Analysis: Silva's side below par in blow to Euro hopespublished at 20:05 BST 2 May
20:05 BST 2 May
Alex Howell Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
As impressive as Arsenal were, Marco Silva's Fulham were extremely poor.
Pinned back for most of the first half, they were fortunate not to be further behind at the break.
They had an expected goal (xG) of just 0.43 and registered only one shot on target, which shows how little they threatened their hosts.
Silva's sides are usually well organised and dangerous on the counter-attack, but Fulham showed little of either quality as they missed the opportunity to join sixth-placed Brentford on 51 points had they won.
They remain in 10th spot and will need to perform much better in the run-in if they are to qualify for Europe next season.
Arsenal v Fulham: Team newspublished at 16:33 BST 2 May
16:33 BST 2 May
Mikel Arteta has given Myles Lewis-Skelly a big opportunity by naming him in midfield alongside Declan Rice.
The 19-year-old was due to start there against Wigan in the FA Cup but had to move back to left back after an injury to Riccardo Calafiori.
This is his first chance to show what he can do from the start of a Premier League match. Bukayo Saka also comes in for his first league start since March after injury.
Arsenal XI: Arsenal starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Eze, Trossard, Saka, Gyokeres
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Brentford v West Ham" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Fulham", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Arsenal v Fulhampublished at 08:02 BST 2 May
08:02 BST 2 May
I was at Arsenal's game against Atletico Madrid for BBC Radio 5 Live in midweek and they were mugged in Madrid by referee Danny Makkelie.
Some dodgy Dutch decisions have cost them and let's hope they don't pay the penalty in next week's second leg of their Champions League semi-final, because they should really be taking a lead back to Emirates Stadium.
Before then, Mikel Arteta's side have to switch their focus to the Premier League title race and nothing less than a win will do for them here.
Arsenal are not a free-scoring side at the moment, which is a worry - they are just not clicking in the final third.
But, with what is on the line here, I am still backing them to get the job done with a clean sheet and a goal - or maybe even two.
Fulham have had an excellent season under Marco Silva and they are in the race for the European spots too, but Arsenal have the best defence in Europe and their strength at the back will help to get them over the line here.
Arsenal v Fulham: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:06 BST 1 May
19:06 BST 1 May
Matt Jones BBC Sport journalist
After a creditable draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, Arsenal's focus shifts back to the Premier League on Saturday. They welcome Fulham to Emirates Stadium (17:30 BST) in another vital game in the race for the title.
Eze easing the pressure on Arsenal
Victory would give the Gunners a six-point lead at the top over Manchester City, who face Everton on Monday in one of what will then be two games in hand.
As for Fulham, they gave their hopes of earning a European spot a jolt with a big win over Aston Villa last weekend. The victory lifted them into the top half and Marco Silva's side go into the weekend just two points behind Brighton in sixth.
After a draining fixture in Madrid, Mikel Arteta will surely need to utilise his squad depth when Fulham visit. Overall, he has managed his options well this season and the 22 goal contributions from substitutes in the Premier League this term is a division high.
If fatigue is a factor, the Gunners can always rely on their set-piece trump card. They have shown versatility in the way in which they can attack teams from dead-ball situations too, with last weekend's routine flummoxing Newcastle and ending in a fine goal for Eberechi Eze.
It was a strike that took Arsenal to a Premier League record of 17 goals from corners in one season. Over the past three campaigns, they have scored a remarkable 47 times from corner situations.
In Eze, the Gunners also have a player who tends to save his best form for the final weeks of the season. Across his Premier League career at Crystal Palace and now Arsenal, he has thrived from March onwards in comparison with other parts of the calendar.
Full tilt for Fulham
After stuttering over the last couple of months, Fulham secured a morale-boosting win over Aston Villa last weekend to keep alive their European hopes.
Having struggled against sides in the top eight - with just one win in eight games prior to that victory - Silva will hope his team can take confidence from the result.
