Fulham’s poor start gives Hull a chance to end Craven Cottage wait

Fulham have just two points from six Premier League games, and Hull City have a chance to claim their first league win at Craven Cottage in five years. Sergej Jakirović, though, has warned his side not to mistake Fulham’s results for a lack of threat.

Fulham sit 20th with two draws, four defeats and a goal difference of minus four. They shared points with Liverpool and Manchester United before losing to Chelsea, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town. Their cup run has been stronger: wins over AFC Wimbledon and West Ham United have taken them into the Carabao Cup fourth round.

“They could have had more points,” Jakirović said of Fulham at Thursday’s press conference. He pointed to their young, high-potential players and speed in the final third, adding that they create “a lot of chances”. His message to Hull was direct: they will have to be at their maximum.

Fulham made seven signings in the previous transfer window. Gonzalo García, César Palacios and Manuel Ángel joined permanently from Real Madrid, alongside Shea Charles, David Affengruber and Jonah Kusi-Asare from Southampton, Elche and Bayern Munich. Hugo Larsson arrived on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt. Saša Lukić, Issa Diop, Harry Wilson, Raúl Jiménez and Steven Benda left permanently, while Luc de Fougerolles went out on loan.

Hull travel after a 2-2 draw with Everton, having recovered to earn a point. Joe Gelhardt scored their first goal and substitute Mo Belloumi equalised. Jakirović praised his side’s character, while midfielder Tim Iroegbunam said Hull’s performances and points show the quality in the squad, despite often being viewed as underdogs. He expects Fulham to have “something to prove” at home and believes Hull can take all three points.

Hull will be without Nobel Mendy, who has a groin injury and is expected to miss two weeks. Lucas Gourna and Mohamed-Ali Cho are also unavailable for this match; Jakirović expects both back in training next week. Matt Targett is expected to be out for two months but will not need surgery. Charlie Hughes is aiming to return to group training after the international break, while Ilyas Ansah’s latest scan showed slight progress without clarifying his return date.

Jack Butland is training individually on the grass and is due to rejoin the group on Monday, ahead of schedule. Jakirović named Lucas Herrington, Paddy McNair, John Egan and Semi Ajayi as defensive options, and said competition for places remains open after Gelhardt and Belloumi scored against Everton.

The sides meet at Craven Cottage on Saturday, 17 October, at 15:00. Hull’s opportunity depends on turning Fulham’s difficult league start into pressure while staying alert to the attacking threat their head coach has identified.