Damning Fulham stat will play into Bournemouth’s hands, Marco Silva must be worried
Marco Silva needs his Fulham squad to perform significantly better than in their defeat to Aston Villa when they face Bournemouth on Friday.
Silva’s Fulham performed poorly in the second half against Villa, allowing goals from John McGinn and Emi Buendia to seal a 3-1 win for Unai Emery’s side.
The Craven Cottage outfit had previously lost just one game in the Premier League this term, enjoying wins over the likes of Leeds United and West London rivals Brentford.
However, Fulham’s double injury blow has made their task against Bournemouth on 3 October more difficult.
Bournemouth have the quality to capitalise on major Fulham shortcoming
Bournemouth drew 2-2 with Leeds last time out, and sit just four points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool, thanks to their strong start to the season.
Meanwhile, Fulham have conceded more fouls than any other top-flight club this term, and the Cherries can capitalise on that, as their last three Premier League goals have all come from set pieces.
Therefore, Silva must ensure that his side are more disciplined than usual, or they could fall victim to an Antoine Semenyo free-kick like Leeds.
Marco Silva has weak attack ahead of Bournemouth clash
Fulham have handed Rodrigo Muniz a new contract ahead of their clash with Bournemouth, but the striker will be unable to pay against Andoni Iraola’s side, thanks to a hamstring injury.
| Rodrigo Muniz in Premier League 2025-26 | Stats |
| Appearances | 5 |
| Shots | 8 |
| Shots on target | 2 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.86 |
| Goals | 1 |
Fellow striker Raul Jimenez is also a significant doubt, after being forced off after scoring against Villa, thanks to a fitness issue.
If both Jimenez and Muniz are unavailable against Bournemouth, Silva will have to either call upon young forward Jonah Kusi-Asare, or field another squad member in an unfamiliar striker role.
Silva called upon Adama Traore to lead the line against Villa after Jimenez’s injury, which proved ineffective as both Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres dealt with the 29-year-old with ease.
Iraola’s men have conceded seven goals in six Premier League outings so far this term, but the Bournemouth boss will be confident that his side can maintain a clean sheet against Fulham.
Fulham’s first game back after the international break sees them face Arsenal, so defeating the Cherries is important for Silva.