Friday Fulham Stuff - 29/08/25...

[WhiteJC]

Silva coy on Pereira's future amid Palmieras interest
Marco Silva remained coy on the issue of Andreas Pereira's future after Fulham's Carabao Cup win against Bristol City.

Palmieras are looking to complete a deal to take the Brazilian midfielder back to his native Brazil.

Whites boss Silva said: "Let's see. I don't have fresh news about him him. He's a player where everything can happen until the end of the market in this situation.

"I want just the things to be clear. If he's going to stay, he's going to stay. If he's going to leave, he's going to leave. But of course my job is to prepare the players that we have ready to play the games."

Fulham, meanwhile, look set to complete the signing of AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze.

And Silva again insisted that new signings are desperately needed.

"We don't have other solutions. We don't have other way to do it," he said.

"We are short in positions, in some of them. If something is going to happen with Andreas, it's another position that we need to strengthen.

"The front line, as we mentioned, I know that they are not many hours right now, many days, but we have to do until the end of the market what we need to do. Let's see how we're going to end."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-coy-on-pereiras-future-amid-palmieras-interest

[WhiteJC]

'We are short in some positions,' says Silva
Marco Silva again urged the Fulham board to back in the transfer market by making several signings before the window slams shut.

The Fulham boss claimed not to have any 'fresh news' on the future of attacking midfielder Andreas Pereira as the Brazilian international edges closer to an £8.6m move to Palmeiras. After watching the Whites beat Bristol City in the Carabao Cup, Silva told his post-match press conference:

"We don't have other solutions. We don't have other way to do it, We are short in positions, in some of them. If something is going to happen with Andreas, it's another position that we need to strengthen. The front line, as we mentioned, I know that they are not many hours right now, many days, but we have to do until the end of the market what we need to do. Let's see how we're going to end."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/we-are-short-in-some-positions-says-silva/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham at home to Cambridge United in League Cup
Fulham have been drawn at home to Cambridge United in the third round of the League Cup this evening.

The Whites beat Bristol City 2-0 at Craven Cottage to make sure of their progress from the second round. United, currently lying thirteenth in League Two, have already between Bristol Rovers and Charlton Athletic in this year's competition.

The third round ties will be played across two weeks next month – during the weeks commencing Monday 15 September and Monday 22 September.

FULL THIRD ROUND DRAW
Port Vale v Arsenal

Swansea City v Nottingham Forest

Lincoln City v Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur v Doncaster Rovers

Brentford v Aston Villa

Huddersfield Town v Manchester City

Liverpool v Southampton

Newcastle United v Bradford City

Sheffield Wednesday v Grimsby Town

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Everton

Crystal Palace v Millwall

Burnley v Cardiff City

Wrexham v Reading

Wigan Athletic v Wycombe Wanderers

Barnsley v Brighton & Hove Albion

Fulham v Cambridge United



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/fulham-at-home-to-cambridge-united-in-league-cup/

[WhiteJC]

Silva content with Cup progress
Marco Silva was pleased that Fulham made it into the hat for round three of the League Cup after beating Bristol City 2-0 at Craven Cottage this evening – even if the Whites could have scored more goals.

The Premier League side were given a helping hand when City defender George Tanner put through his own net as early at the fifth minute and Raul jimenez doubled Fulham's lead. Silva told his post-match press conference at Craven Cottage:

"It was a better first half than the second. 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.

It 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://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/silva-content-with-cup-progress/

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea vs Fulham early injury news as 5 ruled out and 1 doubt
All the latest injury news surrounding Chelsea and Fulham ahead of their West London derby.

Chelsea and Fulham face off in a West London derby on Saturday in what should be a fascinating clash at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have picked up four points so far, drawing with Crystal Palace then thrashing West Ham last time out, scoring five at the London Stadium.

Fulham have drawn both games so far, including a battling draw with Brighton and a well-earned stalemate against Manchester United. Ahead of Saturday's London derby, we have rounded up the early injury news surrounding both teams, but on this occasions, that only includes Chelsea players because Fulham currently have a clean bill of health now that Antonee Robinson and Ran Sessegnon are back.

Benoit Badiashile - Out
Maresca said before the last game that the defender is 'in the process of coming back'. That process is expected to run into September.

Romeo Lavia - Out
Like Badiashile, Maresca has said Lavia is in the process of working his way back to full fitness, and it's expected he will also be back after the international break.

Cole Palmer - Doubt
Palmer missed the last game, with Maresca explaining afterwards: "In the last four or five days, he was not 100 per cent. In the warm-up, he felt something, and we didn't want to take any risk. We will see in the next hours if it's something important or not. It's a groin problem." Palmer will be a doubt here.

Levi Colwill - Out
Colwill has been ruled out for much of - if not all of - the season after an ACL injury. Maresca said in his pre-match press conference: "He is ok, aware he will be out for a long time,' Maresca said. 'It's a big loss for us. You know how important Levi has been for us last season and the way we want to play. We have said many times that we are able to create chances and attack if we're able to build up the right way, and Levi was a huge part of our build-up."

Omari Kellyman - Out
Kellyman picked up a hamstring issue last season and there is still no word on his return.

Myhailo Mudryk - Out (Suspended)
Mudryk remains suspended due to alleged doping. A statement at the time read: "We can confirm that Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged with Anti-Doping Rule Violations alleging the presence and/or use of a prohibited substance, in terms of Regulations 3 and 4 of The FA's Anti-Doping Regulations. As this is an ongoing case, we are not in a position to comment further at this time."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/chelsea/chelsea-fulham-early-injury-news-5290133

[WhiteJC]

Bristol City beaten in League Cup success
Jimenez's volley and an own goal see the hosts get through Round 2

The League Cup returns! There's something very satisfying about Fulham having the quality to beat teams in second-gear. Bristol City, though a Championship side, are a decent outfit and in previous years might not have found stealing a result an improbable task. Silva has taken our football to a higher level, though - despite City's vision on the ball, Fulham had the tactical nous and clinical timing to execute the right response to claim victory, an own-goal and a Jimenez volley enough to see us through to the 3rd round.

First Half
Fulham's 4-2-3-1 was given an attacking tweak tonight, as Silva sought to let his squad enjoy themselves. Sessegnon had the freedom to attack down the left, with Smith-Rowe given similar flexibility to tuck around the pitch, operating along the wings, as an explosive maestro with Wilson in the centre or as an architect from deeper. With Cairney pulling the strings from midfield, Reed alongside him as his midfield enforcer, Traore ready to storm down the right at the launching of a long ball and Jimenez putting himself in all the right places to connect offensive moves, Fulham breezed into City's final third.

