Results| Saturday 04/01 |
| | Newcastle |
| | Everton |
| | Leicester |
| | Chelsea |
| | West Ham |
| | Brentford |
| | Arsenal |
Chris Sutton and Paul Merson make West Ham, Brentford and Fulham predictions as 'lump it' claim made
A look at the predictions for this weekend's games as Brentford, Fulham and West Ham return to action.
Another big weekend of Premier League football is about to kick off, and we have some intriguing clashes this weekend. West Ham will be looking to get back on track against a Manchester City side that keeps getting in its own way, while Brentford take on strugglers Southampton as they look to overcome injuries to secure a win.
Elsewhere, Fulham host strugglers Ipswich Town and will be favourites to get the win. Here we round up the predictions for those games from BBC Sport's Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda's Paul Merson.
Fulham vs Ipswich Town
Chris Sutton
"Well done to Ipswich. I have got to give one of my daughter's teachers, Mr Fields, another mention here after the Tractor Boys beat Chelsea on Monday for their first home win of the season. He will have had the bunting out, and the champagne too, and deservedly so. As I've said before, I like this Ipswich team. They have got a lot about them and are giving it a real go to try to stay in the Premier League.
"You cannot underestimate the importance of them getting off the mark at Portman Road, but I don't see them following it up with another success on Sunday. Fulham let me down badly by letting their lead slip late on at home to Bournemouth on Sunday, but they are usually pretty reliable at Craven Cottage. Antonee Robinson and Alex Iwobi form such a wonderful combination down the left for Marco Silva's side, and I think they will help them secure a narrow home win. Prediction: 1-0."
Paul Merson
"This is a good game. Fulham thoroughly deserved their win over Chelsea on Boxing Day. Including the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in their last outing, Fulham are now unbeaten in their last seven games, which included clashes against Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea. That's not a bad record by any stretch of the imagination.
"I like this game from Ipswich's perspective as well. This is a game they will definitely have a swing at, especially considering they beat Chelsea at home last time out. If they play to their strengths, Ipswich can cause problems to Fulham, who have a tendency to let goals in at the back. If they manage to keep Liam Delap fit and firing, I think they have a chance when it comes to survival.
"I'm going to back Fulham to get the win here because of their quality, but I wouldn't be surprised if Ipswich get something out of it. Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Ipswich Town."
https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/west-ham/sutton-merson-west-ham-brentford-4930110
Team News: Fulham vs. Ipswich Town injury, suspension list, predicted XIs
Fulham will endeavour to climb back into the top seven of the Premier League table when they welcome relegation-threatened Ipswich Town to Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.
Marco Silva's side played out a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in their final game of 2024 last week, while Kieran McKenna's men beat Chelsea 2-0 on home soil last time out, and here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest team news for the two clubs.
FULHAM vs. IPSWICH TOWN
FULHAM
Out: Sander Berge (ankle), Reiss Nelson (hamstring), Kenny Tete (knee), Harrison Reed (knee)
Doubtful: None
Sports Mole's predicted XI: Leno; Diop, Andersen, Bassey; Castagne, Pereira, Lukic, Robinson; Wilson, Jimenez, Iwobi
IPSWICH TOWN
Out: Conor Chaplin (knee), Axel Tuanzebe (hamstring), George Hirst (knee), Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles), Massimo Luongo (illness)
Doubtful: None
Sports Mole's predicted XI: Walton; O'Shea, Greaves, Wolfenden, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Burns, Hutchinson, Szmodics; Delap
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/injury-news/team-news/team-news-fulham-vs-ipswich-injury-suspension-list-predicted-xis_562046.html?newsnow
Modest Robinson aiming high
A modest Antonee Robinson has hailed his team-mates and Fulham manager Marco Silva for helping him become one of the country's most consistent left backs.
The American international has enjoyed an outstanding season as the Whites have risen to eighth in the Premier League table – but, speaking to Sky Sports ahead of tomorrow's televised clash with Ipswich Town at Craven Cottage, appeared reluctant to take too much credit for his impressive individual form.
