Fulham

Fulham have made 24-year-old Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah a key target. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Image source, Reuters

Marco Silva says Fulham's home supporters are "going to play a big part" as the London club bid to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit in their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool.

Fulham have played the Reds twice at Anfield in league and cup since the start of December and led on both occasions, but were ultimately beaten in both matches.

Silva believes the support Liverpool received helped to get them over the line in those encounters and it is something he would love to see replicated by the home crowd at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.

Previewing the second leg, Silva said: "They [the home fans] are going to be crucial, they are going to play a big part.

"We need them behind us. Some moments we are going to be playing well, other moments probably Liverpool will make us suffer. We need them always behind the team to make Craven Cottage really difficult for Liverpool.

"In these types of games, the crowd can make a big impact. We had good examples at Anfield with the two games we played there. We were playing so good and, in tough moments for Liverpool, they are always there and pushed the team forward. That's what we need from our fans [on Wednesday]. I'm sure they will be with us and they will play a big part in it."

Fulham manager Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before his side's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool on Wednesday.

Fulham lost the first leg 2-1 at Anfield earlier this month.

Here are the main headlines from his news conference:

• Silva has no new injury problems to contend with. Winger Adama Traore remains unavailable for selection.

• Fulham play in three different competitions in the space of a week, but Silva said: "Our focus is on the next one, it's going to be so important for us. We're talking about a semi-final and the chance to play in a final at Wembley."

• He added: "The schedule is there and is going to be really tough, our squad is short in terms of numbers. It's not going to be easy but it is what it is. Now the full focus is on our game against Liverpool."

• Silva would not comment on specific reports of individuals potentially leaving in January, but said: "Of course we are trying to keep our players inside [the club], we don't have conditions to lose players because it's not been easy for us to buy players or sign players."

• On potential incomings, Silva added: "We're always aware, we know what we need and we're always trying to improve our players from a quality point of view. If you can strengthen the squad with new players, you're always looking for it. After that comes the possibilities of the club, what we can do or not. Until now we have not done anything because it was not possible."

Sammy James, Fulhamish, external

It has felt like a long time to wait, but I am so excited for Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool.

Craven Cottage might not be top of the list when people think of great atmospheres, but on special occasions such as our Europa League run in 2010, it has the ability to be an incredible venue.

To win this game, we are going to have to summon the spirit of all the special nights over the years like Juventus, Hamburg and the Derby play-off semi-final in 2018 and channel them into this one match of football.

This is a chance for Marco and his team to make history. To be the first Fulham team to reach a domestic cup final since 1975. Us FFC fans know that this team has the ability to beat anyone - hopefully they can turn up and achieve what they deserve.

For me, the key is to stay in it - an early goal for them would be very difficult to recover from. If we can get the first goal, then I really think the game will be there for the taking.

Good luck, lads. Here's hoping this game can go down in Craven Cottage folklore too

AC Milan have made contact with former England youth international Tosin Adarabioyo, with the Fulham defender out of contract at the end of the season. (Sky Sports Italia), external

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

Fulham have made a bid of £30m plus a further £5m in add-ons for 22-year-old Fluminense midfielder Andre, having already agreed personal terms with the Brazil international. (Ben Jacobs), external

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

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards believes £50m-rated Armando Broja is not a "top-level striker" and has questioned Chelsea's valuation of the Albania international on the Transfer Gossip Daily podcast: "Lots of managers have had a look at him [at Chelsea] and thought that he's not good enough. I don't want to be brutal but how can they say with a straight face that they will take £60m for him?

"It's being compared to Brighton valuing Evan Ferguson at £100m or Ivan Toney being valued at £100m. I think the Ferguson valuation was too much, but you're not going to get £50m or £60m for a 22-year-old who has scored six goals. That's a waste of money for anyone who does it.

"The irony is Chelsea have tried to drive prices up in the Premier League market over the last two years. They paid £150m for [Moises] Caicedo and £105m for Enzo Fernandez, who both haven't lived up to expectations.

"Maybe they just think that's the going rate so they went and bought some overpriced players and are now thinking, 'let's go and fleece someone like Fulham or Wolves.

"Broja hasn't won anything and he's not done anything at Chelsea to suggest he is that sort of player. He's not particularly done anything at international level but, he's 22-years-old, he's still young. I think there will be some clubs interested in him, absolutely.