This tactical positivity with the formation generated the pressure that forced the goals. After getting the ball from Reed, Castagne looped the ball over the backline for Traore. The winger outmuscled McCrorie, creating space away from the wingback and crossing the ball into the box, where Jimenez' presence unnerved Tanner and forced the centre-back into an own goal. Not long afterwards, Fulham's possession forced a second - winning a corner through a long passing sequence, Reed's driven set-piece went straight to Jimenez, removed from any defenders. As a comically mistimed leap from Dickey saw him sail past the striker, Jimenez took a touch, swivelled and volleyed the ball beyond Lumley, doubling the lead.

The first half wasn't all Fulham, of course. Bristol City's B-team, lined up in a 3-4-2-1, were adventurous and brave, keen to get on the ball and target the high Fulham defensive line. Bell, Armstrong, and early substitute Mehmeti were keen to exploit this - Armstrong's explosive pace was dangerous, attempting to exploit the empty channel Sessegnon left in his forward runs, and with Knight and Bird pinging long-balls over our defence the centre-backs weren't starved of action. With a little fortune, a few of their chances might have come closer - Armstrong's eagerness took him beyond the defence but couldn't restrain his wild strike from flying over, whilst a tight offside erased Mehmeti's goal, a smart shot daggered diagonally beyond Lecomte.

Second Half
It was Fulham's night though, one we were happy to cruise through, and whilst Lady Luck had at least reminded us Bristol City were competitive there was a confidence in the side that allayed much of the fear of a comeback. The ability of a team to eat time out of a game is a priceless skill - Fulham have players that are happy on the ball, and as a consequence don't feel the trepidation some sides might have against City's pressing. Indeed, our chances were the main ones of the opening spell. Traore had our closest openings; one saw him get the ball from Wilson, cut inside and force Lumley to react quickly and palm away. Another, constructed by a smart Cairney pass down the wing, was smacked hideously high by the winger.

Still, City hummed around, hunting for a goal. They'd sought goals in the first half but substitutes in the second signalled a stronger direction, introducing first-teamers in Sykes and Randell, and spirited runners like Mayulu and Roberts, focusing Bristol's play in our territory and pumping long balls and crosses into the final third. Silva, perhaps realising Sessegnon and Castagne's advanced positioning was inviting City to score, made changes of his own, as our Premier League regulars entered the fray to cool the game.

In doing so, our formation changed dramatically. Bassey joined Diop and Cuenca to make a trio of centre-backs whilst Iwobi's arrival turned he and Traore operate as wingbacks - this created a back-five, pinned back by City's wave of attacks and unable to retain the ball as smoothly as Fulham had in the first half. As is often the case, stacking the team with defensive players in defensive positions had an adverse effect, and let City dictate the terms of the closing period.

A mix of fortuitousness and fine defending kept Fulham afloat for the rest of the game. With our passing radar askew, and City eager to dispatch Mehmeti, Mayulu and Armstrong at the kick of a ball, timely interventions from defenders were all that kept our clean sheet intact. Diop shone in this department, aerially commanding, physically impressive and attuned to the game to be in the right place enough of the time. This was important, as the wealth of set-pieces our visitors earned kept City an active threat across the half. Mayulu had the energy to nip into the box repeatedly, and the few times he did break away from the defence were nail-biting. A loopy cross from Sykes was met first by the striker but headed over, whilst late in the game City's advancing troops, camped around Fulham's box, pulled players away from the forward - a curled effort beat Lecomte but struck the post, falling kindly for Fulham's defence to scramble away.

Bristol City - out of our league?
The comeback never came, or really started - Fulham's quality was enough to ensure City's efforts couldn't quite break through the barrier, probe Fulham's defence with the extra edge to defy the keeper, cause a real upset for the hosts in the wider context of the game. The obvious caveat is in the difference between the two sides, of course - Bristol City are not a Premier League club and certainly don't have the resources around their squad to match our B-team - but enough failures have struck Fulham in similar circumstances to be taken for granted.

There's no reason several of the players can't be happy with their efforts, either. Cairney demonstrated his leadership, rolling back the years with Reed to command much of the midfield action, Smith-Rowe showcased how slick he can be as he danced around defenders and Jimenez's elegance shone for both the goals, showing the smarts a striker needs to push Fulham ahead in the game. A critical lens might be had for Traore - whilst his pace is known to all, and he did set up the opener, his accuracy left a lot to be desired, and we might have had a goal or two extra if he'd kept sharper in the second half. These are small tidings, though - Fulham scored their chances, did enough to keep City out and won, which is ultimately all that matters.

Bristol City shouldn't be despondent, though. I thought they played with coherency and nous, identifying where Fulham were vulnerable and targeting it, sticking to an attacking approach with the ball despite the superior opposition and coming close to taking a goal or two off us. Armstrong was a livewire all match and looks really promising - once he polishes his finishing, his pace will contribute to a lot of goals. Mehmeti and Bell got involved frequently and kept popping up around our backline, Knight ran the heart of the team nicely and as a consequence City never looked listless or beaten at any stage of the match. If this is what a second-string XI can take to us, there's no reason they can't make a serious run for the play-offs again in the Championship.

But it's us through to the next round, overcoming the first hurdle in relative comfort, and though our realism might weigh it down, the first whispers of "cup run" will have started in the Fulham camp. We've seen that the team is capable of making the latter stages before - if the Khans can be proactive in the transfer market, make a few signings and bolster the squad, there's no reason we can't sprinkle a little cup optimism into the season...



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/bristol-city-beaten-in-league-cup

[WhiteJC]

Cairney: 'We're ready for Chelsea'
Tom Cairney declared that Fulham were ready to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the SW6 derby after the Whites saw off a spirited Bristol City side in the League Cup at Craven Cottage last night.

The Fulham captain started his first game of the season against the Championship outfit, who were always up against having conceded two goals in the first 21 minutes. The unfortunate George Tanner turned Adama Traore's cross into his own net five minutes in and Raul Jimenez cracked in a fine finish from Harrison Reed's conrer.

Cairney told FFCTV after the whistle:

"First of all, I think it it was good to get my first night in my legs and some of the other players' legs, because we're going to need that going forward. Also, a clean sheet at home was nice as well and, as you say, we're in the next round. From 65-70 minutes, there were a few tired legs. We managed the game well, with the experience we had on the pitch, seeing the game out – but we could have scored a few more goals."

The Scottish international was delighted to be paired with Harrison Reed in the Fulham engine room – reprising a classic midfield partnership from a few years ago.

"It's nice playing with Reedy – we play together a lot in training, to be fair ... I think we understand each other's games. I thoroughly enjoyed it, to be honest. It was an enjoyable night."

Cairney insisted Fulham are ready to face Enzo Maresca's side, but knows that the Whites will have to be at their very best to repeat Boxing Day's heroics.

