Saturday Fulham Stuff - 25/04/26...

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Friday 24/04
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Harvey Elliott offered to Leeds United, Fulham for summer move
Fulham and Leeds United have been offered the chance to sign 23-year-old English playmaker Harvey Elliott this summer, with the Liverpool misfit facing an uncertain future at Anfield.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, intermediaries have offered Elliott to Fulham and Leeds United. The 23-year-old playmaker is available after struggling for regular game time during his season-long loan at Aston Villa, which began last summer.

Liverpool are prepared to part ways with him ahead of the 2026/27 season as he seeks a new challenge. Beyond the West Yorkshire and West London clubs, intermediaries have also approached Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Newcastle United. Yet, paths to Fulham and Newcastle remain complicated for the Englishman.

Harvey Elliott's stalled progress and frustrations
Elliott has experienced a significant stall in his development over the past two seasons. Once considered a promising talent after joining Liverpool from Fulham in July 2019, regular first-team football has become increasingly difficult under Arne Slot's tenure at Anfield. The situation deteriorated further during his 2025/26 campaign at Aston Villa, where opportunities have been rare and frustrating for the attacking midfielder.

Elliott has managed only 284 minutes across 11 appearances for Villa, averaging just 25 minutes per outing. Unai Emery has been reluctant to grant the Liverpool loanee meaningful playing time, with widespread reports suggesting a conditional obligation clause within the loan deal may have influenced the manager's reluctance to integrate him into the squad.

What next for Elliott?
When Harvey Elliott joined Aston Villa, the move appeared logical, as the playmaker seemed well-suited to Unai Emery's tactical approach. That assessment has proven incorrect, prompting intermediaries to seek new opportunities at several Premier League clubs for the talented youngster.

At Leeds United, Elliott faces significant headwinds. Brenden Aaronson has enjoyed a strong campaign this season, compelling the West Yorkshire outfit to consider offering him a new contract. While Elliott possesses the technical ability to play on the right flank, Daniel Farke's 3-5-2 setup provides no advanced attacking midfield role suitable to his creativity and ball-carrying abilities, a critical mismatch.

Regarding Fulham, the Cottagers signed Oscar Bobb from Manchester City earlier in the year, yet Elliott remains on their radar due to concerns surrounding Harry Wilson's long-term future. The English playmaker represents a viable option for the West London club. Meanwhile, Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion emerge as potentially more appealing destinations if they respond positively to approaches from his representatives.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/04/24/harvey-elliott-offered-to-leeds-united-fulham-for-summer-move/

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Fulham v Aston Villa: Future of Cottagers boss shrouded by uncertainty
Marco Silva is out of contract at the end of the season.

Winger Ryan Sessegnon this week declared Fulham the club he "wants to be at" after his contract was extended until the end of next season.

The biggest question currently surrounding the Cottagers, however, is whether the same sentiment is still shared by head coach Marco Silva?

With a month of the season remaining, the Portuguese boss' future remains uncertain with his own contract due to expire in the summer and no extension as yet agreed.

Silva, who has been at Craven Cottage since 2021, is among those reported to be on Chelsea's shortlist as they seek a long-term replacement for the axed Liam Rosenior and supporters fear another season is at risk of fizzling out amid the ongoing doubt.

Under Silva, the Cottagers have finished 10th, 13th and 11th since returning to the top flight but have an unhappy habit of falling away in April and May.

Last season they lost six of their final nine league matches to fall out of European contention and while they are once more in the race this year, just five points behind sixth-placed Brighton with a game in hand, they have failed to score in five of their last six games. An FA Cup exit to Southampton did little to improve the mood.

Saturday's visit of Villa, therefore, is a chance to kickstart a campaign in which, on paper, they still have plenty left to play for.

Sessegnon, now 25, was part of the Fulham team which beat Villa in the 2018 Championship play-off final.

"First and foremost, we have to give them (Villa) respect," he said of Unai Emery's team.

"They have played a good season, but again, we are home, in front of our fans, and we need to get back to winning ways as quickly as possible.

"I feel like with a crowd behind us, we can do that."



https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/fulham-v-aston-villa-future-of-cottagers-boss-shrouded-by-uncertainty-7281468

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Fulham seek Turkish Super Lig double transfer but title-chasing duo also attracting Bundesliga interest
FourFourTwo understands Fulham are scouting a pair of Trabzonspor players ahead of the summer transfer window

Fulham were one of the least active clubs in the transfer market last summer, only acting decisively as the window drew to a close.

Marco Silva's side brought in Kevin from Shakhtar Donetsk and Samuel Chukwueze on loan from AC Milan, as well as adding experienced back-up goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte earlier in the window.

Youngster Jonah Kusi-Asare also arrived on loan with an option-to-buy towards the end of the summer, but has rarely featured for the West Londoners and is likely to return to Bayern Munich.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/transfer/fulham-seek-turkish-super-lig-double-transfer-but-title-chasing-duo-also-attracting-bundesliga-interest

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Fulham vs Aston Villa: One Key Problem Could Shape Premier League Outcome
The Fulham vs Aston Villa clash takes place this Saturday in the Premier League with major implications for both sides. Fulham vs Aston Villa comes at a time when the Premier League table is tightening, especially around the top four. Aston Villa sit fourth with 58 points and are pushing to stay in the Champions League places, while Fulham are 12th with 45 points and are looking to finish strong.

