Saturday Fulham Stuff - 18/03/23...

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Manchester United team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Fulham

Manchester United's quest for FA Cup glory continues on Saturday evening, as fellow Premier League outfit Fulham visit Old Trafford for the quarter-finals.

The Red Devils are still pursuing four pieces of silverware this season and advanced to the Europa League quarter-finals in midweek courtesy of a 5-1  aggregate win over Real Betis.

Erik ten Hag's men have sent Everton, Reading and West Ham United packing to reach the final eight - winning 3-1 each time - as they seek a 13th FA Cup crown and first since the 2015-16 campaign.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Man United's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the clash with the Cottagers, who defeated Leeds United in the fifth round.

Anthony Martial
Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Hip
Possible return date: March 19 (vs. Fulham)

Anthony Martial has now been building up his fitness in training for a couple of weeks since recovering from a hip issue, but having not been involved against Betis, a question mark is still hanging over his head for the FA Cup.

Christian Eriksen
Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: April 29 (vs. Aston Villa)

Christian Eriksen was a casualty of Man United's cup success over Reading at the end of January, and his ankle problem will keep him sidelined until the final few weeks of the season.

Donny van de Beek
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

Donny van de Beek's season was ended by a serious knee injury at the start of January, cruelly denying him the chance to finally ignite his Old Trafford career under Ten Hag.

Alejandro Garnacho
Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: Unknown

Alejandro Garnacho left Old Trafford on crutches last weekend after sustaining an ankle injury in the draw with Southampton, and while no timeline has been placed on the 18-year-old's recovery, he is expected to spend at least a few weeks out.

Antony
Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Illness
Possible return date: March 19 (vs. Fulham)

Antony was unavailable for Thursday's second leg versus Betis due to illness, but the attacker should have a strong chance of recovering in time for Sunday.

MANCHESTER UNITED SUSPENSION LIST
Casemiro
Return date: April 15 (vs. Nottingham Forest)

Casemiro received his second red card of the season in last week's draw with Southampton, and he serves the first of a four-game domestic ban here.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/fa-cup/injuries-and-suspensions/man-united-injury-suspension-list-vs-fulham_509237.html

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Solomon on how he 'woke up to explosions'
Fulham winger Manor Solomon has told the BBC this morning about how he 'woke up to the sound of explosions and sirens' when Russia invaded Ukraine and how the end of his time with Shakhtar Donetsk felt 'like being in the middle of a movie'.

The Israeli international's wide-ranging interview with BBC Sport ahead of the Whites' FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester United on Sunday covers how he left Ukraine and why he decided to team up with Marco Silva at Craven Cottage. It proved to be a shrewd decision from the 23 year-old, who has remarkably scored five goals in his last six appearances to establish himself in the starting line-up.

Solomon describes the rush to leave Kyiv on the day the brutality of Russia's full-blown assault became clear:

    "Everyone was panicking because the war had started and didn't know what to do. I knew I had to get away because it was going to get worse. I was running out of food and water. There was nothing to buy. I managed to cross the border with the help of Israeli diplomats. If they hadn't come I don't know what would have happened to me. My heart goes out to the people who are still there. Last year was the most difficult of my life."

The winger insists he was lucky to 'get out' and lesser characters might have felt cursed when he was struck down with a serious knee injury – that sidelined him for five months – the day after an impressive Premier League debut in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool on the opening weekend. But Solomon has come back so strongly that he is now targeting a place in the last four of the FA Cup. Fulham last reached the semi-finals in 2002.

    "Playing for Fulham at Wembley would be a dream".



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/03/solomon-on-how-he-woke-up-to-explosions/

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Joao Palhinha: Why the Fulham midfielder's tackling is an offensive weapon for Marco Silva's side

Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha has been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United having excelled for Fulham this season; follow Man Utd vs Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-final live on Sky Sports' digital platforms on Sunday; kick-off 4.30pm

Joao Palhinha likes a tackle. In fact, he loves a tackle. And Fulham supporters love him for it.

Stand outside Craven Cottage on a matchday and you might struggle to differentiate between the sound of the home side scoring and that of their towering No 26 steaming into a challenge.

So far this season, there have been 102 of them, 15 more than any other Premier League player. Another seven and he will equal the highest total in the whole of last season too.

Palhinha was still a Sporting Lisbon player then but it has been clear ever since his £20m arrival at Fulham in the summer that he is tailor-made for the full-throttle football of the Premier League.


