Thursday Fulham Stuff - 01/01/26...

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss Marco Silva out to create Premier League history in Crystal Palace fixture
Fulham manager Marco Silva will have the chance to create Premier League history when his side take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on New Year's Day.

The Cottagers will carry significant momentum into Thursday's fixture after winning their final three matches of 2025.

Fulham recorded a 3-2 away win over Burnley, before they clinched back-to-back 1-0 victories over Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.

The West London club are now looking to claim four consecutive Premier League games for the first time since previously achieving the feat from December 2022 to January 2023.

Silva targeting Premier League history
Silva has enjoyed success in his recent trips to Selhurst Park with Everton and Fulham, having overseen a five-game unbeaten away run against the Eagles without conceding a single goal.

The Portuguese Everton side played out two goalless draws at Selhurst Park, before his Fulham team recorded 3-0 and 2-0 victories either side of a 0-0 draw.

As a result, the Fulham boss now has the opportunity to become the first manager to keep six successive away clean sheets against the same opponent in Premier League history.

Meanwhile, as a club, the Cottagers have recorded four consecutive shutouts at Selhurst Park and can claim five successive away league clean sheets against the same team for the very first time.

However, their hopes of achieving that objective may be tempered by the fact that they have lost four of their last six league games that have taken place on New Year's Day (W2).

Who will miss Fulham's New Year's Day clash?
Silva revealed in his pre-match press conference that Ryan Sessegnon will be "back soon", but he will not be available for Thursday's fixture or Sunday's meeting with Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo Muniz is not expected to return until mid-February as he continues his recovery from hamstring surgery.

Fulham also remain without Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze, who have helped Nigeria reach the knockout rounds of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 100% record in the group stage.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/silva-out-to-create-premier-league-history-in-palace-fixture_588857.html

[WhiteJC]

Team News: Team News: Crystal Palace vs. Fulham injury, suspension list, predicted XIs
Two sides on contrasting runs of form meet on New Year's Day as struggling Crystal Palace host in-form Fulham at Selhurst Park in a London derby for Premier League matchday 19.

The Eagles are without a victory in each of their last five matches across all competitions, including three successive top-flight defeats, most recently a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, while a 1-0 victory over West Ham United at the weekend saw the Cottagers extend their winning streak in the league to three.

Here Sports Mole rounds up the latest team news ahead of the clash, which marks the second meeting between the sides in three weeks, following Palace's 2-1 triumph in the reverse fixture.

CRYSTAL PALACE VS. FULHAM
 
CRYSTAL PALACE
Out: Daniel Munoz (knee), Daichi Kamada (hamstring), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Chadi Riad (knee), Caleb Kporha (back), Ismaila Sarr (AFCON)

Doubtful: Chris Richards (foot)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Henderson; Lemar, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Pino, Nketiah; Mateta

FULHAM
Out: Rodrigo Muniz (hamstring), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring), Alex Iwobi (AFCON), Calvin Bassey (AFCON), Samuel Chukwueze (AFCON)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/team-news/team-news-palace-vs-fulham-injury-suspension-list-predicted-xis_588813.html

[WhiteJC]

Good run has not changed Fulham's transfer plans – Silva
Fulham's recent good form has not changed the club's January transfer plans, Marco Silva has insisted.

Silva's side have won three Premier League games in a row but he has reiterated the need for more reinforcements.

"The last three results for us, or the last five or six or seven – doesn't matter – it's not going to change what we really need," said the Whites boss.

"As I mentioned probably three or four weeks ago, we know clearly what we need.

"My staff, the board, we all agree what is needed really, and let's see what we can do."

Fulham are still missing key players because of injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations.

With four games in the space of 10 days, the squad will be stretched and Silva hopes the club will sign his targets.

He said: "It's clear what we need and of course the board is trying to get and the club is trying to get the positions that we need to strengthen. Let's see if we can do it or not."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/good-run-has-not-changed-fulhams-transfer-plans-silva

[WhiteJC]

Sky Sports: Fulham launch bid to sign £40m striker
Fulham press on with Pepi pursuit after opening bid rejected

Fulham are preparing a second bid for PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi after their opening offer of £26m was rejected, according to reports carried by Sky Sports News. The Premier League club have made clear that Pepi remains a priority target as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the second half of the campaign.

