Friday Fulham Stuff - 06/02/26...

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Fulham vs Everton injury news: Two out and three in doubt as Tyrique George could make his debut
How Everton and Fulham's fitness levels are looking ahead of the weekend

Everton will look to keep their unbeaten streak running this weekend when they hit the road for their Premier League clash with Fulham.

The Toffees have lost just one of their last seven games but with three 1-1 draws on the board in 2026, a win will be the desired the result at Craven Cottage.

David Moyes' side will come up against former manager Marco Silva and his side in what is guaranteed to be an entertaining clash. As things stand, nothing can separate the two clubs in the table, as they are both on 34 points at this point in the season.

Fulham are ahead on goal difference but a win could see Everton move to as high as seventh, depending on the results of Brentford and Sunderland, who face Newcastle United and Arsenal respectively this weekend.

Everton fans could get their first glimpse at new signing Tyrique George on Saturday. Here's a run through of the latest team and fitness news for both the Toffees and Fulham.

Latest Everton injury news ahead of Fulham
Loan signing George, who has joined Everton from Chelsea until the end of the season, will be an option for Moyes to consider this weekend. He could jump straight into the action for a significant debut, with Jack Grealish expected to be out for the rest of the season.

Grealish had made a huge impact on Everton but his campaign has been cut short after suffering a stress fracture in his foot. Moyes recently confirmed the winger 'probably needs surgery' on the problem, which is likely to rule him for the rest of 2025/26.

Vitalii Mykolenko was absent for Everton's clash with Brighton last time out. The club confirmed the full-back had picked up a knock during training but little else has been said on the extent of the problem. Mykolenko could be back in contention to face Fulham.

Everton players ruled out: Jack Grealish

Everton players in doubt: Vitalii Mykolenko

Latest Fulham injury news
Sasa Lukic is currently on the sidelines with a hamstring injury and is not expected to be fit to face Everton. Silva said ahead of Fulham's meeting with Brighton on January 24th that Lukic had suffered a 'serious injury' and was having trouble even walking.

Rodrigo Muniz is also out with a hamstring injury but he is expected to return to the pitch this month. The manager said he was hoping for 'good news next week', meaning this week.

Oscar Bobb is yet to make his debut for Fulham since joining them in January from Manchester City. Their clash against Manchester United was ruled too early for the winger but little update has been provided on when fans might get the first glimpse of him.

Fulham players ruled out: Sasa Lukic

Fulham players in doubt: Rodrigo Muniz, Oscar Bobb



https://www.liverpoolworld.uk/sport/football/everton/fulham-vs-everton-injury-news-as-tyrique-george-could-make-his-debut-5503385

[WhiteJC]

Is Bernd Leno (still) worth the money?
Our number one was a bargain - Matt Littlejohn explores whether that's still the case.

Fulham famously paid a mere £3.6m to Arsenal for Bernd Leno in 2022/23. At the time, we were, as Fulham fans, elated that the club pulled off such a coup. Leno was, according to Transfermarkt, worth £8m. And it was no surprise when he immediately proved his worth.

That season, Bernd led the league in goals prevented and was second in the league – among all goalkeepers – for save percentage, stopping an incredible 76.3% of all shots. He was clearly a big reason we stayed up in our first season back in the top flight.

Although our initial outlay was ludicrously low, the club has paid a lot for Mr. Leno over the course of his stay. He is, in 2025/26, the fifth-highest paid 'keeper in the league and the highest paid player on our squad. Currently, Leno makes nearly £6.8m a year - likely more than £7 million with bonuses.



Of course, in 2022/23, Leno was worth it even with his (few) flaws - specifically passing and playing out of the back.

Leno's feet, other than when used for blocking shots, were a big reason why Arsenal was willing to let him go in the first place. Firstly, Leno is not fast. Last year, according to Opta, Leno was the slowest player in all of the Premier League with a top speed of 23.6kmph. Opta noted – hilariously – that this meant "according to our definition of what makes a sprint (25kmph), he has not sprinted even once despite playing every single minute in 2024/25."

Secondly, Leno is – relatively – not great at distributing the ball after he gets it. So far, this season he has made 95 successful long passes, which leaves him in the bottom five PL goalkeepers. Jordan Pickford is number one, with more than 215 successful long passes. While Leno has occasionally connected, too often his passes and goal kicks end up simply giving possession to the other team.

Leno's problems with goal kicks and passing in general may be a big reason why Fulham paid nearly £30m to get Joachim Andersen from Crystal Palace.

