Fulham

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Brazil midfielder Willian has said Fulham "will always be in my heart" as he reflected on his two-year spell with the club coming to an end.

The 35-year-old joined in September 2022 and, after being linked with a move elsewhere last summer, signed a new deal to remain at Craven Cottage last season.

Earlier this summer he opted against signing a one-year contract extension to speak with other clubs.

The former Chelsea and Arsenal winger said on Instagram: "I would like to thank Fulham for a wonderful two years. It was special to return to the Premier League and be part of this historic club and the amazing fans.

"I have had incredible moments and this club will always be in my heart."

A new season, and a new challenge for BBC Sport's prediction expert Chris Sutton.

Sutton faced off against a guest for each of the 38 game weeks in 2023-24 and triumphed 21-10 (with seven draws) to secure his second predictions title in a row.

In the first week of the new season, his opponent is The Courteeners frontman Liam Fray.

First up on Friday evening is Manchester United's game against Fulham.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

The first weekend of the season is always tricky to predict for various reasons, and with Manchester United I really don't know what to expect. I am not going to give them a win just because they are Manchester United and have had some great teams in the past, put it that way.

Fulham sold Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich in the summer, and the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Willian and Tim Ream have all left too.

They had a pretty decent season last time out and, although their results did drop off in the last couple of months of the campaign, they won at Old Trafford in February.

I can see them getting something this time, too. I can only base these predictions on what I see and I have not seen enough good performances from United under Erik ten Hag to have any confidence in them playing well.

Liam's prediction: 2-0

I am going, and it will be good to get back in there and hear everyone singing.

It is a big blow to be without Rasmus Hojlund who had really found his form at the end of last season, and looks so fearless.

I still think we will win though, and I don't really care how - getting three points is the most important thing.

Read the full predictions and have your say

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Three of the past four Premier League meetings between Manchester United and Fulham have been won by the away side, with each of these victories coming courtesy of a 90th-minute winning goal (United twice, Fulham once).

Image source, Fulham FC

Fulham have unveiled their third kit for the 2024-25 season.

"Fulham will step out in an all-purple third strip, featuring a striking multi-layered camo graphic print in an exciting mix of purple and blue hues," a club statement said about the shirt.

What do you make of of the kit, Fulham fans? Will you be adding it to your collection?

Let us know your thoughts here, external

It's that time of the year again - the annual act of foolishness in which I try to predict the outcome of the 2024-25 season for all 20 Premier League clubs.

Fulham - 13th

Fulham finished in a comfortable position last season despite losing key striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. This time manager Marco Silva must do the same after losing outstanding midfielder man Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich and key defensive duo Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea and Tim Ream to Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC.

Silva, however, has proved himself adept at dealing with such matters and the acquisition of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal could be a masterstroke, a talented player loved by Gunners fans who simply could not force his way into regular contention.

Ryan Sessegnon has made a popular return from Tottenham and if defender Diego Carlos can arrive from Aston Villa then Silva can be satisfied with a decent summer.

Calvin Bassey was a growing force in defence last season while striker Rodrigo Muniz developed rapidly. Silva will count on him.

Much will depend on Silva himself but think Fulham will have a relatively untroubled season.

Read all of Phil's predictions here

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The draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup has been made.

Here is the list of the ties - which are split into southern and northern sections - involving Premier League clubs:

South

• AFC Wimbledon v Ipswich Town

• Brighton & Hove Albion v Crawley Town

• Birmingham City v Fulham

• Cardiff City v Southampton

• Colchester United v Brentford

• Crystal Palace v Norwich City

• West Ham United v Bournemouth

North

• Everton v Doncaster Rovers

• Nottingham Forest v Newcastle United

• Leicester City v Tranmere Rovers

• Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley

See the full draw

The games will take place in w/c 26 August.

Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Friday's Premier League opener at Manchester United (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Silva said his side have to be "confident" despite being "one of the only teams that is going to compete in the Premier League that has lost four senior players".

• He added: "We have to deal with it. We have a lot of work to do in the next two and a half weeks in the market because we need it. Now we have have to rebuild again like we did last season."

• On whether knowing they need more players makes the job harder: "At this stage of the season I would like to have all the squad we need and have them prepared. It is always same story. It is what it is. We have been working hard. We're not 100% yet, but we are going to be ready for the game."

• Silva confirmed Fulham are "definitely" going to sign someone to replace Joao Palhinha and also another centre-back.

• On reports linking the Whites with Premier League defenders like Joachim Andersen of Crystal Palace: "It is clear when you lose two centre-backs [you need replacements]. We signed Jorge Cuenca and we are pleased to have him with us. He will be a big surprise for everyone who doesn't know him. But we need another centre-back if we are going to cope this season."

• On if he has been impressed by Emile Smith Rowe's performances: "I will be more impressed in the future. The best thing that can happen for a player like him is to have an impact straight away - and he has."

• Silva added: "The main thing for me [in signing him] was to feel the desire from Emile to come to our football club. That made me push to convince our board to have him in our club. He is a statement for us. Last season was tough for him, but he is a top talent and we want to help him play his best level again."

• On recent form against Manchester United: "There has been fine margins. The reality is we have been a match for them. I'm excited to be at Old Trafford and to start there - the environment is going to be very good. They will want to start on the front foot - but they know what we are capable of."

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport football statistician

As their stats show, Fulham were the quintessential "top half of the bottom half" side in the Premier League last time out, fluctuating around 13th for most of the season before finally finishing there.

Despite selling star striker Aleksandr Mitrovic last summer, Fulham remarkably scored the same number of goals, had more shots and a higher xG than in 2022-23.

