Fulham vs Watford - FA Cup 3rd Round

Fulham kicks off their 2025 FA Cup campaign at home against Watford. The match will be available on ESPN+ starting at 2:45pm EST on Thursday.

I have high expectations for Fulham in the FA Cup this year. Fulham have been competitive in every match this season - there is no team out there they can't beat, so why not have some optimism about a cup run?

Watford come into this after three straight losses while Fulham haven't lost since the November loss to Wolverhampton. One reason to be concerned for Fulham is that they haven't done well against teams that have sat back defensively and waited for their chances on a counter attack. All of Fulham's skill has been unable to reliably crack an organized, defensive back five. I imagine Watford manager Tom Cleverley is aware of this and will look to be defensive and patient. Fulham also haven't won against Watford in six matches, so there is a bit of an unfortunate run of form against them. On the plus side, Watford are just three points outside the playoff spots, so there is a good chance they won't play their best squad since they need a rest to stay competitive.

I expect a strong lineup from Fulham, but I have this dream of seeing Josh King unleashed and getting a hat trick!

 

I'm off work for the Jimmy carter holiday, so I'm gonna eat some peanuts and enjoy this one.

 

The last score I was able to check was when it was 1-1, beauty of a final scoreline. Cue it James

 

I was a little nervous that things were still even at the halfway point despite being the better team, but Fulham got the job done in the second half. That first strike from Muniz was pretty sweet! I also loved that two defenders scored and Godo got an assist. On to the next round!

 

Good performance. We were dominant in the first 30 minutes and the last 30 minutes.

Sessegnon - not as dominant as Robinson, but no one is. I think we have a strong LB starter if Jedi leaves.

Pereira - so much gossip. Marseille, Palmeiras, etc. With the captain’s armband, Andreas was my MOTM. He’s not on the scoresheet, but he played his best game with respect to work rate and leadership this season. I hope he stays.

King - do not let the kid leave. He could become a Fulham legend.

Loved to see Harrison Reed. We have needed him.

We need more competition at GK. Yes, Lukic fell asleep, but Benda’s feet barely moved. It was a bad, rookie mistake from him. I love Leno, but we need someone closer to his quality to push him. It’ll be hard to get someone, though, because of the challenge involved.

It was fun to watch.

 

One more comment. I find myself feeling sorry for Ryan Sessegnon. The move to the dark side has set him back. But I loved to see him with so much confidence, and I hope he keeps growing.