Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 05/11/25...

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Latest. Date set for Magpies' Carabao Cup quarter-final
Newcastle United will face Fulham at St. James' Park in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, 17th December.

The Magpies eased through to the last eight with a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Tyneside last week, courtesy of goals from Fabian Schär and Nick Woltemade.

And their reward is a tie with fellow Premier League side Fulham, who saw off League One outfit Wycombe Wanderers in the last 16.

The quarter-final clash at St. James' Park will kick-off at 8:15pm, and will be broadcast live on both Sky Sports Main Event and ITV.

Eddie Howe's men have already beaten the Cottagers in the league this term, with captain Bruno Guimarães' last-gasp winner handing United all three points last month.



https://www.newcastleunited.com/en/news/date-set-for-magpies-carabao-cup-quarter-final-with-fulham

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Fixture News | MK Dons Women vs Fulham Women
MK Dons Women will now take on Fulham Women on Sunday, 9th November at 3pm!

Kick-off at The New Eyrie is at 3pm.

The 16th of November will now see MK Dons Women face Woodley United Women in the Berks and Bucks County Cup Second Round.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adult – £8

Over 65s – £4

Under 18s – £4

Under 12s – £2

Supporters can purchase tickets on the gate, but please note that payments are card-only!



https://www.mkdons.com/news/2025/november/04/fixture-news-fulham-women/

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Nigeria vs Gabon: Why Fulham's Calvin Bassey will be more influential than Victor Osimhen against the Panthers
Former Super Eagles defender Efe Ambrose believes Calvin Bassey, not Victor Osimhen, will be Nigeria's most important player when they face Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final this month, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria, who sealed their place in the playoffs after a dominant 4–0 victory over Benin Republic, will take on the Panthers on November 13 in Morocco. The winner will advance to meet either Cameroon or DR Congo for Africa's slot in next year's intercontinental playoffs

While much of the attention has been on Osimhen, Nigeria's all-time second-highest goalscorer, Ambrose insists the Fulham defender deserves more credit for his consistency and defensive leadership.

    "I don't think he (Calvin Bassey) has had a bad game for the Super Eagles since the last AFCON," Ambrose told Owngoal as per Legit.

    "In the World Cup qualifiers group stage, he played all of the games and paired with three separate players in all of the minutes."

The former Celtic and Hibernian centre-back added that defenders like Bassey rarely get the respect they deserve.

    "To me he isn't getting the respect that he deserves because his job is not to score goals like Victor Osimhen but to stop them," Ambrose continued.

    "So with all due respect to Osimhen, the playoff is like a cup tournament and you need defenders much more than you need forwards."

Calvin Bassey and Victor Osimhen: Two faces of Nigeria's strength
Bassey's influence has been quietly immense.

The 25-year-old featured in every minute of Nigeria's ten qualifying matches, the only player to do so, and even scored a crucial equaliser in the 1–1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein last September.

His defensive intelligence, pace, and positional discipline have made him a key figure under successive Super Eagles coaches.

In the heart of Nigeria's defence, Bassey has been partnered with William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi and youngster Benjamin Fredrick.
The former Ajax and Rangers man will again be among the first names on the team list when Nigeria take to the pitch against Gabon.

Meanwhile, Osimhen has delivered his usual firepower. The Galatasaray striker netted six goals to finish as Nigeria's top scorer in the qualifiers, including a hat-trick against Benin Republic in the final group match. His performances also saw him surpass Super Eagles legend Segun Odegbami on the all-time scorers list.

The Super Eagles lost none of the six qualifiers Osimhen was involved in and won two of the three matches he scored in, the exception being the 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo.



https://soccernet.ng/2025/11/nigeria-gabon-fulha-calvin-bassey-osimhen.html

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Josh King is proving he's no longer merely an exciting prospect
Our acadamy grad is showing he belongs at this level — and he's doing it with maturity, courage, and flair.

In a season where Fulham have shown resilience under difficult circumstances, Saturday's win over Wolves felt like a statement. The performance had control, discipline, and attacking purpose — but beneath it all was a quieter, more meaningful storyline: the continued rise of 18-year-old Josh King.

