Fulham

Henry Cowling
BBC Sport journalist

Just two points separate Fulham and Nottingham Forest heading into their meeting at Craven Cottage on Monday. BBC Sport looks at some of the key themes going into the match.

Historically, Fulham have enjoyed facing Nottingham Forest in the Premier League – they have won five of the six encounters in the competition, including all three at home. Their win rate of 83% is the highest against any side they have faced more than twice in the Premier League.

Monday night misery

However, the kick-off slot for this fixture is not one Fulham have enjoyed in recent years.

The Cottagers have lost seven of their past nine Monday night games in the Premier League, including their most recent against Bournemouth in April. They have, though, won their past two Monday night home games – against Wolves and Brentford.

The Cottagers have been strengthened by the return of attacking full-back Antonee Robinson, who made his first Premier League start of the season last weekend after recovering from a knee injury.

Robinson also started in Fulham's EFL Cup quarter-final defeat at Newcastle in midweek, setting up Sasa Lukic for an equaliser.

It was Robinson's 17th assist for Fulham since the start of the 2023-24 season – the only Premier League defender with more in that time is Tottenham's Pedro Porro, with 19.

With Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi now away for the Africa Cup of Nations, head coach Marco Silva may look to Robinson to help the in-form Harry Wilson with creativity going forward.

Creative Callum

Wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga were crucial to Nottingham Forest's success last season, causing problems for opposition teams down both flanks.

Elanga departed this summer in a £55m deal to join Newcastle, leaving Hudson-Odoi as the experienced wing option alongside summer signings Omari Hutchinson, Dan Ndoye and Dilane Bakwa.

Hudson-Odoi's playing time has been restricted this season, with heavy rotation on the wings amid Forest's instability because of their managerial situation.

Despite his limited minutes, Hudson-Odoi has still impressed and his first 90 minutes in over a month resulted in a double against Spurs last week – his first goals since August.

He ranks among the top wingers in the league per 90 minutes in some metrics, including chances created from open play – where no other winger with a minimum of 500 minutes has more.

With wingers crucial to his 4-2-3-1 system, Forest head coach Sean Dyche will be hoping Hudson-Odoi can continue to kick on and provide more attacking output throughout the busy festive period.

Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage (20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Silva said Sasa Lukic will be assessed after being withdrawn at half-time in Wednesday's Carabao Cup defeat at Newcastle but his groin injury "doesn't look serious".

• Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon will miss Monday's game but on Raul Jimenez, Silva said: "There's nothing to show that he won't be in contention."

• Reflecting on the defeat at St James' Park, he said: "Disappointing one. It was our ambition to play in the semi-final. It was a tough place to go. It was difficult for us - we didn't play on the ball in the way we wanted in the second half. Disappointing way to concede [the winning goal]."

• Silva emphasised the difference in resources between the teams: "One team was able to make five changes, worth £200m. This is the difference between clubs sometimes. That is the reality - we have our reality. We know what we need to do in January."

• On those transfer plans: "We have been speaking, not just now, but for the last month and a half probably, straight after the last summer things that we were supposed to do but we didn't. It was looking at the African cup [Africa Cup of Nations], which we knew was going to happen. The injury as well to Rodrigo [Muniz] creates a completely different scenario for us. We know what we need so let's see."

• More on the window: "It's not about the coach or manager. It's not what Marco Silva as a manager needs to improve - it's what Fulham Football Club needs to do. Profile and characteristics are important but if I'm not here speaking and someone else at the club is speaking, they are going to say the same that I'm saying to you - that we need to strengthen our squad next month."

• Silva wants to build on last weekend's win over Burnley: "Monday - we should react. We won at Burnley after two defeats. The reaction of the team was good. We got back-to-back away wins. Now we want to do our best to get back-to-back Premier League wins. It will be demanding. Let's hope we can end the year in a good way."

• On the festive schedule: "Christmas Day we will be in [training]. It is an important day for people and their families. Some hours here, then they can spend time with their families. The start of the year is going to be mad. It's the way they did the schedule - three games from the first to the seventh."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Carabao Cup game between Newcastle and Fulham, as teenager Lewis Miley scored a dramatic late winner to keep the holders in the competition.

Here are some of your comments:

Newcastle fans

Neil: What I saw on TV was a team playing OK, but still short of a spark to play better. There was a lack of picking out team-mates for passes, but somehow we got through. To win matches, Newcastle must put the effort in and not just show up! It is tough, but that is why top teams win by playing smartly.