"So, it's only 48 hours away now. It's a quick turnaround. It will be, like, just rest the legs, recover, and we're playing a top, top team on Saturday. We're in good form ourselves, still unbeaten, but – make no mistake – we've got to go there and do a job. So, it's going to be difficult but we're ready.

I think on the whole [we're happy with the start to the season]. At Brighton, you'd be happy with a draw and then Manchester United, you could argue that we could have nicked it. A few bad decisions, maybe, from the officials, and I thought we were the stronger team in the second half, but we could be four points. But [after] your first two games playing Brighton and Manchester United, two points: you can't be too disappointed."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/cairney-were-ready-for-chelsea/

[WhiteJC]

Ali Wahid vanquishes Valencia Mestalla
Farhaan Ali Wahid fired home with the last kick of the match as Fulham's under-21s won a five-goal thriller against Valencia Mestalla in the Premier League Cup at Motspur Park last night.

The Spaniards fought valiantly having been reduced to ten men on the half hour mark and twice came from behind. They looked set to earn a point against Hayden Mullins' men before winger Ali Wahid drove into the bottom corner at the death to snatch all three points for the hosts at the end of an enthralling encounter.

Fulham made the brighter start with Tom Olyott and Aaron Loupalo-Bi linking up impressively only for the winger's effort to be well saved by Raul Jimenez, no relation to our Mexican international striker, in the Valencia Mestella goal. Loupalo-Bi wasted a one-on-one opportunity by shooting straight into Jimenez's legs and the rest of the first half an hour featured two cagey sides feeling one another out.

The complexion of the contest changed completely when Javier Navarro tripped sixteen year-old Seth Ridgeon as he burst through challenges on the edge of the area. Navarro was shown a second yellow card and, from the free-kick, Olyott punished the visitors even further by finding the bottom corner with a lovely, low drive. But the Spaniards drew level within four minutes as Mario Guilabert did superbly to find Mario Dominguez, who rifled into the roof of net.

Fulham replied with some inventive football but were unable to get back in front immediately. Jimenez did wonderfully well to tip a curler from Terrell Works wide of goal before Loupalo-Bi skipped round Jimenez but saw his shot blocked by Andres Caro and Olyott waste the follow up. At the other end, Guilabert beat Alfie McNally all ends up but his powerful bounced away to safety.

McNally then prevented the visitors from going in front by conjuring up a crucial save from Joel Fontanet. That let off seemed to spark the Whites into life as Ollie Gofford was denied by an excellent Jimenez stop and Works saw the Valencia keeper shovel away the winger's deflected drive.

The pressure paid off twenty minutes into the second half when Gofford, restored to a midfield role after operating as a right back in the under-18s last year, thumped a thunderous finish past Jimenez from the edge of the box to restore Fulham's lead. But the Spaniards weren't done either. They levelled after a well-worked free-kick routine found Dominguez in space twenty yards out and the centre forward found the top corner with class.

Fulham's search for a late winner was made even harder when substitute Chibby Nwoko was sent off for two bookable offences, but Ali Wahid was in the right place at the right time to drive home after Tom Wingate's attempt had fallen at his feet in the tenth minute of added time.

FULHAM UNDER 21s (4-2-3-1): McNally; de Jesus, Esenga, Nsasi, Amissah; Nwoko, Gofford; Olyott (Slade 71), Works (Wingate 71), Ridgeon (Ali Wahid 82); Loupalo-Bi. Subs (not used): Underwood, Walters, Evans, White.

BOOKED: Ridgeon, Nwoko.

SENT OFF: Nwoko.

GOALS: Olyott (32), Gofford (65), Ali-Wahid (90+10).

VALENCIA MESTALLA (4-2-3-1): Jimenez; Prevedini, Alex Panach (Monferrer 45), Caro, Muñoz, Guilabert (Durá 69), Javi Navarro, Jurado (Trigueros 79), González (Núñez 69), Adjei (Pamies 57), Domínguez. Subs (not used): Gomez.

BOOKED: Javi Navarro, Munoz, Dominguez, Pamies, Tigueros.

SENT OFF: Javi Navarro.

GOALS: Dominguez (36, 76).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/ali-wahid-vanquishes-valencia-mestalla/

[WhiteJC]

Seven Things We Learnt From Fulham 2–0 Bristol City
Fulham enter the third round, but we didn't make it easy for ourselves. In parts of the first half 'The Whites' made mince meat of a more than competent Bristol City side. Without lone creative outlet, Scott Twine, as much should be expected. But nonetheless, Fulham progress. Cambridge United awaits. Here's seven things we learnt from Fulham 2–0 Bristol City:

Fulham Have Four Premier League Quality Centre Halves
Issa Diop, reliable. Jorge Cuenca, a true prospect for the future. We all know what Diop is. A quality mid table centre half, only a backup defender for Marco Silva due to his propensity for a lapse in concentration. Diop was assured presence tonight, making a mockery of the, utterly shocking, QPR reject, Sinclair Armstrong.

Jorge Cuenca just continues to impress. Name a Fulham game where Jorge hasn't looked a cut above? You can't. That trend continued tonight. Cuenca may well have been Silva's side's man of the match tonight. He certainly earns my vote, Jorge's best performance in black and white. Physically dominant, confident in possession, all you want in a modern centre back.

Raul Jimenez Proves Yet Again, Fulham Posses Two Quality Strikers
If Rodrigo doesn't score, Raul does. If Raul doesn't score, Rodrigo does. Last night's League Cup triumph just reaffirms how lucky Fulham are to have two top quality strikers. They are far from perfect, but the truth is, as tonight showed, between the two of them, they'll find the goals between them to keep Fulham competitive at the highest level.

Tonight, Jimenez linked up fantastically and offered a threat in the box that ultimately fired Marco's men into the third round. RJ's first goals of the season. I have no doubt another double figure return could be on the cards once again, for one of London's Original's most underrated modern day strikers.

Where Fulham Look Their Best: At Speed
In the opening 25 minutes, Fulham looked the best I've seen them since their Championship days. The style was turned on. It was Silva's Fulham in full flow once more. Fluid interchanges of play, linked the Whites' attack and midfield seamlessly.

Against opposition of a less prestigious calibre, deploying a singular six, allowing for a ball controlling eight to be deployed in place of a box to box midfielder to make up a defensive pivot should be deployed. Evidence? Bristol City at home.

ESR & Cairney: The King and His Successor
I spoke about Fulham's fluid passages of play throughout the opening periods of our second round cup tie, the men essential to that: Harry Wilson, Tom Cairney and Emile Smith Rowe.

TC rolled back the years in a display where Cairney dicatated the tempo of play at the Cottage. m ESR picked up where he left off against Brighton, and Man United. Smith Rowe was direct, confident and hungry to show for the ball. Exactly what FFC want Rowe to be. His link up with Harry Wilson in the 10 was something to behold. Keep it up, Emile!

