From the press box: King could be back in contention for trip to Leeds
Jack Kelly updates us from Marco Silva's latest press conference
After the FA Cup successes last weekend, Fulham will be back in Premier League action, travelling up to Leeds on Saturday.
Marco Silva revealed that Josh King could be back in contention for Saturday, whilst Kenny Tete and Rodrigo Muniz remain out.
After Nigeria lost on penalties in the semi-finals of AFCON, Silva confirmed that the the Fulham trio of Chukwueze, Iwobi and Bassey, would be back in training next week ahead of the game against Brighton at Craven Cottage.
This month has seen Ipswich Town show interest in captain Tom Cairney. A deal seems unlikely, with Cairney himself saying this:
“I can't really see myself wearing any other kit. If I picture myself in another kit it just feels weird. It's football, things chop & change all the time. I want to play after this season."
Cairney is out out of contract in the summer, with Silva saying that Cairney deciding to retire at Fulham would be the best scenario.
"The best scenario for Tom, if it's going to be possible, is for him to end his career at Fulham. In one year, two years, three years time, I don't know when. It's going to be special for him, & it's going to be special for the fans as well”, said Silva.
“I know that he loves football, he's in a good condition to keep playing, & of course if he can prolong his career in a Fulham shirt and if Fulham can allow him to do it, I think it's going to be a great feeling for him & for his family."
Hopefully we can see some more years of TC in a Fulham shirt, his club journey has been incredible, and he’s still contributing for his side in the Premier League.
Silva didn’t give an update on Harry Wilson’s contract situation, but did confirm that there is ‘zero chance’ the Welshman leaves in the summer.
“The club is speaking with his representatives as well, but zero chance for him to leave the club in January. Completely zero. Not because we have an offer, I know that’s starting to come some noise about the possibility for him to leave in this window. No chance, zero chance”, said Silva.
As for tomorrow’s game, Fulham have a chance to secure back-to-back Premier League wins. Fulham could also extend their unbeaten league run to seven if they avoid defeat at Elland Road.
Furthermore, three points, or even one on Saturday would see Fulham go five games unbeaten away from home in the Premier League.
Fulham’s last league game outside of London was against Burnley, which feels like an awfully long time ago now.
Leeds have picked up important points over the festive/new year period. With West Ham stuttering in 18th, they’ve now got an eight point lead over the Hammers, as they try to continue to climb away from danger.
Our last trip to Elland Road was a memorable one, coming from behind to win 2-3, in front of a toxic home ground, who were less than impressed with the man at the helm at the time - Jesse Marsch.
Goals from Aleksander Mitrovic, Bobby Reid and Willian gave Fulham all three points on the road, at a ground where Fulham had struggled in seasons before that occasion.
I would imagine Fulham stick with the four at the back which they went with against Middlesborough. King, if available, will most likely be on the bench, with Emile Smith Rowe on great form.
What will we see from December Goal of the Month winner Harry Wilson who came close to joining Leeds in the summer according to reports.
I’m looking forward to this one, see you all in Leeds tomorrow! Fulham will wear black and gold hoping for a similar outcome to the last time we wore those colours.
UTF!