Five matches make up Saturday's Premier League action and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.
Aston Villa v Newcastle (12:30)
Brighton v Fulham
Sunderland v West Ham - BBC Radio 5 Live
Tottenham v Burnley - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Wolves v Manchester City (17:30) - BBC Radio 5 Live
All kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated
I had a nightmare predicting Fulham last season because they were less consistent than usual at home, but picked up a few unexpected points away.
They haven't really added to their squad this summer, but under Marco Silva they are still a decent team who play attractive football.
It's Brighton I am backing here though, even if I do wonder what effect Joao Pedro leaving will have on the Seagulls - who were so exciting in attack at times last season.
The Seagulls have signed young Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas, who has a big reputation but he is only 18 years old, so they will be relying on wily old Danny Welbeck - as well as Kaoru Mitoma - while Kostoulas adapts.
We had Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler on this week's Monday Night Club and it was really interesting to listen to him talk about all aspects of management.
Hurzeler said they had turned down bids for Mitoma in the past. We know Brighton's model is to sell players, but Hurzeler clearly has got ambition himself - and while players like Mitoma are there, they are going to be in the top half of the table.
I was thinking of being bold and starting the season by backing them to get a big win, but I'm going to be sensible - for once.
Sutton's prediction: 1-0
Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist
Fulham ended last season with five defeats in their final seven matches but have failed to strengthen their squad over the summer, prompting concern from head coach Marco Silva.
Speaking ahead of their opening game away to Brighton, Silva said he was surprised by how "passive" the club had been, adding "I knew what I wanted and the plan was there but it hasn't happened – right now we need to reinforce".
The Whites are in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk for Brazilian winger Kevin, who could eventually cost a club-record fee of £40m, but to date they have brought in just one first-team player, fewer than any other Premier League club. Their solitary signing so far, 34-year-old goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte, joined for approximately £400,000, meaning the west London side also rank last for total spending.
Silva admitted on Thursday "in some positions we are very short in numbers" but he can at least take heart from results in pre-season. Fulham have won five of their six friendly games, including last weekend's 1-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt courtesy of a Raul Jimenez free-kick.
Brighton's outlay of approximately £68m is the seventh lowest by a top-flight side this summer, but it is worth noting they spent a league-high £196.6m last summer plus a further £40.8m in January.
One of the key questions for Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler is how to replace forward Joao Pedro following the Brazilian's £55m move to Chelsea.
The Seagulls have coped with the loss of star players before. When Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Alexis Mac Allister were sold, the profits were reinvested in emerging stars and that's the strategy they will again follow this season.
Two of the latest acquisitions are Greek forwards Charalampos Kostoulas, 18, and Stefanos Tzimas, 19.
Kostoulas arrived this summer for almost £30m after just 35 appearances and seven goals for Olympiakos. Tzimas, meanwhile, was signed earlier this year for over £20m but allowed to remain with Nuremberg for the remainder of the season. He ended the campaign with 12 goals in 24 appearances for the German second-tier club.
Both players are inexperienced and expected to be eased into action gradually but, given Brighton's track record, are likely to make their mark before too long.
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Sport's TV and radio commentators have picked a Fulham player who will be worth watching out for in the next few months.
Let's find out who he is.
Josh King
Age: 18 Position: Midfield Country: England
Tom Gayle: The time feels right for Fulham to release the handbrake from underneath Josh King. As I wrote back in February, the club has a history of struggling to keep hold of prodigious talents, so it is no surprise to see they have employed a more cautious, drip-feed approach when it comes to his development and exposure to first-team action.
Reading between the lines, the fact King signed a new long-term deal in July, his second contract agreement in the space of just over 18 months, says or in fact screams to me that a) there has been interest from other teams, and b) Fulham believe he is 'Premier League ready'.
Securing top-flight game time will not be easy, though. Right here and now, the experience of both Andreas Pereira and club-record signing Emile Smith Rowe, means they have a far greater claim to the number 10 position than the teenager.
Still, I have no doubt assurances will have been made to King regarding a significant increase in Premier League minutes over the coming year. Manager Marco Silva knows their demanding schedule will inevitably lead to the youngster being granted a 'next man up' moment. Given his impressive cameos to date, I expect King to flourish when given an opportunity.
We have looked into the age profile of Fulham' players for the 2025-26 season and recorded what percentage of minutes each of them played last campaign.
For the purpose of this exercise, we have deemed those under 24 as youth, between 24 and 30 as in their peak years and anyone over 30 to be a veteran.
The green represents new signings, who naturally did not play, red are those that have since left the club and yellow are all those that remain.
Fulham had six players over 30 last season but the majority of their squad was aged between 24 and 30 years old and arguably in their peak.
