Fulham v VfB Stuttgart: final pre-season friendly at Craven Cottage on August 15

Alvaro Arbeloa's Fulham FC will host VfB Stuttgart at Craven Cottage on August 15 in their final club friendly ahead of the 2026-27 season. The match is both clubs' last warm-up before the new campaign.

Fulham were held to a 2-2 draw by Malaga CF in their last pre-season game, conceding a late goal after their opponents were awarded a penalty. Alvaro Arbeloa’s men have only been able to come in with mixed performances in their recent club friendlies. A win here will be a big confidence booster for them ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

The Sebastian Hoeness-led side arrive after securing an easy 3-1 victory against Everton FC; the preview describes Stuttgart's performance as one in which they controlled the game from the beginning till the end. The article states VfB Stuttgart will be involved in a demanding 2026-27 campaign and they cannot afford a loss against the Cottagers.

Against Malaga CF, Fulham's 30-year-old Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi produced a strong showing, operating as an attacking midfielder rather than in his usual position, and he doubled Fulham's lead, but his goal was not enough to get the Cottagers a win. He is going to be influential for the Premier League club under Álvaro Arbeloa.

The preview names Deniz Undav as the German forward most likely to start for VfB Stuttgart in their final pre-season game ahead of the new season, noting he was the top goal scorer for his side last season and will be looking to continue his form. The report adds that Deniz Undav’s presence in the final third will keep Fulham’s defence on edge.

Tom Cairney is not going to be in action for Fulham FC due to his knee injury. For VfB Stuttgart, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Lorenz Assignon, Dennis Seimen, Justin Diehl and Leo Sauer are out because of their injuries. The preview lists probable lineups as: Leno (GK); Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Berge, Charles; Smith Rowe, Iwobi, Bobb; Garcia and Bredlow (GK); Mittelstadt, Chabot, Jeltsch, Vagnoman; Stiller, Karazor; Fuhrich, El Khannouss, Leweling; Undav.

Despite being at home, Fulham can bottle their chances and VfB Stuttgart, with a perfect opportunity, are likely to secure a win. Craven Cottage will witness this clash on August 15.