Thursday Fulham Stuff - 28/08/25...

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League Cup Result

Wednesday 27/08
Fulham	2-0	Bristol City
Tanner(OG) Raúl

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Fulham 2-0 Bristol City

At a glance

    Fulham and Bristol City make sweeping changes

    George Tanner's own goal puts hosts ahead

    Raul Jimenez scores Fulham's second

Fulham cruised into the third round of the Carabao Cup with a comfortable victory over Bristol City at Craven Cottage.

Despite being frustrated by a lack of transfer activity Marco Silva was still able to make sweeping changes to his Fulham team, who were rarely troubled by Championship opponents who also made significant alterations to their starting XI.

A neat move down the right involving Harrison Reed and Adama Traore led to the opener for the hosts with Raul Jimenez's jostling forcing Robins defender George Tanner to divert the ball into his own goal.

With Fulham in complete control of midfield they increased their lead when the Mexico forward was allowed to turn and collect Reed's corner before dispatching a low effort past visiting goalkeeper Joe Lumley.

It was no more than the Cottagers deserved for their dominance although when their intensity dropped in the second period the second-tier side threatened to pull a goal back.

Anis Mehmeti was at the heart of the visitors' best work and Fally Mayulu curled a late effort against the base of the Fulham post.

Still it proved a satisfactory evening for the Premier League side, who aside from a run to the semi-finals in 2023-24 have generally struggled to make significant inroads in this competition in recent years.

Fulham analysis: Bigger tests to come for Cottagers
While Silva has made no secret of his disappointment that his Fulham squad has not been adequately reinforced this summer he will be delighted by the performances of some of those who have been on the periphery in the Premier League.

Jimenez made a strong case that he should be the starting central striker ahead of Rodrigo Muniz with an all-action display.

Behind him, Reed excelled in midfield with a neat and tidy display often showing too much nous for his opponents.

However, Silva will be acutely aware of the difficulties gauging a performance against opponents from a division lower, who were far from at full strength themselves.

It will be an entirely different matter at the weekend with their visit to big-spending Chelsea and a London rival with entirely different ambitions for this season.

What next for these two teams?
Fulham: The Cottagers travel across west London to take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday, 30 August.

Bristol City: The Robins host Hull in the Championship on Saturday, 30 August looking to maintain their unbeaten league start.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/clyvp807eekt

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Post-Bristol City Press Conference
It was a case of mission accomplished for Marco Silva on Wednesday evening, as Fulham booked their spot in the next round of the Carabao Cup.

An early own goal swiftly followed by a clinical Raúl Jiménez finish ensured it was a routine night's work at Craven Cottage.

"It was a better first half than the second," Silva said. "It was important for us to start well, to be clinical, ruthless in that type of moment. And we were, definitely.

"It's always important to start leading the score in this type of game, to take a little bit of the trust and the belief from the opposition side. You know that it's normal that the enthusiasm, the motivation from teams from lower divisions is always there.

"First half, I think we controlled very well the game. On the ball, I would like to see more in their offensive half, instead of in our half to build up with the ball, but they tried to press us high as well.

"We had some good moments, some good combinations as well, and it was good.

"I told our players at half-time that it was important to go to try to score more, but that it was important, very important for us to keep the clean sheet.

"Was not the type of game at all that I would like to see us concede goals, because it's important to start to create and to have these good vibes and good feelings when you keep the clean sheet.

"Second half, we should have kept the ball more and controlled the game better with the ball. We gave many times the ball away, but overall it was a serious and professional performance from ourselves."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/august/27/post-bristol-city-press-conference/

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Fulham to host Cambridge United
Fulham will host Cambridge United in Round Three of the Carabao Cup.

The League Two outfit booked their spot in the Third Round after beating Bristol Rovers and Charlton Athletic.

This season's Carabao Cup Round Three fixtures will take place across two weeks (beginning 15 and 22 September).



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/august/27/fulham-to-host-cambridge-united/

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Fulham 'making progress' in Kevin transfer pursuit as midfielder closes in on Craven Cottage exit
Fulham have reportedly advanced their pursuit of Shakhtar Donetsk attacker Kevin ahead of Monday's transfer deadline.

The Cottagers have experienced an underwhelming window up until this point, having made Benjamin Lecomte their only new arrival of the summer market.

As a result, Fulham manager Marco Silva has issued a plea for new additions before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.

