Friday Fulham Stuff - 11/09/26...

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Bassey: To captain this club is unbelievable
Calvin Bassey has said his call-up to the matchday captaincy has been a natural one, and one he considers a privilege.

The centre-back has worn the armband in our first three Premier League games, having been bestowed the honour by Álvaro Arbeloa, who considers Bassey a strong leader.

"It's a privilege," Bassey explained. "Being able to captain this club is unbelievable.

"Going into my fourth season, I know the boys and get on with everyone, so I just be myself and try to help everyone. Leading comes naturally because of the position I play, being able to see everything and having to communicate as a centre-half.

"I've been around these boys for so long and been fortunate enough to have played so many games, so it didn't really change anything. Of course, it's a huge privilege, and thank you to the manager for giving it to me, but I don't think it's changed me."

So is Bassey the type of skipper to lose his head in the changing room if things aren't going well?

"Nah, not really, that's not me! I'm more chill. Before the game, I'm just happy, smiling as always. I just want everyone to go in with good energy. Of course, you can get frustrated, but I think everyone understands that, so it's not my personality to start screaming at people.

"I know everyone goes out there and gives 100 per cent, and sometimes we're just not able to win. I know they're frustrated, I'm frustrated, but I think sometimes it's best just to leave people be and then speak about it later."

Part of a captain's duty is to look after the squad's younger players, and in the case of 19-year-old Josh King, the Nigeria international has been given special permission.

"His mum's told me to look after him, so I know I can stick it on him if he gets too big for his boots! I always looked after him anyway, but I got the green light, so it's even better now.

"I'm so happy for him. He works hard, he's always on the pitch after training practising finishing, and he has good application in the gym. I just want him to keep working hard and keep helping us, because he's a player we need and a player who's bringing excitement to both our fans and the whole Premier League this season."

Despite plenty of positive signs – including two goals already for King – Fulham are still searching for their first points of the season, but that doesn't mean there's no cause for optimism.

"I'm excited. You can see from the way we've played that there's a lot of positives. The manager is very calm – I think him being a player means he understands it can be hard at certain times, so he's able to lead us in a calm way.

"It's a journey. We've only been with him for two months or so, so it's very new, and he even understands that it's different to what we're used to, so it's going to take time to adjust.

"It's good that we've been able to put in performances that we can take positives from, but of course, you always want to improve."

Bassey will lead the team out at Anfield this weekend – a tough test for a team out of form, but one that Fulham will be prepared for.

"It's not going to be easy. You know what's coming when you play Liverpool; they have top players. It's just about doing our homework and seeing how we can hurt them.

"We talk with the manager about everything that might not have worked, and try and go into every game understanding more what he wants from us individually as players. He'll set us up in the right way to tackle Liverpool."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/september/10/bassey-to-captain-this-club-is-unbelievable/

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Liverpool injury, suspension list and return dates for Fulham: Andoni Iraola shares latest Cody Gakpo update
Fresh from their European success in midweek, Liverpool will return to Premier League action when they welcome Fulham to Anfield on Saturday.

Andoni Iraola's side ran out 2-1 winners against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, collecting all three points thanks to goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.

However, it was not all positive on the night, as the Reds boss revealed an injury blow to his forward line before the match.

The Merseysiders also faced an injury scare when Bradley Barcola was forced off in the second half, but he was revealed to be dealing with cramp, and the club will be thankful that he should not add to the list of absentees they are already contending with.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Liverpool's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their Premier League showdown against Fulham.

CODY GAKPO
Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Adductor

Possible return date: September 12 (vs. Fulham)

Liverpool almost bid farewell to Cody Gakpo in the summer, as he came close to joining rivals Manchester City, but the Dutchman has started the season in excellent form after staying at Anfield.

Ahead of the Reds' showdown against Atletico on Wednesday, Iraola revealed that Gakpo "Finished the game the other day against Ipswich with some adductor issues," but added that "I think even for the weekend he has a chance to be there."

HUGO EKITIKE
Status: Out

Type of injury: Achilles

Possible return date: Unknown

Hugo Ekitike has been sidelined since rupturing his Achilles against Paris Saint-Germain back in April, and the club are not putting an exact timeline on his recovery.

The France star will likely miss the majority of the 2026-27 campaign, and at the very least, Iraola has confirmed that "Hugo will go later [than the September/October international break]."

