EPL 2021 / 2022

@KiwiPie We bought Wilson for (rumoured) 12 Million quid last summer. we are paying in installments to get around FFP so some have misinterpreted it as a loan.

the only loan player is Neco Williams. Fulham are keen to sign him and rumour is he's keen to sign as he won't get past trent A-A at Anfield and wants game time ahead of a possible World Cup.

We have a number of players coming off contract in June. Carvalho is a big loss. Hoped he'd do a Sessignon and play one more season with us. Instead he'll likely go out on loan to a Championship side....

Fabri is #3 GK again rumour is we are chasing to get Alphonse Areola back. He was our player of the season last year. He still lives in Fulham and hasn't broken into West Ham this season.

Jean Michel Seri has played a role this year - less so since AfCon

We will,likely lose 3 central defenders in Mawson, Hector (surplus to requirements) and Ream - too old for Prem but a Fulham legend. Neeskens Kabano has been a regular and is off contract. would make a good squad player but hasn't played as much recently so maybe he doesn't figure in Silva's plans. Apparently we have secured 22-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk winger Manor Solomon who plays wide so it could be Neeskens will be let go as well.

Aussie Tyrese Francois is also off contract but will probably get an offer.

Despite playing for fun this year our squad has relied heavily on players found wanting at the top level previously. Our youth sides have done almost as well as the senior side but that would be a big step up. We do need some energy and creativity.

I'm not concerned about our options out wide both in attack and defence, particularly if we do keep Williams but the spine needs strengthening and an alternative to Mitro as a second option would be good. Currently we bring on Rodrigo Muniz who is a raw young Brazilian but too much like Mitro. We need a point of difference up front.

This season has been fun. i doubt I will be anticipating the Fulham podcasts quite as much come the autumn. Oh goody we only lost 2-1!

@dogmeat said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

The season end could get ugly if the squad relax - we play the teams in 2nd, 4th 5th and 6th!

It could get squeaky bum time for Bournemouth yet if we beat them and they then lose the six pointer against Forest....

Yeah the game this Friday (i think) has me really nervous, I am hoping you guys take your foot off the pedal now that you are secure, some teams relax sometimes anyway. Hudderfield look closest on table, but Forest with games in hand as well are more of a threat. Interesting finish coming and we have been relatively below par the last few weeks with nerves playing a part.

Harry Wilson was great value when playing for us, but that was purely a loan

@bayimports 3:00 Saturday kick-off. TBH I think complacency has crept into the Fulham performances since Middlesborough away. Hence the subsequent two losses even allowing for the fact that both Coventry and Derby took the game to use and played really well.

Lose to us then you have Swansea and Blackburn before Forest (at home).

their corresponding fixtures are Peterborough, us and Swansea.

It's not totally unrealistic for us to be up to rub Parkers nose in it and be crowned champs, hit the turps and lose badly to Forest. that would make it a winner takes all game between the two of you with the possibility of a sting in the tail in the final round. You have Millwall, Forest Hull.

It's also not entirely impossible that Fulham go completely Fulhamish and don't pick up another point this season.

@dogmeat lol, Peterborough right now are also making a last ditch effort to escape relegation and playing well of late, thats a watch out for anyone coming up against them.

Like I said hopeful of relaxing, I suspect Fulham would clearly like to see Parker lose, I just have to hope youre not in the mood. Any points out of that clash would be welcome.

@mariner4life said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

@MajorRage said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

Great win for Liverpool …. But Keane is overshadowing the game. Scathing and completely on point

he's been at them for a fair while now

he's not wrong with most if it either.

Yeah, his comments can be summarised as no longer being angry, more sad at what the club has become. Random recruitment, lack of real interest from the players, and a culture setup where players believe they are bigger than the manager. Souness said in a combined Man U / Liverpool team he'd not pick a single man U player & Keane agreed with him. Said the team is really lacking characters to actually lead the club. The ones you rally behind, the ones who make you believe, the ones you don't want to let down. The ones who simply don't allow their team to be dominated.

