Saturday Fulham Stuff - 20/09/25...

[WhiteJC]

Preview: Fulham vs Brentford - prediction, team news, lineups
Craven Cottage will stage a West London derby between Fulham and Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday night.

Four months have passed since these two teams last butted heads in a five-goal thriller at the Gtech Community Stadium where the Cottagers claimed a 3-2 win over the Bees.

Match preview
After failing to win any of their opening three Premier League matches, Fulham picked up all three points in fortunate circumstances at the expense of newly-promoted Leeds United last weekend.

The Cottagers were on course to share the spoils in largely drab encounter with the Whites at Craven Cottage until Gabriel Gudmundsson inadvertently directed an attempted headed clearance into the far corner of his own net to gift Marco Silva's men a much-needed 1-0 home victory.

Silva acknowledged that his Fulham side were "a little bit fortunate" to come out on top at the death via an own goal, but he was pleased with his player's efforts to 'push hard' for a winner in the second half. The Portuguese has also urged his team to 'create the habit' of keeping clean sheets after registering their first of the season against Leeds.

Fulham are in fact one of just two teams - along with Arsenal - who are yet to concede from open play in the Premier League this season, with their four goals conceded thus far coming from either corners (two) or penalties (two). Meanwhile, two of their three goals scored this term have come from set pieces.

Seeking to climb from their current position of 11th in the table, Fulham completed a Premier League double over Brentford last season and they will attempt to win three league matches in a row against the Bees this weekend for just the second time, after winning their first three encounters from 1928 to 1929.

Keith Andrews has experienced a mixed start to life as Brentford boss, but many will argue that the Bees have performed better than expected considering the significant changes made to the first-team squad over the summer.

Brentford have lost both away matches in the Premier League this season, but they have collected four points from their opening two fixtures on home soil, with Fabio Carvalho netting a 93rd-minute equaliser to snatch a point in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea last weekend, having previously beaten Aston Villa 1-0 at the end of August.

The Bees celebrated another home victory against Villa on Tuesday, this time in the third round of the EFL Cup as they claimed a 4-2 penalty-shootout victory following a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes, a result that confirmed to Andrews that his players are "growing as a group".

Brentford are now preparing for Saturday's trip to Craven Cottage where they have lost two of their three Premier League visits (W1), more than their previous 15 league trips to Fulham beforehand (W6 D8 L1), while they are now in danger of suffering back-to-back away league defeats to the Cottagers for the first time since January 1954 (four in a row).

However, Brentford will take comfort from the fact that Fulham have lost five of their last seven London derbies in the Premier League (W2), having previously enjoyed a 10-match unbeaten run against capital-based clubs.

Fulham Premier League form:

D D L W

Fulham form (all competitions):

D D W L W

Brentford Premier League form:

L W L D

Brentford form (all competitions):

L W W L D W


Team News
Fulham are set to have a clean bill of health heading into this weekend's contest. Alex Iwobi is one player who has been nursing a knock, but the attacker has trained this week and should be fit to start.

However, his place could come under threat by club-record signing Kevin, who made a notable impression as a substitute last time out and is in contention to make his full Premier League debut on either flank at the expense of either Iwobi or Harry Wilson.

Rodrigo Muniz has failed to score in his last three starts for Fulham, so Silva might be tempted to recall Raul Jimenez to lead the line, while Antonee Robinson - who watched on as an unused substitute last weekend - will continue to compete with Ryan Sessegnon for a start at left-back.

As for Brentford, Jordan Henderson, Ethan Pinnock and Igor Thiago all missed the EFL Cup win over Aston Villa, but Andrews has confirmed that they were merely rested and the trio have since been part of a training group on Tuesday.

All three players are available for selection this weekend along with Kristoffer Ajer, who has avoided injury after he was taken off against Villa as a precaution due to a knee collision.

Gustavo Nunes and Paris Maghoma remain sidelined, but they have both made progress in their recovery from hamstring injuries and are now back on the grass, while Mikkel Damsgaard has recovered from illness and is likely to start in midfield, potentially alongside Henderson and Mathias Jensen.

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Iwobi, King, Kevin; Jimenez

Brentford possible starting lineup:

Kelleher; Kayode, Collins, Van den Berg, Lewis-Potter; Jensen, Henderson, Damsgaard; Ouattara, Thiago, Schade

We say: Fulham 1-1 Brentford
There has been little to separate these two West London teams in recent years, as both Fulham and Brentford have won four games each across the last nine meetings in all competitions (D1).

Another tight, yet entertaining, contest is in store this weekend, and although the Bees did the double over the Cottagers last season, we are backing the hosts to claim at least a share of the spoils on this occasion.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/west-london-derby/preview/fulham-vs-brentford-prediction-team-news-lineups_581702.html

[WhiteJC]

University of Chichester to team up with Fulham FC
The University of Chichester has announced it is joining forces with Fulham Football Club to allow the two organisations to share knowledge, skills and ideas.

The collaboration will allow the club to benefit from the latest research into sports performance, physiology, nutrition, while sports students at the West Sussex university can take advantage of various placement opportunities.

Chichester's vice-chancellor Prof Symeon Dagkas recently visited the Craven Cottage grounds to celebrate the partnership.

"We are passionate about empowering athletes and coaches to fulfil their potential, whilst also furthering understanding around sport and performance," he said.

Having met Patrick Oxenham, Fulham's academy insights manager, Prof Dagkas added the university was "thrilled to be providing access to our world-leading facilities, cutting-edge research centres and career development programmes".

While the football club can benefit from the latest research, the university's researchers will be able to "gather real-world data and results that will lead to new insights, helping inspire and support young footballers for generations to come".

Mike Lauder, professor of sports biomechanics and executive dean of the faculty of health, science and engineering, added: "We pride ourselves on the application of theory to practice.

"Working with Fulham Football Club will allow both parties to learn from each other to enable better outcomes for players, coaches, backroom staff and our students.

"We very much look forward to sharing knowledge, skills and ideas to build a better performance environment and outcomes."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgknmg6n4jxo

[WhiteJC]

Matchday Preview: Brentford
🆚 Brentford
🏟 Craven Cottage
🏆 Premier League
🗓 Saturday 20th September
⏰ 8pm

The opposition

After a summer of transition at Brentford, it's been a solid enough start to life under new boss Keith Andrews. Following a disappointing performance in an opening day loss at Nottingham Forest, they rallied with a decent home win over Aston Villa, only to fall to a last-gasp defeat at newly-promoted Sunderland a week later. A 2-2 draw with Chelsea last week – in which Fabio Carvalho scored a stoppage time equaliser for the Bees – leaves them a point and place behind Fulham in the standings.

