Saturday Fulham Stuff - 30/08/25...

[WhiteJC]

Big Stages for Fulham Women and Middlesbrough Women in FA WNL
Fulham Women and Middlesbrough Women both step out onto the big stage in the FA WNL, with matches at Craven Cottage and Riverside Stadium respectively.

Middlesbrough meet Derby, Hull City defend the only perfect record in the Northern Premier at Stoke, while unbeaten sides go head-to-head as Burnley host Loughborough and Rugby welcome Wolves.

AFC Bournemouth are the one Southern Premier team with back-to-back league wins and they entertain Exeter City, while AFC Wimbledon play Watford at Plough Lane and Lewes look to stay unbeaten when hosting Real Bedford.

The trio of Division One Midlands sides with 100% records are all away; Peterborough at Sutton Coldfield, Boldmere travelling to Northampton and Leafield on the road to Worcester.

Stockport and Cheadle have two wins from two in Division One North, with County next facing Norton, the Stingers away to third-placed Leeds.

Four Division One South East teams are yet to drop a point, including Fulham and Norwich City who clash at Craven Cottage. London Bees to to MK Dons, Chatham host QPR.

Swindon chase a third straight victory in Division One South West as they receive a visit from Ascot, Bristol Rovers take on Bournemouth Sports at their new venue of Yate Town FC.

Sunday 31 August (2pm)

Northern Premier Division
Burnley v Loughborough Lightning (Lancashire FA)
Halifax v Sporting Khalsa (Myra Shay)
Liverpool Feds v West Bromwich Albion (Jericho Lane)
Middlesbrough v Derby County (Riverside Stadium)
Rugby Borough v Wolverhampton Wanderers (Rugby Borough Sports Trust, 3pm)
Stoke City v Hull City (Wellbeing Park)

Southern Premier Division
AFC Bournemouth v Exeter City (Ringwood Town FC)
AFC Wimbledon v Watford (Plough Lane)
Gwalia United v Hashtag United (University of South Wales Sports Park)
Cheltenham Town v Oxford United (Bishops Cleeve FC)
Lewes v Real Bedford (Lewes FC)
Plymouth Argyle v Billericay Town (Home Park)

Division One Midlands
Kidderminster Harriers v Notts County (DOADC Stadium, Worcester)
Lincoln United v Barnsley Women (Lincoln Utd FC)
Northampton Town v Boldmere St Michaels (O'Riordan Bond Stadium)
Sheffield FC v Stourbridge (Sheffield FC)
Sutton Coldfield Town v Peterborough United (Central Ground)
Worcester City v Leafield Athletic (Sixways Stadium)

Division One North
Chester le Street Town v Wythenshawe (Moor Park)
Chorley v Durham Cestria (Euxton Villa FC)
Doncaster Rovers Belles v Blackburn Rovers (Millmoor Stadium)
Huddersfield Town v York City (Shelley CFC)
Leeds United v Cheadle Town Stingers (Garforth Town AFC)
Stockport County v Norton & Stockton Ancients (Stockport Sports Village)

Division One South East
Cambridge United v Dulwich Hamlet (St Neots Town FC)
Chesham United v AFC Sudbury (Chesham Utd FC)
Fulham v Norwich City (Craven Cottage)
Luton Town v Actonians (Barton Rovers FC)
Milton Keynes Dons v London Bees (Stadium MK)
Chatham Town v Queens Park Rangers (Maidstone Road Sports Ground, 2.30pm)

Division One South West
Abingdon United v Marine Academy Plymouth (Abingdon Utd FC)
Bristol Rovers v Bournemouth Sports (Yate Town FC)
Keynsham Town v Bridgwater United (Keynsham Town FC)
Maidenhead United v Worthing (Maidenhead Utd FC)
Portishead Town v Moneyfields (Portishead FC)
Swindon Town v Ascot United (The County Ground)



https://womensfootballmagazine.com/big-stages-for-fulham-women-and-middlesbrough-women-in-fa-wnl/

[WhiteJC]

SW6 Derby Preview: The Tactical Blueprint to BEAT Chelsea
The filth. The Scum. SW6'S imitators. The other team in Fulham. 12:30 Saturday, Fulham kick off the biggest game of our league season. One win in Walham Green since 1979 would suggest Fulham will feel defeat for the first time this campaign, but you know what they say about Stamford Bridge wins? They're like London buses. Or I hope so... Here's how Fulham conquer SW6 once more:

Tactical Breakdown Down Chelsea's Setup
First off, let's look how the filth will look to play, and how Fulham can stifle the Blues. Enzo Maresca loves to invert his full backs. CFC's right back, pushes inside to help form a box midfield. Gusto inverts to form a pivot, alongside Caicedo. Cucerella slides across into a back three, whilst Enzo pushes forward to partner Pedro to form an attacking midfield double act, creating that infamous box midfield shape. This helps give the necessary space for Chelsea's wingers to push high and wide, in theory stretching a defence, allowing Maresca's men to create and exploit a litany of half spaces with individual brilliance of fast interchanges of play.