PSV's stance is firm. The Eredivisie side are understood to value the 22 year old at closer to £40m, a figure that reflects both his age profile and his growing output in front of goal. Pepi has scored nine goals across all competitions so far this season, a return that has reinforced his reputation as a striker on an upward curve rather than a short term punt.

From Fulham's perspective, the rejection of an initial bid has not cooled interest. There is a sense that dialogue between the two clubs remains open, with Craven Cottage sources indicating that a revised offer is being considered. The willingness to return with improved terms underlines how highly Pepi is rated internally.

PSV valuation underlines confidence in Pepi
PSV's £40m valuation sends a clear message. They view Pepi as a core asset rather than a player available at a discount. The striker's development since arriving in the Netherlands has been closely monitored across Europe, and his goal record this season has only intensified that scrutiny.

Those close to the situation suggest PSV feel justified in holding out. Pepi's age, international pedigree and scoring consistency combine to place him firmly in the bracket of forwards whose value is expected to rise rather than plateau. One view shared within the Dutch club is that Pepi "has earned his status through performance, not potential alone".

Fulham must therefore decide how far they are willing to stretch financially. The gap between £26m and £40m is significant, yet the market for young forwards with proven output rarely offers bargains. Any compromise may involve add ons or performance related clauses, though PSV's preference appears to be for a strong guaranteed fee.

Fulham strategy points to attacking ambition
Fulham's readiness to push forward with a second bid reflects broader ambition. The club have been deliberate in their recruitment approach, targeting players who can contribute immediately while retaining resale value. Pepi fits that model precisely.

There is also recognition that goals can be the difference between consolidation and progression in the Premier League. Pepi's nine goals this season suggest a player capable of adapting to higher demands, even if there would be an expected bedding in period.

Sky Sports News report that Fulham remain undeterred, with one source noting that the club "see Pepi as someone who can grow with the team rather than simply fill a gap". That outlook explains why negotiations are ongoing rather than abandoned at the first hurdle.

Window timeline and next steps
With the transfer window moving quickly, timing will be crucial. PSV have no immediate pressure to sell, while Fulham will want clarity sooner rather than later to avoid missing alternative targets.

The coming days are likely to determine whether the valuation gap can be bridged. A second bid would represent a statement of intent, even if it falls short of PSV's asking price. Much will depend on whether Fulham believe Pepi's upside justifies approaching the £40m mark.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Fulham supporter's perspective, this report is both exciting and slightly nerve wracking. Pepi is clearly a talent, and nine goals across all competitions at 22 years old is the sort of return that suggests genuine quality rather than a hot streak. The fact the club are willing to go back with a second bid shows ambition, something fans have wanted to see sustained rather than sporadic.

That said, £40m is a huge outlay for Fulham. Supporters will naturally ask whether that level of spending represents value, especially when the jump from the Eredivisie to the Premier League can be unforgiving. There is trust in the recruitment team, but also an awareness that big fees raise expectations instantly.

Many fans would argue that a structured deal makes sense. Paying closer to PSV's valuation through add ons tied to goals or appearances would feel more comfortable, aligning cost with contribution. If Pepi adapts quickly, few would complain about the fee in hindsight.

Ultimately, this pursuit signals intent. Fulham backing their judgement and targeting a young forward with room to grow feels like a club thinking long term. If the deal happens, supporters will hope patience is shown, allowing Pepi time to settle and prove why PSV value him so highly.



https://eplindex.com/140836/sky-sports-fulham-launch-bid-to-sign-40m-striker.html

[WhiteJC]

Raheem Sterling to Fulham?! Cottagers consider eye-catching January move for Chelsea misfit
Out-of-favour Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling could be on the move in the January transfer window with Fulham reportedly still interested in securing his services. The Cottagers have previously explored the possibility of signing the England international, who is yet to make an appearance this season after being deemed surplus to requirements by Blues head coach Enzo Maresca.

Fulham considering reviving Sterling pursuit after failed Pepi bid
In a new report from TEAMtalk, Fulham are believed to be plotting a move for Sterling, who - alongside defender Axel Disasi and striker David Datro Fofana - is among a group of unwanted players who are currently training away from the Chelsea first team squad.

The report claims Chelsea are prepared to cover a huge part of Sterling's reported £325,000-a-week wages in an attempt to push through his exit in the winter transfer window.

