Friends of Fulham

Harry Wilson does it again as Fulham trash Brentford 3-1 to catch stinking rich Chelsea
Fulham came from behind to erase a Joshua King ****-up and trash Brentford 3-1 in the west London derby on Saturday night.

All eyes were on Harry Wilson after his epic contributions home and away against the Bees last term saw Marco Silva's men do the double over their local rivals.

And expectedly the Welshman did it again with a brilliant diagonal finish from Alex Iwobi's telegraphed assist into the box to put Fulham 2-1 up. Iwobi nabbed the leveller for his side 18 minutes after Mikkel Damsgaard collected King's gift to give the Bees the lead.

The lid came then off the visitors when Ethan Pinnock inadvertently flicked Ryan Sessegnon's cross into his own goal five minutes after the restart.

The Cottagers are now sixth in the Premier League standings and level with Chelsea on eight points but with a summer outlay of £34.5m compared to their bottomless neighbours' £276.1m.

Yet it could all have gone horribly wrong on the riverside as the hosts were wasteful in Brentford's box and sloppy with the ball when proceedings occurred in their own-half.

Wilson, Andersen and Lukic all saw their efforts fail to hit the net for one reason or another.

And Damsgaard was the happy recipient of a poor King pass just outside his own-half. It was a pass that made the hair of Fulham fans stand up on the back of their necks.

And the Dane picked his spot before stabbing home. A shock lead that few saw coming.

As if that wasn't bad enough a poor Sasa Lukic backpass landed to Kevin Schade's feet but his effort was thankfully deflected behind for a corner.

Christmas is more than three months away but Fulham were definitely in the mood to hand out some gifts.

Until Iwobi put them back on track after burying an effort following a scrap in the box on 38 minutes. Two minutes later the ex-Evertonian set up Wilson who once again did the damage against his favourite victim by tucking home first-time. As fans were singing "Harry Wilson, he's done it again", Brentford retreated and eventually folded like a pack of cards. That's now four goals in the last three games against Brenrford for the ex-Liverpool youth star.

After the interval Pinnock summed up the Bees' afternoon when he failed to deal with a harmless cross by sending it past his own goalkeeper Kelleher.

And it could have been worse had Rodrigo Muniz's goal not been disallowed by referee Michael Oliver after a VAR check.

Brentford huffed and puffed and tried to find a way back in.

But Fulham held on and will start the week in the same position as a side that spent eight times as much last summer.



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/harry-wilson-does-it-again-as-fulham-trash-brentford-3-1-to-catch-stinking-rich-chelsea

Iwobi's Brilliance Earns Fulham Maximum Points in London Derby
Nigerian international, Alex Iwobi, scored the opening goal and provided an assist as Fulham came back from a goal down to beat Brentford 3-1  and secured their second Premier League win of the season last night.

The third goal for Fulham  was an own goal powered into Brentford's net by defender Ethan Pinnock.

Iwobi's goal was his first of the new season and it inspired Marco Silva's men to the west London derby win at Craven Cottage.

The Super Eagles midfielder was deservedly named the Man of the Match at the end of 90 minutes that saw Calvin Bassey in action while Frank Onyeka was an unused substitute for Brentford.

The Bees took the lead when a careless pass from Josh King on the edge of the box was intercepted by Mikkel Damsgaard, who struck a composed low finish into the corner of the net.

Fulham equalised after Sasa Lukic's shot ballooned up into a congested box and the ball dropped for Iwobi to sweep through the legs of Brentford skipper Nathan Collins and into the net.

The Cottagers then got themselves in front two minutes later and Iwobi was instrumental, bisecting the Brentford defence with a superb pass for Harry Wilson to fire home.

Fulham's momentum continued into the second half and they increased their advantage when Ethan Pinnock misjudged a header from Ryan Sessegnon's cross and diverted the ball into his own net off his shoulder blades.

Rodrigo Muniz thought he had notched a stunning fourth with a powerful angled half-volley that Caoimhin Kelleher could not stop.

However, referee Michael Oliver consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and chalked it off for coming together between Muniz and Collins which left the Bees defender with blood pouring from his mouth.