He says one of his key focuses has been improving his decision-making in the last third of the pitch – which has seen him deliver seven assists in nineteen league games so far this season.
"In the final third, when I'm in the positions to be putting crosses down, I'm kind of trying to slow down in my head and make sure I'm picking someone out or picking the right decision, aiming for the right place and just slowing it down a little bit in my own head. It still probably feels fast, but it gives me that little bit of clarity of where I need to put the ball."
Robinson is adamant that Silva is the major reason why he has been able to deliver such dominant displays this term.
"I've spoken a lot about how much I feel like he's personally helped me develop and I give him a lot of praise for that. But in terms of the team, we've kind of had our ideals, our philosophy of how we play ever since he took over in the Championship and he's stayed true to that."
The full back reveals how Silva's pursuit of records has driven Fulham forward.
"The gaffer really, really makes a point of trying to try to break records, trying to make history. Every time there's a game where there's an opportunity to do something we haven't done before, he always mentions it to us. The game at Stamford Bridge is a good example of that. The speech he gave us before the game. We haven't won there in like 45 years. We've managed to do it. We've managed to deliver on that.
We were only a point or so shy in our first Premier League season of matching the points tally and we came 10th. And with the quality the league has had this season and where we are, how many points we've got, it's a real testament because all the teams are in the middle of the pack, are right around ninth. So, we'll take a European place if we can get it".
Robinson knows nothing will come easy in the top flight.
"No one's going to hand us games. We're going to have to earn every point. In the second half of the season, [we want to] try and improve our points tally from the first half. Push up the table and hopefully an FA Cup run as well. I still see my game improving and believe there's potential to keep getting better, and I hope that's the case. Obviously, I'm happy with the level I'm performing at now, but I always aim high and take whatever comes my way."
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/01/modest-robinson-aiming-high/
Ipswich Town: Classic encounter against Fulham in 2015
Ross Halls takes a look at a classic encounter against Fulham ahead of the Blues trip to the Cottagers this weekend...
Today, we throwback to the Championship clash between the two sides when Mick McCarthy's men secured a 2-1 win at Craven Cottage in 2015.
Town needed only 16 seconds to take the lead in West London when Freddie Sears latched on to a Daryl Murphy knockdown on the left and ran past several defenders before firing home from the edge of the box and into the corner of the net for his sixth goal of the season. It remains the second quickest goal in the club's history.
The Cottagers did level the scoring in the 14th minute which came entirely against the run of play when Ross McCormack struck a 30-yard free-kick into the bottom-left corner.
Town regained their lead just before the hour mark when Sears turned provided as he whipped over a low cross from the left and Brett Pitman got ahead of his defender to turn home his seventh goal of the campaign.
The forward celebrated in front of the travelling Blue Army behind the goal, capping an eventful few days by scoring the winner despite suffering the after-effects of emergency dental treatment.
He had root canal surgery earlier that week but was deemed fit to play to help the Blues secure their fourth consecutive away victory for the first time in more than 10 years.
It was a solid away win for the Blues as they remained in the play-off spots and inflicted a seventh game without a win on Fulham.
This game also marked the final appearance for Norwegian defender Jonny Parr, who came off the bench in the final moments. He would leave the club the following month to return to his homeland.
Town XI: Gerken, Knudsen, Chambers (c), Smith, Berra, Skuse (Bru), Douglas, Maitland-Niles (Parr), Sears, Murphy, Pitman (Malarczyk).
https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/24830747.ipswich-town-classic-encounter-fulham-2015/
West Ham United eager to beat Arsenal, Fulham to Evan Ferguson
West Ham United are keen on landing Evan Ferguson despite big interest from fellow London clubs, as the Hammers sense they might have a chance.
According to Give Me Sport, West Ham United are looking to sign Evan Ferguson before the end of the winter transfer window. Arsenal and Fulham are also linked with the 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international, but Brighton & Hove Albion's current stance could prove challenging for the Hammers, who might have to wait patiently.