"Now that Chelsea have said he can go, it shows you how much trouble they are in with profit and sustainability rules. They are having to offload players again this window. I suspect they will end up getting a loan deal with the obligation to buy at the end of the season. If anyone pays £50m for him though, it's crazy."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Chelsea are willing to let 22-year-old Albania forward Armando Broja leave on a permanent deal if a suitable offer is received. Fulham, West Ham United and Wolves are among the clubs who are interested. (Athletic - subscription required), external

The Blues will ask for £50m for Broja, who has scored two goals in 17 appearances this season. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Fulham are in talks to sign Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah on a six-month loan deal with the option to buy the 24-year-old. (Florian Plettenberg for Sky Germany), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Sammy James, Fulhamish, external

It's been a huge week for Fulham on the pitch with an EFL Cup semi-final first leg up at Anfield, then the SW6 derby at Stamford Bridge. Two defeats is not exactly what the doctor ordered.

However, I think most Fulham fans are feeling pretty positive about the cup result. Many people I was speaking to before the game said that if we came away from Anfield only one goal behind then it was a good result.

Of course, after leading for so long, to lose was a bit deflating, but the most important thing is that we are in the tie. Overcoming a two or even three goal deficit against such a good team would probably have been nigh on impossible.

Our subsequent loss to Chelsea was tough to take, but ultimately it felt like bad timing for a derby. The players were evidently knackered, and the loss of Alex Iwobi to Afcon meant we had no depth on the bench.

Given the Blues' inconsistent form, there will rarely be a better time to end the long 44-year spell without a win at Stamford Bridge, but it just wasn't to be.

We asked you for your thoughts on Saturday's match between Chelsea and Fulham.

Here are some of your comments:

Chelsea fans

John: Same old. Too many square and backwards passes allowing the opposition to set up to defend. Only when playing on the break with fast passing, direct running and no faffing about do Chelsea look dangerous. But it was good to see Cole Palmer not suffering from a Middlesbrough hangover and Chilly [Ben Chilwell] back in from the cold.

Ryan: This team, against probably all odds, have actually won four games in a row at the Bridge and found a little bit of consistency. Now with the winter break, Chilly and Carney [Chukwuemeka] can get a bit more fitness. Champions League is out of the question but I think we can at least get some form of European football - if these players take confidence from this home form that is.

Fathi: Still naive when defending, and too many players playing out of position leaving the team imbalanced. While Palmer is scoring, he disappears for long spells in matches and does not create enough for others. Today, Enzo was brilliant and involved throughout the match.

Kev: Another poor performance and we were way too slow in possession. We must get a striker in as soon as possible because [Armando] Broja is just not up to Premier League standard. Good news that Chilwell is back because [Levi] Collwill struggles at left back.

Fulham fans

Alex: Awful performance from Fulham. I expect more from a team that is in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. We were too slow and had inconsistent passes. Poor performance overall.

Mark: We showed them far too much respect. When we had a go, they looked really fragile. One that got away I reckon.

Gemma: Really think we should have left with at least a point. Away form is getting a bit concerning now. Last year we felt very much on the way up - I’m now looking nervously down below as 2024 begins.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Rangers, Brentford and QPR manager Mark Warbuton believes Fulham are "dropping too many points" away from home recently.

Saturday's narrow 1-0 defeat at west London rivals Chelsea was their fifth league loss in a row on the road and saw them slip to 13th in the table.

"It has to be [a concern]," Warbuton told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "A good performance in midweek against Liverpool but again they came away with a slight deficit.

"Some of the football they have played has been outstanding this season. They have really talented individuals and collectively they play some lovely football for long spells in games.

"But, the record doesn't lie. On the road now they are dropping too many points and it will be a major concern for Marco [Silva]."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's two Premier League fixtures, as well as Friday night's match between Burnley and Luton

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentary in full on BBC Sounds:

• Newcastle 2-3 Manchester City

Tottenham, Fulham and Arsenal are ready to rival West Ham's summer move for 22-year-old Feyenoord and Mexico forward Santiago Gimenez. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

Joe Rindl, BBC Sport

Fulham's poor away run continues. The Cottagers have lost their past five league games on the road and were beaten 2-1 at Liverpool in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

But Saturday's outcome may have been very different if referee Anthony Taylor had chosen to send off Chelsea defender Malo Gusto with the game goalless in the 39th minute.