Fulham's win helped them climb up to seventh in the table while Brentford slip down a place to 17th.

Elsewhere on the night, Manchester United capitalised on Robert Sanchez's fifth-minute red card to secure a crucial 2-1 victory over Chelsea in torrential rain at Old Trafford.

The first match in Premier League history to see two or more goals, red cards and substitutions in the first half was settled by goals from United skipper Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, who was the other player sent off before the break.

It was Sanchez's dismissal that set the course of the game though.

The Spain international raced from his goal to meet Bryan Mbeumo as the striker ran beyond the Chelsea defence.



https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/09/21/iwobis-brilliance-earns-fulham-maximum-points-in-london-derby/

Player Ratings: Fulham 3-1 Brentford
The player ratings are in after a third consecutive derby win over the bus stop in Hounslow.

Fulham made it three league victories in a row over their buzzy neighbours for the first time in 96 years at Craven Cottage, with the Whites prevailing from behind in front of a raucous home atmosphere that took Fulham to seventh in the Premier League at the time of writing. This derby delight feels all the lot sweeter following recent events at Stamford Bridge, and hopefully this is the win that provides Fulham with a real platform to kick on from this season.

Bernd Leno
Can't really fault Leno for the goal, it would have been harder for Damsgaard to miss, though he does commit himself to diving one way rather than make himself big. Aerially, thought he was superb, punching well and winning fouls from a number of set piece and long throw situations. Particular credit needs to be applied for the ninth minute throw-in, which nearly went in off his own legs, but the German did well to collect the ball from underneath his own body. 6.5/10

Kenny Tete
Didn't really contribute to the game in an attacking sense with more of a threat coming from the left throughout, though his partnership with Wilson still looked handy, even if every pass did seem safe rather than imaginative. Thought Kenny did very well to pin back Keane Lewis-Potter and prevent him from helping Schade in creating overloads down the left channels. Very steady performance. 6.5/10

Joachim Andersen
A game that very much epitomised Joa's really good start to this season. It seemed evident to me watching the game that he defended the box well and bossed Thiago in the air, but a game-high 11 clearances is a mammoth statistic. His long diagonal ball to Sessegnon to set us on our way to our third goal was astronomical in its length and accuracy, one of his nine completed long passes in this one. Also worth noting he's due a goal. After good chances against United and Chelsea from corners, he came close to scoring from back to back corners again here in the 15th minute, with Kelleher producing a strong punch to save the first. 8.5/10 – Man of the match

Calvin Bassey
Still think he's lacking the normal confidence and positivity on the ball so far this season and nearly got caught out trying to be too clever early on against Thiago in the corner. Defensively thought he was very good beyond that. Made a key late block from close range off his hip to prevent any sort of comeback. Showed really good recovery pace to help deny the speedy Schade on the counter as well as looking very strong against the physically imposing Igor Thiago. 7/10

Ryan Sessegnon
Far more positive and defensively sound than his opposition number Kayode, who if not for his long throws, would've gone through the game like a ghost with how little he was able to contribute against Sess down our left side. His movement and cross to provide the ball that bounced off Ethan Pinnock for the third showed immense quality, after previously forcing a first half save from Kelleher with a strong, low effort from the left side of the box. 7.5/10

Sander Berge
Meh, I just don't know how to jazz up the Sander Berge section of these articles. Good ball retention, not much else etc... There was one occasion where he made a ran to the right side of the goal and put a ball across the box but those moments are so rare on a weekly basis. Thought he marked Damsgaard out of the game after we scored our third which was of some importance, to be fair. 6/10

Sasa Lukic
An Andersen goal from a Lukic corner is coming, and could've produced four goals this season already, as I previously noticed. It's an emerging pattern and something clearly working from the training ground, so watch this space on that. With the fanbases' collective worries over the lack of creativity from the eight roles, it's encouraging to see Lukic cover lots of ground including in the final third where one shot went narrowly wide in the first half, while another caused a mix up that led to our equaliser. Definitely his best performance so far this season. 8/10

Josh King
The events at Stamford Bridge and here at the Cottage will only be a positive learning curve, I'm sure of it. His error was poor, but every player goes through those moments, and for a teenager to bounce back from a moment that had evidently frustrated him with such positivity on the ball showed his character, especially when you add in how unfairly he was booked for diving following a challenge from Henderson towards the end of the first half. 6.5/10