Gary Neville joined in a bit later and was absolutely scathing of the club from the top down. Glazers, management have all led the club to where it is now. Rangnick has no respect as he's interim only, lot of players are off contract at end of the year and are showing that they don't want to be there. Maguire played half assed at best. Said the only player he liked last night was Hannibal who actually kicked a couple of players and got carded. Said it showed he cared & wanted to show Liverpool that he was unhappy at being bossed.

It was a really interesting post match.

So Arsenal shits the bed against 3 teams in the bottom half of the table and then goes to Stamford Bridge and puts 4 past Chelsea.

@Bovidae said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

So Arsenal shits the bed against 3 teams in the bottom half of the table and then goes to Stamford Bridge and puts 4 past Chelsea.

Peak Arsenal right there. I look forward to them beating Spurs and then losing to Everton in the final week to miss out on CL.

Early game this weekend is Arsenal v Man United. If Arsenal win, then Man U are 6 points back with just 4 games to play and surely with no chance of making the top 4. A draw keeps it open.

And a win for Burnley today means they are just a point behind Everton and Leeds aren't yet safe. Watford and Norwich look goneburger though.

Man U appoint Erik Ten Hag

good luck

the Top two are too hard to pick because they are both still contending for multiple titles and that and injuries will determine it. I suspect Chelsea will take the FA Cup and Liverpool the Title. I can't see City getting no silverware so I guess that means they finally win the CL, But really all permutations are in play.

I think United are a joke so have only looked at Spurs v Arse in the race for 4th. All the remaining fixtures are affected to a large degree by the mood of their opposition. Particularly at the bottom if results start dropping off and a team mentally gives up and heads for the beach then the impact on the table is immense. Momentum will be key. For what it's is worth -

Spurs 57 points
Brentford (A) Leicester (H) Liverpool (A) Arsenal (H) Burnley (H) Norwich (A)
DM predicts 71 points

Arsenal 57 points
Man U (H) West Ham (A) Leeds (H) Spurs (A) Newcastle (A) Everton (H)
DM predicts 71 points

Leeds 32 points
Palace (A) Man City (H) Arsenal (A) Chelsea (H) Brighton (H) Brentford (A)
DM predicts 36 points

Everton 29 points
Liverpool (A) Chelsea (H) Leicester (A) Watford (H) Brentford (H) Palace (H) Arsenal (A)
DM predicts 35 points

Burnley 28 points
Wolves (H) Watford (A) Villa (H) Spurs (A) Villa (A) Newcastle (H)
DM predicts 34 points

Personally I hope Burnley make it as I feel Leeds and Everton have more improvement in them and next season it looks like a real dog fight to avoid relegation.

City appear to be stumbling to the line, but they've got the easier run in. There's a chance that LFC could concentrate on everything and win nothing.

Well that was emphatic

@dogmeat said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

Well that was emphatic

I watched the last 10 before half-time this morning and Fulham looked like they were going to score every couple of minutes - obviously in the 2nd half they cashed in. They play some good football, nice mix between passing through, going wide and going long. Will they prosper next season? Depends on a lot of factors.

Big game tomorrow Bournemouth v Forest. A draw and Bournemouth need a point on the final day, a Forest win and they are level on points but Forest have a better goal difference. Both of those look well equipped to win the play-offs.

Oldham relegated from the football league and the first team that played in the premier league to drop out. Another sad tale of a useless owner.

@KiwiPie said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

@dogmeat said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

Well that was emphatic

I watched the last 10 before half-time this morning and Fulham looked like they were going to score every couple of minutes - obviously in the 2nd half they cashed in. They play some good football, nice mix between passing through, going wide and going long. Will they prosper next season? Depends on a lot of factors.

Big game tomorrow Bournemouth v Forest. A draw and Bournemouth need a point on the final day, a Forest win and they are level on points but Forest have a better goal difference. Both of those look well equipped to win the play-offs.

