Sunday Fulham Stuff - 21/12/25...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Saturday 20/12
Newcastle	2-2	Chelsea
Bournemouth	1-1	Burnley
Brighton	0-0	Sunderland
Man City	3-0	West Ham
Wolves	0-2	Brentford
Spurs	1-2	Liverpool
Everton	0-1	Arsenal
Leeds	4-1	Palace

[WhiteJC]

The FST Christmas Gift Guide 2025
True to tradition now (three years in a row is a tradition! You can check out 2023 and 2024's editions here), we want to ensure that our members, or any anyone from the Fulham fan community that care about the Whites, the future of football and supporter traditions can receive the perfect gift under the tree. Our 2025 edition can be found here...

The Price of Football – Kieran Maguire
Hot off the back of an appearance at our recent AGM where he somehow managed to explain more about Fulham's finances than we've been able to understand in years in about 20 minutes, Kieran Maguire's book is a must-read for anyone looking to try and get into the murky world of FSR.

Pele tea towel
What is often missing from your hands when drying the dishes? Why, a little artistry, resilience, and quiet radicalism, of course. Radical Tea Towel's philosophy is to spark conversation whilst making a cup of tea. Pelé's philosophy was to dazzle and entertain, and he managed to change the landscape of football as he did. What more could you want from a tea towel?

Trust membership
We can't miss an opportunity to say 'strength in numbers' to our fellow fans that aren't currently FST members. The bigger we are, the louder the voice of all Fulham fans. Always independent, the Trust strives to improve matchday and beyond for all fans, and if there's a Fulham supporter in your life not currently part of our team, we always welcome new members. Email us the name of the person you'd like to gift and we'll arrange it.

Whatever Will Be, Will Be – Felix White
Have you ever taken the Intertoto Cup to Glastonbury? No, us neither, but that feat was achieved this year by lifelong Fulham fan, Fulham Fix podcast co-host and guitarist of The Maccabees Felix White. In-between feeding his Fulham obsession, he somehow managed to travel around the country to take in a game at every round of the FA Cup during the 2024/25 season, and write a book journaling it and taking in the appeal, chaos and joy of being a football fan.

These Football Times subscription
A print magazine designed to bring print journalism back into fashion. Each issue retells some of the most magical moments in football through words, photography and art. Readers are in for a feast for the eyes with these beautifully designed issues and they are perfect to delight any football fans keen to delve into the stories behind some of the best teams, players and managers throughout history.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2025/12/the-fst-christmas-gift-guide-2025/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham vs. Nottingham Forest: Head-to-head record and past meetings before Premier League clash
Two bottom-half battlers go head-to-head in the final pre-Christmas Premier League fixture, as Fulham and Nottingham Forest meet at Craven Cottage on Monday night, to conclude gameweek 17 of the 2025-26 campaign.

Neither side have enjoyed the start to the new term that they would have hoped - or perhaps anticipated - but Sean Dyche's men in particular are showing signs of life in recent weeks.

The Garibaldi head to the English capital having won six of their last eight matches in all competitions, most recently decimating Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 at the City Ground thanks to a pair of goals from Callum Hudson-Odoi and one from Ibrahim Sangare.

Meanwhile, Fulham also found the back of the net three times in their last Premier League battle - eking out a 3-2 victory at relegation-threatened Burnley - but Marco Silva's men suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Newcastle United in Wednesday's EFL Cup quarter-finals.

Here, Sports Mole looks at the head-to-head record and previous meetings between Fulham and Nottingham Forest.

Head-to-head record

Previous meetings: 108

Fulham wins: 47

Draws: 28

Nottingham Forest wins: 33

Fulham and Nottingham Forest have faced each other a total of 108 times across all competitions and it is the Cottagers who lead the overall head-to-head record, as they have won 47 games compared to the Tricky Trees' 33, while 28 draws have been played out between the two clubs.

Their very first meeting took place back in February 1905 when Fulham secured a slender 1-0 home win in the second round of the FA Cup. However, Forest got their revenge a year later as they won 3-1 in the same fixture at the exact same stage of the competition.

Between 1911 and 1956, Fulham and Nottingham Forest regularly butted heads in Division Two, with the Cottagers claiming 22 wins compared to the Tricky Trees' 15 across 50 league encounters.