Harry Wilson
Who put the ball in the Brentford net...for the seventh time in a Fulham shirt...Harry f*cking Wilson! Looked creative early on especially cutting in and crossing on his left foot. His finish to put us ahead was silky smooth, taking it on the run and placing it across the diving Kelleher. No real contributions of note in the second half but the damage had already been done. 7/10

Alex Iwobi
Another who had their best game this season, and surprisingly so with his recent form and the worries over a potential ankle injury coming into the game. He looked sharp and quick from the off, which ended up showing in his attacking contributions. His speed of reaction to net the equaliser was superb, but his pass to split the Brentford defence 90 seconds later as Fulham took the lead was magical. Those are the standards he can reach when he takes a leaders' role in that attacking group. 8/10

Rodrigo Muniz
Gutted that his vicious strike was disallowed for a fourth Fulham goal. As harsh as it felt, if Thiago had done the same and bloodied the nose of Andersen at the other end, I know we would've wanted it chalked off. Caused chaos for the Brentford centre backs early on which eventually merited panic from a Lukic shot which fell to Iwobi to equalise. Only other chance of note was when Sessegnon's first half effort rebounded to him, but a dinked effort from a tight angle went over the bar. 6.5/10

Substitutes
Kevin
Another half an hour in the legs for our new Brazilian superstar after he replaced the yellow-carded Josh King. Some really nice flicks and tricks as you'd expect from Kevin, one of which forced a Brentford yellow card just seconds after coming on. Quite a needless yellow card, it's worth saying. 6/10

Raul Jimenez and Emile Smith Rowe got 10-minute cameos in place of Rodrigo and Iwobi, seeing very little of the ball if not for a lack of intent. Tom Cairney also got minutes late on in place of Lukic, but perhaps the best cameo was that of Jorge Cuenca. In replacing Wilson to sure things up late on, he managed a tackle, an important interception in the box and a further block in less than ten minutes, talk about getting in and amongst it in a derby. All four of those named substitutes came on too late to be fairly rated.

Marco Silva
Thought we were set up far more positively against Leeds, and though we struggled to create chances before Brentford took the lead, the three in behind Muniz looked sharp and resourceful. The response after King's mistake from Silva was superb. His galvanisation of the side to take the game to Brentford from a goal down was phenomenal, and I loved the man management regarding King in the way Silva pushed Iwobi to be the man to pick the ball up from deep to take any additional pressure off of the teenager.

The confidence he put in King to not take off a frustrated teen on a yellow card at half time was also a great decision, with King not losing any confidence and showing some superb touches in Brentford's half. Silva seems to be pushing Lukic in an attacking sense too. As I've mentioned, that combination with Andersen from corners will produce a goal or two soon, but Lukic is contributing more in the final third on a game-by-game basis and if goals and assists come from it then that will be a big problem addressed in the balance of our starting XI. Tactically got everything right from 3-1 onwards, we saw the game out calmly and professionally. 8/10



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/player-ratings-fulham-3-1-brentford

Silva shares a moment that was 'lovely to see' from his players against Brentford
Fulham bounced back to beat the Bees with togetherness throughout the fixture.

Fulham have flown up into seventh spot with a 3-1 triumph against Brentford, getting the bragging rights on derby day after a 2-0 loss at Chelsea last month. Marco Silva spoke positively about the performance and an act of kindness at a key moment that was "lovely to see" from the players.

    'What a reaction from us'

The Portuguese portrayed his happiness with the start and the application of the midfield unit.

"We were the best team on the pitch. Our first-half was top level from the first minute. Front foot, very aggressive on and off the ball, building up our moments in the right way, causing them many problems with the positions of Alex Iwobi, Joshua King and Saša Lukić."

The Bees broke the deadlock as Joshua Kingcarelessly gave away the ball with a misplaced pass around the corner that went straight to the feet of Mikkel Damsgaard, who hit the back of the net. However, his teammates rallied around him and showed support that impressed the manager.