Simon: Very pleased to see a very different performance to that against Sunderland. We looked strong and our passing and forward play was greatly improved. Jacob Murphy gave excellent service and Lewis Miley played very well - improvements across the team. Obviously I'm concerned by the injury list and our ability to be active in the January window.

Lee: Mediocre at best.

Paul: Brilliant display by Miley. Eddie Howe asked him to do something extra and he did it. This is what we need from the whole squad if we are to compete in four competitions. Also, well done to Wissa because he has taken the pressure off Woltemade.

Fulham fans

Jim: Fulham played really well. Newcastle pressured them for parts of the game, but they defended well and were also dangerous on the break. A decent performance.

Brian: Another lost opportunity. I don't have the answers, I hope Marco Silva does.

James: They played well for the first 20 minutes but then Newcastle completely dominated the rest of the game. It's unfortunate, but hopefully they can go far in the FA Cup.

Philip: I feel for Fulham, I think Silva might leave by the end of the season. The owner needs to support his manager with funds in January to give him what he wants. Fulham is run on a very tight budget and, in my opinion, we punch above our weight. If Silva leaves, we will regret it.

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This was a familiar ending for Fulham at St James' Park.

Just a few weeks after Bruno Guimaraes scored a 90th-minute winner against Marco Silva's side in the Premier League at the same ground, the visitors conceded late again to lose by the same scoreline.

Given the potential prize on offer, this was surely even more painful for Fulham, who were dreaming of a second Carabao Cup semi-final in three seasons.

Silva will be left to rue what might have been, given his team failed to make the most of a string of counter-attacking opportunities in the first half.

One in particular left Silva doubled over the touchline, after Kevin failed to pick out the in-form Harry Wilson.

But the Fulham manager should also take heart from the spirit his side showed to equalise so soon after going behind, particularly without three key players in Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze, who have flown out to represent Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Fulham manager Marco Silva has been speaking to Sky Sports following the defeat at St James' Park: "Of course we have to praise the attitude and work ethic of our players. It is always very difficult to lose a game, especially after all the hard work we put in.

"Our first half was better than our second half. The second was more difficult to set the game, but the reaction and the work ethic from the players was there. It is a tough one to lose.

"It is a very tough place to come, the players were brave until the last minute of the game. Now we need to rest because the game on Monday is very important for us."

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Newcastle's performance

What did you make of Fulham's display?

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies

Yoane Wissa makes his first start for Newcastle United as the Carabao Cup holders ring the changes for their quarter-final tie against Fulham.

Fabian Schar, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Ramsey and Wissa all come into the side following the weekend defeat against bitter rivals Sunderland.

Newcastle XI: Ramsdale, Miley, Schar, Thiaw, Livramento, Guimaraes, Willock, Ramsey, Murphy, Wissa, Barnes.

Subs: Ruddy, Joelinton, Tonali, Gordon, Elanga, Woltemade, A.Murphy, Shahar, Neave.

Fulham have made four changes as the visitors look to reach a second semi-final in three seasons.

Benjamin Lecomte, Jorge Cuenca, Sasa Lukic and Kevin all start at St James' Park.

Fulham XI: Lecomte, Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson, Berge, Lukic, Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin, Jimenez.

Subs: Leno, Castagne, Reed, Cairney, Diop, King, Kusi-Asare, Ridgeon, Traore.

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham boss Marco Silva says in-form winger Harry Wilson is "in the best moment of his career" and displaying more maturity in his brilliant season so far.

Wilson is Fulham's top scorer this term with five goals and put in a brilliant performance in the 3-2 win against Burnley in the Premier League last weekend when he was involved in all three goals.

He scored a hat-trick for Wales last month and has recently bagged Premier League goals against Tottenham and Crystal Palace as well Burnley.

Speaking before Fulham face holders Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, Silva said: "From pre-season, I had this conversation with him and I felt he was becoming much more mature,

"A player needs some love but needs some responsibility and to like the pressure on his back. He is feeling well with that - not just in our football club, but in the national team as well.

"I don't have doubts he is in the best moment of his career."

Wilson joined Fulham on a permanent deal in the summer of 2022 but will be out of contract next summer. One goal away from his best league tally for Fulham, Silva believes he can still get better.

"I hope there is much more to come from him because he is mature and he is at a good age for an attacker," the Fulham boss said. "With the individual quality he has, he is more capable to take the best decisions in more moments."

On the prospect of a new contract for Wilson, Silva added: "When something comes, I hope I can give to you. Right now I cannot. He has been very important for us, is showing his quality again and let's hope we can renew."