How do Fulham counteract Maresca's box midfield, and touchline hugging wingers? Well, simply, be compact, pack numbers. Start in a back five. Sit deep, deploy a low block. Fulham mastered this last season. In our famous last cross Fulham Bridge visit, Marco Silva mastered this. We pushed SW6's unwanted child wide by staying compact in a back five. FFC utilised our sheer defensive numbers to not allow Sancho or Neto to isolate Kenny Tete or Antonee Robinson, forcing the Blues into 'empty' crosses into a defensive box with no aerial threat – like you can see below:



The player that will either make or break this game is Liam Delap. Delap comes into a Chelsea team that aquired the former Ipswich Town man's services to be the kryptonite to the very system Fulham invoked against the filth on Boxing Day. The 22 year old's presents Fulham Broadway a target to aim crosses at far more threatening than Nicolas Jackson. At 6'4, Delap is no doubt a massive threat. As you'll later see in my lineup, Fulham should start three physical imposing centre halves to. combat Liam's aerial ability, but the son of Rory Delap didn't score a single header last season. This season, it will be be different, he will be posed with many more chances to head it home than he did at Portman Road last term, but I see no reason why any one of Fulham's vast array of illustrious centre backs can't keep a still developing Delap at bay. If we do, Fulham may be back in business at the Bridge.

How Fulham Should Attack The Filth
That's enough on how Fulham defend our SW6 territory. How do we beat these tossers? Don't worry fellas and felletes, I'm about to tell you. As I said, Chelsea deploy a box midfield, inverting their full backs, Gusto into the middle of the park, as Cucuerlla tucks inside to form a back three. If Fulham can break at speed, Maresca's merry bunch of mugs can be exposed out wide. Keep a rigid midfield base, and play the outlet wide ball. Exploit the space left by Gusto's central inroads, and Cucurella's tendency to tuck into a back three. Play into the channels, off Muniz, or emulate our first half passages of play we flashed against Bristol City, with quick, concise passages of play unleashing Hammersmith and Fulham's real side's wide talent.



Speaking of wide talent, in game like this, where Marco Silva's game plan will be structured on threat from out wide, Marco could really use some more direct, dynamic, get to the byline type wingers. If only Fulham were about to bring in a couple of wingers of that profile... Oh wait, they are. But due to Fulham's slow transfer dealings, they won't be available for selection in our biggest game of the season. Cheers, Tony.

How Fulham Should Lineup: Explaining My XI



Leno, Tete, Diop, Andersen, Cuenca, Bassey, Lukic, Berge, Sessegnon, King, Muniz.



https://medium.com/@LondonsOriginal/sw6-derby-preview-the-tactical-blueprint-to-beat-chelsea-95f75e1b450d

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea vs Fulham: All you need to know
Chelsea's early-season tour of the capital takes us back to Stamford Bridge for a west London derby against neighbours Fulham. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton look ahead to Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.

Last season, Enzo Maresca's men won every game played in the Saturday lunchtime slot: 3-0 at West Ham United in September, 2-1 at Leicester City in November, 1-0 at home to Everton in April.

This is Fulham's fourth campaign since their most recent promotion, their second-longest stay among the elite, and the fifth under Portuguese head coach Marco Silva.

While Chelsea had a clear week to prepare for this grudge match, the Whites were in action on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup, beating Championship side Bristol City 2-0.

Unbeaten in 11 Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge in 2025 (eight of them wins), Chelsea have claimed more league doubles against this Saturday's visitors (15) than any other opposition.

For the second season running, the Blues followed a blank opening day at the Bridge with five or more goals next time out. Last season it was 6-2 at Wolves; a week ago it was a club record 5-1 win at West Ham.

A second successive league victory would ease the world champions back to the top of the table – for a few hours at least – and set a high marker heading into the international break.

Chelsea team news
There will be no Cole Palmer available against Fulham due to the injury the England international sustained ahead of our victory over West Ham United. Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia will also be absent.

'Cole is out,' Maresca told journalists at Cobham during his pre-match press conference. 'Also, Benoit is out, and Romeo is out. The rest are all okay.

'Cole we need to see day by day, and the other two I don't think are going to be back after the international break. But they are going to be closer.

'I spoke with Thomas (Tuchel) a few times, but in the end it's Thomas' decision and he decided that [to leave Palmer out of the England squad].

'He is not available tomorrow, so it shows that he has a problem.'

The history
The four teams that make up the west London derbies are Chelsea, Brentford, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers.

The Blues have only met the Bees in the top tier, beginning in 1935/36, making it the senior west London clash in the first division. Both first meetings ended in 2-1 wins for the hosts.

League encounters with the Rs came much later, following their promotion to Division One in 1968. The Kings of the King's Road dominated the new boys with a double – 2-1 (again) at the Bridge and 4-0 at Loftus Road, Tommy Baldwin claiming four goals in total. That league fixture has not been played since 2014/15.

Originally styled 'the Fulham Derby', the opening exchanges in this weekend's fixture came in 1910/11 in Division Two, but the first time the Pensioners and Cottagers were in the top tier together was the 1949/50 season.

Both matches were drawn – 0-0 at the Bridge, 1-1 at the Cottage – but the following season Willie Birrell's boys secured home and away victories in what were described as 'needle matches'.

Teenage former junior Bobby Smith pounced for the opener in December 1950 at the Bridge and Benny Jones whacked in a late second for 2-0, while Ken Armstrong's brace secured a 2-1 comeback on the Thames embankment in April 1951 – the third of Chelsea's remarkable four successive wins to avoid relegation.

Chelsea's record of Premier League home success against Fulham (57.5 per cent) is our fourth best behind Brighton & Hove Albion (70 per cent), Sunderland (66.67 per cent) and Newcastle United (60.76 per cent).

Among league teams who have met quite regularly, none has a lower loss rate than the Blues (8.3 per cent) against our next-door neighbours (three in 36 matches).

The Boxing Day defeat to two late goals – after Cole Palmer established an early lead – was Chelsea's first at home to the Cottagers in the top flight since March 1964, by the same 2-1 scoreline.

