Friends of Fulham

Big Stages for Fulham Women and Middlesbrough Women in FA WNL
Fulham Women and Middlesbrough Women both step out onto the big stage in the FA WNL, with matches at Craven Cottage and Riverside Stadium respectively.

Middlesbrough meet Derby, Hull City defend the only perfect record in the Northern Premier at Stoke, while unbeaten sides go head-to-head as Burnley host Loughborough and Rugby welcome Wolves.

AFC Bournemouth are the one Southern Premier team with back-to-back league wins and they entertain Exeter City, while AFC Wimbledon play Watford at Plough Lane and Lewes look to stay unbeaten when hosting Real Bedford.

The trio of Division One Midlands sides with 100% records are all away; Peterborough at Sutton Coldfield, Boldmere travelling to Northampton and Leafield on the road to Worcester.

Stockport and Cheadle have two wins from two in Division One North, with County next facing Norton, the Stingers away to third-placed Leeds.

Four Division One South East teams are yet to drop a point, including Fulham and Norwich City who clash at Craven Cottage. London Bees to to MK Dons, Chatham host QPR.

Swindon chase a third straight victory in Division One South West as they receive a visit from Ascot, Bristol Rovers take on Bournemouth Sports at their new venue of Yate Town FC.

Sunday 31 August (2pm)

Northern Premier Division
Burnley v Loughborough Lightning (Lancashire FA)
Halifax v Sporting Khalsa (Myra Shay)
Liverpool Feds v West Bromwich Albion (Jericho Lane)
Middlesbrough v Derby County (Riverside Stadium)
Rugby Borough v Wolverhampton Wanderers (Rugby Borough Sports Trust, 3pm)
Stoke City v Hull City (Wellbeing Park)

Southern Premier Division
AFC Bournemouth v Exeter City (Ringwood Town FC)
AFC Wimbledon v Watford (Plough Lane)
Gwalia United v Hashtag United (University of South Wales Sports Park)
Cheltenham Town v Oxford United (Bishops Cleeve FC)
Lewes v Real Bedford (Lewes FC)
Plymouth Argyle v Billericay Town (Home Park)

Division One Midlands
Kidderminster Harriers v Notts County (DOADC Stadium, Worcester)
Lincoln United v Barnsley Women (Lincoln Utd FC)
Northampton Town v Boldmere St Michaels (O'Riordan Bond Stadium)
Sheffield FC v Stourbridge (Sheffield FC)
Sutton Coldfield Town v Peterborough United (Central Ground)
Worcester City v Leafield Athletic (Sixways Stadium)

Division One North
Chester le Street Town v Wythenshawe (Moor Park)
Chorley v Durham Cestria (Euxton Villa FC)
Doncaster Rovers Belles v Blackburn Rovers (Millmoor Stadium)
Huddersfield Town v York City (Shelley CFC)
Leeds United v Cheadle Town Stingers (Garforth Town AFC)
Stockport County v Norton & Stockton Ancients (Stockport Sports Village)

Division One South East
Cambridge United v Dulwich Hamlet (St Neots Town FC)
Chesham United v AFC Sudbury (Chesham Utd FC)
Fulham v Norwich City (Craven Cottage)
Luton Town v Actonians (Barton Rovers FC)
Milton Keynes Dons v London Bees (Stadium MK)
Chatham Town v Queens Park Rangers (Maidstone Road Sports Ground, 2.30pm)

Division One South West
Abingdon United v Marine Academy Plymouth (Abingdon Utd FC)
Bristol Rovers v Bournemouth Sports (Yate Town FC)
Keynsham Town v Bridgwater United (Keynsham Town FC)
Maidenhead United v Worthing (Maidenhead Utd FC)
Portishead Town v Moneyfields (Portishead FC)
Swindon Town v Ascot United (The County Ground)



https://womensfootballmagazine.com/big-stages-for-fulham-women-and-middlesbrough-women-in-fa-wnl/

SW6 Derby Preview: The Tactical Blueprint to BEAT Chelsea
The filth. The Scum. SW6'S imitators. The other team in Fulham. 12:30 Saturday, Fulham kick off the biggest game of our league season. One win in Walham Green since 1979 would suggest Fulham will feel defeat for the first time this campaign, but you know what they say about Stamford Bridge wins? They're like London buses. Or I hope so... Here's how Fulham conquer SW6 once more:

Tactical Breakdown Down Chelsea's Setup
First off, let's look how the filth will look to play, and how Fulham can stifle the Blues. Enzo Maresca loves to invert his full backs. CFC's right back, pushes inside to help form a box midfield. Gusto inverts to form a pivot, alongside Caicedo. Cucerella slides across into a back three, whilst Enzo pushes forward to partner Pedro to form an attacking midfield double act, creating that infamous box midfield shape. This helps give the necessary space for Chelsea's wingers to push high and wide, in theory stretching a defence, allowing Maresca's men to create and exploit a litany of half spaces with individual brilliance of fast interchanges of play.

(https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/1*qFuGir4h-YYF6XPmghMxSw@2x.jpeg)

How do Fulham counteract Maresca's box midfield, and touchline hugging wingers? Well, simply, be compact, pack numbers. Start in a back five. Sit deep, deploy a low block. Fulham mastered this last season. In our famous last cross Fulham Bridge visit, Marco Silva mastered this. We pushed SW6's unwanted child wide by staying compact in a back five. FFC utilised our sheer defensive numbers to not allow Sancho or Neto to isolate Kenny Tete or Antonee Robinson, forcing the Blues into 'empty' crosses into a defensive box with no aerial threat – like you can see below:

(https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/1*TdwjG6EW1m02S1i8-XW6uw@2x.jpeg)

The player that will either make or break this game is Liam Delap. Delap comes into a Chelsea team that aquired the former Ipswich Town man's services to be the kryptonite to the very system Fulham invoked against the filth on Boxing Day. The 22 year old's presents Fulham Broadway a target to aim crosses at far more threatening than Nicolas Jackson. At 6'4, Delap is no doubt a massive threat. As you'll later see in my lineup, Fulham should start three physical imposing centre halves to. combat Liam's aerial ability, but the son of Rory Delap didn't score a single header last season. This season, it will be be different, he will be posed with many more chances to head it home than he did at Portman Road last term, but I see no reason why any one of Fulham's vast array of illustrious centre backs can't keep a still developing Delap at bay. If we do, Fulham may be back in business at the Bridge.

How Fulham Should Attack The Filth
That's enough on how Fulham defend our SW6 territory. How do we beat these tossers? Don't worry fellas and felletes, I'm about to tell you. As I said, Chelsea deploy a box midfield, inverting their full backs, Gusto into the middle of the park, as Cucuerlla tucks inside to form a back three. If Fulham can break at speed, Maresca's merry bunch of mugs can be exposed out wide. Keep a rigid midfield base, and play the outlet wide ball. Exploit the space left by Gusto's central inroads, and Cucurella's tendency to tuck into a back three. Play into the channels, off Muniz, or emulate our first half passages of play we flashed against Bristol City, with quick, concise passages of play unleashing Hammersmith and Fulham's real side's wide talent.

(https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/1*JC9zjAyn_vclTR-LBJRTiw@2x.jpeg)

Speaking of wide talent, in game like this, where Marco Silva's game plan will be structured on threat from out wide, Marco could really use some more direct, dynamic, get to the byline type wingers. If only Fulham were about to bring in a couple of wingers of that profile... Oh wait, they are. But due to Fulham's slow transfer dealings, they won't be available for selection in our biggest game of the season. Cheers, Tony.

How Fulham Should Lineup: Explaining My XI

(https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/format:webp/1*0SCAgSebVZoUo5ZuLpElvQ@2x.jpeg)

Leno, Tete, Diop, Andersen, Cuenca, Bassey, Lukic, Berge, Sessegnon, King, Muniz.



https://medium.com/@LondonsOriginal/sw6-derby-preview-the-tactical-blueprint-to-beat-chelsea-95f75e1b450d

Chelsea vs Fulham: All you need to know
Chelsea's early-season tour of the capital takes us back to Stamford Bridge for a west London derby against neighbours Fulham. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton look ahead to Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.

Last season, Enzo Maresca's men won every game played in the Saturday lunchtime slot: 3-0 at West Ham United in September, 2-1 at Leicester City in November, 1-0 at home to Everton in April.

This is Fulham's fourth campaign since their most recent promotion, their second-longest stay among the elite, and the fifth under Portuguese head coach Marco Silva.

While Chelsea had a clear week to prepare for this grudge match, the Whites were in action on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup, beating Championship side Bristol City 2-0.

Unbeaten in 11 Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge in 2025 (eight of them wins), Chelsea have claimed more league doubles against this Saturday's visitors (15) than any other opposition.

For the second season running, the Blues followed a blank opening day at the Bridge with five or more goals next time out. Last season it was 6-2 at Wolves; a week ago it was a club record 5-1 win at West Ham.

A second successive league victory would ease the world champions back to the top of the table – for a few hours at least – and set a high marker heading into the international break.

Chelsea team news
There will be no Cole Palmer available against Fulham due to the injury the England international sustained ahead of our victory over West Ham United. Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia will also be absent.

'Cole is out,' Maresca told journalists at Cobham during his pre-match press conference. 'Also, Benoit is out, and Romeo is out. The rest are all okay.

'Cole we need to see day by day, and the other two I don't think are going to be back after the international break. But they are going to be closer.

'I spoke with Thomas (Tuchel) a few times, but in the end it's Thomas' decision and he decided that [to leave Palmer out of the England squad].

'He is not available tomorrow, so it shows that he has a problem.'

The history
The four teams that make up the west London derbies are Chelsea, Brentford, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers.

The Blues have only met the Bees in the top tier, beginning in 1935/36, making it the senior west London clash in the first division. Both first meetings ended in 2-1 wins for the hosts.

League encounters with the Rs came much later, following their promotion to Division One in 1968. The Kings of the King's Road dominated the new boys with a double – 2-1 (again) at the Bridge and 4-0 at Loftus Road, Tommy Baldwin claiming four goals in total. That league fixture has not been played since 2014/15.