The France right-back caught Willian above his ankle, but the video assistant referee (VAR) was happy to uphold Taylor's decision to award Gusto a yellow card.

"We have to talk about the red card for Gusto, it was clear," Fulham manager Marco Silva told TNT Sports at full-time.

"It is hard to see how things aren't consistent at the level that we're at.

"This is the Premier league. In 10 of those moments, nine times it is a red card. it is a clear red card for me. VAR checked and this time they didn't give."

Ten minutes after Gusto's foul, Cole Palmer gave Chelsea a 1-0 lead from the penalty spot.

Fulham created a handful of chances in the second half but ultimately slipped to a fourth league defeat in five matches. Oh what might have been...

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham midfielder Tom Carney, talking to TNT Sports, about the mood in the changing room: "It is frustration. It was a quite even game, a little bit more open in the second half. we lost to a penalty and maybe a draw would have been a fair result."

On the time they conceded the penalty: "It is as bad as it gets. It was basically the last kick of the first half. Maybe a little bit of a lack of concentration from us."

On the performance: "It was a decent performance but we've come away with nothing. We've been picking up points at home but we need to pick up more points away from home in 2024. We've got a little bit of time to have a break now."

On whether a break is a good thing: "We can cool down a little bit now obviously, there is a lot of frustration in the changing room. It has been a hard week with Liverpool and Chelsea away in the space of a few days."

Fulham manager Marco Silva, talking to TNT Sports: "It was a derby. There was a lot of challenges. The referee started the game as he does normally, letting the game flow, as a derby should be. Chelsea started better than us but after the first 15 minutes we started to balance the game, both sides had moments. After that we started to create some problems.

"We have to talk about the red card for Gusto, it was clear. It is hard to see how things aren't consistent at the level that we're at. This is the Premier league. In 10 of those moments, nine times it is a red card. it is a clear red card for me. VAR checked and this time they didn't give.

"We tried to react in the second half. They had chances, we had chances. The game was more open and they had more space to show their quality. We showed a big, big fight until the end. Wednesday was so intense and this was another one. I have no words for my players. The support was great too. We fought until the end.

"I haven't spoken to the officials. I don't want to say what the fourth official said. He has the same opinion as me but it is not for him to say, it is for the VAR to decide. It is a normal decision from the referee but the help should come from the VAR.

"It is a difficult one to take and a frustrating result for us. We always want to fight and we fought again. We took more risks in the second half and became more open. The game was really balanced when they got their penalty. The VAR decision made a huge impact on the game."

• Chelsea remain unbeaten at home against Fulham in the Premier League (P17 W11 D6), only Arsenal have hosted a specific opponent more often at home in the competition without ever losing (P24 W16 D8 vs Southampton).

• Over half of Chelsea’s Premier League wins this season have come since the start of December (5/9), with only Liverpool (17) picking up more points in the competition in that time than the Blues (15).

• Fulham have lost each of their last five Premier League games away from home and this is the first time they’ve lost three in a row without scoring on the road in the competition since December 2018.

• Fulham have now failed to score in each of their last six league visits to Chelsea, which is their longest such streak against an opponent in their top-flight history.

• Cole Palmer is just the third different Chelsea player to score at least five penalties in a single Premier League season after Frank Lampard (5 in 2012-13 and 10 in 2009-10) and Jorginho (6 in 2021-22 and 7 in 2020-21).

• Raheem Sterling has won three penalties in the Premier League for Chelsea this season, more than any other player, and his 26 in the league overall is at least three more than anyone else.

Cole Palmer's first-half penalty gave Chelsea a narrow win over West London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

Palmer's reverse pass set up Raheem Sterling, who was caught by Issa Diop inside the penalty area.

Palmer dispatched the spot-kick, sending Fulham keeper Bernd Leno the wrong way to net his ninth goal since joining the Blues in August.

Conor Gallagher almost added a late second when his sweetly struck effort using the outside of his boot cannoned off the far post.

Chelsea kept Fulham at arm's length and held on for their third consecutive victory to jump to eighth in the table.

The visitors stay in 13th and have lost four of their past five matches.

Were you at Stamford Bridge or did you follow the match from elsewhere?

Chelsea fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Fulham fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

Chelsea are hosting Fulham in the first of two Premier League fixtures on Saturday, with kick-off at Stamford Bridge less than an hour away.

Get all the build-up followed by live text updates here