More recently, the Blues gained revenge on 20 April 2025 at the Cottage – again by two goals to one – Tyrique George contributing the late leveller and Pedro Neto a spectacular winner.

At 18 years and 120 days, Estevao Willian became the youngest Chelsea player ever to assist a goal in the Premier League. Should he do so against Fulham, the Brazilian will become the youngest at any club to have set up goals in successive appearances.

Chelsea's youngest Premier League assist makers
Estevao Willian vs West Ham, 22 August 2025, 18 years and 120 days
Callum Hudson-Odoi vs Brighton, 3 April 2019, 18 years and 147 days
Neil Shipperley vs Wimbledon, 12 April 1993, 18 years and 164 days
Jon Harley vs Derby, 5 April 1998, 18 years and 191 days
Lucas Piazon vs Aston Villa, 23 December 2012, 18 years and 338 days
Romelu Lukaku vs Blackburn, 13 May 2012, 19 years and 0 days
Tyrique George vs Southampton, 25 Februray 2025, 19 years and 21 days
Jody Morris vs Bolton, 10 May 1998, 19 years and 139 days
Carlton Cole vs Man City, 22 Match 2003, 19 years and 161 days
Sam Dalla Bona vs Coventry, 21 October 2000, 19 years and 258 days

Joao Pedro is on a run of six goals in seven appearances across all competitions for the Londoners.

For only the second Premier League game on record, three of the Blues' goals derived from corners. The previous occasion was a 4-3 win at home to Watford in May 2017.

This is the last action before the first FIFA break of the season, with further international fixtures to come in October, November and March.



https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/chelsea-vs-fulham-all-you-need-to-know-25-26

[WhiteJC]

Strasbourg close in on deal to sign Fulham's Martial Godo
RC Strasbourg Alsace are closing in on a deal to sign Fulham forward Martial Godo (22), according to a report from Mohamed Toubache-Ter.

The Ivory Coast youth international has played only six games for his formative club, registering one assist in that time. He spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Wigan Athletic, where he scored four goals and registered four assists in League One.

He could now be set for a move to Ligue 1. Strasbourg have had a squad overhaul this summer, making 15 new signings already. Now confirmed to be in the UEFA Europa Conference League this season, RCSA are looking to continue recruiting.

Fabrizio Romano adds that a deal to sign Godo, born in England, but who represents the Ivory Coast at youth level, is close. The left-winger is keen on making the move to Alsace. Toubache-Ter has evoked a fee of up to €7m for Godo.



https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2025/strasbourg-close-in-on-deal-to-sign-fulhams-martial-godo/

[WhiteJC]

Chukuweze deal hits structure snag
Matteo Moretto reports that Fulham's deal to bring AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze to Craven Cottage has hit a snag.

The Milan-based journalist says that the parties had agreed a loan deal, including an option to buy – that could become an obligation should the Nigerian international play a set number of games – for £21m, but that there is now a disagreement over the payment structures, including loan fees, that AC Milan will receive.

The move is further complicated by the fact that the Rossoneri require the former Villarreal wide man to be in their matchday squad against Leece tonight as they have no available forwards other than Rafa Leao, who is an injury doubt. It remains to be seen whether the problems Moretto has detailed can be ironed out – or if Fulham, desperate to satisfy Marco Silva's demands for signings to supplement his squad, move on to other targets.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/chukuweze-deal-hits-structure-snag/

[WhiteJC]

Transfer update on Fulham's pursuit of AC Milan and Super Eagles winger Chukwueze
Negotiations between AC Milan and Fulham over the transfer of Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze have temporarily stalled, but discussions are expected to resume once Milan complete their Serie A fixture against Lecce, according to Fabrizo Romano and and  Matteo Moretto in their YouTube  video this morning, via Milan News.

Chukwueze, who joined Milan from Villarreal in 2023, has emerged as a key figure in Massimiliano Allegri'S squad selection ahead of the game.

With Rafael Leão unavailable and Christian Pulisic sidelined by an ankle problem, the 26-year-old is one of the few senior attacking options available on the bench.

Alongside him, only teenager Balentien offers attacking depth, while Santiago Giménez and Alexis Saelemaekers are set to form the starting partnership in attack.

Milan and Fulham had engaged in 'frequent and constant' talks earlier this week, progressing towards a deal structured as a loan with an option to buy.

The clause would become mandatory under certain performance conditions, with the total cost of the operation set at €25 million.

The move has been temporarily put on hold as Pioli cannot afford to weaken his attacking resources before the Lecce clash.

However, once the game is concluded, both clubs are expected to resume contact in order to finalize the agreement.

Fulham are confident of securing the Nigerian's services, provided Milan's immediate squad concerns are resolved.

Wale Adejumo



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=56898

[WhiteJC]

Nigeria: Fulham Intensify Efforts to Sign Another Super Eagles Star
Fulham FC, the Premier League side, ais about to secure the signature of Nigerian sensation Samuel Chukwueze from Italian giants AC Milan. The club is eager to bolster its squad with another talented player from Nigeria, joining the ranks of current stars Alex Iwobi and Kelvin Bassey.

Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Fulham are in advanced negotiations with AC Milan for Chukwueze. As the transfer window approaches its deadline on Sunday, August 31, both clubs are working diligently to reach a swift agreement.

"Fulham are making significant progress in talks for both Kevin Bassey from Shakhtar Donetsk and Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan," Romano disclosed on X. "Negotiations are underway to acquire both right and left wingers before the window closes. A €25 million package is being discussed with Milan for Chukwueze, while a fee exceeding €40 million is under consideration for Bassey."

