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

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Marco Silva seeks to 'balance things' on derby day despite Chelsea's financial clout
The Fulham boss believes expenditure does not determine their fate at Stamford Bridge.

Marco Silvaspoke about what the West London derby means to him as Fulham face Chelsea at Stamford Bridgethis weekend. The Blues have a far more expensive talent, with top-end talent headlining their title charge, but the Portuguese does not feel his men have no chance of competing.

    'They are in a different world'

Even though Fulham cannot earn more than three points, derby days always mean that bit extra.

"It's a special derby. It is a special moment for our fans, and when you feel it, it gives the players that extra motivation as well. In every Premier League game, you can make a statement. This is another game, there are three points there, nothing more, but you know there's always something special."

Silva sees this rivalry as an example of how the standards of the squad have risen in recent years.

"The last few seasons, since we joined the club, we changed completely the record against them. We have been really competitive, to match them and to balance really well on the pitch."

Todd Boehly has bankrolled a strange sporting project, but his spending is showing signs of return on investment. The Blues banked a top four spot and the Conference League crown in May before beating Paris Saint-Germain to become the new champions of the world in the middle of July.

"Off the pitch, what they have been doing last three, four seasons, spending not millions, billions probably, and it's again this summer. The team had a very good last season and won the Conference League, they were the favourites, but won the Club World Cup as well, and were able to strengthen."

The spending has not stopped. The squad now has two central forwards who have immediately ousted Nicolas Jackson and are about to pick up a temperamental 21-year-old with some promising tools.

"Even their attacking line – Estevao, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro. Probably more is coming, probably Alejandro Garnacho is coming too. I think it speaks about themselves and the individual quality they have. Off the pitch is a completely different world. They are in a different world."

On the other hand, Fulham have only spent £500,000 this summer to bring in second choice shot stopper Benjamin Lecomte. It is down to the manager to make the most of the available resources.

"They are capable to do things off the pitch which we are not – our aim is to balance everything inside the pitch, to balance everything during the 95 or 100 minutes that we are going to play against them, like we did last season both games."

He knows his boys can compete from experience. They narrowly lost 1-0 at their rivals in January 2024, then beat them 2-1 at their ground on Boxing Day. A narrow 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage in April did not reflect the damage done by Fulham in the first half, furthering the belief in the group.

"Two great games, really balanced, emotional games, late goals for us at Stamford Bridge, and after for them at Craven Cottage. But the way we faced them, the way we matched them, is what we are going to try to do again, to balance things on a matchday that are completely different off the pitch."



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2025/08/29/fulham/1231995-marco-silva-seeks-to-balance-things-on-derby-day-despite-chelseasfinancial-cloutthe-fulham-boss-believes-expenditure-does-not-determine-their-fateat-stamford-bridge.html

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Colchester United have signed defender Harvey Araujo on loan
COLCHESTER United have signed defender Harvey Araujo on a season-long loan from Premier League side Fulham.

 The young defender, who celebrates his 21st birthday next Wednesday, had a loan spell at the U's League Two rivals Chesterfield last season, playing 23 times for the Spireites.

Araujo, who is an England under-18 international, has been at Fulham since the age of 11 and turned professional in September, 2021.

 He signed a three-year deal with Fulham last summer and is now looking to impress at Colchester.

Colchester boss Danny Cowley said: "We're really pleased to bring Harvey to the club.

"He's a boy that we've known for quite a long time.

"He's a left-footed centre-half who can also play at left-back.

"He had a really good loan at Chesterfield, last season and did well.

 "He's also played for England and Yilmaz, our goalkeeper coach, actually worked with him when Yilmaz was part of the younger team development groups at England.

"He's technically a very good player and will give us that left foot balance, which is something that we always like.

"He's really good at playing through the pitch and really good at speeding the game up but most importantly, wants to defend.

 "He's good in the duel and I think he's a really good reader of the game, an intelligent defender and one of those balanced profiles that we really like in that position.

"We're pleased to have him on board and it gives us the competition for places that we want in that position."