"A good first 20 minutes but we conceded a goal that we didn't deserve – a mistake from ourselves in that moment. I loved the way the players reacted. Support for Josh in that moment was lovely to see."

Iwobi scored the equaliser, then picked the eye of the needle to find Harry Wilson for a sweetly swept finish. It was what the hosts deserved in the eyes of their manager for their enterprise.

"What a reaction from us. We kept ourselves cool, but we showed character, we showed resilience and kept doing the good things we were doing before. We controlled all of the first-half from the first whistle to the last, with some great moments of football too."

A cross from Ryan Sessegnon produced an own goal from Ethan Pinnock in the second half as the Cottagers continued to express themselves. They went 3-1 ahead and started to lock down the game.

"Second-half, we scored early and after that moment we didn't give much to them. We were brave, organised and kept ourselves cool, controlling the second-half. The only moments in our box came from long throws or corners."

It is back-to-back wins for the team after a 1-0 last gasp victory against Leeds United last weekend.

"I'm proud of our players and the way they did it. A great night for our fans, they deserve it. Back-to-back wins in the Premier League is very important to achieve. Tonight, we won the game, we were the better team and we won the game in our way."



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2025/09/21/fulham/1234607-silva-shares-a-moment-that-was-lovely-to-see-from-his-players-againstbrentford.html

League Cup – 25/09
We welcome Cambridge Utd to the Cottage for a game "under the lights" for a 19:45 kick off

Marco has said that he wants to take the cups seriously so a home win game against League One Cambridge Utd would see us through to the last 16. However I hope we don't take this game as an easy win, no cup games are a given.
I think Marco will use this game to "blood" Kevin, King and Chukwueze as an attacking force, these three could be a potent attack throughout the season?

Cambridge won against Fleetwood, 2-1, on Saturday so will be full of confidence and looking to take a Premier League scalp having beaten Charlton 3-1 in the 2nd round.

We last played Cambridge in 2019, Cambridge won 1-3 at the Cottage.

My team would be...

(https://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Cambridge.png)

COYW's

---

come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36



https://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=3365

Alex Iwobi inspires Fulham's rousing comeback win against Brentford
Fulham showed their teeth under the floodlights here and, given these are footballers we're talking about, the results were decidedly gleaming. Goals from Alex Iwobi and Harry Wilson plus an Ethan Pinnock own goal enabled Marco Silva's men to bounce back from an early concession to take three points with something to spare. In claiming the spoils once again in this west London derby, Fulham also took some of the shine off Keith Andrews' start as Brentford manager in the process.

This was a meeting both of local rivals and of the Premier League's burgeoning middle class, with both teams capable of mixing their approach and in possession of squads of technically gifted yet physically imposing athletes. Silva's tactical tinkering, shifting Harry Wilson to negate Keane Lewis-Potter down the right, linking Iwobi with Ryan Sessegnon on the left, ultimately outdid the trusted Brentford strategy of limiting opportunities to opponents and maximising set pieces. The inefficiencies with which Andrews' men effected their strategy, however, will be of concern.

"We were the best team on the pitch, our first half was top level from the first minute," a bullish Silva said. "We were on the front foot, we were very aggressive, we created many problems for them. We conceded a goal we didn't deserve, but the support for Josh in that moment was lovely to see and what a reaction. We kept cool and we showed our resilience."

Silva was referring to the error from Josh King that continued the 18-year-old's baptism of fire in the Premier League, just two games after his first senior goal was chalked off incorrectly by officials against Chelsea. Starting once again as Fulham's playmaker, he came deep to collect the ball in the 20th minute, but played it blind across the pitch, leading to an interception by Mikkel Damsgaard and a cool finish past Bernd Leno. The teenager's teammates were immediately on hand, however, Alex Iwobi wrapping an arm around King as they walked back towards halfway.

Iwobi went on to become the central figure in the game as Fulham dug in and fought their way back into the match. On the half-hour, his understanding with Sessegnon down the left helped him tee up the full-back for an effort that Caoimhín Kelleher could only spill to Rodrigo Muniz, who lofted the ball over from a tight angle. Eight minutes later Iwobi had the equaliser himself, capitalising on uncertainty among any number of Brentford defenders to turn home low under the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper.