Chukwueze moved to AC Milan from Spanish club Villarreal in 2023, seeking to make a mark in one of Europe's elite leagues. Since joining the Rossoneri, the Nigeria international has featured in 69 matches, finding the back of the net eight times. However, his goal tally in Serie A has been modest, with just four goals coming from 51 league appearances.

As Fulham aims to enhance their attacking options and solidify their status in the Premier League, the potential signing of Chukwueze is a move that has generated considerable excitement among fans. With the transfer window closing soon, all eyes will be on whether the club can finalise this intriguing deal.



https://allafrica.com/stories/202508290289.html

[WhiteJC]

Moretto: Milan hit pause on Chukwueze's move to Fulham – what happens now
Samuel Chukwueze's move to Fulham has been put on hold for now, according to a report, but contacts will be picked up in the coming days.

Chukwueze is on the brink of leaving Milan, having said yes to a move to Fulham, but there are still some details that need to be sorted. In addition to finalising the transfer terms, Milan have decided to hit pause on the deal for now.

The Rossoneri will be up against Lecce this evening and since Christian Pulisic has a minor ankle injury, Chukwueze is the only forward on the bench. The American could still get a few minutes, but the Nigerian is first in line.

Negotiations set to resume
As explained by Matteo Moretto in a video on YouTube, Milan and Fulham made 'a lot of progress' in the negotiations between Tuesday and Wednesday. The deal was almost closed then, as the journalist puts it, for a loan with an option that will turn into an obligation at around €25m.

However, the clubs haven't moved forward since, despite the player saying yes to a contract worth €3.5m net per season. As Moretto continues, this is likely due to Milan's focus on the game against Lecce tonight, after which they will resume talks with Fulham.



https://sempremilan.com/moretto-milan-pause-chukweuze-fulham

[WhiteJC]

Cole Palmer to miss Fulham clash with groin injury as Romeo Lavia recovery timeline revealed
Bad news for Chelsea with key players set for spell on the sidelines

Chelsea have been dealt a huge blow after Cole Palmer was ruled out for Saturday's trip to Fulham due to a groin injury.

Blues boss Enzo Maresca was coy on the extent of the injury, but hinted it was not as severe as first feared.

Providing an update ahead of Saturday's clash with Fulham, Maresca said: "Cole is out, Benoit (Badiashille) is out, Romeo (Lavia) is out. The rest are okay.

"Cole, we need to see day by day.

"Romeo and Benoit, I don't think they will be back after the international break but they will be closer."

Palmer was also left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for upcoming international break, which means he will miss England's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia next month, a decision Maresca assisted in.

"I spoke with Thomas a few times. It's Thomas' decision. He's not available tomorrow so it is quite normal that he has shown he has some problems."

Maresca is confident Chelsea will be able to cope without Palmer: "When Cole is not in the game, we need to find different solutions. Hopefully tomorrow we can do the same."

Palmer was named in the Chelsea starting line-up at West Ham last Friday but did not feature in the 5-1 win after pulling up in the pre-match warm-up.

Palmer was spotted holding his groin minutes before kick-off against West Ham and was quickly escorted to the dressing room, accompanied by a member of Chelsea backroom staff.

Maresca claimed before that game that Palmer's withdrawal was a "precautionary" measure, but revealed after that Palmer had been struggling with the issue since before the season started and was dealing with problem in the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on the opening weekend.

Palmer was assessed by Chelsea medical staff after the 5-1 win over West Ham but did not train with the squad on Tuesday.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-fc-injury-latest-palmer-lavia-update-fulham-b1245005.html

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea vs Fulham: Preview and Prediction
Chelsea will aim to continue a solid start to the 2025/26 Premier League season when they welcome Fulham to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The 2025/26 Premier League season resumes this weekend with Gameweek 3. Saturday will be an action-packed day, and the latest round of fixtures kicks off with Chelsea vs Fulham at Stamford Bridge. The two clubs are eager to continue the unbeaten start to their campaigns when they convene for the West London derby this weekend.

Chelsea did not have a long pre-season campaign, as they played only two games before the 2025/26 season began due to their FIFA Club World Cup commitments. The lack of a warm-up reflected in the West London club's performance in the opener, as Enzo Maresca's men played a goalless stalemate with Crystal Palace. However, the Blues are up and running after an excellent come-from-behind 5-1 win over West Ham United in Gameweek 2.

On the other hand, Fulham's two outings thus far have shown the typical steel and resolve that Marco Silva has groomed in his team. The Cottagers have come from behind to seal 1-1 draws in each Premier League outing thus far, promising an impressive campaign if the decision-makers back Silva in the market. The West London outfit continued a bright start to the 2025/26 season by clinching a straightforward 2-0 win over Bristol City in the EFL Cup second round.

The corresponding fixture last season saw Fulham come from a goal down to beat Chelsea 2-1, with Rodrigo Muniz scoring the match-winning goal in injury time. The Hard Tackle looks closer at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.

Team News & Tactics
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca has a new fitness concern that is hampering his preparations ahead of his side's latest fixture. The Chelsea manager may be bereft of the services of as many as six first-team players vs Fulham on Saturday. Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho will unlikely feature this weekend, even though he is on the verge of joining the West London club.

Maresca is sweating over Cole Palmer's fitness, with the English international recovering from a groin injury that forced him to miss the game against West Ham United last weekend. Apart from Palmer, Levi Colwill (knee), Benoit Badiashile (knock), Romeo Lavia (match fitness), and Omari Kellyman (hamstring) remain on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Mykhailo Mudryk is still unavailable after failing a doping test several months ago.

Robert Sanchez is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Chelsea lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him vs Fulham on Saturday. The backline should feature Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella.