Fulham have reached their fourth domestic cup quarter-final in four years and Silva feels they are getting closer to the final step.

"Yes, we feel it. We feel it inside the building, with the players and how they have been so, so serious," he added.

"It has been year after year in domestic cups arriving in good stages - now let's try to go further."

Drew Heatley
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Potential is usually the word people associate with Harry Wilson.

But as the Wales winger orchestrated another significant moment - our first win at Turf Moor in nearly 75 years - it is time we start to accept that he is fulfilling it.

His 20 assists and 10 goals as we romped to the Championship title. His wizardry against Brentford – twice - to secure huge derby wins. His goal that sent us on our way to our first win at Stamford Bridge in 45 years.

Wilson is fast becoming indispensable for the Whites – but it has been a difficult journey. Injuries have not necessarily blighted his time in SW6, but they have caused it to be stop-start. However, every time he gets a sustained run in the first XI he makes an impact.

Harry has started as many games already this season than he did in each of his previous three since our return to the Premier League, showing how important he is when he is fully fit and firing.

And firing he is. Five goals and three assists so far this season means he leads the way in terms of our attacking output. He is grabbing our campaign by the scruff of the neck and dragging us up the table.

Moreover, he is set to become even more important as we look to progress to the EFL Cup semi-finals this week. With fellow midfielders Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze off to Afcon, Fulham will be looking to their Welsh wizard to pull the strings in what is widely acknowledged as our most crucial period of the season, with Nottingham Forest and West Ham up next in the league.

Get results against that pair, and we could find ourselves back in the top half of the table going into the second half of the season.

Then, like Harry, we would be on our way to fulfilling our potential.

Find more from Drew Heatley at Fulhamish, external

Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Newcastle at St James' Park (20:15 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Silva confirmed Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon remain out and will be unavailable for the trip to Newcastle.

• On Sessegnon's fitness: "You have to be careful with him. He's already running on the pitch and doing individual work. He's not going to be long I don't think but maybe a couple of weeks. I cannot give you a timescale because we need to see how he reacts again."

• On the rest of his squad after Saturday's win over Burnley: "We had a session yesterday. After a Premier League game, you have some knocks, some situations, nothing really serious that can make me give different feedback today. We are going to have another session tomorrow to keep assessing them, but so far, nothing really serious from the game."

• Antonee Robison returned from injury to start against the Clarets: "When I decided to start with him - physically I didn't have any doubts because we know the work we've been doing with him. Against Burnley he showed that and the stats showed that. Of course the other things have to come with the games - our defensive principles that you have to do every single day and will take time, even if you know them. We need Robinson to get up and down every game so it's very important to have him back."

• Asked how Robinson's knee is and whether he is fit to start again, Silva added: "He had a good reaction after the game. Yesterday nothing really special. Until now the fitness is very good. We will see tomorrow."

• Was youngster Jonah Kusi-Asare left out of the squad due to injury or tactical reasons?: "Both situations. He didn't have a good week, he was ill and missed a few sessions. He did train yesterday, had a session, if nothing happens until then he is going to be in contention [to feature on Wednesday]."

• On the challenge posed by the Magpies: "If you want to play semi-finals these are the types of places you have to go to and show your quality. It is no coincidence they are playing Champions League. We know how tough of an atmosphere St James' Park is."

• On the chance to reach a semi-final: "We had ambition to go as far as we can in this competition. Now to play semi-finals we have to go to Newcastle, respect them, and play with ambition."

Follow all of Monday's Carabao Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

Image source, Getty Images

Harry Wilson continued his fine recent form with a goal and two assists in Fulham's 3-2 win over Burnley on Saturday.

Wilson became the first player to be involved in three goals in a Premier League game for Fulham since himself against Luton in May last year.

In that game he became the first player to do it since Dimitar Berbatov against Arsenal in 2012.

This is Fulham's sixth season in the Premier League since Berbatov did it in the 2012-13 campaign - their other six were in the Championship - with Wilson the only player to record a goal involvement hat-trick for the club in that time.

All the players with three goal involvements in a Premier League game for the Cottagers are listed below...

Wilson is just the third Fulham player to get a 'hat-trick' of goals and assists in a Premier League game more than once - after Steed Malbranque (three times) and Bobby Zamora (twice).

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Burnley and Fulham.

Here are some of your comments:

Burnley fans

John: The Newcastle game was a flash in the pan. Back down to earth with this inept performance. Offensively pretty clueless. Defensively, we are going backwards and in truth, the score flattered us. Big changes now inevitable.