The situation with Evan Ferguson has many Premier League clubs alert over a potential move for the Ireland striker in this winter window. His lack of game time and persistent injury issues have forced Fabian Hurzeler to limit his minutes as well as influence on this team.
Many suggestions have pointed towards Brighton being open to letting Ferguson leave on loan for the remainder of the season. The Seagulls have also maintained their stance of an £80-100 million valuation for the Irishman, and they are not worried about hsi current plight as the attacking prospect is tied until 2029 at the club.
In any case, there is big interest coming from three London clubs at the moment, with Arsenal among those interested. The viability of signing Evan Ferguson remains the question, as Arsenal are not likely to make a loan bid. At the same time, those in charge of the club's transfer already view the Republic of Ireland international as a somewhat risky signing and probably not worth the money he commands in the market.
Fulham are keen as well, with Marco Silva open to to adding Ferguson on a loan deal for the remainder of the season. They do not have a particular need for a new striker. Still, the Cottagers could view the situation with the 20-year-old Brighton prospect as a big market opportunity, possibly on loan with the view to making it permanent in the future.
West Ham keen to beat rivals for Ferguson
West Ham are ready to step up their interest in Evan Ferguson, but there are big challenges ahead if they are to sign the striker. The idea of giving the young striker a key role could swing the transfer in their favour. Still, the Hammers need to wait patiently until the very end of the transfer window to find out if they have a chance, as the Seagulls will want to see the situation with their squad fitness before deciding.
The East London outfit are hopeful of beating rivals like Arsenal and Fulham to the signature of Ferguson. Things are challenging with regards to persuading Brighton even over a temporary deal, as they might feel the 20-year-old striker could be sold the idea of playing at the London Stadium for the remainder of the season.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/01/04/west-ham-united-eager-to-beat-arsenal-fulham-to-evan-ferguson/
Fulham plot move for James McAtee as out-of-favour Man City star considers future move amid lack of starting opportunities
Fulham are considering making a January move for the Man City youngster
James McAtee is searching for more regular Premier League opportunities
Fulham are weighing up a move for Manchester City attacking midfielder James McAtee.
The 22-year-old has so far played just one minute against Ipswich Town, one minute against Nottingham Forest and a whopping 20 minutes against Leicester City this season and wants more regular minutes.
McAtee has endured a frustrating time watching on from the sidelines amidst City's torrid run of form towards the end of last year and doesn't look likely of forcing his way into more minutes with Pep Guardiola's side recording back-to-back wins for the first time since October by beating West Ham on Saturday.
Fulham are now considering testing City's resolve as Marco Silva looks to integrate another out-of-favour Premier League talent into his team.
The Craven Cottage club have so far rebuffed bids of £16m from Palmeiras for Andreas Pereira but realise the Brazilians may yet return and if a deal is struck would want to bring in another star.
McAtee is on their radar as a potential option with Fulham aware the England U21 international wants more first-team chances to prove his ability.
McAtee had a late cameo from the bench against West Ham on Saturday but is keen for more starting opportunities that Fulham would likely be able to offer.
He has 18 months left on his current deal - and with City yet to engage in new contract negotiations - his situation has alerted a number of interested clubs.
Mail Sport revealed last month that Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund were following developments while West Ham, Brentford and Nottingham Forest also want the 22-year old should City consider selling for around £25million.
Meanwhile, Guardiola knows the potential the youngster has and recognises McAtee could become an even greater talent whether at City or another club.
The Spaniard recently heaped praise on the youngster, stating: 'He's a player from a generation we had at Manchester City that's been unbelievable; Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Liam Delap, Taylor Harwood-Bellis... Incredible, incredible players came from there, and Macca is one of this generation. He was captain of this generation.
'That's why, when I said to Txiki (Begiristain), and I know it's unfair to say [now] because, "Ah you asked him to stay, after you didn't give him minutes he deserved", that's fair. It's right! But always I had the feeling that guy could play with us. He could play.
'It's simple. All players, when you want to ask for something, on the green! On the green is the best place to show, and Macca proved it.
'There are things that sometimes feel unfair. Sometimes in the situation we are living, always you have the feeling to give responsibility to senior players, not young ones.