FEDERICO CHIESA
Status: Out

Type of injury: Lower back

Possible return date: October 11 (vs. Manchester City)

Federico Chiesa has largely been used as a squad option during his Liverpool stint, but he has yet to make an appearance this term after suffering a lower back injury in pre-season.

However, the forward is closing in on a return to action, and should be in training later in September, with Iraola stating, "I think even Fede should be [back in training] around those dates [of the international break]."

CONOR BRADLEY
Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: November 21 (vs. Manchester United)

Liverpool have been without a natural right-back since Conor Bradley suffered a major knee injury against Arsenal in January.

That being said, centre-half Ronald Araujo and right wing-back Jeremie Frimpong will be on hand to deputise while the academy graduate undergoes rehabilitation.

JOE GOMEZ
Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Muscle

Possible return date: September 12 (vs. Fulham)

Joe Gomez's 2026-27 has been hampered by a muscle injury he picked up during the Reds' 4-2 friendly win over Sunderland on July 26.

The versatile defender has missed the entirety of the campaign so far, though he is likely to return to the fold in the coming days, according to Iraola on September 3: "The closest one is Joe. Joe will probably start training with us next week, and it has gone normally."

GIOVANNI LEONI
Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Liverpool have high hopes for 19-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni, and are remaining patient following the anterior cruciate ligament injury he picked up on his debut in September 2025.

The former Parma youngster is set to rejoin the squad later this month, with manager Iraola saying last week, "I think the plan is [for Leoni] also to start training during the [international] break, with the group."

LIVERPOOL SUSPENSION LIST
Liverpool have no players suspended for this clash.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/injuries-and-suspensions/gakpo-ekitike-chiesa-latest-liverpool-injury-suspension-list-vs-fulham_604807.html

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This is how close Alvaro Arbeloa is to being sacked by Fulham - Insider
Alvaro Arbeloa is leading the Premier League sack race ahead of Roberto De Zerbi and Oliver Glasner.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that Arbeloa is the most likely manager to be sacked first in the Premier League this season.

His players are already believed to be concerned at their tactical set-up, particularly how open the team is defensively amid a chaotic start to the campaign.

Arbeloa could well be relieved of his duties if his players down tools, with tough clashes against Liverpool and Man United coming up before the international break.

Alvaro Arbeloa is the most likely PL manager to be sacked next
Everton's former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has heard about Arbeloa's "confrontational" style from his contacts in Spain.

Tottenham chief De Zerbi and Nottingham Forest boss Glasner are both under pressure, but Arbeloa looks set to face the axe before any other manager.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained: "There are probably three managers in the sack race right now. You have to look at De Zerbi, who is up there. Forest, with the famous Marinakis trigger finger, who knows where Oliver Glasner will end up as well.

"I think the favourite is Arbeloa at Fulham. I was surprised when he came in. I've got enough contacts in Spanish football that have told me a little bit about him, and it's not all flattering. He has a very confrontational style, which seems to be proven by the rumours coming out of Craven Cottage right now.

"Silva was more of a man-manager, but Arbeloa has come in and decided he wants to be a new broom. With that comes some problems, and we're starting to see them manifest. If he loses the dressing room to the extent where they start downing tools, then I think yes, we are going to see him sacked pretty quickly."

Fulham predicted to drop into Championship by Opta supercomputer
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that some key Fulham players want to leave in January as they struggle on and off the pitch under Arbeloa.

They are currently being backed by Opta's supercomputer to finish bottom of the Premier League, with Coventry and Ipswich also predicted to go down.

Opta are giving them a 46.31 per cent chance of relegation, with Forest in 17th with a 24.69 per cent chance.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/fulham/this-is-how-close-alvaro-arbeloa-is-to-being-sacked-by-fulham-insider

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Two fixtures selected for TV
Two of Fulham's home fixtures around the turn of the year have been selected for live television broadcast.

Our matches against the North London pair of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will now both kick-off at 7.30pm, live on Sky Sports. There will be no change to the fixture dates.

    Fulham v Arsenal - Wednesday 30th December, 7.30pm
    Fulham v Spurs - Wednesday 6th January, 7.30pm



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/september/10/two-fixtures-selected-for-tv/

[WhiteJC]

Preview: Liverpool vs Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups
Liverpool past and Liverpool present square off on the Anfield touchline on Saturday afternoon, when the Reds host pointless Fulham in the Premier League.