However, the report concludes by saying Fulham are prioritising a second bid for PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi after The Athletic previously revealed the club's £26 million (€29.7m/$34.9m) opening offer was rejected earlier this week.

USMNT forward Pepi, 22, has been in fine form for Eredivisie leaders PSV this season, scoring 10 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions. He also netted 17 times in 28 games in 2024-25.

Cottagers explored deal to sign Blues forward in the summer
After being told he has no future at Chelsea by manager Maresca in the summer, the BBC reported Fulham had expressed their interest in signing Sterling, whose contract expires in June 2027.

The report claimed former Liverpool forward Sterling would prefer to remain in London with his family, with his son Thiago having joined Arsenal's youth academy in the summer.

Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen and Serie A giants Juventus and Napoli were also credited with an interest in the 31-year-old, with all three clubs competing in this season's Champions League.

Sterling - who has won 82 caps for England, scoring 20 goals - joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £50m (€57.3m/$67.2m) deal in July 2022.

Maresca dismissed Sterling sympathy after missing out on move
After Sterling missed out on securing a summer move away, Chelsea boss Maresca dismissed sympathy for Sterling in September, saying his father has a harder life as a fisherman than his club's so-called 'bomb squad' players.

The Italian said: "I've been in Raheem's and Axel's situation as a player. For sure, I know it is not the best feeling for a player. For different reasons, the situation is the situation at the moment, but I know the club is giving them the situation to work in the right way.

"My father is 75 years old and for 50 years he's been a fisherman, working from two o'clock in the morning till 10 o'clock in the morning. This is a hard life - not the way a player works.

"When no solution is found, you give the player all the tools to train and do anything, but if you are not in the squad, you are not in the squad. It's not about Chelsea, it is about any club in the world."



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/raheem-sterling-to-fulham-cottagers-consider-eye-catching-january-move-for-chelsea-misfit/blt69619e0d30fa0165?utm_id=fa3iys5y8hyz9ezk&utm_source_platform=newsnow

[blingo]

forget Sterling and buy George. Build for the future, and get MS to sign that damned contract

[iansthailand]

forget Sterling and buy George. Build for the future, and get MS to sign that damned contract

George is that a new type of currency?

[Fulham 442]

No thanks to Sterling!

[Grassy Noel]

forget Sterling and buy George. Build for the future, and get MS to sign that damned contract

George is that a new type of currency?

Must be. On a sadder note Bonds is now out of circulation.

[WhiteJC]

Fulham in talks to sign Ricardo Pepi, fail with £26 million bid
Fulham are in serious talks with PSV Eindhoven for striker Ricardo Pepi after failing with a bid for the USMNT international.

According to Sky Sports, Fulham have continued to hold talks with PSV Eindhoven for the transfer of Ricardo Pepi ahead of the January transfer window. The Cottagers have already seen a bid rejected by the Dutch champions, as they are intent on landing the USNMT star as part of their long-term strategy.

Fulham have a problem in the front of the line as Marco Silva continues to overuse 34-year-old Mexican star Raul Jimenez. The excess game time for the experienced attacker has come about due to the long-term injury to Rodrigo Muniz. So, the West Londoners are eager to bring quality cover or competition in January.

A striker is imperative for their transfer plans, as there are some names mentioned about as potential targets, including Fiorentina hitman Moise Kean. Another name on their shortlist is that of USMNT international and PSV Eindhoven's Ricardo Pepi.

Fulham had been preparing a bid for Pepi of late, and it appears they might have made one in the region of £26 million. As per The Athletic, PSV Eindhoven have rejected that offer, as there is no clarity on what they might want to sell the attacker, who has contributed to 12 goals this season across all competitions.

The fact that PSV are in the Champions League plays a bigger role in the transfer ahead, as Pepi is seen as a key star for the club and their aspirations this season. Moreover, the USMNT star is tied to a contract until 2030, which will allow the Eredivisie champions plenty of leeway in negotiations.

Fulham to put in another bid for Ricardo Pepi?
Fulham face frustrations in their efforts to sign Pepi as PSV Eindhoven are expected to play hardball in negotiations. However, the Cottagers have continued to hold talks with the Dutch giants with the aim of reaching an agreement at the earliest for the signing of the 22-year-old striker.

