Fulham have had a difficult 10 days or so. Three league defeats on the spin, the latest being a 3-0 defeat in Manchester on Wednesday, where the game looked pretty much over at half-time.
Sunday provides a chance to switch the focus onto the FA Cup, a competition that Marco Silva and the fans will feel they can go far in. A win on Sunday would advance the Whites into the last 16, and boost morale ahead of some big games to come in the league.
Silva confirmed that Sasa Lukic and Tom Cairney will miss the trip to the Bet365 Stadium, but everyone else is available.
“No fresh injury concerns from City. We have another session tomorrow. Still TC and Lukic out”, the Fulham boss stated.
Sunday’s game could see a first start for new signing Oscar Bobb, and perhaps a first start for Rodrigo Muniz since returning from injury.
Silva didn’t want to give anything away, but said it was a good chance for Bobb to play some minutes.
“Could be, we have to wait. We have another session tomorrow for us to see”, said Silva.
“A good session from him today, like all the other players. We have to decide tomorrow, we are going to take a decision on whether he’s going to start. It’s a good chance for him like it is for Kevin or Rodrigo (Muniz).”
Fulham’s exit from last season’s FA Cup was one of the most sobering and brutal days of the 2024/25 campaign. Sucker-punched by two quick fire Crystal Palace goals after Fulham had made a bright start was a bitter pill to swallow.
But, after a good win from behind against Middlesbrough in the third round, Fulham will look at this season’s FA Cup campaign with fresh optimism, hoping to at least go one better, and seal a date at Wembley.
Fulham’s fourth-round tie last season saw us win away against Wigan. Muniz’s brace got us over the line, after the hosts had equalised in the second half.
Like those games against Middlesbrough and Wigan, it is further proof that games against Championship or League One opposition is far from a walk in the park. Especially away from home.
Stoke lost late on to Charlton on Wednesday night, and haven’t won a game since their third round success against Coventry, but like every underdog, Mark Robin’s side will be looking to cause an upset.
Our last trip to Stoke was a fun one. Muniz’s brace after Fulham conceded in the opening minute turned the game around. Stoke equalised, but Fulham won the game through the ever reliable Bobby De Cordova-Reid.
A great day out, which saw Fulham springboard themselves several points above third place. Being in the away end that day, that was the day I started getting very excited about the prospect on promotion.
Another win on Sunday, and Fulham fans may start to sing ‘Que Sera, Sera.’ Plenty of football to be played between now and the semi-finals though.
A safe journey to all travelling to Stoke on Sunday, see you there. COYW!
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