Live coverage of Fulham versus Aston Villa will be available to fans across different regions, drawing more attention to the fixture. With Villa struggling to break down defenses and Fulham lacking goals, the game could be decided by small details.

Fulham vs Aston Villa: Premier League Table Pressure Builds
Aston Villa head into Fulham vs Aston Villa focused on protecting their place in the Premier League table. The team has remained consistent, with strong structure and finishing, with Ollie Watkins playing a key role.

However, Fulham v Aston Villa comes with concerns. Villa are winless in their last four away league matches, recording two draws and two losses. This run has slowed their progress in both the Premier League title race and the top-four battle.

The head-to-head record between Fulham and Aston Villa favors Villa. They have won their last six league meetings against Fulham, including a 3-1 win earlier this season. Emery has also won all eight of his Premier League matches against Fulham.

Fulham v Aston Villa Lineups and Goal Issues in Focus
Fulham's approach for Fulham vs Aston Villa aims to fix their attacking problems. Manager Marco Silva has seen his side stay organized but struggle in front of the goal.

Fulham have failed to score in four of their last five matches ahead of Fulham vs Aston Villa. Their most recent game ended in a 0-0 draw, showing defensive strength but also highlighting their lack of finishing.

Fulham vs Aston Villa Lineups will likely reflect each team's approach. Fulham are expected to stay compact and rely on midfield control, while Villa will look to attack with pace through players like John McGinn and Leon Bailey.

The midfield battle will shape the Fulham versus Aston Villa contest. Villa will try to move quickly from defense to attack, while Fulham will aim to slow the game and create chances through counter-attacks and set-pieces.

How to Watch Fulham versus Aston Villa
The Fulham vs Aston Villa match on Saturday, April 25, 2026, will be available across multiple TV and streaming platforms worldwide.

In the United Kingdom, Fulham versus Aston Villa kicks off at 12:30 PM BST, with coverage starting at 11:00 AM. The game will air live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Fans can also stream Fulham vs Aston Villa through HBO Max, which has replaced Discovery+ in some regions.

In the United States, Fulham and Aston Villa start at 7:30 AM ET and 4:30 AM PT. The match will be aired on USA Network and Universo. You can stream it via the USA Network app and website or through services like Fubo and Sling TV.

Internationally, Fulham versus Aston Villa will be broadcast in several regions. In Australia, coverage will be on Stan Sport from 8:30 PM AEST. In Canada, the match will be available on Fubo Canada or DAZN. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, viewers can watch on SuperSport channels including Maximo 1 and 2 and Premier League ROA.

In India and South Asia, coverage will be on Star Sports Select HD1 and JioStar. In the MENA region, the match will be shown on beIN Sports channels, including HD 3 and English.



https://heavy.com/sports/soccer/premier-league/fulham-vs-aston-villa-one-key-problem-could-shape-premier-league-outcome/

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Emery analyses 'huge' Fulham challenge
Unai Emery takes Aston Villa to Craven Cottage on Saturday for the team's 34th Premier League game of the season.

The club's manager spoke to the media from Bodymoor Heath ahead of the match against Fulham as the campaign reaches a crucial point.

Here are the key lines from his press conference...

On attaining the best possible Premier League position...
"Our consistency is giving us the opportunity to be in front of other teams, but there are still matches to play and points to play for. We have our own experiences in the Premier League, and we must be consistent until the last day, respecting the teams who are behind us.

"We can extend our objective to be in the top five because now we are fourth, with Manchester United in third. Why are we not challenging as well to be third in the league?

"I came here three and a half years ago and I haven't achieved this position. I'm speaking with the players and we must be demanding to try to get the best position in the table. It's realistic in the position we're in.

"Tomorrow is a huge challenge in Fulham to try and get three points and still be fighting for third position."

On facing Fulham...
"When you're achieving good results, you're feeling comfortable and confident. Each match is a challenge to show how we are, how we can face each match, how we can show our momentum.

"Our momentum we can analyse through our results in the Premier League in the last three games we played, West Ham, Sunderland and Forest. The challenge we can have tomorrow is thinking how we are performing in the Premier League in away matches.

"The last away match we won in Premier League was in Newcastle a long time ago. That shows how difficult it is to achieve the objective we have in each match: three points, one point or no points.

"Tomorrow is going to be very difficult because it's always difficult away and Fulham have a very good coach, very good players, and they are performing so consistently during the years."

On priorities...
"We are facing each match. We are preparing for each match. We are focusing on each match. The Premier League is the priority.

"We are in the semi-final of the Europa League and we can lose. If we are losing, we can only get our objective through the league. We can even play the final and we can lose the final, and we can only achieve our objective for next season through the league.

"The priority is how we are going to finish in day 38. We are so excited for the Europa League, but I know how difficult it is to win in Europa League. We have 25 possibilities to win the Europa League because there are four teams and each team has 25% possibility to win, no more."

On progressing through the season...
"We are focusing on our way, our development, our demands, and how we can be consistent during the season, responding and setting other objectives.