Andoni Iraola's charges overcame Ipswich Town 2-0 in their last top-flight affair, while the Cottagers suffered a terrible three-peat of defeats as they were bested 3-2 at home to Crystal Palace.

Match preview
Keeping up their streak of scoring multiple goals in every game under Iraola, but now pairing their absorbing attacking play with a greater level of defensive discipline, Liverpool are firmly in the ascendancy domestically and continentally.

After swatting aside Ipswich courtesy of a quickfire brace from Alexander Isak, the Reds posted their latest morale-boosting Madrid success, taking down Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League by virtue of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister's strikes.

The Argentine completing the job was something of an inevitability, after his admission that Liverpool were not prepared to offer him a new contract, but whether he can still play his way into one will be determined by his season as a whole rather than one heroic moment.

The hosts now go in search of Premier League home win number one of the season, while also bidding to end a run of three consecutive top-flight stalemates at Anfield, where they last had a longer league winless run during the COVID years.

Fulham had their first competitive win before Liverpool this season - swatting aside AFC Wimbledon 3-0 in the second round of the EFL Cup - but Alvaro Arbeloa's men have had sweet little to cheer as far as the Premier League is concerned.

Not only have the Cottagers lost each of their first three top-flight games of the season, they have lost in different ways, failing to outscore either Chelsea or Palace at home and being unable to breach a steadfast Sunderland defence in a 1-0 reverse.

Fulham's 3.13 xG against the Eagles suggested that the scoreline did not tell the full story, but the only statistic that currently matters to visiting supporters - some of whom booed the team and manager off at full time last weekend - is the zero-point total.

Only newly-promoted Coventry City are also still waiting for their first Premier League point of the campaign, and in both of the previous two top-flight seasons that Fulham have lost their opening four games, the Cottagers were relegated.

However, the most recent of those demotion seasons - 2020-21 - also marks the last time Fulham won a league match at Anfield, as Mario Lemina made the difference in a 1-0 March 2021 triumph. Since then, Liverpool have won four and drawn one of their five home battles with the Cottagers in all tournaments, strolling to a 2-0 victory back in April.

Liverpool Premier League form:

    D    D    W

Liverpool form (all competitions):

    D    D    W    W

Fulham Premier League form:

    L    L    L

Fulham form (all competitions):

    L    W    L    L

Team News
Fulham's fitness situation has not changed in the course of a week, and Arbeloa will only be missing Luc De Fougerolles and Tom Cairney, both rehabilitating from knee injuries.

Manuel Angel, David Affengruber and Hugo Larsson were all part of a Fulham matchday squad for the first time against Crystal Palace, although only the latter made it onto the field for a brief second-half cameo.

Having been largely pleased with the application of his players in the derby, Arbeloa should stick rather than twist, although Sander Berge could displace Oscar Bobb if Arbeloa feels a greater defensive presence is required.

Meanwhile, Liverpool lost both Bradley Barcola and Milos Kerkez before full time in Wednesday's win over Atletico, but Iraola affirmed that the pair were only cramping up rather than suffering from anything sinister.

However, Cody Gakpo is more of a doubt due to the adductor problem that kept him out of the midweek victory, while Conor Bradley (knee), Giovanni Leoni (knee), Hugo Ekitike (Achilles), Joe Gomez (muscle) and Federico Chiesa (back) are all sidelined.

Victor Munoz is primed and ready if neither Gakpo nor Barcola are deemed fit enough to play, while a goal for Isak on Saturday would see the Swede surpass his Premier League total for the entire 2025-26 campaign.

Liverpool possible starting lineup:

Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Munoz, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Isak

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Charles; Iwobi, King, Palacios; Garcia



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/preview/liverpool-vs-fulham-prediction-team-news-lineups_604774.html

[WhiteJC]

Arbeloa demands courage, ambition as Fulham seek first points
Arbeloa has endured a difficult start to his tenure as Fulham head coach, with the club losing each of their opening three Premier League matches.

Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has stressed the importance of ambition, attacking football and a strong mentality as he looks to turn around the club's difficult start to the 2026-27 Premier League season.

Arbeloa has endured a difficult start to his tenure as Fulham head coach, with the club losing each of their opening three Premier League matches. Fulham will next take on Liverpool on Saturday, hoping to get their first points of the season.