'But sometimes senior players have more pressure than young ones that don't have anything to defend. It's just they want to conquer the world.'
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14250743/Fulham-James-McAtee-Man-City.html
Fulham mull McAtee move
Fulham are considering a January move for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, according to the Daily Mail.
The England under-21 international is seeking more regular first-team football having had to make do with sporadic substitute appearances under Pep Guardiola this term despite being promised the opportunity to break into the champions' first-team squad last summer. The Salford-born attacking midfielder has made just ten appearances, scoring his first senior goal as a substitute in the Champions' League against Slovan Bratislava, but has asked his representatives to explore opportunities for a move away from his boyhood club.
Fulham and West Ham United have held a long-term interest in McAtee, who has only eighteen months left on his City contract. The Mail suggests that McAtee might be a potential replacement for Andreas Pereira, but the Whites are insistent that they will not be selling the Brazilian international this month unless they receive an offer substantially greater than the £16.5m offer rejected by Palmeiras yesterday.
McAtee has also attracted interest from German pair Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund as well as Brentford and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/01/fulham-mull-mcatee-move-2/
Fulham vs Ipswich: Preview, predictions and lineups Fulham kick off new year by hosting Ipswich in the Premier League
Cottagers unbeaten in seven matches on the bounce
Ipswich secured memorable win over Chelsea last time out
Ipswich Town are looking to build on a gargantuan victory over Chelsea when they visit Fulham in their first outing of the new year. The Tractor Boys travel to west London on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League having secured their first home win of the season last time out. The result moved them closer to safety but Kieran McKenna's side still firmly find themselves in the relegation scrap. Any points at Craven Cottage would be welcomed with open arms.
Fulham are unbeaten in seven matches but have not always found victories easy to come by. They have drawn four of their last five in the Premier League and are perched just inside the top half of the table as they continue to fly under the radar.
Here is 90min's guide to Fulham vs Ipswich.
What time does Fulham vs Ipswich kick-off? Location: London, England
Stadium: Craven Cottage
Date: Sunday 5 January
Kick-off Time: 14:00 GMT / 09:00 ET / 06:00 PT
Referee: Darren Bond
VAR: Paul Tierney
Fulham vs Ipswich H2H Results (Last Five Games) Fulham: 4 wins
Ipswich: 0 wins
Draws: 1
Last meeting: Ipswich 1-1 Fulham (31 August 2024) - Premier League
Current form (all competitions)| Fulham | Ipswich |
| Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth - 29/12/24 | Ipswich 2-0 Chelsea - 30/12/24 |
| Chelsea 1-2 Fulham - 26/12/24 | Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich - 27/12/24 |
| Fulham 0-0 Southampton - 22/12/24 | Ipswich 0-4 Newcastle - 21/12/24 |
| Liverpool 2-2 Fulham - 14/12/24 | Wolves 1-2 Ipswich - 14/12/24 |
| Fulham 1-1 Arsenal - 08/12/24 | Ipswich 1-2 Bournemouth - 08/12/24 |
How to watch Fulham vs Ipswich on TV and live stream - UK & US[/table]
| Country | TV channel/live stream |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD, Sky GO, Sky GO Extra, NOW TV |
| United States | fuboTV, nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, USA Network, Telemundo |
| Canada | fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 2 Canada |
Fulham team newsFulham are without four players for the visit of Ipswich on Sunday afternoon, with Reiss Nelson, Kenny Tete and Sander Berge all missing. The latter is expected to return in midfield soon enough, but won't feature against the Tractor Boys.
Similarly, Harrison Reed is also unavailable despite closing in on a return. The midfielder is back in training but is some way off match fitness having been sidelined since early November with a knee problem.
Fulham predicted lineup vs IpswichFulham predicted lineup vs Ipswich (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Pereira, Lukic; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez.
Ipswich team newsIpswich will be without the services of Chiedozie Ogbene for the remainder of the campaign. Axel Tuanzebe, George Hirst and Conor Chaplin currently accompany him in the treatment room.