"For example, when we started the season not winning for five matches, our objective was try to escape the bottom. In day six, seven, eight, nine and ten, we were only thinking to escape the bottom.

"When we were in December and January with only a few points difference to Manchester City and Arsenal, we were dreaming of keeping the momentum we had to be contenders to be there in third, second or even first.

"Now, Manchester City and Arsenal kept their consistency longer and stronger than us. We were again getting our position in the table more or less in the top five, but there were teams behind us and we needed to check it.

"Tomorrow is the day 34 and how we are finishing tomorrow, we are going to be in a position that is clearer than today and the last two months. We are motivated, excited and happy, but still there are matches to play and points to play for.

"Consistency is the only way we can achieve our objective."



https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2026/april/24/prematch-unai-emery-fulham-press-conference/

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Fulham manager Marco Silva plays down Chelsea links
Fulham boss Marco Silva has played down speculation linking him with the Chelsea job.

The Portuguese coach – whose current deal expires in the summer – has been touted as a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was sacked on Wednesday after just three months in charge as a poor run of results put the Blues' ambitions of Champions League qualification at risk.

Former Hull, Watford and Everton boss Silva, though, insists his full focus remains on the job in hand at Craven Cottage, with Fulham facing Aston Villa on Saturday aiming to push into the top half of the table.

Asked if there was any news on his future, Silva told a press conference: "No. Why is it different this week? It is not at all.

"It is the same and the same answer that I said to you already last week, it is the same. I will not make every single week comments about it.

"When something comes new, we are going to tell from ourselves, myself and the club. Everything what I need, or the club needs to do with me is going to be between me and the club."

The Fulham boss added: "We know what we want to achieve – we are ambitious, but at the same time realistic and aligned. We are always aligned since the first day I joined the football club and it is going to be (the same) until the end."

Silva feels the Villa game is "crucial" for the club's end-of-season goals. He said: "It is key. If you really want to fight for important positions that can give you the chance for European sports, you have to be strong – and not just at home."



https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2026/0424/1570023-fulham-manager-silva-plays-down-chelsea-links/

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Pre-Aston Villa Press Conference
Marco Silva knows how vital Saturday's lunchtime meeting with Aston Villa is, as the Premier League run-in gathers pace.

Just five points separate ourselves and sixth place Brighton, but in order to close that gap Fulham will need to do something we've not managed before in six attempts – get a result against Unai Emery's Villa side.

Asked in his pre-match press conference if this weekend's fixture is one we simply cannot lose, Silva replied: "It's one that we need to win. More than talking about not to lose, it's one that we need to win.

"We need to do everything that we can to win the game, for us to beat a very well organised side.

"Apart from their individual quality they have been showing season by season, that is the reason why they are in Champions League spots again, and they have been doing a great job again in the European competitions.

"It's not enough for you to be in a good day or very good day, you have to be close to your best, because they are capable of punishing you in any moment, and definitely the recent results for us against them, they are not what we wanted.

"It's a chance for us to change completely that recent record against them, and we are aware of the importance of the game.

"Playing at home is always a great opportunity for us to bounce back, and we have to do the maximum we can, definitely, with the support from our fans, make the Cottage our fortress again, because they are a key three points for us."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/april/24/pre-aston-villa-press-conference/

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Silva's delight at Sessegnon extension
Marco Silva is delighted that the option to extend Ryan Sessegnon's contract was triggered this week, and hopes that the Academy graduate remains at Fulham for many years to come.

Asked what the news meant to him, Silva replied: "It really means a lot for me, and I hope that soon we can extend [it by] more.

"Okay, was just an extension, we triggered the option. Let's hope we can do something different the next few months, because he's going to be very, very important for the football club, and I believe in him.

"You know that he's a player from us, and the relationship that he has with our fans, don't need to mention nothing more, really.

"He had a very difficult spell in his career. He's still very young, doesn't look it but he's still very young!

He is a player that I really love.
Marco Silva

"And he had a really difficult spell in terms of injuries in his career, and the reality is that ourselves, as a football club, myself as a manager, we showed the trust in him again in a really difficult moment.

"I remember when Sess arrived in this football club two years ago. And I remember that pre-season, I remember that first four or five months, everything that we were doing with him, we had to think two, three times before he's doing it, in terms of the load of the sessions, the load of the friendly games.

"Everything that we were doing, we had to do with full of care about himself, because he was not capable to be the player that he is right now, or was last season. The reality is that he handled it well, from a player without belief, really, in terms of his physical capacity, he is a player right now that is capable to do what he did in the past.

"Different profile right now. If you see the profile as a football player from Sessegnon when he was 16/17/18 years old, right now he's a little bit more robust, he's a little bit of a different player. But all the qualities, technical qualities as a football player, they are there.

"He is a player that I really love. Not just because he did grow in our football club, as a boy, a man, [but] his quality as a football player, always with the open mind to learn and to do better.

"We can use him in many different ways – very versatile. Technical point of view, he's a very good player, and I'm very pleased with the season so far from him.

"And because of that, I really hope that we, as a football club, can extend more years in his contract, because I think it's a perfect match between us and him, and I hope that we can have good news the next few months about himself.

