Saturday Fulham Stuff - 13/12/25...

[WhiteJC]

Burnley vs. Fulham: Head-to-head record and past meetings

Head-to-head record

Previous meetings: 101

Burnley wins: 49

Draws: 21

Fulham wins: 31

Burnley and Fulham have faced each other a total of 101 times across all competitions, with the Clarets leading the overall head-to-head record having posted 49 wins to the Cottagers' 31, while 21 draws have been played out between the two clubs.

Fulham celebrated five wins in their opening seven encounters with Burnley, including a 1-0 away success in their very first meeting in the old Division Two back in October 1907, before the Clarets responded by prevailing in eight of the next 14 games across all competitions (D3 L3).

Both Burnley and Fulham had their fair share of successes during their regular battles in Divisions One and Two, and briefly Three, over the years. The Clarets enjoyed a particularly dominant spell in this fixture between August 1951 and September 1971 when they won 15 and drew three of their 21 league meetings (L3).

The biggest victory by either side in this fixture, to date, was celebrated by Burnley in October 1960 when they Clarets put the Cottagers to the sword 5-0 on home soil in Division One en route to securing a fourth-placed finish, a year after winning their second-ever top-flight title.

In the Premier League era (since 1992-93), Burnley and Fulham have butted heads just eight times in total. The Cottagers picked up seven points across their first three meetings in the division (W2 D1), but the Clarets have since won three and drawn two of the last five top-flight battles, most recently playing out a 2-2 draw at Turf Moor in February 2024.

Outside of league football, Fulham have won only one of their 10 FA Cup encounters with Burnley (D3 L6 - including replays) - a 2-1 first-round home victory back in January 1912 - while the Clarets prevailed in the only EFL Cup meeting between the two clubs in September 2008, when Jay Rodriguez scored an 88th-minute winner to seal a slender 1-0 home win in the third round.

Previous meetings
Feb 03, 2024: Burnley 2-2 Fulham (Premier League)

Dec 23, 2023: Fulham 0-2 Burnley (Premier League)

May 10, 2021: Fulham 0-2 Burnley (Premier League)

Feb 17, 2021: Burnley 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Jan 24, 2021: Fulham 0-3 Burnley (FA Cup)

Jan 12, 2019: Burnley 2-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Aug 26, 2018: Fulham 4-2 Burnley (Premier League)

Mar 08, 2016: Fulham 2-3 Burnley (Championship)

Nov 03, 2015: Burnley 3-1 Fulham (Championship)

Feb 09, 2010: Fulham 3-0 Burnley (Premier League)

Dec 12, 2009: Burnley 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Last eight Premier League meetings
Feb 03, 2024: Burnley 2-2 Fulham (Premier League)

Dec 23, 2023: Fulham 0-2 Burnley (Premier League)

May 10, 2021: Fulham 0-2 Burnley (Premier League)

Feb 17, 2021: Burnley 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Jan 12, 2019: Burnley 2-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Aug 26, 2018: Fulham 4-2 Burnley (Premier League)

Feb 09, 2010: Fulham 3-0 Burnley (Premier League)

Dec 12, 2009: Burnley 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/burnley/head-to-head/burnley-vs-fulham-head-to-head-record-and-past-meetings_587559.html

[WhiteJC]

Ali Wahid wins PL2 Player of the Month

Farhaan Ali Wahid has been crowned PL2 Player of the Month for November.

It's a deserved accolade for the forward, who registered three goal contributions in two games during the month.

November began with a bang for the winger, who claimed a goal and an assist in a 5-1 thumping of Reading.

His assist for Ollie Gofford's equaliser at Bearwood Park was a crisp cross into the midfielder's path, while the finish for his goal was a devastating piece of attacking play, firing a shot into the top corner on his weaker left foot.

He was then in the right place at the right time to give us the lead in our 1-1 draw against Tottenham, converting the rebound from a Tom Olyott shot that bounced off the post and fell into Ali Wahid's feet.