If you combine Joa with Bernd ("JoaBernd"?) you theoretically get an elite goalkeeper who can make saves and distribute the ball. Andersen is also the team's fourth-highest paid player, earning more than £4.6m a year. That makes "JoaBernd" the second-most expensive 'keeper in the league, earning a total of over £11m a year.

In terms of successful long passes, Joa is fifth in the league this year, with 129 so far. He's actually, according to FotMob, second in the league for "accurate long balls per 90" with 5.7 per game. And, Andersen is good at other things, like clearing and heading the ball.

He's the fourth best in the league in clearances per 90 with 7.7 per game and fourth best, according to Opta Analyst, in terms of percent of aerial duels won at 71.4%.

But Joa's not perfect. While faster than Leno, Andersen is still relatively slow. FIFA ratings give him a pace rating of 39, the same as 38-year-old Tim Ream. We have, just as we did with Ream, every reason to be terrified whenever we see a pacy winger run at him.

But, still, maybe "JoaBernd" is kind of working, as the as the Andersen's lofted ball to Chukwueze against Brighton showed.

We're ninth in the table. But in terms of defence, we're 13th for clean sheets (with five) and 13th for xG conceded. And, most distressingly, the stats indicate that Leno's in decline. Since 2022/23, Bernd's ranking among all goalkeepers in the Premier League has dropped from second to 12th this year for save percentage, and from first to 16th for goals prevented.



You might have noticed Leno is not making stops as often, as he used to as demonstrated by the screamer from Ayari getting by him in the Brighton game. Unfortunately, the data backs this up. Leno's "goals prevented" numbers have fallen dramatically from stopping 9.5 goals in 2022/23 to allowing 4.9 more goals last year into the net last year, a swing of 14.



Our 33-year keeper's contract expires at the end of the 2026/27. Fulham have an option to extend it by a year at that point. It will be interesting to see whether or not we do and if, if the club instead buys a 'keeper than can make saves and passes, what that means for Joachim Andersen.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/is-bernd-leno-still-worth-the-money

[WhiteJC]

Fulham agreed 'deal of the January window' – 'He's going to be a superstar'
Oscar Bobb has been backed to make an impact at Fulham after leaving Manchester City to join Marco Silva's side.

That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who thinks Bobb could become a "superstar" at Craven Cottage.

Fulham signed Bobb from Man City in a £27million deal, with the latter having a 20% sell-on clause plus future matching rights.

Man City had agreed for Bobb to leave in January due to a lack of game time at the Etihad, whilst the 22-year-old is currently dealing with a hamstring injury.

Fulham could have sealed 'deal of the window'
Everton's former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – is impressed by Fulham signing Bobb at a "very good price."

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes Silva has an "exciting group" to work with at the club.

He told Football Insider's Inside Track podcast: "I think to me actually, I think he's the deal of the window. I think he's going to be a superstar.

"And I think he's got every chance to kick on and to do great things. And they've got an exciting group down there just now at Fulham.

"Marco Silva's putting together some talent. Finally, they're coming good, and they're starting to show some things. But I think Bobb could be, as I say, the signing of the window for me. And I think they've got him at a very, very good price.

"They've given up a big sell-on and certainly the matching rights, no big deal. I think that's great. I think it's well done Fulham, and I think it'll prove to be good. I hope he stays fit and starts to produce for them. They've kept some other players, so we'll see how it goes for Fulham, but yes, I think it's a good signing."

Fulham fail in bid for striker
Fulham also wanted to sign Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven in the January window, but they could not get a deal over the line.

The Cottagers offered up to £33m for Pepi, but PSV did not wish to sell the 23-year-old with little time to source a replacement.

The striker has scored 11 goals in 22 appearances for the Dutch side this season, including three in the Champions League.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/fulham-agreed-deal-of-the-january-window-hes-going-to-be-a-superstar/

[WhiteJC]

Wilson up for Premier League & PFA Player of the Month
Harry Wilson has been nominated for the Premier League's EA SPORTS Player of the Month award.

It's a second successive shortlisting for Wilson, as January saw him follow up a rifled finish against former club Liverpool with late winners against Chelsea and Brighton.

Wilson's competition comes from Yasin Ayari, Patrick Dorgu, Enzo Fernandez, Junior Kroupi, Crysencio Summerville, Igor Thiago and Florian Wirtz.

Voting is open from now until 12pm on Monday.

vote harry for premier league potm

Furthermore, Wilson is also in contention for PFA Player of the Month!

There are some different names on this shortlist, with the winger up against Ayari, Thierno Barry, Brian Brobbey, Patrick Dorgu, and Enzo Fernandez.