Joao Palhinha excels in terms of ball-winning and work-rate

"In Portugal, I felt I couldn't make a tackle, every touch was a yellow card," he said. "Here, it's completely different... It was one of the most important things behind my decision to come."

That is not to say his disciplinary record this season is without blemishes. A total of 10 bookings - the joint-most in the division - has caused him to miss three Premier League games through suspension.

It is not coincidental that Fulham have lost them all, the latest defeat coming against Arsenal on Sunday. Marco Silva might not care to admit it, but his side are not the same without Palhinha.

The bite and ball-winning brilliance he brings to their midfield is impossible to replicate but his tackles are not just a means of disrupting opposition attacks or protecting his defence.

They are also a formidable offensive weapon.

Palhinha is a master of anticipation, extending his long legs at precisely the right moment to dispossess unsuspecting opponents. But it is what happens next that really separates him from the rest.

The 27-year-old has perfected the art of turning defence into attack, timing his challenges not just to secure possession, but to give Fulham an immediate opportunity to hurt their opponents.

This aspect of Palhinha's game can be seen in newly-available statistics which measure expected goals generated in the passages of play that directly follow a player's tackles.


Joao Palhinha's tackles have generated 2.04 expected goals for Fulham

The metric, next possession xG after tackles, has Palhinha well clear of anyone else in the Premier League as the only player whose tackles have been worth more than two expected goals.

It is a novel concept, creating by tackling, but Palhinha's knack for it is unrivalled and it might help to explain why, according to recent reports, he now counts Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, a team built to counter-press, among his suitors.

On occasion, Palhinha has opted to take matters into his own hands.

In the FA Cup fifth-round win over Leeds that set up Sunday's quarter-final with Manchester United, Fulham's opening goal came from Palhinha stealing possession from Marc Roca and, with his next touch, curling a sumptuous long-range shot beyond Illan Meslier.

Usually, though, his first thought is to find a team-mate in a better position, ensuring he stays on his feet when tackling so as to maximise any possible advantage a turnover brings.

Consider the moment in Fulham's very first game of the season, the 2-2 draw with Liverpool, when he pounced on a Thiago Alcantara error straight from kick-off after Aleksandar Mitrovic's opener.


Palhinha tackles Thiago Alcantara straight from a Liverpool kick-off


The tackle allows Fulham to launch an attack through Mitrovic

His tackle, executed in trademark fashion, leaning one way and extending a leg the other, allows Andreas Pereira to lay the ball off to Mitrovic, who is able to charge towards goal with two runners to aim at. It is only thanks to alert goalkeeping from Alisson that Bobby De-Cordova Reid doesn't reach his subsequent through-ball.

There was a similar example in the 3-2 win over Leeds in October, with Jack Harrison the man dispossessed soon after Mitrovic had cancelled out Rodrigo's first-half opener.


Palhinha sticks out a leg and dispossesses Jack Harrison


Palhinha's tackle leads to Willian bursting clear on Fulham's left with men in support

Palhinha's tackle, just inside his own half, allows Willian to race away from an over-committed Robin Koch, and Palhinha then shows impressive stamina to follow his team-mate and make an overlapping run, receiving his return pass and sending a cross into the Leeds box.

A week after that, in Fulham's goalless draw with Everton at Craven Cottage, there was another Palhinha tackle which generated a scoring chance for Silva's side.


Palhinha tackles Idrissa Gueye as Everton attempt to spring forward


Fulham have an immediate scoring chance from Antonee Robinson's cross

Spotting his opportunity on the half-hour mark, the Portuguese international rushes in to take the ball off Idrissa Gueye as he attempts to dribble his way out of the Everton half, his tackle setting up a four-on-four attack, with Mitrovic's eventual shot requiring a block from James Tarkowski following Antonee Robinson's left-wing cross.

Another example of Palhinha front-foot defending could be seen in Fulham's narrow loss to Tottenham at Craven Cottage in January.


Palhinha closes down Rodrigo Bentancur and wins the ball off him


Fulham immediately pounce with a five-on-four attack

This time, Rodrigo Bentancur is the man robbed of possession, Palhinha's impeccably-timed tackle in the centre circle once again allowing Fulham to spring forward in transition, outnumbering their back-peddling opponents as Pereira feeds Willian, whose diagonal shot forces a smart save from Hugo Lloris.

