Saturday Fulham Stuff - 26/12/25...

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Results

Friday 26/12
Man Utd	1-0	Newcastle

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West Ham vs Fulham early injury news as 3 ruled out, 1 doubt and 5 players on AFCON duty
All the early injury news surrounding West Ham and Fulham as they prepare to face off in the Premier League.

West Ham and Fulham return to Premier League action on Saturday when they face off at the London Stadium. The Hammers are in desperate need of a run of form after falling five points behind Nottingham Forest in the final safety spot.

Meanwhile, Fulham got a much-needed win over Forest on Monday to move 10 points clear of the drop zone having previously slipped too far down the table for comfort following a tough run of results. Here we round up the early injury and absence news surrounding both teams ahead of this one.

Rodrigo Muniz - Out
Silva has said; "He's getting better. I was just speaking with him, and he's getting good feelings. He's doing individual work on the [training] pitch." Muniz is not expected back until February.

Calvin Bassey - Out (AFCON)
Bassey is away for the African Cup of Nations.

Samu Chukwueze - Out (AFCON)
Chukwueze is away for the African Cup of Nations.

Alex Iwobi - Out (AFCON)
Iwobi is away for the African Cup of Nations.

Ryan Sessegnon - Out
Silva has said: "We have to be careful with him, he's OK. He's already running on the pitch, and is not going to be long. He's already doing individual work, probably some weeks, but I cannot give you a timescale because we see how he's going to react this week."

Harry Wilson - Doubt
Wilson should be good to go, but Silva has said: "It looks like he's going to be OK, I think. It was a big knock there - it was not a twist. But let's see tomorrow - we have a session, and we are going to assess the players from tonight."

Aaron Wan-Bissaka - Out (AFCON)
Wan-Bissaka is now off in Africa for AFCON.

Diouf is also at AFCOM for the coming weeks.

Fabianski has a back injury that is keeping him out currently.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/west-ham/west-ham-fulham-injury-news-5454640

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Fulham now readying £31m bid for "incredibly prolific" Champions League striker
Fulham are now readying a January offer for an "incredibly prolific" striker, who has been very impressive in the Champions League this season.

Cottagers keen on new striker despite Jimenez's return to form
With Rodrigo Muniz missing the last six Premier League games due to a hamstring injury, Raul Jimenez has been given the nod at centre-forward, but the Mexican hasn't exactly been prolific this season, netting three goals in the top flight.

However, the 34-year-old did return to form in the last match, scoring the only goal as the Cottagers picked up a 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, which saw them move ten points clear of the relegation zone.

Having put in some impressive performances in recent weeks, winning three of their last five Premier League games, Marco Silva's side have allayed fears of relegation, and they can now start looking at making a push up the table.

Silva could perhaps do with some more attacking firepower, however, especially considering Jimenez is now 34-years-old, and the west Londoners are now readying an offer for a new centre-forward.

That is according to a report from Eindhovens Dagblad (via Sport Witness), which states Fulham are now preparing a formal January bid in the region of €35m (£31m) for PSV Eindhoven star Ricardo Pepi, who has been on their shortlist since last season.

However, it could be difficult to tempt the Dutch side into sanctioning a departure, as they aren't keen on selling Pepi mid-way through a season, especially considering they are competing for the Eredivisie title.

The striker may also want to remain at PSV, given that Champions League football is on offer at the Philips Stadion, and he has put in some top performances in Europe's elite competition this season...

"Incredibly prolific" Pepi tearing it up in Europe
Lauded as "incredibly prolific" by scout Jacek Kulig earlier this month, the American has been on fire in recent weeks, scoring in each of his last four league games, which takes his tally to seven for the season in the Eredivisie.

Not only that, but the 22-year-old has also been tearing it up in the Champions League, chipping in with three goals and one assist in five outings, despite predominantly being utilised as a substitute.

With Rodrigo Muniz, who scored eight Premier League goals last season, set to return early in the New Year, it may not be completely necessary to buy a new striker in the January transfer window.

However, as Jimenez is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season, a long-term replacement may be required in the summer, and Pepi could be ideal.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-now-readying-transfer-bid-ricardo-pepi-champions-league/

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"It's crazy" – Fulham player on teammate's decision to join Arsenal
Fulham's Joachim Andersen was pleased to see Christian Nørgaard decide to join Arsenal last summer.

Viaplay had a chat with the Fulham player, who talked about the 31-year-old Denmark international. Bold have relayed his comments.