Speaking on JioStar, Arbeloa said he wants Fulham to develop a clear, attacking identity, with the team playing courageously, showing personality, being aggressive without the ball and maintaining passion and ambition in every game.

"I want a team with a clear identity. I want to see a team that plays with courage and with personality. We want to be a really offensive team, really brave with the ball, and aggressive when we lose it, and ready to attack. I think we need to show that passion, that ambition every game and give everything that we have," he said.

Arbeloa also opened on Fulham's summer recruitment, saying the club's ambition was reflected in its efforts to strengthen the squad after losing several key players from last season. He emphasised the importance of helping the new arrivals settle quickly, develop chemistry with their teammates and adapt to his tactical ideas.

"If we want to be ambitious, we need to sign players that can improve the squad. We lost some good players from last season, so we had to replace them. We showed that ambition by bringing in quality players who fit our ideas and the way we want to play. The sooner they settle in, the better and the focus is on building chemistry and getting the best out of this group as we move forward. It's about creating a strong unit, understanding each other's movements, and making sure everyone is on the same page. The hard work starts now," Arbeloa said.



https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/football/arbeloa-demands-courage-ambition-as-fulham-seek-first-points-101789040706305.html

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Tactico: Liverpool's risk & reward balance
Every now and then, Premier League coaches introduce dynamics that the wider league simply can't ignore: Pep Guardiola's control through possession and rotations, Jürgen Klopp's playmaking via the heavy press, Roberto De Zerbi's 'artificial' transitions through build-up. In many ways, it feels like Andoni Iraola's tenure at Bournemouth served up the latest.

Off the ball, Iraola's comfort coaching a shape that can jump from zonal to aggressive man-to-man pressing on the basis of triggers has become all the rage. On the ball, recognising how hard it is to reliably break increasingly well drilled teams down, Bournemouth embraced the idea of strategic chaos. Trying to hit opponents in direct and unusual ways that allowed their attack to thrive against a defence not in its planned state.

The one question mark even devoted tactico fans have had was whether this game model, so adept at allowing Bournemouth to thrive even with big players regularly departing, could translate to the most elite level.

This season, with Iraola at Liverpool, we'll start to get an answer. And Fulham will get an early look at work in progress this weekend at Anfield.

Risk & reward

The concept of chaos inevitably comes with risk and reward. And Liverpool's first two Premier League fixtures probably showed some of the risk side of the ledger, with accommodations since being made.

Iraola set up Liverpool in his trademark 4-2-3-1, with no traditional defensive midfielder in his pivot, and opted for highly attacking full-backs in Milos Kerkez (6) and Jeremie Frimpong (30). This is nothing new. The likes of Adrien Truffert and Alex Jimenez offered similar dynamics for Bournemouth. But the resulting joy had by Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, particularly with pace in transition, raised some eyebrows for Liverpool.



Perhaps with this in mind, their visit to Portman Road saw new signing and converted CB Ronald Araujo start at RB, and Liverpool's balance of risk and reward in the starting XI slightly change.

Whilst Araujo still pushed on at times, his combative defensive instincts outside of new CB Jeremy Jacquet offered Liverpool a bit more of a situational back-three at times. And allowed others to push on freely. To be clear, this was still an Iraola-esque 4-2-3-1, but squint a little at the second slide above and you could maybe see a 3-2-4-1 shape, with Kerkez higher when Liverpool got the ball.

Cherry picking possession

So why were people so intrigued by whether Iraola would succeed at a top club? Largely because for years the dominant tactical trend (thanks Pep!) has held that controlling the ball helps control the game. And if a game is controlled, more often than not the best teams, with the best players, win.

Last year, Bournemouth finished sixth in the League. But only had an even 50% of the ball. Most of the teams that finished above and around them had a fair bit more.



Football, however, is changing. And the differences in possession between teams is becoming less extreme with games becoming more contested and less a battle of elite teams with the ball vs stubborn opposition without it.

The problem is, as much as Iraola is a pioneer of this new world, how much of the ball you have isn't just up to you. And when you're Liverpool teams can and will sit off you in a way they simply don't vs Bournemouth. This season, Liverpool have actually had an average of 61.7% possession (exactly the same as Fulham!) with only City, Brighton and Man Utd having more.

