Fans have their say on who could be surprise team in Champions League race...published at 19:42 BST 1 April
19:42 BST 1 April
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With fifth position looking set to be a Champions League spot for a second consecutive season, the form of Chelsea and Liverpool has left the door open for another team to possibly pip them to that place.
Brentford, Everton, Fulham and Brighton might not have expected to be fighting for a place in Europe's top club cup competition at the beginning of the campaign, but with all four within six points of fifth place it could yet become a reality.
At the time of writing, supporters think the eight-placed Toffees are most likely to reach that spot, with the current poll standings looking like this:
'Despite how frustrated we sometimes feel, we cannot quit the clubs we love'published at 12:28 BST 31 March
12:28 BST 31 March
Drew Heatley Fan writer
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We are in the middle of a three-week break from watching Fulham, thanks to the international break and our FA Cup exit.
But the club have given me plenty to chew over during this downtime, thanks to the recently published stance on away fans sitting in home stands wearing full colours.
In a meeting with the Fulham Supporters' Trust,, external the club said on record: "If an away supporter's presence has a negative effect, then we will intervene. If there is not a negative effect then we will not intervene."
At best, these comments are tone deaf. At worst, they feel antagonistic.
Craven Cottage is a hotbed for away fans of Premier League clubs buying tickets in the home ends to watch their sides because it is the easiest way for them to do so. So to all but endorse that activity is disappointing.
It once again calls into question how clubs view supporters in this modern era of football. We feel like customers, nothing more.
Fulham, in particular, indicate that is how they see us. In literature published last summer about the club's hospitality venture, Fulham Pier, the club apologised that it might sometimes be closed when "the local football team" was playing, detaching itself from the very thing that enables it to offer such a lucrative new revenue stream. The wording was later changed, external after consultation with the Supporters' Trust.
Couple this with ever-rising matchday ticket prices that prevent the next generation of Fulham supporters from germinating, and you can see why many fans fear for the future, despite success on the pitch.
While football clubs, or more accurately the custodians who currently own them, are gradually changing the way they treat loyal fanbases, our relationships with the entities that we have poured our lives into have not changed. So the gap between the two looks to keep widening.
But despite how frustrated we might sometimes feel, we just cannot quit the clubs we love.
So, these near month-long hiatuses are the longest breaks we will ever have to endure.
A win before the international break has given Villa just a little more breathing room in fourth, while defeats for Arne Slot's Reds and Liam Rosenior's Blues have left both clubs struggling to cement their place in Europe's premier club competition next season.
Their respective difficulties have given other teams, who at the start of the season could only have dreamed of the chance to secure Champions League football for next campaign, an opportunity to do just that.
With it all but certain that the Premier League will get an extra Champions League place for the second consecutive season, fifth is set to be enough to secure that ticket.
Brentford and Everton are just three points off that coveted spot, while Fulham are five points away and Brighton six.
Reaching form at the right time could be crucial, and if we take a look at the points-per-game record of those four chasing teams from their past seven results, it could give us an idea as to who has the best chance of toppling the traditional 'big six' teams for that final place.
If Brentford's PPG continues into the final seven games, it would take them to 56 points, while Everton's PPG of 1.7 would take them to 58 and just ahead of the Bees.
Fulham, meanwhile, have a form of 1.4 PPG that would take them to 54 points and not quite enough to overtake the two above, and in-form Brighton with 1.7 could get them to 55 points but that too would not take them past Brentford and Everton.
With so much left to play for and the pressure on the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool - who still have play each other - to reach their Champions League target, it could leave an opening for someone else to go on the ultimate European adventure.
Of the four sides eyeing an unexpected Champions League opportunity, who do you think has the best chance of sneaking into that fifth spot?
'Fascinating summer ahead with so much up in the air'published at 07:04 GMT 24 March
07:04 GMT 24 March
Drew Heatley Fan writer
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It was Benjamin Franklin who said nothing is certain in life except death and taxes. That rings true in SW6 as we inch towards the end of the season.
Chiefly, no-one knows the future of Marco Silva, who is entering the final three months of his contract.
The win over Burnley on Saturday will do little to mask the fact that this uncertainty has threatened to derail our campaign.