The examples help to explain why, as well as being worse off defensively in the absence of Palhinha - Fulham have conceded 10 goals in the three Premier League games he has missed this season - Silva's side are less potent in an offensive sense too.

The sample size is small, admittedly, but their numbers for shots, efforts on target and expected goals are all significantly lower without Palhinha. Logically, the same is true of their scoring rate.


Fulham's record with and without Joao Palhinha shows his importance

What a boost, then, that he is available again for Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final with Manchester United at Old Trafford, where Fulham will be aiming to reach the last four of a domestic cup competition for the first time in 21 years.

Their chances of achieving that feat will be considerably higher with him in the team. Palhinha's tackles, as well as halting Manchester United's attacks, might just provide Fulham's best route to goal.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12835366/joao-palhinha-why-the-fulham-midfielders-tackling-is-an-offensive-weapon-for-marco-silvas-side

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How Manchester United could line up against Fulham

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will work around the absence of Casemiro for Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final at home to Fulham on Sunday afternoon.

The Brazilian picked up his second red card of the season in last week's draw with Southampton, incurring a four-match domestic ban in the process as he joins Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen on the midfield absentee list.

Alejandro Garnacho also remains out with his ankle concern, but Antony could be in with a chance of coming back from a fever, while Anthony Martial is slowly working his way back from a hip problem and will only make the bench at best.

No matter what tournament Man United take part in, David de Gea's spot in goal remains unaffected, but Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw could displace Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia in the wide positions.

Raphael Varane is also primed to return over club captain Harry Maguire as Lisandro Martinez keeps his spot, while Marcel Sabitzer is the most likely candidate to fill in for Casemiro alongside Fred.

With Antony still classed as a doubt at the time of writing, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford could hold the fort out wide, with the former taking the place of Facundo Pellistri after the Uruguayan made his long-awaited first start for the Red Devils against Real Betis on Thursday.

Maguire's potential demotion would see Bruno Fernandes regain control of the armband, while Wout Weghorst should make his third successive FA Cup start in the number nine role.

Manchester United possible starting lineup: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Fred, Sabitzer; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/fa-cup/predicted-lineups/how-man-united-could-line-up-against-fulham_509263.html

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Newcastle transfer news: Toon scouting USA star, same agent as Harrison Ashby

The Athletic claim Newcastle United have sent scouts to watch Fulham star Antonee Robinson ahead of a potential move in the summer – with the Toon keen to bring in a left-back to replace the experienced Dan Burn on Tyneside.

English-born Robinson, 25, who has 33 caps for the United States, is impressing in the Premier League. He has now started 24 of Fulham's 27 Premier League matches, and is renowned for his incredible pace, and his aggression.

Newcastle could do with a left-sided defender despite having numerous options on the books. Burn, who naturally is a centre-back, is currently first choice. Matty Targett is back-up to Burn, while Jamal Lewis remains on the books.

The report claims that Robinson, who was linked with Newcastle earlier this season ahead of the January window, has now been watched by Howe's men. With his deal ending in June 2024, the Toon may make a move this summer.

Newcastle United have sent scouts to watch Fulham defender Robinson
Robinson would be a superb signing for Newcastle. He ticks all the boxes. Still young, but has plenty of experience and very much proven in the League. Willing to attack, aggressive but sound in defence. His deal could see him go.

Newcastle could also find a boost in their pursuit of the Fulham man in the form of Harrison Ashby. Transfer Markt say he has the same agent as January signing Harrison Ashby. It is unclear how much the Toon may have to spend.

But he will not cost top dollar given his deal. It might be that Fulham are open to reducing his price tag a little. There might be some wriggle room. If Eddie Howe can get him for less than £30m, then Robinson is a good Toon signing.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/03/17/newcastle-transfer-news-toon-scouting-usa-star-same-agent-as-harrison-ashby/

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Match preview: United eye FA Cup success and second semi-final of the season

Manchester United take on Fulham on Sunday, March 19 in an FA Cup quarter-final clash at Old Trafford.

Last night, the Reds advanced to the Europa League last-eight, which will mark their third quarter-final of the season.

They saw out a 5-1 aggregate victory against Spanish opponents Real Betis and will now return home from Seville in preparation for this weekend's must-win tie.

Fulham have been in fine form since their return to the top flight this term and currently sit ninth in the Premier League table, above London rivals Chelsea.

