After an upset stomach ruled me out of attending last night’s Cup victory at Craven Cottage, I was fighting fit this morning to head back to Motspur Park for a third pre-match press conference in the space of seven days.
Fulham are fresh off a 3-0 win against AFC Wimbledon, which has set them up for a tie in east London against West Ham. But we’re back to Premier League action this weekend as Alvaro Arbeloa’s side visit the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland.
While the Black Cats can look forward to a trip to the San Siro (not jealous at all), Fulham will have their minds firmly on trying to get something on Sunday to kick-start their Premier League season.
We will start with the team news.
AA: “Tom (Cairney) is still injured, we will see with Luc; maybe he's not ready for Sunday, we'll see."
Luc De Fougerolles was forced off through injury last night. Will Arbeloa stick with Jorge Cuenca and Calvin Bassey, or will Joachim Andersen partner one of those two to balance the centre-back pairing?
This is the last game before the transfer window slams shut, at the later time this year of 11pm on Tuesday. It’s obvious that Fulham still need to add, including signing a RCB, with Issa Diop now playing for Ipswich Town.
“I think we could improve our squad is every position, every manager thinks that they can improve. I'm looking for players who can fit in my system, to play my way. We are ready to improve the squad in the next days”, said Arbeloa.
More on transfers later from 5pm.
Emile Smith Rowe got on the scoresheet last night, impressing in his first start of the season. ESR also completed 90 minutes, which was a rarity under Marco Silva. Here’s what the new Head Coach said about our number 32.
"He has the quality to fit in with our style, he can play between the lines. Numbers are important you need to score goals and create assists. We have been talking about that with many of the players”, said Arbeloa.
The boss was full of praise for Cesar Palacios too, with the caveat that he needs time to adjust.
“Cesar is a player who you'd buy a ticket to watch play. I have confidence he will do well this season, but will need a lot of time.”
There’s loads more to come from Arbeloa on Gonzalo Garcia on the embargoed section (5pm), but here’s what he had to say about his Spanish striker.
"I've known him since he was 17. I know of his qualities, he's powerful, strong, good with the ball & a goal scorer, I know what he's capable of doing."
It’s fair to say, after his two goals so far this season, Gonzalo has every Fulham fan excited. Rodrigo Muniz getting off the mark was also encouraging. The pair will head up to Wearside full of confidence.
It was a proud evening for the Fulham academy too. Macaulay Zepa and Chibby Nwoko both getting some minutes and impressing. Steven and Ryan Sessegnon both starting against each other too. Two products of the Motspur Park academy.
I’ll be spending the weekend in Newcastle. Cheap pints, expensive crisps and self-loathing. That’s a joke - I can’t wait, especially for the cheap pints. The first away day of the season. A quick ride on the Metro over to Sunderland to cover the game, before heading back to the capital on Monday.
Tuesday is Deadline Day. Are we going to be in for a hectic, frantic and busy day? Let’s see. You can follow it all across my X and YouTube accounts as I go live for a large portion of the final day of the Summer Transfer Window.
But first, safe travels to all braving the trip to Sunderland, amid train issues. Some things never change.
Come on youuuu whites!