Andersen and the Arsenal man have played together for the national team and Bold say they are good friends.

Nørgaard spent six years at Brentford before leaving them for Mikel Arteta's side in July. His former club teammate, Mikkel Damsgaard, was then shocked at the midfielder's decision to move to the Emirates.

Damsgaard isn't the only one as Bold now claim the Fulham man has also been 'surprised' with his compatriot moving to Arsenal. The 29-year-old defender is delighted to see Nørgaard take the step forward at this stage of his career.

"It's crazy that he gets to be part of such experiences and try it out. You can't say no to that. It's great for him. I'm just happy for him," he said.

Nørgaard was a regular for the Bees but that isn't the case with the Gunners. Arteta has handed him 482 minutes from nine matches of which 270 were in the EFL Cup.

The Dane has a contract until 2027, with an option for another year. Two months ago, he had expressed his desire to return to Brøndby after his time at Arsenal.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/its-crazy-fulham-player-on-teammates-decision-to-join-arsenal/

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Ambitious €35m Fulham January bid for 'absolutely lethal' striker hits roadblock as sources reveal TWO problems for Marco Silva
Fulham's quest to bring Ricardo Pepi from PSV to Craven Cottage in the January transfer window could end in bitter disappointment, sources have told TEAMtalk.

Pepi has established himself as one of the best strikers in the Eredivisie, with Fulham keen on signing him in the middle of the season. The USA international striker has scored 10 goals and given two assists in 21 appearances for PSV so far this season, with the 22-year-old finding the back of the net 18 times and registering three assists in 29 matches in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign.

According to Eindhovens Dagblad, Fulham are preparing a formal offer of €30-35million (up to £30.5m, $41.3m) for Pepi in the January transfer window, with the American youngster having shaken off the injury issues.

Our transfer correspondent, Dean Jones, has reported that it is unlikely that Fulham manager Marco Silva will be able to get a deal done for Pepi in the middle of the season.

Firstly, PSV do not want to sell the striker who helped them win the Eredivisie title in 2024 and 2025.

Secondly, Pepi, who has been described as "absolutely lethal" by former USA international striker Landon Donovan, himself might not fancy switching teams and leagues with the 2026 World Cup finals next summer.

Jones told TEAMtalk: "It's no surprise that Fulham are on the search for a striker and Ricardo Pepi is someone they have tracked for some time, and may make an offer for.

"If they try to get him in January, I think it'll be difficult from two perspectives, though.

"Firstly, PSV do not want to sell him as he has been in great form recently and secondly, because the player is likely to prefer momentum and consistency right now over a new challenge.

"I do think he wants to play in the Premier League, and such offers are always difficult to turn down.

"But he also has the World Cup to consider with the USA, and he wants to be their main striker.

"At Fulham, he is going to have to compete with Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz for game time, and that's going to be difficult."



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/ricardo-pepi-marco-silva-bid-psv-january-transfer-window

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"He is killing me" – Samuel Chukwueze "berates" Calvin Bassey in Super Eagles camp over Fulham incident － Watch video
Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze was spotted on video giving Calvin Bassey a piece of his mind on the team bus on Monday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Chukwueze has enjoyed a great start to life at Fulham, registering two goals and four assists in nine appearances.

However, the former Villarreal man believes he should have added one more to his tally, and he blames his Super Eagles teammate, Calvin Bassey, for the missed opportunity.

In their final game for Fulham before joining the Nigeria camp for the Africa Cup of Nations, Bassey missed a clear-cut chance.

The defender went on a marauding run from the backline and dribbled his way into the box, but with the goal at his mercy, he miskicked his shot and blasted it wide.

Chukwueze was in the immediate vicinity, but Bassey opted not to pass the ball despite the winger being in a much better position to score.

Since then, Chukwueze has been on Bassey's case in what is clearly pure banter, and they have brought that playful energy to the national team.

On Monday, after their training session, Chukwueze went on a light-hearted tirade on the team bus, calling Bassey out once again for his "selfish" play.



https://soccernet.ng/2025/12/samuel-chukwueze-bassey-super-eagles.html

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Ollie Scarles' crucial injury update ahead of Fulham cruch | West Ham News
Mystery still surrounds the injury status of Ollie Scarles with the club determined to keep his return date under wraps to prevent tipping off rival clubs.