Wilson In The 10?
Wilson's first starting competitive number ten display in Fulham colours was a big time success. Harry looked a threat in transition, and against a low block all game long. Wilson ran off Raul, exploited half spaces superbly, and utilised his athleticism to turn defenders at speed, with ease.

With Andreas Pereira departing, Wilson can step into his attacking midfield void. With some of HW's share of wide minutes now perhaps being taken up by the incoming arrivals of Kevin, and Chukwueze, the Welsh wizard's international, and recent cup performances should force Marco Silva's hand. Give Wilson a chance at No.10 in league action.

Too Complacent: Fulham Need to Kill Off More Games
The opening stages of Wednesday night's clash, v Fulham. The other hour or so, in honesty, absolute drab. Silva understandably took his foot off the gas pedal, with Saturday's inter Borough clash no doubt in mind, but frankly, if the Robins were a better side, they would of took advantage of Fulham's many lapses in concentration.

Bristol City were allowed back into a game that should have been dead and buried. I'm not naive to the fact this FFC lineup have never played a competitive fixture together, but if the Cottagers want to advance at home to Cambridge United, our ability to kill games off, in league and cup action has to be addressed.

Adama Traore: Questions Must Be Asked
Despite a clever run, and decent cross into Raul Jimenez for Fulham's opener, after a lacklustre pre season, and a very poor start to the season questioned have to be asked about Adama Traore's riverside future.

Adama put in a typically, well... Adama performance. Traore looked like a man unsure what to do with a football at times in the second half, whilst his first half display had you puzzled to why the Spaniard ever left Barcelona.

With the exciting arrivals of Chukwueze and Kevin looking imminent, it's not impossible Marco Silva looks to shift a winger before September 1st's 7pm deadline. If his start do the season is anything to by, Traoré may find himself the odd man out in SW6.



https://medium.com/@LondonsOriginal/seven-things-we-learnt-from-fulham-2-0-bristol-city-9bc786474233

[WhiteJC]

Fulham in Bakwa talks
Fulham are in talks with Strasbourg as they look to beat Nottingham Forest to the signature of French winger Dilane Bakwa, according to Pete O'Rourke.

Forest had a bid believed to be worth up to £30.2m rejected by the Ligue 1 outfit on Monday and the Whites are now looking to hijack the deal. The exciting 22 year-old wide player of Congolese descent is keen to move to the Premier League, but Strasbourg – owned by the same BlueCo consortium that bought Chelsea – are eager to encourage a bidding war.

Bakwa has hit eleven goals and contributed twenty assists in 69 appearances for Strasbourg since signing for Le Racing in 2023 from Bordeaux. The versatile former French under-21 international, who can operate on either flank or up front, has plenty of Premier League admirers, with Sunderland and Leeds United also considering joining the race for his services in the closing days of the transfer window.

Fulham boss Marco Silva called on the club to sign new players after last night's League win over Bristol City having seen the Whites bring in just Benjamin Lecomte – a back-up goalkeeper – this summer. Fulham are thought to be close to concluding a deal to sign Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan, although the Italian giants may need him to play on Friday night as they have no senior forwards to replace the doubtful Rafael Leao.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/fulham-in-bakwa-talks/

[WhiteJC]

Preview: Chelsea vs Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups
The third of four straight all-capital clashes on the Chelsea fixture calendar, the Blues battle West London derby rivals Fulham in Saturday's early Premier League kickoff.

Enzo Maresca's merciless men roared to a 5-1 demolition of West Ham United in gameweek two after going a goal behind, while the Cottagers played out their second successive 1-1 draw, this time at home to Manchester United.


Match preview
For about 20 minutes on the evening of August 22, doom and gloom reared its ugly head for Chelsea, who lost Cole Palmer to a pre-game injury before kickoff against West Ham and then fell behind to a Lucas Paqueta special shortly after the first whistle blew.

However, the London Stadium was soon silenced by a ruthless Blues turnaround, triggered by Joao Pedro's first Premier League goal for the club before Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Trevoh Chalobah all got in on the act in front of a forlorn Graham Potter.

An evening that started with dejection ended in unbridled delight for the Chelsea faithful, who also witnessed a history-making moment from teenage winger Estevao Willian, who at 18 years and 120 days became the youngest player to claim a Premier League assist for the Blues when he squared for Fernandez to tap home.

Including their successful Club World Cup run, Maresca's men have now claimed an eye-catching 10 victories from their last 12 matches in all tournaments, and their feats at West Ham meant that the memories of their blunt attacking display versus Crystal Palace were quickly banished.

Furthermore, not since the 2002-03 season have Chelsea failed to win both of their first two home games of a Premier League season, and they have never failed to score in their first two home games of the campaign in the Premier League era, last suffering that fate in 1986.

Also putting an unbeaten 2025-26 record on the line, Fulham ought to have felt that justice was served in Sunday's showdown with Man United, who controversially took the lead through a Rodrigo Muniz own goal after Leny Yoro appeared to commit a blatant two-handed push from the corner.

The Craven Cottage faithful had already been aggrieved by the awarding of a first-half penalty for Calvin Bassey pulling down Mason Mount, but Bruno Fernandes's wild miss proved costly for Man United, as super sub Emile Smith Rowe levelled matters with his first touch.

It was not quite Brighton & Hove Albion levels of drama - where Marco Silva's men equalised right at the death - but Fulham were more than worthy for their share of the spoils and gave the Red Devils several further scares, most notably from corners as they sought to expose Altay Bayindir's frailties time and time again.

Carrying that momentum forward into the EFL Cup, Fulham eased to a 2-0 second-round win over Bristol City in midweek - thus earning a third-round date with Cambridge United - but the less said about their defensive record on the road the better.

Indeed, Silva's side have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last nine Premier League games away from home, and while they did stun Chelsea 2-1 in this exact fixture on Boxing Day last year, they have never claimed back-to-back wins at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea Premier League form:

    D    W

Fulham Premier League form:

    D    D


Team News
Following Palmer's enforced withdrawal last Friday, Maresca explained that the England international had been dealing with a groin concern for a few days, and the issue flared up in the warm-up at the London Stadium.

Fans are still waiting to hear the official diagnosis, but it would be a surprise to see him cleared for action on Saturday, so Pedro can expect to work in tandem with Liam Delap up front once again.

Levi Colwill (ACL), Benoit Badiashile (unspecified), Romeo Lavia (unspecified) and Omari Kellyman (thigh) are also absent for the hosts, while Mykhaylo Mudryk is still serving his lengthy suspension for alleged anti-doping offences.

In contrast, Fulham could come into the lunchtime derby with a completely clean bill of health; Harry Wilson is the only minor doubt after an enforced substitution in the midweek win over Bristol City.

