Fulham shift their focus from Premier League action to the magic of the FA Cup as they host Championship side Watford at Craven Cottage on Thursday night for a third-round clash.
Under Marco Silva, Fulham are enjoying what can be described as a cautiously optimistic period in the Premier League, remaining unbeaten in their last eight matches. With confidence brewing, the Cottagers will look to extend their strong form and avoid any slip-ups against a spirited Watford side eager to cause an upset.
Despite an unbeaten run in their last eight games, Fulham have managed to convert just six of those into victories, leaving room for improvement as they prepare to host Watford in the FA Cup. Sunday's 2-2 draw with relegation-threatened Ipswich Town highlighted their inability to close out games, but the Cottagers still hold a comfortable ninth place in the Premier League, sitting just six points shy of the coveted top four.
Team News: Midfield dynamo Sander Berge could make a surprise return from an ankle injury, but Reiss Nelson (hamstring), Kenny Tete, and Harrison Reed (both knee injuries) are all sidelined.
Manager Marco Silva may shuffle his pack, considering a shift between a three-at-the-back system or a traditional four-man defense. Jorge Cuenca and Ryan Sessegnon are contenders for starting roles in the backline.
In midfield, Emile Smith Rowe—building match fitness after two substitute appearances—could start, while attackers Adama Traore and Rodrigo Muniz will be eager to stake their claim for a place in the lineup. Fulham will need a sharper edge in attack if they are to dispatch the Hornets and march into the next round.
FULHAM predicted lineup vs WATFORD: Leno (GK); Castagne, Diop, Cuenca, Sessegnon; Pereira, Lukic; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz.
Watford, sitting ninth in the Championship, are in dire need of a turnaround as they prepare to face Fulham in the FA Cup. After a promising start to the season, the Hornets have faltered, losing four of their last five matches, including consecutive defeats to Cardiff City, QPR, and Sheffield United. Defensive woes have been a consistent issue for manager Tom Cleverly, with Watford failing to keep a clean sheet in their last seven outings.
Team News: Watford suffered a significant blow with the loss of goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann, who is sidelined for up to three months due to an ankle ligament injury. Jonathan Bond will step into the starting role between the posts.
In midfield, Tom Dele-Bashiru is nearing a return from a knee injury but is unlikely to feature, while Imran Louza made a full recovery from illness and played the entire match against Sheffield United. Defender Angelo Ogbonna, back from a hamstring injury, managed over an hour in his return and could start again.
Jeremy Ngakia, fresh off scoring his first senior goal, will aim to retain his spot at left wing-back. Ryan Porteous, Moussa Sissoko, Tom Ince, and Vakoun Issouf Bayo will also be eager to return to the starting lineup as Cleverly searches for a winning formula to shake off their recent slump.
WATFORD predicted lineup vs FULHAM: Bond (GK); Porteous, Pollock, Sierralta; Andrews, Kayembe, Sissoko, Louza, Ngakia; Bayo, Baah.
With no replays in this season’s FA Cup, the stakes are high as Fulham and Watford clash this Sunday. There will be no second chances - any deadlock will need to be resolved on the day.
Despite Fulham's shaky recent record against Watford, Marco Silva's men come into the tie as the stronger side on paper, boasting Premier League quality over a Watford team struggling for consistency in the Championship.
The match promises to be a cagey affair, with both sides likely to adopt a cautious approach in the early stages. However, Fulham’s greater depth and class should see them edge past the Hornets and secure their spot in the next round.
Prediction: Fulham 3-1 Watford
FULHAM VS WATFORD
11.00
FULHAM WINNER: 3-1