Massimo Luongo is doubtful to make the matchday squad against Fulham due to illness. However, he's seldom featured for Ipswich this season even when fit.
Christian Walton is likely to retain his place in goal ahead of the error-prone Arijanet Muric following an impressive display and clean sheet against Chelsea last time out.
Ipswich predicted lineup vs FulhamIpswich predicted lineup vs Fulham (4-2-3-1): Walton; O'Shea, Woolfenden, Greaves, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Burns, Hutchinson, Szmodics; Delap.
Fulham vs Ipswich score predictionFulham have been beaten just four times this season but they have sometimes struggled against so-called 'lesser' opposition. Their 1-1 draw with Ipswich in the reverse fixture is a perfect example, with the Cottagers occasionally lacking the ruthless firepower to punish their foes.
Ipswich have won two of their last four and have been slightly superior on the road than at home this season, potentially taking the chance to frustrate Fulham on Sunday. It will be a tight game which is unlikely to boast too many goals, but the visitors could earn a crucial point in their bid to beat the drop.
Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Ipswichhttps://www.90min.com/fulham-vs-ipswich-preview-predictions-lineups-5-1-25
Alan Shearer makes Fulham, Liverpool and Man Utd predictions as 'different gravy' claim made
A look at the predictions ahead of Sunday's Premier League action, which includes Fulham.
More Premier League action awaits on Sunday after a busy Saturday schedule that didn't pan out too well for the majority of London sides. Arsenal and Chelsea were both held to draws, while West Ham were hammered by Manchester City.
Elsewhere, Brentford produced a five star display to thrash strugglers Southampton and grab a much-needed win amid unrelenting injury issues. On Sunday, Fulham take on strugglers Ipswich Town and Liverpool face rivals Manchester United. Here we round up Alan Shearer's predictions with the Metro.
Fulham vs Ipswich
"Ipswich are putting up a good fight right now and look the likeliest out of the three promoted teams to stay in the Premier League. They got a great result against Chelsea – I didn't see that coming at all, but I don't think that they'll get anything out of Fulham. Prediction: Fulham win."
Liverpool vs Man United
"Newcastle went to Old Trafford and for 30 minutes made Man United look like a youth team, they were really that poor. I can't see United improving that much to get anything from this game and I'd be amazed if they did. I know it's a huge fixture and it's produced some great games over the years, but I can only see one winner in this game and it's Liverpool.
"If United are as poor as they were in the opening half an hour against Newcastle, then you would be really worried for this one as a fan. They would have to improve massively, with the number of chances Liverpool create you would really fear for Man United in this one. Having said that, they sat deep and defended against Man City last month, winning that game by trying to hit them on the break. That's the way they'll try to play this game, but this Liverpool team I think are different gravy this season, so I wouldn't imagine that will be too much of a problem for them.
"I can't see any other outcome than a Liverpool victory and scoring a few goals in the process. Prediction: Liverpool win."
https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/alan-shearer-fulham-man-utd-liverpool-4930484
Fulham vs Ipswich Town: Preview and PredictionFulham will play hosts to Ipswich Town at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon, looking to get back to winning ways.Fulham have been difficult to beat in recent weeks, and they are unbeaten in the last six Premier League matches ahead of the visit of Ipswich Town this weekend. The West London club are currently eighth in the standings, and they will look to push for European qualification this season.
It will be interesting to see if they can continue their recent run of form and grind out a positive result here. Meanwhile, the visitors are 18th in the Premier League table, and they are one of the favourites to go down this season. Ipswich Town need to start picking up points if they want to secure safety in the Premier League.
The tractor Boys are coming into this game on the back of a morale-boosting victory over Chelsea. It will be interesting to see if they can pull off a similar result here. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the upcoming meeting between the two sides.
Team News & TacticsFulhamFulham will be without Harrison Reed due to a knee injury, Reiss Nelson is recovering from a thigh injury, Kenny Tete has a knee injury, and Sander Berge has an ankle problem.