Veteran striker Raul Jimenez was the catalyst behind the Cottagers' success in the EFL Cup, forcing an own goal from George Tanner before firing in a brilliant low drive from a Harrison Reed corner later in the first half.

However, the Mexico international will almost certainly cede his place up front to Rodrigo Muniz, scorer of the late winner at Stamford Bridge back in December.

Chelsea possible starting lineup:

Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Pedro, Neto; Delap

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Iwobi, King, Smith Rowe; Muniz

We say: Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
Fulham may have left Stamford Bridge shell-shocked last season, but Chelsea have still only lost 8.3% of their Premier League clashes with the Cottagers, the joint-lowest percentage between two sides who have met at least 20 times in the competition.

Maresca's men ought to find it harder to break down their visitors than they did at West Ham, but the title outsiders should still have no trouble marching to a professional victory.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/chelsea/west-london-derby/preview/chelsea-vs-fulham-prediction-team-news-lineups_580186.html

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Fulham lineup vs. Chelsea: Predicted XI for Premier League West London derby as Emile Smith Rowe starts
Fulham manager Marco Silva will revert to his strongest possible lineup for Saturday's Premier League West London derby with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Cottagers strolled to a 2-0 victory over Bristol City in the second round of the EFL Cup in midweek, where Silva inevitably made an abundance of changes o the team that drew 1-1 with Manchester United last Sunday.

Raul Jimenez was the biggest beneficiary of that natural rotation, forcing George Tanner into an early own goal before bagging Fulham's second, and the striker could now become the first-ever Mexican player to make 200 Premier League appearances.

However, Silva will almost certainly recall Rodrigo Muniz - the match-winner at Stamford Bridge last season - to lead the line, while Josh King and Alex Iwobi can anticipate attacking recalls too.

Harry Wilson sustained a knock in the win over Bristol City, though, so Emile Smith Rowe - who came off the bench to salvage a draw against the Red Devils with his first touch - may very well reprise his role in the attacking quartet.

Further back, the pairing of Sasa Lukic and Sander Berge will return over Tom Cairney and Harrison Reed, and it should be all change in the defensive third too.

Antonee Robinson was rested entirely in midweek, but the USA international should now be a straight swap for Ryan Sessegnon, while Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, Kenny Tete and Bernd Leno will come back into the XI too.

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Iwobi, King, Smith Rowe; Muniz



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/west-london-derby/predicted-lineups/rodrigo-returns-smith-rowe-starts-predicted-fulham-xi-vs-chelsea_580196.html

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Fulham launch £30m bid to hijack Sunderland and Leeds United transfer plans – deadline twist
Fulham have entered advanced talks over a £30m deal as Sunderland and Leeds United battle for a transfer breakthrough

Sunderland's pursuit of Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa has taken another twist after reports claimed Fulham are in advanced talks to sign the 22-year-old, as the Black Cats face mounting pressure to complete a deal before Monday's transfer deadline.

Transfer insider Pete O'Rourke reports that Fulham are pushing hard to beat Nottingham Forest to Bakwa's signature, adding further competition to an already heated race. On social media, he wrote: "Understand Fulham are in advanced talks to sign Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa as they look to beat Nottingham Forest to his signature."

Sunderland have been heavily linked with the French U21 international in recent weeks and, according to Leeds Live, remain "further down the road" than Leeds United, who also hold an interest but are believed to be trailing behind both the Black Cats and Forest.

Strasbourg are understood to be holding out for around €35million (£30m), with Bakwa viewed as one of their most valuable assets. The 22-year-old, who began his professional career at Bordeaux before joining Strasbourg in 2023, has been in fine form, producing 11 goals and 20 assists across 69 appearances in all competitions.

This season, Bakwa has already provided two assists in two Ligue 1 matches, making him one of the most in-demand wide players in the final days of the window. Sunderland are still eager to add another winger to Régis Le Bris' squad before the deadline, but now face stiff competition, with Fulham, Forest, and Leeds all circling.

What Kristjaan Speakman has said about Sunderland's transfer plans
Speaking to Football Focus before Sunderland's recent win over West Ham, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said the club would remain active in the transfer market right up until the transfer deadline on September 1st.

"It is a process all the way through to the end of the month," he said. "I mean, we're trying to build the best squad for the Premier League that we can do. We think we've had a really good start at that. Obviously, today will be a good test for us, the first game, but we'll be working away through to deadline day to try to make sure that the team is the right team and the squad is the right squad.

"Fans will be excited, obviously keen to see the new faces, but I think there'll be a few as well who want a bit of reassurance. You know, we've seen history not be kind to some clubs who've had a real go. So it's bound to be a bit of a gamble, it always is. But how much is the club future-proof to make sure everything will be okay in the long run? Yeah, we've always tried to look at every outcome when we make decisions.

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

"We're always looking at what's the short-term, and obviously for us that's the Premier League season, and obviously what the medium and long-term is. So we certainly have always been well-planned with that. I think you've always got to look at all the different outcomes, whether they're positive or negative.

"We're all geared up for the positive. You can spend a lot of time, I think, talking about the challenge and the difficulty. We've tried to assess the focus on what the solutions are and how we can build a really positive team for the Premier League."



https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sundelrand-leeds-united-transfer-fulham-5291817

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Fulham trophy tickets on sale
Tickets are now on sale ahead of the club's Vertu Trophy group stage fixture against Fulham's U21s.

The fixture is set to take place at MEMS Priestfield Stadium on Tuesday September 2 with a 7pm kick-off time.

Gills will also play Wycombe Wanderers at home on November 11 (7pm), however we travel to Colchester United on October 7 (7:45pm).

 
Ticket prices for the Fulham game are as follows:

Adults - £10

Senior - £8

YA - £8

U18 - £6

U14 – FOC with a full paying adult or senior

 
Home fans will be situated in the lower tier of the Magnus Search Medway Stand while away fans will sit in Gordon Road.



https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/fulham-trophy-tickets-sale

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Silva's super subs and tactical tweaks make up for Fulham's lack of luck with deflections and VAR

Fulham (0) 1 v Manchester United (0) 1

Premier League

Matchweek 2

Talking Points

By Kaz Mochlinski at Craven Cottage

Two games into the new Premier League season and Fulham have established something of a pattern. Two draws, both with the same 1-1 scoreline. Needing to recover from being behind in both. Twice with equalisers from two second half substitutes.

Rodrigo Muniz levelled at Brighton & Hove Albion after 96 minutes, and Emile Smith Rowe did it against Manchester United just 96 seconds after coming on from the substitutes' bench. Where would Fulham be without their subs?

The two opening matches of the current campaign have continued the trend which developed over the past year, taking Fulham up to 19 goals scored by substitutes since the start of last season, the most of any side in the Premier League in that time.