"But I'm pleased with him, and let's hope he can have a good game again, because he's an important player for us."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/april/24/silvas-delight-at-sessegnon-extension/

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Fulham vs Aston Villa: Preview and Prediction
Fulham and Aston Villa will be eager to secure three points to get closer to their European aspirations when they clash at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Gameweek 34 of the 2025/26 Premier League season will continue on Saturday, which will feature five matches. The action on the day will start with Fulham vs Aston Villa at Craven Cottage, with three points being of utmost importance to both teams.

Fulham's upward trajectory has become a distant memory after the recent slip-ups. Marco Silva's men were once among the most dreaded mid-table opponents for teams in the upper echelons of the Premier League table. However, the Cottagers have struggled in their recent outings, and they have also failed to score in four of their last five Premier League matches.

On the other hand, Aston Villa's recent upturn in form has helped them get closer to a spot in the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League. The Villans are on a three-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, and they are eight points ahead of sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion with a game in hand. A few more points can effectively seal a top-five finish, allowing Unai Emery's men to look forward to their Europa League campaign.

The reverse fixture saw Aston Villa come from a goal down to beat Fulham 3-1, with Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, and Emiliano Buendia finding the back of the net. The Hard Tackle looks closer at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.

Team News & Tactics

Fulham
Marco Silva has a new injury concern that is hampering his preparations ahead of his side's latest fixture. The Fulham head coach may be bereft of the services of three first-team players vs Aston Villa on Saturday.

Silva is sweating over Alex Iwobi's fitness after he sustained a hamstring injury in the Premier League clash with Brentford last weekend. The Nigerian international faces a late fitness test to determine his availability. However, Kenny Tete (ankle) and Kevin (foot) remain in the treatment room.

Bernd Leno is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Fulham lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him vs Aston Villa on Saturday. The backline will feature Timothy Castagne, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, and Ryan Sessegnon.

As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic, with Iwobi missing out due to his fitness uncertainties. Emile Smith Rowe will reprise the no. 10 role, with Harry Wilson and Oscar Bobb being the two wide attackers. Finally, Raul Jimenez will lead the line for Fulham against Aston Villa this weekend.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Berge, Lukic; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Bobb; Jimenez

Aston Villa
Unlike his counterpart in the Fulham dugout, Unai Emery has no new issues to worry about ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage. The Aston Villa manager will be without two first-team players on Saturday.

Boubacar Kamara is a long-term absentee, as he is recovering from a knee injury. Additionally, Alysson's fitness issues continue, and Saturday's game may have come too soon for the Brazilian prospect.

Emiliano Martinez should take his spot between the sticks, with Aston Villa lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him vs Fulham on Saturday. The backline will feature Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, and Ian Maatsen.

As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans in the double pivot, with Morgan Rogers reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Ollie Watkins will spearhead the Aston Villa attack against Fulham, with John McGinn and Jadon Sancho completing the numbers in the offensive unit.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Sancho; Watkins

Key Stats

    After losing just two of their first 13 Premier League home games against Aston Villa (W5 D6), Fulham have lost three of their last four against the West Midlands outfit at Craven Cottage (W1). The Villans have won their six most recent Premier League games against Fulham since a 3-0 loss in October 2022. Only against Coventry City have they won more consecutively in the competition (7 between 1995 and 1998).
    Aston Villa have won one of their last seven away Premier League games (D3 L3), and they are winless in four (D2 L2). The West Midlands outfit last had a longer winless run on the road in November/December 2024 (L5).
    Aston Villa have conceded at least three goals in three of their last five Premier League matches, as many as they had in their previous 38 games combined. They averaged under a goal per game conceded in those 38 games (0.95), compared to over two per game in the last five (2.2).
    Aston Villa have conceded at least three goals in three of their last five Premier League matches, as many as they had in their previous 38 games combined. They averaged under a goal per game conceded in those 38 games (0.95), compared to over two per game in the last five (2.2).
    Seven of Fulham's last eight Premier League wins have come against sides who started the day in the bottom half of the league. They have won just one of their last nine against teams starting in the top half (D2 L6).

Player to Watch

Ollie Watkins
While Morgan Rogers, Harry Wilson, and Raul Jimenez were viable candidates for this section, we have picked Ollie Watkins as the Player to Watch for Saturday's Premier League clash between Fulham and Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.

The English international has six goals in nine Premier League appearances against Fulham; he has only scored more against Brighton & Hove Albion (9) and Arsenal (7). Watkins has been in fine form in recent weeks, finding the back of the net six times in his last five outings across all competitions. So, it is hardly surprising that the experienced striker is a captaincy candidate in FPL for Gameweek 34.

Prediction

Fulham 1-2 Aston Villa
A few months ago, many would have expected Fulham to take something from this game, perhaps even secure three points. However, the Cottagers have been so inconsistent that a win will be a shock result this week. When you add the context of Aston Villa's recent record against the West London outfit, backing the away side is the prudent approach.