 Araujo will challenge for a place in the Colchester defence and despite his young age, has leadership qualities that have caught U's boss Cowley's eye.

"I watched him two seasons ago now and I was really impressed by his calmness and composure and his reading of the game," added Cowley.

"A moment that stuck out for me was when they were playing Tottenham in a cup final at Craven Cottage.

"Tottenham had got in control of the game and were dominating the ball and Fulham were having to suffer and he just led in his own way, with a real calm authority.

 "What's the definition of a leader? I guess it's making people around you five per cent better.

"He was able to do that at a really young age and that impressed me.

"When you think about leaders in football, there's the Terry Butcher type with the blood splattered across their face, sleeves rolled up and that kind of archetypal England leader.

"He's not that but he's an intelligent boy and I think he'll do really well for us."



https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/sport/25425096.colchester-united-signed-defender-harvey-araujo-loan/

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Marco Silva expresses Fulham transfer frustration and delivers injury update ahead of Chelsea Premier League clash
Fulham boss Marco Silva has admitted that the club have 'wasted a lot of time' in the summer transfer window.

The Cottagers have experienced a disappointing window up until this point, having added just one new name to Silva's squad.

Backup goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte represents the club's sole summer addition following his move from French side Montpellier.

Silva told reporters after Sunday's draw with Manchester United that he wants at least three new players before the transfer window shuts on Monday.

The Fulham boss delivered a fresh transfer plea when he spoke to the media ahead of Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Bristol City in the EFL Cup second round.

Silva expresses Fulham transfer frustration
In his latest press conference, Silva provided a frustrated response when asked if the club will sign three new players before the end of the market.

"There's nothing very close right now," Silva told reporters ahead of Saturday's West London derby against Chelsea.

"As a manager, I think we don't have any other option but to do it because otherwise we won't be in the condition to play in the Premier League. I think we have wasted a lot of time."

Meanwhile, Silva was reluctant to discuss reports suggesting that Andreas Pereira is closing in on a move to Brazilian side Palmeiras.

"I'm not going to talk about possibilities and rumours," Silva said. "I haven't got any official information and I don't know the ins and outs, so I don't have anything to say."

Silva delivers Wilson, Robinson injury update
Fulham were given a scare when Harry Wilson was forced off in midweek with an injury to the same foot problem that kept him out of action for an extended period last season.

However, Silva has alleviated any fears that Wilson has picked up a serious injury, although he is a doubt for the short trip to Stamford Bridge.

"Good news, nothing serious," Silva said. "Still in pain but after exams, nothing serious. I was concerned, but the previous injury was not affected by the knock.

"We will see if he is available. He can be involved, we will see. Everyone else is available."

Silva also revealed that Antonee Robinson is available after missing Wednesday's EFL cup win, although he is not fit to start the final league game before the international break.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/silva-expresses-fulham-transfer-frustration-delivers-injury-update-ahead-of-chelsea-clash_580388.html

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Why AC Milan are stalling on Samuel Chukwueze's Fulham deal that was nearly complete – Report
AC Milan and Fulham have been negotiating a transfer for Samuel Chukwueze in the last few days, but the deal has not happened yet....

Fulham have already reached an agreement with AC Milan for the transfer of Samuel Chukwueze, but the Super Eagles winger has not made the move yet, as the Rossoneri need him for their Serie A game against Lecce on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Chukwueze has been heavily linked with many clubs this summer, as he is expected to leave AC Milan due to due to his lack of game time.

However, after weeks of speculations about the Super Eagles star's future, Fulham reached an agreement with the Rossoneri for Chukwueze's transfer some days ago.

But since then, things have gone silent, as neither Fulham nor AC Milan have released anything official about the Nigerian.

Why Samuel Chukwueze Is Still At Fulham
Reports from Sempre Milan suggest that all the parties involved have already reached an agreement for Chukwueze's transfers.

The Super Eagles star will even take a slight wage cut if he make the Fulham move, as the Cottagers will pay him €3.5 million net yearly.

However, the reason the transfer has been temporarily paused is that the Rossoneri want him in their squad for their Serie A game again Lecce today.