It remains to be seen whether Fulham go in with another offer after their recent rejection, as PSV's demands are not clear at this moment. Fulham may have to significantly improve on the previous offer, as they might find an agreement with the player, given the lure of the Premier League.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/12/31/fulham-in-talks-to-sign-ricardo-pepi-fail-with-26-million-bid/

[WhiteJC]

Crystal Palace vs Fulham: Preview and Prediction
Crystal Palace will look to bring an end to their three-match losing streak when they host in-form Fulham on New Year's Day.

Fulham will be eyeing a fourth-straight win in the Premier League when they hit the road to square up against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Both teams are level on points, and a win here will help them break into the top half of the table.

The home team are 11th on the table with 26 points in their 18 outings. Oliver Glasner's team were on a roll a few weeks back, but a run of three straight defeats have stopped them in their tracks.

The Eagles are winless in their last five outings across competitions, and they are heading into this fixture on the back of a defeat at the hands of Tottenham. While they dominated the ball and took more shots at the goal, Crystal Palace were not clinical enough in the final third and paid the price.

The visitors are 12th on the table with 26 points in their 18 outings. Fulham are behind Crystal Palace because of inferior goal difference. While the Eagles have been on a three-match losing streak, the Cottagers have won each of their last three games in the league.

They are heading into this outing on the back of a 1-0 win over West Ham. The West London club dominated the ball, took more shots at the goal and ended up on the right side of the result. Given their recent form, they will be confident about their chances against the Eagles. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could put to use.

Team News & Tactics

Crystal Palace
Chris Richards remains a major doubt for this outing. Meanwhile, Daniel Munoz, Daichi Kamada, Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad, and Caleb Kporha are all out injured. Ismaila Sarr is unavailable, as he is on international duty for the AFCON with Senegal.

The Eagles will line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, where Dean Henderson will be in goal. Jefferson Lerma, Marc Guehi, and Maxence Lacroix will form the back three, while Nathaniel Clyne and Tyrick Mitchell will feature as the wing-backs.

As for the midfield unit, Will Hughes will partner with Adam Wharton in the centre of the park. The duo will look to shield the back three and control the tempo of the game. Eddie Nketiah and Yeremy Pino will be the two creative players behind Jean-Philippe Mateta, who will continue to lead the line for Crystal Palace against Fulham on Thursday.

Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Lemar, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Pino, Nketiah; Mateta

Fulham
Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze are on international duty, while Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz are out injured. Apart from the quintet, they do not have any fresh injury concerns to worry about.

The away team will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Bernd Leno will feature in goal. Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson will feature as the full-backs, while Joachim Andersen will start alongside Jorge Cuenca in the heart of the defence.

As for the midfield unit, Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic will form the double pivot in the middle of the pitch. They will look to shield the backline and ensure Crystal Palace do not dominate the proceedings.

Emile Smith Rowe will feature in the number ten role, while Kevin and Harry Wilson will feature out wide on the flanks. Meanwhile, Raul Jimenez will continue to spearhead the attack for Fulham against Crystal Palace on Thursday.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez

Key Stats

    Crystal Palace have been winless in their last five matches across competitions, and they have lost three on the bounce in the league.
    Meanwhile, the Cottagers are on a three-match winning streak heading into this fixture.
    After a five-match run without a goal, Raul Jimenez has found the back of the net in consecutive outings.
    The two teams met each other three weeks back, and the Eagles managed to secure a 2-1 win away from home.
    While Crystal Palace have not won any of their last four meetings against Fulham at home, they have won their last three outings against the Cottagers across competitions.

Player to Watch
Emile Smith Rowe
The 25-year-old has established himself as an important part of Fulham's first team since joining them from Arsenal in the summer of 2024. While he only has four goal contributions in his 20 outings, Smith Rowe's overall game has helped those around him.

Having contributed towards two goals in his last league outings, the English playmaker is certainly in fine form, and he will be eager to add to his tally and help his team make it four straight wins in the Premier League.

Prediction
Crystal Palace 2-2 Fulham
Crystal Palace will see this fixture as an opportunity to halt their recent slide, especially with home advantage on their side. Oliver Glasner's men are likely to look to dominate possession and press Fulham high up the pitch, but their biggest challenge will be converting chances in the final third after being wasteful in recent outings.

Fulham, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after three straight league wins and will fancy their chances of extending that run. With a well-balanced midfield and attacking threats capable of hurting Palace on the counter, the visitors should remain competitive throughout. The Hard Tackle predicts a hard-fought 2-2 draw between the two mid-table teams.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2025/12/31/crystal-palace-vs-fulham-preview-and-prediction-2/

[AJW48361]

If he's better than Raul sign him.