Additionally, Unai Emery has won all eight Premier League games against Fulham, with only Pep Guardiola having a better record against an opponent in the competition (12/12 vs Fulham, 10/10 vs Watford). So, while the hosts will take the game to Aston Villa, they will fall short after a spirited performance. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Unai Emery and his charges.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2026/04/24/fulham-vs-aston-villa-preview-and-prediction-3/#google_vignette

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Aston Villa have no excuses for misfiring Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz to better them
Aston Villa shouldn't be getting beaten by Fulham's forward line on Saturday, and in particular Rodrigo Muniz.

Unai Emery is preparing to lead his Aston Villa side into a hectic final few weeks of the 2025-26 season on multiple fronts.

Starting with a trip to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham on Saturday afternoon, games then start to come thick and fast for Villa.

A two-legged Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest sees a big home game with Tottenham sandwiched between, all to take place between now and 7 May.

Emery and his players will just be taking things one game at a time though, and with Fulham next up for Villa, they will find a Cottagers attack whose cutting edge looks far from sharp at the moment.

How poor has Rodrigo Muniz been for Fulham in front of goal?
Aston Villa have some defensive concerns at the moment, with their latest victory over Sunderland still seeing them ship three goals to the Black Cats

Indeed, they've kept just one clean sheet from their last seven Premier League games, and so teams with a potent attack force would be licking their lips at the prospect of going up against Villa's backline at the moment.

However, Fulham certainly don't have one of those right now, with just 16 shots on target over their last five Premier League games, working out at an average of just 3.2 per match over that period.

One of the big reasons behind the Cottagers' poor form in front of goal recently is down to a lack of quality centre-forward play, and that largely falls on the shoulders of Muniz.

As per Sofascore, the 24-year-old Brazilian failed to register a single shot on goal in 67 minutes against Brentford last time out, as well as having three attempts against Liverpool with none on target either.

He again failed to put a single shot on target in 82 minutes against Burnley, zero on target in a 28-minute cameo off the bench against Forest and the same again from a 30-minute stint off the bench against West Ham respectively.

Muniz's last shot on target in the Premier League came against Tottenham on 1 March, which for a player who has hit double-figure goal returns in his last two seasons at Craven Cottage, is hugely disappointing.

Muniz shouldn't be a handful for Aston Villa defenders
The issues for Muniz don't stop there this season either, as he's been significantly underperforming in numerous other underlying departments too.

Per Sofascore once again, he's registered a goal conversion of just four per cent in the top flight this term, with five big chances missed with just 15.1 touches per game.

Muniz has also created only one big chance, has a passing accuracy of 44 per cent, makes 0.3 tackles per game and wins possession in the final third just 0.3 times per match as well.

On top of all of that, he has a dribble success rate of 36 per cent, a ground duel win rate of 39 per cent and an aerial duel win rate of 49 per cent respectively.

So, there in lies the fact that Aston Villa's defenders, and their centre-backs in particular, have absolutely no excuse to let Muniz get the better of them on Saturday.

If they do, serious questions will need to be asked of whoever it is Emery has put out their at Craven Cottage.



https://www.astonvillanews.co.uk/2026/04/24/aston-villa-defence-has-no-excuses-vs-misfiring-fulham-striker-rodrigo-muniz/

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Marco Silva responds to Chelsea links after Liam Rosenior sacking
Fulham boss thought to be a leading contender to take helm at Stamford Bridge

Marco Silva kept his cards close to his chest when asked whether he would be interested in taking over as Chelsea manager.

The Blues once again find themselves on the hunt for a new first-team head coach after Liam Rosenior was relieved of his duties on Wednesday evening.

A variety of names have been linked with the opening, with Cesc Fabregas and Andoni Iraola joining Fulham boss Silva as the touted frontrunners.

Silva is out of contract this summer and is yet to commit his future to the Cottagers. He made no secret of his frustration with the club's hierarchy after a markedly unproductive summer transfer window, and that animosity may resurface if star forward Harry Wilson is allowed to leave for free this summer.

Silva snapped at reporters when asked whether he would be keen to take the vacant Chelsea job, but did not rule himself out of the running.

"No. Why is it different this week? It is not at all," he said.

"It is the same and the same answer that I said to you already last week, it is the same. I will not make, every single week, comments about [my future].

"When something comes new, we are going to tell from ourselves, myself and the club. Everything what I need, or the club needs to do with me is going to be between me and the club."

Calum McFarlane, a member of Rosenior's backroom staff, will take charge as Chelsea's interim head coach until the end of the campaign.

Silva continued, insisting that he and the Fulham hierarchy are 'aligned' on their long-term goals.

"We know what we want to achieve – we are ambitious, but at the same time realistic and aligned. We are always aligned since the first day I joined the football club and it is going to be (the same) until the end."

Fulham sit 12th in the Premier League with five matches left to play, and have a European berth within reach. They face a tricky run-in, though, with Arsenal, Newcastle and Aston Villa all still to play.

A rash of injuries will not help his performance in the run-in. Alex Iwobi and Kenny Tete are both sidelined, though club-record signing Kevin is back on the grass and closing in on a return to action.

"[It's] really bad news to lose a player like [Alex] Iwobi. Kenny [Tete] is still out, but back on the grass.