AC Milan are dealing with a few injuries to their attack, and coach Massimiliano Allegri wants to have as many options as possible for that fixture.

It will likely be Chukwueze's last game with AC Milan. Afterwards, the 26-year-old is expected to be cleared to join Fulham.

In the meantime, the AC Milan star has been called up to Nigeria's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa next month.

He will be hoping to have a strong international break with the Super Eagles so he can return to club football with some momentum.



https://soccernet.ng/2025/08/ac-milan-samuel-chukwueze-fulham.html

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From the press box: Silva fired up for the SW6 Derby
Jack Kelly gives us the lowdown on Marco Silva's latest pre-match press conference.

Eat, sleep, press conference, repeat. That's pretty much been my week. I could say it was another fiery press conference, but someone in the comments might get upset. As Clive Tyldesley said during the 1999 Champions League Final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich: "I was there".

Today was my second one-to-one chat with Marco Silva this week - those quotes are available from 22:30 tonight on X and my Patreon. Another moment where I've glanced around the room, realised I'm the only written journalist here and suddenly felt a wave of pressure on my shoulders to ask the right questions. The last chance before the window closes.

Of course, as is routine, Sky Sports kicked things off in the broadcast section and the questions were mainly around transfers, as expected. Some quotes from Silva:

"Nothings changed because we haven't signed any player. Probably not possible to sign a striker, but we will see. We need two wingers and one midfielder. We need depth, quality, at least three signings. Nothing very very close now.

"We've wasted a lot of time, it's already too late. If they come, they can settle, 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."

When it comes to ins and outs, Silva doesn't give anything away. I wonder if he's a fan of the Hokey Cokey? So, when names like Andreas Pereira and Raheem Sterling come up, he doesn't wish to comment.

Pereira has taken Fulham FC out of his instagram bio; a very Gen-Z level of reporting on football. But as has been reported in the last few days, he's off to see the Wizard - the Wizard being Brazil.

Quite clearly a Wizard of Oz joke/reference, I actually think that went right over Sammy's head on the Thursday Club. We're going to the bloody Bridge tomorrow, for our sins. There is no place like home.

Martial Godo is heading to France to join Strasbourg on loan, which looks like a permanent deal. Pure profit in the bag, which can be re-invested over the next few days.

Back to the press conference. Silva finished his piece and walked out the door, the door closed and every journalist looked at each-other, wide-eyed and without saying a word. In that brief moment, we were all thinking the same thing: Marco isn't pleased at all.

Tomorrow is the small matter of the SW6 Derby. Some Fulham fans view this as like Christmas Eve. Last year I viewed it as Boxing Day, because... well, it was Boxing Day.

Come on Fulham, let's do it again and beat them. Let's go into the first international break on the highest of highs ahead of what could be a dizzying deadline day. Let's finish the window with a few players through the door. Easier said than done, but what's the point of being alive if you can't dream? Samuel Chukwueze, Kevin, a top midfielder and a surprise fourth player.

But there is panic on the streets of Hammersmith & Fulham. Ring the DJ, ring the DJ, ring the DJ (Dan James).

Up the Fulham.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/from-the-press-box-silva-fired-up

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Araujo joins Colchester on loan
Fulham have confirmed that centre back Harvey Araujo has joined Colchester United on a season-long loan.

The 20 year-old, who spent time on loan at Chesterfield last term, could make his debut for Danny Cowley's side at Barnet on Saturday.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/araujo-joins-colchester-on-loan/

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Colchester sign Fulham defender Araujo on loan
Colchester United have signed defender Harvey Araujo on loan from Fulham for the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old, who can play centre-back or at left-back, spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Chesterfield, where he made 20 appearances in League Two.

He has yet to play for Fulham's first team but was involved in four EFL Trophy games for their Under-21s two seasons ago.

"Technically, he's a really good player and will give us that left-foot balance which is something we always like," boss Danny Cowley told BBC Essex Sport.

"He's a really good reader of the game, an intelligent defender, and gives us the competition for places that we want in that position."