Their results have fluctuated as of late, though, and they are currently winless in the league since February 18 – losing two and drawing one since beating Brighton and Hove Albion 1-0.

The Red Devils and Fulham met back in November at Craven Cottage, with United clinching a crucial three points thanks to Alejandro Garnacho's injury-time winner.

Unfortunately, the teenager will not feature in this weekend's match due to an ankle injury. Casemiro is also unavailable for selection and will serve the first of his four-game ban.

United's domestic form
United have struggled domestically in their latest fixtures too; a record-breaking 7-0 loss to Liverpool and a goalless draw with relegation candidates Southampton. A victory on Sunday will set a positive precedent before the players head off on international duty.



https://strettynews.com/2023/03/17/match-preview-united-eye-fa-cup-success-and-second-semi-final-of-the-season/

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Michael Carrick's message to Fulham loanee Rodrigo Muniz ahead of Middlesbrough's run-in

Rodrigo Muniz has struggled for game-time since Michael Carrick's arrival at Middlesbrough

Michael Carrick says Rodrigo Muniz can still play a big part in Middlesbrough's Championship run-in, as he told the striker to stay ready for when a chance presents itself.

Rodrigo Muniz has struggled for game time since Carrick's arrival at Boro, with his only start since the new head coach's arrival at the end of October coming in his first game in charge at Preston North End. Boro, parent club Fulham and his representatives spent much of January searching for an alternative loan club for the striker, but he remained on Teesside, with Boro committed to paying a fraction of his wage until the end of the season.

With a combination of squad balance and fitness issues, Muniz last appearance from the bench came in the defeat at Burnley on December 17. Boro are restricted to naming only five of their six loanees in any one match-day squad, with Zack Steffen, Ryan Giles, Aaron Ramsey and Cameron Archer regular starters and Alex Mowatt adding balance in terms of a second midfield option on the bench.

But asked about Muniz ahead of nine final games of the season, Carrick said: "He's a big part of the group. He's training every day. He had a setback for a few weeks but he's getting fitter and sharper so yeah, for sure.

"That's what I say about the squad. You can be out of the squad and feel like you're not close but at some point, you've got to play a part and it could be the biggest of parts. You just don't know.

"I have to say again, the group has been terrific, Rodrigo included. In terms of training and being positive and supporting the boys that are playing and waiting for that chance."

And asked what Muniz has to do to work his way back into contention, Carrick continued: "It's not as easy to say to a certain player. This is not Rodrigo, I'm talking in general. Timing is a lot.

"The lads that have the shirt are playing well and have been in the team, so timing of who's available, who's fit, who's playing well, do we need to tweak things? It's just the responsibility of every player to keep training, keep being ready and sharp for that moment when it comes."

With Matt Crooks currently out injured and Isaiah Jones out of form and favour, Tuesday night's draw with Stoke City highlighted a potential opportunity for Muniz, with Carrick's attacking options limited and 17-year-old Sonny Finch on the bench.

But with the five-loanees rule in place, Mowatt would be the only realistic player to drop out of the squad apart from injury or suspension, and that would leave Dan Barlaser as the only midfielder on the bench unless Carrick turned to an alternative under-21 player.



https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/carrick-encouragement-rodrigo-muniz-middlesbrough-26495043

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag gives verdict on Andreas Pereira form

Man Utd sold Andreas Pereira to Fulham in the summer but the midfielder is enjoying an excellent campaign with the Cottagers.

Erik ten Hag believes Andreas Pereira is benefitting from taking a step back after leaving Manchester United to join Fulham in the summer.

The 27-year-old ended his eight-year stay at Old Trafford by agreeing to a £10million switch to Craven Cottage and he has thrived away from the spotlight at United.

Pereira made 75 appearances during his time at the club, scoring four goals, and he spent his final season at the club on loan to Flamengo.

When the Brazilian club couldn't afford the transfer fee to sign him permanently, Fulham stepped in and he has scored three goals and created six more in 31 appearances.

Ten Hag sanctioned the sale of Pereira and he also worked with the Belgium-born Brazil international at PSV Eindhoven, but felt it was time for him to opt for a fresh start, a decision that has been vindicated.

"He's a good player, I know him already a long time, I had him in the youth at PSV before he came here, I'm really happy for him he's progressing good," said Ten Hag.