In comparison, Brighton are the next best with 15, Bournemouth have 13, and Arsenal 12. Fulham's latest strike from a substitute was actually made in Arsenal, as two former Gunners combined, with Alex Iwobi's cross being put away by Smith Rowe.

The Fulham head coach, Marco Silva, humbly did not want to take the credit for his timing and choice of changes, but instead insisted that the good record of his substitutions was due predominantly to the players involved.

Silva seemed like he wanted to send a message of appreciation to his squad after the match, when he stated: "It's not a coincidence for us. Last season was 17 goals from players from the bench. By far the best team in the Premier League in that aspect.

"And this season already it happened in two games twice. It's not a coincidence. But it speaks more about the players that we have, the character that we have in our dressing room."

Downplaying the tactical adjustments which he produced with the replacements that he brought on, Silva added: "It speaks much more about themselves than about me, their character, the will they have always to go on to help the team.

"They are not happy to be on the bench, for sure, because, if you are a professional, you always want to be out there. But it is unbelievable, and I'm really proud of them, the way they do it."

And he sought to underline it further when saying: "I'm very proud of the players that we have, the group, the togetherness in our squad, again this afternoon the way they played.

"They came in and they helped the team and they made a massive impact on the game. Last week was the same. The goal came from the bench. This game was again the same story."

More worryingly for Fulham fans, Silva still raised concerns about the club's lack of transfer activity this summer, repeating his pre-match comments that the existing squad is too small and requires urgent strengthening.

"We need players. We haven't signed one significant player - we signed one second goalkeeper, or goalkeeper to fight with Bernd Leno for the spot in the goal. But, after that, we lost two wingers and we lost one striker.

"And let's see what is going to happen with one of our midfielders as well. We have to sign. We don't have other solutions. Of course, the plan didn't go through until now - the plan that we set and put on the table last May.

"We have now eight-nine days to correct some things and to try to do our best effort to sign. We need to sign at least three players until the end of the market. And these things cannot be related with when we perform well.

"I think the players they showed a great reaction. We all should be proud. Our fans were fantastic as well. But the Premier League is much more than that. We are going to have a lot of games. We are going to have injuries.

"We are going to have many, many things that are involved in the level at which we are playing. And in some positions we are short. Simple as that."

Fulham's hierarchy would do well to listen to Silva's pleas more attentively. The club's inaction recently runs the risk of losing him altogether, as he is in the last year of his current contract and no prospect of an imminent extension is apparent at present.

That is despite being the most highly-regarded coach among the fanbase since Roy Hodgson took Fulham to the Europa League final a decade and a half ago. Certainly, the Cottagers have been firmly re-established as a Premier League club under Silva.

And it is not hard to see why, with the impressive gameplan for Manchester United's visit being very effective in counter-acting a team on which over £200 million had been spent in this transfer window improving the forward line alone.

Silva switched to a three-man defence to control United's three attackers. He used wing-backs to push the Mancunians' own wide players back. Plus he had three central midfielders outnumber and overload the opposition's two.

It took a while for Fulham's players to become completely comfortable with the 3-5-2 system, but, after surviving an opening spell during which Matheus Cunha three times could have scored, the formation worked very well.

Reverting to his more familiar 4-2-3-1 when chasing the result in the second half was also well-timed by Silva, even if it ultimately garnered only one point rather than all three. Again, he looks to have put in place good foundations to build on.

Indeed, this Fulham performance could almost be a tactical template for the rest of the Premier League in how to play Ruben Amorim's Manchester United. And that was without the home team having any luck in the marginal decisions this time.

It is a recurring lament that the big clubs get the majority of the officials' calls going their way, and this Sunday afternoon's VAR involvement illustrated that impression yet again, for both United's first half penalty and second half goal.

Justice may have been served by Bruno Fernandes missing his fifth penalty in the Premier League, more than any other player in the period since his debut for the club. But, when United eventually took the lead, the lack of a VAR intervention was almost embarrassing.

It would have been incredibly unfair for Fulham to be beaten twice by Amorim's men at the Cottage in one calendar year with deflected goals after tame efforts from the visitors' central defenders were diverted beyond Leno's reach by his teammates.

Just as in January with Lisandro Martínez's speculative long shot coming off Saša Lukić, so now with Leny Yoro's header hitting Rodrigo Muniz for an own goal - a double dose of fortune after Yoro was allowed to get away with pushing over Calvin Bassey.

Happily for the Hammersmith End they were able ultimately to celebrate Smith Rowe's subsequent equaliser. A fine finish from one of the finishers sent on by Silva - and a direct outcome of the Portuguese coach's tactical tweaks.

Ending 15 years since Fulham last avoided defeat by Manchester United at Craven Cottage was extremely sweet. But breaking their briefer sequence of three home losses in a row at the conclusion to last season was also satisfying.

With hopefully much more  still to come from Fulham this season.



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/silva-s-super-subs-and-tactical-tweaks-make-up-for-fulham-s-lack-of-luck-with-deflections-and-var

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Chelsea vs Fulham Prediction: Can Blues Avenge Last Season's Derby Defeat?
We look ahead to Saturday's Premier League game at Stamford Bridge with our Chelsea vs Fulham prediction and preview. Which way will this west London derby go?

Chelsea vs Fulham: The Key Stats

    Chelsea have lost just three of their previous 36 Premier League games against Fulham.
    The Opta supercomputer does not expect them to lose here, giving the home side a 59.4% probability of winning the match.
    João Pedro is looking to become the fourth Chelsea player in the Premier League era to score 5+ goals in his first five starts for the club

The derby between Chelsea and Fulham is a rivalry of location rather than results.

The win count in the Premier League reads 22 to three in favour of the blue side of west London. Among teams who've faced Fulham more than six times in the competition, only Manchester United (2.30) and Arsenal (2.22) have a better points-per-match average against them than Chelsea (2.14).

Yet, Fulham may approach this fixture in reasonably confident mood after securing a rare win at Stamford Bridge last season. Their 2-1 victory ended a 21-game winless streak away to Chelsea in all competitions, though they've never won consecutive visits in their history.

Fulham are at least in decent form when on the road in the capital. They have won four of their last eight away Premier League London derbies (D2 L2). This is as many as they managed in their previous 68 combined, a run that included 43 losses.

This helps explain why it is 22 years since they secured consecutive away London victories. Having beaten Brentford 3-2 in May, Fulham have an opportunity to end this lengthy, unhappy sequence on Saturday.

Fulham are yet to record their first Premier League win this season, with a pair of 1-1 draws to their name after coming from behind to secure a point against both Brighton and Manchester United. Only in 2010-11 have the club drawn their first three matches in a top-flight season.