Two minutes later, the Nigeria international also had an assist to his name, as Wilson gave Fulham the lead. This was a delightful goal, in both its precision and its efficiency. More fumbling from Brentford's backline, this time a scuffed header from Nathan Collins, allowed Muniz to seize the ball.

The Brazilian drove forward then shifted possession to his left to Iwobi, who looked back across the pitch to where Wilson was driving infield from the right, begging for the ball. Iwobi found him with a wonderful pass that bisected the entire Brentford backline and Wilson arrived in the box to finish first time with his left foot beyond Kelleher's right hand.

The noise in Craven Cottage lifted a notch from that moment and in the second half the home side become more dominant. They got a third goal in the 50th minute thanks to Sessegnon's left foot, a cross whipped across the line of the Brentford six-yard box causing now predictable uncertainty and ending in a stooping Pinnock turning the ball into his own net. A fourth goal appeared to arrive five minutes later after Muniz bullied his way to goal, a little too forcefully according to Michael Oliver who, at the behest of the video assistant referee, found a trailing elbow from the Brazilian had bloodied Collins in the buildup and ordered an overturn.

Andrews then made a series of changes as Brentford tried to force the pendulum in their direction again without success. That's three away defeats out of three now, and eight points conceded from winning positions.

"We're building a new team and at this level when there's indecision it can hurt you," Andrews said. "There was a period where they just started to get the better of us. Normally the momentum can swing that way, but I don't feel like we managed it. If you concede one don't concede again. I was really disappointed with the second goal."



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/alex-iwobi-inspires-fulham-rousing-211143612.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jLm5ld3Nub3cuY28udWsv&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAEpDui85PnlzLxKqOuYL5urcRnjxO_MX2C3Ba0OURJtlZGXfz9oVKkVxRJ8mVpfrx-kUaFP_HyNJgvhvfC9tGph8JseBXr4g7psGP0HVxoum5nV9UwQMEyqu6XfmNl-ud9HPPbKaHzzFwcIxAequU29UvvprFhMe42Lb_4PqRgxp

Royal Caribbean Legend of the Match Result: Brentford
Alex Iwobi was named Royal Caribbean Legend of the Match following his influential performance in Saturday evening's 3-1 win over Brentford.

Iwobi's impact in completing the turnaround was huge. His instinctive strike past Caoimhin Kelleher got us back on level terms, and he followed that up with an incisive pass into the feet of Harry Wilson, with the Welshman finishing with aplomb.

"It's up there with one of my best performances so far," said Iwobi post-match. "We've been performing well and maybe results haven't gone our way, but to win at home sends a message and gives us confidence."

Iwobi received over 50% of the vote, with fellow goalscorer Wilson in second with 14.92%. Ryan Sessegnon's wicked cross created the third goal – and he walked away with 10.81% of all votes.




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/september/21/royal-caribbean-legend-of-the-match-result-brentford/

'Lovely ball' – Former England coach says Fulham star Iwobi is playing best football of his career
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle has hailed Alex Iwobi's outstanding form for Fulham, saying the midfielder is playing the best football of his career at the moment.

Iwobi was at his best at Craven Cottage on Saturday night as Marco Silva's side came from behind to beat Brentford 3-1 in the Premier League.

A Josh King error allowed Mikkel Damsgaard to open the scoring in the 20th minute, but the Nigeria international levelled in the 38th minute before setting up Harry Wilson just 98 seconds later, sending Fulham into the break 2-1 up.

Iwobi has earned rave reviews for his performance against Brentford, with his exquisite assist stealing the spotlight from the crucial goal that sparked Fulham's comeback.

In the 40th minute, Muniz laid the ball off to Iwobi, and the Fulham No.17 threaded a precise right-footed pass into the path of Wilson, who guided his finish into the far corner past the Brentford goalkeeper.

Speaking on Premier League Productions after Fulham's victory, Hoddle lavished praise on the Nigeria international.

"This is a beautiful pass, it really is. The defenders go with Muniz, he's seen it, there's a hole there, a gap to Wilson and what a finish, he's just kept his balance.

"Lovely ball from Iwobi. He's probably playing the best football of his career at the moment. But that is just a beautiful pass into the corner."