Oldham relegated from the football league and the first team that played in the premier league to drop out. Another sad tale of a useless owner.

goal difference of 1, we are not talking a big difference

Big game for the cherries and looking like a big banana skin as Forest have been on a great run

@bayimports It's not a big difference but it will of course increase if Forest win.

Having played both teams in the last fortnight Forest were much the better side.

I would far rather Bournemouth get promoted, despite Parker being a bit of a knob, because I think we are more likely to take six points off Bournemouth in the EPL than Forest.

I reckon if they do have to go through the play-offs, Forest will make it anyway; but I'm picking Bournemouth will dip out if you don't get automatic promotion .

@dogmeat said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

@bayimports It's not a big difference but it will of course increase if Forest win.

Having played both teams in the last fortnight Forest were much the better side.

I would far rather Bournemouth get promoted, despite Parker being a bit of a knob, because I think we are more likely to take six points off Bournemouth in the EPL than Forest.

I reckon if they do have to go through the play-offs, Forest will make it anyway; but I'm picking Bournemouth will dip out if you don't get automatic promotion .

Bournemouth have not been themselves in the last 12 weeks, I wouldnt be surprised if automatic promotion doesnt happen they will dip out either. Not because I dont think we cant beat the other teams on the day, because I still thinkwe can and should but because we have lost all momentum and confidence

So it is Liverpool into the UCL final - 3-2 on the night and 5-2 overall but Villarreal gave them a real scare by being 2-0 up at half-time.

More importantly, Bournemouth beat Forest to seal promotion and push Forest into the play-offs. Forest will play one of Sheffield United, Luton or Middlesbrough as will Huddersfield.

@bayimports Congratulations.

@KiwiPie Klopp's half time team talk would be an interesting listen. Liverpool were owned in the first half. Showed great character and commitment.

Still in with a shout of 3 cups. League looking a little too hard I reckon.
Both they and City have similar run ins. Each play Villa and Wolves. City has Newcastle and West Ham. Liverpool Spurs and Southampton. Difficult to see City providing an opening. Plus Liverpool have the FA Cup Final as well.

@dogmeat said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

@KiwiPie Klopp's half time team talk would be an interesting listen. Liverpool were owned in the first half. Showed great character and commitment.

Still in with a shout of 3 cups. League looking a little too hard I reckon.
Both they and City have similar run ins. Each play Villa and Wolves. City has Newcastle and West Ham. Liverpool Spurs and Southampton. Difficult to see City providing an opening. Plus Liverpool have the FA Cup Final as well.

In with a shout?

Mate, you can engrave the 4 trophies already.

@dogmeat thank you! happy for the team, would have been a disaster to limp into playoffs, so good reward for a great season and won the game that mattered! Back up we go...(even for one year lol)

@bayimports Staying up next year looks daunting.

Newcastle have improved out of sight. Everton can't be as bad again. Burnley are improving.

It's been fantastic following Fulham this year. 3 times scored 7 and twice 6. 100 goals best (equal) defence. The movement and ambition have been glorious at times. A season of almost uninterrupted highlights.

Yet if we play like that in the Prem we will be Norwich. Our ambition has to be to play boring pragmatic football and grind out the odd result and hope there are three worse teams than us. Need to get a good start.

My consolation / hope is that when Fulham went down to 2014 not one pundit saw it coming. We were firmly ensconced as a mid table stalwart for 13 successive seasons and then the sky fell in. Hoping the same happens next season to a Palace or similar.

@MajorRage said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

@dogmeat said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

@KiwiPie Klopp's half time team talk would be an interesting listen. Liverpool were owned in the first half. Showed great character and commitment.

Still in with a shout of 3 cups. League looking a little too hard I reckon.
Both they and City have similar run ins. Each play Villa and Wolves. City has Newcastle and West Ham. Liverpool Spurs and Southampton. Difficult to see City providing an opening. Plus Liverpool have the FA Cup Final as well.

In with a shout?