Fulham have been working on a deal to sign Shakhtar's Kevin over the past few weeks, although they have found it difficult to reach an agreement with the Ukrainian club.

Fulham progressing in Kevin pursuit
However, according to journalist Lyall Thomas, Fulham are now making progress in their quest to prise the winger away from Shakhtar.

The update claims that Fulham are 'pushing hard' in transfer negotiations to sign a player who is under contract with Shakhtar until 2028.

The Cottagers are also considering other attacking targets, as they look to recruit two new wingers in the final week of the summer transfer window.

They are believed to be looking at AC Milan's Samuel Chukwueze, Chelsea's Raheem Sterling and a return for Arsenal's Reiss Nelson, who spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage.

Pereira closing in on Fulham exit
While Fulham are keen to make new additions, a current member of Silva's squad looks set to leave the club in the coming days.

As per Sky Sports News, Palmeiras are close to agreeing a transfer with Fulham over the signing of Andreas Pereira.

Pereira has entered the final 12 months of his contract, although Fulham did have the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months.

The Cottagers are prepared to sell the midfielder to the Brazilian club in a deal worth around €10m (£8.6m).

With Pereira on the verge of a departure, Fulham will make an effort to bolster Silva's midfield options before the transfer market closes for business.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/fulham-making-progress-in-kevin-pursuit-as-midfielder-nears-exit_580155.html

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No alarms for Fulham as they warm up for Chelsea clash with League Cup cruise past Bristol City
Carabao Cup Second Round

Fulham (2) 2 Tanner og 8, Jimenez 21

Bristol City (0) 0

Well that was easy. Now, if only Saturday lunchtime could prove as straightforward.

Marco Silva's much-changed team breezed past Championship Bristol City with the minimum of fuss to earn a third round tie in a competition they really should target - and it puts them in good heart for the local assignment coming up at Stamford Bridge.

The Whites did not need to flip through many gears to get the job done. They got the helping hand of an early goal and then a set piece strike to have the game well under control inside the first quarter.

The Whites' line-up at the start may have included plenty of B-listers but it did not take long for them to gain the ascendancy.

Adama Traore has been a marginal figure so far this season and needs game him. He issued a reminder of what he can do after just eight minutes when he shrugged off the attentions of Ross McCrorie before sending in a cross that defender George Tanner obligingly turned past his own keeper under pressure from Raul Jimenez.

Tom Cairney was given a rare start, as was Harrison Reed, and from the latter's corner, Jimenez was given too much space - being allowed to control seven yards out and fire low past keeper Joe Lumley.

The visitors' early woes were compounded by a knee injury to Josh Stokes, which forced the youngster off the field, though the arrival of Anis Mehmeti at least provided some spark for the Robins.

After the break, Traore almost caught out Lumley with a near-post effort but City rallied with some spirited periods of possession - albeit without carving out too many real openings. Sub Fally Mayulu came closest with a low shot that rattled a post in injury time.

The Whites paraded new French signing Benjamin Lecomte in goal but this was no night on which to judge the 34-year-old as he had so little to do. There were no shots on target to trouble him - Sinclair Armstrong belting the ball high into the Hammy End during a rare moment on the front foot for the downbeat visitors.

Bristol City had ex-Chelsea man Tammy Abraham in the side when they last contested - and won - a League Cup tie at Craven Cottage nine years ago - but their more recent visit saw them flattened 6-2 and Fulham fully expected to make the third round, which they duly did with the minimum of fuss.

Former QPR men Armstrong and Rob Dickie were in the West Country team's ranks as well as Lumley and it's fair to say none of them overly enjoyed their return to west London.

Whites: (4-2-3-1) Lecomte - Castagne (King 70), Diop, Cuenca, Sessegnon (Bassey 64) - Reed, Cairney - Traore, Wilson (Iwobi 64), Smith Rowe (Lukic 87) - Jimenez (Muniz 70)

Robins: (3-4-2-1) Lumley - Tanner, Vyner, Dickie - McCrorie (Sykes h/t), Knight, Bird (Randell 60), Hirakawa (Roberts 75) - Stokes (Mehmeti 14), Bell (Mayulu 60)- Armstrong

Attendance: 11,749



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/no-alarms-for-fulham-as-they-warm-up-for-chelsea-clash-with-league-cup-cruise-past-bristol-city

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Fulham ease to Carabao Cup win against Bristol City
Fulham moved into the third round of the Carabao Cup after a comfortable win at Craven Cottage.