Team news

🤍 Alex Iwobi has picked up a knock to his ankle, but could recover in time for the derby.

🐝 Kristoffer Ajer was withdrawn from the midweek penalty shootout victory over Aston Villa, but remains in contention for the weekend. Jordan Henderson, Ethan Pinnock and Igor Thiago were all absent from the squad for that game but are now available for selection, but Paris Maghoma and Gustavo Nunes are not yet ready.

Tickets

A limited number of tickets remain available for supporters to buy.

Kits

Fulham will be in all white this weekend, with Brentford wearing brown.

Weather

☁️ After a primarily sunny day, a dry and mild evening (18 degrees) is forecast.

Arrive early

Until 7pm, all pints of beer, cider & cans of wine will be priced at just £5, with soft drinks available for just £2, as part of our early bird drinks offers.

Fulham Flutter

The Fulham Flutter allows fans from across the UK to go into the running to win some unique Fulham prizes. Fans can purchase a season ticket to be automatically entered into every home draw or buy tickets on a match-by-match basis, with the winner of our top prize announced on the big screen at half-time of the match.

Coverage

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

Programme

Harry Wilson has already etched his name into Fulham folklore with his derby-day heroics against Brentford.

As the Whites prepare to face their local rivals once more, the Welsh winger reflects on those unforgettable moments, the season so far, and his ambitions to take Marco Silva's side to new heights.

For Wilson, derbies carry a weight that sets them apart.

"You can always sense it," he tells the official matchday programme. "As players we want to win every game, but we get that little bit extra from the fans in these matches. They probably work with, or live with, or have family members who support Brentford. The bragging rights are real. And when you get them under the floodlights at the Cottage, it just feels incredible."

Another player who scored a famous brace against Brentford is Joe Bryan, and we caught up with the left-back as part of our Cult Heroes series.

Elsewhere in the publication, we hear from Silva, Tom Cairney, Robert Wilson and Gentleman Jim, while Joachim Andersen lifts the lid on his teammates.

The 104-page programme will be on sale around the ground on Saturday priced £4. Alternatively, you can pick up a copy online.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/september/19/matchday-preview-brentford/

[WhiteJC]

From Fulham to Plymouth Argyle: Matty Sorinola on trio's reunion
Sorinola was at Fulham at a very young age with his current Argyle team-mates Xavier Amaechi and Luca Ashby-Hammond

From playing for Fulham as eight-year-olds, Xavier Amaechi, Luca Ashby-Hammond and Matty Sorinola are all now team-mates far away from south-west London at Plymouth Argyle.

The trio are all aged 24, with Amaechi and Ashby-Hammond both signing for the Pilgrims this summer and being reunited again with Sorinola, who has been at Home Park since January 2024, making him one of the longer serving players after a major turnover of the squad in recent months.

Anis Mehmeti, who is currently starring for Bristol City in the Championship, also played for Fulham at a very young age alongside Amaechi, Ashby-Hammond and Sorinola.

Sorinola said: "Me, Xav, Luca were all together from probably seven, eight until I think maybe 13-14, then Xav left. Then it was me and Luca for a bit and then I left. Now we are all back together.

"We were just playing for fun back then and seeing where it would take us. It's nice that we have all come back together. We were all quite close back then. We are close now as well."

He added: "I think playing football is always fun. It's what you choose to do, it's what you love doing from when you was a child. It's what everyone wanted to grow up and do, but then there is also the part where you know you need to get three points on a matchday, so you need to put the fun to one side and get the job done."

Sorinola, who comes from Camberwell in south London, joined Argyle after leaving Belgian club Union St Gilloise and has gone on to make a total of 38 starts and 17 substitute appearances, with his industrious displays making him popular with the Green Army.

"I have felt at home for quite a while, I feel like I have settled in really well," he said. "Obviously, I have been here quite a while now. I feel like this is my home, I feel good here.

"I really enjoy it here. It's a nice club. It's quieter than London. We have got a few London boys in the team, maybe four, five, six of us. It's better to get out of that London hectic environment and be just peaceful and calm."

Sorinola can always be relied upon to cover a lot of ground whatever position he plays in for Argyle, which has often been as a wing-back, either on the right or as he has done in the last couple of games on the left.

He estimated he ran between nine and 11 kilometres per match. Sorinola said: "Every game is different. Some require more. Some games you might be winning and you are not attacking as much, or you are not defending and you might be on the ball more.

"I just feel like where I need to pick the moments where I can go forward and then I am a defender so that is my job to run back and stop crosses and make tackles. It's just really what the game requires.

"It's tracked quite a lot by the sports scientists. You can see everything you do really. It's interesting to see. Pre-season is the main time for fitness work and then you are at a standard level where you are getting fitter but you have hit the baseline.

"Obviously we train every day so it keeps up our standard. It's pretty similar for everyone. Everyone is on the same baseline really."

Argyle started the season under head coach Tom Cleverley setting up in a 4-2-3-1 formation but that has changed to a wing-back system for the last couple of matches. They have won both of them against Stockport County and Luton Town and Sorinola has enjoyed his different role.

"We have a lot of very good footballers in the team which can play in a few different positions," he said. "I feel like for me wing-back is probably more comfortable. I can pick my moments to go forward, to defend. I'm enjoying it right now."

Sorinola particularly enjoyed scoring Argyle's opening goal in their 3-2 win away to Luton last Saturday when he headed home after an excellent cross from striker Lorent Tolaj.

"I saw Tolly about to swing it in so I thought I would make the back post and luckily it landed exactly where I was," he said. "It was a nice diving header. Tolly is very good. Since he has come in he has shown everyone what he can do and I think he's getting better week in week out. We are happy to have him."

After losing their first four League One games of the 2025/26 campaign, Argyle have picked up nine points out of a possible 12 since then. Sorinola said: "I feel like at the start of the season everyone was gelling together. We have a lot of new players, new staff - new everything really.