"He has to play a regular base, he didn't do it over several years at Manchester United, there comes a point you have to switch, take a step back to progress in the future."



https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/man-utd-news-andreas-pereira-26496531#

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Gordon signs professional deal with Fulham
Teenage winger Lemar Gordon has signed his first professional contract with Fulham, the Premier League club have confirmed this afternoon.

The seventeen year-old starlet, who moved to Motspur Park aged nine after Brentford took the decision to shut their academy programme, has made a strong impression at under-18 level since scoring on his debut at Stoke in September 2021. The left winger has scored twelve goals in 42 appearances at this age group and was rewarded with an under-21 debut earlier this season.

Ealing-born Gordon told Fulham's official website this afternoon:

    "I'm feeling really happy to have been offered my first professional contract at Fulham Football Club. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time and I'm so grateful that my journey will continue here. The club feels like home. I've been here since the end of Under-10s and they have played a big part in my development as a player and as a person.

    "It was a very proud moment for me and my family. I had a meeting that I had to go to before a training session and they told me the news. I was buzzing! My aim for the next year is to start playing with the under-21s and then I'll be working hard to break into the first team. For me to do this, I have to consistently produce on the pitch."

Fulham's academy director, Sean Cullen, added:

    "This is a fantastic moment for Lemar and his family, and comes as a reward for his hard work and commitment to the programme. The challenge for Lemar now is to show that he's ready for the next step in his journey."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/03/gordon-signs-professional-deal-with-fulham/

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Leno wins Germany recall
Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno has been rewarded for his outstanding Premier League form with a recall to the Germany squad for their forthcoming friendlies against Peru and Belgium.

The 31 year-old, a bargain £3m signing from Arsenal last summer, has kept seven clean sheets in 25 appearances as Fulham have confounded the pre-season predictions of a struggle to sit in ninth place after 27 games. Leno, who has won nine caps at senior level for the country, has been recalled by German head coach Hansi Flick having last featured in a World Cup qualifying win over Liechtenstein in February 2021.

Germany, who will host the European Championships in 2024, will look to move on from a second successive group stage World Cup exit when they face Peru in Mainz on Saturday March 25 and Belgium in Cologne the following Tuesday.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/03/leno-wins-germany-recall/

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'Summer will be interesting': Fulham journalist shares what he knows about Marco Silva amid Spurs links

Speaking on the Fulhamish Podcast, The Athletic's Peter Rutzler has been discussing Marco Silva's future amid links to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Portuguese manager has been strongly linked with a move to Spurs by a number of reputable websites, but, interestingly, Rutzler hasn't heard anything on his end about a potential move to Tottenham.

Rutzler did state that Silva will be offered a new deal by the west London club, but he made sure to state that nothing has been signed yet and that speculation will continue throughout the coming months and the summer until Silva puts pen to paper on a new deal.

Silva to be offered a contract
Rutzler shared what he knows about Silva's future.

"I don't have anything to report here with Marco Silva's situation with Tottenham. What I would say is that the idea that he won't be offered a new contract isn't a thing. That's par for the course, it's obvious. He's the best coach the Khans have had, they will want to keep him. Period," Rutzler said.

"That is a given. He hasn't signed a new deal, that naturally leads to questions about his future. Silva has spoken positively with an ambition of being in the league very often and that's where you want to be. Clearly he has a good thing going with Fulham and the team he has been able to help build.

"Yeah, he hasn't signed a contract yet, so we will get more of this. I don't know if Tottenham would want to go for a Marco Silva after the recent appointments they've had. He hasn't got that top six status, he has won major trophies but not in England, so that may count against him, but the players they have really suit his style of play. There's a fit there and this will continue until a decision is made on his contract.

"As I say, the summer will be interesting because I don't think Spurs will be the only job that is available. I think the interesting element, and we're playing hypotheticals, is that if Silva did go it's a big summer ahead."

Fulham will be hopeful
Tottenham are reportedly keen on Silva, but Fulham will be hopeful of keeping their manager.

Silva knows better than most that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Leaving Watford for Everton was eventually made to look like a mistake, while jumping ship from Fulham isn't always the best idea.

