The Cottagers lost 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium in April and drew 2-2 at Craven Cottage in December 2024. Silva’s side are looking to break their poor form against The Cherries as they aim to win what would be their fourth win in five matches.
Team news
Silva firstly confirmed Rodrigo Muniz and Kenny Tete are both out for Fulham's Friday night visit to the Vitality Stadium.
On Tete: "We are going to keep progressing him in the same type of recovery, and surgery is not necessary."
On Muniz: “Big miss for us, a big blow for us in terms of two important players, but it is what it is," Silva said. "About how long, we have to wait.”
Bournemouth will be physical
Bournemouth are unbeaten since their first game of the season and are in excellent form under manager Andoni Iraola. Silva was asked what he expects from them heading into Friday night's clash.
“Very physical. And when I say physical side, not talking about the size of the team, (but) physical the way they approach, physical the way they challenge every single moment of the game.
“Strong, direct game, and the way they prepare and challenge second balls, they are really on it, and from that moment they are able to build their attacking moments with their speed and pace.
“I think it’s one of their characteristics, definitely. It’s a team that plays always face to face with any team, and they are always challenging games between us and them.”
Is Semenyo a threat?
Antoine Semenyo has been the standout player for Bournemouth so far this season but when asked about the playmaker, he said Iraola's side are packed full of quality that could hurt his side.
“It's not just him,” he said. “If you look at the solutions they have in the frontline, it’s not just him. Of course, he's in a good moment. Last season was very good for him as well.
“He's a good example when I mentioned the physicality of the side. But I think they are much more than just Semenyo.
“They have good players all around the pitch and on the bench, and of course we have to be aware of them as a team, and not just one player.”