Mate, you can engrave the 4 trophies already.

lol

League cup won
FA Cup Final
Champs league final
90 points in the league

Hell of a year.

@mariner4life

It'd be a hell of a year even if you only finish with the League Cup and Runners up in the other three. Not that anyone will see it that way no doubt and not that I think it will eventuate.

So has the Klopp era surpassed the Paisley one and if not what more needs to be achieved?

Surely if they do manage the quadruple it ends the debate?

Add to the accomplishments getting Klopp to extend.

@dogmeat Paisley won a lot of silverware

For all the great play and going deep in to seasons, in the end, people remember trophies, not almost trophies.

Still a great fucking season, and i hope at the end Liverpool fans are happy.

@dogmeat the Saudi money at Newcastle looks like it was well directed and I still think we should not have gone down when Eddie Howe was in charge.

I think we have managed our finances well and that is important, if not for next year but for the future. Lets see if Parker ball works in the prem

@bayimports said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

@dogmeat the Saudi money at Newcastle looks like it was well directed and I still think we should not have gone down when Eddie Howe was in charge.

I think we have managed our finances well and that is important, if not for next year but for the future. Lets see if Parker ball works in the prem

It didn't work last time. But hopefully he's learned a lot

As a Notts County fan with little success for the past few decades, the continued failures of Forest have been most pleasant so well done to Bournemouth for denying them promotion. And Forest have some past play-off failures to give me hope.

For Liverpool, would winning the quadruple be the greatest ever UK club achievement? Is it better than Celtic in 1967 who did a similar quadruple (plus they also won the Glasgow Cup). They also won the European Cup with a team of Scots all of whom were born within 30 miles of Celtic Park.

@KiwiPie you never know finals can do strange things to teams. Forest have to do battle.

The other good news for Bournemouth is that David Brooks announced he is cancer free.

@KiwiPie You did have that brief glimmer of hope when Sven was named Manager, signed Sol Campbell and kaspar Schmeichel before it all turned out to be a con job.

Look on the bright side one year later and you could have been the first Premier club relegated out of the Football League. As I recall you did pretty well that year until Easter and then it al went tits up? Surely Luton offer an example of how you can come back. They went down from PL with you didn't they? and you also always have the glory of the Juve association

How're County doing this year?

@mariner4life said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

lol

League cup won
FA Cup Final
Champs league final
90 points in the league

Hell of a year.

They are such a superb balanced team. Klopp is a great manager, although he's not quite all time great for me yet as all the success hasn't quite undone all the lost finals. I think a second CL or PL will put him in that pantheon.

Regardless, Liverpool have shown what happens when you select a good manager, give him time to create his team and stick with him for a number of years.

An absolute benchmark to follow. I had hoped we'd do the same with Frank, but we didn't. Not that I can complain about Tuchel.

My Oh My

the wait goes on for City.

Two goals from Madrid in injury time to level the tie and then the winner in extra time

Real will be full of belief that this is their year

Unbelievable

@dogmeat said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

My Oh My

the wait goes on for City.

Two goals from Madrid in injury time to level the tie and then the winner in extra time

Real will be full of belief that this is their year

Unbelievable

They are like the ABs at RWC pre-2011

@MajorRage said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

@mariner4life said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

lol

League cup won
FA Cup Final
Champs league final
90 points in the league

Hell of a year.

They are such a superb balanced team. Klopp is a great manager, although he's not quite all time great for me yet as all the success hasn't quite undone all the lost finals. I think a second CL or PL will put him in that pantheon.

Regardless, Liverpool have shown what happens when you select a good manager, give him time to create his team and stick with him for a number of years.

An absolute benchmark to follow. I had hoped we'd do the same with Frank, but we didn't. Not that I can complain about Tuchel.

not sure he's even close to ATG level is he? for all the improvements at the Clubs he has managed, there isn't enough trophies in the cabinet. I just like the fact that Liverpool are a side that compete for lots of things and play pretty good football.