"I don't think many people are here that were here last year so it takes time. All these things play a part and take a while to settle in. I feel like now we are gelling as a group more and you can see that with our performances."

Sorinola believes a top six finish, and therefore a place in the League One play-offs, is a realistic goal for Argyle after their relegation from the Championship last term.

"I feel like the aim should be to go back up," he said. "We have a lot of new players and I don't think many people have played at the level so it will be more challenging but we have got a good group and when things finally come into place then why not?"



https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-plymouth-argyle-sorinola-reunion-10510550

[WhiteJC]

'Trained this morning' – Fulham manager confirms Iwobi's injury is not serious
Fulham manager Marco Silva has confirmed that Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi could feature in Saturday night's London derby against Brentford after shaking off a minor knock.

Iwobi, who played 76 minutes in last weekend's 1-0 win over Leeds United, was considered a doubt during the week after sustaining a knock.

During his pre-match press conference, Silva confirmed that Iwobi took part in Friday's training session and remains in contention to face Brentford.

"No fresh news, some knocks, but nothing serious. Nothing to change anything special," Silva told reporters.

"[Alex] Iwobi trained this morning, no serious problem. Let's see his reaction. We took care of him."

Since arriving from Everton in the summer of 2023, Iwobi has established himself as a key figure for the Cottagers.

The Super Eagles international enjoyed his most productive campaign last season, registering nine goals and six assists in 38 Premier League appearances.

With Fulham looking to build momentum after a slow start to the season, Silva will be eager to have the 29-year-old available to maintain their recent good form.

Adeyemi Adewale



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=57155

[WhiteJC]

Pre-Brentford Press Conference
Marco Silva expects another hard fought battle when Fulham take on Brentford at Craven Cottage on Saturday night.

The Whites claimed a first league double over our neighbours since 1947 last season, but had to come from behind to win by a solitary goal in each game.

"The last few seasons have been tough games, always with goals, and really some dramatic goals for both sides and all that stuff," Silva said.

"Everybody knows what type of game that we expect, Brentford know as well, the fans from both sides know. We love to be involved in these type of games and, to be honest, most of the time we have been doing really well, and we expect to do well.

"Last season, they were exciting games, very competitive, challenging games, and some late goals gave the feeling from the team that those wins were better than others.

"But they have been very competitive games, and I don't expect something different tomorrow, to be honest."

It was a summer of transition for the Bees, who lost head coach Thomas Frank, captain Christian Norgaard, as well as top scorers Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa.

"When you lose the two attacking players that they lost, they were key players for them, and they lost a very important midfielder, like they did in the Norgaard situation.

"They were key players, [and] I'm not saying they were prepared for all these changes, but the way they replaced them, I think you can see that they had a plan behind that.

"The replacement of the midfielder – I'm not saying that they are equal players, but you see some similarities there in terms of experience, maturity, the way they play. That player I am talking about is [Jordan] Henderson, of course, and Norgaard.

"And the attacking players, they were preparing that situation in the past as well. [Kevin] Schade is much more prepared for these type of situations, is doing a very good start of the season.

"When they signed Igor [Thiago], I think 18 months ago, probably was for him to be ready before, [but] he had a really unfortunate, unlucky season last season with injures. He's [now] ready to help the team.

"In terms of structure, I don't see many differences. Of course, [Keith] Andrews is trying to put his personal things in the team, and it is a good start to their season.

"You can see they can change, like the last few seasons, four at the back for five at the back. It's something that they mix – some games they start with four, other games they start with five.

"The preparation from the offensive set-pieces, but other things as well, that capacity to be man-marking, man-on-man every single time. They are very aggressive in these type of moments.

"But that's Brentford. The focus is about ourselves. We know them well, we respect them, but the focus is always on ourselves and what we are capable to do or not."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/september/19/pre-brentford-press-conference/

[WhiteJC]

Silva insists contract situation is 'never a distraction'
Fulham boss Marco Silva insists his contract situation will not be a distraction.

Silva is in the final year of his contract and there has been plenty of speculation about his future.

He said: "Yes, it's true that I'm in the last year (of my) contract.

"One thing is that I'm not going to let the people talk about my contract situation – never will (it) be a distraction in this football club, never."

Silva has been a huge success at Fulham, leading the club back to the Premier League and re-establishing it in the top flight.

He rejected offers from Saudi Arabia to stay at Craven Cottage and has suggested that talks about a new deal are taking place.

"The club knows and the people around me (know). I'm always in full focus in the club. Since I joined the club, I did renew in the middle of my journey here," said Silva.

"If the club is going to speak with me, of course, we had some conversations last season, we are ready to sit. The approach is easy, we are always speaking, I'm always speaking, I'm in contact with the people from the club.

"The right timing will come for these conversations for sure. Until then, until the moment that we have something to announce or not, it's never going to be a distraction.

"We have much more important things to talk about than my situation."

Fulham face Brentford in a west London derby on Saturday evening.

They go into the game 11th in the table after the first four matches of the season – one place and one point above the Bees.

On the importance of the derby to fans, Silva said: "The players understand. Most of our players know what it means, because we didn't change [the squad] much.

"They know the motivation. It's going to be easy for the new players to understand. Everybody knows what to expect from the game."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-insists-contract-situation-is-never-a-distraction

[WhiteJC]

Opposition Overview: The Blueprint to BEAT Brentford
Brentford at home. For some, the biggest game of the season, for others, that was three weeks ago. Regardless of where the majority of where your West London hatred is aim towards, one things for sure – win at all costs. How do Fulham make a decent start a great one, make it three consecutive wins against West London's best known bus stop, and get our Saturday night's off to a flyer? You'll soon find out. Let's get stuck in. Shall we?

After years of mundanity in Middlesex, the summer of 2025 was certainly a turmultous one for those with the illness of being part of the red and white striped corner of the capital. With that said, the Bees still maintain the makings of a half decent side, and Keith Andrews has found a few ways that BFC look to exploit opposing sides – what are they, and how do Fulham stay clear of falling into the Bees' honeypot?

Long Throw Carnage Incoming?
The now infamous Brentford long throw is certainly something that should worry the white half of West London this weekend. Micheal Kayode provides right sided heaves, whilst Kevin Schade offers the same on the opposing flank. Keith Andrews, a set piece coach previous to his head honcho role at 'Legoland', deploys a different style of long throw to the one many of us are accustomed to.