That might seem like hysteria, but it is the only way I can rationalise our recent hot-and-cold form, which has meant us falling behind in the race for Europe - and out of the FA Cup.
Despite all this, there were a few positives to take from the weekend - none better than academy graduate Josh King bagging his first league goal.
It was not a pretty one (his mazy run from the halfway line minutes earlier, reminiscent of Michael Owen for England against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup, would have grabbed more headlines), but it illustrated King's growth this season and put pressure on his rival for the number 10 role, Emile Smith Rowe, as the pair continue to trade places in Silva's starting XI.
Another shining light was Harry Wilson's return to the scoresheet.
The Welshman now has 11 goals and seven assists in a banner year, but while no-one knows how Silva's story will end, it looks increasingly likely that Wilson's time at Fulham is drawing to a close. And he's bowing out in the best possible way.
With so much up in the air, it is difficult to predict where the Whites will end up in the table with seven games left to play.
But one thing is for certain: it is set to be a fascinating summer.
James: It was a great game. Amazing performance from the team and a well-deserved three points. Super happy that Josh King got his goal as it is a major confidence boost for him and the rest of our season as we push for Europe.
Brian: Job done, but not without another show of misplaced passes and static defending. Burnley gave us a game and (almost) deserved their goal. So proud that King finally got his goal - cracking lad and fully committed. We're all hanging on Marco Silva's decision now and hoping he'll stay...
Miles: We lacked tempo for 60 minutes until Burnley scored. More late subs from an ever-belligerent Silva in that regard. Anyway, we hit third gear thereafter, driven by man of the match Harry Wilson (who will be moving on to bigger things in the summer, no doubt). Reservations remain about Silva's in-game decision-making, but we are up to eighth. COYW!
Steve: Nice result for us. But it leaves us flirting with the European places, which I believe would be our undoing - how many other 'small' clubs with limited playing resources have crashed and burned with the extra workload? Ninth will be just fine, thank you, until we can increase the size/depth of our squad.
Burnley fans
Tom: Burnley are finished now and it's far too late to do anything about it. They have a squad of, at best, average players who are totally demoralised and confused by the strategic and tactical incompetence of their 'coach'. Since that is the man who put this 'squad' together, it is clear who is responsible for the club's decline. It is hard to see how this Burnley can even survive in the Championship since the few players who know how to play football will leave as soon as they can.
Joe: I don't know why I keep watching. It's pathetic and I, among others, just want this season to end. Scott Parker doesn't know what he's doing and it's clear to see - the players have given up, the fans have given up and the owners might not even know this is happening as they're probably sunning themselves with their other club. The future looks grim.
Graham: Another "almost" afternoon. Almost an early lead. Almost the better football. Almost a penalty save. Almost a Premier League team.
John: Sitting back after taking the lead had disaster written all over it. If Burnley had continued playing as they had up to the goal, they would have probably got at least a point.
Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 10:16 GMT 22 March
10:16 GMT 22 March
Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.
Fulham analysis: Cottagers' confidence returnspublished at 18:10 GMT 21 March
18:10 GMT 21 March
Steven Sutcliffe BBC Sport Journalist
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Fulham had failed to score in their three previous outings in all competitions, with defeats to Southampton and West Ham by the odd goal included in that run.
And, just after the hour mark, it appeared as though they were allowing another fixture and possibly the chance to feature in Europe next term, to drift away from them.
Josh King, 19, who had impressed with his drive from midfield provided the impetus for the home side to turn the match around.
The manner of his goal appeared to drain the opposition players and inject some much-needed intensity to Fulham's overall display.
Their passing and movement sharpened up and once Harry Wilson added the second the outcome was rarely in doubt.
With Fulham in an almost identical position to last term, when they finished 11th after ending the campaign with five defeats in seven games, Marco Silva's big challenge now will be to ensure his players deliver a strong finish to the season.
Fulham 3-1 Burnley: What Silva saidpublished at 17:43 GMT 21 March
17:43 GMT 21 March
Media caption,
Fulham boss Marco Silva speaking to BBC MOTD after their 3-1 win over Burnley: "First half was not sharp, the game was not fluid from us and they had chances but we did too. Every time we arrived in certain areas we did create, but not so fluid or quick in our offensive organisation. It's not so easy to break down and their position in the table but they have been difficult to beat. Second half we started losing but from the first minute it was better - the intensity and the way we pushed more forward. We got the tempo we needed and we need a certain type of dynamic that was not there first half but was for the second. Impact from the bench was good too. Scored two goals but had more chances to score. A deserved three points for us.