It will also give Fulham supporters hope that the team can avoid another late-season collapse. In two of the three years since returning to the Premier League, they have dropped off significantly in the final two months. The signs have been better as of late.
While Arsenal will have to overcome some physical hurdles after their semi-final first leg in midweek, Fulham face mental obstacles of their own - namely, their poor record away at the Gunners.
Fulham have never won at Arsenal in 32 away league games, losing 25 and drawing seven. That is the most matches one side has faced another without ever securing a victory in English football history.
Fulham announce season-ticket price increase across the boardpublished at 15:45 BST 1 May
15:45 BST 1 May
Image source, Getty Images
Fulham have confirmed that all season ticket prices will increase by 3.5% for the 2026-27 campaign.
The Whites also announced a record total of season ticket-holders at Craven Cottage this season, 13 Premier League sellouts and a record number of seats sold through the club's ticket exchange scheme.
The prise rises were explained in a club statement, external, which read: "Throughout discussions with the FAB [Fan Advisory Board], the club was reminded of the importance of keeping football at Craven Cottage affordable and limiting the financial impact on our fanbase.
"Recognising and respecting this, though noting that matchday operating costs continue to rise, the club and the FAB agreed that a 3.5% increase will help to contribute to financial sustainability and compliance with new financial regulations."
Any supporters who held season tickets before 2022-23 will "continue to receive the lowest renewal price for the upcoming season", with the club also keeping its over-65s and 18 to 21-year-old concessionary categories.
The club also said junior season tickets will "continue to offer exceptional value" at just over £8 per Premier League fixture.
FAB chair David Claridge said: "The FAB always appreciates the chance to discuss ticket pricing with the club. We entered the consultation reminding the club of our support for the FSA's 'Stop Exploiting Loyalty' campaign, which advocated for a league-wide price freeze.
"However, the club was very open about the rising operating costs and new financial regulations it faces next season.
"The club listened to our feedback and adjusted their initial proposal to arrive at a 3.5% increase, which balances the club's financial sustainability with the needs of our supporters."
If you're interested in all the current conversation around football being in danger of pricing out its fans, take a listen to BBC World Service's More Than The Score podcast below...
Silva on Sessegnon's injury, 'fight' for Europe & facing Arsenalpublished at 16:24 BST 30 April
16:24 BST 30 April
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium (17:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Silva confirmed Ryan Sessegnon "will be out of the next game and probably the game after too" having limped off in last weekend's win over Aston Villa.
Alex Iwobi and Kevin also remain sidelined, while Kenny Tete is back and "maybe in contention" but Saturday is "too soon for him to start".
The Fulham boss added: "We have some doubts with some players but some players probably will be ready".
Reflecting on that 1-0 home win over Villa, he said: "It was a well deserved win for us. Another clean sheet. We spoke before about how the game was going to be crucial to keep ourselves in the battle in that part of the table. It has been a good week so far, we're preparing well."
Asked what it would mean to achieve European qualification with the Cottagers, Silva responded: "It's been a long and top journey. We have been changing completely almost everything. We know clearly the position the club was in before we arrived. We are going to fight for it. If we achieve it then it will be a great thing for this club. We have been creating platforms and the right spirit. But, I don't like talking about ifs. It's a fight. We are in a big fight with many teams for the European places. If we make it, the team will be great."
On if European qualification will impact his future, with his contract expiring in the summer: "Nothing is going to affect or not affect. It would be a decision that I and the club are going to take together. Many things are there. We are completely on the same page and aligned with what will be necessary for the club for the future. The future of the club is always there."
On links with managerless Chelsea: "I don't pay any attention. Decisive games for us and all focus will be on Arsenal and what we have to do against them."
Discussing more on staying motivated: "If you win a game, confidence is boosted. The Brentford game we drew - with the motivation of our players I didn't see anyone giving up after that in our meetings. We don't let that happen."
