The Reds are on the road and looking for a boost after losing successive matches at Old Trafford. The controversial loss to Manchester City, to an Erling Haaland goal that should have been disallowed, was followed by a Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday.
After a disappointing start to the season, Michael Carrick’s side will be determined to sign off on a positive note, when tackling the Cottagers in the capital.
A thrilling three points were secured at Old Trafford
at the start of February, thanks to Benjamin Šeško’s dramatic stoppage-time winner. We had surrendered a two-goal lead, after goals by Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, with Raul Jimenez and Kevin netting for the visitors.
Our last game at Craven Cottage was the first away league match of the 2025/26 campaign. Leny Yoro looked to have opened the scoring, although it went down as an own goal by Rodrigo Muniz. Emile Smith Rowe levelled to earn a point for Marco Silva’s men.
Alvaro Arbeloa has taken charge of the Cottagers, following a stint as head coach at Real Madrid.
The former Liverpool full-back oversaw defeats in each of his first three league outings but a 0-0 draw on his return to Anfield last week was a noteworthy result.
The improving west Londoners have also reached the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, on the back of wins over fellow capital clubs AFC Wimbledon and West Ham United.
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Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez could return at the heart of the defence, while Luke Shaw may hopefully be fit enough to play after missing our last three outings.
Shea Lacey marked his first senior start with a goal against Brighton and Mason Mount also found the net during his first inclusion in the XI this term.
Matthijs de Ligt, Carlos Baleba, Manuel Ugarte and Amad have been out of action for the start of the season, but Carrick gave a positive update on both de Ligt and Baleba. There is a possibility he makes his debut, as he was included with the traveling squad alongside Luke Shaw. Benjamin Sesko, however, was not with the group that traveled to London.
Fulham have doubts over Ryan Sessegnon’s availability and Tom Cairney is missing with a knee injury. However, they otherwise appear to have a clean bill of health in advance of the game.