Liverpool's passing dynamics this season unsurprisingly therefore can look a touch more like Arne Slot's Liverpool than Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth. Whilst the Cherries last year looked to get the ball forward directly into space with the third highest proportion of long balls in the league (11%), Liverpool had the second fewest (7%) under Slot. So far this year, Iraola's Liverpool are third lowest for long balls, with just 6%.

If we offer them space to play into though, you imagine they'll take the opportunity to be a touch more direct. If not, the famous Iraola press clicking is probably their best chance of getting an unset defence to attack.

Looking left

Managing the biggest teams has some advantages. Namely attacking firepower of the sort to make any Fulham fan gulp a bit ahead of the weekend.

Bradley Barcola could end up costing as much as £123m, but joins a team who already had plenty of pacey, direct outlets who can stretch sides. Perfect for an approach that looks to give flair players who can carry the ball moments to decide stretched games.

As savvy teams will look to restrict those moments, Liverpool need to work a bit harder to give those players space to shine.



Barcola didn't start against Ipswich, but those who did made quick inroads. Interestingly, Liverpool deployed a clear left-side overload in this fixture, with players like Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo drawing teams out on that overloaded side. They had the quality to play through defensive numbers, but also in turn created chances for isolated runners like a drifting Alexander Isak, all-action Dominik Szoboszlai, or energetic Victor Muñoz, to exploit down the other side.

So many of Liverpool's biggest dangers have some experience of playing in that left channel where Fulham were caught out against Crystal Palace. It's likely to be another key battle in this one. There's been some early season flexibility in how exactly Liverpool look to break down teams, so I'll be intrigued to see where they choose to overload, and where they therefore generate isolation opportunities.

One to watch: Cody Gakpo

Like a few for this fixture, Gakpo is now an injury doubt. But Fulham fans will be keenly looking out to see if he makes it.

Sure, Gakpo had a relative down season last time out. And yes, his best position now clashes with new signing Barcola. But I never quite understood why Liverpool wanted to 'upgrade' him as a priority. Especially if it meant selling him to Man City.

There was always a sneaking suspicion Gakpo would fit Iraola's preferred attacking profile. And his three assists (all to Isak by the way) and one goal so far mean his early output is matched only by the elite company of Bruno Fernandes, Joao Pedro and Rayan Cherki.

Tactical key: Virgil van Dijk

At 35, most players would be entering the phase of their career where coaches put systems and personnel around them to make life easier. But Virgil van Dijk continues to be the 'load bearing' bit of a Liverpool defence that is still very much coming together.

Far from being left to patrol the centre of the pitch, the selection of Araujo at RB means he often was proactively shutting down wide areas as the LCB in a three.

Attackers might feel he can be got at if isolated with space to run at, but Virgil reliably remains pretty imperious both in the air and on the deck and organises everyone around him.

To add to that, four of Liverpool's top five passing combinations against Ipswich last Friday involved van Dijk.

The views, opinions, and/or recommendations expressed in this article are attributed to the author of Cottage Tactico and not necessarily Fulham FC. You can read more of Kish Koria's tactical takes on FFC on X and across social media, @CottageTactico.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/september/10/cottage-tactico-liverpools-risk-and-reward-balance/

[WhiteJC]

For his next trick: has Arbeloa's magic ran out already?
It's been smoke, mirrors, and defensive errors so far (calm down guys, it's satire)

Oh dear. Just three games into the campaign, and the grand dream of "Galácticos on the Thames" is already floating face-down past Craven Cottage. We've handed our local rivals three points, looked toothless away at Sunderland, and were comprehensively dismantled by a winless Crystal Palace side.

Standing on the touchline, Álvaro Arbeloa - with his jet-black dyed hair and trademark blazer with rolled-up sleeves - is looking less like a tactical visionary and more like a panicked magician whose white rabbit has just died mid-trick.

His signature illusion - making Fulham's defensive shape completely vanish - has been a roaring success, though perhaps not in the way Shahid and Tony Khan envisioned when they backed his lavish Real Madrid academy recruitment drive.

Dropping a cohort of fresh-faced young Spaniards directly into the meat-grinder of English football just feels a bit cruel at this point. Not since the Spanish Armada have so many Iberians been sent to such a tragic, predictable doom.

Making our defensive shape vanish isn't his only trick though... he appears to have done the same with our £34.6m record-signing Kevin. Reports claim that the new manager and our Brazilian starlet have fallen out so spectacularly, that the winger is set to leave the club in January, if Arbeloa hasn't disappeared in a puff of smoke himself beforehand.

