Marco Silva insists that fan support is an indispensable element in the team's struggle.

Fulham will host Chelsea in a key match of the 21st round of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Manager Marco Silva stated that the support of the fans is an indispensable element in the team's continuous struggle.

In the 20th round of matches, Fulham took the lead with a goal from Harry Wilson, but then conceded two goals in the second half. However, Harrison Reid scored at a crucial moment, ultimately securing a 2-2 draw at home against Liverpool.

Fulham are currently 11th in the standings with 28 points, having achieved an impressive record of 3 wins and 2 draws in their last 5 matches.

Chelsea, on the other hand, managed a 1-1 draw against Manchester City in their last key match. As for head-to-head records, Fulham have only managed one draw and four losses in their last five encounters with Chelsea, so they must overcome past setbacks to have any chance of turning things around.

Fulham manager Marco Silva said, "We need the fans, we need their help. The fans know this and understand how important it is. We will be playing at home and need them to stand behind us. In the game against Liverpool, especially in the second half when it was more difficult for us, particularly after we conceded the equalizer, the fans always supported the team."

"In the final stages of the game, when we were still trying to win, they kept motivating us until the score became 1-2. The atmosphere was incredible, and everyone knows that the next game against Chelsea will be a little different because it's a special game where the fans will be completely on our side from the first whistle to the last minute."

Marco Silva emphasized, "When our physical condition declines or we encounter difficulties, we need them. We need them to push us and become that extra 12th player. This is essential for us to win the game."

Speaking about the upcoming match, Marco Silva said, "It's a special match, special because we all know what happened. Looking back at last season, we won away but lost at home, both games decided in the final moments. That really hurt us and the fans, and it hurt the club. This season, we haven't been able to win at Stamford Bridge, which is even more unacceptable."

"In that tough match against a strong team, the team's performance in the first half was almost perfect, and the overall performance was outstanding, but everything that happened in the game really hurt the club. I'm not talking about one or two people, or just the players, but our entire club."

Marco Silva continued, "But now is another opportunity for us to enjoy and embrace this great challenge together with the fans, and to face this derby with a serious attitude."

“This is a brand new competition, and there will be new stories. I don’t want anyone to dwell on the past; we must look to the future, and the most important thing is always the next game.”