[AJW48361]

I thought Kenny looked Jaded at West Ham although he didn't have to queue at the Station. Wouldn't be surprised if Castagne starts today.

[WhiteJC]

Watford star attracts new transfer interest with Everton and Fulham keen
Watford could face a battle to keep hold of one of their key players now the January transfer window is open for business.

Watford midfielder Imran Louza is attracting more Premier League interest, according to Graeme Bailey, writing for TeamTalk.
Watford, under the returning Javi Gracia, are nestled in the play-off places – sitting 6th in the Championship table. A record of just three losses in his first 15 games at the helm has pushed the Hornets to these heights.

This strong position is likely something that the powers-that-be at Vicarage Road will look to strengthen in January. However, they also face the threat of increased interest in Louza according to journalist Bailey.

He says that Premier League side Everton have entered the race for the Moroccan midfield dynamo. The Toffees' interest runs alongside that of Brighton and Hove Albion, Brentford, and Fulham.

The TeamTalk reporter said that this quartet of top flight clubs sides have been monitoring and assessing the free-scoring Louza and "have been hugely impressed."

Louza lighting up Watford midfield
Watford snapped up Louza in the summer of 2021, with reports stating that he had signed a five-year deal and cost the Hornets around £10m.

His performances in this season's Championship campaign so far see him recapturing his form from the 2022/23 campaign.

Imran Louza's Championship 2022/23 and 2025/26 returns

Campaign	Games	Goals	Assists
2025/26	20	6	6
2022/23	21	5	4

Indeed, not only has he recreated his form of three seasons ago, he has surpassed that season's output in just a half of this term.

Hitting such a goal-scoring, assist-registering form is bound to garner attention. Therefore, it is no surprise that the Premier League outfits mentioned by Bailey have shown attention in Watford's 14-cap Morocco international.

As per FotMob data, Imran Louza is one of the second tier's most productive central midfielders. His six goals put him in the top 2% of the division's scoring midfield players. These six goals see him outperforming his expected goals (xG 5.33) and xG on target (xGOT 4.91) predictions.

He is the league's top-assisting midfielder with six assists. His 1,170 successful passes place him in the top 3% of players in his position, and he tops the division with 49 chances created.

Javi Gracia's Watford midfield options
Losing Louza would be a huge blow for Gracia should Premier League interest firm up in him. However, the Spaniard does have in-house options that he can turn to.

Watford midfield options

Player	Goals	Assists
Edo Kayembe	2	-
Rocco Vata	2	2
Kwadwo Baah	1	1
Tom Ince	1	-

Even at a glance, it is easy to see that Watford watching Louza step up to the top level is going to leave a huge hole. His six goals and six assists are more than the total of all for individuals above.

In-house movements and options will only act as a stopgap measure. Watford are rumoured to be interested in Serie A striker Lorenzo Lucca, the Hornets would be looking for goals from him to maintain their promotion challenge.

However, they might also look to seek out a dynamic, goal-scoring and assist-registering midfielder when the winter transfer window opens. It remains to be seen if the aforementioned Premier League interest will firm up to an actual signing.

Yet, should that be the case, movement in the January window is often quickly tied up. Watford needs to be prepared for that eventuality should it happen.



https://the72.co.uk/2026/01/01/watford-star-attracts-new-transfer-interest-as-january-window-nears-with-everton-and-fulham-keen/#goog_rewarded

[WhiteJC]

View from the Opposition: Fulham boss Silva on contrasting form
Crystal Palace are seeking a first Premier League win in four matches on Thursday (17:30 GMT) – indeed, our last victory coming up against a Fulham side who have gone on to win their next three, as their manager Marco Silva discussed...

Factfile

    Manager: Marco Silva
    League Position: 12th
    Ground: Craven Cottage
    Founded: 1879 (146 years ago)

In their manager's words...
In his pre-match press conference Fulham boss Marco Silva said recent wins over Burnley, Nottingham Forest and West Ham were because: "The main thing for us is about the unit, is about the group, and all the group is reacting very, very well for all the circumstances that the Premier League is showing to you.

"About ourselves as a group, they have been very, very good, and let's hope that we can perform again, we can be that focused, a team that shows our organisation, and wait for the quality and inspiration of some of our players – it's always needed in a football match to be there in the top level."