Earlier this week West Ham manager Nuno said on Scarles condition "I'm worried about how he is now. I am worried about this injury now"

When Claret and Hugh reached out to club source this morning "that is confidential, but you simply don't know with injuries"

The 20-year-old underwent surgery for a broken collarbone, which he suffered against Leeds in October.

Scarles returned last weekend making a start against Manchester City but was substituted after 64 minutes to be replaced by Ezra Mayers.

Nuno Espirito Santo initially indicated that the new injury appears minor and Scarles should be available for the upcoming match against Fulham but there now seems some doubt about that with some supporters asking whether he returned too soon after his long-term injury.



https://www.claretandhugh.info/ollie-scarles-crucial-injury-update-ahead-of-fulham-cruch-west-ham-news/

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Fulham winger Chukwueze admits 'I Wasn't given the time I needed in Serie A' with Milan
Samuel Chukwueze has reflected on his brief spell in Serie A with Milan, admitting he struggled to find space and continuity before moving on loan to Fulham.

Speaking to On Sport while away with Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, via Milanista, the winger opened up about his experience in Italy, his current situation in the Premier League, and the possibility of a future return. Although now representing Fulham, Chukwueze remains under contract with AC Milan and insists his connection with the Rossoneri has not been severed.

"I miss Milan," Chukwueze admitted. "It's my second home. My family are still there, so of course I miss the city. They are doing well and I wish them all the best, I'm still a Milan player, after all, because I'm only on loan."

Chukwueze picks Milan to finish top four in Serie A
The Nigerian international also spoke positively about Milan's title challenge this season, backing his former side to remain firmly in the race. "You can see what Milan are doing, they're playing very well," he said. "If they keep pushing like this, I think they can win. I'm sure they'll finish in the top four because their level has been really high."

Looking back on his time in Italy, Chukwueze was candid about the difficulties he faced adapting to Serie A. "I don't think I was given the time or the opportunities I needed," he explained. "But that's football. I just have to keep working. Maybe one day I'll return to Serie A, or La Liga, or stay in the Premier League. English football probably suits my style better than Italian tactics."

Chukwueze also reserved special praise for new teammate Luka Modrić, calling him "one of the best players I've ever played with," and for Zlatan Ibrahimović, whose influence he described as motivational across the entire Milan dressing room.



https://football-italia.net/fulham-winger-chukwueze-milan/

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A second year of Chanukah joy at Craven Cottage
For the second year in a row, Fulham Football Club and its Jewish Supporters Group held a Chanukah celebration at Craven Cottage on Thursday 18th December, the fifth night of Chanukah. This year's Chanukah celebration followed the inaugural event held in 2024, and this time with more people, more food, more speeches and more Chanukah joy!

Jewish Fulham fans old and young and supporters of the community got together to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights together in an evening full of cheer and doughnuts.

The Fulham Jewish Supporters Group was set up in October 2024 following conversations between Eleanor Rowland, Director of Safeguarding and Inclusion at Fulham, and Ben Sweiry, Tackling Antisemitism in Sport Project Manager and lifelong Jewish Fulham fan. Over the past few years, there has been a strong push within the football-supporting Jewish community across Premier League and English Football League clubs to create these community groups, with hugely positive impact.

The evening included keynote speeches from Eleanor Rowland, Ben Sweiry, Samuel Okafor, Chief Executive at Kick It Out, Richard Kaufman, Sky Sports commentator and lifelong Jewish Fulham fan, Martin Fuller, Safeguarding Manager at Fulham Foundation, and Mat Doolan, Business Development and Communications Manager at Fulham Foundation.

The speakers recognised the difficult period that the Jewish community in Britain and around the world is currently facing, following the Bondi Beach and Heaton Park terror attacks, but the mood in the room was one of positivity, optimism and celebration.

The Chanukah candle lighting ceremony was expertly led by Jono Mizrahi, with additional candles lit by Henry Mann, David Sweiry, Gemma and Stephen Peterman.

As the candles burned brightly at Craven Cottage, the evening served as a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from community, solidarity and shared celebration. For those in attendance, this second Chanukah gathering was not only a celebration of tradition, but a clear statement that Jewish life, pride and belonging continue to shine brightly at Fulham Football Club.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/december/23/a-second-year-of-chanukah-joy-at-craven-cottage/

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Excuses Running Out for Nuno as West Ham Face Fulham Test
The former Nottingham Forest boss arrived at the London Stadium after losing his job under very public circumstances. Even so, many supporters were pleased to see him come to east London — largely because, at the time, he was viewed as an upgrade on Graham Potter.