Andrews instruct Kayode and Schade to throw the ball flat, into the near post, relying on a flick on from one of a litany of physical Brentford players, as we see below.

In 24/25, Fulham conceded the second most shots from throw ins in our own third in the top flight. Add that to the reality that we were lucky to not concede from set plays two or three times against Manchester United alone, and I fear that Fulham will concede our third set piece goal in the last four game weeks.

How Fulham Avoid Another Set Piece Mishap
If new set piece coach, Ali Mellou, wants to keep the white flag flying high in West London – the task at hand is simple. Go old school. Put a man on each post, don't allow Brentford to exploit Bernd Leno's lone weakness, being crowded out at set plays by any means necessary, in the same vain, do anything to stop the dreaded Bees' flick on. If that means faining injury, going down lightly, or taking Bernd Leno or Joachim Andersen taking Brentford players out in the process of claiming possesion, it's fine by me. That's football, they are the dark arts. This is a West London derby, the more you take out, the merrier.

Brentford's Style: Rigid Defending, Vertical Attacking
Vertical attacking. Something that has stayed with the Bees across their five top flight campaigns. In recent weeks, Keith Andrews has given this system new life, as the Bees primary attacking aim. Weather it be utilising the towering frame of Igor Thiago, or the blistering pace of inside forwards, turn psuedo strikers, Dango Ouattara or Kevin Schade, Brentford make no quams in wanting to release their forwards in efficient, concise, direct moves up field.



Whilst the Bees normally prefer for a series of a couple of more direct passes than one sweeping lofted ball, with Andrews' side playing the fifth least long balls in the Premiership this campaign (194), but Brentford's opener against fellow West London scumbags, Chelsea, gives you the idea of what Kew Bridge intend to do come Saturday 8pm. Brentford break out of a low block, distributing the ball to the Bees' most creatively antiquated midfielder, Jordan Henderson, to utilise Kevin Schade's pace in behind.

How Marco Silva Stifles Brentford's Attack
To combat the Bees' biggest strength in open play, Fulham cannot allow Joachim Andersen to be exposed. Dropping off the Brentford attack is something that the Fulham backline must do, despite it being a rarity in a Silva system. Even Calvin Bassey's recovery pace may not be able to bail to Andersen on Saturday evening. Schade and Ouattara are lightning quick.

The words 'dropping off the Brentford attack' will hardly be the most popular game plan, and understandably so. Who wants to sit off your rivals at home? Not me. Don't get it twisted, Fulham will control the ball at the Cottage, that's for sure. Marcello Trotta's non biological descendants have the second lowest share of possession per 90 (37.5%), and the second highest amount of touches by opposing teams in their penalty area, (720).

With rookie head coach, Andrews, inexperienced in controlling possession and breaking down a side, in the rare occasion FFC do give up possession, slow down play, regroup. Force a Bees side reliant on break aways, and runs in behind, to dismantle an impressive Fulham backline outside of transition. Let's get Keith Andrews into a tactical chest match with Marco Silva. I certainly like our chances.

A Game Won In The Middle?
Whilst Kevin Schade and, record signing, Dango Ouattara, have been centre stage to Brentford's stop start, start to the season, it's Mikel Damsgaard that I'd don as the Bees' key to victory this Saturday. When Andrews and co want somebody to link defence to attack, Damsgaard is the answer. When Andrews needs some magic to unlock a defence, step forward, Mikkel Damsgaard. If you stop transitional opportunities, Brentford's attacking burden solely falls at the feet of the Dane, in turn, it's a massive game for the Sander Berge, and Sasa Lukic partnership.

Stopping Hounslow at source, at the makings of transition, at the base of midfield is key. Jordan Henderson and Yehor Yarmoliuk offer a robust duo in midfield intent on distributing quickly, like Henderson did against Chelsea, into the channel, or to Mikkel Damsgaard, but Henderson and Yarmoliuk offer little else in the form of creative intention, or attacking threat. If Lukic and Berge get back their mid last season best, utilising their physical supremacy over the English and Ukranian internationals, I struggle to see where the Bees can create.

A Game Determined On X-Factor... Again?
I outlined earlier how Brentford's average share of 37.5% of possession, and second highest rate of opposing touches in their own penalty area perfectly illustrate how the Bees will play come Saturday 8pm. Similar to Brentford at home last year, and Leeds at home last week, this game will be Fulham knocking on the door of a low block yet again.

Despite a 75 minute long drab performance that suggested Marco Silva had forgot to address the London's Original's 24/25 Achilles heel, the introduction of Kevin alone dispelled much worry in my mind.

In a video I released on Thursday, (shown below) I showcased why Kevin must start in Saturday evening's West London derby, so if you want further disection on what made Fulham look a different side come the 75th minute, click below.

With that said, I'll quickly summarise... Fulham need to take the handbrake off. A combination of ESR, King, and Kevin does just that. Fulham can create some superb passages of play with that interchangeable attacking triumvirate, whilst maintaining defensive solidity. Last Saturday proved just that.

How The Teams Will Lineup

Brentford's XI



Labelling what system Keith Andrews will deploy in this fixture is a hard one. Andrews has switched between a 4–2–3–1, and a 5–3–2 in his first six weeks in the Gtech post. My suspicions would suggest that the Irishman will revert back to a 4–2–3–1, despite the five at the back's success against Chelsea and Aston Villa, thanks to the return to full health for Mikel Damsgaard, with the former Sampdoria man coming in for Matias Jensen. The only other changes that I expect from the sin fest that was Brentford vs Chelsea is Aaron Hickey gaining a spot in league action, after an impressive display against Aston Villa midweek.

Fulham's XI



Largely unchanged from Leeds, whilst doubts about Kevin's starting inclusion for the derby were in doubt, Alex Iwobi's recent injury would suggest Marco Silva has no choice but to start the Brazilian. As of late, Brentford have struggled with wide forwards getting in behind advancing full backs, as shown below, I'd suggest starting Kevin on his stronger right foot to attack any joy the Whites may find getting to the byline, with ESR the other side.

Aside from Kevin, I would like to see Emile Smith Rowe start after earning his stripes from the bench, but could you blame Marco Silva for starting Harry Wilson against his arch nemesis? Definitely not, I expect Wilson to start. And as for Antonee Robinson, not as much of a bench cameo last weekend unfortunately limits Jedi to the bench.