The Whites eased through courtesy of an own goal by Bristol City's George Tanner and a strike from Raul Jimenez in the first half.

Marco Silva's side got off to an ideal, if fortuitous, start with only eight minutes gone.

Following a good build-up on the right, City defender Tanner could only divert a cross by Adama Traore into his own net amid the close attention of Jimenez.

Fulham doubled their lead in the 22nd minute. From a Harrison Reed corner, Jimenez, from eight yards out, had time to control the ball before sweeping it low into the net.

The Championship side improved after the break and substitute Fally Mayulu struck the post with a fine effort late on.

But stayed in control in an otherwise uneventful second half.
Fulham: Lecomte, Sessegnon (Bassey 64), Cuenca, Diop, Castagne (King 69), Cairney, Reed , Smith-Rowe (Lukic 86), Wilson (Iwobi 64), Traore, Jimenez (Muniz 69)



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-ease-to-carabao-cup-win-against-bristol-city

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Premier League transfers: Who could sign before Deadline Day in summer window? Every club's transfer targets assessed

Will Alexander Isak join Liverpool from Newcastle? Is Gianluigi Donnarumma heading for Man City? Could there be a potential shock departure for Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United? All 20 Premier League clubs' potentials incomings and outgoings detailed...

Here are all the potential deals, both in and out, that could be completed before the close of the summer transfer window on September 1.

FULHAM
Positions still looking at: Striker, winger and centre-midfielder

Fulham have still not signed an outfield player and an unhappy Marco Silva still wants two new wingers, an attacking central midfielder and striker.

They remain in talks for Kevin at Shakhtar Donetsk and are one of the clubs interested in Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea.

Palmeiras are expected to bid for Andreas Pereira after he was left out of Sunday's draw with Manchester United.

Young winger Martial Godo could also go. Fulham have been considering a bid from Coventry City.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13419284/premier-league-transfers-who-could-sign-before-deadline-day-in-summer-window-every-clubs-transfer-targets-assessed

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Fulham U21 3-2 Valencia Mestalla
Fulham Under-21s began their Premier League International Cup campaign with a dramatic 3-2 win against Valencia Mestalla.

Our youngsters left it late, with Farhaan Ali Wahid winning the contest with the last kick of the game.

The first-half sparked into action on Javier Navarro's 30th minute red card, with Tom Olyott continuing his fine start to the campaign with a drilled free-kick 60 seconds after the Valencia man's dismissal.

Our lead only lasted four minutes as Mario Dominguez ensured the scores were level heading into the break.

It was a game won by moments of magic – and the goal to put us back in front came from Ollie Gofford's right boot. His rocket into the top corner was unstoppable.

The standard of goals in this tie was high and Dominguez added a brilliant second.

But the game was won by Ali Wahid, who swept home to spark jubilant celebrations and continue our winning start to the season.

Aaron Loupalo-Bi and Olyott had 10 goals between them heading into this game, and it was the two in-form attackers who combined early on, with Loupalo-Bi pulling the ball back to Olyott who forced a save from Raul Jimenez.

Loupalo-Bi then raced through one-on-one, chopping inside onto his left foot, but while he's usually been so clinical from that sort of range this season, his shot was straight at the legs of Jimenez.

It had been a low key opening first 30 minutes, but the tie sparked into life on Navarro's red card.

With Seth Ridgeon making tracks towards goal, he was cynically tripped on the edge of the box by Navarro, who was shown his marching orders.

From the resulting free-kick, Olyott drilled a low left-footed strike into the bottom corner.

But we failed to build on our man and goal advantage, as Valencia equalised as Dominguez met a cutback with a fine finish into the roof of the net.

Determined to head into the break ahead, our front three all had chances to regain our lead.

Firstly, it was Terrell Works who was denied by Jimenez as his curling shot was tipped wide.

Loupalo-Bi did the hard bit, rounding Jimenez and working an angle for a shot, only to be blocked by a recovering defender, while Olyott was wild with his follow up.

The crossbar was struck before the half was out – but it was Alfie McNally who had the woodwork to thanks as Mario Guilabert rocketed a shot onto the frame of the goal.

After the break, we still weren't having it all our own way, even with the man advantage, as McNally made a huge save to keep out Joel Fontanet.

