Fulham vs Birmingham - EFL Cup Round 2

Fulham begins its EFL campaign in Birmingham. Fulham had a great run last year that finally ran out of gas against Liverpool. Although the EFL Cup seems to be England's least loved football competition, it was still fun seeing Fulham go far last season.

The TV rights have switched this season. After years of being on ESPN+ it has moved to Paramount+. The match will be televised there and kicks off at 3pm EDT.

Expect a number of changes in the starting lineup, but rather than just bringing in young faces we should get to see some new signings too. Cuenca should play and we'll hope to see Andersen too. Then there is a possibility of Berge and Sessegnon coming on as well. We'll also be hoping for significant playing time for Jay Stansfield. This should be an interesting match just for the opportunity to see some exciting new faces on the team.

Birmingham have Luke Harris on loan, but I don't think he'll be permitted to play against Fulham. Birmingham were relegated to League One last season after Rooney's disastrous time in change that saw them tumble down the table, but they have started undefeated so far this season. Hopefully that changes on Tuesday!

 

Come on #28!!!!! Come on you Whites!!!

 

@jumpkutz , Cue It!!

 

That match was just what Fulham needed. Most of the starting lineup (and even most of the subs) were not ready for prime time. Lots of sloppy play and questionable decision making. Birmingham did their best, deserved at least one goal, and made Fulham slog through for a win - and that is good thing. Being pushed and figuring out how to work together will help Fulham figure things out before having to face a Premier League opponent.

Stansfield was the best player out there and made a good case for being given a chance in the Premier League sometime soon. That goal was also classic Andersen! Those are the long balls that we love to see. Meanwhile I wondered what Harry Wilson was doing out there for most of the match. He did nothing to warrant a step up to a start.

A win, no injuries, and a good run out for a couple guys who should be key players in the future. Overall a good night even if it was a little rough around the edges.

 

Sorry for the tardiness.

 

Definitely rough around the edges. I wasn’t sure if some of the players were genuinely rusty (Berge has been out with an injury) or if the rustiness was lack of game time with new teammates.

It was nice to get the early goals so there wasn’t much stress in the end. I was surprised though to see Birmingham City dominate possession as much as they did.

Also good to see the debut for King. I really wish Traore could have gotten that cross in before the ball crossed the touchline.

 

Congrats to Fulham. The showing took them to 54th, in OPTA Power Rankings. a couple positions over the Crew.
Note that after Crew won Leagues Cup they were one over Fulham.
Sure that's a relief to all who pay close attention. Lol.
https://theanalyst.com/2024/08/who-are-the-best-football-team-in-the-world-opta-power-rankings

 

Fulham travel to Deepdale to face Preston North End in the next round of the EFL Cup.