FA Cup Third Round Replay: Fulham v Norwich City match preview

A look ahead to this week’s FA Cup replay at Craven Cottage

Ryan Baxter
Tuesday 14 January 2014 15:59 GMT
Comments
Norwich right-back Steven Whittaker tries to shoot past Fulham defender Dan Burn
Norwich right-back Steven Whittaker tries to shoot past Fulham defender Dan Burn (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Both sides head into this clash on concerning runs of form in the Premier League and may be thankful for this fixture for briefly taking their minds off the relegation battle.

Although the players may feel this way, Rene Meulensteen and Chris Hughton are likely to view the tie as a hindrance and will shuffle their packs accordingly. There were 17 changes in all from the sides selected in the Premier League game prior to the third round tie between the two teams.

This scale of rotation is likely to repeat itself, which will give Norwich’s exuberant winger, Jacob Murphy, an opportunity to shine again. He lit up the initial tie, dazzling defenders with his dribbling and testing David Stockdale with dangerous shots from long-range.

Another player to make an impact in the cup clash at Carrow Road was Fulham’s Darren Bent. The English striker’s goal gave his side the lead and he will be eager to repeat performances like this to climb the pecking-order at Craven Cottage. Under Martin Jol he was often paired up-front with Dimitar Berbatov but this made the Cottagers particularly weak in midfield. Now competing for the lone-striker role under Meulensteen, Bent will be looking to lay down another marker.

Regardless of team selection, Norwich will have to overturn a horrendous history against Fulham if they are to advance. The Canaries have not beaten them since 1986.

Whichever side is victorious will go on to face Sheffield United in the fourth round at Bramall Lane.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Norwich 1 (Snodgrass) Fulham 1 (Bent), FA Cup, January 2014

Norwich 1 (Hooper) Fulham 2 (Kasami, Parker), Premier League, December 2013

Norwich 0 Fulham 0, Premier League, February 2013

STATS:

Norwich have not beaten Fulham in 14 attempts, their last victory dating back to 1986.

The Canaries are on a seven match winless streak in all competitions

Fulham have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, conceding 2.19 goals on average per-game

ODDS:

Fulham to win: 2.15

Norwich to win: 3.10

Draw: 3.30

TV: Live on BT Sport 1 at 7.45pm, Highlights on ITV1 at 10.55pm (Wednesday)

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in