Originally styled 'the Fulham Derby', the opening exchanges in this weekend's fixture came in 1910/11 in Division Two, but the first time the Pensioners and Cottagers were in the top tier together was the 1949/50 season.

Both matches were drawn – 0-0 at the Bridge, 1-1 at the Cottage – but the following season Willie Birrell's boys secured home and away victories in what were described as 'needle matches'.

Teenage former junior Bobby Smith pounced for the opener in December 1950 at the Bridge and Benny Jones whacked in a late second for 2-0, while Ken Armstrong's brace secured a 2-1 comeback on the Thames embankment in April 1951 – the third of Chelsea's remarkable four successive wins to avoid relegation.

Chelsea's record of Premier League home success against Fulham (57.5 per cent) is our fourth best behind Brighton & Hove Albion (70 per cent), Sunderland (66.67 per cent) and Newcastle United (60.76 per cent).

Among league teams who have met quite regularly, none has a lower loss rate than the Blues (8.3 per cent) against our next-door neighbours (three in 36 matches).

The Boxing Day defeat to two late goals – after Cole Palmer established an early lead – was Chelsea's first at home to the Cottagers in the top flight since March 1964, by the same 2-1 scoreline.

More recently, the Blues gained revenge on 20 April 2025 at the Cottage – again by two goals to one – Tyrique George contributing the late leveller and Pedro Neto a spectacular winner.

At 18 years and 120 days, Estevao Willian became the youngest Chelsea player ever to assist a goal in the Premier League. Should he do so against Fulham, the Brazilian will become the youngest at any club to have set up goals in successive appearances.

Chelsea's youngest Premier League assist makers
Estevao Willian vs West Ham, 22 August 2025, 18 years and 120 days
Callum Hudson-Odoi vs Brighton, 3 April 2019, 18 years and 147 days
Neil Shipperley vs Wimbledon, 12 April 1993, 18 years and 164 days
Jon Harley vs Derby, 5 April 1998, 18 years and 191 days
Lucas Piazon vs Aston Villa, 23 December 2012, 18 years and 338 days
Romelu Lukaku vs Blackburn, 13 May 2012, 19 years and 0 days
Tyrique George vs Southampton, 25 Februray 2025, 19 years and 21 days
Jody Morris vs Bolton, 10 May 1998, 19 years and 139 days
Carlton Cole vs Man City, 22 Match 2003, 19 years and 161 days
Sam Dalla Bona vs Coventry, 21 October 2000, 19 years and 258 days

Joao Pedro is on a run of six goals in seven appearances across all competitions for the Londoners.

For only the second Premier League game on record, three of the Blues' goals derived from corners. The previous occasion was a 4-3 win at home to Watford in May 2017.

This is the last action before the first FIFA break of the season, with further international fixtures to come in October, November and March.



https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/chelsea-vs-fulham-all-you-need-to-know-25-26

Strasbourg close in on deal to sign Fulham's Martial Godo
RC Strasbourg Alsace are closing in on a deal to sign Fulham forward Martial Godo (22), according to a report from Mohamed Toubache-Ter.

The Ivory Coast youth international has played only six games for his formative club, registering one assist in that time. He spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Wigan Athletic, where he scored four goals and registered four assists in League One.

He could now be set for a move to Ligue 1. Strasbourg have had a squad overhaul this summer, making 15 new signings already. Now confirmed to be in the UEFA Europa Conference League this season, RCSA are looking to continue recruiting.

Fabrizio Romano adds that a deal to sign Godo, born in England, but who represents the Ivory Coast at youth level, is close. The left-winger is keen on making the move to Alsace. Toubache-Ter has evoked a fee of up to €7m for Godo.



https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2025/strasbourg-close-in-on-deal-to-sign-fulhams-martial-godo/

Chukuweze deal hits structure snag
Matteo Moretto reports that Fulham's deal to bring AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze to Craven Cottage has hit a snag.

The Milan-based journalist says that the parties had agreed a loan deal, including an option to buy – that could become an obligation should the Nigerian international play a set number of games – for £21m, but that there is now a disagreement over the payment structures, including loan fees, that AC Milan will receive.

The move is further complicated by the fact that the Rossoneri require the former Villarreal wide man to be in their matchday squad against Leece tonight as they have no available forwards other than Rafa Leao, who is an injury doubt. It remains to be seen whether the problems Moretto has detailed can be ironed out – or if Fulham, desperate to satisfy Marco Silva's demands for signings to supplement his squad, move on to other targets.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/chukuweze-deal-hits-structure-snag/

Transfer update on Fulham's pursuit of AC Milan and Super Eagles winger Chukwueze
Negotiations between AC Milan and Fulham over the transfer of Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze have temporarily stalled, but discussions are expected to resume once Milan complete their Serie A fixture against Lecce, according to Fabrizo Romano and and  Matteo Moretto in their YouTube  video this morning, via Milan News.

Chukwueze, who joined Milan from Villarreal in 2023, has emerged as a key figure in Massimiliano Allegri'S squad selection ahead of the game.

With Rafael Leão unavailable and Christian Pulisic sidelined by an ankle problem, the 26-year-old is one of the few senior attacking options available on the bench.

Alongside him, only teenager Balentien offers attacking depth, while Santiago Giménez and Alexis Saelemaekers are set to form the starting partnership in attack.

Milan and Fulham had engaged in 'frequent and constant' talks earlier this week, progressing towards a deal structured as a loan with an option to buy.

The clause would become mandatory under certain performance conditions, with the total cost of the operation set at €25 million.

The move has been temporarily put on hold as Pioli cannot afford to weaken his attacking resources before the Lecce clash.

However, once the game is concluded, both clubs are expected to resume contact in order to finalize the agreement.

Fulham are confident of securing the Nigerian's services, provided Milan's immediate squad concerns are resolved.

Wale Adejumo



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=56898

Nigeria: Fulham Intensify Efforts to Sign Another Super Eagles Star
Fulham FC, the Premier League side, ais about to secure the signature of Nigerian sensation Samuel Chukwueze from Italian giants AC Milan. The club is eager to bolster its squad with another talented player from Nigeria, joining the ranks of current stars Alex Iwobi and Kelvin Bassey.

Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Fulham are in advanced negotiations with AC Milan for Chukwueze. As the transfer window approaches its deadline on Sunday, August 31, both clubs are working diligently to reach a swift agreement.

"Fulham are making significant progress in talks for both Kevin Bassey from Shakhtar Donetsk and Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan," Romano disclosed on X. "Negotiations are underway to acquire both right and left wingers before the window closes. A €25 million package is being discussed with Milan for Chukwueze, while a fee exceeding €40 million is under consideration for Bassey."

Chukwueze moved to AC Milan from Spanish club Villarreal in 2023, seeking to make a mark in one of Europe's elite leagues. Since joining the Rossoneri, the Nigeria international has featured in 69 matches, finding the back of the net eight times. However, his goal tally in Serie A has been modest, with just four goals coming from 51 league appearances.

As Fulham aims to enhance their attacking options and solidify their status in the Premier League, the potential signing of Chukwueze is a move that has generated considerable excitement among fans. With the transfer window closing soon, all eyes will be on whether the club can finalise this intriguing deal.



https://allafrica.com/stories/202508290289.html

Moretto: Milan hit pause on Chukwueze's move to Fulham – what happens now
Samuel Chukwueze's move to Fulham has been put on hold for now, according to a report, but contacts will be picked up in the coming days.

Chukwueze is on the brink of leaving Milan, having said yes to a move to Fulham, but there are still some details that need to be sorted. In addition to finalising the transfer terms, Milan have decided to hit pause on the deal for now.

The Rossoneri will be up against Lecce this evening and since Christian Pulisic has a minor ankle injury, Chukwueze is the only forward on the bench. The American could still get a few minutes, but the Nigerian is first in line.

Negotiations set to resume
As explained by Matteo Moretto in a video on YouTube, Milan and Fulham made 'a lot of progress' in the negotiations between Tuesday and Wednesday. The deal was almost closed then, as the journalist puts it, for a loan with an option that will turn into an obligation at around €25m.

However, the clubs haven't moved forward since, despite the player saying yes to a contract worth €3.5m net per season. As Moretto continues, this is likely due to Milan's focus on the game against Lecce tonight, after which they will resume talks with Fulham.



https://sempremilan.com/moretto-milan-pause-chukweuze-fulham

Cole Palmer to miss Fulham clash with groin injury as Romeo Lavia recovery timeline revealed
Bad news for Chelsea with key players set for spell on the sidelines

Chelsea have been dealt a huge blow after Cole Palmer was ruled out for Saturday's trip to Fulham due to a groin injury.

Blues boss Enzo Maresca was coy on the extent of the injury, but hinted it was not as severe as first feared.

Providing an update ahead of Saturday's clash with Fulham, Maresca said: "Cole is out, Benoit (Badiashille) is out, Romeo (Lavia) is out. The rest are okay.

"Cole, we need to see day by day.

"Romeo and Benoit, I don't think they will be back after the international break but they will be closer."

Palmer was also left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for upcoming international break, which means he will miss England's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia next month, a decision Maresca assisted in.

"I spoke with Thomas a few times. It's Thomas' decision. He's not available tomorrow so it is quite normal that he has shown he has some problems."

Maresca is confident Chelsea will be able to cope without Palmer: "When Cole is not in the game, we need to find different solutions. Hopefully tomorrow we can do the same."

Palmer was named in the Chelsea starting line-up at West Ham last Friday but did not feature in the 5-1 win after pulling up in the pre-match warm-up.

Palmer was spotted holding his groin minutes before kick-off against West Ham and was quickly escorted to the dressing room, accompanied by a member of Chelsea backroom staff.

Maresca claimed before that game that Palmer's withdrawal was a "precautionary" measure, but revealed after that Palmer had been struggling with the issue since before the season started and was dealing with problem in the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on the opening weekend.

Palmer was assessed by Chelsea medical staff after the 5-1 win over West Ham but did not train with the squad on Tuesday.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-fc-injury-latest-palmer-lavia-update-fulham-b1245005.html

Chelsea vs Fulham: Preview and Prediction
Chelsea will aim to continue a solid start to the 2025/26 Premier League season when they welcome Fulham to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The 2025/26 Premier League season resumes this weekend with Gameweek 3. Saturday will be an action-packed day, and the latest round of fixtures kicks off with Chelsea vs Fulham at Stamford Bridge. The two clubs are eager to continue the unbeaten start to their campaigns when they convene for the West London derby this weekend.