Still just a few months into life as an Under-21s player and professional footballer, Ali Wahid has made a big impact in PL2 with three goals and four assists across six starts.

Reacting to winning the award, Ali Wahid said: "It feels amazing. I was nominated in September and didn't win that one, so it feels great to finally win it.

"I wasn't expecting it as there were some good nominees, including two of my teammates (Ollie Gofford & Jon Esenga). It's a nice surprise.

"I've been taking it day by day. It's my first season in the Under-21s and I've just been trying to impact the team as much as I can – and things like this are just an added bonus.

"This trophy will go right next to my Player of the Tournament trophy that I won in Göttingen a couple of years ago!"



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/december/12/ali-wahid-wins-pl2-player-of-the-month/

[WhiteJC]

Leeds United, Everton, Fulham and Southampton linked with 'bright spark' Chelsea winger Tyrique George
Leeds United are reportedly monitoring Chelsea winger Tyrique George.

The 19-year-old is a product of Chelsea's academy and has represented England at various youth levels.

He is considered an exciting prospect yet has found opportunities in a stacked squad limited this season.

George has made just four Premier League appearances this term, with all coming from the bench. He has featured more prominently in the Champions League, featuring in four of Chelsea's six group stage games.

Leeds United linked with Chelsea winger
It appears George could be given the chance to play a prominent role elsewhere, with a trio of Premier League clubs believed to be on his trail.

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds, Everton and Fulham have eyes on the tricky wideman ahead of the winter transfer window.

The Whites and the Toffees are said to be monitoring George, while the Cottagers are thought to be keen on doing a deal having eyed him in the summer.

Championship link and Ligue 1 possibility
Championship outfit Southampton have also been named as admirers, although it may prove tricky to convince George to drop into the second tier.

The report suggests George is looking at a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge having been left frustrated by his limited action.

It also claims Chelsea are open to moving him on to their sister club Strasbourg, who are led by ex-Hull City boss Liam Rosenior.

Joe Cole analysis
While analysing George on TNT Sports last term, Chelsea icon Joe Cole described him as a player who "makes things happen".

He said: "He's a real bright spark. George has taken his opportunity and affected games as a dribbler, he's direct, he's every full-back's nightmare. He makes things happen."

George has made a total of 36 appearances for Chelsea, registering six goals and six assists.



https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united-transfer-news-chelsea-tyrique-george-everton-fulham-southampton-5439842

[WhiteJC]

From the Press Box: Sess out, but perhaps the Return of the Jedi?
Jack Kelly updates us after Marco Silva's latest press conference.

Burnley away; Turf Moor. A place where Fulham have not won since 1951. The last time I travelled up to Burnley, we lost 2-1 thanks to two own goals. It wasn't pleasant.

Fulham go into this crucial clash off the back of two home defeats on the spin. It was time for another press conference.

Sky Sports and Premier League productions kicked things off for the broadcast section, and in the embargoed written section - it was just me. Knowing the narrative of what the fans wanted me to ask Marco Silva, it does bring an element of pressure and responsibility on my shoulders. But it also brings an opportunity too.

We started with some mixed news right off the bat. Ryan Sessegnon is out of the game - the logic being a sense of precaution given his recent injury record with the added factor of multiple games in a short space of time. Sess has been key for Fulham this season, so it's a sensible approach to ease him back in.

Antonee Robinson is getting closer to a return to action, which is superb news. His attacking output has been so, so key in the way Fulham have built up, played and created in the last four years, and to have him on the cusp on a return will be music to Fulham fans' ears.

Silva: "He's training with the team, last week was a good week for him. This week he has been with the team, another session tomorrow, let's see how he reacts after a 'complete week' - I'm here to find solutions.

"Now it's a matter of time when we are going to decide for him to be in contention or not."

This is very welcome news. At a time where Fulham will lose their Nigerian trio to AFCON, having Robinson back in the fold will bring some much needed cover to a position that's under strain.