To make matters worse, the upcoming schedule reads like an horror film. Next up is a trip to Anfield. Fantastic. Then comes Manchester United at home - a fixture we haven't won since the Bush administration... This is followed by an away day at newly-promoted Ipswich Town, who demonstrated with their victory over Sunderland that they're no whipping boys. It is terrifyingly easy to see Arbeloa staring down the barrel of six straight defeats.

Which brings us to the inevitable fork in the road. Do the Khans swallow their billionaire pride, rip the band-aid off now, and admit they hired a slick-haired charlatan?

Or do they double down, risk total catastrophe, and leave it so late that our only salvation is begging Eddie Howe/Sean Dyche/Sam Allardyce/any other jobbing English manager to step in and drag us to 17th place? Either way, by the time Coventry arrive at The Cottage, the illusion will be well and truly over - one way or the other.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/for-his-next-trick-has-arbeloas-magic

[WhiteJC]

'Honour and pleasure' – Player raves about Fulham signing he's now replacing
Fulham are yet to see anything of new signing David Affengruber following his deadline day arrival from Elche.

But, rest assured, he comes highly recommended. In fact, even the man signed to replace him has good things to say about the 25-year-old.

That man is Argentine centre-back Kevin Lomónaco. Elche unveiled him as their latest signing this week, filling the hole left behind by Affengruber. Diario Alicante provide his take on the Fulham man from that presentation.

Big shoes to fill
He's excited to get started, even if the attention will be on him from the outset to see just how well he can step into the Austrian's shoes. Indeed, he was asked about that during his presentation.

The Argentine described it as an "honour and a pleasure" to be replacing Affengruber at the Spanish club. He described the Fulham man as a historic figure but insisted he did not think that meant added pressure for him personally. Indeed, he insists he didn't hesitate to make the move.

"I didn't hesitate because I know what the club is all about, and coming here was a dream for me," he said.

"If Elche does well, we can all aspire to achieve our personal dreams."

Hard to replace Affengruber

Replacing David Affengruber will be no easy feat, though. The Austrian joined Elche on a free transfer from Sturm Graz in 2024 and quickly established himself as a key player at the club.

He only managed 84 appearances for them but was seen as the defensive cornerstone of the club's recent golden run.

He was the anchor of the team which secured promotion back to La Liga in his first season at the club. Then he backed that up in the 2025/26 campaign. Lat season saw him making 36 appearances in total as they secured their survival in Spain's top flight.

The defender was also, statistically, one of the most effective centre-backs in Spanish football during his time there. He ranked at the very top of the league for interceptions and ranked in the top 10% for defensive recoveries, successful tackles and duels won.

Those are the numbers that have led to his move to Fulham. And now they're the numbers that Lomónaco will have to replace.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/honour-and-pleasure-player-raves-about-fulham-signing-hes-now-replacing/

[WhiteJC]

Arsenal and Fulham scouting 2 Sevilla players – Midfielder and centre-back
Arsenal and Fulham have set their sights on Sevilla's Lucien Agoumé and Kike Salas.

The Premier League winners' interest in the 24-year-old defensive midfielder isn't new.

A year ago, the Gunners made an initial approach. Last October, Sport Witness covered a report from Spain that the La Liga side were expecting Arsenal's offer in January.

That didn't happen and the player is back on their agenda. Fulham have now joined Arsenal in chasing the defensive midfielder.

Arsenal and Fulham send officials
That's according to Fichero, who cover the latest on Mikel Arteta's side and Fulham.

Last weekend, the La Liga side settled for a 1-1 draw against Espanyol away from home and several Premier League scouts were in attendance at the RCDE Stadium.

The two clubs' officials have 'two names circled in red', Lucien Agoumé and Kike Salas. The scouts were watching their every action live.

Both played the full 90 minutes as the visitors finished with 10-men, following Arouna Sangante's sending off in the 56th minute. Lucas Stassin gave Sevilla the lead in the 85th minute before Marcos Fernández scored the late equaliser.

Arsenal and Fulham won't rush
Lucien Agoumé initially joined the Andalusian club on from Inter Milan in January 2024 and made his stay permanent later that year.

He played 90 matches for Sevilla, managing two goals and seven assists, and 36 were from last season.

Meanwhile, Kike Salas made his first team debut in 2022, after graduating from Sevilla's academy. The centre-back played 102 matches for the club and has been a regular over the last two years.