Chelsea did not have a long pre-season campaign, as they played only two games before the 2025/26 season began due to their FIFA Club World Cup commitments. The lack of a warm-up reflected in the West London club's performance in the opener, as Enzo Maresca's men played a goalless stalemate with Crystal Palace. However, the Blues are up and running after an excellent come-from-behind 5-1 win over West Ham United in Gameweek 2.

On the other hand, Fulham's two outings thus far have shown the typical steel and resolve that Marco Silva has groomed in his team. The Cottagers have come from behind to seal 1-1 draws in each Premier League outing thus far, promising an impressive campaign if the decision-makers back Silva in the market. The West London outfit continued a bright start to the 2025/26 season by clinching a straightforward 2-0 win over Bristol City in the EFL Cup second round.

The corresponding fixture last season saw Fulham come from a goal down to beat Chelsea 2-1, with Rodrigo Muniz scoring the match-winning goal in injury time. The Hard Tackle looks closer at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.

Team News & Tactics
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca has a new fitness concern that is hampering his preparations ahead of his side's latest fixture. The Chelsea manager may be bereft of the services of as many as six first-team players vs Fulham on Saturday. Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho will unlikely feature this weekend, even though he is on the verge of joining the West London club.

Maresca is sweating over Cole Palmer's fitness, with the English international recovering from a groin injury that forced him to miss the game against West Ham United last weekend. Apart from Palmer, Levi Colwill (knee), Benoit Badiashile (knock), Romeo Lavia (match fitness), and Omari Kellyman (hamstring) remain on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Mykhailo Mudryk is still unavailable after failing a doping test several months ago.

Robert Sanchez is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Chelsea lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him vs Fulham on Saturday. The backline should feature Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella.

As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the double pivot. Joao Pedro will reprise the no. 10 role if Palmer is not fit enough to start. Finally, Liam Delap will lead the line for Chelsea against Fulham, with Pedro Neto and Estevao Willian completing the numbers in the offensive third.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Estevao, Pedro, Neto; Delap


Fulham
Unlike his counterpart in the Chelsea dugout, Marco Silva has no new issues to worry about ahead of the short trip to Stamford Bridge. The Fulham manager will have a full-strength squad this weekend.

There is no looking past Bernd Leno between the sticks, and Fulham will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him vs Chelsea on Saturday. The backline will feature Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, and Antonee Robinson.

As for the midfield unit, Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic will pair up in the double pivot in the middle of the park. Joshua King will likely reprise the no. 10 role, with Alex Iwobi, Emile Smith Rowe, and Rodrigo Muniz playing around him. So, Raul Jimenez will be a backup option on the bench, and he will make his 200th appearance in the Premier League in the second half.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Iwobi, King, Smith Rowe; Muniz


Key Stats

    Chelsea have lost only 8.3 per cent of their Premier League games vs Fulham (3/36), the joint-lowest loss rate one side has against another with a minimum of 20 meetings (Manchester United also 8.3 per cent against Aston Villa). However, Fulham won the corresponding fixture 2-1 last season, ending a 21-game winless streak away to Chelsea in all competitions. The Cottagers have never won on consecutive visits to Stamford Bridge in their history.
    Chelsea hobbled to a goalless stalemate with Crystal Palace in their first home Premier League match of the 2025/26 season, and they failed to win their opening two home games last season. However, the Blues have not done so in successive seasons since 2001/02 and 2002/03. Only three times previously have the Blues gone goalless in their opening two home league games in a campaign: in 1955/56, 1978/79 and 1986/87.
    Fulham have won four of their last eight away Premier League London derbies (D2 L2), as many as in their previous 68 combined (W4 D21 L43). Having beaten Brentford 3-2 in May, Marco Silva's men are aiming to secure consecutive away London victories for just a second time, having beaten Charlton Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur in May and August 2003.
    Fulham have played out draws in their two Premier League matches thus far in the 2025/26 season. The West London outfit last drew their opening three league games in 2017/18 in the EFL Championship, while in the top flight they have only done so once (2010/11).
    Rodrigo Muniz, who scored a late winner at Stamford Bridge last season for Fulham, has netted six goals in his ten most recent away Premier League appearances, averaging a goal every 45 minutes across those games. His equaliser at Brighton & Hove Albion in Gameweek 1 took him to six away sub goals for the West London club, overtaking Collins John for the most strikes (5).

Player to Watch
Joao Pedro
While Rodrigo Muniz, Sander Berge, and Estevao Willian were viable candidates for this section, we have picked Joao Pedro as the Player to Watch for Saturday's West London derby between Chelsea and Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

The summer arrival has been involved in six goals in his last four games in all competitions for Chelsea (4G A2), managing four goals in four starts for the Blues. In the Premier League era since 1992/93, only three players have scored five or more times in their first five starts across all competitions for Chelsea: Diego Costa in 2014 (7), Alvaro Morata in 2017 (5), and Tammy Abraham in 2019 (7).

After an impressive performance against West Ham United, Joao Pedro will be raring to go, and he will be eager to continue his fine run of form. With Cole Palmer's involvement unclear, the Brazilian international will be the go-to player in the final third for Enzo Maresca this weekend.

Prediction
Chelsea 2-1 Fulham
Chelsea may have run rings around West Ham United last weekend, but Fulham will provide a much more severe test of the home side's offensive quality. Additionally, Cole Palmer's fitness situation affects the creativity in the final third, and the visitors may be confident in their ability to keep Chelsea at bay.

The game against West Ham also showcased Chelsea's soft underbelly, and the away side should take advantage of that. However, Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian should rise to the occasion again and deliver a hard-fought victory. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Enzo Maresca and his charges.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2025/08/29/chelsea-vs-fulham-preview-and-prediction-3/

Silva: 'We've wasted too much time'
A frustrated Marco Silva says Fulham have 'wasted too much time' over the summer in failing to sign players to supplement his first-team squad and that 'it is already too late' to change the situation.

For the third week in a row, the Portuguese head coach took aim at his club's approach to recruitment and told the assembled press at Motspur Park that 'nothing is very close' in terms of new signings. Silva said:

"Nothing's changed because we haven't signed any player. It is probably not possible to sign a striker [this late in the window], but we will see. We need two wingers and one midfielder. We need depth, quality, at least three signings. Nothing is very, very close now. We've wasted a lot of time, it's already too late. If they come, they can settle [in], but nothing is very close right now.

It's difficult for me to say what is going to happen, or not. It's not like I expected. I think, as a manager we don't have any other solutions, but to do it [sign players]. If we don't, we will not be in the conditions to play [in the] Premier League."

Asked specifically about what deals Fulham might be able to do on deadline day, the Fulham boss said:

"I don't believe in miracles, we have to already be prepared. We have to be ready for the [deadline] day, but if we [were] better prepared or organised, it's better."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/silva-weve-wasted-too-much-time/

Wilson injury 'is nothing serious,' says Silva
Harry Wilson's foot injury – sustained against Bristol City in the League Cup on Wednesday – is nothing serious, according to Fulham head coach Marco Silva.

The Whites boss shared his concerns after Wilson was substituted as a precaution during the midweek win over the Robins as the Welshman was holding the same foot that he injured against Manchester United last season. But during today's pre-match press conference, Silva suggested the winger could be fit to face Chelsea in the SW6 derby tomorrow:

"On Wilson, [it is] good news ... nothing serious. He is still in pain but after exams, it is nothing serious. I was concerned, but the previous injury was not affected by the knock. We will see if he is available [at Stamford Bridge]. He can be involved, we will see. Everyone else is available."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/wilson-injury-is-nothing-serious-says-silva/

Chelsea XI vs Fulham: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League
Blues again missing Cole Palmer for west London derby clash at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea will again be without star man Cole Palmer when they host west London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Palmer was set to start last Friday's 5-1 win over West Ham, only to be withdrawn minutes before the game after pulling up in the pre-match warm-up.

He now begins a spell on the sidelines with a groin injury and was omitted from the latest England squad named by Thomas Tuchel on Friday.

Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager, revealed after the win over West Ham that Palmer played through groin pain in the goalless home draw with Crystal Palace on opening weekend.

Speaking on Friday, Maresca said Palmer would not face Fulham and that his recovery would be taken "day by day".

Romeo Lavia remains unavailable but there is some hope within the club that the Belgian midfielder can return after the international break.

"Cole, we need to see day by day," Maresca said. "[Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile] I don't think will be back until after the international break."

In attack, Maresca will be pondering whether to select Joao Pedro or Liam Delap up front. He could be tempted to repeat the trick he used at West Ham and deploy Delap as a striker and Joao Pedro as a No10.

In defence, there is a choice to be made between Reece James and Malo Gusto at right-back, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah expected to continue in the middle.

Nicolas Jackson will not be in the squad as he is expected to leave Chelsea before Monday night's transfer deadline, while Christopher Nkunku will also have no involvement as he closes in on a move to AC Milan.

Levi Colwill remains sidelined and is set to miss the majority of the season due to a serious knee injury.

Predicted Chelsea XI (4-1-4-1): Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo; Estevao, Joao Pedro, Fernandez, Pedro Neto; Delap

Injured: Palmer, Badiashile, Lavia, Colwill

Unavailable: Mudryk

Time and date: 12:30pm BST on Saturday August 30, 2025

Venue: Stamford Bridge, London

How to watch: TNT Sports



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-fc-xi-vs-fulham-confirmed-team-news-predicted-lineup-injury-latest-premier-league-2025-b1244984.html

'Already too late' for Fulham, says disgruntled Silva
Marco Silva has again made his frustration clear at Fulham's lack of signings.

The Whites boss has been vocal about the need to add to the squad – the club have so far not signed an outfield player this summer.

Speaking on the eve of a west London derby against Chelsea, Silva questioned whether his side can compete with the limited resources he claims to have.

He said: "It's difficult for me to say what is going to happen or not. It's not like I expected.