Well, that it ladies and gents. I'll see you in the Golden Lion, or the other side of 90 minutes that decides West London bragging rights. Put simply, don't allow yourself to be bullied at set pieces, force Brentford to break you down outside of transition, and give the ball to Kevin. Do that, and bragging rights will stay this side of Westside. Get into em'...



https://medium.com/@LondonsOriginal/opposition-overview-the-blueprint-to-beat-brentford-50a4fcab258d

[WhiteJC]

Last Chance: Brentford Tickets
Final few tickets remain for our west London derby v Brentford on Saturday!

Marco's side take on Brentford tomorrow (Saturday 20th September) at Craven Cottage, kick-off 8pm, looking to make it three wins in a row over the Bees!

Tickets are on General Sale, with supporters able to secure up to four tickets per person.

The Fulham FC Ticket Office opens at 1pm on Saturday for fans to secure their seat, or tickets can be purchased online at any time.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/september/19/last-chance-brentford-tickets/

[WhiteJC]

Team News: Fulham vs. Brentford injury, suspension list, predicted XIs
Fulham welcome Brentford to Craven Cottage for a West London derby in the Premier League on Saturday night.

While the Cottagers secured a last-gasp 1-0 win over Leeds United last weekend, Brentford left it late to rescue a point in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea last time out, and here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest team news for the two clubs.

FULHAM vs. BRENTFORD
FULHAM

Out: None

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Iwobi, King, Kevin; Jimenez

BRENTFORD

Out: Gustavo Nunes (hamstring) Paris Maghoma (hamstring)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Kelleher; Kayode, Collins, Van den Berg, Lewis-Potter; Jensen, Henderson, Damsgaard; Ouattara, Thiago, Schade



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/west-london-derby/team-news/fulham-vs-brentford-injury-suspension-list-predicted-xis_581705.html

[The Cravenette]

Another tight, yet entertaining, contest is in store this weekend, and although the Bees did the double over the Cottagers last season, we are backing the hosts to claim at least a share of the spoils on this occasion.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/west-london-derby/preview/fulham-vs-brentford-prediction-team-news-lineups_581702.html

Great knowledge hahaha

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva exclusive: Fulham can break more records despite summer of frustration in transfer window - and Kevin can help us
Marco Silva insists Fulham cam break more records despite difficult summer at Craven Cottage; watch Fulham vs Brentford live on Sky Sports Premier League from 7.45pm on Saturday, kick-off 8pm

After Fulham's final game of last season, a 2-0 home defeat to a resurgent Manchester City, Marco Silva could have been celebrating his side breaking their record top-flight points tally.

Instead, he was already looking forward to the next target. Despite setting that benchmark, five defeats in the Cottagers' final seven games had put paid to hopes of a first European campaign in over a decade, and the ever-demanding Silva was aiming for more.

He told his players to expect to break that same record again in 2025/26. An aspirational feat at the time, and doubly so after a summer of struggle in the transfer market.

Until Deadline Day, Fulham had only added only back-up goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte to their ranks. Even then, Fulham still felt left behind even after the late signings of wingers Kevin and Samuel Chukwueze, with only Aston Villa spending less.

But Silva is not one for turning. On the same day Jose Mourinho said former club Fenerbahce were not at his "cultural level", the man once described as his next incarnation was in equally defiant mood.

In fairness, this is not his first rodeo. Fulham lost one of their best modern-day strikers in Aleksandr Mitrovic and one of their best modern-day midfielders in Joao Palhinha in consecutive summers yet the head coach has managed to rouse his side on each occasion.

When he tells Sky Sports his ambition is unwavering, he has the receipts to prove it.

"We don't have time to change, but I don't want to change," he says. "Of course, we expected more in the market. It was difficult, waiting until the last day for the deadline signings. But now we are not going to change.

"I want to see the guys in front of me with the same ambition. And I know that they have it because no one of us is going to accept that we are going to drop our expectations just because the market was difficult for us.

"It's very easy. We spent a lot of time in the middle of the table, around the top 10 last season. Before the two last months of the season, we were in positions to fight for the European places.

"Some of the other teams around us did very well, but we broke that points tally. That is the big thing. And if we can break it again, for sure we will be in the top half of the table, and then we can fight for something important."

Of those deadline day arrivals, a 20-minute cameo has been enough for Brazilian winger Kevin to excite Fulham fans. His debut lit up a previously dour game with Leeds last weekend, with a driving run and shot winning the corner which brought their 94th-minute winner, and the 22-year-old's first chant was already coined by full-time.

Silva almost seems drawn to working with Brazilian wingers in the Premier League. He was the one who first brought Richarlison to this country with Watford, who gave Willian a renaissance in west London aged 33 and then again at 36.

Of course, there is a huge clamour already for Kevin to start Saturday's derby with Brentford, live on Sky Sports.

Silva is delighted, though not surprised, with the rapport he has already developed at Craven Cottage. But even though the head coach spent much of his summer persuading the Fulham hierarchy to complete his club-record transfer, he is typically insistent on not rushing the latest arrival into the team.

"When you come and show quality, people will respect you, they will understand why you came in. Some people take more time to do it, some people can have an impact straight away.

"He probably surprised some people, but not the ones who had seen him in training. When you can have that impact with the fans, I think that is 20 per cent of your job done already. You just have to keep doing it.

"I have to understand him better on and off the pitch, of course, but that will come with the time. But until now, just good things to speak about him. And more than that, he has the talent for us to work with. I love when I have this type of players to work with.



"I pushed the club to sign him because, as you know, he was not a cheap player but they really did their best to get him in and we managed it.

"I was looking for a more one-v-one player, someone who can stretch a team and when we play against teams who are difficult to break down, can find things in those situations. He is that type of player, he is very brave with the ball."

Kevin can claim his role in helping Fulham to their first win of the season in arguably their worst performance of the campaign.

Silva can, and has, pointed to the negative role VAR has had on his side's form in their previous three games, with contentious decisions going against them against Manchester United and Chelsea, and an admission from the PGMOL that Josh King's opener against the latter should have stood.

Silva is an open sceptic of the technology given the hard time it has given his side on the one hand. "Not only this season," he points out when the matter is raised.