Fulham also won seven times to Forest's five across 18 meetings in Division One between 1959 and 1968, but the Cottagers came out on top in only two of their next 10 matches back in Division Two.

Following a 22-year separation, Fulham and Forest reunited in the second tier in 1999, and Fulham accumulated eight points across four league fixtures against Forest, and also won a EFL Cup fourth-round tie 4-2 away from home.

Forest locked horns with Fulham in the Championship on 12 occasions between 2014 and 2022, and they won three of the first four of those, including a thrilling 5-3 home victory in September 2014, but the Cottagers then won five of the next eight league meetings, including a comfortable 4-0 away triumph in October 2021.

In the Premier League, Fulham and Forest have only ever faced each other six times to date, with the Cottagers winning five of those, including a memorable 5-0 home victory in December 2023 and a 2-1 home success in February 2025.

Last 20 meetings
Feb 15, 2025: Fulham 2-1 Nott'm Forest (Premier League)

Sep 28, 2024: Nott'm Forest 0-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Apr 02, 2024: Nott'm Forest 3-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Dec 06, 2023: Fulham 5-0 Nott'm Forest (Premier League)

Feb 11, 2023: Fulham 2-0 Nott'm Forest (Premier League)

Sep 16, 2022: Nott'm Forest 2-3 Fulham (Premier League)

Apr 26, 2022: Fulham 0-1 Nott'm Forest (Championship)

Oct 24, 2021: Nott'm Forest 0-4 Fulham (Championship)

Jul 07, 2020: Nott'm Forest 0-1 Fulham (Championship)

Aug 24, 2019: Fulham 1-2 Nott'm Forest (Championship)

Feb 03, 2018: Fulham 2-0 Nott'm Forest (Championship)

Sep 26, 2017: Nott'm Forest 1-3 Fulham (Championship)

Feb 14, 2017: Fulham 3-2 Nott'm Forest (Championship)

Sep 27, 2016: Nott'm Forest 1-1 Fulham (Championship)

Apr 23, 2016: Fulham 1-3 Nott'm Forest (Championship)

Dec 05, 2015: Nott'm Forest 3-0 Fulham (Championship)

Jan 21, 2015: Fulham 3-2 Nott'm Forest (Championship)

Sep 17, 2014: Nott'm Forest 5-3 Fulham (Championship)

Nov 10, 2004: Nott'm Forest 2-4 Fulham (League Cup)

Feb 17, 2001: Fulham 1-0 Nott'm Forest (First Division)

Last six Premier League meetings
Feb 15, 2025: Fulham 2-1 Nott'm Forest (Premier League)

Sep 28, 2024: Nott'm Forest 0-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Apr 02, 2024: Nott'm Forest 3-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Dec 06, 2023: Fulham 5-0 Nott'm Forest (Premier League)

Feb 11, 2023: Fulham 2-0 Nott'm Forest (Premier League)

Sep 16, 2022: Nott'm Forest 2-3 Fulham (Premier League)



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/nottingham-forest/head-to-head/fulham-vs-nottm-forest-head-to-head-record-and-past-meetings_565559.html

[WhiteJC]

Crystal Palace, Fulham, West Ham United face difficulty in Raheem Sterling chase
A trio of London clubs are facing a challenging prospect in the Raheem Sterling race as finances are not the only issue ahead.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Fulham, Crystal Palace, and West Ham United face a tough challenge in the race for Raheem Sterling ahead of January. The Chelsea misfit's massive salary is not the only issue faced by the trio of London clubs, and the player would like his situation clarified not only for the present but for the long-term future.

Raheem Sterling has faced a difficult time since the start of the new season, as Chelsea have completely frozen him out from their first-team plans. Not only is the experienced star training away from the senior squad, but he has been marginalised for the treatment from the club, where he's part of a 'bomb squad' at Cobham alongside Axel Disasi.

Sterling and his family did face difficulty amid the treatment from Chelsea, and the winger wants a solution for his future. A few teams were chasing him back in the summer, who are angling for another move. Crystal Palace are interested in Raheem Sterling ahead of January, although they face a challenging prospect of signing the Chelsea misfit alongside Fulham and West Ham United.

West Ham considered a loan move back in the summer, and currently, they are eager to land a wide attacker in their team. Sterling is seen as a potential option, although his current £325,000-a-week salary is seen as a big hindrance in their pursuit.