On Josh King: "Top moment for him. He was really working hard and looking for it for a long time. He has to have more impact in terms of assists and goals and he always has the right mindset. This will be the first of many because he has the talent and he always has the right mindset to listen and learn. Already a very good level and I'm sure he has a brilliant future ahead of him."
On Harry Wilson: "Top season from him so far. I hope he can continue and he has decisive games for his national team so after that I hope he comes back healthy and with more positivity to help us in the last seven games. The numbers are there, performance as well, last week we missed him a bit because he wasn't at his best. He made a big effort to help the team against Nottingham Forest but he's back now and back on the scoresheet."
On Raul Jimenez's penalty: "He knows how to do it and he's top. He's so cool, so precise and that is the reason why he has the record. We are confident that when we get these moments he will score. He never stops completely, the last move when he decides to go, he goes and doesn't stop."
On European football: "We are there and we are going to fight. We have to be pleased to be in that position. We have to create positivity around the club and the fight because three or four years ago no one would believe we would be in this position, but now we look forward and demand more from ourselves. It's nice, I want to put more of this kind of pressure on us."
Did you know?
Fulham's Raul Jimenez has scored all 14 of his Premier League penalties, extending his own record with the best 100% conversion rate in the competition's history.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Burnley" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Everton v Chelsea".
Fulham v Burnley: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:31 GMT 20 March
19:31 GMT 20 March
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport journalist
Fulham continue their push for the European places against a Burnley side running out of time to avoid relegation.
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes ahead of Saturday's meeting at Craven Cottage (15:00 GMT).
Nine points from safety with eight games remaining following one win in 21 matches is the kind of equation which usually leads to only one outcome.
Burnley travel to Fulham in 19th place in the Premier League as they continue to fight for survival, although it is an outcome that becomes unlikelier with each passing week.
The overriding problem for Burnley as they bid to become established alongside the footballing elite is that their best efforts have not been quite good enough.
Scott Parker's side have the lowest expected goals tally of any top-flight team this season and while they have outperformed it better than any team other than Arsenal or Spurs, they remain a side desperately short on quality in the final third.
Image caption,
Burnley have been the least creative team in this season's Premier League
A win at Crystal Palace and then draw away to Chelsea in February were encouraging but four points in two games were followed by a controversial home defeat against Brentford and one-sided loss at Everton and then a frustrating goalless draw at home to Bournemouth - reinforcing the narrative that the Clarets simply can't string together enough match-winning performances in the time remaining.
Of all the grounds to spark an ailing survival bid, Craven Cottage could be the one that suits the relegation-threatened visitors. Burnley have won on three of their past four visits to Fulham, including 2-0 wins on their two most recent trips.
Fulham are still in the hunt for European football, although Marco Silva's side are also suffering from inconsistencies.
They have followed wins at Sunderland and at home to Tottenham by failing to score against Burnley's relegation rivals West Ham United and Nottingham Forest. They did not record a single shot in the latter - the second time that has happened this season.
Fulham last went three Premier League fixtures without a goal in December 2023, a run that included a 2-0 home defeat to the Clarets.
The Cottagers have fielded the oldest average starting XI in the competition in this campaign, but leading the way for the 28-year-olds – and most likely Fulham's hopes of breaking down an obdurate team on Saturday – is forward Harry Wilson.
Image caption,
Fulham have fielded the oldest starting XI on average in this season's Premier League
The Wales international has been involved in 15 Premier League goals this season, scoring nine and assisting six. Wilson could become just the second British player to reach double figures for goals for the Cottagers in a single campaign after Andrew Cole in 2004-05 (12).
Silva on team news, returning to winning ways and international dutypublished at 18:41 GMT 20 March
18:41 GMT 20 March
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Burnley at Craven Cottage (kick-off 15:00).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Silva started off with some team news: "Emile Smith Rowe has been back in training in the first days of week. Him and Kenny Tete we have to make decisions. Tete got a knock on his finger and foot. Let's see."