As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the double pivot. Joao Pedro will reprise the no. 10 role if Palmer is not fit enough to start. Finally, Liam Delap will lead the line for Chelsea against Fulham, with Pedro Neto and Estevao Willian completing the numbers in the offensive third.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Estevao, Pedro, Neto; Delap

Fulham
Unlike his counterpart in the Chelsea dugout, Marco Silva has no new issues to worry about ahead of the short trip to Stamford Bridge. The Fulham manager will have a full-strength squad this weekend.

There is no looking past Bernd Leno between the sticks, and Fulham will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him vs Chelsea on Saturday. The backline will feature Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, and Antonee Robinson.

As for the midfield unit, Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic will pair up in the double pivot in the middle of the park. Joshua King will likely reprise the no. 10 role, with Alex Iwobi, Emile Smith Rowe, and Rodrigo Muniz playing around him. So, Raul Jimenez will be a backup option on the bench, and he will make his 200th appearance in the Premier League in the second half.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Iwobi, King, Smith Rowe; Muniz

Key Stats

    Chelsea have lost only 8.3 per cent of their Premier League games vs Fulham (3/36), the joint-lowest loss rate one side has against another with a minimum of 20 meetings (Manchester United also 8.3 per cent against Aston Villa). However, Fulham won the corresponding fixture 2-1 last season, ending a 21-game winless streak away to Chelsea in all competitions. The Cottagers have never won on consecutive visits to Stamford Bridge in their history.
    Chelsea hobbled to a goalless stalemate with Crystal Palace in their first home Premier League match of the 2025/26 season, and they failed to win their opening two home games last season. However, the Blues have not done so in successive seasons since 2001/02 and 2002/03. Only three times previously have the Blues gone goalless in their opening two home league games in a campaign: in 1955/56, 1978/79 and 1986/87.
    Fulham have won four of their last eight away Premier League London derbies (D2 L2), as many as in their previous 68 combined (W4 D21 L43). Having beaten Brentford 3-2 in May, Marco Silva's men are aiming to secure consecutive away London victories for just a second time, having beaten Charlton Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur in May and August 2003.
    Fulham have played out draws in their two Premier League matches thus far in the 2025/26 season. The West London outfit last drew their opening three league games in 2017/18 in the EFL Championship, while in the top flight they have only done so once (2010/11).
    Rodrigo Muniz, who scored a late winner at Stamford Bridge last season for Fulham, has netted six goals in his ten most recent away Premier League appearances, averaging a goal every 45 minutes across those games. His equaliser at Brighton & Hove Albion in Gameweek 1 took him to six away sub goals for the West London club, overtaking Collins John for the most strikes (5).

Player to Watch
Joao Pedro
While Rodrigo Muniz, Sander Berge, and Estevao Willian were viable candidates for this section, we have picked Joao Pedro as the Player to Watch for Saturday's West London derby between Chelsea and Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

The summer arrival has been involved in six goals in his last four games in all competitions for Chelsea (4G A2), managing four goals in four starts for the Blues. In the Premier League era since 1992/93, only three players have scored five or more times in their first five starts across all competitions for Chelsea: Diego Costa in 2014 (7), Alvaro Morata in 2017 (5), and Tammy Abraham in 2019 (7).

After an impressive performance against West Ham United, Joao Pedro will be raring to go, and he will be eager to continue his fine run of form. With Cole Palmer's involvement unclear, the Brazilian international will be the go-to player in the final third for Enzo Maresca this weekend.

Prediction
Chelsea 2-1 Fulham
Chelsea may have run rings around West Ham United last weekend, but Fulham will provide a much more severe test of the home side's offensive quality. Additionally, Cole Palmer's fitness situation affects the creativity in the final third, and the visitors may be confident in their ability to keep Chelsea at bay.

The game against West Ham also showcased Chelsea's soft underbelly, and the away side should take advantage of that. However, Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian should rise to the occasion again and deliver a hard-fought victory. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Enzo Maresca and his charges.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2025/08/29/chelsea-vs-fulham-preview-and-prediction-3/

[WhiteJC]

Silva: 'We've wasted too much time'
A frustrated Marco Silva says Fulham have 'wasted too much time' over the summer in failing to sign players to supplement his first-team squad and that 'it is already too late' to change the situation.

For the third week in a row, the Portuguese head coach took aim at his club's approach to recruitment and told the assembled press at Motspur Park that 'nothing is very close' in terms of new signings. Silva said:

"Nothing's changed because we haven't signed any player. It is probably not possible to sign a striker [this late in the window], but we will see. We need two wingers and one midfielder. We need depth, quality, at least three signings. Nothing is very, very close now. We've wasted a lot of time, it's already too late. If they come, they can settle [in], but nothing is very close right now.

It's difficult for me to say what is going to happen, or not. It's not like I expected. I think, as a manager we don't have any other solutions, but to do it [sign players]. If we don't, we will not be in the conditions to play [in the] Premier League."

Asked specifically about what deals Fulham might be able to do on deadline day, the Fulham boss said:

"I don't believe in miracles, we have to already be prepared. We have to be ready for the [deadline] day, but if we [were] better prepared or organised, it's better."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/silva-weve-wasted-too-much-time/

[WhiteJC]

Wilson injury 'is nothing serious,' says Silva
Harry Wilson's foot injury – sustained against Bristol City in the League Cup on Wednesday – is nothing serious, according to Fulham head coach Marco Silva.