"I think as a manager we don't have other solutions if not to do it (sign players) because, if not, we are going to be not in the condition that we should be to play in the Premier League.

"But let's see what's going to happen. And in the end of the window you can see. I think we waste a lot of time. It's already too late."

The deadline for signing players is Monday evening, with the window closing at 7pm.

A deal to sign AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze appears to be close and other signings are expected.

But Silva is still disgruntled with the timing of Fulham's business.

"Of course the players should come, but it's already too late," he said.

"I'm here to try to adapt and to settle them as quickly as possible.

"But let's see, nothing really more to say, just to say to you that nothing really is very, very close right now."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/already-too-late-for-fulham-says-disgruntled-silva

Fulham eyeing George swoop
Fulham are 'keeping an eye' on the availability of Chelsea winger Tyrique George as they cast a wide net to try and supplement Marco Silva's squad in the closing hours of the summer transfer window.

Sky Sports News' Dharmesh Sheth reports that the Whites are one of a number of Premier League sides interested in signing George, who is the subject of a formal offer from Roma. The nineteen year-old has not played a single minute of league football this season and his chances of first-team football at Stamford Bridge appear remote following Chelsea's summer spending spree, with Alejandro Garnacho the latest big-money signing for Enzo Maresca.

George, who is also interesting Bayern Munich and Crystal Palace, has scored three goals in 26 games for Chelsea since coming through the club's academy, which he joined aged eight. The Camden-born winger scored the equaliser as Maresca's side came from behind to Fulham at Craven Cottage last season – and Sheth suggests that the Whites are admirers of his talent.

Chelsea's preference is to sell the teenager, although the deal will be complicated by the fact that Blues want to insert a significant sell-on clause so that they can profit from his future development.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/fulham-eyeing-george-swoop/

Timo Werner set to be offered to Fulham, Crystal Palace, West Ham United
Leeds United recently failed in an attempt to sign 29-year-old RB Leipzig attacker, and his representatives may offer him to Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham United.

According to a report by Give Me Sport, Timo Werner has been the subject of interest from Leeds United in the summer transfer window. However, the Whites have failed with an attempt to sign the RB Leipzig attacker, who does not want to move to Elland Road. Meanwhile, the German international's entourage may offer him to Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham United in the final days of the summer transfer window.

Timo Werner and his Premier League troubles
Timo Werner has seen his stock plummet after his two spells in the Premier League. The 29-year-old was a hot property when he joined Chelsea half a decade ago. However, the Stuttgart native failed to make his mark at Chelsea before returning to RB Leipzig. He returned to the Premier League when Tottenham completed a loan deal in January 2024.

The German international spent 18 months at Tottenham across two loan spells, but he managed only three goals and seven assists in 41 appearances for the North London outfit. However, while Werner has returned to RB Leipzig, his stock is reasonably high. Premier League clubs, in particular, are interested, with Leeds United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.

What next for Werner?
Leeds United's interest in Timo Werner makes sense. The Whites have heavily reinforced their offensive unit by signing several attackers this summer. However, with Patrick Bamford having no future at Elland Road and Largie Ramazani closing in on joining Valencia, Leeds United must sign a versatile attacker. However, the former Chelsea and Tottenham forward has snubbed the West Yorkshire outfit.

Meanwhile, the report has claimed that Werner's representatives want to offer the RB Leipzig outcast to Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham United. Recent reports have suggested that staying in London appeals to the player. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace can do with a player like Werner, as he can be a top-notch addition to an offensive unit that must fill Eberechi Eze's void.

As for Fulham, the Cottagers have not been active enough in the market, and Marco Silva wants more firepower in the final third. Meanwhile, West Ham United must dip into the market for a versatile attacker to alleviate some burden off Jarrod Bowen. So, Werner is an option worth considering for West Ham.

With Werner turning down Leeds United, it will be interesting to see if a move to Crystal Palace, Fulham, or West Ham United materialises. Meanwhile, reports earlier this year linked Werner with the New York Red Bulls, and a move to MLS may also be on the cards.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/08/29/timo-werner-set-to-be-offered-to-fulham-crystal-palace-west-ham-united/

'We know the SW6 derby means more,' says Wilson
Harry Wilson is aiming to repeat last season's heroics as Fulham prepare to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime.

The Welsh winger could well feature in the SW6 derby after Whites boss Marco Silva revealed that the foot injury he sustained on Wednesday night against Bristol City was 'nothing' serious. Wilson, who equalised on Boxing Day before Rodrigo Muniz's stoppage time winner secured Fulham's first win at the Bridge in 45 years, told FFCTV that the squad were aiming to pick up their first league win of the season against the Blues.

"We had a great win there last year. Rodrigo scored in the 95th minute to get us the win, which was an amazing feeling, so if we can do that again it would be great. But we know we're going to have to be at the top of our game, because Chelsea showed in the summer, winning the Club World Cup, what a fantastic team they are.

They had an amazing win last Friday as well against West Ham, so we know it's going to be a really tough game, but we know that if we play to the levels we're capable of then we'll be able to get a result. Every London derby we play, we always go in wanting to win it. We know it means that extra bit more to the fans, especially the local ones against Chelsea and Brentford."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/we-know-the-sw6-derby-means-more-says-wilson/

Araujo close to Colchester loan
Fulham defender Harvey Araujo is close to joining Colchester United on a season-long loan, according to Jack Kelly.

The 20 year-old centre back, who can also operate at left back, joined Fulham's academy aged eleven. The former England under-18 international has been a consistent performer for Fulham's academy sides, making 56 appearances for the under-18s and playing 64 games at under-21 level.

Araujo signed his first professional contract with the club in 2021 and enjoyed a loan spell with Chesterfield last season, making 23 appearances in all competitions. His current deal at Craven Cottage has another two years to run.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/araujo-close-to-colchester-loan/

Chelsea vs Fulham: When the rivalry restarted
In recent years we have become accustomed to regular top-flight league meetings between Chelsea and Fulham, but they have been far from commonplace in the history of the two west London neighbours.

It wasn't until September 1949 that the sides met in the First Division for the first time, when a Billy Gray goal bagged a point for Chelsea at Craven Cottage.

Five more encounters followed – four won by the Blues - before Fulham were relegated in 1952. The Whites' elevation back to the First Division seven years later reunited the clubs, and they would prove regular sparring partners in the sixties as club legends like Peter Osgood, Ron Harris, Johnny Haynes and George Cohen faced up.

Chelsea remained the dominant force.

However, when Fulham were again relegated at the end of the 1967/68 campaign, it would be nearly 35 years before the local rivals contested a top-flight league fixture again. In the interim, a sprinkling of Division Two games and one League Cup tie was all that Chelsea and Fulham fans could get excited about.

The footballing landscape had changed significantly by the time Jean Tigana steered the Cottagers to the Division One title in 2000/01. The top flight was now known as the Premiership, with Chelsea ever-present since its inception in 1992 and established as a major force in the English game.

The fixture list sent us west along the Fulham Road in September 2001, when a Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink goal was cancelled out by Barry Hayles. The terracing at the Hammersmith End harked back to fixtures of yesteryear.

However, when Fulham made the return journey in March 2002, they found a very different Stamford Bridge to the one they had last played at in 1985.

Three of the four stands had been entirely redeveloped, and the stadium was now all-seater, in line with league regulations that necessitated Fulham temporarily relocating to Loftus Road later that year while the Cottage was upgraded.

Chelsea came into the midweek game off the back of a disappointing last-minute defeat to Charlton at the Valley, and with our aspirations of qualifying for the Champions League hanging by a thread.

Fulham, meanwhile, were sitting pretty in tenth place having impressed on their return to the top flight. The likes of Steve Finnan, Andy Melville, Luis Boa Morte and Louis Saha looked right at home in the Premiership, while new signings Edwin van der Sar, Steed Malbranque and Sylvain Legwinski added star quality.

Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit had played under Tigana at Monaco, so he was well placed to preview the game on the official Chelsea website.

'For the first year in the Premier League they are doing very, very well,' said Petit. 'There are a lot of things to come from them, they have to improve, but I'm sure Jean Tigana knows about that and he tries to build a big team for next season.

'He used to be the kind of player who wants to play. He was a very hard midfield player, he was running everywhere on the pitch, but every time he got the ball he tried to play properly. Simply but properly. He was efficient on the pitch, and as a manager he wants to do the same with his players.'

Chelsea's defence resumed a familiar look as Marcel Desailly returned from his recent hamstring strain to partner William Gallas. Gianfranco Zola and Petit came in for Jody Morris and the suspended Mario Stanic. Former Blue Jon Harley started for the visitors.

Claudio Ranieri's Blues lined up in a 4-diamond-2 formation: Cudicini; Melchiot, Gallas, Desailly, Babayaro; Petit, Lampard, Le Saux, Zola; Hasselbaink, Gudjohnsen.

What followed was a thrilling west London derby that made onlookers wish there had been more in the previous 20 years.

Fulham defender Abdeslam Ouaddou had already thudded a header against the crossbar when Mario Melchiot beat Van der Sar from distance with the aid of a slight deflection. It was the right-back's third Chelsea goal, and his first not scored against Man United.

What had been a simmering contest heated up considerably. Within seconds of Chelsea taking the lead, Gallas was adjudged to have made contact with Saha fractionally before he toed the ball away. Fulham were awarded a penalty and it was Saha who stepped up to take it, calmly stroking the ball into the bottom left-hand corner.

Van der Sar pulled off a fine save from Zola, deployed at the tip of the diamond, before Chelsea again took the lead with a goal fashioned from simple but sublime passing. Cutting right through the heart of the Fulham team, Petit fed Zola, who moved the ball onto Graeme Le Saux. He then played Gudjohnsen through and the striker cut in front of the Fulham defence and slotted the ball home with the minimum of fuss (pictured top).

Fulham came close to equalising again through Malbranque, Ouaddou and Saha, all of whom passed up presentable opportunities. However, Saha made no mistake in the 72nd minute, bundling a loose ball over the line after we had failed to clear Rufus Brevett's cross.

There was still time for one final twist ten minutes later. Two Chelsea substitutes combined to great effect as Jesper Gronkjaer's lofted cross was controlled on his chest by Mikael Forssell and turned past Van der Sar from eight yards out.