"Kevin is doing individual work but will be out. Difficult to say a time-scale on Alex, but back before the end of the season."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-fc-silva-rosenior-replacement-fulham-b1279905.html

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'Bad news about Alex' - Marco Silva provides update on Iwobi pre-Aston Villa
Marco Silva has confirmed a significant setback for Fulham ahead of their Premier League clash with Aston Villa, revealing that Alex Iwobi will be unavailable for selection.

Iwobi sustained the injury during Fulham's London derby against Brentford, where he was forced off shortly before half-time after going down unchallenged while chasing a ball.

The midfielder went straight down the tunnel and was subsequently replaced by his international teammate Samuel Chukwueze.

Silva disclosed that the Nigeria international will miss the upcoming fixture against Aston Villa, alongside other absentees in the squad.

"Bad news about Alex. Alex is going to be out for the game and of course Kevin and Kenny are still out as well. All the other players are going to be available," Silva told FFCtv.

Iwobi's absence against Aston Villa would mark the first time he has failed to feature in Fulham's starting line-up for a Premier League match since returning from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

This season, the Hale End Academy graduate has made 27 appearances in the English top-flight, recording four goals and three assists, while logging 2,279 minutes.

Nigeria manager Eric Chelle will be closely monitoring Iwobi's situation, with the Fulham star in his plans for the high-profile friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel




https://allnigeriasoccer.com/bad-news-about-alex-marco-silva-provides-update-on-iwobi-pre-aston-villa

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Fulham interested in 20-year-old after breakout La Liga season – Potential bargain eyed up
Fulham are interested in Levante forward Kareem Tunde ahead of the summer transfer window.

Radio Marca and journalist Matteo Moretto report that Fulham are showing an interest in the 20-year-old winger ahead of the summer.

Breakthrough season
Kareem Tunde has enjoyed a breakthrough season with Levante this season after coming through their youth system.

He's a product of Barcelona's youth side, having previously joined them from Espanyol. He then played for CF Damm Youth for two years before moving to Levante's U19s.

He progressed to Athletic Levante in 2024 before stepping up to the first team this season. He's since made 16 appearances totalling 985 minutes for the Spanish side this season. He bagged his only assist in the 4-2 win over Real Oviedo last month.

Those are not inspiring or eye-catching performances by any means. But Marca and Moretto report that Fulham are interested in the winger. There's no mention of anything beyond that.

Transfermarkt currently rate Tunde at €1m. A move to the Premier League would, presumably, command a bigger fee than that.

What do Fulham see?
The question is what Fulham potentially see in Kareem Tunde at this moment in time. the stats certainly don't suggest the 20-year-old is ready for the Premier League yet.

But Tunde is versatile, physical, and with explosive pace. Those are all attributes which, when developed, could give him a profile that's ideal for the Premier League. The fact he's still young is, of course, another added benefit.

It's also worth noting that his lack of numbers are hardly an indicator. As an example, Yan Diomande had two goals and one assist in 10 games for CD Leganés during his time there. Now he's a star at RB Leipzig and being linked with a €100m move to Liverpool this summer.

We'll take this report with a pinch of salt for now, simply due to the lack of information on offer. But Tunde is a name to keep an eye on, with Fulham reportedly interested already.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-interested-in-20-year-old-after-breakout-la-liga-season-potential-bargain-eyed-up/

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From the Press Box: Sess and Fulham are "a perfect match" says Silva
Jack Kelly gives us the lowdown from Marco Silva's latest press conference.

Fulham have just five games to go this season and face an uphill task to qualify for Europe. After results in midweek, Fulham are still only just four points off of seventh place, and only three points off of eighth.

So, tomorrow's early kick-off is a must win, but Fulham's recent record against Unai Emery's side has been poor, losing their last six games home and away. Fulham need to put their recent form in front of goal behind them as the games and time begin to run out.

Marco Silva confirmed that Kenny Tete is out again. Both him and Kevin are back on the the training pitch, but it's too early to see them back in action. Alex Iwobi will also be absent following his hamstring injury he picked up last week.

"Really bad news to lose a player like Iwobi. Kenny is still out, but back on the grass. More involved. Kevin is doing individual work but will be out. Difficult to say a time-scale on Alex, but back before the end of the season."

Following the sacking that occurred this week just down the road, it felt inevitable that Silva would be asked about it this afternoon. He quickly shut down those questions, and reiterated there was no news regarding his contract.

"Why is it different this week? It's not different at all.

"For me, it's the same, and it's the same answer that I said to you last week.

"I will not make comments about it every single week.

"When there is something new it is going to come from myself and the club.

"Everything that I need, or the club needs to do with me, is going to be between me and the club."

The good news that came this week was that Ryan Sessegnon's club option was triggered, keeping him at the club until the end of next season. Silva hinted that the 25 year old could extend his stay further.

"It means a lot for me and I hope that soon he can extend more. It was just an extension; we triggered the option. Let's hope we can do something different the next few months because he's going to be very important for the football club", said Silva.

"He's a player that I really love, not just because he did grow in our football club as a boy, a man, and his quality as a football player, always with an open mind to learn and to do better. We can use him in many different ways, very versatile, technical point of view, he's a very good player."