An academy graduate who has impressed everyone at Motspur Park, King is now proving his worth on the Premier League stage. Supporters have seen flashes of this before — a composed youngster stepping into midfield and playing as if he's been there for years — but it's becoming clear this isn't just potential. This is the real thing.

From Motspur Park to the first team
King's story is a testament to Fulham's academy, a setup that's quietly producing Premier League-ready players again. Having joined the club at a young age, he's worked through every level of the system, impressing consistently and earning the trust of his coaches. His breakthrough came last season, when Silva handed him his senior debut — a moment the manager described as "well deserved."

Fulham rewarded him with a new long-term contract running until 2029, a show of faith rarely given so early. Silva summed up what many inside the club feel:

"He's grown from a physical point of view, from a mental and tactical point of view too," the manager said earlier this year. "His effort on the pitch has been top level — every single time, on the ball and off the ball."

That effort has quickly made him a fan favourite — the kind of player Fulham supporters instinctively get behind.

The breakthrough season
Across this campaign, King has quietly become a vital cog in Fulham's system. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he's added tempo, tenacity, and bravery in possession. His display against Wolves summed it up perfectly: confident on the ball, clever off it, and unfazed by experienced opposition.

It's that blend of composure and conviction that has Silva so enthused. After a mistake earlier in the season, the Portuguese coach said:

"This mistake will make him grow quicker and make him realise it's not always sunshine. Sometimes it will be dark. He impressed me with the way he reacted."

That reaction has become a hallmark of his season — a young player learning in real time, but never shying away from the ball or responsibility.

The technical and tactical profile
What sets Josh King apart isn't just his technique — it's his mind. Watching him play, you get the sense he's reading the game a split second before anyone else. He sees pictures others don't. He demands the ball under pressure, already knowing his next move before it arrives. Whether it's a risky switch of play or a threading pass through the lines, he always looks to hurt the opposition.

King is fearless. He doesn't settle for the simple sideways pass — he wants to create, to move Fulham forward. Yes, not every ambitious ball comes off, but his willingness to take that risk tells you everything about his mindset. He plays like a footballer who trusts his own ability and understands the team's rhythm instinctively.

His positioning is superb — constantly dropping into pockets of space, receiving the ball on the half-turn, and pushing Fulham up the pitch with tempo. He has the full passing range too, capable of zipping a quickfire one-two or sweeping a long diagonal to switch the play. And when things don't go to plan, his reaction speaks volumes. Every time a pass goes astray, King chases it down with relentless energy, snapping at heels like a dog until he wins it back.

Then there's his attacking contribution. While he's yet to register a Premier League goal or assist this season, he broke his duck in the Carabao Cup against Wycombe — a superb, instinctive flick at the near post that dragged Fulham into the quarter-final. That night he was head and shoulders above everyone else on the pitch, dictating the tempo and showing a maturity that belied his age. The goals will come, but his influence is already obvious.

His quick feet under pressure are extraordinary. The way he drew Wolves centre-half Agbadou into a reckless challenge with a cheeky touch — just nicking it away at the last second — was pivotal. Wolves went down to 10 men, Fulham took control, and the three points never looked in doubt.

It's not the first time he's done it either. At Villa Park, he ran rings around a shrewd Aston Villa midfield, unlucky not to win a penalty after a dazzling first half full of invention and energy. And who could forget his disallowed goal against Chelsea — a gorgeous turn that left former Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo flat-footed before he arrowed a finish into the corner to wrong-foot Robert Sánchez. It was ruled out, harshly, by VAR — a moment that should have belonged to him.

But even then, King didn't sulk. He didn't hide. He just kept playing. That's what defines him. He perseveres. And while some may criticise his occasional tumble or fiery exchange with opponents, it comes from passion — an intensity that shows he cares. His teammates rallying around him in those moments tells you how much they value his fight and spirit.

Not since Ryan Sessegnon has a Fulham academy graduate come through and generated this much excitement. Josh King plays with courage, flair, and heart — the qualities that make supporters fall in love with a player.

Bright future
Fulham's 3–0 victory over Wolves may go down as another strong performance in an improving season, but for those who pay attention, it symbolised something more — the rise of a homegrown talent ready to shape the club's future.