The Whites boss shared his concerns after Wilson was substituted as a precaution during the midweek win over the Robins as the Welshman was holding the same foot that he injured against Manchester United last season. But during today's pre-match press conference, Silva suggested the winger could be fit to face Chelsea in the SW6 derby tomorrow:

"On Wilson, [it is] good news ... nothing serious. He is still in pain but after exams, it is nothing serious. I was concerned, but the previous injury was not affected by the knock. We will see if he is available [at Stamford Bridge]. He can be involved, we will see. Everyone else is available."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/wilson-injury-is-nothing-serious-says-silva/

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea XI vs Fulham: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League
Blues again missing Cole Palmer for west London derby clash at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea will again be without star man Cole Palmer when they host west London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Palmer was set to start last Friday's 5-1 win over West Ham, only to be withdrawn minutes before the game after pulling up in the pre-match warm-up.

He now begins a spell on the sidelines with a groin injury and was omitted from the latest England squad named by Thomas Tuchel on Friday.

Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager, revealed after the win over West Ham that Palmer played through groin pain in the goalless home draw with Crystal Palace on opening weekend.

Speaking on Friday, Maresca said Palmer would not face Fulham and that his recovery would be taken "day by day".

Romeo Lavia remains unavailable but there is some hope within the club that the Belgian midfielder can return after the international break.

"Cole, we need to see day by day," Maresca said. "[Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile] I don't think will be back until after the international break."

In attack, Maresca will be pondering whether to select Joao Pedro or Liam Delap up front. He could be tempted to repeat the trick he used at West Ham and deploy Delap as a striker and Joao Pedro as a No10.

In defence, there is a choice to be made between Reece James and Malo Gusto at right-back, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah expected to continue in the middle.

Nicolas Jackson will not be in the squad as he is expected to leave Chelsea before Monday night's transfer deadline, while Christopher Nkunku will also have no involvement as he closes in on a move to AC Milan.

Levi Colwill remains sidelined and is set to miss the majority of the season due to a serious knee injury.

Predicted Chelsea XI (4-1-4-1): Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo; Estevao, Joao Pedro, Fernandez, Pedro Neto; Delap

Injured: Palmer, Badiashile, Lavia, Colwill

Unavailable: Mudryk

Time and date: 12:30pm BST on Saturday August 30, 2025

Venue: Stamford Bridge, London

How to watch: TNT Sports



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-fc-xi-vs-fulham-confirmed-team-news-predicted-lineup-injury-latest-premier-league-2025-b1244984.html

[WhiteJC]

'Already too late' for Fulham, says disgruntled Silva
Marco Silva has again made his frustration clear at Fulham's lack of signings.

The Whites boss has been vocal about the need to add to the squad – the club have so far not signed an outfield player this summer.

Speaking on the eve of a west London derby against Chelsea, Silva questioned whether his side can compete with the limited resources he claims to have.

He said: "It's difficult for me to say what is going to happen or not. It's not like I expected.

"I think as a manager we don't have other solutions if not to do it (sign players) because, if not, we are going to be not in the condition that we should be to play in the Premier League.

"But let's see what's going to happen. And in the end of the window you can see. I think we waste a lot of time. It's already too late."

The deadline for signing players is Monday evening, with the window closing at 7pm.

A deal to sign AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze appears to be close and other signings are expected.

But Silva is still disgruntled with the timing of Fulham's business.

"Of course the players should come, but it's already too late," he said.

"I'm here to try to adapt and to settle them as quickly as possible.

"But let's see, nothing really more to say, just to say to you that nothing really is very, very close right now."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/already-too-late-for-fulham-says-disgruntled-silva

[WhiteJC]

Fulham eyeing George swoop
Fulham are 'keeping an eye' on the availability of Chelsea winger Tyrique George as they cast a wide net to try and supplement Marco Silva's squad in the closing hours of the summer transfer window.

Sky Sports News' Dharmesh Sheth reports that the Whites are one of a number of Premier League sides interested in signing George, who is the subject of a formal offer from Roma. The nineteen year-old has not played a single minute of league football this season and his chances of first-team football at Stamford Bridge appear remote following Chelsea's summer spending spree, with Alejandro Garnacho the latest big-money signing for Enzo Maresca.

George, who is also interesting Bayern Munich and Crystal Palace, has scored three goals in 26 games for Chelsea since coming through the club's academy, which he joined aged eight. The Camden-born winger scored the equaliser as Maresca's side came from behind to Fulham at Craven Cottage last season – and Sheth suggests that the Whites are admirers of his talent.

Chelsea's preference is to sell the teenager, although the deal will be complicated by the fact that Blues want to insert a significant sell-on clause so that they can profit from his future development.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/fulham-eyeing-george-swoop/

[WhiteJC]

Timo Werner set to be offered to Fulham, Crystal Palace, West Ham United
Leeds United recently failed in an attempt to sign 29-year-old RB Leipzig attacker, and his representatives may offer him to Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham United.

According to a report by Give Me Sport, Timo Werner has been the subject of interest from Leeds United in the summer transfer window. However, the Whites have failed with an attempt to sign the RB Leipzig attacker, who does not want to move to Elland Road. Meanwhile, the German international's entourage may offer him to Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham United in the final days of the summer transfer window.

Timo Werner and his Premier League troubles
Timo Werner has seen his stock plummet after his two spells in the Premier League. The 29-year-old was a hot property when he joined Chelsea half a decade ago. However, the Stuttgart native failed to make his mark at Chelsea before returning to RB Leipzig. He returned to the Premier League when Tottenham completed a loan deal in January 2024.

The German international spent 18 months at Tottenham across two loan spells, but he managed only three goals and seven assists in 41 appearances for the North London outfit. However, while Werner has returned to RB Leipzig, his stock is reasonably high. Premier League clubs, in particular, are interested, with Leeds United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.