Three points tomorrow will not only keep Fulham's season alive, but put pressure on those above. Brighton, Bournemouth, and Chelsea have already played an extra game and Brentford play on Monday night at Old Trafford.

Anything less would be detrimental to Fulham's European hopes. Fulham did win their last home game against Burnley, so will be looking to make it back-to-back wins at Craven Cottage.

COYW!



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/from-the-press-box-sess-and-fulham

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Emery challenges Villa to 'show momentum' against Fulham
The Villans are flying in the run-in.

Unai Emery examined the next challenge for Aston Villa, a visit to Craven Cottage.

    'We can extend our objective'

The Villans have taken seven points from their last three Premier League fixtures against West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland, sitting on 58 points to hold onto fourth spot in the table. Level with Manchester United, they will aim to earn their highest finish in the topflight since 1993.

"Our consistency is giving us the opportunity to be in front of other teams, but there are still matches to play and points to play for. We have our own experiences in the Premier League, and we must be consistent until the last day, respecting the teams who are behind us.

"We can extend our objective to be in the top five because now we are fourth, with Manchester United in third. Why are we not challenging as well to be third in the league? I came here three and a half years ago and I haven't achieved this position. I'm speaking with the players and we must be demanding to try to get the best position in the table. It's realistic in the position we're in.

It is a huge challenge in Fulham to try and get three points and still be fighting for third position."

"When you're achieving good results, you're feeling comfortable and confident. Each match is a challenge to show how we are, how we can face each match, how we can show our momentum.

"Our momentum we can analyse through our results in the Premier League in the last three games we played, West Ham, Sunderland and Forest. The challenge we can have tomorrow is thinking how we are performing in the Premier League in away matches.

"The last away match we won in Premier League was in Newcastle a long time ago. That shows how difficult it is to achieve the objective we have in each match: three points, one point or no points.

"Tomorrow is going to be very difficult because it's always difficult away and Fulham have a very good coach, very good players, and they are performing so consistently during the years."

    'Consistency is the only way'

The last time that the team faced Fulham, they were winless in their first five league fixtures of the new campaign, having only scored once against Sunderland after a four-game drought with no goals.

Now, the dream is to target qualification for the Champions League on two fronts, having also reached the final four of the Europa League. Emery is excited about what can be achieved.

"We are facing each match. We are preparing for each match. We are focusing on each match. The Premier League is the priority. We are in the semi-final of the Europa League and we can lose. If we are losing, we can only get our objective through the league. We can even play the final and we can lose the final, and we can only achieve our objective for next season through the league.

"The priority is how we are going to finish in day 38. We are so excited for the Europa League, but I know how difficult it is to win in Europa League. We have 25 possibilities to win the Europa League because there are four teams and each team has 25% possibility to win, no more.

"We are focusing on our way, our development, our demands, and how we can be consistent during the season, responding and setting other objectives.

"For example, when we started the season not winning for five matches, our objective was to try to escape the bottom. In day six, seven, eight, nine and ten, we were only thinking to escape the bottom.

"When we were in December and January with only a few points difference to Manchester City and Arsenal, we were dreaming of keeping the momentum we had to be contenders to be there in third, second or even first.

"Now, Manchester City and Arsenal kept their consistency longer and stronger than us. We were again getting our position in the table more or less in the top five, but there were teams behind us and we needed to check it.

"Tomorrow is the day 34 and how we are finishing tomorrow, we are going to be in a position that is clearer than today and the last two months. We are motivated, excited and happy, but still there are matches to play and points to play for. Consistency is the only way we can achieve our objective."



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2026/04/24/aston-villa/1258592-emery-challenges-villato-show-momentum-against-fulham.html

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Silva: 'They are capable of punishing you in any moment'
Marco Silva discusses the challenge of facing Aston Villa as Fulham look to close the gap on the European places at Craven Cottage on Saturday

Marco Silva spoke about rising to the challenge of playing against Aston Villa.

Fulham have found their groove in the new year, turning more tight games in their favour, and they are now only six points behind sixth placed Brighton. The packed Premier League mid-table is giving many clubs a chance to still dream of qualifying for one of the continental competitions next campaign, and the Cottagers are firmly in the mix for that battle between now and the end of May.

    'We are aware of the importance'

To target that hurdle successfully, Fulham will want to show they have learned from the 3-1 loss at Villa Park back in September, but they welcome an opponent in high spirits to Craven Cottage.

    'It's one that we need to win'

"It's one that we need to win. More than talking about not to lose, it's one that we need to win. We need to do everything that we can to win the game, for us to beat a very well organised side.

"Apart from their individual quality they have been showing season by season, that is the reason why they are in Champions League spots again, and they have been doing a great job again in the European competitions.

"It's not enough for you to be in a good day or very good day, you have to be close to your best, because they are capable of punishing you in any moment, and definitely the recent results for us against them, they are not what we wanted. It's a chance for us to change completely that recent record against them, and we are aware of the importance of the game.

"Playing at home is always a great opportunity for us to bounce back, and we have to do the maximum we can, definitely, with the support from our fans, make the Cottage our fortress again, because they are a key three points for us."