Araujo joins a Colchester side that have taken five points from their opening five games of the season but lost the last two, at home to Cambridge United and Barrow.

"I see myself as a leader on and off the ball, dictating the style of play, showing my physicality, and being aggressive when needed," he told the club website.

"Danny and Nicky set out a clear plan for me, to go out there, express myself, and be the best player I can be.

The U's are away at Barnet on Saturday.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/clyre7jvvn4o

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Shahid Khan: 'I'm glad PSR rules are being enforced'
There are some striking quotes in the interview Fulham chairman Shahid Khan has given The Observer – which has been published on the paper's website this evening.

Asked about the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules that seem to have inhabited his club's spending this summer, Khan says:

"I think they're really good. I'm glad they're being enforced now. Why is the Premier League the most popular soccer league in the world? Because of some of those rules and how the money is divided ... the fact is that when you compare it to the other leagues in the world, the Premier League is by far the most competitive. For Fulham, we have to optimise our key attributes; the richest, most-educated fan base in English football. Geographically it's in a beautiful location, so we can serve the community on non-match days."

Curiously, Khan appears most animated when discussing the architectural merit of the new Riverside Stand.

"Frankly, it's a passion for me. I seriously thought about being an architect, and I even started the first year in engineering school. But then I saw how much money they were making ... The challenge of space design is, how do you come up with something that's iconic, efficient and really touches people in a good way?"

Asked about the prospect of acquiring Wembley, which Khan came close to achieving seven years ago, the Fulham owner replies:

"We've got a great relationship [with Wembley] and for the time being we are doing great, so all is good."

Conor Schmidt's piece, which centres more on the turbulent summer endured by the Jacksonville Jaguars, is notable for what it doesn't include: any discussion of Fulham's passive transfer business, which has so irked Marco Silva.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/shahid-khan-im-glad-psr-rules-are-being-enforced/

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Peter Crouch and Steve Sidwell so far apart in their Chelsea vs Fulham prediction
Chelsea's final match before the international break of the season is a tasty London derby against Fulham.

The Blues host rivals Fulham on Saturday afternoon at Stamford Bridge in their third game of the new Premier League season.

Enzo Maresca's side have picked up four points from their opening two games, beating West Ham but drawing against Crystal Palace, and now attention turns towards their West London neighbours.

Even though Chelsea's injury absentees against Fulham include Cole Palmer, they should still be able to field a very strong XI. In fairness, they thrashed West Ham 5-1 last week without their talisman.

Peter Crouch and Steve Sidwell predict Chelsea vs Fulham
Ahead of Chelsea against Fulham this weekend, former Premier League stars Steve Sidwell and Peter Crouch have disagreed when predicting the result.

Speaking on That Peter Crouch podcast, Sidwell said: "I just think Chelsea are going to be too strong for this. I'm going to go for a Chelsea 3-0 win."

Afterwards, Crouch added: "I'm going to go for another draw here, 1-1. Obviously Chelsea will be favourites, I accept that. I think Fulham will be alright."

It was a win apiece between rivals Chelsea and Fulham last season in the Premier League, with the away side coming out on top both times.

Will history repeat itself this Saturday?

Pedro Neto scored a stoppage time winner when the Blues won at Craven Cottage back in April, and he's one of the main goal threats in the absence of Palmer. Incidentally, Jamie Redknapp claims Neto is coming good at Chelsea after he netted his first goal of the new season against West Ham.

Meanwhile, Liam Delap scored two in two against Fulham last term as an Ipswich Town player.

Ally McCoist makes prediction for Chelsea vs Fulham
Ally McCoist is another retired footballer and pundit who's made an interesting prediction for the West London derby.

Speaking via TNT Sports, McCoist said: "I don't think there's an awful lot between the sides to be honest. I was impressed with Fulham for periods of the game against Manchester United. They were a bit unlucky not to win that game and I think they'll take the game to Chelsea.