Unfortunately, it has not quite worked out that way. Espírito Santo's win percentage currently looks even worse than Potter's, although there is plenty of mitigation to consider.

He has inherited a mess of a first-team situation, shaped by Potter's struggles and an unbalanced squad assembled under owner David Sullivan. Add in the fact he has not signed a single player of his own, coupled with a brutal early fixture list, and there have been genuine reasons to excuse the poor start. Those reasons, however, are beginning to run out.

A Test He Must Pass
Saturday's opponents, Fulham, are beatable — especially with three of Marco Silva's key players away on Africa Cup of Nations duty. The Cottagers also did West Ham a favour on Monday by beating Sean Dyche's Forest in a low-quality encounter.

While few expected the Hammers to travel to the Etihad Stadium and take points off Manchester City, expectations are very different against Fulham. There is little reason for Nuno to experiment with his selection, particularly with reinforcements expected to arrive shortly.

The excuses are thinning out. West Ham supporters now need to see what the manager can deliver — tactically and from a man-management perspective. The eye test suggests the team has improved. Now it needs to be reflected where it really matters: on the points column.



https://www.claretandhugh.info/excuses-running-out-for-nuno-as-west-ham-face-fulham-test/

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Matchday Preview: West Ham
🆚 West Ham United
🏟 London Stadium
🏆 Premier League
🗓 Saturday 27th December
⏰ 3pm

The opposition

It's been a tough spell for West Ham of late, who haven't won any of their previous six Premier League matches, though they have faced Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Manchester City in that run. After Fulham, they take on Brighton, Wolves and Nottingham Forest, and will looking to those fixtures as an opportunity to haul themselves out of the relegation zone.

Team news

⚒️ Backup goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is West Ham's sole injury concern, but they are without full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf who are away at AFCON.

🤍 Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz are still injured, while Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze are on international duty. Harry Wilson continues to be assessed after injurying his knee against Nottingham Forest.

Tickets

The away end for this match has sold out, meaning there will be more than 3,000 Fulham fans backing the boys in East London. A reminder that digital tickets are in operation for this fixture.

Kits

Both sides will be in their home shirts, though Fulham will be wearing black shorts to avoid a clash.

Weather

⛅️ A dry day with sunny intervals is forecast in Stratford, with temperatures of eight degrees.

Coverage

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.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/december/26/matchday-preview-west-ham/

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Fulham preparing bid to sign Ricardo Pepi
Fulham are reportedly interested in signing 22-year-old USMNT international Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven in the winter transfer window.

According to a report from Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad, Fulham are prepared to submit an offer to get the deal done, and it will be interesting to see if they follow up on their interest in Ricardo Pepi with an official proposal in the coming weeks.

Pepi has 12 goal contributions this season, and he could prove to be a very useful acquisition for the London club. The Cottagers need more quality and depth in the attacking unit. They have been overly dependent on Rodrigo Muniz.

Ricardo Pepi prove to be an excellent acquisition for them. The West London outfit are prepared to submit an offer of around €30-35 million to get the deal done. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops when Fulham further their interest.

Pepi could be tempted to join
PSV might not be too keen on losing an important player like Ricardo Pepi in the middle of the season, but a lucrative proposal would be hard to turn down. The player is likely to be attracted to the idea of moving to the Premier League as well. It would be a huge step up in his career and he would get to test himself at a higher level.

The 22-year-old is entering the years of his career, and this could be the right time for him to take on a new challenge. Moving to Fulham could help him improve further. Regular football in England could bring out the best in the player.

Meanwhile, the West London club will look to secure a respectable finish in the Premier League table. They need to improve the team during the January transfer window. Adding a couple of quality players could make a huge difference for them in the final third.

Fulham have looked mediocre going forward at this season. Signing our quality striker could help them perform at a high-level. Pepi has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past as well. He will certainly hope that the two clubs can agree on a deal so that he can finalise a dream move to England this time around.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/12/24/fulham-preparing-bid-to-sign-ricardo-pepi/

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Fulham transfer news: Marco Silva's quest to sign PSV star could fail due to 'two key reasons'
Fulham could reportedly experience disappointment in their efforts to sign PSV Eindhoven attacker Ricardo Pepi due to two key reasons.

Cottagers boss Marco Silva will be hoping for an improved transfer window after being left frustrated by the club's lack of activity in the summer market.