Jorge Cuenca will most likely take up the position of LCB against Newcastle and beyond, with Sess still out, two options of Robinson and Timothy Castagne will give Silva less of a headache when it comes to left-back.

Of course, this is also the last game for Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze for some time too. They will be missed and leave a hole in the squad. Kevin can occupy the left wing position, whilst Sasa Lukic is capable of playing alongside Sander Berge, although that partnership hasn't been as fruitful in recent times compared to last season.

This is all about sticking together and grinding though now. Not only do Fulham lose three players, but they also still find themselves in a precarious position in the league standings. A win tomorrow will take Fulham further away from danger, and their next three league games are against sides who are below them in the table.

That being said, they will also be scrapping for points. Fulham have played well in recent weeks, and should have more points from those performances. But, now it's about results. A 0-1 gritty, horrible win in Lancashire tomorrow will suffice, in my opinion. In fact, it will have me doing cartwheels all the way back to Manchester, where I'll be staying this weekend.

Silva mentioned the margins a lot in his press conference. The quotes sent me back to 2021, gushing over every word Scott Parker said pre- and post-match when we couldn't attend games. Oh, how I would love Fulham to win by those fine margins at Turf Moor, and lift that 74-year hoodoo.

Please watch out for more quotes from Silva tonight from 22:30, where he answers my questions. It really was a pleasure to speak with him. Follow me on X and subscribe to my Patreon for all the content.

Now it's time to have an early night ahead of a busy weekend and week ahead. Lots of travelling, and important things to play for. UTF!



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/from-the-press-box-sess-out-but-perhaps

[WhiteJC]

What Fulham boss said after Chukwueze, Iwobi, Bassey made Super Eagles' squad for AFCON 2025
Fulham manager Marco Silva has acknowledged the difficult weeks ahead after Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey were officially named in Nigeria's 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

Their call-ups mean Fulham are the only club contributing three players to the Super Eagles' delegation; an honour on paper, but a heavy footballing burden for Silva.

All three have been integral to Fulham's season so far. Iwobi has become Silva's go-to tactical solution, filling roles from winger to deep-lying playmaker with ease.

Bassey, entrusted at the heart of defence, has built a reputation for consistency and composure.

Chukwueze arrived on loan from AC Milan with modest expectations and a slow start, but in recent weeks has burst into form with two goals and two assists in his last four games.

Their absence will hit Fulham during a particularly dense run of fixtures.

Speaking on Thursday, Silva made no attempt to hide the challenge ahead, though he stressed the club had prepared for this outcome.

    "We knew it was going to happen. We will not panic about its impact," Silva said.

    "We are talking about three starting XI players. We know Alex is a key player in any position he plays. The importance of Calvin, and what Chukwueze has been doing in recent games. You have to find solutions. If you know any other way to handle it [AFCON], let me know."

Tough fixture list awaits Fulham as AFCON pulls trio away
Chukwueze, Iwobi and Bassey will feature in this weekend's Premier League clash against Burnley before flying out to Egypt, where Nigeria will hold camp ahead of the competition in Morocco.

Should Nigeria replicate last year's run to the final, the trio could miss as many as seven Fulham matches.

Among those likely absences are an EFL Cup meeting with Newcastle and key Premier League fixtures against Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Chelsea and Leeds on January 17.

AFCON 2025 runs from December 21 to January 18, with Nigeria opening against Tanzania on December 23 before facing Tunisia and Uganda in Group C.

The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, last lifted the trophy in 2013 and enter the tournament in search of a long-awaited fourth title.

Chukwueze and Iwobi were part of the bronze-winning squad in 2019. Bassey joined them to win silver in Côte d'Ivoire last year.

Now, all three depart Craven Cottage again, leaving Fulham to navigate one of the toughest periods of their season without them.



https://soccernet.ng/2025/12/fulham-chukwuez-iwobi-bassey-eagles-afcon.html

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva is 'all focused on Burnley'
The Fulham head coach is concentrating on the next challenge.