On the challenge posed by the Gunners: "It's another very difficult game for us, there are three points to fight for, so we are going to fight. It's not a good record [at the Emirates] - not one we should be proud of. We drew there with 10 men a couple of years ago. We have to go there thinking that it's possible. It's another very difficult game for us, there are three points to fight for, so we are going to fight."
Gossip: Benfica shortlist Silvapublished at 09:01 BST 30 April
09:01 BST 30 April
Benfica have shortlisted Fulham's Portuguese manager Marco Silva, 48, as a leading candidate to replace Jose Mourinho, who has been linked with a return to Real Madrid next season. (Record - in Portuguese), external
Form 'unreliable' but 'anything is possible' in Europe chasepublished at 13:27 BST 29 April
13:27 BST 29 April
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Fulham's chances of qualifying for European football this season, with just four fixtures left for Marco Silva's side to stake their claim.
Here are some of your thoughts:
Dave: No. Unfortunately we just lack the killer instinct. I think the players are unsettled by Marco's contract shenanigans tbh. In my view we will miss out, Silva will leave and so will Wilson. A new beginning next season if we can find a decent manager prepared to work with Tony Khan.
Mark: Some winnable games which could produce seven to nine points with other teams faltering, so anything is possible. My ambition is progress year-on-year so would be content with that and Europe can wait another year with a deeper squad.
Charlie: We stand a chance as the numbers show, but all in all I don't feel we have the consistency to push for it!
Terry: The other results have gone our way this weekend, that's the positive. On the other side of the coin we have Arsenal away next, then we still have to play Bournemouth, Wolves (should pick up all three there) and Newcastle. So, no, I don't think we will get enough points.
FullSteedAhead: I hope we don't. The squad is at times too thin for the Prem and Forest's European adventure vs current league position should be a cautionary tale. Would the Khans expand the squad if we did qualify? I'm not convinced.
Alexander: As a Fulham fan, It is almost impossible to predict how Fulham play as they are very inconsistent. I don't think they will get European football because their fixtures are hard and they are unreliable.
Rob: No. Too inconsistent. Season finished at the Southampton performance. Marco doesn't want it as it might change his mind about staying.
Murray: Currently our squad is not strong enough for Europe. We do need to strengthen in all departments. Our aim is to remain in the Premier League - anything else is a bonus.
Will Whites qualify for Europe?published at 17:32 BST 28 April
17:32 BST 28 April
Image source, Getty Images
It's still all to play for in Fulham's four remaining Premier League games.
The permutations for getting into Europe this season are complex, but BBC Sport's Dale Johnson has broken them down here.
Do you think Craven Cottage will host European football next season? If so, why are you confident? If not, what can take the club on to that next step?
'The next four fixtures will determine the next five years'published at 09:37 BST 28 April
09:37 BST 28 April
Drew Heatley Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Who else could it be but Sess?
In the week that the club triggered an extra year on his deal, Ryan Sessegnon breathed new life into our European push when all appeared lost.
His goal gave us our first win against Aston Villa in nearly four years and sparked renewed hope going into similarly tough games against Arsenal and Bournemouth.
The fact that we then lost him to injury is illustrative of the mixed bag this season has been.
Three wins out of our final four games would all-but guarantee a top eight finish, but there is little room for error.
Our hardest game comes next week at the Emirates, with Arsenal needing no fewer than three points to stay ahead of a rampant Manchester City side that can smell blood.
Our away record this campaign has been poor, which is why it is encouraging that two of our final four games are at home and our other away fixture is a trip to already relegated Wolves.
I cannot help but feel these next four fixtures will determine not just the direction of our 2026-27 season, but the next five years.
If we fail to secure Europe, I expect Marco Silva to depart in June. If we qualify, I think we can expect a new deal and a continuation of his five-year stay in SW6.
Tying down players like Sessegnon for at least another season gives us the type of continuity we crave as fans and Ryan is held in such high regard that it has certainly raised the mood around Craven Cottage.