On the other, the head coach will not countenance any excuses from the Fulham dressing room.

"I don't want the players to feel that we have been very unfortunate, or VAR is coming against us every single time," he insists. "Sometimes it's impossible because the things are so clear, and it can be so difficult to understand. But my words with them are always the same - don't focus on things that we cannot control.

"We want just to play football that we love and to be the team that is going in the right direction because everybody deserves it. It doesn't matter who you are playing, if it's a big club or Fulham or Brentford, like in the next game. We have to be just thinking that things are going to be normal on the pitch."

With 13 goals in the three west London derbies at Craven Cottage since Brentford's Premier League promotion, Silva will not be the only one hoping it is the quality of football, rather than refereeing performances, taking the headlines on Saturday night.

If Craven Cottage's new star man Kevin turns up again, you'd imagine it will be.

Watch Fulham vs Brentford live on Sky Sports Premier League from 7.45pm on Saturday, kick-off 8pm.


https://www.skysports.com/football/news/15128/13434040/marco-silva-exclusive-fulham-can-break-more-records-despite-summer-of-frustration-in-transfer-window-and-kevin-can-help-us

[WhiteJC]

Fulham vs Brentford: Preview and Prediction
Fulham are angling for consecutive victories in the Premier League, as they host a Brentford side who are having a mixed campaign so far.

Marco Silva would have been relieved, more than being happy, last weekend as he saw his side limp over the finishing line at Craven Cottage against Leeds United. It took a late own goal from Gabriel Gudmundsson to consolidate a late win on home soil, which will have helped boost confidence at Fulham ahead of the game against Brentford.

The Cottagers have drawn their other two games and lost to Chelsea, and Silva would want back-to-back wins for the first time since February. They are in for a tricky encounter with Brentford in this version of their West London Derby, and the Fulham boss would want a better performance that is more inclined to the quality they have at their disposal.

Brentford are growing their confidence and building momentum under Keith Andrews following another result at the G-Tech Community Stadium last time out. Last Sunday, the Bees faced Chelsea as the underdogs, but they came out of the game as the happier team of the two.

Having taken the lead against the run of play, Brentford were pegged back by Chelsea in the second half through Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo. The latter's thunderous strike seemed like the winner, only for the Blues to be pegged back this time with a late equaliser through Fabio Carvalho, although on further inspection, there were suggestions that the goal should have been ruled out for offside.

In the end, Brentford took two points off Chelsea, and that result will help build confidence ahead of a visit to another West London side, Fulham. They did lose both their encounters to the Cottagers last season, as the main objective would be to avoid another such result and get a big win under their belt to keep moving forward.

Team News & Tactics
Fulham
In what might be a rarity across the league, Fulham have a clean bill of health heading into the weekend, with Marco Silva having an entire squad at his disposal. The Fulham manager might prefer to have continuity rather than hand the onus to new signings, meaning the Portuguese tactician could go with a familiar lineup he has fielded this season when the Cottagers take on Brentford.

However, the Fulham boss could be tempted to bring in Kevin on the left wing, and probably shift Alex Iwobi to the right-hand side to give his side something different. The other temptation might be to swap Rodrigo Muniz, without a goal in his last three starts, for the experienced Raul Jimenez, although he might continue with the Brazilian for this one.

Calvin Bassey and Joachim Andersen are set to retain their spots at the heart of the defence, and the same could be said about the central midfield pairing of Sasa Lukic and Sander Berge. Joshua King will once again take a place in the attacking midfield role against Brentford, as he continues to rise within the ranks at Fulham as one of their most talented stars.

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

Brentford
Keith Andrews would have seen elements of his game plan being implemented and executed by his players, as he could look to exploit Fulham similarly.

The manager rested key stars like Igor Thiago, Ethan Pinnock, and Jordan Henderson for the midweek cup win over Aston Villa, as they would be expected in the starting lineup. There were concerns over Kristoffer Ajer after he was taken off against Aston Villa in the midweek tie, but he is reportedly fit and available for selection.

Vitaly Janelt, Paris Maghoma, and Gustavo Nunes are the ones in doubt to feature, as they are not expected to start even if they make the matchday squad. Andrews will name a similar lineup to the one against Chelsea, barring a major change in midfield, as he has Mikkel Damsgaard available again.

Damsgaard could come in place of Mathias Jensen in the middle of the park. Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade will once again lead the line in a two-prong attacking setup, with Keane Lewis-Potter and Michael Kayode preferred in the wing-back roles.

Probable Lineup (4-5-2): Kelleher; Collins, van den Berg, Pinnock; Kayode, Damsgaard, Yarmoliuk, Henderson, Lewis-Potter; Thiago, Schade

Key Stats

    Fulham are aiming to achieve consecutive Premier League wins for the first time since February.
    Fulham have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of their last eight matches against Brentford in all competitions
    Brentford have lost both their away games this season.
    Brentford have lost two of their last three away trips to Fulham.
    Brentford are winless in their last three away Premier League games (D1 L2), losing both of the last two, having won seven of their nine league games on the road beforehand (D1 L1).

Player to Watch
Rodrigo Muniz
The Brazilian striker has been a surprise pick to lead the line for Fulham this season despite the presence of Raul Jimenez in the squad. Muniz has not been great so far, as he was unable to score in his last three starts, and Marco Silva will hope that run stops on Saturday.

Moreover, there is also the pressure of losing his starting spot, and unless he puts in a top performance while leading the line. Jimenez will be breathing down his neck in the coming period. Hence, Muniz must come out big, and the game against the Bees will probably offer him a good enough platform to get going.

Prediction
Fulham 2-1 Brentford
Brentford could potentially deploy a similar strategy they had against Chelsea when they play Fulham, but the circumstances will be completely different. While the Bees can come into the game with some level of confidence, they are expected to struggle to get something out of the clash.

As for Fulham, the hosts are equipped with quality players across the pitch, and while their levels are nowhere close to the top-six sides, they can get something against Brentford. Marco Silva is widely expected to engineer a win over Brentford and continue building their momentum heading into a crucial period of the season.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2025/09/19/fulham-vs-brentford-preview-and-prediction-2/

[WhiteJC]

Muniz in line for new Fulham contract
Marco Silva has hinted that Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz is in line for a new contract.