The pressure was piled on after that early scare. Jimenez got down low to parry away an Ollie Gofford piledriver, before Works was denied by a combination of goalkeeper and defender after dancing into the box.

Jimenez was equal to Gofford's earlier piledriver, but there was nothing he could do about his rocket. The ball fell to the midfielder on the edge of the box and his volley was still rising as it nestled into the top corner. An absolute bullet.

But Valencia equalised with a screamer of their own. A free-kick routine straight off the training ground ended up at the feet of Dominguez, who wrapped his right foot around the ball and picked out the top corner from 20 yards.

We were forced to play the last few minutes with 10 men as Chibby Nwoko was shown a red card for a foul in the middle of the pitch.

But losing a man did not matter, as Ali Wahid provided a last-gasp winner. He gambled on the ball falling to him in the box and he found the bottom corner with a crisp shot, as Hayden Mullins' side made it four wins from four in all competitions.

Our U21s are next in action at Gillingham in the Vertu Trophy, 7pm KO on Tuesday 2nd September.
Fulham U21: McNally, Brad de Jesus, Amissah, Nsasi, Esenga, Gofford, Nwoko, Olyott (Slade 71'), Ridgeon (Ali-Wahid 82'), Works (Wingate 71'), Loupalo-Bi

Subs: Underwood, Wingate, Slade, Ali-Wahid, Walters, Evans, White

Valencia U21: Jiménez, Prevedini, Alex Panach (Monferrer 45'), Caro, Muñoz, Guilabert (Durá 69'), Javi Navarro, Jurado (Trigueros 79'), González (Núñez 69'), Adjei (Pamies 57'), Domínguez

Subs: Gómez, Pamies, Núñez, Durá, Trigueros, Fontanet, Monferrer



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/august/27/fulham-u21-3-2-valencia-mestalla/

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Fulham 'Progressing' in Deal to Sign Brazilian Forward
Fulham Push to Secure Kevin Deal as Transfer Window Heats Up

Fulham are working hard to strengthen their squad ahead of the season's final stretch of the transfer window. According to Sky Sports, the West London club are closing in on a move for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Kevin, as talks continue with growing optimism.

"There is still plenty of work to do to strike a deal – but Fulham are pushing hard in talks for the left-winger," reported Sky Sports News' Lyall Thomas. That determination underlines Marco Silva's intent to refresh his attacking options and add dynamism to the flanks.

Why Kevin Fits Fulham's Ambition
The Brazilian winger, widely regarded for his pace and directness, has impressed in Ukraine and now looks set for a step up to the Premier League. Fulham have lacked a consistent threat from wide areas, and Kevin's ability to stretch defences and create chances could transform their attacking profile.

At 22, he offers both potential and immediate impact. Silva's system thrives on pace and width, and Kevin's arrival would provide the unpredictability Fulham need to progress beyond mid-table ambitions.

Other Transfer Targets in Focus
Fulham's ambitions do not end there. The club also plan to recruit a right-sided attacker, with high-profile names under consideration. "The club want to sign a right-winger as well and have interest in AC Milan's Samuel Chukwueze, Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling and Arsenal's Reiss Nelson, among others," stated the report.

Any move for Sterling would undoubtedly raise eyebrows, given his wages and profile, while Nelson represents a younger option with Premier League experience. Chukwueze, meanwhile, could bring flair and Champions League pedigree. Whether Fulham can land one of these talents remains to be seen, but the level of interest signals real ambition.

Midfield Reinforcements Also a Priority
It is not just the wings that need attention. With Andreas Pereira increasingly likely to return to Brazil and join Palmeiras, Fulham must act quickly to reinforce the centre of the pitch. Pereira has been central to Silva's plans since his arrival from Manchester United, and replacing his creativity will be crucial.

Identifying a midfielder who can link play and maintain Fulham's technical style will define how successful their summer business proves to be. Failure to do so could leave the side short of balance despite improvements in wide areas.

With the transfer deadline looming, Fulham's recruitment team face a critical few days that may shape the club's trajectory for the season ahead.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis
For Fulham supporters, this feels like a significant moment. Securing Kevin would not only inject pace and attacking threat but also signal that the club is ready to compete for more than survival. Fans have long craved ambition in the market, and chasing talent like Chukwueze and Sterling, even if ultimately unsuccessful, shows the intent to grow.

The left flank has been a concern, and adding a winger who thrives in one-on-one situations could ease pressure on key figures like Willian. If Kevin adapts quickly, his partnership with the likes of Rodrigo Muniz could unlock defences and elevate Fulham's attacking play.

