Fulham suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the EFL Cup semi-final, but they have a chance to redeem themselves in the FA Cup fourth-round clash against Newcastle United at Craven Cottage.
Match Preview:
In the previous round, Fulham secured a narrow victory over Rotherham United with a single goal. On the other hand, Newcastle United comfortably defeated Sunderland 3-0 in the Tyne-Wear derby.
Looking back at the EFL Cup semi-final, Fulham had a one-goal lead against Liverpool but eventually lost due to a deflected strike.
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno could have done better to prevent the goal. However, Fulham managed to equalize in the second half, thanks to Harry Wilson’s assist to Issa Diop. Sadly, they couldn’t force extra time and missed out on a final with Chelsea.
In the third-round tie, Fulham struggled against Rotherham’s defensive approach but managed to win with Bobby Decordova-Reid’s first-half goal.
This is their fifth consecutive year reaching the fourth round, but they have only progressed once in the past four seasons.
Newcastle United, despite their aspirations for European qualification, still share a heated rivalry with Sunderland.
In their recent encounter, they emerged victorious with a comfortable 3-0 win, courtesy of Alexander Isak’s brace and an own goal from Daniel Ballard. However, they suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League.
With their win against Sunderland, Newcastle ended a streak of three consecutive third-round exits. However, they have struggled to advance past the fourth round in recent years, with their last quarter-final appearance ending in a defeat against Manchester City.
Interestingly, Newcastle United defeated Fulham 3-0 earlier in the Premier League season. They will be looking to extend their winning run against the Cottagers in the FA Cup clash.
Team News:
Fulham will be missing Fode Ballo-Toure, Calvin Bassey, and Alex Iwobi due to their involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Adama Traore is also sidelined with a thigh injury. Fatigue may lead to some changes in the lineup, with players like Harry Wilson, Kenny Tete, and Harrison Reed pushing for a starting spot.
Newcastle United will be without several key players, including Joelinton, who underwent surgery for a thigh injury.
Sandro Tonali, Nick Pope, Elliot Anderson, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes, Matt Targett, and Jacob Murphy are also unavailable.
Callum Wilson is unlikely to feature, but Tino Livramento should return from illness. Kieran Trippier, who was recently linked with Bayern Munich, will captain the team.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Fulham: (4-2-3-1)
Rodak;
Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson;
Reed, Palhinha;
Wilson, Pereira, Decordova-Reid;
Jimenez
Newcastle United: (4-3-3)
Dubravka;
Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn;
Longstaff, Guimaraes, Miley;
Almiron, Isak, Gordon
Prediction: Fulham 0-2 Newcastle United
Despite Fulham’s commendable performance against Liverpool, the midweek match may have taken a toll on their energy levels.
Newcastle, on the other hand, had a two-week break and will capitalize on Fulham’s fatigue to progress in the FA Cup.