The Finnish striker's winning goal was his eighth of the season. Remarkably, all had been scored when he had come off the bench.

'It was very important to win tonight,' stated Ranieri after our 3-2 success. 'But it was a very difficult game. Fulham played very well. In the first half, Chelsea played well, it was good for us, like champagne. Everybody wanted to hit everything. But in the second half, it was very difficult for us to win.'

Almost 40,000 people had been treated to a local derby befitting of the occasion, the first at Stamford Bridge in a generation. A few days later, both sides won their FA Cup quarter-final ties and were pitted against one another in the semis, when a much more turgid encounter ended 1-0 to Chelsea.

The Chelsea vs Fulham rivalry had well and truly restarted. We wait to see what will be written in tomorrow's chapter.



https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/chelsea-vs-fulham-when-the-rivalry-restarted

Marco Silva signals resilience of his squad during 'busy' and 'tricky' August
It has not been the most comfortable summer for the Cottagers.

Marco Silva gets ready to go for bragging rights against Chelsea on their turf for the second time in eight months. But Fulham have a thin squad, and after the strain of midweek action, the schedule is a reminder of how the last month has been a "busy" and "tricky" time for the Portuguese manager.

    'They are still recovering'

There were no shocks in midweek for the Cottagers in the Carabao Cup. An own goal and a finish from Raul Jimenez put them two goals to the good against Bristol City and calmed all the nerves.

"We know it's a competition that normally can have surprises. It's something you try to avoid as much as you can, respect the opponent. We had good examples in the past. In this competition, Rotation or not, it's up to us to keep the same type of approach and it speaks about the players as well."

It is onto the third round in the domestic cup against Cambridge United, with business handled well.

"Professional and focused in the way we approach things. It was a professional performance, job done. That's the most important thing. That is what we expected but we have to prove it in the match."

But there is less preparatory time for the team ahead of the West London derby as the Blues have not been in action since a 5-1 rout of West Ham last Friday. On top of that, three players are doubts.

"Let's see with Harry Wilson. Because the players played on Wednesday evening, they are still recovering with some knocks. Nothing serious apart from Timothy Castagne a little bit with some knocks from the game. Issa Diop too, but I really believe that both are going to be available.".

    'You prefer to have a week'

Fulham finished last term with 54 points, a club record in the Premier League era. The target would have been building on that momentum, but the transfer window has been dormant. Only Benjamin Lecomte has come through the door, a £500,000 second-choice shot stopper from Montpellier.

"It's always a tricky period. It's a busy period because you have to do a lot of work in terms of the market. Also players can leave, players can come. Me and my staff try to be as focused as you can control with the sessions and the matches but we have many things to speak about and prepare."

Yet, the side have shown their steel. Rodrigo Muniz pulled out an equaliser at the death to earn a point at the Amex Stadium off the bench. Then, Emile Smith Rowe repeated the trick last week as Fulham avoided defeat at Craven Cottage against the Red Devils for the first time in 15 years.

"Tough start in terms of schedule. Premier League is always difficult, but if you look at out schedule, the beginning it is difficult to go to Brighton and first home game against Man United after good home game against Arsenal. Now, we have a big game again before the international break."

The manager made clear he will not allow midweek fatigue to foil any attempt at winning tomorrow.

"When you have these types of games, you prefer to have a week to prepare. It was not the case for us, Chelsea had that chance to prepare. But we always want to win games, collect maximum points."



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2025/08/29/fulham/1231993-marco-silva-signals-resilience-of-his-squad-during-busy-and-trickyaugust.html

Marco Silva seeks to 'balance things' on derby day despite Chelsea's financial clout
The Fulham boss believes expenditure does not determine their fate at Stamford Bridge.

Marco Silvaspoke about what the West London derby means to him as Fulham face Chelsea at Stamford Bridgethis weekend. The Blues have a far more expensive talent, with top-end talent headlining their title charge, but the Portuguese does not feel his men have no chance of competing.

    'They are in a different world'

Even though Fulham cannot earn more than three points, derby days always mean that bit extra.

"It's a special derby. It is a special moment for our fans, and when you feel it, it gives the players that extra motivation as well. In every Premier League game, you can make a statement. This is another game, there are three points there, nothing more, but you know there's always something special."

Silva sees this rivalry as an example of how the standards of the squad have risen in recent years.

"The last few seasons, since we joined the club, we changed completely the record against them. We have been really competitive, to match them and to balance really well on the pitch."

Todd Boehly has bankrolled a strange sporting project, but his spending is showing signs of return on investment. The Blues banked a top four spot and the Conference League crown in May before beating Paris Saint-Germain to become the new champions of the world in the middle of July.

"Off the pitch, what they have been doing last three, four seasons, spending not millions, billions probably, and it's again this summer. The team had a very good last season and won the Conference League, they were the favourites, but won the Club World Cup as well, and were able to strengthen."

The spending has not stopped. The squad now has two central forwards who have immediately ousted Nicolas Jackson and are about to pick up a temperamental 21-year-old with some promising tools.

"Even their attacking line – Estevao, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro. Probably more is coming, probably Alejandro Garnacho is coming too. I think it speaks about themselves and the individual quality they have. Off the pitch is a completely different world. They are in a different world."

On the other hand, Fulham have only spent £500,000 this summer to bring in second choice shot stopper Benjamin Lecomte. It is down to the manager to make the most of the available resources.

"They are capable to do things off the pitch which we are not – our aim is to balance everything inside the pitch, to balance everything during the 95 or 100 minutes that we are going to play against them, like we did last season both games."

He knows his boys can compete from experience. They narrowly lost 1-0 at their rivals in January 2024, then beat them 2-1 at their ground on Boxing Day. A narrow 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage in April did not reflect the damage done by Fulham in the first half, furthering the belief in the group.

"Two great games, really balanced, emotional games, late goals for us at Stamford Bridge, and after for them at Craven Cottage. But the way we faced them, the way we matched them, is what we are going to try to do again, to balance things on a matchday that are completely different off the pitch."



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2025/08/29/fulham/1231995-marco-silva-seeks-to-balance-things-on-derby-day-despite-chelseasfinancial-cloutthe-fulham-boss-believes-expenditure-does-not-determine-their-fateat-stamford-bridge.html

Colchester United have signed defender Harvey Araujo on loan
COLCHESTER United have signed defender Harvey Araujo on a season-long loan from Premier League side Fulham.

 The young defender, who celebrates his 21st birthday next Wednesday, had a loan spell at the U's League Two rivals Chesterfield last season, playing 23 times for the Spireites.

Araujo, who is an England under-18 international, has been at Fulham since the age of 11 and turned professional in September, 2021.

 He signed a three-year deal with Fulham last summer and is now looking to impress at Colchester.

Colchester boss Danny Cowley said: "We're really pleased to bring Harvey to the club.

"He's a boy that we've known for quite a long time.

"He's a left-footed centre-half who can also play at left-back.

"He had a really good loan at Chesterfield, last season and did well.

 "He's also played for England and Yilmaz, our goalkeeper coach, actually worked with him when Yilmaz was part of the younger team development groups at England.

"He's technically a very good player and will give us that left foot balance, which is something that we always like.

"He's really good at playing through the pitch and really good at speeding the game up but most importantly, wants to defend.

 "He's good in the duel and I think he's a really good reader of the game, an intelligent defender and one of those balanced profiles that we really like in that position.

"We're pleased to have him on board and it gives us the competition for places that we want in that position."

 Araujo will challenge for a place in the Colchester defence and despite his young age, has leadership qualities that have caught U's boss Cowley's eye.

"I watched him two seasons ago now and I was really impressed by his calmness and composure and his reading of the game," added Cowley.

"A moment that stuck out for me was when they were playing Tottenham in a cup final at Craven Cottage.

"Tottenham had got in control of the game and were dominating the ball and Fulham were having to suffer and he just led in his own way, with a real calm authority.

 "What's the definition of a leader? I guess it's making people around you five per cent better.

"He was able to do that at a really young age and that impressed me.

"When you think about leaders in football, there's the Terry Butcher type with the blood splattered across their face, sleeves rolled up and that kind of archetypal England leader.

"He's not that but he's an intelligent boy and I think he'll do really well for us."



https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/sport/25425096.colchester-united-signed-defender-harvey-araujo-loan/

Marco Silva expresses Fulham transfer frustration and delivers injury update ahead of Chelsea Premier League clash
Fulham boss Marco Silva has admitted that the club have 'wasted a lot of time' in the summer transfer window.

The Cottagers have experienced a disappointing window up until this point, having added just one new name to Silva's squad.

Backup goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte represents the club's sole summer addition following his move from French side Montpellier.

Silva told reporters after Sunday's draw with Manchester United that he wants at least three new players before the transfer window shuts on Monday.

The Fulham boss delivered a fresh transfer plea when he spoke to the media ahead of Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Bristol City in the EFL Cup second round.

Silva expresses Fulham transfer frustration
In his latest press conference, Silva provided a frustrated response when asked if the club will sign three new players before the end of the market.

"There's nothing very close right now," Silva told reporters ahead of Saturday's West London derby against Chelsea.

"As a manager, I think we don't have any other option but to do it because otherwise we won't be in the condition to play in the Premier League. I think we have wasted a lot of time."

Meanwhile, Silva was reluctant to discuss reports suggesting that Andreas Pereira is closing in on a move to Brazilian side Palmeiras.

"I'm not going to talk about possibilities and rumours," Silva said. "I haven't got any official information and I don't know the ins and outs, so I don't have anything to say."

Silva delivers Wilson, Robinson injury update
Fulham were given a scare when Harry Wilson was forced off in midweek with an injury to the same foot problem that kept him out of action for an extended period last season.

However, Silva has alleviated any fears that Wilson has picked up a serious injury, although he is a doubt for the short trip to Stamford Bridge.

"Good news, nothing serious," Silva said. "Still in pain but after exams, nothing serious. I was concerned, but the previous injury was not affected by the knock.

"We will see if he is available. He can be involved, we will see. Everyone else is available."