Agoumé and Salas have their contracts until 2028 and 2029 respectively. Transfermarkt value the former at €15m and the defender at €14m.

The 24-year-old centre-back's growth and potential make him an attractive option for his suitors. However, the betting allegation against Salas has seen Arsenal and Fulham take a cautious approach.

For now, the London clubs haven't made an approach or tabled an offer for either.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/arsenal-and-fulham-scouting-2-sevilla-players-midfielder-and-centre-back/#google_vignette

[WhiteJC]

Games for the Weekend 12/09
We get to travel up to Anfield to take on Liverpool for a 3 o'clock kick off

The game against Palace didn't turn out as hoped for. We're really exciting when attacking, but defensively we've got to improve.
Taking the lead twice and still loosing the game was really disappointing, if we have to score four goals every time I don't think we'll get enough points this season.

Tom is still injured, and with the new boys having a week or so extra training my team would be...



COYW's

Games of Interest...
Sauturday 12th
Villa v Forest
Palace v Ipswich
Spurs v Everton

Sunday 13th
Coventry v Brighton

Monday 14th
Leeds v Newcastle

come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=3



https://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=3687

[WhiteJC]

Exclusive: René Meulensteen offers advice to Alvaro Arbeloa at Fulham
René Meulensteen has advised Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa to stick to clear communication
and dialogue to get his Craven Cottage spell back on track.

Arbeloa arrived at the Cottage in the summer as a replacement for Marco Silva. He elected to leave London for a return to Portugal with Benfica.

The appointment of the former Real Madrid boss raised eyebrows at the time, with many surprised Fulham went for a Premier League newcomer to lead a squad rebuild following the departures of several high-profile players.

Summer focus on youth
The Spanish coach spent the summer with a heavy focus on youth, particularly from Real Madrid. Gonzalo García (22), César Palacios (21) and Manuel Ángel (22) arrived from his former club.

Shea Charles (22), Hugo Larsson (22) and Jonah Kusi-Asare (18) arrives from Southampton, Frankfurt and Bayern Munich. David Affengruber (25) was the oldest signing.

They are yet to make much of an impact as Fulham have started their Premier League campaign with three defeats, to Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Chelsea. They did, though, enjoy a 3-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup.

Those results have led to questions about Arbeloa and, reports of unrest among some of the senior players too.

Meulensteen advice
Meulensteen knows all about struggling at Fulham. He was assistant manager there in 2013 before being appointed manager in December that year. But his reign would last just 17 games – ending February 2014. He won just four of those games, losing ten and drawing three.

He, then, is well placed to offer Álvaro Arbeloa advice on how to turn things around at Craven Cottage.

"There is no better medicine in football than winning," he told Sport Witness.

"My advice to him would be to focus heavily on clear communication with his players – being explicit about what you want and how you want to execute it.

"The players have to buy into the vision. If he senses that elements of his setup are making the players uncomfortable, he needs to address that immediately and convince them why it's the right way forward.

"If that doesn't work, he might need to tweak a few tactical things and make some changes.

"It all starts with good communication. Clear dialogue pulls a squad together; if communication breaks down, it creates divisions and players fall away, which is deadly for a manager."

René was speaking to Sport Witness on behalf of BestBettingSites.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/exclusive-rene-meulensteen-offers-advice-to-alvaro-arbeloa-at-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea consider Fulham star to replace Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea wanted to sign another midfielder as soon as they agreed to sell Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City in the last transfer window, and Sporten says Sander Berge was one of the players on their radar.

The Norway star is an important player for Fulham and has consistently performed well for the Cottagers. His form also led to links with a move to Manchester United during the last transfer window, showing that several major clubs were monitoring his situation.

Berge is an experienced Premier League player who also performed well for Norway at the World Cup. Those performances were among the reasons he was tipped to leave Fulham during the transfer window, although no move eventually materialised.

Berge remains important for Fulham
The midfielder has remained an important member of the Fulham team, and the Cottagers continue to rely on him for consistent performances. He has established himself as a player capable of delivering a strong display in every match he plays.

A move to Chelsea could have made sense given their desire to strengthen their midfield. Berge has the Premier League experience required to adapt quickly, while his performances for both club and country have demonstrated his quality.

However, the Blues ultimately focused on signing another midfielder and failed to complete that move. As a result, their interest in Berge could potentially return when the January transfer window opens.

