Fulham hosts Southampton in the 5th Round of the FA Cup on Sunday. Kickoff is at 8am EDT on ESPN2. A few notes on the time and channel. The US moves to daylight savings time on Sunday, but the UK doesn't switch until later in March so we'll be one hour "closer" to London time on Sunday. ESPN2 is not the same as ESPN+, so to watch this you'll probably need cable or something like Sling.
Southampton have been on fire recently in the Championship. They've been racking up wins and moving up the table without a loss since mid-January. The question for all teams in a position like theirs is do you keep the mojo going and put out the best squad for a win or do you hold your best players out for the league competition?
Fulham have got to bounce back from a terrible showing against West Ham. Wilson will still likely be unavailable, so Silva will have to deal with that forced changed. I'd like to see a midfield with Smith-Rowe, Iwobi, and Berge since that has been the most reliable combo, then have Chukwueze and Bobb on the wings. Fulham has had it pretty easy so far in the FA Cup, but they haven't converted to easy wins. It will likely be no different this time. Prepare for more late excitement. Drama is one thing we can generally count on from Fulham.
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It’s so difficult to follow this team sometimes. What was Marco waiting for with the subs?
The decision making on the subs was questionable. I also question the starting lineup. That midfield was not Fulham's best option and didn't show an intent to win this. Very disappointing.
In the first half Fulham had a disallowed goal, but it didn't show up in the highlights. The text commentary said a goal kick from Southampton bounced off someone and then was put away by Fulham, but the ref called it back because the goal kick was taken too quickly?? Can anyone provide further context for that? Sounds weird.
That penalty was very soft, but it didn't feel like Fulham deserved anything from this anyway, so it felt like an appropriate way finish to the match.
The refereeing was bizarre. The disallowed goal in the first half was especially strange. The referee just seemed to be out of position and unprepared and punished Fulham for it. Fulham didn't deserve a W but it wasn't a well officiated gage.
I only awakened for the final 30 minutes, and indeed, there wasn't a whole lot going on. Why, though? Why?!?!? Why!?!?!?!?!?!?!? For #$$&* sake!!!!
After the West Ham debacle, now Fulham lodge this difficult to comprehend performance, tactics, whatever, the annual late season, disinterested, disjointed Fulham have arrived.
COYW, I guess?!?
I don't recall seeing a reaction like this ever before during Silva's tenure (from here and elsewhere). The fans booed after the final whistle which says a lot about how frustrating this was. Silva has been universally panned in the media too for not putting out his best squad. I agree wholeheartedly with those criticisms. I've said it earlier in the season - I won't be upset if this is Silva's last with Fulham. I know in all probability the next manager will be worse, but Fulham haven't gotten any better the past few seasons under Silva. To get better, Fulham probably need to take a chance on another manager.
Handshakes all around - it’s time. This is the same story three years running. Yes, Fulham are safe and I’m not naive enough to say that is not important, but if there’s a time for a change it may be now- he’s out of contract. And I’m not a fatalist that believes Silva’s level is the epitome for a club like Fulham. Mid table in England is attractive.
COYW, maybe.