Silva also revealed that Antonee Robinson is available after missing Wednesday's EFL cup win, although he is not fit to start the final league game before the international break.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/silva-expresses-fulham-transfer-frustration-delivers-injury-update-ahead-of-chelsea-clash_580388.html

Why AC Milan are stalling on Samuel Chukwueze's Fulham deal that was nearly complete – Report
AC Milan and Fulham have been negotiating a transfer for Samuel Chukwueze in the last few days, but the deal has not happened yet....

Fulham have already reached an agreement with AC Milan for the transfer of Samuel Chukwueze, but the Super Eagles winger has not made the move yet, as the Rossoneri need him for their Serie A game against Lecce on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Chukwueze has been heavily linked with many clubs this summer, as he is expected to leave AC Milan due to due to his lack of game time.

However, after weeks of speculations about the Super Eagles star's future, Fulham reached an agreement with the Rossoneri for Chukwueze's transfer some days ago.

But since then, things have gone silent, as neither Fulham nor AC Milan have released anything official about the Nigerian.

Why Samuel Chukwueze Is Still At Fulham
Reports from Sempre Milan suggest that all the parties involved have already reached an agreement for Chukwueze's transfers.

The Super Eagles star will even take a slight wage cut if he make the Fulham move, as the Cottagers will pay him €3.5 million net yearly.

However, the reason the transfer has been temporarily paused is that the Rossoneri want him in their squad for their Serie A game again Lecce today.

AC Milan are dealing with a few injuries to their attack, and coach Massimiliano Allegri wants to have as many options as possible for that fixture.

It will likely be Chukwueze's last game with AC Milan. Afterwards, the 26-year-old is expected to be cleared to join Fulham.

In the meantime, the AC Milan star has been called up to Nigeria's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa next month.

He will be hoping to have a strong international break with the Super Eagles so he can return to club football with some momentum.



https://soccernet.ng/2025/08/ac-milan-samuel-chukwueze-fulham.html

From the press box: Silva fired up for the SW6 Derby
Jack Kelly gives us the lowdown on Marco Silva's latest pre-match press conference.

Eat, sleep, press conference, repeat. That's pretty much been my week. I could say it was another fiery press conference, but someone in the comments might get upset. As Clive Tyldesley said during the 1999 Champions League Final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich: "I was there".

Today was my second one-to-one chat with Marco Silva this week - those quotes are available from 22:30 tonight on X and my Patreon. Another moment where I've glanced around the room, realised I'm the only written journalist here and suddenly felt a wave of pressure on my shoulders to ask the right questions. The last chance before the window closes.

Of course, as is routine, Sky Sports kicked things off in the broadcast section and the questions were mainly around transfers, as expected. Some quotes from Silva:

"Nothings changed because we haven't signed any player. Probably not possible to sign a striker, but we will see. We need two wingers and one midfielder. We need depth, quality, at least three signings. Nothing very very close now.

"We've wasted a lot of time, it's already too late. If they come, they can settle, but nothing is very close right now.

"It's difficult for me to say what is going to happen, or not. It's not like I expected. I think, as a manager we don't have any other solutions, but to do it (sign players). If we don't, we will not be in the conditions to play (in the) Premier League."

When it comes to ins and outs, Silva doesn't give anything away. I wonder if he's a fan of the Hokey Cokey? So, when names like Andreas Pereira and Raheem Sterling come up, he doesn't wish to comment.

Pereira has taken Fulham FC out of his instagram bio; a very Gen-Z level of reporting on football. But as has been reported in the last few days, he's off to see the Wizard - the Wizard being Brazil.

Quite clearly a Wizard of Oz joke/reference, I actually think that went right over Sammy's head on the Thursday Club. We're going to the bloody Bridge tomorrow, for our sins. There is no place like home.

Martial Godo is heading to France to join Strasbourg on loan, which looks like a permanent deal. Pure profit in the bag, which can be re-invested over the next few days.

Back to the press conference. Silva finished his piece and walked out the door, the door closed and every journalist looked at each-other, wide-eyed and without saying a word. In that brief moment, we were all thinking the same thing: Marco isn't pleased at all.

Tomorrow is the small matter of the SW6 Derby. Some Fulham fans view this as like Christmas Eve. Last year I viewed it as Boxing Day, because... well, it was Boxing Day.

Come on Fulham, let's do it again and beat them. Let's go into the first international break on the highest of highs ahead of what could be a dizzying deadline day. Let's finish the window with a few players through the door. Easier said than done, but what's the point of being alive if you can't dream? Samuel Chukwueze, Kevin, a top midfielder and a surprise fourth player.

But there is panic on the streets of Hammersmith & Fulham. Ring the DJ, ring the DJ, ring the DJ (Dan James).

Up the Fulham.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/from-the-press-box-silva-fired-up

Araujo joins Colchester on loan
Fulham have confirmed that centre back Harvey Araujo has joined Colchester United on a season-long loan.

The 20 year-old, who spent time on loan at Chesterfield last term, could make his debut for Danny Cowley's side at Barnet on Saturday.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/araujo-joins-colchester-on-loan/

Colchester sign Fulham defender Araujo on loan
Colchester United have signed defender Harvey Araujo on loan from Fulham for the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old, who can play centre-back or at left-back, spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Chesterfield, where he made 20 appearances in League Two.

He has yet to play for Fulham's first team but was involved in four EFL Trophy games for their Under-21s two seasons ago.

"Technically, he's a really good player and will give us that left-foot balance which is something we always like," boss Danny Cowley told BBC Essex Sport.

"He's a really good reader of the game, an intelligent defender, and gives us the competition for places that we want in that position."

Araujo joins a Colchester side that have taken five points from their opening five games of the season but lost the last two, at home to Cambridge United and Barrow.

"I see myself as a leader on and off the ball, dictating the style of play, showing my physicality, and being aggressive when needed," he told the club website.

"Danny and Nicky set out a clear plan for me, to go out there, express myself, and be the best player I can be.

The U's are away at Barnet on Saturday.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/clyre7jvvn4o

Shahid Khan: 'I'm glad PSR rules are being enforced'
There are some striking quotes in the interview Fulham chairman Shahid Khan has given The Observer – which has been published on the paper's website this evening.

Asked about the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules that seem to have inhabited his club's spending this summer, Khan says:

"I think they're really good. I'm glad they're being enforced now. Why is the Premier League the most popular soccer league in the world? Because of some of those rules and how the money is divided ... the fact is that when you compare it to the other leagues in the world, the Premier League is by far the most competitive. For Fulham, we have to optimise our key attributes; the richest, most-educated fan base in English football. Geographically it's in a beautiful location, so we can serve the community on non-match days."

Curiously, Khan appears most animated when discussing the architectural merit of the new Riverside Stand.

"Frankly, it's a passion for me. I seriously thought about being an architect, and I even started the first year in engineering school. But then I saw how much money they were making ... The challenge of space design is, how do you come up with something that's iconic, efficient and really touches people in a good way?"

Asked about the prospect of acquiring Wembley, which Khan came close to achieving seven years ago, the Fulham owner replies:

"We've got a great relationship [with Wembley] and for the time being we are doing great, so all is good."

Conor Schmidt's piece, which centres more on the turbulent summer endured by the Jacksonville Jaguars, is notable for what it doesn't include: any discussion of Fulham's passive transfer business, which has so irked Marco Silva.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/shahid-khan-im-glad-psr-rules-are-being-enforced/

Peter Crouch and Steve Sidwell so far apart in their Chelsea vs Fulham prediction
Chelsea's final match before the international break of the season is a tasty London derby against Fulham.

The Blues host rivals Fulham on Saturday afternoon at Stamford Bridge in their third game of the new Premier League season.

Enzo Maresca's side have picked up four points from their opening two games, beating West Ham but drawing against Crystal Palace, and now attention turns towards their West London neighbours.

Even though Chelsea's injury absentees against Fulham include Cole Palmer, they should still be able to field a very strong XI. In fairness, they thrashed West Ham 5-1 last week without their talisman.

Peter Crouch and Steve Sidwell predict Chelsea vs Fulham
Ahead of Chelsea against Fulham this weekend, former Premier League stars Steve Sidwell and Peter Crouch have disagreed when predicting the result.

Speaking on That Peter Crouch podcast, Sidwell said: "I just think Chelsea are going to be too strong for this. I'm going to go for a Chelsea 3-0 win."

Afterwards, Crouch added: "I'm going to go for another draw here, 1-1. Obviously Chelsea will be favourites, I accept that. I think Fulham will be alright."

It was a win apiece between rivals Chelsea and Fulham last season in the Premier League, with the away side coming out on top both times.

Will history repeat itself this Saturday?

Pedro Neto scored a stoppage time winner when the Blues won at Craven Cottage back in April, and he's one of the main goal threats in the absence of Palmer. Incidentally, Jamie Redknapp claims Neto is coming good at Chelsea after he netted his first goal of the new season against West Ham.

Meanwhile, Liam Delap scored two in two against Fulham last term as an Ipswich Town player.

Ally McCoist makes prediction for Chelsea vs Fulham
Ally McCoist is another retired footballer and pundit who's made an interesting prediction for the West London derby.

Speaking via TNT Sports, McCoist said: "I don't think there's an awful lot between the sides to be honest. I was impressed with Fulham for periods of the game against Manchester United. They were a bit unlucky not to win that game and I think they'll take the game to Chelsea.

"But I do think Chelsea's home form will dictate how they do this season because I expect them to be strong at home. I know they drew against Crystal Palace on the opening day but I think this will be a tight game and I expect Chelsea just to nick it due to the flair players in their side."

"Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Fulham."

If Chelsea can make it two wins and a draw from their opening three league games, it would definitely mark a positive start to Maresca's second season in the dugout.



https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/news/peter-crouch-and-steve-sidwell-so-far-apart-in-their-chelsea-vs-fulham-prediction/

Muniz: 'I'm happy at Fulham'
Rodrigo Muniz has told TNT Sports that is 'happy at Fulham' and enjoys a special relationship with the Fulham fans – but believes he is ready to become Marco Silva's first choice striker.

