bonn highlights the significant roles of unexpected players and strategic transfers that shaped Fulham's season. For example, Rodrigo Muniz, who stepped up impressively in the absence of other strikers, and Marek Rodák's commendable performance in the goal.

Liverpool's Tactical Approach
The discussion also touches on Liverpool's tactical adjustments. According to Hari, there's a noticeable "lack of steam, energy, maybe belief and certainly in front of goal." The challenge for Liverpool will be to overcome these issues and harness their strengths to secure a victory against a rejuvenated Fulham side.

Individual Performances to Watch
Hari and Kyle discuss key players who could influence the game. For Liverpool, the focus is on getting more from their attacking lineup, particularly in converting the chances they create. From Fulham's perspective, players like Willian and Muniz are expected to pose threats with their recent form and ability to impact games significantly.

Conclusion and Outlook
As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the anticipation builds not just for the result but for the potential strategic plays and standout performances. Liverpool aims to demonstrate that they can bounce back and push for the title, while Fulham will look to capitalize on their recent form and disrupt Liverpool's plans.

This match promises to be a fascinating clash with significant implications for the Premier League title race. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Liverpool can harness their renowned resilience and tactical acumen to overcome the challenges posed by a spirited Fulham team.

Final Thoughts
The Anfield Index podcast provides an in-depth preview filled with strategic insights that not only heighten the anticipation for this match but also enrich the understanding of what to expect when these two teams face off. As the Premier League season progresses, matches like these are pivotal in shaping the final standings.



https://anfieldindex.com/67003/opposition-analysis-liverpool-face-tricky-fulham-test.html

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Marco Silva makes Andreas Pereira demand for Liverpool after Fulham transformation
Andreas Pereira has been in fine form for Fulham, with the Brazilian scoring twice in the 2-0 win at West Ham last weekend, but manager Marco Silva expects more

Fulham manager Marco Silva is keen for Andreas Pereira to keep up his impressive performances as he pushes his team for the Premier League run-in. The 28-year-old has been influential for the Whites throughout the campaign, earning him a recall to the Brazil squad.

Pereira proved to be the hero for Fulham at West Ham United last weekend, netting a brace to secure the club's first win in four games. Despite not scoring since August, Pereira has been pivotal with eight assists, the highest in the Fulham squad this season.

This has brought him back into contention for Brazil, featuring in the friendlies against England and Spain during the March international break. Silva acknowledges Pereira's impact, especially considering his transition from a deeper midfield role to a more attacking position since joining Fulham, but believes there is plenty more to come from the former Manchester United midfielder.

"Andreas, last season made a huge impact. Before he joined us, he played more as a second midfielder and not so offensive," Silva said. "This season, he is going to have one of the best assist records for us and we will demand more. Last week, he showed the desire to arrive in the right areas."

Silva will hope Pereira can continue to step up for Fulham as they prepare to compound Liverpool's misery on Sunday. After being ousted from the Europa League by Atalanta and suffering a defeat to Crystal Palace, Jurgen Klopp's men have fallen behind in the title race.

Fulham have proven to be a tough test for Liverpool on three occasions this season, playing out an end-to-end 4-3 defeat at Anfield and a tense two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final tie. The Whites have recorded some notable results at Craven Cottage this term and Silva will hope it is fourth time lucky as Fulham look to add Liverpool to that list.

"Probably some of them (have been) too open for a manager to enjoy, but yes, at Anfield and at the Cottage as well, they have been really in some moments emotional games, in other moments entertaining," Silva said during his pre-match press conference.

"Tight games always, in some of them dramatic ends of the match. But even last season, it was really tough for them to come to play at Craven Cottage (in the) Carabao Cup this season, too. Let's hope we can get a different result than the last games that we played against them."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/marco-silva-makes-andreas-pereira-29031388

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Report: Fulham Ponder Vinicius Transfer

Fulham's Forward Finesse: Carlos Vinicius on the Move?
Vinicius Up for Grabs

As the summer transfer window looms, Fulham are reportedly open to proposals for Carlos Vinicius, a sharpshooter whose tenure at the club hangs by a thread with only a year left on his contract. This news, sourced from the meticulous coverage by The Standard, indicates a strategic shift in the Cottagers' frontline dynamics.