However, the midfield situation is a real worry. Losing Pereira without a capable replacement could blunt the creativity that underpins Fulham's style. Supporters will hope the board match their attacking ambitions with a smart midfield addition before the window closes.

Fulham's pursuit of attacking flair is commendable, but success depends on strengthening all key areas. The next few days could define their season.



https://eplindex.com/135510/fulham-progressing-in-deal-to-sign-brazilian-forward.html

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Fulham cruise into round three
George Tanner's own goal and Raul Jimenez ensured Fulham eased into the third round of the League Cup by beating battling Bristol City at Craven Cottage this evening.

Marco Silva picked a stronger than expected starting eleven even after making nine changes from the side that drew with Manchester United on Sunday. The Whites' sole summer signing, Benjamin Lecomte, started in goal whilst Issa Diop and Jorge Cuenca came into the centre of defence. Harrison Reed and Tom Cairney made their first starts of the season, with Adama Traore on the right wing. Traore started brightly buzzing down the right flank and was the source of the home side's first goal.

Traore, perhaps spurred on by the prospect of Fulham signing a pair of wingers before the transfer deadline day, supplied a superb floated cross across the box and Tanner, terrified by the prospect of Raul Jimenez in the six-yard box, turned the ball past former QPR goalkeeper Joe Lumley. Jimenez soon made it 2-0 by turning home a corner from Harrison Reed, bringing down a cross and rifling a right-footed finish into the far corner.

The visitors had chances with ex-Rangers forward Sinclair Armstrong skiing a finish high into the Hammersmith End, whilst the excellent Emile Smith Rowe saw a shot deflected wide of goal from the edge of the box. Traore could have finished the contest within a minute of the second half, but Lumley palmed away a powerful shot that was heading inside the near post. Several second half substitutions disrupted the rhythm of proceedings, but Gerhard Struber's side pushed for a route back into the contest with Anis Mehmeti's effort bravely blocked by Reed.

Alex Iwobi produced a brilliant bit of skill on the right wing to start a flowing move but the Nigerian lashed a drive into the side netting. In stoppage time, Mark Sykes sent a brilliant ball across the six-yard box but there wasn't a red shirt in front of Lecomte to touch the ball home. A couple of minutes later Fally Mayulu found far too much space in the box but cracked a shot against the far post as the Whites sealed a third round home tie against Cambridge United.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Lecomte; Castagne (King 70), R. Sessegnon (Bassey 64), Diop, Cuenca; Reed, Cairney; Wilson (Iwobi 64), Traore, Smith Rowe (Lukic 87); Jimenez (Muniz 69). Subs (not used): Leno, Berge, Lukic.

BOOKED: Castagne.

GOALS: Tanner (o.g. 8), Jimenez (21).

BRISTOL CITY (3-4-2-1): Lumley; Tanner, Vyner, Dickie; McCrorie (Sykes 45), Knight, Bird (Randell 60), Hirakawa (Roberts 64); Stokes (Mehmedi 14), Bell (Mayulu 60), Armstrong. Subs (not used): Thomas, Twine, Cornick, Riis.

REFEREE: Lewis Smith (Wigan).

ATTENDANCE: 11,749.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/fulham-cruise-into-round-three/

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Games for the weekend 30/08...
We get to make the short trip to the noisy neighbours place to take on Chelsea at Stanford Bridge for the early, 12:30 kick off.

For me facing Chelsea, home or away, are always the games I first look for when the fixtures are announced.

Two league games into the season and we're still unbeaten, OK we've not won but Brighton away is always going to be difficult and Man Utd always "get lucky" when we play them! VAR and ref's never appear to give little ol' Fulham anything do they?
Josh King hasn't looked out of place it'll be interesting to see if Marco can accommodate both Josh and ESR in the same team, they could be really good for each other.

Wednesday's League Cup game was a good run out and was good for Raúl to get his first of the season.

Our record against Chelsea, for the previous 8 games, is reasonably poor with only 2 wins, 5 losses and a draw. Last seasons away win, for me, was one of the highlights from last season.

My team would be...



COYW's

Games of Interest
Friday 29/08
Villa v Palace

Saturday 30/08
Chelsea v Fulham
Man Utd v Burnley
Spurs v Bournemouth

Sunday 31/08
Forest v West Ham
come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



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