What next for Werner?
Leeds United's interest in Timo Werner makes sense. The Whites have heavily reinforced their offensive unit by signing several attackers this summer. However, with Patrick Bamford having no future at Elland Road and Largie Ramazani closing in on joining Valencia, Leeds United must sign a versatile attacker. However, the former Chelsea and Tottenham forward has snubbed the West Yorkshire outfit.

Meanwhile, the report has claimed that Werner's representatives want to offer the RB Leipzig outcast to Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham United. Recent reports have suggested that staying in London appeals to the player. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace can do with a player like Werner, as he can be a top-notch addition to an offensive unit that must fill Eberechi Eze's void.

As for Fulham, the Cottagers have not been active enough in the market, and Marco Silva wants more firepower in the final third. Meanwhile, West Ham United must dip into the market for a versatile attacker to alleviate some burden off Jarrod Bowen. So, Werner is an option worth considering for West Ham.

With Werner turning down Leeds United, it will be interesting to see if a move to Crystal Palace, Fulham, or West Ham United materialises. Meanwhile, reports earlier this year linked Werner with the New York Red Bulls, and a move to MLS may also be on the cards.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/08/29/timo-werner-set-to-be-offered-to-fulham-crystal-palace-west-ham-united/

[WhiteJC]

'We know the SW6 derby means more,' says Wilson
Harry Wilson is aiming to repeat last season's heroics as Fulham prepare to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime.

The Welsh winger could well feature in the SW6 derby after Whites boss Marco Silva revealed that the foot injury he sustained on Wednesday night against Bristol City was 'nothing' serious. Wilson, who equalised on Boxing Day before Rodrigo Muniz's stoppage time winner secured Fulham's first win at the Bridge in 45 years, told FFCTV that the squad were aiming to pick up their first league win of the season against the Blues.

"We had a great win there last year. Rodrigo scored in the 95th minute to get us the win, which was an amazing feeling, so if we can do that again it would be great. But we know we're going to have to be at the top of our game, because Chelsea showed in the summer, winning the Club World Cup, what a fantastic team they are.

They had an amazing win last Friday as well against West Ham, so we know it's going to be a really tough game, but we know that if we play to the levels we're capable of then we'll be able to get a result. Every London derby we play, we always go in wanting to win it. We know it means that extra bit more to the fans, especially the local ones against Chelsea and Brentford."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/we-know-the-sw6-derby-means-more-says-wilson/

[WhiteJC]

Araujo close to Colchester loan
Fulham defender Harvey Araujo is close to joining Colchester United on a season-long loan, according to Jack Kelly.

The 20 year-old centre back, who can also operate at left back, joined Fulham's academy aged eleven. The former England under-18 international has been a consistent performer for Fulham's academy sides, making 56 appearances for the under-18s and playing 64 games at under-21 level.

Araujo signed his first professional contract with the club in 2021 and enjoyed a loan spell with Chesterfield last season, making 23 appearances in all competitions. His current deal at Craven Cottage has another two years to run.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/araujo-close-to-colchester-loan/

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea vs Fulham: When the rivalry restarted
In recent years we have become accustomed to regular top-flight league meetings between Chelsea and Fulham, but they have been far from commonplace in the history of the two west London neighbours.

It wasn't until September 1949 that the sides met in the First Division for the first time, when a Billy Gray goal bagged a point for Chelsea at Craven Cottage.

Five more encounters followed – four won by the Blues - before Fulham were relegated in 1952. The Whites' elevation back to the First Division seven years later reunited the clubs, and they would prove regular sparring partners in the sixties as club legends like Peter Osgood, Ron Harris, Johnny Haynes and George Cohen faced up.

Chelsea remained the dominant force.

However, when Fulham were again relegated at the end of the 1967/68 campaign, it would be nearly 35 years before the local rivals contested a top-flight league fixture again. In the interim, a sprinkling of Division Two games and one League Cup tie was all that Chelsea and Fulham fans could get excited about.

The footballing landscape had changed significantly by the time Jean Tigana steered the Cottagers to the Division One title in 2000/01. The top flight was now known as the Premiership, with Chelsea ever-present since its inception in 1992 and established as a major force in the English game.

The fixture list sent us west along the Fulham Road in September 2001, when a Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink goal was cancelled out by Barry Hayles. The terracing at the Hammersmith End harked back to fixtures of yesteryear.

However, when Fulham made the return journey in March 2002, they found a very different Stamford Bridge to the one they had last played at in 1985.

Three of the four stands had been entirely redeveloped, and the stadium was now all-seater, in line with league regulations that necessitated Fulham temporarily relocating to Loftus Road later that year while the Cottage was upgraded.

Chelsea came into the midweek game off the back of a disappointing last-minute defeat to Charlton at the Valley, and with our aspirations of qualifying for the Champions League hanging by a thread.

Fulham, meanwhile, were sitting pretty in tenth place having impressed on their return to the top flight. The likes of Steve Finnan, Andy Melville, Luis Boa Morte and Louis Saha looked right at home in the Premiership, while new signings Edwin van der Sar, Steed Malbranque and Sylvain Legwinski added star quality.

Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit had played under Tigana at Monaco, so he was well placed to preview the game on the official Chelsea website.

'For the first year in the Premier League they are doing very, very well,' said Petit. 'There are a lot of things to come from them, they have to improve, but I'm sure Jean Tigana knows about that and he tries to build a big team for next season.