"But I do think Chelsea's home form will dictate how they do this season because I expect them to be strong at home. I know they drew against Crystal Palace on the opening day but I think this will be a tight game and I expect Chelsea just to nick it due to the flair players in their side."

"Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Fulham."

If Chelsea can make it two wins and a draw from their opening three league games, it would definitely mark a positive start to Maresca's second season in the dugout.



https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/news/peter-crouch-and-steve-sidwell-so-far-apart-in-their-chelsea-vs-fulham-prediction/

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Muniz: 'I'm happy at Fulham'
Rodrigo Muniz has told TNT Sports that is 'happy at Fulham' and enjoys a special relationship with the Fulham fans – but believes he is ready to become Marco Silva's first choice striker.

The Brazilian centre forward, who came off the bench against Bristol City in the League Cup on Wednesday to make his hundredth appearance for the Whites, scored as a substitute in the opening game of the season at Brighton and Hove Albion. He was the subject of serious interest from Serie A side Atalanta but looks set to stay at Craven Cottage – and now wants more starts ahead of Raul Jimenez.

In an interview for TNT Sports' coverage of tomorrow's SW6 derby, Muniz – who famously scored the winner at Stamford Bridge last season – told former Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell:

"I'm very happy at Fulham. The fans ... they really love me and I love the Fulham fans as well. The love of the Fulham fans is good, but, like I said, I need to play. If I stay in Fulham, I will train hard every day to get a chance to start more games then [in] the last two seasons. Let's see. I am ready to my next steps, to play more. Now, it is the decision from Marco [Silva] to decide who is going to play the next game. We are ready to play. If you don't start, you need to be ready to play the second half and score goals. I'm ready, but now I want to start more games.

Sidwell goes fishing with Muniz and is surprised by the striker's passion for angling. He explains:

"I went fishing with my Dad and my Dad's brother [when I was younger] – and I love to fish. All the time, every weekend. Monday to Saturday football and Sunday, fishing. [In another interview] they asked me, 'What do you like to do?' I said: 'God, football, fish'. I put God before football. But I love to fish.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/muniz-im-happy-at-fulham/

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Pereira joins Palmeiras
Fulham have confirmed that Andreas Pereira has signed for Palmeiras in a deal believed to be worth around £8.6m.

The 29 year-old made 119 appearances for the Whites scoring, scoring ten goals and contributing 22 assists, in three years at Craven Cottage as Marco Silva's side re-established themselves in the top flight. Pereira, who returned to the Brazilian national side on account of his consistent Fulham displays, lost his place in Silva's side last season after openly discussing the prospect of playing for Marseille and other foreign clubs.

He was an unused substitute for the opening game of the Premier League season at Brighton and watched the 1-1 draw with his old club Manchester United from the Cottage balcony. He returns to his homeland as part of a huge spending spree from Palmeiras, the largest in Brazilian history, and will hope to remain in Carlo Ancelotti's squad ahead of next summer's World Cup.

Pereira is quoted as telling the Fulham website:

"From the first day at Fulham, I felt at home. Thank you to my teammates, staff, and fans for every moment.  After three years, I leave proud of what we achieved together. Fulham will always be part of me."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/pereira-joins-palmeiras/

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Andreas departs
The Club can confirm that Andreas Pereira has joined Palmeiras for an undisclosed fee.

The midfielder arrived in SW6 three years ago and has helped the team secure mid-table finishes in every season, during which time he appeared in 119 games for the Club.

Andreas also earned international recognition during his time with us, making him the first Fulham player to earn a call-up to the Brazil national team, and he now has 10 caps to his name.

"From the first day at Fulham, I felt at home," Andreas said. "Thank you to my teammates, staff, and fans for every moment.

"After three years, I leave proud of what we achieved together. Fulham will always be part of me 🤍🖤."

Tony Khan added: "Since joining us in the summer of 2022, Andreas Pereira has been a consummate professional, and he's been an important member of the squad, contributing to some tremendous moments and important accomplishments for Fulham, including the record Premier League points total that the team achieved last season.

"I want to take this opportunity to wish Andreas all the best in the future at Palmeiras, where I am sure that he'll find much success.