But Marco Silva does also have an ageing squad with the vast majority of those who played the most minutes last season in their late 20s, alongside older players like goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Fulham only have two youth players aged under 24, so it can be presumed Silva prefers experience and age to developing raw talent.
With the way the squad is evolving too, now is the window for Fulham to be successful - and a rebuild may be needed in the next couple of years.
Fulham are showing interest in Manchester United and Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund, with AC Milan also pursuing a deal for the 22-year-old. (Mail), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Karan Vinod
BBC Sport journalist
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brighton at Amex Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
There are no injuries but Silva confirmed full-back Antonee Robinson would not be available.
Silva eased fitness concerns about Ryan Sesssegnon who was substituted during the final pre-season friendly: "It was just a precaution as he felt something. I think he took the right decision, he was involved in the morning session and let us see how he is going to react."
He explained Fulham had two plans during the transfer window. Firstly, the plan was to renew the contracts of players such as Kenny Tete, Josh King, and Tom Cairney as these were "very important to do".
The second plan was to improve the squad depth by bringing in numbers. Having only signed one player, Silva said it is "not the ideal scenario" and that the club "has been too passive."
On whether he expected such a window: "If you ask me if I expected, of course not. It is what it is. The good thing was not having injuries during pre-season as in some positions we are very short. We want to have a squad that can play Premier League and are ready for what the league demands."
He remains hopeful Fulham will make more signings before the window closes.
On the future of Rodrigo Muniz following a bid from Atalanta: "It is not for me to comment on any type of offers, but he is going to be in contention for the Brighton game. Rodrigo knows what I think about him and how important he is."
He said the ambitions for this season are to "want more and try to break records" after finishing with Fulham's highest Premier League points total in 2024-25.
On Brighton: "Saturday is going to be a very tough game. They have a top and very mature striker. It is going to be demanding, but we are going to be ready for it. Both teams are going to be anxious for the first game of the season."
Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has offered up his annual predictions:
14) Fulham
Last season: 11th
It's been a very quiet summer at Fulham so far, though full-back Kenny Tete's decision to reject Everton stay at Craven Cottage is a big plus.
Fulham are confident there is no need for a big overhaul of Marco Silva's squad, with plenty of talent such as defender Anthonee Robinson, along with midfield players of the quality of Andreas Pereira and others. Harry Wilson can always be relied upon for an important contribution.
As with their summer, this will be another season of stability for Fulham under the tactically astute Silva. Mid-table perhaps - but with the capacity to do more and always trouble teams higher up the table.
There is, of course, plenty of time for Fulham to strike in the transfer market, with suggestions of a deal being discussed for Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian winger Kevin.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup has been made.
The EFL Cup remains regionalised in the early rounds, with the draw split into Northern and Southern sections until round three.
Here are the ties involving Premier League clubs:
Northern section
Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United
Burnley v Derby County
Everton v Mansfield Town
Grimsby Town v Manchester United
Sunderland v Huddersfield Town
Southern section
Bournemouth v Brentford
Fulham v Bristol City
Oxford United v Brighton
Wolves v West Ham United
The 23 second-round ties will take place during the week beginning 25 August.
Have you got a question about Fulham or is there a topic you want more information on? Have you spotted a theme or trend that needs further investigation?
Well, this season we're making it easier for you to get in touch and ask - and we will do our best to use our expertise here at BBC Sport to give you direct answers.
Our team can call upon a network of contacts - including our reporters, pundits and other experts - to find out everything you need to know.
No question is too big or too small, so fire away using the link below and we will answer the best of them throughout the campaign.
And find out more about BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything service here
Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesBournemouth are in talks to sign Fulham winger Macauley Zepa but expect competition from Nottingham Forest.
The French youngster is looking to leave Craven Cottage amid concerns about his pathway into Marco Silva's first team having refused to sign a professional contract on his 17th birthday in July.
Fulham would be due compensation but Bournemouth are looking to extend the ambition of their academy following renewed training ground investment under Bill Foley's ownership.
Zepa scored 11 goals and supplied 10 assists in 30 league matches for Fulham's Under-18s last season and is understood to be negotiating terms over a move into Bournemouth's academy team.
However, there is caution given known interest from Forest and the potential for a rival offer.
Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesFulham are in talks to sign winger Kevin from Shakhtar Donetsk for what would likely end up being a record fee.
The 22-year-old is expected to cost more than the club record £34m paid to Arsenal for Emile Smith Rowe last summer.
Those close to the negotiations have explained that a gap remains between the clubs' valuations, with Shakhtar holding out for £43m. There is an expectation however, that £39m may be enough.
Reports have suggested a bid of up to £37m has been lodged and rejected by the Ukrainian champions.