Vote harry for pfa potm



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/february/05/wilson-up-for-player-of-the-month/

[WhiteJC]

Vote Reedy for Premier League Goal of the Month!
Harrison Reed's unbelievable strike against Liverpool is in contention for the Premier League's Guinness Goal of the Month award for January.

With Fulham trailing 2-1 in the seventh minute of stoppage time at Craven Cottage, Kevin found Reed some 35 yards from goal following a throw-in down the left.

The midfielder took one touch to push the ball out in front of him, before unleashing a wicked, swirling strike that sailed over the many bodies in the box, curling away from Reds goalkeeper Alisson before kissing the crossbar on its way in.

It was a phenomenal effort – both in terms of technique and context – and one suspects it will be firmly in the running for Goal of the Season, let alone Month.

Reedy's competition comes from Ollie Watkins, João Palhinha, Charalampos Kostoulas, Mateus Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu, Matheus Cunha and Junior Kroupi.

Voting is open from now until 12pm on Monday.

vote for reedy



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/february/05/vote-reedy-for-premier-league-goal-of-the-month/

[WhiteJC]

Games for the Weekend 07/02
This weekend we welcome Everton to the Cottage for a 3 o'clock Saturday kick off

That last minute goal for United really took the wind out of our sails it what could have been a famous fight back.
Raúl now has the "perfect penalties" record, 12 out of 12, long may that run continue, hopefully Fulham will be awarded penalties on a more regular basis?
Kevin getting his first Premier League goal is massive too. Those are the ones that often unlock a player mentally—suddenly the pace feels manageable, the chances look clearer. If that gives him confidence to take shots a fraction earlier or make those late runs again, we'll take it all day.

The Everton comparison is spot on. Same points, same goal difference, very similar vibes: organised, physical, not a lot given away. Historically they've had the edge on us, but recent years feel far more balanced—even when we lose, it's rarely comfortable for them, especially at the Cottage. The "previous 8 games" 2 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses, shows how close Everton and Fulham are?

All in all, it doesn't feel like there's much between us and a solid mid-table season again. If Kevin kicks on, Raúl keeps doing Raúl things, and we turn these nearly moments into points... there's plenty to be positive about.

I'm assuming that both Lukic and Muniz won't be available and that our new signing Bobb will be on the bench so my team would be...



COYW's

Games of Interest
Friday 06/02
Leeds v Forest

Saturday 07/02
Burnley v West Ham
Fulham v Everton
Wolves v Chelsea
Newcastle v Brentford

Sunday 08/02
Brighton v Palace
come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



https://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=3511

[WhiteJC]

Harry Wilson should prompt David Moyes to repeat one Everton curve ball vs Fulham
Everton take on Fulham this weekend in the Premier League and David Moyes has some decisions to make.

The Toffees are down in west London to face a Fulham side who sit just one place above them in the Premier League table.

It's a game both sides will be looking to win, to avoid losing ground in the hunt for European football.

Everton have drawn their last two games 1-1, so a return to winning ways on Saturday would be most welcome.

Fulham will no doubt provide a test, but there's one player Everton – who have been given a 27.8% chance of victory by Opta – need to be particularly wary of.

And that man is Harry Wilson, a player Everton even enquired to sign in the January transfer window.

David Moyes should pin Jarrad Branthwaite on Harry Wilson
Against Brighton, Moyes threw a curveball by starting all four of his centre-backs across a back four.

Jake O'Brien operated at right-back, with Michael Keane coming into the middle to play next to James Tarkowski. And Branthwaite played out wide in place of the injured Vitality Mykolenko.

Mykolenko picked up a knock in training last week, but could well be available to face Fulham.

Even if that's the case though, Moyes should consider sticking with Branthwaite at left-back.

It is probably not wise to be bringing Mykolenko back in for a showdown with Harry Wilson, who will likely be playing from the right side for Fulham.

The Ukrainian will potentially be lacking that bit of match sharpness after missing out last weekend.

So Branthwaite might be a better option. He hasn't looked too bad so far in terms of his own fitness after returning from injury. Against Brighton he pretty much played a full game which was promising.

We know how formidable Branthwaite is as a defender, so it actually might make sense for Moyes to keep him out wide to deal with the threat of Wilson, who has been outstanding for Fulham this season.

Everton should make summer move for Harry Wilson
A lot of Everton eyes will be on Wilson on Saturday, following reports that the club wanted to sign him in January.

Hopefully, Branthwaite can do a good job on him, but certainly Everton need to be looking to sign Wilson in the summer given his qualities and the fact he'll be a free agent if he doesn't extend his deal with Fulham.