Fulham made just four new additions in the summer, with two of those arriving on the final day of the window.

With Fulham keen to hit the ground running in the January market, Eindhovens Dagblad are reporting that the club are preparing to make a bid for PSV's Pepi.

Fulham set to experience disappointment in Pepi pursuit
The report claims that the Cottagers are willing to offer between €30m (£26.2m) and €35m (£31m) for the USA international.

However, according to TEAMtalk, Fulham are likely to experience disappointment in their pursuit of the PSV star due to two factors.

The Eredivisie giants are reluctant to part ways with one of the key members of Peter Bosz's squad, especially at the midway point of the season.

Pepi may also be unwilling to move away from his current club in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup due to concerns that a transfer would disrupt "momentum and consistency".

Why are Fulham targeting Pepi?
Silva can currently call upon Raul Jimenez, Rodrigo Muniz and Bayern Munich loanee Jonah Kusi-Asare as his main centre-forward options, although the latter has struggled for playing time and could return to his parent club earlier than anticipated.

Meanwhile, Muniz's season has been hampered by injury, reinforcing Fulham's desire to strengthen their forward line for the second half of the season.

Pepi has emerged as a strong target for the Cottagers, having largely impressed with his form for PSV.

The 22-year-old has scored 36 goals in 89 competitive appearances, including 10 goals in 21 matches in the current campaign.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/fulhams-quest-to-sign-psv-star-could-fail-due-to-two-key-reasons_588424.html

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Preview: West Ham United vs Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups
Fulham are in action for the last time in 2025 on Saturday when they journey to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United in round 18 of the Premier League.

While the Cottagers could make it three straight league wins for the first time since January 2023, the Hammers will look to flip the script this weekend and begin their surge from the doldrums.

Match preview
Heading into the midway point of the 2025-26 Premier League season, West Ham United find themselves in the bottom three, five points away from safety in what has been a grossly underwhelming campaign.

Having seen their lead slip away in a narrow 3-2 defeat against Aston Villa on December 14, the Hammers were outclassed and outplayed by high-flying Manchester City last weekend, as they lost 3-0 when both sides met at the Etihad.

Erling Haaland delivered the goods for Pep Guardiola's men once again, finding the target on either side of setting up Tijjani Reijnders's 38th-minute strike to fire Man City to their 12th league win of the season.

West Ham picked up consecutive victories over Newcastle United and Burnley in their first two outings in November, but what seemed like a resurgent spell has unravelled, with the Hammers failing to taste victory in six straight games, picking up three points from the last 18 available.

Particularly worrying has been their performance on home turf, with Nuno Espirito Santo's men failing to win 11 of their last 13 Premier League games at the London Stadium, losing eight and claiming three draws since the start of March.

However, history will be on West Ham's side on Saturday, as they take on an opposing side who are without a win in 13 of their last 14 league visits to the London Stadium, losing nine and claiming four draws since December 2002.

Marco Silva's men have blown hot and cold this season, but they could move into the top half of the Premier League standings with all three points at the London Stadium this weekend.

Raul Jimenez's penalty strike late in first-half stoppage time saw Fulham secure a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage last Monday to pick up back-to-back league wins for the third time this season.

Sandwiched between the two Premier League victories, the Cottagers were dumped out of the EFL Cup on December 17, when they fell to a 2-1 loss against Newcastle in their quarter-final clash at St. James' Park.

Only the top-five sides have picked up more wins than Fulham's seven in the league, but they hold the joint second-highest number of defeats among teams outside the relegation zone (8), only behind Nottingham Forest's nine losses.

Silva's men have picked up 23 points from their 17 Premier League matches to sit 13th in the table, 10 points and five places above this weekend's hosts, and level on points with Newcastle and Brentford.

West Ham United Premier League form:

    D    L    D    D    L    L

Fulham Premier League form:

    W    W    L    L    W    W

Fulham form (all competitions):

    W    L    L    W    L    W

Team News
West Ham United remain without the services of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and 20-year-old defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, who are currently away at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations with Congo DR and Senegal respectively.

On the injury front, Oliver Scarles was forced off injured shortly after the hour mark against Manchester City last weekend, and the English youngster is a major doubt for Saturday's tie.

He is joined on the club's injury table by veteran goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who continues his lengthy spell on the sidelines, having sustained a back injury in September.