But when it comes to contract extensions, there is only one that sits at the top of everyone's wish list. And come what may, we will know the outcome of that soon enough.
'Might be a different conversation'published at 11:53 BST 27 April
11:53 BST 27 April
Image source, Getty Images
Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison believes Fulham boss Marco Silva is likely to leave the club in the summer but "it might be a different conversation" if they qualify for Europe.
Silva's contract expires at the end of June and, as things stand, the club are yet to confirm whether he will renew.
Ryan Sessegnon boosted Fulham's hopes of finishing in the European places as they beat Aston Villa on Saturday and moved up to 10th in the Premier League - one point behind Bournemouth in the current Conference League spot.
"Silva's stock is going to be high and I think he wants a change because he's not signed a new contract yet," said Morrison on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "But I don't understand why it's taking so long.
"He's done a brilliant job and they've got some top players. Everyone knows their role and they are a very good team.
"If Silva does get them into Europe then it might be a different conversation at the end of the season, but either way, he has done a fantastic job."
David: Great improvement on last week - like a different team. Jimenez starting was the right decision - he makes so much more happen than Muniz. Robinson as substitute was much better than of late. Europe may be in reach.
Malachi: It was clear what Marco Silva wanted from his players. Fulham played intelligent, winning football. With Europe back in sight, I'm exited to see where we finish this season.
Tim: Brilliant on all fronts. Great to see the squad performing as they can - a proper team effort with a clean sheet and crisp, clean football. Marco and the coaching squad really prepared the team and the strategy held up. Now to help spoil the Arsenal's ending next weekend!
James: Come on, you Whites! It was a great performance and we completely deserved the three points. A trip to Europe is still in sight - only two points behind sixth. A very hard game coming up next against Arsenal.
Villa fans
Rob: We are staggering towards the Champions League, hoping that we have enough points in the bag to make it in fifth place. Poor finishing has cost us again with Watkins missing two good chances, Tammy one and Rogers one. It's been the story of our season. UCL qualification is critical if we are going to be able to improve because this squad of players are continuing to overachieve.
Matt: Yeesh, I seriously hope we had one eye on the upcoming semi against Nottingham Forest. Fulham did enough against a Villa side who were nowhere near their best. They'll need to double the workload midweek that's for sure, especially when Forest battered Sunderland comfortably. Sancho and Bailey are not good enough - they're meant to have an impact and did nothing. In Unai we trust, but the chances we missed today hopefully won't return to bite us. UTV.
Martyn: Villa are so frustrating. Their inconsistency is painful. An epic performance followed by a dripping wet, lacklustre game. Get. The. Job. Done.
Jack: We are lucky to be fifth and it's only because everyone outside the top two is poor that we are. Emery is a great coach but we have been largely poor under him for three months and, once again, have a very bad goal difference for the third season running. Spending more would help but we have a very large wage bill and wasted it on Sancho, Elliott, Bailey etc. If Forest knock us out of Europe it will be another season without a trophy.
Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 11:07 BST 26 April
11:07 BST 26 April
Pundits Martin Keown and Steph Houghton join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.
Fulham 1-0 Aston Villa: What Silva saidpublished at 16:00 BST 25 April
16:00 BST 25 April
Media caption,
Fulham boss Marco Silva speaking to BBC Match Of The Day: "Overall, good performance from us. We would've liked to have a bit more of the ball in the second half, to have longer periods of possession and be able to create more. We pressed them very well every moment. [Aston Villa are] a top side with physical and technical players but we needed [to win] and we wanted it. We created good moments. Second half it was difficult to press, we needed a bit of calmness and quality and could've created more. Back-to-back clean sheets in a crucial moment.
"Very hard work, some moments not easy. They had some moments but we were competitive."
On the disallowed goal: "No comments on that. The image speaks of the moment. The way you have asked me the question speaks about the moment."