Fulham were another team eager back in the summer, but they pulled out of talks late on, as the Cottagers went for Samuel Chukwueze and Kevin on deadline day. The West London outfit are still thought to be in the mix, but alongside Crystal Palace and West Ham, they face a unique challenge in the race for the veteran Englishman.

What does Raheem Sterling want?
The finances are certainly seen as a big issue for Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham, although it is the commitment to the player that is causing a bigger stir. Sterling wants his long-term future resolved, and to leave Chelsea in his current state, he would require a commitment from his next suitor over the future.

Hence, he may not opt for a temporary move away from Chelsea despite his plight, as he may not want to end up in a similar situation to last summer. This factor, alongside Raheem Sterling's £325,000-a-week salary, will dissuade Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham from pursuing a move for the experienced winger ahead of January.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/12/20/crystal-palace-fulham-west-ham-united-face-difficulty-in-raheem-sterling-chase/#google_vignette

[WhiteJC]

Fulham lineup vs. Nottingham Forest: Predicted XI for Premier League clash amid AFCON absentees
Fulham head coach Marco Silva must make do without a trio of Africa Cup of Nations players for Monday's Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage.

The London club have waved goodbye to Nigeria trio Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi, three influential figures whose absences will leave gaping holes in the Cottagers' starting XI.

However, Fulham coped relatively well without the triumvirate in Wednesday's EFL Cup quarter-final with Newcastle United, only succumbing to a last-minute Lewis Miley winner in that 2-1 defeat.

Silva will likely stick with the majority of the same 11 from that showdown at St James' Park, as Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe and new signing Kevin support Raul Jimenez in attack.

There were whispers earlier this week that Jimenez may have picked up a problem, but Silva shot down those rumours in his press conference and insisted that the Mexican would be fine to feature.

The hosting manager is also confident that Sasa Lukic will recover from groin tightness to partner Sander Berge in midfield, although Harrison Reed and Joshua King are on hand if need be.

Bassey's absence opens the door for Jorge Cuenca to enjoy a run in the team for a few weeks, while cup goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte will hand the gloves back over to Bernd Leno.

Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz are both still recovering from thigh injuries and will miss out for the hosts.

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Leno; Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/predicted-lineups/three-afcon-absentees-predicted-fulham-xi-vs-forest_588199.html

[WhiteJC]

Preview: Fulham vs Nottingham Forest - prediction, team news, lineups
The final Premier League fixture before Christmas Day pits Fulham and Nottingham Forest against each other at Craven Cottage on Monday night.

Only two points separate the bottom-half battlers in the Premier League table, where Sean Dyche's troops could leapfrog Marco Silva's hosts with victory in the capital.

Match preview
Starved of silverware throughout their existence - unless lower-league titles and the Intertoto Cup is factored into the equation - Fulham saw another shot at a major honour pass them by in Wednesday's gut-wrenching 2-1 loss to EFL Cup holders Newcastle United in the quarter-finals.

Silva's men succumbed to Lewis Miley's injury-time header as their Wembley dreams evaporated in the North East, although some fans may eventually be grateful for their side's elimination while the Cottagers remain close to the Premier League trapdoor.

Inconsistency has bedevilled Fulham all season long - a consequence of their extremely quiet transfer window on the incomings front - and the Cottagers reside in 15th place in the table as a result, albeit seven points clear of the relegation zone.

The Harry Wilson-inspired hosts did conquer Burnley 3-2 in gameweek 16 to snap a two-game losing run in the division, although their outrageous 5-4 reverse to Manchester City was not a typical defeat for Silva's men, who can be expected to provide the festive entertainment.

Indeed, the hosts have both scored and conceded in each of their last five games in all competitions and have also found the back of the net in nine of their 10 contests at Craven Cottage this season, only being shut out by title-chasing Arsenal.

On the other side of the coin, backing both teams to score when Forest are involved is usually ill-advised, as that outcome has only occurred once in the Tricky Trees' last seven games across the Premier League and Europa League.

That solitary instance came two Thursdays ago in their 2-1 European success over FC Utrecht, before the Garibaldi tore a timid Tottenham Hotspur to shreds at the City Ground, strolling to a 3-0 win over the Europa League winners.

Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ibrahim Sangare single-handedly slaughtered Spurs with three goals and three assists between them, as Dyche's side will remain above the dotted line on Christmas Day no matter what transpires in gameweek 17.

A penny for Ange Postecoglou's thoughts during Forest's exceptional revival, as the visitors have won six of their last eight matches in all tournaments under Dyche's leadership, suggesting that a terrible trend could be bucked on Monday.

Fulham and Forest have only ever met three times in the Premier League at Craven Cottage, and the hosts have prevailed in all three games by an aggregate score of 9-1, which also represents the visitors' worst 100% losing rate against a single opponent away from home in the competition.

Fulham Premier League form:

    L    W    W    L    L    W

Fulham form (all competitions):

    W    W    L    L    W    L

Nottingham Forest Premier League form:

    W    W    L    W    L    W

Nottingham Forest form (all competitions):

    W    L    W    L    W    W

Team News
Hit especially hard by Africa Cup of Nations call-ups, Fulham have lost no fewer than three influential players in Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze, all of whom will be representing Nigeria over the next few weeks.

Iwobi's absence could be particularly problematic if Sasa Lukic also misses out with a groin injury - the Serbian came off at half time against Newcastle - but Silva is optimistic about his chances of being fit for Monday night.

Jorge Cuenca and Kevin should be selected to replace Bassey and Chukwueze respectively, but Ryan Sessegnon (thigh) and Rodrigo Muniz (thigh) are missing for the home side.

Also impacted by the AFCON, Forest have lost one of last week's heroes - Ivory Coast midfielder Sangare - and his compatriot Willy Boly, although the out-of-favour latter may not be sorely missed.

Chris Wood (knee), Ola Aina (thigh) and Ryan Yates (thigh) complete the visitors' list of guaranteed absentees, but Taiwo Awoniyi (unspecified) is back in training and has a small chance of playing, while Nicolas Dominguez (knee) and Matz Sels (groin) are expected to be passed fit.

Dominguez is an option to replace Sangare in midfield, but a fully-fit Douglas Luiz should be at the head of the queue, and the Brazilian will likely be part of a double change with Sels replacing John Victor in between the posts.

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Leno; Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez

Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:

Sels; Savona, Murillo, Milenkovic, Williams; Luiz, Anderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus

We say: Fulham 1-1 Nottingham Forest
The losses of creative hub Iwobi and the effervescent Chukwueze will have a significant impact on Fulham's attacking flair, but Forest arrive with a weakened midfield and a proclivity for an off day - just ask Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Tricky Trees' wait for a first Premier League win at Craven Cottage will likely continue, but owing to the Cottagers' own absentees and midweek fatigue, Dyche's improving crop could still come away with a respectable point to their name.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/preview/fulham-vs-nottm-forest-prediction-team-news-lineups_588196.html

[Bill2]

Crystal Palace, Fulham, West Ham United face difficulty in Raheem Sterling chase
A trio of London clubs are facing a challenging prospect in the Raheem Sterling race as finances are not the only issue ahead.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Fulham, Crystal Palace, and West Ham United face a tough challenge in the race for Raheem Sterling ahead of January. The Chelsea misfit's massive salary is not the only issue faced by the trio of London clubs, and the player would like his situation clarified not only for the present but for the long-term future.

Raheem Sterling has faced a difficult time since the start of the new season, as Chelsea have completely frozen him out from their first-team plans. Not only is the experienced star training away from the senior squad, but he has been marginalised for the treatment from the club, where he's part of a 'bomb squad' at Cobham alongside Axel Disasi.

Sterling and his family did face difficulty amid the treatment from Chelsea, and the winger wants a solution for his future. A few teams were chasing him back in the summer, who are angling for another move. Crystal Palace are interested in Raheem Sterling ahead of January, although they face a challenging prospect of signing the Chelsea misfit alongside Fulham and West Ham United.

West Ham considered a loan move back in the summer, and currently, they are eager to land a wide attacker in their team. Sterling is seen as a potential option, although his current £325,000-a-week salary is seen as a big hindrance in their pursuit.

Fulham were another team eager back in the summer, but they pulled out of talks late on, as the Cottagers went for Samuel Chukwueze and Kevin on deadline day. The West London outfit are still thought to be in the mix, but alongside Crystal Palace and West Ham, they face a unique challenge in the race for the veteran Englishman.