"Thank you, Andreas! Come on Fulham!"

Everyone at the Club would like to thank Andreas for his efforts over the last few years, and we wish him the best of luck back in Brazil.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/august/29/andreas-departs/

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Pereira seals move from Fulham to Palmeiras
Andreas Pereira has left Fulham to join Palmeiras for an undisclosed fee.

The Brazilian appeared in 119 games for the club, scoring 10 goals and providing 19 assists.

Pereira joined in 2022 from Manchester United and was a key cog in Marco Silva's side as they finished 10th in the Whites' first season back in the Premier League.

The 29 year-old is the third Brazilian to depart the club this summer, following Willian and Carlos Vinicius.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/pereira-seals-move-from-fulham-to-palmeiras

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Transfers are 'out of my control,' says Silva
Marco Silva says that Fulham's transfer approach is 'out of my control' after he tried to ensure the Whites bought in more signings over the course of the summer window.

The Portuguese head coach has left nobody in any doubt that he wanted top-flight quality through the door earlier this season and reiterated his belief that the current wait and see approach is harmful to the Whites' prospects. Silva, who has hardly done any media outside of the Premier League media day, told the press:

"The time is coming to an end, but we don't have other solution if (we're) not doing it. Probably now, it's already too late. Probably, (we) lost some of the players that we should have signed or tried more, but it's what it is. If I'm going to complain or not, it's not going to change anything, unfortunately for me, not for me, for the football club, that is the most important thing than myself. But it's what it is. Let's see what's going to happen now. It's a bit out of my control really. And I like to have the things under control and I don't have no more (control)."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/transfers-are-out-of-my-control-says-silva/

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Silva: Cairney is 'a proper legend'
Marco Silva has described Fulham captain Tom Cairney as 'a proper legend'.

The Scottish international is into his tenth year at Craven Cottage after signing a one-year contract extension this summer and made his 356th appearance on Wednesday night as the Whites beat Bristol City to reach the third round of the League Cup. Speaking to the press ahead of tomorrow's derby against Chelsea, Silva pointed out that the 34 year-old had to recover from a serious knee problem to lead Fulham to a third promotion from the Championship and that the midfielder has been a key part of the Cottagers' squad that has re-established itself in the top tier.

"Proper legend. Massive respect to TC. I'm really pleased for him, enjoying Premier League football with the Fulham shirt. I remember when I first joined the club, how he was after almost a season that he didn't participate at all in the Premier League.

I'm really enjoying all the moments with him in the football club. He's a top guy. He's the captain of the club, probably not the most vocal guy, but represents other important things in our football club. The other things about him speaks about himself – what he did, what was important, the goals he scores, as you mentioned, up and downs in the club, promotions and after relegations. I'm really pleased that under me, he's being just positive things."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/silva-cairney-is-a-proper-legend/

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Silva: 'The derby is emotional ... it is for the fans'
Marco Silva believes that the side who controls their emotions best will win the SW6 derby tomorrow afternoon.

Fulham take on Chelsea on Stamford Bridge looking for a second successive away win against the Blues following Rodrigo Muniz's stoppage-time winner last December. Silva told Jack Kelly:

"The game at Craven Cottage was very emotional too and was very emotional for the Chelsea fans, even for the Chelsea players, because we felt it even in the dressing room. Like probably they felt (it) when we celebrated in the dressing room on the Boxing Day. It's what it is, I think they are derbies, they are emotional, you have to control, but outside the pitch you cannot, it's for the fans."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/silva-the-derby-is-emotional-it-is-for-the-fans/

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Chelsea agree shock Xavi Simons alternative transfer as London rival plots Raheem Sterling move
Our opinion on the latest Chelsea transfer news, including updates on Facundo Buonanotte, Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling

Chelsea will be keen to pick up from where they left off when they return to action this weekend. The Blues will lock horns with Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon as Enzo Maresca's looks to clinch back-to-back wins in the Premier League.