Striking Shifts at Craven Cottage
The Brazilian forward's tenure at Fulham has been a rollercoaster, with notable highs such as his decisive goal against Luton and his contribution to the trouncing of West Ham. However, Marco Silva's evolving strategy and the emergence of Rodrigo Muniz as a key player have led to Vinicius finding game time hard to come by, prompting a loan to Galatasaray.

Muniz's Rise and Stansfield's Promise
Muniz's stellar performance, culminating in the Premier League Player of the Month award for March, along with Raul Jimenez and Jay Stansfield's promise, has reshaped Fulham's attacking prospects. Vinicius's future at the club, therefore, seems overshadowed by this burgeoning talent.

Fulham's Competitive Edge
Amidst this scenario, Fulham stands resilient in the league, positioned 12th and nipping at the heels of Brighton. The club's strategic manoeuvres, including the handling of Vinicius's situation, underscore a commitment to solidifying their Premier League status after a commendable performance post-promotion.

As Fulham prepares for the clash with Liverpool, the question isn't just about securing victory but also about the future composition of their attack. Will Vinicius find a new chapter elsewhere, or does fate have an unexpected twist in store? The answers will unfold as the summer transfer window approaches.



https://eplindex.com/108969/report-fulham-ponder-vinicius-transfer.html

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Fulham keen on Amrabat
According to reports in the media, Fulham are believed to be interested in signing Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina after the Moroccan's torrid loan spell with Manchester United.

Amrabat joined United on loan from Fiorentina ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, with the Red Devils having the option to purchase the African star on a permanent basis.  However, Amrabat struggled to cement his place in Erik Ten Hag's midfield department and was even utilized as an auxiliary left-back on a couple of occasions.

Now though, according to Tutto Mercato Web, Fulham are interested in signing Amrabat at the end of the 2023/24 season.

It has previously been reported that Fiorentina will not make full use of Amrabat should he return to the club from his loan spell, sparking interest from around Europe.

The Premier League side is reportedly prepared to spend up to €30 million to bring the Moroccan to Craven Cottage.



https://africanfootball.com///africanfootball.com/news/815143/Fulham-keen-on-Amrabat

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Tottenham join race to sign Gabriel Osho

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on signing 25-year-old Luton Town defender Gabriel Osho, a target for Aston Villa and Fulham.
According to a report from Give Me Sport, Gabriel Osho is a target for Tottenham Hotspur, and they will look to sign him on a free transfer in the summer transfer window. Aston Villa and Fulham are keen on the Luton Town defender as well.

Osho will be out of contract in the summer, and he could prove to be a useful acquisition on a bargain. Tottenham need another central defender to complete their defensive unit, and the 25-year-old would be the ideal fit for them. He has done reasonably well in the Premier League with Luton Town, and the opportunity to move to Tottenham will be an attractive proposition.

The North London outfit have impressed with their performances this season, and they are currently pushing for UEFA Champions League qualification. They will be an attractive destination for most players if they manage to finish in the top four.

Aston Villa and Fulham will be interesting opportunities for the player as well. But Tottenham are certainly better project right now, and they will be more attractive for the player. Spurs have also shown interest in other centre-backs, including Jarrad Branthwaite.

On the other hand, Luton Town are expected to go down to the Championship. They have been quite disappointing with their recent performances, and players like Osho will want to continue in the top flight. The opportunity to join a club like Tottenham will be hard to turn down. A move to the North London club would allow him to compete in Europe next season and push for trophies.

Osho could be tempted to join Tottenham
It would be a major step up in his career, and it remains to be seen whether the 25-year-old can secure an agreement with Tottenham soon. Luton Town will be powerless to stop him from leaving because of his contract situation. Signing the defender on a free transfer would represent an excellent bargain for Tottenham, and they will be able to improve the other areas of their squad as well.