As for Fulham, they will have to cope without the Nigerian contingent of Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi, who are currently on duty at the ongoing AFCON.

Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz has been ruled out through a hamstring injury, while full-back Ryan Sessegnon is set to sit out his fifth consecutive game after picking up a muscle problem against Manchester City on December 2.

West Ham United possible starting lineup:

Areola; Walker-Peters, Kilman, Todibo, Julio; Potts, Fernandes, Magassa; Paqueta, Bowen, Summerville

Fulham possible starting lineup:

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

We say: West Ham United 1-1 Fulham
 With 21 goals scored in their last seven clashes, meetings between West Ham and Fulham have often served up fireworks in the past, and we anticipate another action-packed contest at the London Stadium.

The departure of their AFCON contingent has watered down Fulham's strength, and while the Hammers boast a solid home record in this fixture, we predict that Silva's men will hold out for a share of the spoils.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/west-ham-united/preview/west-ham-vs-fulham-prediction-team-news-lineups_588437.html

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Fulham face frustration in pursuit of Ricardo Pepi
Fulham will unlikely sign 22-year-old USMNT international Ricardo Pepi from Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven in the winter transfer window.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Ricardo Pepi is the subject of interest from Fulham. The Cottagers are eager to bolster their offensive unit by signing a striker in the winter transfer window. So, the 22-year-old PSV Eindhoven centre-forward has emerged as a target for the West London outfit.

However, the Eredivisie champions do not want to part ways with the American striker, even though the Cottagers have been ready to pay a significant sum to secure his services. Additionally, Pepi, who "has been described as absolutely lethal by former USA international striker Landon Donovan", is not considering leaving PSV Eindhoven anytime soon.

How has Ricardo Pepi fared at PSV Eindhoven?
Ricardo Pepi has established himself as one of the best players in the Eredivisie since joining PSV Eindhoven from FC Augsburg in July 2023. The 22-year-old has made considerable progress in the last two and a half years, having been productive in the final third for the Dutch champions.

The USMNT international has been solid thus far in the 2025/26 season, scoring ten goals and providing two assists in 21 appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, Pepi's progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Fulham will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the winter transfer window.

London calling? Not quite
Ricardo Pepi has been on Fulham's radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as the Cottagers are scouring the market for a striker heading into the winter transfer window after parting ways with Carlos Vinicius. Meanwhile, Raul Jimenez is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. So, Rodrigo Muniz is the only long-term option for Marco Silva.

So, Fulham should sign a striker in the winter transfer window, with Pepi emerging as a viable target. Recent reports have claimed that the West London club will submit a bid worth €30-35 million to sign the 22-year-old American striker from PSV Eindhoven.

However, the Eredivisie champions are not interested in selling Pepi in the winter transfer window. Additionally, the 22-year-old USMNT international will not push for a move away from PSV Eindhoven in the coming weeks. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Pepi and who emerges as a target for Fulham for a January move.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/12/25/fulham-face-frustration-in-pursuit-of-ricardo-pepi/

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West Ham vs. Fulham: Head-to-head record and past meetings

Head-to-head record
Previous meetings: 111

West Ham United wins: 52

Draws: 25

Fulham wins: 34

West Ham United and Fulham have met each other a total of 111 times across all competitions, with the Hammers comfortably leading the head-to-head record with 52 victories, compared to Fulham's 34 wins.

The rivalry kicked off with the Hammers picking up three wins from their first three encounters, including a 2-1 victory in their very first game in the Southern League Second Division back in December 1898, before Fulham posted their first win.

This came in the FA Cup intermediate round on December 12, 1903, when the Cottagers held on to see out a 1-0 victory, and their next win would come two years later, when they beat West Ham by the same scoreline in the Southern League First Division.

The first-ever Premier League meeting between the two teams came in November 2001, when Fulham ran out 2-0 winners at Upton Park thanks to goals in either half from Sylvain Legwinski and Steed Malbranque.

However, West Ham would go unbeaten in each of their subsequent 12 top-flight games against the Cottagers, picking up eight wins and four draws between April 2002 and May 2010, when they narrowly lost 3-2 at Craven Cottage.

One of the most notable meetings between West Ham and Fulham came in the 1975 FA Cup final, with Alan Taylor netting two quick-fire goals in the second half to fire the Hammers to a 2-0 victory at Wembley Stadium.

Last season, Nuno Espirito Santo's men avoided defeat in both home and away games against Fulham in the Premier League, playing out a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage in September 2024, before picking up a 3-2 victory at the London Stadium in the return fixture on January 14.