While Chelsea may fancy their chances against the Cottagers, they're set to be without Cole Palmer, who's currently nursing a groin injury. Estevao Willian stepped in for the England international when the Blues stormed past West Ham, and he was an instant hit.

Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile will also miss the Fulham clash, but, fortunately, the summer transfer window doesn't shut until Monday, September 1, so the club could always bring in some last-minute cover.

Once the deadline passes, the lion's share of Maresca's squad will disperse for the international break. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea transfer news.

Chelsea agree deal for Simons alternative
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Facundo Buonanotte on a season-long loan from Brighton. The report claims there will not be an option to make the move for the 20-year-old attacking midfielder permanent.

It's said that Leeds United were confident they were about to wrap up a similar deal for Buonanotte, with a medical booked in West Yorkshire on Thursday afternoon. However, the Blues reportedly swooped in and secured the Argentina international's signature.

football.london says: "At face value, this deal doesn't look like a great deal for Chelsea, having not submitted a bid for Xavi Simons and not pursued Fermin Lopez. However, the Blues have essentially brought in a stop-gap for Kendry Paez, who will return from a season-long loan at Strasbourg next summer. He will then come in with a wealth of experience under his belt, and Facundo Buonanotte will go back to Brighton."



https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/chelsea-agree-shock-xavi-simons-32379157

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Matchday Preview: Chelsea
🆚 Chelsea
🏟 Stamford Bridge
🏆 Premier League
🗓 Saturday 30th August
⏰ 12.30pm

The opposition

It's been some few months for Chelsea, who followed up their UEFA Conference League triumph with victory in the Club World Cup this summer, a feat all the more impressive considering their dismantling of Paris Saint-Germain in the Final. Saturday is the third of four London derbies that Chelsea are starting the Premier League season with, having drawn with Crystal Palace and thrashed West Ham, ahead of meetings with Fulham and Brentford.

Team news

🔵 Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia will miss the derby.

🤍 Marco Silva was disappointed not to be able to call on Antonee Robinson in midweek, but the left-back remains in contention for the weekend.

Tickets

Tickets for this match are long since sold out, meaning there will be 3,083 Fulham fans in attendance on the day.

Kits

Both sides will be in their home kits this weekend.

Weather

🌧 A cloudy lunchtime is forecast in Fulham, with a 30 per cent chance of rain before the match is over. Temperatures will be around the 20 degree mark.

Coverage

FFCtv subscribers can listen to commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, while the game will also be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports. Overseas supporters can see who is showing the game in your region at this page.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/august/29/matchday-preview-chelsea/

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Up next: Chelsea (a)
Fulham make the short trip to Stamford Bridge this lunchtime in good heart having taken two points from their first two Premier League fixtures and eased into the third round of the League Cup by beating Bristol City on Wednesday evening. Marco Silva's side will face their near neighbours with no face this afternoon, either, as a consequence of winning at the Bridge last Boxing Day thanks to Rodrigo Muniz's memorable winner in stoppage time. Chelsea have certainly improved since then, so repeating Fulham's first success at the Bridge since 1979 won't be easy.

Silva should at least have more resources at his disposal to take on the Blues than he did last Sunday when Manchester United came to Craven Cottage. Antonee Robinson, whose introduction might just have tilted that tight contest back towards the Whites, has had another week of training and could be ready to start at left back. Ryan Sessegnon, who has had his own injury problems over the past month, came through another outing against the Robins unscathed and there was good news too when it came to Harry Wilson, who got Fulham's equaliser in this fixture last December. The Welshman was withdrawn as a precaution after holding his foot on Wednesday, but scans showed the problem was 'nothing serious,' according to Silva.

The Portuguese head coach is still hamstring by Fulham's quietest transfer window in living memory but, aside from a few pointed comments in his press conferences, Silva is getting on with the job. He started with three centre backs to match Manchester United last weekend and could easily stick with that system to frustrate Chelsea – something that worked really well last season. It might be the best way to deal with Liam Delap, who scored home and away against the Whites for Ipswich Town last term. But that formation can leave the Whites more cautious in comparison to the 4-2-3-1, which has delivered some impressive away results of its own since Fulham returned to the top flight.