The home side are likely to shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bernd Leno in goal. Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson will start as the full-backs. They will look to help out at both ends of the pitch. Issa Diop will start alongside Calvin Bassey at the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Sasa Lukic and Andreas Pereira will start in the double pivot, and they will add defensive cover and control from the deep. Emile Smith Rowe will start in the attacking midfield role, and he will look to create goalscoring chances for his teammates.
Adama Traore will start alongside Alex Iwobi on the flanks, and they will add goals, pace and flair to the side. Finally, Raul Jimenez will lead the line for Fulham against Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Pereira; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez
(https://thehardtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Fulham-FC-football-lineup-homecrowd-1024x508.png)
Ipswich Town will be without Janoi Donacien due to an ankle injury. Chiedozie Ogbene misses out with a calf injury, Axel Tuanzebe is unavailable due to a hand injury, and George Hirst has a knee issue.
The away side will shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Arijanet Muric in goal. Ben Johnson and Leif Davis will start as the full-backs here, and they will look to keep things tight defensively and hit Fulham on the break. Luke Woolfenden and Dara O'Shea will form the central defensive partnership.
As for the midfield unit, Samy Morsy and Jens Cajuste will start in the double pivot, and they will look to win the ball back for their side and break up opposition attacks. Wes Burns and Omari Hutchinson will add pace and flair from the flanks.
Conor Chaplin will start in the attacking midfield role, and he will look to create goalscoring opportunities for his teammates. Finally, Liam Delap will spearhead the Ipswich Town attack against Fulham on Sunday.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Muric; Johnson, Woolfenden, O'Shea, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Burns, Chaplin, Hutchison; Delap
(https://thehardtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ipswich-Town-football-lineup-homecrowd-1024x508.png)
Fulham are undefeated in their last eight matches against Ipswich Town in all competitions.
Fulham are undefeated in their last seven matches in the Premier League.
18 goals have been scored in the last six matches between these two sides.
Ipswich have lost four of their last six matches in all competitions.
Fulham have conceded in five of their last six matches in all competitions.
Player to WatchAlex IwobiThe Fulham winger is our key player to watch out for. The 28-year-old has been in impressive form this season, and he has five goals and three assists to his name. He will look to influence the game in the final third with his goalscoring ability and creativity. Fulham will need him to step up and open up the away defence if they want to grind out all three points.
PredictionFulham 2-1 Ipswich TownThe visitors did extremely well against Chelsea to grind out of victory, and they are likely to put up a fight here. However, Ipswich Town have been quite vulnerable at the back, and Fulham will look to expose their defensive frailties here.
Fulham are full of confidence right now, and they have been very difficult to beat. The home team will be the favourite here, and they could grind out a narrow victory in front of their own fans. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Marco Silva and his charges.
https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2025/01/04/fulham-vs-ipswich-town-preview-and-prediction/
Up next: Ipswich Town (h)
Ipswich Town head to Craven Cottage this afternoon in good heart after dishing out another festive defeat to Chelsea hot on the heels of Enzo Maresco's side being beaten at Stamford Bridge in the SW6 derby for the first time since 1979. Town remain in the bottom three, but sitting a point from safety, are the best placed of last season's promoted trio to avoid the drop – and have momentum on their side, with Kieran McKenna's men having really kicked on since their first Premier League win, which also came in the capital when goals from Sammie Szmodics and Liam Delap stunned Spurs in November.
McKenna stayed at Portman Road, when his former employers Manchester United and Chelsea amongst others, were making serious entreaties for his services in the summer. The softly-spoken former Northern Ireland under-21 international, who was born in London but raised in Fermanagh, has had one of the more remarkable coaching journeys since taking his badges after injury ended his playing career aged 22. McKenna has masterminded Ipswich's ascent from mid-table in League One when he took charge in December 2021 to the top tier, winning promotion from the Championship in swashbuckling style last season.