Marco Silva spoke about facing Burnley this weekend as Fulham attempt to return to winning ways.

The Cottagers defeated Tottenham 2-1 in an all-London affair, but successive contests at Craven Cottage ended in defeat against Man City (5-4) and Crystal Palace (2-1). A competitive camp in most matches, the side still sit in 15th position and they will want a win over the promoted outfit.

"Burnley is the most important one, because it's the next one. All the focus is on Burnley.

"We have been working for it, and we analyse the previous game like we do always. We know what we should have done differently that game to be more clinical, to be more ruthless, too, to have the result that we probably deserved from our performance.

"Now we go for the next one, we know it's going to be difficult, against a team that wants to win the game, like we want as well. Away from home, tough place to go always, and all that stuff, and we have to be ready for it.

"You cannot think ahead of that game, because if [we do], we are going to be in trouble, and you want to be all focused on Burnley.

"I've been in this football club, and I've been trying and learning all the moments and all the challenges ahead of myself, but every single week, as you said, every single week that we play, the numbers are not amazing for us.

"But we have been breaking so many of those numbers as well, it's been incredible. But, okay, I love this type of challenge. I love it, because if the Club didn't achieve it in the past, there is a reason there, and right now we can change the story. Simple as that.

"Massive respect, of course, with Burnley. I know, not just as a Fulham manager, other clubs that I was at as well, that it's always a tough place to go. This period of the year, probably even more.

"But it is what it is, we have to face it. Some games are more enjoyable to play, other games you have to face the game in a way that the game should be played, being more controlled sometimes, other moments to be under pressure.

"But the numbers are there, and they are there for a reason, but they are there to be broken as well."



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2025/12/12/fulham/1244403-marco-silva-is-all-focused-on-burnley.html

[WhiteJC]

Burnley vs Fulham: Preview and Prediction
Burnley and Fulham will be eager to return to winning ways and climb through the Premier League standings when they clash at Turf Moor on Saturday.

The 2025/26 Premier League season resumes on Saturday with Gameweek 16. The action on the day will start with two simultaneous matches before continuing with Burnley vs Fulham at Turf Moor.

Burnley made a promising start to the 2025/26 season, leading a few to believe that they may avoid relegation from the top flight. While Leeds United and Sunderland are the favourites to break the curse for the promoted teams, the Clarets were not far behind. However, six successive defeats have left Scott Parker's men second from bottom in the standings, five points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.

On the other hand, Fulham may never see themselves being dragged into the relegation dogfight due to the inconsistencies of the teams below them. However, the Cottagers have endured a rollercoaster ride throughout the 2025/26 campaign, and two successive defeats have dropped them to 15th in the standings.

The most recent Premier League clash between Burnley and Fulham at Turf Moor ended in a 2-2 draw, as the Clarets came from two goals down to clinch a point through David Datro Fofana's late brace. The Hard Tackle looks closer at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.

Team News & Tactics
Burnley
Scott Parker has a new roster issue that is hampering his preparations ahead of his side's latest fixture. The Burnley manager will be bereft of the services of eight first-team players vs Fulham on Saturday.

Lucas Pires is the latest absentee after being sent off last weekend against Newcastle United. Additionally, Kyle Walker is unavailable after picking up his fifth yellow card of the 2025/26 season.

Hannibal Mejbri is also serving a suspension, and he will miss most of the festive period. Meanwhile, Axel Tuanzebe (unspecified), Jordan Beyer (hamstring), Connor Roberts (Achilles), Bashir Humphreys (muscle), and Zeki Amdouni (knee) remain in the treatment room.

Martin Dubravka is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Burnley lining up in a 4-3-3 formation in front of him vs Fulham on Saturday. The backline will feature Oliver Sonne, Hjalmar Ekdal, Maxime Esteve, and Quilindschy Hartman.