Gareth: Overall we played quite well against a lively Fulham team and created more chances than usual. We lost because of three awful pieces of defending as Martin Dubravka didn't have much else to do. However, this is happening every week now, the defence just isn't good enough for this level. I doubt a change of manager will make any real difference but I'm sure Scott Parker will know that this losing streak has to end soon if he is to keep the majority of fans on his side.

Richard: Same again, lacking any sort of finisher in the opposition box. Last season, our top goalscorer was our midfielder Josh Brownhill, and with no real finisher in the team this season we are struggling. Armando Broja and Lyle Foster both look short on confidence.

John: Two poor selections by Parker as Axel Tuanzebe is not a full-back so Oliver Sonne should have started while Foster isn't a right-winger so Marcus Edwards or Jaidon Anthony should have started. We seem to be going backwards now. Poor passing, poor concentration and poor marking. A team that was excellent in defence last season is giving away too many cheap goals.

Fulham fans

Kevin: What could have been a comfortable win became a nerve-wracking final quarter as our defence was poor again. Better teams will, and have already, take advantage of sloppy passing and poor decision-making.

James: A great attacking performance. They looked good all game (especially Harry Wilson) and deserved to win the game. The defence were not looking at their best but I'm happy Antonee Robinson is back.

Nick: Big collective sigh of relief but we should have had that game wrapped up by half-time. Please Mr Khan/Marco Silva, can we get a striker sorted early January, you're going to bring Raul's career to a premature end if you keep on like this. The chap is exhausted.

Will: Very, very important win. Breaking a generational dry streak at Turf Moor to help move us away from the bottom. Wilson is a true magician.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Chelsea 2-0 Everton

• Liverpool 2-0 Brighton

• Burnley 2-3 Fulham

Image source, Getty Images

In the past three Premier League seasons, former Liverpool player Harry Wilson had made more appearances as a substitute than as a starter.

Injuries have undoubtedly played a part but he was also seen as something of a luxury player - able to turn a game on its head with moments of brilliance, but perhaps not someone you could hang your hat on for 90 minutes week in week out.

This season has been a different story.

Wilson came off the bench in two of his first three league appearances this term, but he has started 12 of Fulham's past 13 games - repaying Marco Silva's new-found faith in him with five goals in that period.

His recent purple patch includes a hat-trick for Wales against North Macedonia last month.

His second assist at Burnley was exquisite - taking the ball down out of the sky and crossing right on to the head of Bassey, who could not really miss given the lack of adequate marking.

And his finish for Fulham's third has become his trademark. Wilson does not seem to be a scorer of 'normal' goals.

With the Cottagers lacking a prolific striker this season, his output looks like it could be the difference between Fulham being in a relegation dogfight and staying clear of the scrap.

Fulham boss Marco Silva told BBC Sport after their 3-2 victory against Burnley: "Big one. It's a difficult place to come. It doesn't matter if they're on a bad run. We know if you're on a bad run how much you want to change it.

"We were smart, the way we started the game. The reaction from them was what we expected. Many chances for both sides - much more than I like to see. Some mistakes. Football is like that sometimes. First half we scored goal in important moments.

"We gave them many chances when we shouldn't have. The three points were deserved from ourselves.

"Big win for us. I was in shock [about Fulham's long wait for a win at Burnley]. We have been able to change it. Let's hope our fans go home with a smile on their face."

On Harry Wilson: "What a performance from him. Helping the team off the ball. He knows we need him, to work very hard, to help the team. He is more mature and he loves taking responsibility."

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Burnley's performance

What did you make of Fulham's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Scott Parker makes two changes to his Burnley side which were beaten at Newcastle last time out.

Both are enforced - with Axel Tuanzebe and Quilindschy Hartman in for the suspended Kyle Walker and Lucas Pires.

Burnley XI: Dubravka; Tuanzebe, Ekdal, Esteve, Hartman; Cullen, Florentino; Bruun Larsen, Ugochukwu, Foster; Broja

Subs: Weiss, Worrall, Sonne, Flemming, Laurent, Edwards, Anthony, Tchaouna, Tresor

Fulham come into this off the back of two home defeats, but Marco Silva makes just the one change - Antonee Robinson in for Timothy Castagne at left-back.

Fulham XI: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson, Berge, Iwobi, Wilson, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze, Jimenez.

Subs: Lecomte, Castagne, Cuenca, Reed, Cairney, Lukic, King, Traore, Kevin.