After running the show against Brentford, Iwobi was recognised by the Premier League as Player of the Match, finishing ahead of teammates Joachim Andersen and Harry Wilson in the voting.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=57180

Preview: Fulham vs Cambridge United - prediction, team news, lineups
Fulham and Cambridge United will resume their EFL Cup campaigns when they clash at Craven Cottage in the third round on Tuesday night.

The hosts defeated Bristol City 2-0 to progress to this round, while the visitors have beaten Bristol Rovers and Charlton Athletic on their route to round three.

Match preview
Despite facing a challenging start to the 2025-26 season on paper, matched up against Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, Chelsea, Leeds United and Brentford in their first five league matches, Fulham have impressively lost just once in their opening six games across all competitions.

The Cottagers came from behind against both Brighton and Man Utd to secure back-to-back 1-1 draws in the opening two Premier League fixtures, followed by Marco Silva's side claiming their first win of the campaign against Bristol City (2-0) in the second round of the EFL Cup.

Fulham were unable to maintain their unbeaten start to the season as they disappointingly lost 2-0 to Chelsea on the Premier League's third matchday, though the game might have been very different had Josh King's opening goal not been wrongly disallowed - a decision which PGMOL have since issued an apology for.

Regardless of that devastating London derby defeat, Fulham immediately bounced back with a 1-0 win against Leeds United - receiving a huge slice of luck as Gabriel Gudmundsson scored a calamitous 94th-minute own goal - followed by a comfortable 3-1 win over Brentford.

Looking to extend their winning run and progress to the next round of the EFL Cup, Fulham will host Cambridge United in their third consecutive home fixture.

The Cottagers are overwhelming favourites to record a significant win over their League Two opposition, especially given Cambridge United's mixed start to the new campaign.

Neil Harris, in charge since February 2025, was unable to lead Cambridge United to safety in League One last term, with the U's relegated in 23rd place, and there will be mixed feelings with their start to the League Two term.

The U's have won six of their first 11 matches across all competitions, with two of those coming in this competition, alongside three defeats and two draws.

That leaves Cambridge United with four wins, two draws and three defeats in the league, meaning they sit ninth in the standings, while they have won only one of their last three.

Harris's side have performed strongly in the EFL Cup, defeating Bristol Rovers 2-0 in the first round, followed by beating Charlton Athletic 3-1 in the second round.

Hoping to now overcome Premier League opposition and continue their cup campaign, Cambridge United will be aiming to replicate their 3-1 victory over the Cottagers in their pre-season friendly meeting in July 2019.

Fulham EFL Cup form:

    W

Fulham form (all competitions):

    W    W    L    W    D    D

Cambridge United EFL Cup form:

    W    W

Cambridge United form (all competitions):

    W    D    L    W    W    L

Team News
Fulham are expected to heavily rotate their team for this EFL Cup third-round encounter, including second-choice goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte set to make his second start for the club, having also started the second-round win over Bristol City.

Club captain Tom Cairney has not started a game in the Premier League but did start against Bristol City, and the midfielder is expected to partner Harrison Reed on Tuesday.

In defence, Issa Diop could partner Jorge Cuenca, while Kenny Tete and Ryan Sessegnon could keep their places in the full-back positions.

As for Cambridge United, James Brophy is their top scorer in the league and has also netted in the EFL Cup, and the forward should start against Fulham.

Brophy could feature alongside Sullay Kaikai, Adam Mayor and Kylian Kouassi in attack, while Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu and Shane McLoughlin could play in defensive midfield.

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Lecomte; Tete, Diop, Cuenca, Sessegnon; Reed, Cairney; Traore, Wilson, Smith-Rowe; Jimenez

Cambridge United possible starting lineup:

Eastwood; Gibbons, Morrison, Watts, Purrington; Mpanzu, McLoughlin; Brophy, Kaikai, Mayor; Kouassi

We say: Fulham 2-0 Cambridge United
Fulham are undoubtedly the stronger team heading into Tuesday's tie, and even with plenty of anticipated rotation, we expect the Cottagers to comfortably win.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/league-cup/preview/fulham-vs-cambridge-prediction-team-news-lineups_581978.html

Quote from: WhiteJC on September 21, 2025, 10:19:30 PMPreview: Fulham vs Cambridge United - prediction, team news, lineups
Fulham and Cambridge United will resume their EFL Cup campaigns when they clash at Craven Cottage in the third round on Tuesday night.