As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Lesley Ugochukwu, Josh Cullen, and Florentino Luis. Finally, Lyle Foster will lead the line for Burnley against Fulham, with Jaidon Anthony and Loum Tchaouna being the two wide attackers.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Dubravka; Sonne, Ekdal, Esteve, Hartman; Ugochukwu, Cullen, Florentino; Tchaouna, Foster, Anthony

Fulham
Unlike his counterpart in the Burnley dugout, Marco Silva has no new issues to worry about ahead of the trip to Turf Moor. The Fulham manager will be without three first-team players on Saturday.

Antonee Robinson is the closest player to returning to action after stepping up his recovery. However, Saturday's match may have come too soon for him. Meanwhile, Ryan Sessegnon (thigh) and Rodrigo Muniz (hamstring) remain in the treatment room. Three players will play their final games for the West London outfit before the Africa Cup of Nations.

Bernd Leno will take his usual spot between the sticks, with Fulham lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him vs Burnley on Saturday. The backline will feature Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, and Timothy Castagne.

As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Sander Berge and Alex Iwobi in the double pivot, with Emile Smith Rowe reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Raul Jimenez will spearhead the Fulham attack against Burnley, with Harry Wilson and Samuel Chukwueze being the two wide attackers.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Castagne; Iwobi, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze; Jimenez

Key Stats
    Burnley are unbeaten in their last 29 home league games vs Fulham, their longest-ever run against an opponent at Turf Moor. Their most recent defeat was in April 1951. The Cottagers are winless in their last five Premier League games against Burnley (D2 L3) since a 4-2 home win in August 2018.
    Fulham are unbeaten in their 11 most recent Premier League games against promoted sides (W6 D5), winning the four most recent clashes. The Cottagers have never won five consecutive top-flight games against promoted teams before.
    Burnley have lost six successive Premier League matches. The Clarets last had a longer losing run in the league in January/February 1995 in the second tier (eight consecutive losses). Meanwhile, in the top flight, they have not lost more than six successive matches since a similar run between March and September 1895 (8).
    Fulham have lost eight of their 15 Premier League matches this season (W5 D2). In three of the previous four instances where they have lost that many at this stage, they have suffered relegation – in 2013/14 (10), 2018/19 (10) and 2020/21 (8). The exception was in 2004/05 (9, finished 13th).
    After conceding just 16 goals in 46 Championship games last term, Burnley have shipped 30 in 15 outings in the 2025/26 Premier League season. It is the fourth-biggest rise in goals conceded per match (1.65 more than 2024/25) between consecutive seasons in the history of the top four tiers of English football, and the biggest since Sheffield United in 2022/23 (0.85) and 2023/24 (2.74), a rise of 1.89 per outing.

Player to Watch
Harry Wilson
While Alex Iwobi, Lyle Foster, and Jaidon Anthony were viable candidates for this section, we have picked Harry Wilson as the Player to Watch for Saturday's Premier League clash between Burnley and Fulham at Turf Moor.

The Welsh international has been involved in a goal in his last three Premier League appearances (G2 A1), his joint-best run with a goal or assist. The last Welshman to do so in four consecutive games was Brennan Johnson for Nottingham Forest in January-February 2023. With Wilson in splendid form, it is hardly surprising that he is one of our FPL captaincy suggestions heading into Gameweek 16.

Prediction
Burnley 1-3 Fulham
Scott Parker has lost 22 of his last 29 Premier League matches (W4 D3), with the current six-game losing run with Burnley his second run this long after facing defeat in six successive matches with Fulham between May 2019 and October 2020. Parker has lost 61% of his Premier League games (41/67), with only Daniel Farke losing a higher ratio (67%) among managers with 50+ games.

With things not going his way, Parker will be eager to turn things around this weekend against Fulham. However, things do not get any easier despite the away side's recent two-game losing run. The Cottagers have stepped up against the worst teams in the Premier League, and another impressive performance may be on the cards.

