Marco Silva wants to make Craven Cottage a fortress that opponents fear once again – starting with tomorrow’s Premier League clash against Leeds United.

Fulham’s only win so far this season came at their historic home against Bristol City in the League Cup and Silva knows that a lack of home wins hurt the Whites’ European push last term. He told his pre-match press conference at Motspur Park this afternoon:

“Playing at the Cottage is important for us, we want to make it a fortress. Finally, we have the stadium full, and we need the fans behind us. With our quality, we have the conditions to win the game.”

The Portuguese head coach has a fully fit squad to select from for the first time this season and could offer debuts to the three deadline day signings – Brazilian winger Kevin, Samuel Chukwueze – who was signed on loan from AC Milan – and Swedish striker Jonah Kusi-Asare, who was loaned in at the last from Bayern Munich.

Silva is certainly not underestimating the challenge posed by newly-promoted Leeds, who have kept clean sheets against Everton and Newcastle United already on their return to the top flight.

“[It will be a] very tough game as always. When you are in the Championship and you win promotion, that winning mentality and good vibes when you are winning games, if you can keep that going into the Premier League season, it’s very important. They’ve done that.

They’ve got that mentality where getting promoted means you’ve been winning most of your games. They’ve had a good start to the Premier League season. [At] Elland Road, you know it’s going to be tough for any team to play there, and they had a tough game away from home [against Arsenal]. It’s going to be tough … [Leeds are] A very aggressive side with some quality players.”