Silva is reading nothing into the two teams' contrasting form books, however, explaining that this season's tight Premier League table – which sees Palace currently sit 11th, and Fulham 12th, halfway through matchround 19 – is: "just an example of how football, and how the Premier League, is demanding.
Quote Icons

    The margins between winning or not are so, so tight, so many small things can decide a game
    —Marco Silva

"The margins between winning or not are so, so tight, so many small things can decide a game.

"I gave an example less than one month ago – we played against [Palace] at home, and everybody that was at the stadium analysing the game is not going to say that they deserved the three points. And they got it.

"Football is so, so tight, it's so demanding, and I don't know the reason [for Palace's form], I don't know, and it's not important for me to talk about it. Of course, we know that we are going to face a very good side, very physical side, very, very physical side.

"Home and away, they are slightly different. When they play away – and we have a good example of it last game that we played at home against them – they wait, they are much more in a low block and much more solid, and wait for the opposition to take all the risks.

"Playing home, they have to be slightly different. I recognise their quality, credit for them for the [year they've had in] 2025. It's going to be another tough game for us."

Fulham Team News
Fulham's Nigerian trio of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze are all away on international duty at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Full-back Ryan Sessegnon and forward Rodrigo Muniz, meanwhile, look set to remain sidelined with hamstring injuries.

Their Season So Far...
How's this for another contrast: Fulham have played 18 Premier League matches so far this season and both won eight and lost eight, with just two draws.

In other words, when they've been good, they've been very good – but they've also been inconsistent.

The Cottagers are one of four teams, Palace included, on 26 points so far this season, but remarkably that means they still just six points off the Champion's League places nearing the campaign's halfway mark.

Fulham enjoyed a decent start to 2025/26, only losing to Champions League-chasing Chelsea in their first five games. Wins against Leeds and Brentford saw them collect eight points from that initial run, before a tricky period followed.

The Cottagers lost four on the bounce in the autumn, only the second time this had happened under Silva during his four year spell at the club, painfully losing in the last minute of normal time to Newcastle.

But they responded well: high-flying Sunderland were beaten at the Cottage, before early goals from Kenny Tete and Harry Wilson saw Spurs defeated on their own patch.

Although they then suffered back-to-back losses against City and Palace at home, they have responded with three wins on the bounce to move closer to the top-half of the table – where they have not finished since their first season back in the top-flight in 2022/23.

The Boss: Marco Silva
This is Marco Silva's ninth season in the English game, having previously managed Hull City, Watford and Everton in the Premier League.

Fulham's confidence in his project was underlined by their investment in the team in the summer of 2024, including former Palace defender Joachim Andersen. Silva and Fulham had a quieter summer last time out, but still spent £34.6million on Brazilian star Kevin.

He is currently the sixth-longest serving manager across the Premier League and EFL, having been in charge at Craven Cottage since July 2021.

Prior to his time in England, Silva delivered major silverware by winning the Portuguese Cup at Sporting CP and the Greek Super League with Olympiacos.

Last time out
Match Details

Fulham v Crystal Palace

    Sunday, 7th December
    16:30 GMT
    Premier League
    Craven Cottage



https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-previews/view-from-the-opposition-fulham-boss-marco-silva-on-contrasting-form/

[WhiteJC]

Matchday Preview: Crystal Palace
🆚 Crystal Palace
🏟 Selhurst Park
🏆 Premier League
🗓 Thursday 1st January
⏰ 5.30pm

The opposition

It was a flat end to 2025 for Crystal Palace, as they failed to take any points from their final three Premier League fixtures of the year, against Manchester City, Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur. They will wonder how they didn't manage to take anything from the Spurs game on Sunday, though, and will be ruing their wayward finishing, fashioning 15 attempts but only managing to get two on target in their 1-0 defeat. Still, they sit in a healthy position of 11th in the standings, one place above Fulham but on the same points.

Team news

🦅 Daniel Munoz misses out after having knee surgery, and Daichi Kamada is also set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Chris Richards missed the Spurs game with a foot issue and will not be ready for New Year's Day, and neither will Eddie Nketiah courtesy of a muscle problem. Cheick Doucoure is a long-term absentee, and Ismaïla Sarr is at AFCON.

🤍 Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz are still injured, while Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze are on international duty.