When asked for on update on Kevin, who has been out with a metatarsal injury, Silva said: "It's difficult to say, he's been positive. We don't want to rush him. We can't confirm his season is over."
Silva had "zero comments" on PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi, who has arrived in London for a medical as Fulham close in on a reported £28.5m deal.
On hoping to win their first League match in three on Saturday: "All the games are becoming even more crucial. We want to be back in winning ways at the Cottage. We want to enjoy a good result at home, with our fans behind us. It's important to go into the break with a different mood, for us, for our fans."
He added: "Of course, it's not that the win now gets you more points than in the past, it's because you don't have a long time to recover from some things that you do well or not so well. And that is the main thing for us."
When asked about losing players to international duty, he said: "Even if we are going to have a short number of players with us because of the international duties, it's very important for us to go into the international break with a different mood, lift the mood between ourselves, our fans, to face what is going to come after."
On the fact he has been in charge at Fulham for nearly five years: "I'm very proud. It shows something. It's been a long time, a very enjoyable time, you don't feel the time going, which means it's been an enjoyable period. We have to be pleased with the journey so far."
He commented on Calvin Bassey speaking highly of him in a recent interview: "The way the player [Bassey] answered those questions, his answers were perfect. I like that they think that way about me."
FA charge Silva with misconduct after West Ham commentspublished at 18:32 GMT 20 March
18:32 GMT 20 March
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The Football Association have charged Fulham boss Marco Silva with misconduct for comments made after the Premier League defeat by West Ham on Wednesday, 4 March.
Silva was critical of referee Matt Donohue and the VAR team, who made several controversial decisions including overturning a Fulham penalty after consulting the pitchside monitor.
It is alleged Silva "acted in an improper manner by making comments in a post-match interview that imply bias and/or question integrity and/or are personally offensive in relation to a match official".
He has until Monday, 23 March to provide a response.
Sutton's predictions: Fulham v Burnleypublished at 18:10 GMT 20 March
18:10 GMT 20 March
Fair play to Clarets boss Scott Parker. His side are going to go down, but they have remained competitive over the past few weeks and shown they are capable of getting something in matches whether they are home or away.
I don't see them getting anything here, however. Fulham's form is patchy but I've seen enough of them this season to know they are a good team on their day, when they click.
Marco Silva's side are a team I always seem to get wrong when I make my predictions but if they play the way they can, they will win.
Which side has suffered most from Premier League injuries this season?published at 11:59 GMT 19 March
11:59 GMT 19 March
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We are getting to the stage of the season where every Premier League team is managing injuries in their squad as the sheer volume and intensity of games begins to take its toll.
But who has been most affected by injuries across the campaign so far?
Ben Dinnery, from Premier Injuries Limited, has provided the data below, showing the number of domestic injuries each top-flight team has suffered, defined by a player missing at least one Premier League game.
The data has been taken from the opening weekend up to and including 18 March.
Despite this table listing domestic injuries, it is unsurprising that the top three of Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa have all competed in European competition, with the Gunners still fighting on four fronts and the Blues also coming off the back of a much-shortened pre-season following their Club World Cup victory.
Perhaps more surprisingly, however, is the fact Arsenal's 31 domestic injuries so far comfortably leads the way, illustrating the strength and depth available to Mikel Arteta to still have his side nine points clear at the top of the table.
The graphic below shows Tottenham lead the way for days missed by injured players, illustrating the issues faced by Thomas Frank, who had to cope with long-term absentees including Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.
Both West Ham and Brentford are in the bottom three for domestic injuries and days missed through those injuries, while Arsenal and Villa are in the top three for both.
Chelsea drop down the table when looking at days missed, showing they have predominately suffered from short absences spread throughout the squad.
It is worth pointing out that Newcastle's two longest absences this season - Emil Krafth (120 days) and Yoane Wissa (88 days), who had not yet even trained with his new side, resulted from injuries picked up on international duty and are not factored into the figures.
Gossip: Cottagers agree terms with Pepipublished at 06:59 GMT 18 March
06:59 GMT 18 March
Fulham have reached a verbal agreement to sign 23-year-old United States forward Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven, with personal terms also agreed. (Fabrizio Romano), external
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