Fulham rejected offers from Italian club Atalanta during the summer transfer window for Muniz and are now discussing a new deal for him.

Whites boss Silva explained: "Yes, it's in the works. We are in conversations.

"The window was not busy in terms of players coming in or out, but it was a busy period in terms of conversations with other clubs and the players."

Muniz scored on the opening day of the season against Brighton and has featured in all four league games so far.

"We expect soon to have some news for you and for our fans. Let's see when it's going to be the moment," Silva added.

Meanwhile, Silva has insisted that speculation over his own future is "never a distraction".



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-wls-fulham-star-on-course-to-sign-new-contract

[WhiteJC]

PL2 Report | Fulham 2-0 Albion
Albion's PL2 team were beaten 2-0 by Fulham on Friday night.

The hosts had an opportunity to take the lead nine minutes before the break, but Louis Brady saved Jayden Quashie's spot-kick.

The Cottagers weren't to be denied just five minutes later, though. Seth Ridgeon burst down the left flank, cut into the box and poked the ball beyond the Baggies goalkeeper.

Albion's task became harder in the early part of the second period when Jamal Mohammed was shown a red card, leaving the Londoners with a huge chance to go on and control the rest of the encounter.

Fulham used their numerical advantage well and went close a couple of times before finally scoring again in the 85th minute. Chibuzo Nwoko found the bottom corner from the edge of the box to seal all three points for his side.

ALBION: Brady, Nelson, Diomande, Mohammed, Humphries, Iddrisa (Blackshields 79), Mfuamba, McDonald (Maughan 61), Crowther, Ntege (Chimeziri 61, Ranger 68), Bray.

Sub: Okonkwo (GK).



https://www.wba.co.uk/news/pl2-report-fulham-2-0-albion

[St Eve]

Preview: Fulham vs Brentford - prediction, team news, lineups
Craven Cottage will stage a West London derby between Fulham and Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday night.

Four months have passed since these two teams last butted heads in a five-goal thriller at the Gtech Community Stadium where the Cottagers claimed a 3-2 win over the Bees.

Match preview
After failing to win any of their opening three Premier League matches, Fulham picked up all three points in fortunate circumstances at the expense of newly-promoted Leeds United last weekend.

The Cottagers were on course to share the spoils in largely drab encounter with the Whites at Craven Cottage until Gabriel Gudmundsson inadvertently directed an attempted headed clearance into the far corner of his own net to gift Marco Silva's men a much-needed 1-0 home victory.

Silva acknowledged that his Fulham side were "a little bit fortunate" to come out on top at the death via an own goal, but he was pleased with his player's efforts to 'push hard' for a winner in the second half. The Portuguese has also urged his team to 'create the habit' of keeping clean sheets after registering their first of the season against Leeds.

Fulham are in fact one of just two teams - along with Arsenal - who are yet to concede from open play in the Premier League this season, with their four goals conceded thus far coming from either corners (two) or penalties (two). Meanwhile, two of their three goals scored this term have come from set pieces.

Seeking to climb from their current position of 11th in the table, Fulham completed a Premier League double over Brentford last season and they will attempt to win three league matches in a row against the Bees this weekend for just the second time, after winning their first three encounters from 1928 to 1929.

Keith Andrews has experienced a mixed start to life as Brentford boss, but many will argue that the Bees have performed better than expected considering the significant changes made to the first-team squad over the summer.

Brentford have lost both away matches in the Premier League this season, but they have collected four points from their opening two fixtures on home soil, with Fabio Carvalho netting a 93rd-minute equaliser to snatch a point in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea last weekend, having previously beaten Aston Villa 1-0 at the end of August.

The Bees celebrated another home victory against Villa on Tuesday, this time in the third round of the EFL Cup as they claimed a 4-2 penalty-shootout victory following a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes, a result that confirmed to Andrews that his players are "growing as a group".

Brentford are now preparing for Saturday's trip to Craven Cottage where they have lost two of their three Premier League visits (W1), more than their previous 15 league trips to Fulham beforehand (W6 D8 L1), while they are now in danger of suffering back-to-back away league defeats to the Cottagers for the first time since January 1954 (four in a row).

However, Brentford will take comfort from the fact that Fulham have lost five of their last seven London derbies in the Premier League (W2), having previously enjoyed a 10-match unbeaten run against capital-based clubs.

Fulham Premier League form:

D D L W

Fulham form (all competitions):

D D W L W

Brentford Premier League form:

L W L D

Brentford form (all competitions):

L W W L D W


Team News
Fulham are set to have a clean bill of health heading into this weekend's contest. Alex Iwobi is one player who has been nursing a knock, but the attacker has trained this week and should be fit to start.

However, his place could come under threat by club-record signing Kevin, who made a notable impression as a substitute last time out and is in contention to make his full Premier League debut on either flank at the expense of either Iwobi or Harry Wilson.

Rodrigo Muniz has failed to score in his last three starts for Fulham, so Silva might be tempted to recall Raul Jimenez to lead the line, while Antonee Robinson - who watched on as an unused substitute last weekend - will continue to compete with Ryan Sessegnon for a start at left-back.

As for Brentford, Jordan Henderson, Ethan Pinnock and Igor Thiago all missed the EFL Cup win over Aston Villa, but Andrews has confirmed that they were merely rested and the trio have since been part of a training group on Tuesday.

All three players are available for selection this weekend along with Kristoffer Ajer, who has avoided injury after he was taken off against Villa as a precaution due to a knee collision.

Gustavo Nunes and Paris Maghoma remain sidelined, but they have both made progress in their recovery from hamstring injuries and are now back on the grass, while Mikkel Damsgaard has recovered from illness and is likely to start in midfield, potentially alongside Henderson and Mathias Jensen.

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Iwobi, King, Kevin; Jimenez

Brentford possible starting lineup:

Kelleher; Kayode, Collins, Van den Berg, Lewis-Potter; Jensen, Henderson, Damsgaard; Ouattara, Thiago, Schade

We say: Fulham 1-1 Brentford
There has been little to separate these two West London teams in recent years, as both Fulham and Brentford have won four games each across the last nine meetings in all competitions (D1).