The Brazilian centre forward, who came off the bench against Bristol City in the League Cup on Wednesday to make his hundredth appearance for the Whites, scored as a substitute in the opening game of the season at Brighton and Hove Albion. He was the subject of serious interest from Serie A side Atalanta but looks set to stay at Craven Cottage – and now wants more starts ahead of Raul Jimenez.

In an interview for TNT Sports' coverage of tomorrow's SW6 derby, Muniz – who famously scored the winner at Stamford Bridge last season – told former Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell:

"I'm very happy at Fulham. The fans ... they really love me and I love the Fulham fans as well. The love of the Fulham fans is good, but, like I said, I need to play. If I stay in Fulham, I will train hard every day to get a chance to start more games then [in] the last two seasons. Let's see. I am ready to my next steps, to play more. Now, it is the decision from Marco [Silva] to decide who is going to play the next game. We are ready to play. If you don't start, you need to be ready to play the second half and score goals. I'm ready, but now I want to start more games.

Sidwell goes fishing with Muniz and is surprised by the striker's passion for angling. He explains:

"I went fishing with my Dad and my Dad's brother [when I was younger] – and I love to fish. All the time, every weekend. Monday to Saturday football and Sunday, fishing. [In another interview] they asked me, 'What do you like to do?' I said: 'God, football, fish'. I put God before football. But I love to fish.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/muniz-im-happy-at-fulham/

Pereira joins Palmeiras
Fulham have confirmed that Andreas Pereira has signed for Palmeiras in a deal believed to be worth around £8.6m.

The 29 year-old made 119 appearances for the Whites scoring, scoring ten goals and contributing 22 assists, in three years at Craven Cottage as Marco Silva's side re-established themselves in the top flight. Pereira, who returned to the Brazilian national side on account of his consistent Fulham displays, lost his place in Silva's side last season after openly discussing the prospect of playing for Marseille and other foreign clubs.

He was an unused substitute for the opening game of the Premier League season at Brighton and watched the 1-1 draw with his old club Manchester United from the Cottage balcony. He returns to his homeland as part of a huge spending spree from Palmeiras, the largest in Brazilian history, and will hope to remain in Carlo Ancelotti's squad ahead of next summer's World Cup.

Pereira is quoted as telling the Fulham website:

"From the first day at Fulham, I felt at home. Thank you to my teammates, staff, and fans for every moment.  After three years, I leave proud of what we achieved together. Fulham will always be part of me."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/pereira-joins-palmeiras/

Andreas departs
The Club can confirm that Andreas Pereira has joined Palmeiras for an undisclosed fee.

The midfielder arrived in SW6 three years ago and has helped the team secure mid-table finishes in every season, during which time he appeared in 119 games for the Club.

Andreas also earned international recognition during his time with us, making him the first Fulham player to earn a call-up to the Brazil national team, and he now has 10 caps to his name.

"From the first day at Fulham, I felt at home," Andreas said. "Thank you to my teammates, staff, and fans for every moment.

"After three years, I leave proud of what we achieved together. Fulham will always be part of me 🤍🖤."

Tony Khan added: "Since joining us in the summer of 2022, Andreas Pereira has been a consummate professional, and he's been an important member of the squad, contributing to some tremendous moments and important accomplishments for Fulham, including the record Premier League points total that the team achieved last season.

"I want to take this opportunity to wish Andreas all the best in the future at Palmeiras, where I am sure that he'll find much success.

"Thank you, Andreas! Come on Fulham!"

Everyone at the Club would like to thank Andreas for his efforts over the last few years, and we wish him the best of luck back in Brazil.




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/august/29/andreas-departs/

Pereira seals move from Fulham to Palmeiras
Andreas Pereira has left Fulham to join Palmeiras for an undisclosed fee.

The Brazilian appeared in 119 games for the club, scoring 10 goals and providing 19 assists.

Pereira joined in 2022 from Manchester United and was a key cog in Marco Silva's side as they finished 10th in the Whites' first season back in the Premier League.

The 29 year-old is the third Brazilian to depart the club this summer, following Willian and Carlos Vinicius.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/pereira-seals-move-from-fulham-to-palmeiras

Transfers are 'out of my control,' says Silva
Marco Silva says that Fulham's transfer approach is 'out of my control' after he tried to ensure the Whites bought in more signings over the course of the summer window.

The Portuguese head coach has left nobody in any doubt that he wanted top-flight quality through the door earlier this season and reiterated his belief that the current wait and see approach is harmful to the Whites' prospects. Silva, who has hardly done any media outside of the Premier League media day, told the press:

"The time is coming to an end, but we don't have other solution if (we're) not doing it. Probably now, it's already too late. Probably, (we) lost some of the players that we should have signed or tried more, but it's what it is. If I'm going to complain or not, it's not going to change anything, unfortunately for me, not for me, for the football club, that is the most important thing than myself. But it's what it is. Let's see what's going to happen now. It's a bit out of my control really. And I like to have the things under control and I don't have no more (control)."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/transfers-are-out-of-my-control-says-silva/

Silva: Cairney is 'a proper legend'
Marco Silva has described Fulham captain Tom Cairney as 'a proper legend'.

The Scottish international is into his tenth year at Craven Cottage after signing a one-year contract extension this summer and made his 356th appearance on Wednesday night as the Whites beat Bristol City to reach the third round of the League Cup. Speaking to the press ahead of tomorrow's derby against Chelsea, Silva pointed out that the 34 year-old had to recover from a serious knee problem to lead Fulham to a third promotion from the Championship and that the midfielder has been a key part of the Cottagers' squad that has re-established itself in the top tier.

"Proper legend. Massive respect to TC. I'm really pleased for him, enjoying Premier League football with the Fulham shirt. I remember when I first joined the club, how he was after almost a season that he didn't participate at all in the Premier League.

I'm really enjoying all the moments with him in the football club. He's a top guy. He's the captain of the club, probably not the most vocal guy, but represents other important things in our football club. The other things about him speaks about himself – what he did, what was important, the goals he scores, as you mentioned, up and downs in the club, promotions and after relegations. I'm really pleased that under me, he's being just positive things."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/silva-cairney-is-a-proper-legend/

Silva: 'The derby is emotional ... it is for the fans'
Marco Silva believes that the side who controls their emotions best will win the SW6 derby tomorrow afternoon.

Fulham take on Chelsea on Stamford Bridge looking for a second successive away win against the Blues following Rodrigo Muniz's stoppage-time winner last December. Silva told Jack Kelly:

"The game at Craven Cottage was very emotional too and was very emotional for the Chelsea fans, even for the Chelsea players, because we felt it even in the dressing room. Like probably they felt (it) when we celebrated in the dressing room on the Boxing Day. It's what it is, I think they are derbies, they are emotional, you have to control, but outside the pitch you cannot, it's for the fans."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/silva-the-derby-is-emotional-it-is-for-the-fans/

Chelsea agree shock Xavi Simons alternative transfer as London rival plots Raheem Sterling move
Our opinion on the latest Chelsea transfer news, including updates on Facundo Buonanotte, Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling

Chelsea will be keen to pick up from where they left off when they return to action this weekend. The Blues will lock horns with Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon as Enzo Maresca's looks to clinch back-to-back wins in the Premier League.

While Chelsea may fancy their chances against the Cottagers, they're set to be without Cole Palmer, who's currently nursing a groin injury. Estevao Willian stepped in for the England international when the Blues stormed past West Ham, and he was an instant hit.

Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile will also miss the Fulham clash, but, fortunately, the summer transfer window doesn't shut until Monday, September 1, so the club could always bring in some last-minute cover.

Once the deadline passes, the lion's share of Maresca's squad will disperse for the international break. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea transfer news.

Chelsea agree deal for Simons alternative
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Facundo Buonanotte on a season-long loan from Brighton. The report claims there will not be an option to make the move for the 20-year-old attacking midfielder permanent.

It's said that Leeds United were confident they were about to wrap up a similar deal for Buonanotte, with a medical booked in West Yorkshire on Thursday afternoon. However, the Blues reportedly swooped in and secured the Argentina international's signature.

football.london says: "At face value, this deal doesn't look like a great deal for Chelsea, having not submitted a bid for Xavi Simons and not pursued Fermin Lopez. However, the Blues have essentially brought in a stop-gap for Kendry Paez, who will return from a season-long loan at Strasbourg next summer. He will then come in with a wealth of experience under his belt, and Facundo Buonanotte will go back to Brighton."



https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/chelsea-agree-shock-xavi-simons-32379157

Matchday Preview: Chelsea
🆚 Chelsea
🏟 Stamford Bridge
🏆 Premier League
🗓 Saturday 30th August
⏰ 12.30pm

The opposition

It's been some few months for Chelsea, who followed up their UEFA Conference League triumph with victory in the Club World Cup this summer, a feat all the more impressive considering their dismantling of Paris Saint-Germain in the Final. Saturday is the third of four London derbies that Chelsea are starting the Premier League season with, having drawn with Crystal Palace and thrashed West Ham, ahead of meetings with Fulham and Brentford.

Team news

🔵 Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia will miss the derby.

🤍 Marco Silva was disappointed not to be able to call on Antonee Robinson in midweek, but the left-back remains in contention for the weekend.

Tickets

Tickets for this match are long since sold out, meaning there will be 3,083 Fulham fans in attendance on the day.

Kits

Both sides will be in their home kits this weekend.


Weather

🌧 A cloudy lunchtime is forecast in Fulham, with a 30 per cent chance of rain before the match is over. Temperatures will be around the 20 degree mark.

Coverage

FFCtv subscribers can listen to commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, while the game will also be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports. Overseas supporters can see who is showing the game in your region at this page.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/august/29/matchday-preview-chelsea/

Up next: Chelsea (a)
Fulham make the short trip to Stamford Bridge this lunchtime in good heart having taken two points from their first two Premier League fixtures and eased into the third round of the League Cup by beating Bristol City on Wednesday evening. Marco Silva's side will face their near neighbours with no face this afternoon, either, as a consequence of winning at the Bridge last Boxing Day thanks to Rodrigo Muniz's memorable winner in stoppage time. Chelsea have certainly improved since then, so repeating Fulham's first success at the Bridge since 1979 won't be easy.