What does Raheem Sterling want?
The finances are certainly seen as a big issue for Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham, although it is the commitment to the player that is causing a bigger stir. Sterling wants his long-term future resolved, and to leave Chelsea in his current state, he would require a commitment from his next suitor over the future.

Hence, he may not opt for a temporary move away from Chelsea despite his plight, as he may not want to end up in a similar situation to last summer. This factor, alongside Raheem Sterling's £325,000-a-week salary, will dissuade Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham from pursuing a move for the experienced winger ahead of January.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/12/20/crystal-palace-fulham-west-ham-united-face-difficulty-in-raheem-sterling-chase/#google_vignette

Do we really want or need Sterling? A big no from me. Apart from the money his form is past it, why do you think City offloaded him. They must have been laughing all the way to the bank.
He is well past his best and Chelsea must be kicking themselves signing him on such a long contract and large salary.

[Carborundum]

Just one of the good jokes in Yes Prime Minister was that when hearing news that someone had denied ambitions of wanting to be PM, the standard reaction was "ah, so the DO want to be PM", with everyone just nodding as they all understood that in this scenario whatever one says they are is what they are not.

In a similar vein, whenever reading about "the race" to sign a player, the inference is that absolutely no-one is showing interest in signing that particular player and an agent is getting desperate on their client's behalf and enlisting journalistic support.   

Bit cynical, but if Mr Sterling's overriding passion is to be kicking a football for a professional team, I'm sure a way can be found, just perhaps not in as geographically convenient a Premier League team such as Fulham, Palace or West Ham.

QPR's season is delicately poised right now.  The signing of Mr Sterling could be a real turning point for them.   

[alfie]

Crystal Palace, Fulham, West Ham United face difficulty in Raheem Sterling chase
A trio of London clubs are facing a challenging prospect in the Raheem Sterling race as finances are not the only issue ahead.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Fulham, Crystal Palace, and West Ham United face a tough challenge in the race for Raheem Sterling ahead of January. The Chelsea misfit's massive salary is not the only issue faced by the trio of London clubs, and the player would like his situation clarified not only for the present but for the long-term future.

Raheem Sterling has faced a difficult time since the start of the new season, as Chelsea have completely frozen him out from their first-team plans. Not only is the experienced star training away from the senior squad, but he has been marginalised for the treatment from the club, where he's part of a 'bomb squad' at Cobham alongside Axel Disasi.

Sterling and his family did face difficulty amid the treatment from Chelsea, and the winger wants a solution for his future. A few teams were chasing him back in the summer, who are angling for another move. Crystal Palace are interested in Raheem Sterling ahead of January, although they face a challenging prospect of signing the Chelsea misfit alongside Fulham and West Ham United.

West Ham considered a loan move back in the summer, and currently, they are eager to land a wide attacker in their team. Sterling is seen as a potential option, although his current £325,000-a-week salary is seen as a big hindrance in their pursuit.

Fulham were another team eager back in the summer, but they pulled out of talks late on, as the Cottagers went for Samuel Chukwueze and Kevin on deadline day. The West London outfit are still thought to be in the mix, but alongside Crystal Palace and West Ham, they face a unique challenge in the race for the veteran Englishman.

What does Raheem Sterling want?
The finances are certainly seen as a big issue for Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham, although it is the commitment to the player that is causing a bigger stir. Sterling wants his long-term future resolved, and to leave Chelsea in his current state, he would require a commitment from his next suitor over the future.

Hence, he may not opt for a temporary move away from Chelsea despite his plight, as he may not want to end up in a similar situation to last summer. This factor, alongside Raheem Sterling's £325,000-a-week salary, will dissuade Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham from pursuing a move for the experienced winger ahead of January.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/12/20/crystal-palace-fulham-west-ham-united-face-difficulty-in-raheem-sterling-chase/#google_vignette

Do we really want or need Sterling? A big no from me. Apart from the money his form is past it, why do you think City offloaded him. They must have been laughing all the way to the bank.
He is well past his best and Chelsea must be kicking themselves signing him on such a long contract and large salary.

Didn't people have the same sort of feelings re Willian, I had loads of moans about him coming to Fulham, but it didn't turn out too bad.