Last 20 meetings
Jan 14, 2025: West Ham United 3-2 Fulham (Premier League)

Sep 14, 2024: Fulham 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)

Apr 14, 2024: West Ham United 0-2 Fulham (Premier League)

Dec 10, 2023: Fulham 5-0 West Ham United (Premier League)

Apr 08, 2023: Fulham 0-1 West Ham United (Premier League)

Dec 17, 2022: Fulham 1-1 West Ham United (Club Friendlies 1)

Oct 09, 2022: West Ham United 3-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Feb 06, 2021: Fulham 0-0 West Ham United (Premier League)

Nov 07, 2020: West Ham United 1-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Jul 27, 2019: Fulham 0-1 West Ham United (Pre-Season Friendlies)

Feb 22, 2019: West Ham United 3-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Dec 15, 2018: Fulham 0-2 West Ham United (Premier League)

Jul 20, 2017: West Ham United 2-1 Fulham (Pre-Season Friendlies)

Jan 01, 2014: Fulham 2-1 West Ham United (Premier League)

Nov 30, 2013: West Ham United 3-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Jan 30, 2013: Fulham 3-1 West Ham United (Premier League)

Sep 01, 2012: West Ham United 3-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Dec 26, 2010: Fulham 1-3 West Ham United (Premier League)

Oct 02, 2010: West Ham United 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)

May 02, 2010: Fulham 3-2 West Ham United (Premier League)

Last 10 Premier League meetings
Jan 14, 2025: West Ham United 3-2 Fulham (Premier League)

Sep 14, 2024: Fulham 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)

Apr 14, 2024: West Ham United 0-2 Fulham (Premier League)

Dec 10, 2023: Fulham 5-0 West Ham United (Premier League)

Apr 08, 2023: Fulham 0-1 West Ham United (Premier League)

Oct 09, 2022: West Ham United 3-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Feb 06, 2021: Fulham 0-0 West Ham United (Premier League)

Nov 07, 2020: West Ham United 1-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Feb 22, 2019: West Ham United 3-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Dec 15, 2018: Fulham 0-2 West Ham United (Premier League)



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/west-ham-united/head-to-head/west-ham-vs-fulham-head-to-head-record-and-past-meetings_588449.html

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Fulham lineup vs. West Ham United: Predicted XI for Premier League clash amid fresh injury concerns
Fulham held their own to secure a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend and will wrap up their schedule for the year with a thrilling London derby against West Ham United on Saturday.

However, their preparations for the trip to the London Stadium remain clouded by doubts over the fitness of key forward Harry Wilson, who was forced off against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

The Welshman went into the Nottingham Forest tie in superb form, netting six goals and providing four assists in seven matches for club and country, and will be a big miss should he fail to shake off the injury before Saturday.

If that happens, Adama Traore could get the nod at the London Stadium as he seeks his first goal of the season, while Kevin will get another free shot at a start in attack, with Samuel Chukwueze among the three-man Nigerian contingent at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

With Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi on international duty, 26-year-old Jorge Cuenca should retain his role in the back four, alongside Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen and Antonee Robinson, while Sasa Lukic and Sander Berge should form the two-man midfield pivot once again.

Raul Jimenez's winner against Nottingham Forest ended his five-game goal drought, and with Rodrigo Muniz recuperating from a hamstring injury, we expect the Mexican striker to spearhead Fulham's attack on Saturday.

Alongside Muniz, English full-back Ryan Sessegnon has missed each of the Cottagers' four games since coming off with a muscle injury against Manchester City on December 2, and the 25-year-old is also out of contention for this weekend's trip to the London Stadium.

Fulham possible starting lineup: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/west-ham-united/predicted-lineups/will-harry-wilson-be-fit-to-play-predicted-fulham-xi-vs-west-ham_588455.html

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Wilson injury not as bad as Fulham feared
Marco Silva says he is hopeful Harry Wilson will be available for Fulham's visit to West Ham on Saturday.

The Welshman suffered a painful knock to the knee during the 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest on Monday.

But the injury does not appear to be as serious as was first feared.

Whites boss Silva explained: "It probably looked more serious than it is right now.

"We will keep assessing him. It was a big knock on the knee and of course it was painful, still painful.

"Let's see. We have to assess him. We are going to have another (training) session and after take the decision about him.