The hosts defeated Bristol City 2-0 to progress to this round, while the visitors have beaten Bristol Rovers and Charlton Athletic on their route to round three.

Match preview
Despite facing a challenging start to the 2025-26 season on paper, matched up against Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, Chelsea, Leeds United and Brentford in their first five league matches, Fulham have impressively lost just once in their opening six games across all competitions.

The Cottagers came from behind against both Brighton and Man Utd to secure back-to-back 1-1 draws in the opening two Premier League fixtures, followed by Marco Silva's side claiming their first win of the campaign against Bristol City (2-0) in the second round of the EFL Cup.

Fulham were unable to maintain their unbeaten start to the season as they disappointingly lost 2-0 to Chelsea on the Premier League's third matchday, though the game might have been very different had Josh King's opening goal not been wrongly disallowed - a decision which PGMOL have since issued an apology for.

Regardless of that devastating London derby defeat, Fulham immediately bounced back with a 1-0 win against Leeds United - receiving a huge slice of luck as Gabriel Gudmundsson scored a calamitous 94th-minute own goal - followed by a comfortable 3-1 win over Brentford.

Looking to extend their winning run and progress to the next round of the EFL Cup, Fulham will host Cambridge United in their third consecutive home fixture.

The Cottagers are overwhelming favourites to record a significant win over their League Two opposition, especially given Cambridge United's mixed start to the new campaign.

Neil Harris, in charge since February 2025, was unable to lead Cambridge United to safety in League One last term, with the U's relegated in 23rd place, and there will be mixed feelings with their start to the League Two term.

The U's have won six of their first 11 matches across all competitions, with two of those coming in this competition, alongside three defeats and two draws.

That leaves Cambridge United with four wins, two draws and three defeats in the league, meaning they sit ninth in the standings, while they have won only one of their last three.

Harris's side have performed strongly in the EFL Cup, defeating Bristol Rovers 2-0 in the first round, followed by beating Charlton Athletic 3-1 in the second round.

Hoping to now overcome Premier League opposition and continue their cup campaign, Cambridge United will be aiming to replicate their 3-1 victory over the Cottagers in their pre-season friendly meeting in July 2019.

Fulham EFL Cup form:

    W

Fulham form (all competitions):

    W    W    L    W    D    D

Cambridge United EFL Cup form:

    W    W

Cambridge United form (all competitions):

    W    D    L    W    W    L

Team News
Fulham are expected to heavily rotate their team for this EFL Cup third-round encounter, including second-choice goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte set to make his second start for the club, having also started the second-round win over Bristol City.

Club captain Tom Cairney has not started a game in the Premier League but did start against Bristol City, and the midfielder is expected to partner Harrison Reed on Tuesday.

In defence, Issa Diop could partner Jorge Cuenca, while Kenny Tete and Ryan Sessegnon could keep their places in the full-back positions.

As for Cambridge United, James Brophy is their top scorer in the league and has also netted in the EFL Cup, and the forward should start against Fulham.

Brophy could feature alongside Sullay Kaikai, Adam Mayor and Kylian Kouassi in attack, while Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu and Shane McLoughlin could play in defensive midfield.

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Lecomte; Tete, Diop, Cuenca, Sessegnon; Reed, Cairney; Traore, Wilson, Smith-Rowe; Jimenez

Cambridge United possible starting lineup:

Eastwood; Gibbons, Morrison, Watts, Purrington; Mpanzu, McLoughlin; Brophy, Kaikai, Mayor; Kouassi

We say: Fulham 2-0 Cambridge United
Fulham are undoubtedly the stronger team heading into Tuesday's tie, and even with plenty of anticipated rotation, we expect the Cottagers to comfortably win.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/league-cup/preview/fulham-vs-cambridge-prediction-team-news-lineups_581978.html

Chuk and Kevin have to play and possibly KJA on the bench.