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

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

Norwich right-back Steven Whittaker tries to shoot past Fulham defender Dan Burn (GETTY IMAGES)

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)