Players who can change games in an instant are not all that common, but Wilson has that quality. He's also very versatile, and now in his prime.

We've seen him produce the spectacular plenty of times over the years, and it would be a fantastic move by Everton to bring in a potential game-changer like him.



https://www.everton.news/harry-wilson-should-prompt-david-moyes-to-repeat-one-everton-curve-ball-vs-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Alan Stubbs chooses his Everton defence vs Fulham, there's one major surprise
David Moyes is looking to get Everton back to winning ways against Fulham – and his backline of choice will be particularly interesting.

Everton took a point against Brighton last weekend, with Beto scoring right at the death for the Toffees.

It was a much improved second-half performance from Everton, as was the case against Leeds United.

It has been positive to see Everton show character to come from behind in the past two games. But ideally, Everton now need to be getting back to winning ways.

Fulham should provide a stern test, and Opta feel Everton have a 27.8% of winning the game.

Moyes has a near full squad of players to choose from this weekend. Jack Grealish is out for the foreseeable, but Vitaliy Mykolenko is the only other player with a question mark over him at the moment.

For Alan Stubbs, the Ukrainian should play against Fulham if he's fit, as he shared the backline he'd go with.

Alan Stubbs suggests he'd drop James Tarkowski for Everton against Fulham
Everton are in a much better place now with player injuries.

So Moyes has the luxury of going a few different ways with his team against Fulham.

But the defence will be particularly interesting, especially after the manager fielded purely centre-backs last weekend against Brighton.

Jarrad Branthwaite played at left-back against the Seagulls, covering the absence of Mykolenko.

For Alan Stubbs, Mykolenko should play if he's fit, and the former Everton defender suggested he would actually drop James Tarkowski.

Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside earlier this week, he said: "I think if Mykolenko is fit, you would think he'd come straight back into the team.

"For me, I would go, Branthwaite, O'Brien and Patterson."

Tarkowski must up his game for Everton
There is no doubt that Tarkowski hasn't quite looked as strong this season as he has in previous campaigns.

The star has historically been a brilliant servant and a consistent performer for the Toffees. But that consistency hasn't quite been there as much this season. Indeed, recently Michael Ball said Tarkowski has been 'overzealous' at times for Everton, suggesting his starting spot shouldn't be guaranteed.

Branthwaite returning is a big boost for Everton and you would think he'll be playing regularly in the middle again very soon.

O'Brien has had a few games in his preferred central position this season impressed every time.

And in the first half of the season, Michael Keane did extremely well to his credit.

So given all these factors, Tarkowski will need to up his game otherwise he may find his position under serious threat.

He's played every single minute this season so it would be a real shock if Moyes did drop him all of a sudden.

But the manager does have consider everyone's performances. Tarkowski – who, granted, is a very good leader – can't remain in the team if others are playing better.



https://www.everton.news/alan-stubbs-chooses-his-everton-defence-vs-fulham-theres-one-major-surprise/

[WhiteJC]

Away Fan Guide: Fulham
STADIUM ADDRESS

Craven Cottage

Stevenage Road

London

SW6 6HH

TICKET INFORMATION

Supporters are advised not to travel unless they are in possession of a valid match ticket. No ticket upgrades will be available on the day of the fixture.

The Fan Centre phone lines will be open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm to support any ticket queries ahead of kick-off. Please call 0151 556 1878 for assistance.

Supporters who have ticketing issues after this time should visit the ticket collection booths, located to the left of the ticket office on Stevenage Road at Craven Cottage. The ticket collection booths are open two hours prior to kick-off. Supporters collecting pre-arranged duplicate tickets are advised to take photo ID when collecting.

If you have a digital away ticket for the fixture, please use the following advice:   

Supporters are advised to have their ticket(s) downloaded before approaching the turnstiles to assist with the speed of entry. 

Supporters in the away section will be allocated a digital ticket. 

Don't forget to charge your phone before heading to Craven Cottage. 

When preparing to enter the stadium, open the Apple Wallet or Google Wallet app on your phone. It is advisable to ensure you do not have any bank or other contactless cards at the back of your phone case.

If you have multiple tickets attributed to the same fixture on one device, simply swipe left and right to switch between tickets when entering the stadium and scan each ticket individually to allow access to those in your party.

To gain access, hold your phone close to the contactless reader on top of the turnstile. The light will turn green for a valid adult ticket and amber for concessions or junior tickets.

If the light turns red, or you are unable to enter, a steward will be on hand at each turnstile to help with any issues.