There are four games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Chelsea v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Liverpool v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Burnley v Fulham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Arsenal v Wolves (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Burnley v Fulham", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

It is only December but this is a must-win for Burnley, in terms of confidence and also staying in touch with the teams above the relegation zone.

Look at Leeds at the moment and you can see they have got some confidence. Burnley are the opposite, after losing six games on the spin.

It is a big game for Fulham too, who are still in danger of being dragged into a relegation scrap.

For all their good play and excitement in pushing Manchester City and Crystal Palace close in the past few days, Marco Silva's side did not pick up any points.

So, it is vital they get something at Turf Moor, and I think they will. The obvious result is a draw and this time I am going to go with it.

Fulham's away form has been pretty poor but they do have some real quality in their team. Harry Wilson has been excellent for them this season, but while I don't see them losing this, I don't see them nicking it either.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Henry Cowling
BBC Sport journalist

Burnley will be looking to end a run of six straight league defeats when they welcome Fulham to Turf Moor on Saturday. BBC Sport looks at some of the key themes going into the match.

Despite losing 2-1 last time out against Newcastle, Burnley head coach Scott Parker took positives from his side's showing. He even went as far as calling it "incredible" and suggested it may have been the Clarets' best performance of the season.

While they showed character in limiting Eddie Howe's side to a narrow win, made closer by Zian Flemming's stoppage-time penalty, the result was all too familiar.

History on their side

The result left Burnley on just 10 points after 15 games, and five points from safety. Historically, though, that provides cause for optimism.

Ten of the 17 Premier League teams who have been on 10 points at this stage of a season have gone on to avoid relegation.

Out of the past five teams to find themselves in that situation, only two have been relegated. Most recently, Wolves managed to turn their season around in 2022-23 after hiring Julien Lopetegui in November.

Burnley can also take confidence from being unbeaten in their last 29 home league games against Fulham, whose last victory at Turf Moor came in April 1951.

You're a wizard, Harry

The Cottagers come into this fixture after a 2-1 defeat at home by Crystal Palace. It was a game in which they struggled to break down the resolute Palace backline, and their goal came from a moment of inspiration from Harry Wilson.

Wilson producing goals out of nothing is quickly becoming quite the occurrence. The Wales international has now produced three goal involvements in his past three games, starting that run by scoring from nearly 40 yards out against Tottenham.

It leaves him joint top at the club for goal involvements in the league this season, alongside AC Milan loanee Samuel Chukwueze.

With Chukwueze and fellow attacking option Alex Iwobi both set to head to the Africa Cup of Nations next week, Fulham are likely to be looking to Wilson for attacking invention as they navigate the busy festive period.

Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Burnley at Turf Moor (17:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Silva confirmed Ryan Sessegnon will miss the visit of the Clarets but is "getting better" after missing last weekend's defeat by Crystal Palace with a hamstring injury: "The type of situation we will see day by day. It looked minor but because of his injury history, we have to be more careful with him."

• Antonee Robinson has been training with the team and "last week was a good week for him". Silva added: "Let's see how he reacts after a complete week."

• Silva said Bayern Munich loanee Jonah Kusi-Asare "has to train in a way that proves he's ready" in order to feature, adding that the youngster has "been ill, a little sick this week".

• On losing players for Afcon: "We knew it was going to happen. We will not panic about it's impact. We are talking about three starting players. We know Alex [Iwobi] is a key player in any position he plays, the importance of Calvin [Bassey], and what [Samuel] Chukwueze has been doing in recent games."

• Silva added: "It's looking even bigger that we don't have Rodrigo Muniz. It is what is it, not the moment for us to cry - it was the moment to prepare for it last summer."

• On Raul Jimenez, who has started the last eight games in fellow striker Muniz's absence: "We have to manage his minutes to have him as fresh as we can."

• On the challenge posed by Scott Parker's Burnley: "It's very difficult to have a good run, sometimes it's not so difficult so have a bad run. There are margins. They have been competitive. It's up to us to go up there and perform, to fight - it's going to be a fight."

• Asked about the Cottagers suffering recent narrow defeats, Silva said: "One thing that is clear is focus. We want to make the players understand the plan clearly. The Premier League demands a lot. The mental and tactical point of view, coping with fatigue, making subs, managing the load. Sometimes our games have come from those moments. The margins - when the games are so tight, some margins can go your way, some can make you lose the three points."

Listen to live commentary of Burnley v Fulham on Saturday from 17:30 GMT on BBC Radio 5 Live