Tickets

The away end for this match has sold out, meaning there will be 2,687 Fulham fans backing the boys in South-East London. A reminder that digital tickets are in operation for this fixture.

Kits

Both sides will be in their home kits.

Weather

☁️ A dry but cloudy day is forecast in Selhurst, with temperatures of five degrees at kick-off.

Coverage

The game will be televised 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.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/december/31/matchday-preview-crystal-palace/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham leading the charge to sign "skilful" forward, willing to make £35m bid
Fulham are now leading the charge to sign a "skilful" forward, and they are willing to make a big offer to secure his signature.

Cottagers vying to sign new forward
The Cottagers have taken major strides in recent weeks, winning their last three Premier League games, which has elevated them to 12th in the table, just four points adrift of fifth-placed Chelsea, while they also have a game in hand.

Indeed, Marco Silva's side will be aiming to make it four wins on the spin when they head to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace this evening, and they should fancy their chances, considering the Eagles have lost their last three matches.

However, with the January transfer window now open, Silva may need to make some new additions if his side are going to potentially mount a push for Europe, and the manager has confirmed he is looking at making some new signings.

 Silva said: "The last few results for us doesn't change what we need to do in the window. We all agree (staff, board) what we need. Nothings changed, we have full ambition this season. It's clear what we need, the board is trying to get those positions we need."

It appears as though signing a new forward is on the agenda for Fulham, with a report from Spain detailing that they are now leading the charge to sign Deportivo La Coruna star Yeremay Hernandez, alongside Premier League rivals AFC Bournemouth.

Such is the Cottagers' level of interest, they are willing to pay €40m (£35m) to secure Yeremay's signature this month, and they believe he would be a perfect fit for the Premier League.

A £35m offer could be enough to convince the La Liga side to sanction a departure, and there are plenty of indications the Spaniard could be a fantastic long-term addition to Silva's squad...

"Skilful" Yeremay tearing it up in La Liga
The Spaniard has been in exceptional form in front of goal during the first half of the campaign, chipping in with seven goals in 19 La Liga outings, while also providing five assists.

Not only that, but scout Ben Mattinson is also an admirer of the winger, saying: "Yeremay is a skilful player in 1v1's. Sharp turns to keep the ball close to his body. He's happy to drive onto either foot to shoot."

With Adama Traore set to sign for London rivals West Ham United, it would make sense for Fulham to strengthen their wide options this month, and Yeremay's performances for Deportivo this season indicate he could be an ideal replacement.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-leading-the-charge-to-sign-yeremay-transfer/

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Ricardo Pepi open to Fulham move; Everton, West Ham United also keen
Ricardo Pepi is reportedly open to joining Fulham in the winter transfer window, with Everton and West Ham United also interested in the 22-year-old PSV Eindhoven striker.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Ricardo Pepi is the subject of interest from Fulham. Everton and West Ham United are also interested in signing the PSV Eindhoven striker in the winter transfer window. However, the American attacker is open to joining Fulham, thus boosting the West London club's prospects.

How has Ricardo Pepi fared at PSV Eindhoven?
Ricardo Pepi has established himself as one of the best attackers 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, thus finally landing on his feet in Europe after a topsy-turvy ride between January 2022 and July 2023.

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. Everton, Fulham, and West Ham United are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the winter transfer window.

A man in demand
Everton may dip into the market for a striker in the winter transfer window. Thierno Barry has been slow off the blocks since arriving from Villarreal, while Beto faces an uncertain future at the London Stadium amid his links with West Ham United. So, Pepi has emerged as a viable target for Everton.

Meanwhile, Ricardo Pepi has been on Fulham's radar for a long time. The continued interest is understandable, as the Cottagers are scouring the market for a striker heading into the winter transfer window. 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. Pepi is thus an option worth considering, with Fulham pushing for a deal despite failing with a bid.

As for West Ham United, the Hammers have sanctioned Niclas Fullkrug's departure, with the German international spending the second half of the 2025/26 season with AC Milan. So, West Ham must sign a replacement for Fullkrug, with Pepi emerging as a viable target. However, Gil Vicente centre-forward Pablo will likely bolster the East London club's offensive unit.

Meanwhile, the latest report has revealed that Pepi is open to joining Fulham in the winter transfer window.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/01/01/ricardo-pepi-open-to-fulham-move-everton-west-ham-united-also-keen/