Team News
Fulham vrs Queens Park Ranger
Championship Match Day 12 at Craven Cottage
Saturday 16th October 2021 KO: 12:30
Referee:
Oliver Langford (West Midlands)
Live on Sky
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Fulham Coach Marco Silva will almost certainly make numerous changes to his Fulham XI, handing recalls to the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Ivan Cavaleiro.
Joe Bryan could also replace Antonee Robinson with the latter having represented the United States on Wednesday night.
Jean-Michael Seri may get the nod over Josh Onomah in the centre of midfield.
Tom Cairney is in the Fulham squad for Saturday’s derby against QPR.
The Whites captain, out since last December with a persistent knee problem, is likely to be on the bench.
Nathaniel Chalobah is also back in the squad, but Fabio Carvalho and Kenny Tete remain sidelined.
“Tom Cairney will be involved,” said boss Marco Silva.
“He’s ready. He needs some physical conditioning, but it’s good to see him with a smile on his face.
“Fabio will be back next week in my opinion. Kenny is training – and maybe we’ll have him back next week as well.
“But Chalobah is ready, and apart from the long journeys they took, all the (seven) internationals are back and in good condition.”
Silva thinks QPR’s attacking style will make for an attractive game.
“They like to score goals. It will be an open game if they play like they have been doing,” he said.
“If they change, that’s up to them. We will play the same.”
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Gazzaniga; Odoi, Mawson, Adarabioyo, Bryan; Seri, Reed; Wilson, Decordova-Reid, Cavaleiro; Mitrovic
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Charlie Austin will be
looking for a place alongside Dykes, while Jordy de Wijs may get the nod over Jimmy Dunne.
Sam McCallum, Lee Wallace and Andre Gray are doubts for QPR ahead of the game against Fulham.
McCallum and Wallace have been recovering from hamstring injuries and have made good progress during the international break.
Assistant manager John Eustace said on Friday morning that both players have been training with the squad but he was “not sure” whether they or Gray would be fit enough for this weekend’s derby.
Striker Gray has been on international duty with Jamaica and was only due to return to Rangers’ Harlington training ground on Friday, so seems unlikely to be involved at Craven Cottage.
All three players hope to be available for Tuesday’s home match against Blackburn.
Eustace has been preparing the squad for Saturday’s match while manager Mark Warburton is isolating after recently testing positive for Covid-19.
Warburton’s obligatory 10 days of isolation ends in time for him to be in the dugout against Fulham.
Eustace said: “He’s been frustrated stuck at home, but we’ve been getting constant messages from him all week to help us prepare for the game on Saturday.
“I’ve spoken to him and he can’t wait for the game tomorrow. He’s ready to lead the team and take his usual role.”
Queens Park Ranger possible starting lineup:
Dieng; Dickie, De Wijs, Barbet; Odubajo, Ball, Johansen, McCullum; Chair; Dykes, Austin
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Source Darren Plant at sportsmole/Paul Warburton at westlondonsport