Nevertheless, Burnley will not go down without a fight, and they may find a way past Bernd Leno at least once. However, that will not be enough to get anything from Saturday's clash, and The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for Marco Silva and his charges.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2025/12/12/burnley-vs-fulham-preview-and-prediction-2/

[WhiteJC]

Top ref who's already sent off Burnley man this season to take charge of Fulham clash
Burnley will be desperate to put an end to their losing run when they return to Turf Moor for a must-win encounter against Fulham.

Despite showing plenty of character at St James' Park last week, battling on with 10 men during their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United, the Clarets ultimately fell to a sixth straight defeat.

It leaves the Clarets 19th in the table, five points adrift of safety.

Tomorrow evening Burnley face a Fulham sit that were beaten 2-1 at home by Crystal Palace last week to sit 15th and four points clear of the dropzone.

Who is the referee for Burnley v Fulham?
Michael Oliver, of Northumberland.

He's overseen 21 games so far this season, dishing out 67 yellow cards and just two reds.

He's officiated across a number of competitions, ranging from the Premier League to the Champions League and World Cup qualifiers.

What history does he have with Burnley?
He's already sent off a Burnley player this season, dismissing Lesley Ugochukwu for two yellows during the agonising late defeat to Liverpool in September.

Liverpool won that game courtesy of a Mo Salah stoppage-time penalty, Hannibal the man punished for a handball just inside the box.

He also oversaw the opening day 3-0 defeat to Tottenham back in August.

Looking further back, he showed a straight red to Dara O'Shea during Burnley's 1-0 defeat against Everton at Goodison Park in April 2024. The Republic of Ireland international was dismissed for a foul on former Claret Dwight McNeil as the last man.

Who is on VAR duty?
Tony Harrington is the man in the VAR booth, where he will be assisted by Tim Wood.

Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring will be on linesman duty, while David Webb is down as fourth official.



https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/top-ref-whos-already-sent-off-burnley-man-this-season-to-take-charge-of-fulham-clash-5434783

[WhiteJC]

Team News: Burnley vs. Fulham injury, suspension list, predicted XIs
Relegation-threatened Burnley welcome fellow bottom-half side Fulham to Turf Moor for Saturday afternoon's Premier League encounter.

The Clarets lost 2-1 at Newcastle United last weekend, while the Cottagers were beaten by the same scoreline at home to Crystal Palace, and here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest team news for the two clubs.

BURNLEY vs. FULHAM

BURNLEY
Out: Kyle Walker (suspended), Lucas Pires (suspended), Hannibal Mejbri (suspended), Zeki Amoundi (knee), Connor Roberts (knee), Jordan Beyer (thigh), Bashir Humphreys (muscle)

Doubtful: Axel Tuanzebe (unspecified)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Dubravka; Sonne, Ekdal, Esteve, Hartman; Ugochukwu, Cullen, Florentino; Tchaouna, Foster, Anthony

FULHAM
Out: Rodrigo Muniz (thigh), Ryan Sessegnon (thigh)

Doubtful: Antonee Robinson (knee)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Castagne; Iwobi, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze; Jimenez



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/burnley/injury-news/team-news/burnley-vs-fulham-injury-suspension-list-predicted-xis_587558.html

[WhiteJC]

PREVIEW: Scott Parker faces former club as Burnley host Fulham
Fulham's dire record at Turf Moor could come to an end against a struggling Clarets side.

Off the back of six successive defeats in the Premier League, Scott Parker's Burnley look to cut the ever growing gap between themselves and the relegation places as they host Fulham at Turf Moor.

Since beating basement boys Wolves 3-2 at Molineux at the end of October, Burnley have gone on to lose six of their last six Premier League games. Two fewer than their longest ever run and equal to their longest ever in the top flight, this run has seen the Clarets sink back to 19th, just ahead of Wolves who are setting the bar for how poor a team can possibly be in the Premier League. Burnley had to play more than 45 minutes with 10 men at St. James Park against yet only narrowly lost to Newcastle, which will give Parker and his side some hope heading into a crucial fixture.