Manager Marco Silva is believed to want two additional wingers amid talks about re-signing Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson and having let Willian leave the club in the summer for the second time.
Already this season, Kevin has four goals and two assists in three Europa League qualifying matches, having registered nine goals and four assists in 35 games in 2024-25 across all competitions.
Drew Heatley
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesMy biggest hope and main fear for this season are intrinsically linked.
That is because, at time of writing, we have made just one signing - a back-up goalkeeper to the unmovable Bernd Leno.
I am hopeful because, despite no major incomings, we have (so far) not lost any key cogs in Marco Silva's machine.
Antonee Robinson remains at the club despite constant rumours to the contrary. We have retained the services of Kenny Tete on the opposite side. Highly-rated academy trio Josh King, Seth Ridgeon and Luc de Fougerolles have all committed their futures to the club. And captain Tom Cairney will be here for one final season.
We had a decent campaign in 2024-25, despite a late tail-off. So, keeping this side together and injecting a bit of youth feels like a solid start to the summer. But it is not the start of the summer. The Premier League season kicks off this weekend.
And that brings me to my fear. If our squad was three or four bodies deeper in key areas, our aforementioned dip in form could well have been avoided. And that might have sent us into Europe.
We know the Khans are fans of deadline day deals. But they would do well to remember that by the time that window "slams shut" and they have done their bargain basement shopping, the Premier League will already be three games in, with nine points up for grabs - a sixth of our entire haul last term.
So, as the new campaign approaches, I - like many other Fulham fans - will be keeping as close an eye on the goings on at Motspur Park as I will on the pitch. And we will all have to wait a few weeks longer for our hopes - or fears - to be realised.
Find more from Drew Heatley at Fulhamish, external
Get more from Drew on this page all season and remember you can sign up for Fulham news notifications here
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on whether Fulham are ready for the new season after the Whites completed their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.
Here are some of your comments:
Gordon: I really hope we are ready. Rumours we are happy with our team does not inspire much confidence in this season. Pre-season has been good but not really set the world alight. I hope we sign a couple of players at least. Maybe pick players from the Championship where we can get talent at slightly better value to give us some depth in squad. Marco Silva has been exceptional but let's support him with some funds please.
Tom: When your director of football has other jobs, is it any surprise Fulham have only signed a back-up goalkeeper with days left before the new season starts? Some rival clubs have lost significant personnel this summer (Bournemouth and Brentford) and others will be overstretched this season (Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace). Silva has the potential to create a successful Fulham team, but unless he is supported by competent people who can bring in the players he needs, then the club will have missed a massive opportunity to make history.
Alex: No, I don't think we are ready. Marco was told he would have a summer budget but didn't get anyone and if we now do they won't have time to settle in properly. Think the owners need to assess how they approach investing in the club.
Colin: No signings? What's the problem? This coming October will see the 80th anniversary of my first visit to the Cottage. In those 80 years, arguably, the club's most 'successful' periods have been with a settled squad. 'Continuity' has been as equal in importance as tinkering with players coming and going. Fulham have a good, settled squad at this time and a premium-level manager. As we have witnessed in the past, there is no guarantee that spending millions on a 'name' is any guarantee that things will change for the better. What is of more concern is the readiness to sell homegrown talent.
Simon: The lack of summer signings seems to suggest the owner's ambition is only for a 17th-place finish. If Scott Parker's Burnley beat us to that spot it will be the ultimate humiliation but thoroughly deserved. The posh stand will make a decent leisure centre when we're back in the Championship.
Nick: We should be able to keep heads above water but other teams have strengthened and we haven't so far. Unless a couple more quality players come in, I fear we might slip back and end up looking over our shoulders a bit too much.
Pre-season is completed and the countdown to the 2025-26 season is on.
It's been a very quiet summer at Craven Cottage with just one signing so far.
The Whites start the season at Brighton on Saturday - but are they ready?
Image source, Getty ImagesFulham rounded off their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Raul Jimenez's fine first-half free-kick was enough to secure a third win in three pre-season friendlies after victory over Nottingham Forest and Al-Ittihad.
You have been sharing your stories and photos about why you love Fulham.
Here is a final selection of your submissions, but do make sure you scroll down this page to see all the best responses from throughout the week:
Simone: I moved to the UK in January 2020 - an unfortunate time. For a long time, I didn't have many friends here because of the lockdown fallout.
During the first lockdown I lived in Parsons Green and walked often by the Cottage, dreaming of visiting one day. One day, a colleague invited me to a game and it was love at first sight with a flamboyant 3-2 win over Brentford!
I became a season ticket holder and around the stands have made some of my best friends in this country.
Fulham FC means friendship in a new country I now call home.
