Fulham will host Southampton in an FA Cup clash at Craven Cottage.
Fulham are tenth in the Premier League and heavy favourites to get the better of Championship side Southampton. The Saints have been in fine form, however, and have a stronger recent record in this competition than their hosts.
Southampton’s Strong Form and FA Cup Record
Southampton’s expected goal difference of 16.3 ranks third in the Championship and their recent run of form has driven them to seventh as they make up for a slow start to the campaign.
Tonda Eckert has made a big impact since taking over from Will Still and the visitors have won seven and drawn two of their last nine games.
The visitors have a decent recent record in the FA Cup too, reaching the semi-finals twice and the quarter-finals once in the last eight seasons. They have won four of their last five away games and will test Fulham’s squad depth to the maximum.
Fulham’s Recent Form and Team Changes
It has been feast or famine for Fulham, who have drawn just three of their last 33 games, and they could be on the wrong end of an FA Cup upset when they host Southampton this lunchtime.
Despite that, Marco Silva has used the FA Cup as an opportunity to rotate his side, making seven changes for their third-round win over Middlesbrough and ten for their win over Stoke.
The Cottagers were beaten 1-0 by Premier League strugglers West Ham in midweek and may be vulnerable against a Southampton team who have had the week off.
Silva’s side have struggled at times with the relentless schedule and they are also set to be without star player Harry Wilson through injury. Southampton by contrast will welcome back star striker Ross Stewart and he could help his side spring a cup surprise at Craven Cottage.
Key Players and Betting Tips
Winger Leo Scienza is looking a shrewder purchase by the minute for Southampton and has been lighting up St Mary’s this season. The Brazilian has a goal and four assists in his last four games for Tonda Eckert’s men and looks a solid bet to add to that tally against a Fulham team who have gone 13 games without a clean sheet.
- Leo Scienza to score or assist21-10 Betfair, Paddy Power
- Southampton to win & both teams to score17-2 bet365
Fulham have been no strangers to entertaining games this season and both teams have scored in 15 of their last 20 matches. Southampton have the attacking firepower to rack up a big score at Craven Cottage.
It may be third time unlucky if the home boss chooses to switch things around against a Championship outfit as the Saints are one of the form teams in the second tier.
Both teams have scored in 15 of Fulham’s last 20 g
The Cottagers have never won this competition and their record in the last few years is distinctly average. They have gone past the fifth round only twice in the last 15 years.