The 2nd paragraph is key there. A manager with a philosophy and an ownership group committed to putting the right resources in place to ensure that philosophy has the best chance at succeeding. Players are developed, gaps are plugged by (mostly) finding the right players. Depth is built every year. It sort of looks sustainable too.

See what happens when/if Salah fucks off to Spain for ludicris money i guess.

Crazy tie this morning. City are through, and then bang bang bang City are out. Football eh? bloody hell.

@dogmeat said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

My Oh My

the wait goes on for City.

Two goals from Madrid in injury time to level the tie and then the winner in extra time

Real will be full of belief that this is their year

Unbelievable

Liverpool are surely favourites for the final but if any team "has their name on the cup" it must be Real Madrid this season - seemingly down and out in all knockout ties in the second leg but each time coming back. They didn't really look like scoring as full time approached and Grealish almost scored twice - then bang, bang. Incredible.

@dogmeat said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

@KiwiPie You did have that brief glimmer of hope when Sven was named Manager, signed Sol Campbell and kaspar Schmeichel before it all turned out to be a con job.

Look on the bright side one year later and you could have been the first Premier club relegated out of the Football League. As I recall you did pretty well that year until Easter and then it al went tits up? Surely Luton offer an example of how you can come back. They went down from PL with you didn't they? and you also always have the glory of the Juve association

How're County doing this year?

The con job is fascinating - if you want to know more it is covered in 6 parts in a podcast "Sport's Strangest Crimes" and Notts is just a part of it. Sven going to North Korea is a great tale which I hadn't heard about until I listened to it. You wonder how Notts fell for it but the conman did actually own a bank in the middle east so when he gave them a banker's draft to guarantee the funds it was pretty convincing.

Even though it all turned sour, we did have a great team on the back of it (Kasper was fantastic, Sol played 1 game but there were better signings) and it did lead to promotion (the only time since Big Sam did it in the late 90s). A couple of years later we managed to be in the Div 1 play-off spots in November and then relegated (kind of a reverse Forest from this season).

Luton dropped out of the league a few years before us. We did compete with Coventry in a League 2 playoff not so many years ago. controversial pen and they were promoted and look at them now.

This season we are 5th in the national league, looking good to make the play-offs but won't be favoured to win them - 6 teams go into the playoffs with just a single promoted team and whichever of Stockport or Wrexham doesn't get automatic promotion will probably go up via the play-offs.

@KiwiPie Thanks I have subscribed to that pod. Russell King sure is a strange story.
The other seasons - Allen Stanford and Shergar look interesting too.

After all there's only so many pod episodes about Fulham's Championship glory I can listen to (actually that's not true I'm sure I may missed one somewhere)

@dogmeat said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

@KiwiPie Thanks I have subscribed to that pod. Russell King sure is a strange story.
The other seasons - Allen Stanford and Shergar look interesting too.

After all there's only so many pod episodes about Fulham's Championship glory I can listen to (actually that's not true I'm sure I may missed one somewhere)

Listened to Allan Stanford story but not Shergar (yet)

@mariner4life said in EPL 2021 / 2022:

not sure he's even close to ATG level is he? for all the improvements at the Clubs he has managed, there isn't enough trophies in the cabinet. I just like the fact that Liverpool are a side that compete for lots of things and play pretty good football.

The 2nd paragraph is key there. A manager with a philosophy and an ownership group committed to putting the right resources in place to ensure that philosophy has the best chance at succeeding. Players are developed, gaps are plugged by (mostly) finding the right players. Depth is built every year. It sort of looks sustainable too.

See what happens when/if Salah fucks off to Spain for ludicris money i guess.

Crazy tie this morning. City are through, and then bang bang bang City are out. Football eh? bloody hell.

I think he's close. He's proven at more than one big club, and shown he knows how to manage the big players, he's just a couple of trophies / cups short in the cupboard. If it wasn't for Guardiola and City, he'd have at least one more EPL & has taken Liverpool to CL final a few times.

I think a second CL or a 2nd EPL would put him right up there.