Last season, Burnley conceded a record low 16 goals in 46 games in the Championship last season yet their defence quite understandably hasn't held up this time round. They have already shipped 30 goals in 15 matches so far mounting pressure on Parker who, alongside this poor streak of form, has lost 22 out of his 29 Premier League matches during his managerial career.

Their visitors Fulham claimed their first away victory of the season against Tottenham Hotspur two weeks ago, but Marco Silva's side have kick-started their December schedule with back to back defeats against Crystal Palace and Manchester City, their latest defeat at home to Crystal Palace sinking the Cottagers to 15th place and four points outside the relegation places. Since a ball was first kicked in August, Fulham have lost eight of their 15 Premier League games and will head to Turf Moor seeking just their second away win of the season and their first at Burnley since 1951. Despite what is undoubtably a dire record, Fulham are unbeaten against newly-promoted sides in their last 11 outings (W6 D5).

Speculation over the future of head coach Silva has continued throughout the past few months with the Sunderland game back in November being billed as critical for the Portuguese's future. Silva has maintained his job yet Fulham have failed to kick start any real sense of form leaving them still in the mud at the bottom of the table.

Burnley will continue to be without Zeki Amdouni, Jordan Beyer and Connor Roberts, who all remain side-lined with long term injuries. The game is also more likely than not too soon for defender Axel Tuanzebe. Midfielder Hannibal Mejbri is serving the second of his four match ban for a spitting offence in October and Lucas Pires will serve a one-match suspension following his dismissal against Newcastle last time out. Adding further strain on Parker's squad is the news that Kyle Walker is suspended for his fifth yellow card and will also not feature.

As for Fulham, Silva has confirmed that Ryan Sessegnon will not recover in time to be featured in Saturday's game; he will remain in the treatment room alongside Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz. Antonee Robinson has been side-lined since September with a knee injury and is 'progressing well' but is too far away for any chance of making the squad.

The game will kick off at 17:30 GMT and will be televised on Sky Sports in the UK.

Predicted line-ups
BUR: Dúbravka; Sonne, Laurent, Ekdal, Esteve, Hartman; Ugochukwu, Florentino, Cullen, Anthony; Foster

FUL: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Castagne; Berge, Iwobi; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze; Jiménez



https://fromthespot.co.uk/24615/preview-scott-parker-faces-former-club-as-burnley-host-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Burnley v Fulham: Team news, predicted teams and TV details ahead of must-win clash
Burnley face a must-win clash against Fulham today with their survival chances hanging by a thread.

The Clarets suffered a sixth straight defeat at Newcastle United last weekend, meaning they're now five points adrift of safety.

Fortunately for them, their record against Fulham at Turf Moor is an exceptional one – having not been beaten there since 1951.

In the subsequent 74 years, the Cottagers have made 34 trips to East Lancashire in all competitions without tasting victory against the Clarets.

Marco Silva's side are in a little bit of danger themselves this season, sitting in 15th and just four points clear of the dropzone.

Here's all the important information ahead of today's fixture:

When and where is the game taking place?
The match is being held at Burnley's Turf Moor stadium on Saturday, December 13. Kick off is at 5.30pm.

Is it on TV?
Yes, the fixture has been selected for live coverage on Sky Sports. Coverage begins at 5pm.

How else can I follow the game?
Burnley FC writer Matt Scrafton will be providing live updates on his X feed, followed by a match report, post-match reaction and further analysis on the Burnley Express' website.

What's the latest team news?
Injuries and suspensions are beginning to add up for Burnley, who will be without both Lucas Pires and Kyle Walker, who will both serve one-match bans.

Pires was shown a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity against Newcastle last week, while Walker picked up his fifth booking of the season.