HELP AND SUPPORT

There will be a team of Everton Travel Stewards at the Stadium to help with any issues that may arise whilst you are there.

For further information updates from Merseyside Police please follow @MerPolEFC on Twitter. 

 STADIUM INFORMATION

Tickets for visiting supporters are located in blocks P5, P6 and P7 in the Putney Stand and supporters should use turnstiles 1-17 for access.

No child under the age of 14 will be granted access to the stadium without a responsible adult who is over the age of 18.

There are a number of refreshment outlets within the stadium serving a variety of food and drink options. 

Bags no larger than A4 are permitted in the stadium, and they will be searched and tagged on entry. 

There is a left luggage facility at Craven cottage located at the Bridge academy via the Greswell street entrance. The facility is always stewarded, and fans are given a ticket to provide on return to collect their bags. If you are bringing a larger bag for medical purposes, you will be required to show evidence of a medical exemption upon arrival. 

Flags and banners no larger than 2x1 meters are permitted inside the stadium, providing they are accompanied by the fire safety certificate. Flags and banners are not allowed to be displayed over exits, gangways or advertising boards.

Accessible Information: 

The accessible entrance is located on the corner of the Putney stand.

There is an accessible toilet located close to each accessible seating area. A RADAR key is required upon entry. Please speak to the nearest disability liaison steward if you require assistance. 

If you require audio descriptive commentary, please email [email protected] in advance of the matchday to make arrangements. 

Each wheelchair accessible area offers a complimentary catering pre-order service, which is available 30 minutes before kick-off for pre-match and half-time delivery. Supporters who want to use the service can liaise with the Disability Liaison Steward in the area for further information or assistance in placing an order.

Induction loops are fitted at the Ticket Office, fixed concourse catering units and in the main reception at Craven Cottage.

TRAVEL INFORMATION
Please be advised to check all travel routes prior to travelling to the game due to any unforeseen travel circumstances. 

By Road: The stadium is in close proximity to the M4 and the following main roads:

    From North: M6 and M40

    From East: Via A11 and M11

    From West: Via M4
    From South: Via M3

Parking: Parking around Craven Cottage is extremely limited and access to the surrounding streets on a matchday is restricted by a Traffic Management Order. Meaning fines will be issued if you are parking in restricted areas. 

Rail: Putney railway station is 1.2 miles from Craven Cottage, located on Putney High Street, the station is a approximately 30-minute walk to Craven Cottage. 

Underground: There are a number of underground stations close to Craven Cottage, please see a selection below closest to the stadium. 

Putney Bridge- 

Distance from Craven Cottage – 0.7 miles, approximately a 20-minute walk. 

Hammersmith-

Distance from Craven Cottage – 1.4 miles, approximately a 40-minute walk. 

FAN BEHAVIOUR AND SAFETY ANNOUCEMENT
Anti-Discrimination: Everton Football Club has a zero-tolerance stance on any discriminatory behavior and language used to travel to, from or during the match.  We are committed and dedicated to embracing equality and diversity in everything that we do. We take this opportunity to remind supporters about the Club's 'All Together Now' campaign, which was launched to promote a 'Football Family for Everyone'. We will not stop in our mission to drive equality through the positive power of football.

Possession or Use of Pyrotechnics: Everton Football Club does not condone the use of pyrotechnics under any circumstances. Any fan found using them will be subject to action by the Club and Police. Away clubs use various techniques to detect the possession and use of pyrotechnics. Any person found in possession of such items is liable to arrest which could result in a criminal conviction and subsequent football ban.

Pitch Encroachment: Encroachment on the playing surface is dangerous and any supporter who does access the pitch without permission will face strong sanctions that could include a ban from attending matches across the country. It is a criminal offence to enter the pitch and the real-life consequences for these actions have been felt by many with some fans receiving criminal records which can impact employment, education prospects and international travel.

Anti-Social or Criminal Behaviour on Concourses: We ask all fans to consider fellow supporters while on the concourses. Any anti-social behaviour, such as beer throwing, can result in ejection from the stadium, or, in the case of more serious incidents, arrest and a subsequent nationwide stadium ban.

The Club is compelled to work with the authorities to identify any individuals who take part in such unacceptable behaviour. 

CCTV is available to clubs and law enforcement authorities and can be used as evidence in enforcing bans and criminal prosecution in the days and weeks after any incident has occurred, regardless of whether any perpetrators have been detained on a matchday or not.   

Please enjoy your matchday and stay safe.

We would like to thank you for your continued support in protecting Everton Football Club's reputation and support in enhancing the matchday experience for all.



https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2026/february/05/away-fan-guide-fulham/