Chelsea could return for Berge
Chelsea may decide to revisit their interest in the Norway international if they believe he can strengthen their midfield. His experience and consistency would make him an appealing option, particularly if the club remains determined to add another midfielder to their squad.

For now, Berge's priority will be maintaining a high standard at Fulham and producing another strong season. His performances will be important for the Cottagers, while continued consistency could also ensure that bigger clubs remain interested in signing him.

The midfielder already has experience attracting attention from some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. If he continues to perform at his current level, another opportunity to join a major side could emerge.

Chelsea will therefore have to keep monitoring his progress, while Berge can focus on delivering for Fulham and Norway. A strong season could put him in an excellent position if the Blues decide to reignite their interest in January.



https://www.footballnorge.com/posts/chelsea-consider-fulham-star-to-replace-enzo-fernandez/

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool must start rising star vs Fulham, he will tear his expected opponent to shreds
Rio Ngumoha is no doubt one of Liverpool's best upcoming talents and Andoni Iraola has to keep him in the starting XI for their upcoming game against Fulham.

The 18-year-old started in the 2-1 victory against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday as the Reds started their Champions League campaign with three points.

However, the winger was not really effective up top before he was brought off at the hour mark.

Nevertheless, Ngumoha should stay in the line-up for their clash against Fulham on Saturday.

This is due to the attacker running riot against the Cottagers in their last meeting, and he even scored the opener.

Therefore, Iraola should trust him to repeat this feat on the weekend in the Premier League fixture.

How good was Rio Ngumoha in Liverpool's last meeting with Fulham?
In Liverpool's 2-0 victory against Fulham in April, Ngumoha was arguably the best player on the pitch.

On top of his goal, he was a constant menace and could have easily picked up more goal contributions on another day.

According to Fotmob on 10 September, he completed 85 per cent of his passes, created two chances, including one big chance, had two shots, both of which were on target, had a 0.12 xG and a 0.43 xA.

Therefore, given that he is likely to be up against Timothy Castagne again at right-back, Ngumoha should be kept in the line-up.

The winger clearly knows how to get past the Fulham man and cause problems, and by keeping him in the starting XI, it gives them the best chance of sealing a victory.

Should he play to the same dazzling level as he reached against Atletico, Ngumoha will tear his expected weekend opponent to shreds.

What is Liverpool's record against Fulham?
Liverpool have a fantastic recent record against Fulham.

Overall, they have only lost one of their last 10 meetings in all competitions, winning five of them.

On top of this, Liverpool have not lost at Anfield against the Cottagers since March 2021, and have not been defeated in front of their home supporters since May 2012.

Therefore, the Reds are no doubt the favourites to come away with three points on Saturday, especially when you fact in Fulham's poor start to the season.

However, it remains to be seen who will come out on top on Saturday in Merseyside.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/liverpool/match/liverpool-must-start-rising-star-vs-fulham-he-will-tear-his-expected-opponent-to-shreds

[WhiteJC]

'It's not going to be easy' - Fulham captain Bassey warns teammates ahead of Liverpool showdown
Calvin Bassey has warned his Fulham teammates that they face a difficult test when they travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend.

The Cottagers, under new manager Álvaro Arbeloa, are one of two teams yet to earn a point in the new Premier League season, alongside newcomers Coventry City.

All three of Fulham's opening defeats have been by the narrowest of margins, with Chelsea and Crystal Palace winning 3-2, and Sunderland securing a 1-0 victory.

Bassey has been named Fulham's matchday captain in each of their opening three games of the campaign, with club captain Tom Cairney unavailable for selection as he continues to recover from a knee injury.

With Fulham looking to turn their poor run of form in the English top flight around, the Nigeria international revealed that the players have been working closely with their Spanish manager to address their weaknesses.

"It's not going to be easy. You know what's coming when you play Liverpool; they have top players. It's just about doing our homework and seeing how we can hurt them," Bassey told Fulham's official webpage.

"We talk with the manager about everything that might not have worked, and try and go into every game understanding more what he wants from us individually as players.

"He'll set us up in the right way to tackle Liverpool."
Bassey has faced Liverpool six times in his career, winning just once and suffering five defeats.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/its-not-going-to-be-easy-fulham-captain-bassey-warns-teammates-ahead-of-liverpool-showdown