Silva should at least have more resources at his disposal to take on the Blues than he did last Sunday when Manchester United came to Craven Cottage. Antonee Robinson, whose introduction might just have tilted that tight contest back towards the Whites, has had another week of training and could be ready to start at left back. Ryan Sessegnon, who has had his own injury problems over the past month, came through another outing against the Robins unscathed and there was good news too when it came to Harry Wilson, who got Fulham's equaliser in this fixture last December. The Welshman was withdrawn as a precaution after holding his foot on Wednesday, but scans showed the problem was 'nothing serious,' according to Silva.

The Portuguese head coach is still hamstring by Fulham's quietest transfer window in living memory but, aside from a few pointed comments in his press conferences, Silva is getting on with the job. He started with three centre backs to match Manchester United last weekend and could easily stick with that system to frustrate Chelsea – something that worked really well last season. It might be the best way to deal with Liam Delap, who scored home and away against the Whites for Ipswich Town last term. But that formation can leave the Whites more cautious in comparison to the 4-2-3-1, which has delivered some impressive away results of its own since Fulham returned to the top flight.

Whatever approach Silva adopts stopping Chelsea's impressive wide men will be key. That means Kenny Tete and Robinson – if he is passed fit enough to start – will need to be at their very best to shackle Pedro Neto and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. Fulham need little reminding of the former following his dramatic added-time winner at the Cottage last April, whilst the English summer signing has reprised his outstanding performances with Dortmund during his time in the blue of SW6 to date. Then there's the threat of the latest young talent, Estêvão Willian, who led West Ham United such a merry dance last Friday night.

The Blues will be without Cole Palmer, who opened the scoring here last season, but Silva's trusted midfield duo of Sasa Lukic – outstanding in the win on Boxing Day – and Sander Berge will need to win their individual duels in the engine room. The Norwegian has had a quiet start to the season but we've seen his capability with the Whites last season and in a number of outstanding performances for Burnley and Sheffield United before that. Fulham were able to pose problems for Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernadez last year by pushing them in the opposite direct, whilst their physicality could prove pivotal in helping to nullify the home side's attacking arsenal.

Fulham's first outing without the departed Andreas Pereira, whose exit for Palmeiras was officially confirmed last night, also leaves Silva with some headaches in the offensive positions. Sessegnon's willing running and defensive discipline would seem to make him an ideal candidate to start in front of Robinson on the flank, but the dependable Alex Iwobi also probably features in Fulham's first eleven. The Nigerian has always been underrated at this level and his sheer number of progressive passes in the penalty area already this season underline his value to this side. Josh King has been excellent in his opening outings of the campaign and will probably start in the ten, with Wilson out wide – assuming the Welsh winger hasn't had an adverse reaction to that untimely knock. Muniz is likely to start up front, even if the experience of Raul jimenez could be very useful on a big stage like this.

The Whites will need to be confidence and pragmatic in equal measure this afternoon. There will be times when they will need to temper the tenacity that comes with a local derby and Silva's natural attacking instincts because staying in the game may make Stamford Bridge restless. It will be Fulham's toughest test of the season so far – and a good yardstick against which to assess the Cottagers' prospects. The key is remaining calm and being as clinical as the Cottagers were last year.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, A. Robinson, Andersen, Bassey; Lukic, Berge; Wilson, R. Sessegnon, King; Muniz. Subs: Lecomte, Castagne, Cuenca, Reed, Cairney, Iwobi, Traore, Smith Rowe, Jimenez.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/up-next-chelsea-a-6/

Chelsea vs Fulham: Predicted lineup today and confirmed team news
Chelsea will be without Cole Palmer for their west London derby with Fulham this afternoon.

Palmer pulled out of the Blues starting XI shortly before kick-off last Friday against West Ham United with a groin problem. It didn't distract the Blues too much, after falling behind to Lucas Pacqueta's early strike, they put five past the Hammers to pick up their first win of the season. 

Palmer did not train with the rest of the Chelsea squad this wee and was left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday his star man is not available as he continues his recovery from a groin problem.

Estevao Willian stepped into the starting XI in Palmer's absence and sparkled in east London, providing an assist in the 5

His tally now stands at four goals and two assists in five competitive matches since his arriving from Brighton.

Palmer's absence prompted a reshuffle with Joao Pedro starting deeper with Liam Delap leading the line before he was replaced on the hour.

Maresca will be tempted to stick with the same side that trampled all over West Ham.

Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia remain out injured along with Levi Colwill who is expected to miss the majority of the season after his anterior cruciate ligament injury. 

They have an otherwise clean bill of health ahead of the weekend.

Chelsea XI to face Fulham – Metro prediction
With no Palmer, we could be looking at the same team that eased past West Ham.

Estevao Willian has surely done enough to keep his place in the side ahead of Jamie Gittens but there could be a dilemma at centre-half with Wesley Fofana available having come off the bench in east London.



https://metro.co.uk/2025/08/30/chelsea-fulham-predicted-lineups-today-confirmed-team-news-24033396/?ito=newsnow-feed

How to watch Chelsea vs Fulham - TV channel, live stream, kick-off time
Latest Chelsea news and gossip as the Blues take on rivals Fulham in the Premier League

Chelsea are back at Stamford Bridge this weekend as Enzo Maresca's side look to extend their unbeaten start to the Premier League season against Fulham. The Blues host their rivals with the Cottagers making the short journey across West London and a win could see them move to the summit - even for just a few hours.

Following the emphatic 5-1 win over West Ham United last weekend, Chelsea are bouncing into the penultimate game before the international break following their impressive start. Meanwhile, Fulham are also unbeaten in their opening two matches but are yet to pick up a win after successive 1-1 draws with Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United.

Chelsea's purring attack will be hoping to end the first run of fixtures before the international break on a high after Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez were on target while Pedro and Estevao were heavily involved with three assists between them.

Here, football.london takes a look at the TV info needed for the Premier League clash between Chelsea and Fulham.

What time does Chelsea vs Fulham kick off?
Chelsea's clash against Fulham is scheduled to kick off at 12.30pm on Saturday, August 30, at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

Is Chelsea vs Fulham on TV?
Yes. TNT Sports have chosen Chelsea vs Fulham as part of their Premier League coverage this week. The game will take centre stage to kick off the weekend's complement of fixtures.

Live coverage will get underway at 12.30pm on TNT Sports 1 (Sky channel 410) with approximately an hour-and-a-half of build-up before kick-off.

Alternatively, football.london will be in attendance to provide live updates and post-match analysis from the clash between the Blues and the Cottagers.

How to live stream Chelsea vs Fulham
With TNT Sports broadcasting the clash between Chelsea and Fulham, there is also the option to live stream the fixture.

Sky Go will be live streaming the match to Sky customers, with the service available on the Sky Go mobile app and online.

he match will also be streamed live on the Paramount+ app.



https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/how-watch-chelsea-vs-fulham-32374719

Chelsea vs Fulham: Who is the referee and VAR for the Premier League clash?
The Premier League have confirmed the officials.

A west London derby awaits in the lunchtime kick off in the capital on Saturday afternoon, with Chelsea looking to extend their unbeaten start to the new season to three games.

Fulham are also unbeaten, they have drawn both of their first two games 1-1 against Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United respectively, and will be hoping to clinch consecutive wins at Stamford Bridge for the first time in their history following victory last season.

Chelsea are in buoyant mood after their 5-1 win over West Ham last season. Saturday offers Enzo Maresca's side the chance to claim their first win at home in 2025-26 having been held to a goalless draw against Crystal Palace on the opening day.

Fulham boss Marco Silva is ready for Saturday's 'special' fixture, offering a warning to Chelsea that they are aware of all their possible threats.

Fulham boss Marco Silva is ready for Saturday's 'special' fixture, offering a warning to Chelsea that they are aware of all their possible threats.

Referee
The Premier League have confirmed that Rob Jones will take charge of the meeting between Chelsea and Fulham.

Assistants
Rob Jones will be supported by Neil Davies and Steve Meredith on the touchline.

Fourth Official
Dean Whitestone has been named as the Fourth Official for Saturday's match, with the referee overseeing conduct within the two dugouts, and the behaviour of Enzo Maresca and Marco Silva.

VAR/Assistant VAR
Overviewing proceedings from Stockley Park on Saturday will be Michael Salisbury, who has been named as the Video Assistant Referee, with the Assistant Video Assistant Referee being Scott Ledger.



https://www.si.com/onsi/soccer/chelsea/match-coverage/chelsea-vs-fulham-who-is-the-referee-and-var-for-the-premier-league-clash-01k3x1hpvk0t

Silva has 'no more control' over Fulham's attempts to make signings
Marco Silva says he has 'no more control' over Fulham's attempts to sign players in the final few days of the transfer window.

Fulham have been stalling all summer when it comes to making additions, but are in advanced talks with both Shakhtar's Kevin and AC Milan's Samuel Chukwueze.

Chukwueze was an unused substitute in Milan's 2-0 win against Lecce in Serie A and could complete his move to west London before Monday's deadline.

Silva said: "The time is coming to an end, but we don't have any other solution if (we're) not doing it (making signings).

"Probably now, it's already too late. Probably, (we) lost some of the players that we should have signed or tried more, but it's what it is."

The Whites are yet to sign an outfield player during this transfer window.

Silva added: "If I'm going to complain or not, it's not going to change anything, unfortunately for me, not for me, for the football club, that is the most important thing than myself. But it's what it is.

"Let's see what's going to happen now. It's a bit out of my control really. And I like to have the things under control and I don't have no more (control)."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-has-no-more-control-over-fulhams-attempts-to-make-signings

Dovbyk 'turns down Fulham'
Roma striker Artem Dovybyk has turned down a move to Fulham, according to reports from Italy this morning.

The Ukrainian international looks as though he will leave AS Roma before the end of the transfer window and Fulham had reached an agreement in principle with the Giallorossi to sign the 28 year-old, but Dovybyk rejected the chance to move to Craven Cottage, according to Matteo Moretto's latest transfer video. The Italian journalist suggests that the former Girona forward is waiting for an approach from AC Milan.

Marco Silva, who has professed himself disappointed by Fulham's lack of signings this summer, told his pre-match press conference yesterday that it might now be too late to sign a new striker.



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