With the Premier League opening day nearing, each passing friendly increases intensity. With one eye on that opening trip to Old Trafford Fulham still have to see out two final friendly matches with Sevilla in the Algarve The Cottagers' penultimate test.
The signing of Jorge Cuenca from Villarreal has bolstered Fulham’s squad since their last run-out with Benfica, Fulham supporters will be able to get a glimpse of the central defender in Portugal.
Sevilla have enjoyed a solid run of friendlies since a late drop-off that saw them lose their last four matches in La Liga in May.
The defeat to Orlando Pirates at the Estadio Jesús Navas was a discouraging way to begin preparations in July.
Still, Wednesday’s test against recently relegated Granada provided better viewing for Sevillistas - goals from Djibril Sow and new acquisition Saúl Ñíguez meant cruising to victory.
It might be pre-season, but Monday will still intrigue fans as both clubs rev up preparations for their respective campaigns.
Team news
There are no immediate injury concerns for the West London outfit; a fresh squad will be looking to stay intact and ready for the 16th visit to Manchester United.
Ryan Sessegnon has worked his way back from another injury while training with Premier League rivals Crystal Palace. He was ready to play the final 15 minutes of Friday’s win over Benfica in the Algarve after choosing The Lilywhites last week.
It is a slightly more complicated situation for ‘visitors’ Sevilla, with Jesús Navas, Gonzalo Montiel, and Marcos Acuña still yet to return to the squad after recently finishing respective international tournaments.
New signing Albert Sambi Lokonga is still recovering from the hamstring problem that will likely have him miss out on Sevilla’s opening La Liga trek to Gran Canaria to face Las Palmas. The midfielder continues his rehabilitation with a new club.
Loïc Badé will also miss out, still competing in the Olympics with France.
Likely lineups
Benda; Castagne, Diop, Cuenca, Robinson; Reed, Lukic; Wilson, Pereira, Sessegnon; Jimenez
Nyland; Carmona, Nianzou, Gudelj, Pedrosa; Saul, Sow, Bueno; Lukebakio, Ejuke, Ocampos
Key players
Fulham - Ryan Sessegnon
In returning to the football club where he shone as a teenager. Sessegnon looks to prove himself as the player who earned a move to Tottenham in 2019, amongst calls for him to retire due to the injuries that ravaged his Tottenham career.
The now 24-year-old is likely to be deployed further up the pitch for Fulham, hoping to relive some of the joy that had the youngster inches from a World Cup 2018 spot, firmly in the assumptions of Gareth Southgate.
Sevilla - Lucas Ocampos
Sevilla have not taken a full-strength set-up to Portugal, but one name that will always stick out for Los Nervionenses is Lucas Ocampos.
Since returning from a failed loan spell at Ajax in January 2023, Ocampos has finally begun to look closer to the player who tormented La Liga defences during his first run at the club.
The flying winger will be a welcome test for Fulham freshened backline, the two-time Europa League winner is always a challenge to keep quiet and will be a certain assessment of The Cottagers preparations for the season.
Match Details
Where is the match being played?
The match will be played at the Estadio Do Algarve.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is at 8pm, August 25, 2024.
How can I watch?
The match will not be broadcast on television, unless you are an owner of Fulham TV, accessible via purchase of a membership.