Indeed, both Roy Hodgson and Mark Hughes made poor choices when leaving Craven Cottage, and Silva must be wary of following in their footsteps with a move to Spurs, especially as his fellow Portuguese managers Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo struggled in north London.



https://tbrfootball.com/summer-will-be-interesting-fulham-journalist-shares-what-he-knows-about-marco-silva-amid-spurs-links/

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How Fulham can exploit key Manchester United weakness in FA Cup quarter-final showdown

Wingers Willian and Manor Solomon will be crucial as Cottagers eye FA Cup quarter-final upset at Old Trafford

Just when Fulham were accused of relying on one goalscorer, he stopped scoring and his team-mates started.

The Cottagers were heavily dependent on Aleksandar Mitrovic as they mounted their push for Europe in the first half of the season. But the Serbian has gone nine games without a goal, a run stretching back more than two months and spanning 746 minutes of football.

While Mitrovic has been struggling, other players have to come to the fore. It means Fulham travel to Old Trafford for their FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday confident they can pose a threat against a Manchester United defence still vulnerable after conceding seven goals at Anfield two weeks ago.

Wingers Manor Solomon and Willian have both struck important goals in recent weeks for Marco Silva's side to help Fulham in their unlikely push for Europe under Marco Silva. Solomon, in particular, has been in scintillating form, scoring in five successive matches until Sunday's 3-0 defeat by Arsenal.

Mitrovic will be confident he can get joy in an aerial battle with United centre-back Lisandro Martinez, but it might be in wide areas where Fulham can enjoy most success. Full-backs Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw endured a torrid afternoon in the 7-0 loss against Liverpool and exploiting space on the break should suit Solomon and Willian perfectly.

Joao Palhinha also chipped in with a goal in the win over Leeds in the previous round, and he returns from suspension in the FA Cup.

His availability is a boost for Fulham, who badly missed the midfielder against Arsenal and are bidding to reach their first semi-final since their run to the Europa League Final in 2010. Andreas Pereira will return to Old Trafford for the first time since leaving United for Fulham last summer, and believes his new team can cause an upset.

"I'll have mixed emotions," said Pereira. "It's a difficult game, but I'm happy to play against them. It will be my first time back and feeling that atmosphere. I've never been there as a visitor, so it will be something new.

"They have a lot of confidence. They're playing really well, but sometimes when you're that confident it's not good as well. We know we have to work very hard to win against them, but we will do everything and try to play the perfect game.

"I'm feeling at home here and it's been great so far. When I first came here they told me that every year in the Premier League they would go down. The main objective was to stay in the Premier League, but I spoke with the manager and he told me what he wanted to achieve and the way he wanted to play.

"He was very ambitious and I really liked that. When we were five games into the season, we realised we could do something great with the team and it has been amazing."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-man-utd-fa-cup-willian-solomon-mitrovic-b1068201.html

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Silva: 'I 100% believe Fulham can win the Cup'
Marco Silva insists Fulham can spring a surprise at Old Trafford this Sunday and even go on and win the FA Cup – but he knows that will require a big improvement after the Whites slumped to two disappointing defeats in back-to-back London derbies.

The Cottagers head coach knows his team will need to be at their very best in order to win at Manchester United in Sunday's quarter-final after shipping six goals in a week that saw them beaten by Brentford and Arsenal. Silva, whose side have reached the last eight of the Cup for the first time in thirteen years, was emphatic in this afternoon's pre-match press conference that his ambition is to lift the trophy.

    "We have to prove on the pitch that we are capable of doing it. If you ask me if I believe? I'm 100 per cent sure I believe. I'm not saying that we are dreaming of it. I believe we are able to do it if we are at our best level – full respect to Manchester United. I'm humble enough to say they are the favourites, at home, they've won the Carabao Cup."

Silva has sensationally guided Fulham, who were widely tipped to go down at the start of the season, to ninth in the top flight but is still smarting from the way the Whites capitulated meekly to their local rivals last week.

    "For us to be able to win the game we have to show improvement from our last two games, it has to be the first step for us to be able to be competitive. This football match is probably not natural for some of these players. But for some of the players it's not something really new and I expect certain players from our team to pop up in these types of moments.

    Because there are certain moments for the big players, for the big characters to pop up, and the others if it's not natural it has to become natural. It will become natural if you are competing and having these games season after season."

Fulham will boosted by the return of club captain Tom Cairney, who is available again after missing more than a month of football having injured his knee in the fourth round replay at Sunderland, and Willian. The Brazilian winger missed a potential reunion with his old club Arsenal after suffering a back strain, but has recovered to be part of the squad that travels north this weekend.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/03/silva-i-100-believe-fulham-can-win-the-cup/

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