Southampton are travelling to Craven Cottage for their third-round FA Cup fixture against an inform Fulham team.
The hosts coming into this game after a dominating 4-1 win against Ipswich Town. The Tractor Boys had no answer for Fulham who slotted in 4 goals in quick successions to end the tie for good.
Fulham’s season ambitions lie in making the playoffs of the EFL Championship but they are still 4 points behind Leeds United and have a few tough fixtures to endure in the coming weeks. However, a win against a struggling Southampton side can be a big boost to their current campaign. The Cottagers have a full bill of health whereas Mauricio Pellegrino has to rotate his squad around a few injuries.
The Saints have not registered a single win since their 4-1 result against Everton on 26th November. The fans were left in despair after a visiting Crystal Palace ran away with 3 points in the last fixture seeing the club match points with Stoke City in the relegation zone.
Haunted by their uncertain Premier League fixture, Pellegrino might not employ all his best resources for this fixture.
Fulham manager, Slavisa Jokanovic is expected to field his men in the 4-3-3 formation.
Defence
David Button is expected to get the nod ahead of Marcus Bettinelli in between the sticks. He might have a busy day against a top-flight opponent.
Ryan Fredericks should get a breather from this matchup with Steven Sessegnon fielded in the right-back position. Denis Odoi might find himself get featured from the left.
Tomas Kalas and Tim Rean might get paired up in the centre-back role to stand firm against a hungry Manolo Gabbiadini.
Midfield
Ibrahim Cisse can expect a return to the starting XI in the defensive midfield role. This will come as a massive opportunity to prove himself.
Oliver Norwood and Tom Cairney should feature in front of Cisse with more offensive duties. Cairney has so far registered just 1 goal into his name and should look to improve upon that tally.
Attack
Neeskens Kebano is a predicted starter in the left wing role ahead of Sheyi Ojo. He came on in the last fixture and looked menacing against the opposition.
Lucas Piazon recovered from injury last month and after showing promise in substitute appearances, he may be given an opportunity here from the left wing.
Aboubakar Kamara should be replaced by Rui Fonte in the number nine role. The Portuguese has had limited opportunities to prove himself this season mostly coming off the bench in the last few games. He would relish this chance to impress Jokanovic.