A studious manager his switch to a three-man central defence has helped Ipswich pick up more points in the unforgiving environment of the Premier League, although Town were certainly impressive in the 1-1 draw against Fulham at Portman Road in August. That fixture featured Liam Delap's first Premier League goal since a £15m move from Manchester City – a superb 26-yard finish after he had ran half the length of the pitch. The fee raised eyebrows, but looks a bargain now as the son of former Carlisle and Southampton favourite Rory has scored seven goals and added two assists in nineteen games. His physicality and boundless energy make him every inch the modern lone striker.
McKenna is likely to stick with the 3-4-2-1 system that saw Wes Burns get forward to good effect as Ipswich humbled Chelsea last weekend. With Axel Tuanzebe out injured, McKenna will likely field three centre halves in the form of Martin Wolfenden, Dara O'Shea and Jacob Greaves with former Fulham academy product Cameron Burgess on the bench. The Australian international, who made his senior debut at Portman Road as a defensive midfielder for the Whites in an early iteration of Felix bingo, has made more than a hundred appearances for Town – helping them win successive promotions – and it is fair to say that, like Dan Burn before him, the powers-that-be probably misjudged the Aberdeen-born defender's ceiling.
Fulham will also need to watch the creativity of Leif Davis, a left wing-back of real promise, and attacking midfielders Omari Hutchinson, who delighted in humbling his former club Chelsea, as well as Welsh international Nathan Broadhead. Former Wigan Athletic captain Sam Morsy, who McKenna identified as becoming something of a scapegoat during his pre-match press conference this week, will be as competitive as ever in a crucial midfield battle that will go a long way to deciding just how much of the ball Fulham will see.
Marco Silva paid particular tribute to McKenna and Ipswich in his own media commitments ahead of this game – but the Portuguese will demand his side returning to winning ways after throwing away a win against Bournemouth in the last minute of an end-to-end encounter last Sunday. Silva's selection will be interesting – especially whether he matches up with Ipswich's back three or moves back to the 4-2-3-1 system that has been his preferred formation since succeeding Scott Parker. The former will give Fulham more ability to retain possession, but Joachim Andersen has looked a little rusty since returning from his calf complaint and the Whites might be better served with more numbers in the final third.
Harrison Reed has returned to training but this fixture comes too soon for the tenacious midfielder, whilst Sander Berge's long-awaited return could arrive against Watford in the FA Cup on Thursday evening. That leaves Silva with a conundrum of who to play alongside Sasa Lukic in the engine room; Andreas Pereira's future remains uncertain despite Fulham rejecting the latest bid from Palmeiras, while captain Tom Cairney's classy cameo from the bench looked to have swung the Bournemouth game back in Fulham's favour before an ill-fated pass from Issa Diop gifted the Cherries an equaliser. There's always the option of another start for the energetic teenager, Josh King, too. You'd expect Raul Jimenez to come back in for Rodrigo Muniz up front, but Silva's selections have been surprisingly lately.
MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, A. Robinson, Diop, Bassey; Lukic, Cairney; Wilson, Iwobi, King; Jimenez. Subs: Benda, Andersen, R. Sessegnon, Pereira, Smith Rowe, Godo, Traore, Muniz, Vinicius.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/01/up-next-ipswich-town-h-2/
Remembering Zach Little
The family of an incredibly brave young man, thirteen year old Zach Little, have asked the Fulham family to come together to remember their young son in the thirteenth minute of this afternoon's game against Ipswich Town.
Zach was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form leukaemia in February 2022, aged ten, and sadly lost his battle against the dreadful disease last month. Zach was a season ticket holder in the Johnny Haynes Stand alongside his family and the loss of such a bright and brave boy is particularly keenly felt by supporters in that stand – as well as by the players and officials at Fulham Football Club.
Along with all the other Fulham fans' sites, blogs and social media accounts, we ask that supporters pay tribute to Zach during the thirteenth minute of this afternoon's fixture with a minute's applause. The club have agreed to the family's request and will display Zach's picture on the scoreboard and screens around the ground, but we want this to be a truly heartfelt recognition of a young man's brilliant bravery.
I am sure that Hammyend readers will also want to donate to the Zach Little Memorial Fund in his memory.
https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/01/remembering-zach-little/
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