Hannibal will also be forced to watch on from the sidelines, serving the second game of his four-match ban after admitting an FA charge of misconduct.

Jordan Beyer, Axel Tuanzebe, Bashir Humphreys, Connor Roberts, Enock Agyei and Zeki Amdouni are all expected to remain sidelined.

As for Fulham, Ryan Sessegnon is a doubt after missing last weekend's game against Crystal Palace with a hamstring injury, while Antonee Robinson and Rodrigo Muniz are both out injured.



https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/burnley-v-fulham-team-news-predicted-teams-and-tv-details-ahead-of-must-win-clash-5439305

[WhiteJC]

Hjalmar Ekdal on resurrecting his Burnley career, relegation fight and crucial Fulham clash
It wasn't too long ago that big question marks were hanging over Hjalmar Ekdal's Burnley future.

The Swedish defender made just nine appearances the last time the Clarets were in the top flight two years ago, a season that ended in a miserable relegation straight back to the Championship with just 24 points.

The 27-year-old then missed a large chunk of Burnley's 100-point automatic promotion campaign under Scott Parker having suffered a serious hamstring injury while away on international duty.

Now well down the pecking order, Ekdal was forced to head out on loan back in January to join Dutch side FC Groningen.

Ekdal admits his future was uncertain when he returned to Turf Moor during the summer, but he's since been given a chance under Parker - making nine appearances already this term, matching his tally from his last campaign in the top flight.

"The last time we were in the Premier League, we struggled a bit. Then last season, the situation was maybe not very clear for me," Ekdal explained.

"I was out for half a year with injury and then went out on loan, so my spot in the team here was never quite clear.

"Even in the summer, it was not really clear from my side what the club wanted, so to be here now is above my expectations and I'm really happy about that.

"I've been fighting my way back, which I'm happy and proud of, so I'm really happy to just play football."

When asked how much of a crossroads last summer was, Ekdal added: "My mind was just to stay here, ideally with the club thinking the same. Of course, if they'd had other plans, then I would probably have left.

"But I wanted to be here ultimately and the club gave me that chance, through thinking I'd done a good loan spell and I performed well in pre-season. That meant I earned the chance to play here."

Ekdal was speaking ahead of today's crunch clash against Fulham, where Burnley will be looking to put an end to their miserable six-game losing run.

Amid such woes, it can be easy to get bogged down in such stats, but Ekdal insists that isn't the case.

"I think you must let this go," he said. "I think every game is their own game. I think if you focus too much on the bad rhythm, you have bad momentum and it's only going to make it worse.

"You need to find a way mentally to just focus on the next game and to get back to what we did so well in some of the games at the beginning.

"Maybe look at that more and put some emphasis on that instead of looking at the last month, which has been really bad because we lost every game."

The losing run, which has kept Burnley on 10 points for a month and a half, sees them five points adrift of safety at this moment in time.

Ekdal, however, is adamant Parker's side can still stay up.

"Of course we can do it," he said emphatically. "I think we've shown in a lot of games that we're capable of doing it.

"I think now we just need to find a way back to that winning path, to that kind of feeling in the team.

"To do that we need to start getting points, which is what matters, and I'm very confident that's possible for sure."

A win against Fulham today would be especially significant, given Marco Silva's side are among a clutch of clubs within touching distance.

"It's a very important game," Ekdal concurred. "I think for them, it's also a very important game because they are also struggling a little bit.

"I think they're going to come to the game with the same mindset as we do, that they have to win the game, and that will make it a big game for sure.

"I think we just need to get back to the games where we played really well at the beginning of the season, find the right mindset, find the right mentality and be the characters we know we can be.

"We have to be tough, we have to be ugly to play against. This is one of these games where we have to show that side to ourselves."



https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/hjalmar-ekdal-on-resurrecting-his-burnley-career-relegation-fight-and-crucial-fulham-clash-5439590

[WhiteJC]