Chelsea's campaign has begun in strangely similar fashion to 2024-25, in that they failed to score in a home game before bagging five (or more) goals on the road. Last season, the respective opponents were Manchester City and Wolves, this time around it was Crystal Palace and West Ham. A 1-1 draw with the Eagles was match three last season, so Fulham fans hoping for a positive omen can bear that fact in mind.

A more pertinent advantage for the visitors is that they have no reported injuries at present, the only team in the division for whom that is the case. Chelsea are without six players, though the size of their squad means such issues can be more readily accommodated than they can at most other clubs.

If Cole Palmer doesn't recover to play, he will be the most notable absentee. He was named in the starting XI at West Ham last Friday, only to sustain an injury in the warm up. Players who will definitely be unavailable to Enzo Maresca include Benoît Badiashile, Levi Colwill and Roméo Lavia.

Their win at London Stadium fully illustrated the strength of options at the Blues' disposal. Five different players scored, with another two collecting assists. Estêvão became the youngest player to ever assist a Premier League goal for Chelsea, but it was João Pedro who was the cream of the crop.

He got the first goal before setting up both Pedro Neto and Trevoh Chalobah to score. Pedro has four goals in four starts for the Blues, so could join a select group of forwards here. In the Premier League era, only Diego Costa (seven goals), Alvaro Morata (five) and Tammy Abraham (seven) have scored at least five goals in their first five Chelsea starts in all competitions.



It will be interesting to see who Marco Silva selects up top, as his primary strikers have started one league match each this season. Raúl Jiménez will become the first Mexican player to make 200 appearances in the Premier League if he features at any point.

Rodrigo Muniz may get the nod to start though, not least because he got the winner in this fixture last season. He has also scored six goals in his last 10 away Premier League appearances, averaging a goal every 45 minutes across those games.

Even if he doesn't start, Muniz is capable of providing goals off the bench. He's scored more goals as a substitute (seven) than any other player in the Premier League since the start of last season, while teammate Harry Wilson follows him in the rankings (five). Fulham have scored 19 Premier League goals via subs since the start of last season, four more than any other team.

The firepower advantage undoubtedly lies with Chelsea, though. A Fulham defence with no clean sheet in their last 11 league games stretching back to mid-March will likely offer enough chances for the hosts to score their first home goal of the season.

Chelsea vs Fulham Head-to-Head
This derby is arguably the most one-sided you will find in English football.

Chelsea have lost just three of their 36 Premier League games against Fulham (8.3%). This is the joint-lowest loss rate one side has against another in the competition (with a minimum of 20 meetings) alongside Manchester United's impressive record against Aston Villa.

However, Marco Silva's side did win at Stamford Bridge on their previous visit, which was on Boxing Day last year. They came from behind to win 2-1 with a 95th-minute goal from Rodrigo Muniz sending the visiting fans wild.



Chelsea vs Fulham Prediction
Reigning world champions Chelsea are unsurprisingly strong favourites to win this match.

The Opta supercomputer rates their chances of a derby victory at 59.4%. The likelihood of the home side not winning is fairly evenly split, with 21.2% of the 10,000 simulations ending in a draw and the other 19.4% assigned to a Fulham win.



Chelsea vs Fulham Predicted Lineups
Chelsea: Robert Sánchez, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella, Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Estêvão, João Pedro, Pedro Neto, Liam Delap.

Head coach: Enzo Maresca

Fulham: Bernd Leno, Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, Ryan Sessegnon, Sasa Lukic, Sander Berge, Timothy Castagne, Josh King, Alex Iwobi, Rodrigo Muniz.

Head coach: Marco Silva



https://theanalyst.com/articles/chelsea-vs-fulham-prediction-premier-league-08-2025

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Fulham 2-0 Bristol City: What we learnt
Fulham are into the third round – but the Whites didn't make it easy for themselves. For the first half an hour, it looked as though Marco Silva's side were set to steamroller Bristol City, shorn of their creative talisman Scott Twine. But the hosts took their foot of the gas – perhaps with Saturday's SW6 derby on their minds. At least we've made it into round three and a home tie against League Two Cambridge United is our reward. Here are some things that struck me during last night's victory at Craven Cottage:

Fulham have four Premier League quality centre backs
Issa Diop, reliable. Jorge Cuenca, a true prospect for the future. We all know what Diop is. A quality mid-table centre half, but probably only a backup defender for Marco Silva due to his propensity for a lapse in concentration. Diop was an assured presence at the back, making a mockery of the, utterly shocking, QPR reject, Sinclair Armstrong.

Jorge Cuenca just continues to impress. Name a Fulham game where Jorge hasn't looked a cut above? You can't. That trend continued last night. Cuenca may well have been the home side's man of the match. He certainly earned my vote and it could easily have been Jorge's best performance in black and white. The Spaniard was physically dominant and confident in possession, which is what you want from a modern centre back.

Raul Jimenez reminds everyone Fulham have two top-tier centre forwards
If Rodrigo doesn't score, Raul does. If Raul doesn't get you, Rodrigo will. Last night's League Cup triumph just reaffirms how lucky Fulham are to have two top quality strikers. They are far from perfect, but, they'll get the goals between them to keep Silva's side competitive at the highest level.

Tonight, Jimenez linked up fantastically and offered a threat in the box that ultimately fired Marco's men into the third round. Raul was ready to score the first before George Tanner did it for him and a smartly taken second from Harrison Reed's set piece meant he opened his account for the campaign. I have no doubt another double figure return could be on the cards once again, for one of the underrated Mexican veteran.

When Fulham look at their best: at speed
In the opening 25 minutes, Fulham looked the sharpest I've seen them since their Championship days. The style was turned on and Silva's swashbuckling Whites were in full flow once more. Fluid interchanges of play linked the hosts' attack and midfield seamlessly. Against poorer opposition, Silva should play a singular six, allowing an all-action eight to run the game. If the Fulham coaching staff ever doubt the way to break down a low block, they can consult the video to remind themselves how the Whites battered Bristol City.

ESR and Cairney: The King and his successor?
I've written already about Fulham's fluid passages of play in the first twenty five minutes and how it reminded me of Silva's first few weeks in the Craven Cottage hotseat. The men who it happen were the Welsh wizard Harry Wilson, the evergreen Tom Cairney and Emile Smith Rowe, rejuvenated by Sunday's strike against Manchester United.

TC rolled back the years in a display reminiscent of the times when the captain dictated the tempo of play at the Cottage effortlessly. Emile Smith Rowe picked up where he left off against Brighton and United in his first start of the season. Fulham's record signing was direct, confident and hungry to show for the ball. This was exactly where the Whites want the England international to be. The ex-Arsenal midfielder's link-up play with Wilson in the 10 was something to behold. Keep it up, Emile!