Tottenham have put together a talented squad, but they need more in order to do well across multiple competitions. Players like Osho could prove to be worth their weight in gold during rotation and injuries.

Tottenham are looking at a number of central defenders alongside the Luton Town star. Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth and Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham are reportedly on their radar as well. The two defenders will be available on a free transfer as well. It will be interesting to see who Spurs end up signing eventually.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/04/20/tottenham-join-race-to-sign-gabriel-osho/#google_vignette

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Zepa earns derby point for Fulham U18s
A late leveller from Macauley Zepa earned Fulham's under 18s a point against league leaders Chelsea in a six-goal thriller at Motspur Park earlier this afternoon.

The young Whites came from behind twice in the second half and substitute Zepa scored within a minute of coming off the bench – finishing from close range at the near post after the persistence of Aaron Loupalo-Bi had forced Harrison McMahon into a last-ditch tackle.

Chelsea, inspired by the outside chance of sealing the league title with a win and other results going their way, began the brighter of the two sides. Ato Ampah forced an early save from Marco Underwood before Tyrique George had a goal chalked off because he was offside. Fulham's first fluent attack saw Chibby Nwoko overlap the run of Loupalo-Bi along the right flank but the midfielder's cross was inches away from finding Tom Olyott.

The Whites went in front in fortunate circumstances as Tom Wingate pressurised Kai Crampton as the ball went back to the Chelsea goalkeeper and the forward's challenge on the edge of the box propelled the ball into the net to give the visitors the lead. Crampton was eventually replaced by schoolboy debutant Jack Austin between the sticks. At the other end, Underwood flew off his line to deny Ampah and then thwarted Donnell McNeilly, who hit a low shot towards goal after being set up by the lively George.

Chelsea came close to an equaliser when Ollie Harrison's looping cross wrongfooted Underwood and crashed back into play off the far post. The hosts did draw level right on the stroke of half time with Reiss Denny threading a fine through ball to put George clean through on goal. He dummied his way around Underwood and rolled a right-footed finish into the unguarded net.

The Blues began stronger in the second half with Kaiden Wilson having a far post header held by Underwood before the hosts hit the front. Harrison Murray-Campbell forced his way down the right wing and flashed a low cross towards the back post. Denny rather snatched at his finish but the alert McNeilly reacted quickest to score from close range. But the Whites were level within nine minutes as England youth international Seth Ridgeon robbed Denny of possession and ran half the line of the field before firing into the bottom corner.

Chelsea inched ahead again with twelve minutes to play. Skipper Travis Akomeah stepped up from the back and set up McNeilly, who held off his man saw his left-footed finish deflected over the grounded Underwood. But Zepa wasted no time in hauling Fulham level after being introduced as a late substitute with a gleeful finish from a few yards out after Loupalo-Bi had bulldozed his way towards the Chelsea goal.

FULHAM UNDER 18s (4-2-3-1): Underwood; de Jesus, Slade, Amissah, Tabares (Esenga 86); Nwoko, Ridgeon; Olyott (Zepa 82), Gordon, Wingate (Ali Wahid 64); Loupalo-Bi. Subs (not used): Varney, Park.

BOOKED: Nwoko.

GOALS: Wingate (27), Ridgeon (67), Zepa (83).

CHELSEA UNDER 18s (4-2-3-1): Crampton (Austin 42); Murray-Campbell, Wilson, Antwi; Harrison (Ngumoha 75), Ampah (Runham 68), George, Denny; McNeilly. Subs (not used): Wade, Olagunjiu.

BOOKED: Wilson, Denny.

GOALS: George (45+2), McNeilly (58, 78).

REFEREE: Callum Peter.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/zepa-earns-derby-point-for-fulham-u18s/

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Silva: 'I'll do my maximum to keep Willian'
Marco Silva says he will do everything he can to keep Brazilian veteran Willian at Fulham for at least another season.

The evergreen winger, now 35, is out of contract this summer and has been quoted in the past week saying that he would consider a move to pastures new, either in Europe or in Saudi Arabia, from where he had a lucrative offer last year. But Silva is desperate to keep him at Craven Cottage, where he has shone since arriving on a free transfer from Corinthians in September 2022.