On fighting for Europe: "Massive win against a top side. Always capable of finding moments to score the way they build through the spine of the team. Our work was good. Two points off sixth and it's going to be a big fight until the end. We have set ourselves in a position to fight for something so that should make everybody proud. It will be difficult. We have lots of injuries but we keep fighting to make people proud of us."
Did you know?
Fulham have beaten Aston Villa for the first time in the Premier League since 20 October 2022, a run of six games without a win.
Joachim Anderson recorded four tackles, four interceptions and seven clearances in this match, becoming the first Fulham player to hit those tallies in a Premier League game since Sasha Reither vs Chelsea in November 2012.
Analysis: Sessegnon goal keeps season alivepublished at 15:33 BST 25 April
15:33 BST 25 April
Matthew Henry BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
After just one win in six games, Fulham's season was threatening to peter out.
This victory ensures there is still something to play for in their final four matches of the campaign.
Marco Silva's side have tricky fixtures against Arsenal and Bournemouth to come, but afterwards they face Wolves and Newcastle – two winnable matches as they aim to pip the likes of Brentford, Everton and the Cherries to a European place.
Silva was incensed when Timothy Castagne's header was ruled out. He will argue Emiliano Martinez had as much of Sander Berge's shirt as the Norway international did of the Argentine's.
In truth, he need not have worried. Silva's side largely held Villa at arm's length in seeing out the match.
Captain Joachim Andersen, who made more tackles, interceptions and clearances than any team-mate, was superb.
The only disappointment came with match-winner Ryan Sessegnon, whose new deal takes him until the end of next season, limping off injured in the second half.
Fulham v Aston Villa: Team newspublished at 11:33 BST 25 April
11:33 BST 25 April
Fulham are without key man Alexander Iwobi for this one after he limped out of last week's draw against Brentford. Samuel Chukwueze came off the bench last week and starts against Aston Villa.
Raul Jimenez also starts up front while Sander Berge replaces Tom Cairney in midfield.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Newcastle", for instance.
Fulham v Aston Villa: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:03 BST 24 April
19:03 BST 24 April
Prudent Nsengiyumva BBC Sport journalist
Fulham welcome Aston Villa in Saturday's early kick-off (12:30 BST) at Craven Cottage, with both sides fighting for European qualification. Fulham are looking to reverse a dip in their attacking output, while Villa seek to cement their strong record in this fixture.
Fulham searching for goals
Fulham's recent home clashes with Aston Villa mark a shift from earlier seasons. After losing only two of the first 13 Premier League meetings at Craven Cottage, they have since been beaten in three of the past four.
Regardless of the opposition, goals have been hard to come by of late for the Londoners. Marco Silva's side have failed to score in four of their last five Premier League matches, as many as across their previous 25 combined. Since the start of 2026, only Fulham and Wolves have scored fewer first half goals in the league (four).
A Fulham win would move them within a point of a guaranteed European place. However, seven of their last eight league wins have come against teams starting the day in the bottom half; they have managed just one victory from their last eight against top-half opposition.
Villa close to Champions League return
Precedent show Aston Villa are well placed in the Champions League race. No side has ever failed to qualify after holding a double‑figure points advantage with five matches remaining, as they did prior to the midweek games.
Villa will head to west London having won their last six Premier League games against Fulham, a run dating back to October 2022. Villa's manager Unai Emery has won all eight of his league meetings with the Cottagers – a perfect record bettered only in longevity by Pep Guardiola against a single opponent.
One player who might especially be looking forward to Saturday is in-form striker Ollie Watkins. The Englishman has enjoyed this fixture, scoring six Premier League goals against Fulham.
Nonetheless, Villa's recent away form is mixed. They have won just once in their last seven Premier League games on the road and are winless in four. They have also conceded three or more goals in three of their last five league fixtures, as many as in the previous 38 combined.
Image source, Getty Images