Wilson at No. 10?
Wilson's first starting competitive number ten display in Fulham colours was a real hit. Harry looked a threat in transition, and against Bristol City's low block, all night long. Wilson ran off Raul, exploited half spaces superbly, and utilised his athleticism to turn defenders at speed, with ease.

With Andreas Pereira departing, Wilson can step into his attacking midfield void. With some of the Welshman's wide minutes perhaps being taken up by the potential arrivals of Kevin and Samuel Chukwueze, this was a timely club cameo in the role he has made his own for his country. Silva should follow Craig Bellamy's lead and consider Wilson as a Premier League option in the number ten role, too.

Too complacent?
We almost watched two games last night. The Whites were wonderful in the first 25 minutes, but the remainder of the evening Silva's side looked pretty ordinary. Silva understandably took his foot off the gas pedal, with Saturday's derby clash no doubt in mind, but frankly, if Fulham had been playing a better side than the Robins, they would have been punished for their lapses in cocentration.

Bristol City were allowed back into a game that should have been dead and buried. I'm not naïve to the fact this Fulham startling line-up had never played a competitive fixture together, but if the Cottagers want to make progress both in the Premier League and the Cup competitions, they have to learn how to kill games off.

Adama Traore: Questions Must Be Asked
Despite a clever run and cross for Fulham's first goal, questions have to be asked about Adama Traore's future. The Spanish winger was the subject of concerted interest from Nottingham Forest, which apparently caused a rift between Nuno and the Forest owner, but Silva made clear that he wanted the former Middlesbrough man to remain at Craven Cottage.

Adama put in a typically, well... Adama performance. Traore looked like a man unsure what to do with a football at times in the second half – especially when he was asked to play right wing-back after Silva switched to three centre backs – but his first half display had you wondering why he ever left Barcelona. If Chukwueze and Kevin do sign on the dotted line, it's not impossible that Silva seeks to shift a winger on before 7pm on September first. If his start do the season is anything to by, Traoré might end up the odd man out in SW6.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/fulham-2-0-bristol-city-what-we-learnt/

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Is Fulham the right destination for Chukwueze? Three reasons AC Milan winger should say yes
Samuel Chukwueze is on the verge of leaving AC Milan, with Fulham working on a deal to sign the Nigerian winger in a deal worth around €25 million.

While his spell at San Siro has not gone as planned, a switch to West London could offer him the opportunity to reignite his career.

Here are three key reasons why Fulham might be the right move for Chukwueze.

1. A Playing Style That Suits His Strengths
At Villarreal, Chukwueze was most effective when given the freedom to run at defenders and exploit space in wide areas.

Serie A's tactical rigidity often restricted that natural flair, limiting his ability to consistently impact matches.

Fulham, under Marco Silva, employ a more direct, attacking style in the Premier League, with wide players central to their system.

This approach could provide Chukwueze with the platform to rediscover the form that once made him one of La Liga's most exciting wingers.

2. The Chance for Consistent Minutes
One of Chukwueze's biggest challenges at Milan was competition for playing time. With Rafael Leão the established star on the left and constant rotations on the right, the Nigerian struggled to secure a regular starting role.

At Fulham, however, he would likely walk straight into the starting XI, filling a clear need for pace and creativity on the flanks.

Regular minutes at Craven Cottage would not only benefit his club career but also sharpen him for international duty with the Super Eagles.

3. A Fresh Start in a League That Amplifies Talent
The Premier League remains the biggest stage in world football, and a move to Fulham could be the reset Chukwueze needs.

At 26, he is entering the prime of his career, and England's high tempo and open spaces could highlight his dribbling and finishing qualities.

For a player who thrives in one-on-one situations, the Premier League may prove to be the perfect environment to showcase his abilities to a global audience.

For Chukwueze, the move represents a chance to step out of the shadows of Milan and establish himself as a key figure in a competitive Fulham side.

If he adapts quickly, the transfer could mark the beginning of the most productive phase of his career.

Wale Adejumo



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=56886

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Samuel Chukwueze closing in on joining Fulham in €24 million deal
AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze is reportedly closing in on joining Fulham in a package worth €24 million in the final days of the summer transfer window.

According to an update by Orazio Accomando, Samuel Chukwueze is the subject of interest from Fulham. The Cottagers have been keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a wide attacker in the final days of the transfer window. So, the 26-year-old AC Milan winger has been a target for the West London outfit.

The former Villarreal winger is closing in on moving to the West London club, as they have struck an agreement with AC Milan over a fee worth €22 million plus €2 million. However, the Serie A giants have yet to finalise the structure of a summer deal with Fulham, and it may be a permanent move or a loan with a purchase obligation clause.

Samuel Chukwueze and his AC Milan woes
Samuel Chukwueze has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining AC Milan from Villarreal in July 2023. The 26-year-old struggled to remain consistent throughout his spell at the Serie A club. The player has been in and out of the starting lineup at AC Milan in the last two years, with his game time reducing with each passing month.

The Nigerian international has managed only eight goals and six assists in 70 appearances thus far for AC Milan. However, Chukwueze's stock in the market remains high, with several well-known clubs keen on signing him. Fulham will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the final days of the summer transfer window.

Premier League move on the horizon?
Fulham mulled over signing Samuel Chukwueze earlier this year before a deal failed to materialise. The continued interest makes sense, as Marco Silva has demanded more firepower in the final third. Fulham lost Willian and Reiss Nelson when the summer transfer window opened, compelling the West London outfit to seek a solution from the market.

Several candidates, including Federico Chiesa, have emerged on Fulham's radar. However, Chukwueze is also a viable target, with Fulham reviving the move for the 26-year-old winger. The Cottagers have wasted no time in securing a "broad agreement" over a fee worth €22 million plus €2 million.

Fulham and AC Milan remain in talks to finalise the structure of a summer deal, and it may be a permanent move or a loan with a purchase obligation. However, while the two clubs have an agreement on a fee worth €24 million, Fulham may have to wait until the weekend to secure Chukwueze's services, with a report by Milan Live suggesting Massimiliano Allegri wants the 26-year-old Nigerian winger for Friday's Serie A game against US Lecce.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/08/28/samuel-chukwueze-closing-in-on-joining-fulham-in-e24-million-deal/

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Silva will 'wait and see' on Wilson injury
Marco Silva says he is hoping Harry Wilson has not suffered a serious injury after being substituted having gone down with a foot problem during last night's League Cup victory over Bristol City.

The Welsh international, who operated in the number ten position as the Whites eased past the Robins with two early goals, went down just before the hour mark holding his foot and, despite wanting to return to the field of play, was immediately substituted as a precaution.

Silva told his post-match press conference:

"Let's see in the next few hours, or days. Let's hope it's nothing serious because it was the same foot and the same area as his bad injury last season. Fingers crossed that it's nothing really serious."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/silva-will-wait-and-see-on-wilson-injury/