Although they did concede eight more goals, they actually ranked higher in their defensive stats than in the previous campaign.

Pressing might be all the rage these days but Marco Silva's side avoided any relegation worries by sitting back, with only relegated Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest winning the ball in the final third less often.

Image source, Getty Images

The draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup will take place on Wednesday at the conclusion of the first-round tie between Leeds United and Middlesbrough.

Thirteen Premier League clubs will enter in the second round, as will Luton Town and Burnley, who were relegated from the top flight in 18th and 19th positions last season.

The draw for round two will be regionalised into northern and southern sections.

The seven Premier League clubs playing in European competitions in 2024-25, including Carabao Cup holders Liverpool, will come in at the third-round stage.

The key dates for the competition are as follows:

• Second round - w/c 26 August

• Third round - w/c 16 and w/c 23 September

• Fourth round - w/c 28 October

• Quarter-finals - w/c 16 December

• Semi-finals - w/c 6 January (first leg) and w/c 3 February

• Final - 16 March

Follow Wednesday's action and then the full draw here from 19:30 BST

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham have made a second bid for Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen, believed to be £25m plus £5m in add-ons, sources have told BBC Sport.

Palace rejected Fulham’s first bid of £20m on Monday and value the Denmark international at closer to £40m.

Andersen spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Craven Cottage while at Lyon before joining Palace.

Drew Heatley
Fan writer

Where will you finish in the league and why?

I am going for 10th. We have done well so far this summer to lower the average age of the squad - Willian and club stalwart Tim Ream have both gone. Former Fulham favourite Ryan Sessegnon, along with Jorge Cuenca - both 24 - have come in. These seem like the right moves to make to spark upward trajectory.

Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?

It is always hard to call at Fulham because the Khans traditionally love the brinkmanship of the window and always make many moves on deadline day - but Emile Smith Rowe became our record signing at the start of August, which looks a real statement of intent. He got off the mark on his debut too - so expectations are high.

What do you want from your manager this season?

To stay until the end of the season! Marco Silva has rehabilitated his reputation at Fulham - it is the longest he has stayed at a club - but we all know we are in the autumn of his incredible tenure. We are all hoping for him to go out with the bang his time at the club deserves.

Who will be the breakout star in your squad?

Last year it was Rodrigo Muniz, this term all eyes are on young English forward Jay Stansfield. He impressed in a poor Birmingham side last season and we are all hoping Silva starts to use him. But Marco's track record with our academy is the only negative you could level at him.

What is your one major concern?

At the time of writing we have not replaced Tosin Adarabioyo at centre-back, with no concrete rumours circulating - and, more worryingly, there is a Joao Palhinha-shaped hole in our midfield. I suspect it will take more than one man to fill it too.

You can get more from Drew Heatley at Fulhamish, external

Aston Villa, Fulham and Crystal Palace are all in the race to sign Chelsea's 25-year-old English centre-back Trevoh Chalobah. (Football Insider), external

Manchester City are willing to let 28-year-old England midfielder Kalvin Phillips leave on loan, with Ipswich, Everton and Fulham all interested. (Manchester Evening News), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

After a long summer break, BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club is back in action this evening.

Tune in as the panel cover all the major talking points from the summer and look ahead to Premier League football returning at the weekend.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Crystal Palace have rejected the £20m offer from Fulham for centre back Joachim Andersen.

It is understood that the bid was rejected at the time of the offer and no subsequent bid had been made.

The Eagles value the 28-year-old defender at closer to £40m.

Fulham also had a bid rejected for Aston Villa defender Diego Carlos last week.

Image source, Getty Images

The curtain opens on the 2024-25 Premier League season in just a matter of days, so why not take a look at how all 20 clubs performed in pre-season?

The games have been spread across the globe, from Tokyo and New York to Crawley and Preston.

See the results here

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's pre-season friendly between Hoffenheim and Fulham.

Here are some of your comments:

Will: Perfect end to pre-season, really think that Emile Smith Rowe is the future of this club. Adama also really improving. Manchester United get ready.

Garry: We looked good today, the team is starting to really come together. Adama was fantastic, his runs were immense and his finishing was clinical. Great link-up play between Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe. Second goal from Emile shows he's fitted in nicely. Excellent vision from Bassey for the cross to Adama and Robinson looking really sharp. Still need a striker and a centre-back.

Steven: I believe Fulham have been very good and solid this pre-season. This really gives me hope for a top-half finish this season, maybe even European football.

Luke: Promising. The press was scarily good and we shocked a very press-proven side with how good it was. The left flank linked up really well but lack of service for Muniz worried me.

Tim: We looked good on the ball, and it feels like we should get a few more goals from midfield this season. Slightly concerned about Muniz failing to get on the scoresheet again though, we need our strikers to be firing, especially as with Palhinha gone we're likely to concede more.

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham rounded off their pre-season campaign with victory in Germany against Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.

Goals in each half from new man Emile Smith Rowe and winger Adama Traore ensured Marco Silva's side warmed up for Friday Premier League opener at Manchester United in style.

So are the Whites ready for the big kick-off?

What did you learn from this game, Fulham fans?

Let us know your thoughts on the match here, external - and return on Monday to read the submissions

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham have had a bid rejected for Aston Villa defender Diego Carlos.

Fulham are looking at a number of possibilities to strengthen their centre-back options after Tosin Adarabioyo left for Chelsea on a free transfer and Tim Ream joined Charlotte FC.

The Cottagers completed the signing of Jorge Cuenca earlier this week from Villarreal as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.