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2026/04/24/fulham/1258594-silva-they-are-capable-of-punishing-you-in-any-moment.html

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Fulham boss Marco Silva responds to Chelsea links after Liam Rosenior sacking
Marco Silva has been linked with the Chelsea job following Liam Rosenior's sacking on Wednesday

Fulham manager Marco Silva has dismissed speculation linking him with the vacant managerial position at Chelsea, insisting his full focus remains on his current role at Craven Cottage.

The Portuguese coach, whose contract is set to expire this summer, had been touted as a potential successor to Liam Rosenior.

Rosenior was sacked on Wednesday after just three months in charge, with a poor run of results jeopardising the Blues' ambitions for Champions League qualification.

Despite the rumours, Silva, who has previously managed Hull, Watford, and Everton, affirmed his commitment to Fulham ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Saturday, with the Cottagers aiming to push into the top half of the table.

Addressing questions about his future, Silva told reporters: "No. Why is it different this week? It is not at all. It is the same and the same answer that I said to you already last week, it is the same. I will not make every single week comments about it."

He added: "When something comes new, we are going to tell from ourselves, myself and the club. Everything what I need, or the club needs to do with me is going to be between me and the club."

Silva also highlighted the club's shared vision, stating: "We know what we want to achieve – we are ambitious, but at the same time realistic and aligned. We are always aligned since the first day I joined the football club and it is going to be (the same) until the end."

Emphasising the significance of the upcoming fixture, Silva described the Villa game as "crucial" for Fulham's end-of-season objectives.

"It is key. If you really want to fight for important positions that can give you the chance for European sports, you have to be strong – and not just at home."



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-chelsea-fulham-liam-rosenior-b2964548.html

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Harry Wilson pays ultimate compliment to Aston Villa ahead of Fulham clash
Harry Wilson has paid a huge compliment to Aston Villa ahead of their trip to Fulham

Harry Wilson insists that Aston Villa have been the best team Fulham have faced so far this season.

Unai Emery's side earned their first win of the campaign against the Cottagers back in September, having failed to win any of their opening six matches across all competitions and scoring just once.

They head to the capital on Saturday afternoon targeting a victory that would see them take a huge step towards qualifying for the Champions League.

Wilson, who is out of contract at Fulham this summer, is known to have admirers at Villa, who are said to be among the teams keen on the 29-year-old ahead of the transfer window opening.

"I'd say that up until now, I think they've probably been the toughest opponent we've played this season," he said ahead of the Saturday lunchtime kick-off.

"When we went to Villa Park quite early on in the season, I don't think they'd won a game yet, but after that we all said what a good team they were.

"Up until now, except maybe the first half away at Man City, I don't think a team's played better against us over a full 90 minutes, so we know it's going to be tough.

"They're in a really good position chasing them Champions League places, and they've shown they can do it in two competitions, as they're in the semi-finals of the Europa League.

"So we know it's going to be tough, but we also know that when teams come to the Cottage we're always confident that we can get a result.

"When we play at home, we're really confident, with the fans behind us, and it's up to us as players to generate that atmosphere. When we're playing well, they respond to that, so let's hope on Saturday we can give them something to shout about."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/harry-wilson-pays-ultimate-compliment-33835867

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Victor Lindelof must start vs Fulham, Tyrone Mings has proven he's done at Aston Villa
Victor Lindelof has already proven that he deserves to start for Aston Villa.

The Sweden international has been excellent in claret and blue, despite the general lack of excitement after his free transfer in the summer.

He played a key role in Villa's best run of the season, before he was ultimately shipped back to the bench and replaced by Pau Torres.

With the Spaniard now out, Tyrone Mings was handed a start against Sunderland last time around in the Midlands.

The 33-year-old hardly covered himself in glory, so a change would make total sense as Villa prepare for a trip to face Fulham on Saturday.

Tyrone Mings had a shocker vs Sunderland
The Englishman was a surprise name on the team sheet as the B6 outfit turned out against Regis Le Bris' side.

Things certainly weren't easy against the Black Cats as Tammy Abraham's dramatic winner sealed a late win in a bizarre game.

The Mackems came from 3-1 down back to 3-3 with two goals in two minutes as they took advantage of the home side's defensive frailties.

Mings hardly covered himself in glory for their second, but then was massively caught out as Habib Diarra went through, with the centre-back's positioning raising major alarm bells.

That summed up his game, unfortunately, as he maintained a long ball accuracy of just 57 per cent while also failing to register a single tackle.

Mings struggled against Sunderland and needs to be switched out ahead of the upcoming clash at Craven Cottage.

Victor Lindelof deserves to start for Aston Villa vs Fulham
The Swede doesn't just deserve to come in because his teammate was poor; he should get that role due to his own merit.

The 31-year-old has been excellent for Villa this season and even recently showed his quality after coming in against Nottingham Forest.

He completed 94 per cent of his attempted passes and even took two shots as he caused problems going forward in the City Ground.

The ex-Manchester United man also won one tackle and completed 100 per cent of his attempted ground duels.

That is just one positive performance of many this season for Lindelof, who will be waiting for the call against Fulham.



https://www.astonvillanews.co.uk/2026/04/25/victor-lindelof-must-start-vs-fulham-tyrone-mings-has-proven-hes-done-at-aston-villa/