Another tight, yet entertaining, contest is in store this weekend, and although the Bees did the double over the Cottagers last season, we are backing the hosts to claim at least a share of the spoils on this occasion.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/west-london-derby/preview/fulham-vs-brentford-prediction-team-news-lineups_581702.html

I think we did the double over the Bees

[iansthailand]

Another tight, yet entertaining, contest is in store this weekend, and although the Bees did the double over the Cottagers last season, we are backing the hosts to claim at least a share of the spoils on this occasion.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/west-london-derby/preview/fulham-vs-brentford-prediction-team-news-lineups_581702.html

Great knowledge hahaha

Don't forget Moles live underground all year round and can't see very far as indicated above.

[WhiteJC]

Fulham vs. Brentford: Cottagers out to achieve winning feat for first time in 96 years in west London derby
Fulham will be looking to achieve a winning feat for the first time in 96 years when they play host to Brentford in Saturday's west London derby.

Fulham recorded their first Premier League win of the season last weekend, claiming a narrow 1-0 home win over Leeds United following a late Gabriel Gudmundsson own goal.

The Cottagers will now try to use that result as a springboard for their next three games against Brentford, Aston Villa and Bournemouth in the lead up to the October international break.

Marco Silva's side will have fond memories of last season's two derby games against Brentford, recording a 2-1 win in November's home clash before emerging 3-2 victors in May's away fixture.

Fulham out to end 96-year wait in Brentford clash
As a result of last season's two victories, Fulham now have the chance to achieve a winning feat for the first time in nearly a century.

The Cottagers could win three consecutive league games against Brentford for the first time since they won the first three head-to-head matches from December 1928 to October 1929.

Fulham could also beat their west London rivals in back-to-back home league encounters for the first time since January 1954.

However, picking up all three points will be easier said than done for a club who have recorded consecutive home league victories on just one previous occasion in 2025.

Could Fulham's strong backline be key?
Fulham conceded four goals across their opening three league matches before Bernd Leno clinched a clean sheet in last Saturday's home meeting with Leeds.

Two of Fulham's four goals conceded came from corners, while the other two were scored from the penalty spot, suggesting that Silva's side are a tough team to break down.

In fact, they enter the weekend as one of two teams, along with Arsenal, who are yet to concede from open play in the Premier League this term.

Silva will want his sturdy backline to provide the foundation for another productive afternoon at Craven Cottage, although Fulham have not kept a home clean sheet against Brentford since January 1994.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/fulham-out-to-end-96-year-wait-for-winning-feat-in-west-london-derby_581905.html

[WhiteJC]

'Back On': Leeds United handed boost in pursuit of 'fantastic' Fulham star this January
Fulham refused to let Harry Wilson leave in the summer but a renewed deal could be on the cards come January.

Leeds United have been handed a boost in their hopes of bringing Fulham winger Harry Wilson to Elland Road this January after a summer deal for the 28-year-old fell apart.

The Whites launched a late transfer swoop for the forward at the end of the last window with Fulham entering talks over a potential loan move. Nothing came to fruition from those discussions with the London outfit only ever going to green light an exit should they find a suitable replacement.

The Cottagers did recruit Kevin on Deadline Day for a club record £35 million alongside Samuel Chukwueze but that was clearly not deemed to be enough to allow Wilson to join their Premier League rivals. Wilson has started two Premier League games this season, against Brighton and Leeds United, coming off the bench against Manchester United and Chelsea.#

Leeds United given hope or reigniting Fulham transfer
TeamTALK report that Leeds United have received 'significant encouragement' that a move for Wilson could be back on in January. It's thought that Wilson's minutes could diminish over the coming weeks and months.

That comes after Football Insider underlined the fact that Wilson is desperate for as much game time as possible this season with Wales bidding for qualification for the World Cup next year. The winger has 64 appearances for his country and will not want to miss out of the tournament, should the nation qualify.

Wilson joined Fulham from Liverpool in 2022 and has gone on to make 151 appearances for the club, scoring 25 goals and registering 38 assists. Wilson managed six goals last term, with important goals against Brentford, Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth.

Harry Wilson labelled 'important player' by Marco Silva
The forward missed a chunk of the season in April with a broken foot but returned and featured in all of the final six league fixtures. For Wales, he has six goals in his last nine outings, putting together a prolific run of form during the UEFA Nations League B.

Speaking after the winger bagged a winger against Brentford in May, Fulham boss Marco Silva said: "He's an important player and a very good player for us.

"Of course the feeling for him against Brentford is fantastic and he's probably thinking right now, 'why don't I play against Brentford every week?'. We knew we could do it today in a special game and in a derby. Their frontline has nearly 50 goals in the Premier League. We knew we had to be strong to be in control of the situation."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/leeds-united-wilson-transfer-boost-fulham-5326323#

[WhiteJC]

Will Samuel Chukwueze start for Fulham against Brentford? Coach Marco Silva sheds light on Super Eagles star's situation
Super Eagles striker Samuel Chukwueze officially completed his transfer from AC Milan to Fulham on September 1, transfer deadline day, Soccernet.ng reports.

But surprisingly, he was left out of the Cottagers' matchday squad for their game against Leeds United last week, which they won 1-0.

When asked about the reason for his decision, coach Marco Silva revealed that the Super Eagles star is yet to adjust to his new team, as he has only trained once with his roommates.

Over the last few days, Chukwueze has been working with his Fulham teammates, and he is expected to make the match day squad at least, when they welcome Brentford to Craven Cottage on Saturday.

However, when asked about Chukwueze's chances of making the squad on Saturday, coach Silva gave a coy response.

    "It's up to me to decide who's going to be the best players to be in contention for the game & if Chukwueze is going to be there or not, we have to wait for tomorrow," Silva said, per Fulham reporter Jack Kelly.

What Does Marco Silva's Comments Mean For Samuel Chukwueze?
Many managers are often coy when talking about their teams, they don't like to give away much, so Marco Silva's comments on Samuel Chukwueze isn't surprising.

Since the Super Eagles star has been training with his teammates, he should be able to get a place on the team, albeit he will likely start from the bench.

Silva has occasionally expressed his desire for wingers, who can stretch opponents' defences. So Chukwueze might get his chance soon.

The 26-year-old will have to impress quickly though, as there are other wingers like Kevin, Adama Traore, and Kusi Asare Jonah, who are competing for position on the wings.



https://soccernet.ng/2025/09/samuel-chukwueze-fulham-brentford-marco-silva-super-eagles.html