Match Preview: Fulham vs Watford (FA Cup Third Round)

Fixture: Fulham vs. Watford

Date: Thursday, 9 January 2025

Kick-off Time: 19:45 GMT

Venue: Craven Cottage, London

Competition: FA Cup Third Round

The Cottagers have been solid in recent fixtures, maintaining an eight-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League. However, they have drawn six of those matches, including a 2-2 result against Ipswich Town on 6 January 2025. Fulham, sitting 9th in the Premier League, will look to leverage their home form and strong defensive organisation to secure a sixth consecutive progression past the third round of the FA Cup.

Watford have endured a difficult spell, losing four of their last five Championship matches, including a 2-1 home defeat to Sheffield United on 6 January 2025. Now positioned 9th in the Championship, they will hope for a turnaround in fortunes as they face higher-tier opposition.

In their last 12 meetings across competitions, Watford have the edge with five wins, while Fulham have managed three victories, and four matches have ended in draws. Their most recent encounter was a Premier League clash on 2 April 2019, with Watford winning 4-1 at Vicarage Road.

Marco Silva may rotate his squad for this FA Cup tie. Sander Berge is racing against time to recover from an ankle injury, while Reiss Nelson, Kenny Tete, and Harrison Reed remain unavailable. Emile Smith Rowe is expected to start after two substitute appearances, while Adama Traore and Rodrigo Muniz could feature in the attack.

Watford’s injury concerns include goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann, ruled out with ankle ligament damage. Jonathan Bond is expected to deputise. Midfielder Imran Louza is fit after illness, while defender Angelo Ogbonna may start following his recent return from a hamstring injury. Full-back Jeremy Ngakia, fresh off his first professional goal, is in contention for the role in defence.

Leno; Castagne, Diop, Cuenca, Sessegnon; Pereira, Lukic; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz

Bond; Porteous, Pollock, Sierralta; Ngakia, Kayembe, Sissoko, Louza, Andrews; Bayo, Baah

Please note that actual starting lineups may vary depending on final team selections and any last-minute changes.

Reasoning:

• Fulham's Home Advantage: Playing at Craven Cottage gives them an edge.
• Fulham's Attacking Strength: Their attacking midfield trio with Smith Rowe and Traore can be potent.
• Watford's Defensive Concerns: They've struggled defensively in recent matches.

However, it's important to remember:

• Watford's Counter-attacking Threat: They can be dangerous on the break.
• Cup Upsets: Watford has a history of causing upsets.

This is just a prediction, and the actual score could vary significantly.

Fulham are likely to control possession and exploit wide areas through their attacking midfield trio. The experience of Pereira and the creativity of Smith Rowe could unlock Watford’s defensive structure, while Muniz will aim to capitalize on chances in the box.

Watford’s approach will revolve around quick transitions and exploiting set pieces. Their midfield pairing of Louza and Sissoko will be crucial in countering Fulham’s technical players, while the pace of Ngakia and the strength of Vakoun Bayo could create opportunities.

This FA Cup clash is set to be a competitive encounter. Fulham's quality and home advantage make them favourites, but Watford's resilience and knack for causing upsets in cup competitions cannot be underestimated. Expect a game where both sides create chances, with Fulham likely edging out their Championship opponents.

Fulham to win and over 2.5 goals – Fulham's attacking strength and Watford's defensive struggles point toward a high-scoring game with the Premier League side coming out on top.

This is the fourth FA Cup meeting between Fulham and Watford. Interestingly, all three previous encounters (1932, 1983, 2005) required replays to decide the winner.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.