"Last season he had an offer from either Saudi or Dubai, we know that. It is up to him to decide what is best for his future and his family. From my side I am going to do my maximum to keep him with us. I have many conversations with Willian about everything, not just his contract.

He is a special player, I have a strong relationship with him, a special one. Everything is so clear between me and him. The player wants to wait until the end of the season."

Willian has scored ten goals, and made seven more, in 64 appearances for the Whites.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/silva-ill-do-my-maximum-to-keep-willian/

[WhiteJC]

Full Liverpool squad available to face Fulham - as defender to return but five absent
Liverpool can go ahead of Man City in the Premier League title race.

Jurgen Klopp will have a decision on whether to recall Stefan Bajcetic to his Liverpool squad for today's trip to Fulham.

The Reds have the chance to move ahead of Manchester City and put the pressure on in the Premier League title race finale.

Liverpool are out of the Europa League after a 3-1 aggregate loss against Atalanta but came take some solace from a 1-0 win in the second leg.

Bajcetic did not travel to Italy, having made his first appearance in six months for the under-21s last week. Jurgen Klopp opted to give the midfielder more time to build fitness.

It seems it is between Bajcetic and Kostas Tsimikas in terms of who will feature in the match-day squad. Tsimikas was omitted from last weekend's 1-0 loss against Crystal Palace at Anfield. But the injury to Conor Bradley, who is sidelined for the rest of the month, means that Tsimikas is likely to be included.

Jayden Danns came off the bench against Atalanta while Bobby Clark was among the substitutes. But with Klopp only able to name nine players in reserve in the Premier League, they may be drop out.

Meanwhile, Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara and Ben Doak remain absent.

Liverpool potential players available against Fulham
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Kelleher, Adridan, Mrozek.

Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, van Dijk, Konate, Gomez, Quansah, Robertson, Tsimikas.

Midfielders: Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones, Elliott, Gravenberch, Bajcetic, Clark.

Forwards: Salah, Nunez, Gakpo, Jota, Diaz, Danns.



https://www.liverpoolworld.uk/sport/football/liverpool/full-liverpool-squad-available-to-face-fulham-as-defender-to-return-but-five-absent-4598637

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Brazilian hotshot can FIRE his way onto Liverpool's transfer shortlist TODAY
Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz can fire his way onto Liverpool's shortlist for the summer transfer window today. The Brazilian could be what they're looking for.

Liverpool are struggling for goals right now, with none coming from open play for well over 300 minutes now. It's a serious problem - and one that has disrupted the season.

The new manager will come in knowing that and it's incredibly likely that Liverpool look for a reliable goalscorer this summer. And as it so happens, they're up against an interesting potential target on Sunday.

Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz has lit up the Premier League in 2024, winning the Player of the Month award for March. That followed an outstanding run of form across February and March.

Muniz hadn't actually managed a Premier League goal up until February. Once that month kicked off, though, he found his first and is already up to eight in the top flight.

It's not a case of fluking it, either - Muniz is right in line with his expected goals for the season. It's simply a case of his averaging out his slow start with a fine run of form.

And if that form continues against Liverpool on Sunday, the Reds may just see him as an ideal summer signing.

Rodrigo Muniz and Liverpool
We haven't pulled this entirely out of nowhere - reports in Brazil claim Liverpool do have eyes on Muniz. It's just whether that turns into genuine interest.

Because Muniz does have drawbacks. He completes remarkably few passes: the Brazilian is in the bottom 4 per cent of strikers across the top European leagues for completed passes at just 13 per 90 minutes. The 22-year-old doesn't dribble much, either, (bottom 8 per cent) or win tackles (again, bottom 8 per cent).

At the same time, he's a young striker who has only just found his feet in the Premier League but is showing a knack for scoring goals. Keep that up and he could be someone of great interest to Liverpool this summer.

And he has a chance to fire himself right onto their shortlist on Sunday.

Stats per FBref.



https://anfieldwatch.co.uk/rodrigo-muniz-liverpool-transfer-shortlist-fulham/