"I'm hopeful that he can be (available). Of course, it's a situation that we have to assess.

"Games come thick and fast. Sometimes these types of knocks can have an impact in the decisions that we have to take for each game."

Wilson has five goals and three assists in 16 Premier League games, with the winger starting 14 of those matches.

Fulham have five games over the next 15 days and Silva knows how important the in-from Wilson is.

"He's being crucial. He's at the top of his confidence. He feels very well. He's helping the team to win football matches," Silva said.

"That is the most important thing in Wilson's mind, and for us he's been a crucial player."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/wilson-injury-not-as-bad-as-fulham-feared

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From the press box: Fulham to assess Wilson ahead of Hammers clash
Jack Kelly was back on the Fulham beat as Marco Silva previewed West Ham v Fulham with the media.

From mince pies and mulled wine to Motspur Park. Christmas Day came and went and by 9am on Boxing Day, I was back at Fulham's training ground ahead of Marco Silva's early morning press conference!

Off the high of the win versus Nottingham Forest, or the visit of Father Christmas - or both - I had a spring in my step as I walked into reception. In fact, I had arrived at MP at the same time as the Fulham boss, who was getting out of his car as I walked across to the press conference room. We said hello and asked each other how our Christmases were. Quite surreal - both of us I'm sure wishing we were probably still in bed!

But Marco and myself have something in common. We love our jobs. So it was business as usual today.

The only pressing issue ahead of our clash with West Ham tomorrow was about the fitness of Harry Wilson. FPL fans around the world were ready to tune into my X updates, as apparently he is one of the most used players in recent weeks because of the Welshman's superb form.

Here's what Silva had to say: "Wilson - it looked more serious than it is right now. It was a big knock on the knee. It's still painful, & we will assess him. Muniz and Sess are out. I'm hopeful about Wilson, games come thick and fast - let's hope we can have him available."

Another option on the right-hand side is Adama Traore, who has been heavily linked with a move to the Hammers in January. Without Wilson, Adama is Fulham's only other realistic option in that position. I'm sure Silva will be keen to have Harry involved tomorrow.

Apart from that, there's not a whole lot to report. Some questions were asked from Premier League Productions regarding players stepping in for the three out at AFCON.

Silva also mentioned how the pressure may be more on the hosts tomorrow than his side. It's a huge, huge game for West Ham. Defeat to Fulham tomorrow could see them get cut adrift if results go against them.

Fulham's win on Monday has extended the gap from 18th to a healthy 10 points. If that turns into 13 points tomorrow, well you could say that Fulham will going to be safe this season. That would be some turnaround, after the defeat to Palace left Fulham only four points above the drop zone at the beginning of the month.

But, Fulham have got to do the business tomorrow. At a ground where we stuttered last season, conceding three poor goals in a 3-2 defeat. Graham Potter's first home game in charge in east London. Now, it's Nuno in charge - and Silva will be eyeing a third Premier League win in a row against his fellow Portuguese colleague.

I put a couple of transfer-related questions to Silva in the embargoed section. Those quotes will be accessible on my X and Patreon accounts from 22:30 tonight.

Boxing Day without Fulham playing does feel a tad strange, but we'll be at the London Stadium tomorrow to see Fulham hopefully bring some more festive cheer!

COYW!



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/from-the-press-box-fulham-to-assess

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Harry Wilson injury latest for West Ham vs Fulham
Marco Silva is hopeful over Harry Wilson's injury ahead of Fulham's Premier League match against West Ham on Saturday.

Wilson injured his left knee during his attempt to tackle Forest defender Neco Williams in the second half of Fulham's 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

The winger required treatment from Fulham's medical team and was able to continue for a few minutes before he was replaced by Adama Traore with six minutes of the game remaining.

Speaking ahead of Fulham's trip to West Ham this weekend, Fulham manager Silva insists Wilson remains in contention to feature in the match.

'It was a big knock on the knee and it was painful,' Silva said.

'We are still assessing him and we will make a decision after the next session. I'm hopeful he can be available again because he's been crucial for us and is full of confidence.

'We have an idea and a plan. We know the profile of our players, who recover quicker, who need a bit more time, and we have the data to support those decisions.

'But many things can change after each game. Knocks, recovery, availability, you have to adapt. The most important thing now is West Ham, because it's the next one.'



https://metro.co.uk/2025/12/26/harry-wilson-injury-latest-west-ham-vs-fulham-25824929/?ito=newsnow-feed