Rupert: I lived in Chiswick when I was young, and there was a gang of us local kids, who would walk along the river to Craven Cottage every other week to watch Fulham. The older guys would make space for us to stand behind the goal on the Hammersmith End, and if Fulham won, we'd get half price chips on the way home. Over the years, we saw Alan Mullery, Bobby Moore, George Best and Rodney Marsh. Now my son is also a fan, and takes me to matches.
John: We lived close to the Cottage and my dad carried me to the ground on his shoulders from the age of two in 1961.
You could go on to the pitch without problem and get autographs from the likes of World Cup winner George Cohen.
This week, we are asking you to share your stories and photos about why you fell in love with Fulham.
Here is a selection of your submissions:
Jeremy: Fulham have been my club for 67 years, since my brothers took me to see us against Tottenham when I was five.
Both were Spurs fans, but I fell in love with Haynes, Hill, Cohen, Macedo et al. Tommy Trinder and Bryan Robson signed my matchday programme.
From a few points from relegation to non-league to an FA Cup and a Europa League final, to Ireland, to Europe, I have no interest in any other club.
Fulham is simply the best novel ever written.
Joe: My dad, grandad and uncle have all taken me to Fulham since the age of nine and, in 2018, I got the chance to watch us win at Wembley in the play-off final with all of them there. I'll always love Fulham because they're capable of giving the fans those memories from time to time, but that one really solidified my love for them.
Mario: At the 1975 FA Cup final, my brother and I got to choose who we wanted to support. Seeing as he's not a big football fan he opted out. I chose Fulham, as Bobby Moore was playing for them, and my mum chose West Ham, because he used to play for them. Fast forward a year, I'm now at secondary school and three new friends, who all supported Fulham invited me to go along to the next home game. Well, 50 years later and I'm forever Fulham.
Send us your pictures and stories here
Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesIt has been a quiet summer at Craven Cottage so far with the signing of Benjamin Lecomte from French side Montpellier the only incoming so far.
The Whites have been linked with Arsenal's Reiss Nelson but are yet to bring in a new outfield player.
However, those at the club are calm about the situation heading into the new season.
Sources around the club have confidence in the team they have and believe that they have enough depth in each position to keep them competitive.
Fulham wanted to focus on keeping the current squad together and reject interest for their players, which according to sources, there have been enquiries for several.
They believe that in addition to signing up the youngsters and providing them with a pathway, Fulham are able to compete and achieve their goals.
It has not been ruled out that Fulham could do something in the market but they are not looking to add to the wage bill unless they feel the potential player can really add something to the squad.
Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Danielle Sarver CoombsWhen it comes to our love for a football club, the answer to why we do lies in "both psychological and societal" reasons.
In the first part of her chat with BBC Sport, researcher and co-writer of the Routledge Handbook of Sport Fans and Fandom Danielle Sarver Coombs spoke about the part that identity and tradition play.
And yet when we are caught up in the emotions of a tough defeat or nerves of an important match, we can often ask why we put ourselves through it.
"There are psychological processes at work and physiological ones in terms of how we respond and engage," Sarver Coombs said.
"An example that I always give is when I take the train to work, I go past Arsenal's stadium and I feel literally nothing other than: 'Oh, that's a big building'. Whereas on a train to Manchester, I went by Villa Park and my heart started pounding. I got all excited and was trying to take pictures out the window.
"I had a visceral reaction to this place. We can't pretend we don't have that sort of physical reaction because we do.
"When someone is talking about a controversial decision and I feel myself getting wound up, even though I intellectually know that I can't control it and that it's just a game, my body doesn't know that.
"My gut doesn't know that and so I have this really emotional response and we can't control that."
A 2023 book titled 'Football on the brain: why minds love sport, external' suggests it comes down to 'an understandable and logical consequence of the human mind's natural inclination to find meaning through beliefs... It's a religion as far as the brain is concerned'.
But it not just about what is going on inside the mind but outside influences too.
"There is a sociological element to it because the community part is such a huge driver and benefit for us," Sarver Coombs explains.
"Sociologically, we are driven to be part of communities. We are driven to find our groups that we can be members of. Sport provides a way to do that - this sense that I was chosen to be part of this community and it's something bigger than I am."
As the game expands, unrest among supporters seems to be increasing, but how does that impact this ingrained love for a club?
"You always go through these cycles when the game is changing," Sarver Coombs said.
"Despite all the changes, the traditions remain so strong and it's such a huge draw that it becomes really hard to actually separate yourself from it. Even if you do, it tends to be a short-term separation. You get sucked back in because something happens.
"People don't want that change, but then we adapt to it and continue moving forward."
Browse this page to see lots of fan stories for how you fell in love with your club.
And check out those from other Premier League teams over here