'He used to be the kind of player who wants to play. He was a very hard midfield player, he was running everywhere on the pitch, but every time he got the ball he tried to play properly. Simply but properly. He was efficient on the pitch, and as a manager he wants to do the same with his players.'

Chelsea's defence resumed a familiar look as Marcel Desailly returned from his recent hamstring strain to partner William Gallas. Gianfranco Zola and Petit came in for Jody Morris and the suspended Mario Stanic. Former Blue Jon Harley started for the visitors.

Claudio Ranieri's Blues lined up in a 4-diamond-2 formation: Cudicini; Melchiot, Gallas, Desailly, Babayaro; Petit, Lampard, Le Saux, Zola; Hasselbaink, Gudjohnsen.

What followed was a thrilling west London derby that made onlookers wish there had been more in the previous 20 years.

Fulham defender Abdeslam Ouaddou had already thudded a header against the crossbar when Mario Melchiot beat Van der Sar from distance with the aid of a slight deflection. It was the right-back's third Chelsea goal, and his first not scored against Man United.

What had been a simmering contest heated up considerably. Within seconds of Chelsea taking the lead, Gallas was adjudged to have made contact with Saha fractionally before he toed the ball away. Fulham were awarded a penalty and it was Saha who stepped up to take it, calmly stroking the ball into the bottom left-hand corner.

Van der Sar pulled off a fine save from Zola, deployed at the tip of the diamond, before Chelsea again took the lead with a goal fashioned from simple but sublime passing. Cutting right through the heart of the Fulham team, Petit fed Zola, who moved the ball onto Graeme Le Saux. He then played Gudjohnsen through and the striker cut in front of the Fulham defence and slotted the ball home with the minimum of fuss (pictured top).

Fulham came close to equalising again through Malbranque, Ouaddou and Saha, all of whom passed up presentable opportunities. However, Saha made no mistake in the 72nd minute, bundling a loose ball over the line after we had failed to clear Rufus Brevett's cross.

There was still time for one final twist ten minutes later. Two Chelsea substitutes combined to great effect as Jesper Gronkjaer's lofted cross was controlled on his chest by Mikael Forssell and turned past Van der Sar from eight yards out.

The Finnish striker's winning goal was his eighth of the season. Remarkably, all had been scored when he had come off the bench.

'It was very important to win tonight,' stated Ranieri after our 3-2 success. 'But it was a very difficult game. Fulham played very well. In the first half, Chelsea played well, it was good for us, like champagne. Everybody wanted to hit everything. But in the second half, it was very difficult for us to win.'

Almost 40,000 people had been treated to a local derby befitting of the occasion, the first at Stamford Bridge in a generation. A few days later, both sides won their FA Cup quarter-final ties and were pitted against one another in the semis, when a much more turgid encounter ended 1-0 to Chelsea.

The Chelsea vs Fulham rivalry had well and truly restarted. We wait to see what will be written in tomorrow's chapter.



https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/chelsea-vs-fulham-when-the-rivalry-restarted

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Marco Silva signals resilience of his squad during 'busy' and 'tricky' August
It has not been the most comfortable summer for the Cottagers.

Marco Silva gets ready to go for bragging rights against Chelsea on their turf for the second time in eight months. But Fulham have a thin squad, and after the strain of midweek action, the schedule is a reminder of how the last month has been a "busy" and "tricky" time for the Portuguese manager.

    'They are still recovering'

There were no shocks in midweek for the Cottagers in the Carabao Cup. An own goal and a finish from Raul Jimenez put them two goals to the good against Bristol City and calmed all the nerves.

"We know it's a competition that normally can have surprises. It's something you try to avoid as much as you can, respect the opponent. We had good examples in the past. In this competition, Rotation or not, it's up to us to keep the same type of approach and it speaks about the players as well."

It is onto the third round in the domestic cup against Cambridge United, with business handled well.

"Professional and focused in the way we approach things. It was a professional performance, job done. That's the most important thing. That is what we expected but we have to prove it in the match."

But there is less preparatory time for the team ahead of the West London derby as the Blues have not been in action since a 5-1 rout of West Ham last Friday. On top of that, three players are doubts.

"Let's see with Harry Wilson. Because the players played on Wednesday evening, they are still recovering with some knocks. Nothing serious apart from Timothy Castagne a little bit with some knocks from the game. Issa Diop too, but I really believe that both are going to be available.".

    'You prefer to have a week'

Fulham finished last term with 54 points, a club record in the Premier League era. The target would have been building on that momentum, but the transfer window has been dormant. Only Benjamin Lecomte has come through the door, a £500,000 second-choice shot stopper from Montpellier.

"It's always a tricky period. It's a busy period because you have to do a lot of work in terms of the market. Also players can leave, players can come. Me and my staff try to be as focused as you can control with the sessions and the matches but we have many things to speak about and prepare."

Yet, the side have shown their steel. Rodrigo Muniz pulled out an equaliser at the death to earn a point at the Amex Stadium off the bench. Then, Emile Smith Rowe repeated the trick last week as Fulham avoided defeat at Craven Cottage against the Red Devils for the first time in 15 years.

"Tough start in terms of schedule. Premier League is always difficult, but if you look at out schedule, the beginning it is difficult to go to Brighton and first home game against Man United after good home game against Arsenal. Now, we have a big game again before the international break."

The manager made clear he will not allow midweek fatigue to foil any attempt at winning tomorrow.

"When you have these types of games, you prefer to have a week to prepare. It was not the case for us, Chelsea had that chance to prepare. But we always want to win games, collect maximum points."



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2025/08/29/fulham/1231993-marco-silva-signals-resilience-of-his-squad-during-busy-and-trickyaugust.html