Marco Silva has built a team with balance and belief, but with Josh King emerging, Fulham also have something priceless: a glimpse of tomorrow. His game has the intelligence of a veteran and the fire of youth — a rare combination that suggests he won't be a hidden gem for long.

We've seen this story before with Ryan Sessegnon. But this one feels different. Josh King is writing his own chapter, and if his early signs are anything to go by, Fulham fans should cherish every moment. Because the kid from Motspur Park really is the real deal.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/josh-king-is-proving-hes-no-longer

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Fulham's Nsasi joins Stones on loan with Ipswich's Turner
Fulham's Eddy Nsasi has joined Wealdstone on loan along with Ipswich's Steven Turner.



Centre-back Nsasi (pictured), 18, has joined the Stones on an initial month's loan. He has been with Fulham since the age of eight and signed his first professional contract last year.

Midfielder Turner, 19, is captain of Ipswich's Under-21 side and has joined on loan until January.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulhams-nsasi-joins-stones-on-loan-with-ipswichs-turner

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How Alex Iwobi bounced back after Everton exit as Fulham star relishes Toffees clash
Everton take on Fulham in the Premier League this weekend, meaning a meeting with former Toffees ace Alex Iwobi.

Everton drew 1-1 with Sunderland on Monday night to take the current run of form to one win in seven Premier League games.

Iliman Ndiaye's stunning opener appeared to set Everton on the path to victory, but Granit Xhaka bagged the equaliser for Sunderland.

Everton's lack of attacking threat after Thierno Barry's miss was a major source of frustration for Moyes and supporters.

The attention now turns to this weekend's home clash with Fulham, as Everton look to get back to winning ways at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Fulham's Alex Iwobi comments on facing Everton this weekend
One man who would love to inspire a Fulham win over Everton is midfielder Alex Iwobi.

Everton signed Iwobi from Arsenal back in 2019, but he didn't quite live up to his billing at Goodison Park.

Now set for a first visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium, Iwobi has told The Daily Express (03/11, Fever Pitch pullout, page 12) that he has good memories from his time at Goodison Park.

Iwobi felt that the time was right to leave Everton, and he now wants to create new memories against the Toffees.

The Fulham star noted that it's always 'special' to face a former club, but he just wants to crown his first visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium with a win.

"In life, sometimes you have to move on," said Iwobi.

"I have some good memories of Goodison Park, but now I am looking to create new memories playing against them, and hopefully we can get a win.

"It always feels special to face a former team, but I will look to treat it like any other team. I try to treat all opponents the same way," he added.

How Alex Iwobi has made himself a star after leaving Everton
Iwobi's move to Everton was supposed to give him a starring first-team role after being in and out of the Arsenal side.

The Nigeria international scored just six Premier League goals in 123 games and never broke past two league goals in any Everton campaign.

Ultimately, Iwobi's move to Merseyside didn't quite work out as anybody planned.

Iwobi left Everton for Fulham in 2023, and he has been exceptional ever since.

Playing under Marco Silva, his former Everton boss, Iwobi has racked up 15 goals in just 78 Premier League games for Fulham.

Iwobi averaged around one goal every 20 games for Everton, compared to around one in five for Fulham.

That marked improvement will frustrate Everton fans, but perhaps being back in London has helped Iwobi settle in and unlock his full potential at Craven Cottage.

Silva has praised Iwobi's versatility, but also believes that he is now taking on more responsibility, having become a more experienced leader.

"First, he is a really versatile player that can play in many, many positions, he can do many roles. I know where he's capable, where he feels that he can perform better," said Silva on Fulham's official website in 2024.

"He likes to be around in the middle of the pitch, and coming from the left he is really strong, too. Now he's playing more on the right, where he's capable to perform like he showed [against Crystal Palace], with a different role.

"I like that he's taking more responsibility on his back, sometimes the players need this responsibility. He's helping the team and he's performing. He's in a happy place right now, and I'm really pleased to have him with us," he added.

Iwobi appears to be thriving with that increased responsibility and has not let his Everton struggles hold him back from starring in the Premier League.



https://www.everton.news/how-alex-iwobi-bounced-back-after-everton-exit-as-fulham-star-relishes-toffees-clash/