Whatever approach Silva adopts stopping Chelsea's impressive wide men will be key. That means Kenny Tete and Robinson – if he is passed fit enough to start – will need to be at their very best to shackle Pedro Neto and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. Fulham need little reminding of the former following his dramatic added-time winner at the Cottage last April, whilst the English summer signing has reprised his outstanding performances with Dortmund during his time in the blue of SW6 to date. Then there's the threat of the latest young talent, Estêvão Willian, who led West Ham United such a merry dance last Friday night.

The Blues will be without Cole Palmer, who opened the scoring here last season, but Silva's trusted midfield duo of Sasa Lukic – outstanding in the win on Boxing Day – and Sander Berge will need to win their individual duels in the engine room. The Norwegian has had a quiet start to the season but we've seen his capability with the Whites last season and in a number of outstanding performances for Burnley and Sheffield United before that. Fulham were able to pose problems for Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernadez last year by pushing them in the opposite direct, whilst their physicality could prove pivotal in helping to nullify the home side's attacking arsenal.

Fulham's first outing without the departed Andreas Pereira, whose exit for Palmeiras was officially confirmed last night, also leaves Silva with some headaches in the offensive positions. Sessegnon's willing running and defensive discipline would seem to make him an ideal candidate to start in front of Robinson on the flank, but the dependable Alex Iwobi also probably features in Fulham's first eleven. The Nigerian has always been underrated at this level and his sheer number of progressive passes in the penalty area already this season underline his value to this side. Josh King has been excellent in his opening outings of the campaign and will probably start in the ten, with Wilson out wide – assuming the Welsh winger hasn't had an adverse reaction to that untimely knock. Muniz is likely to start up front, even if the experience of Raul jimenez could be very useful on a big stage like this.

The Whites will need to be confidence and pragmatic in equal measure this afternoon. There will be times when they will need to temper the tenacity that comes with a local derby and Silva's natural attacking instincts because staying in the game may make Stamford Bridge restless. It will be Fulham's toughest test of the season so far – and a good yardstick against which to assess the Cottagers' prospects. The key is remaining calm and being as clinical as the Cottagers were last year.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, A. Robinson, Andersen, Bassey; Lukic, Berge; Wilson, R. Sessegnon, King; Muniz. Subs: Lecomte, Castagne, Cuenca, Reed, Cairney, Iwobi, Traore, Smith Rowe, Jimenez.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/08/up-next-chelsea-a-6/

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Chelsea vs Fulham: Predicted lineup today and confirmed team news
Chelsea will be without Cole Palmer for their west London derby with Fulham this afternoon.

Palmer pulled out of the Blues starting XI shortly before kick-off last Friday against West Ham United with a groin problem. It didn't distract the Blues too much, after falling behind to Lucas Pacqueta's early strike, they put five past the Hammers to pick up their first win of the season. 

Palmer did not train with the rest of the Chelsea squad this wee and was left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday his star man is not available as he continues his recovery from a groin problem.

Estevao Willian stepped into the starting XI in Palmer's absence and sparkled in east London, providing an assist in the 5

His tally now stands at four goals and two assists in five competitive matches since his arriving from Brighton.

Palmer's absence prompted a reshuffle with Joao Pedro starting deeper with Liam Delap leading the line before he was replaced on the hour.

Maresca will be tempted to stick with the same side that trampled all over West Ham.

Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia remain out injured along with Levi Colwill who is expected to miss the majority of the season after his anterior cruciate ligament injury. 

They have an otherwise clean bill of health ahead of the weekend.

Chelsea XI to face Fulham – Metro prediction
With no Palmer, we could be looking at the same team that eased past West Ham.

Estevao Willian has surely done enough to keep his place in the side ahead of Jamie Gittens but there could be a dilemma at centre-half with Wesley Fofana available having come off the bench in east London.



https://metro.co.uk/2025/08/30/chelsea-fulham-predicted-lineups-today-confirmed-team-news-24033396/?ito=newsnow-feed