Fulham will be looking to capitalize on their win over Arsenal when they host Rotherham United in the FA Cup. The Millers are trying to avoid losing in the third round for the sixth time in a row. The Cottagers are trying to improve on their FA Cup quarterfinal performance from the previous season.
Preview (Fulham vs. Rotherham United)
Fulham triumphed over Arsenal on New Year’s Eve in the Premier League. They came back from behind to defeat the Gunners 2-1 at home for the first time since February 2012. Arsenal took an early lead thanks to a goal from Bukayo Saka. However, the Cottagers equalized at the half-hour mark through a goal from Raul Jimenez. Midway through the second half, Bobby De-Cordova Reid scored the game-winning goal. It helped the hosts snap an 11-game losing streak against the Gunners.
The win over Arsenal also put an end to Marco Silva’s team’s three-match losing streak in the top division. They are now just four points behind Chelsea, who are in 10th place and are still in 13th place in the league. They have risen nine points clear of the relegation zone. To advance beyond the third round for the thirteenth time in the previous sixteen seasons, Fulham must first turn their attention to the FA Cup. They will undoubtedly be watching closely for next week’s EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool.
Head coach Leam Richardson led his new Millers team on a three-match unbeaten run in the Championship. This was after losing his first three games in charge of Rotherham. The Millers’ victories came via a narrow 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough and back-to-back 1-1 draws with Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland. On New Year’s Day, at Ewood Park, the South Yorkshire-based team overcame two goals down to salvage a point. Eight minutes from the end, Tom Eaves scored his second goal of the season to even the score. Rotherham (nine) has drawn fewer Championship games than any other team this season, including Coventry and Huddersfield Town (both 10).
Team News
Due to their absence for the Africa Cup of Nations on international duty, Fulham will be missing Senegalese defender Fode Ballo-Toure and Nigerian combo Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi. Although both players hope to play again this month, Tim Ream and Adama Traore are both sidelined as they continue to heal from injuries to their calf and thigh, respectively. Silva is anticipated to rotate his team on Friday in preparation for the EFL Cup semi-final matchup at Liverpool next week. Players like Marek Rodak, Issa Diop, Harrison Reed, Sasa Lukic, and Rodrigo Muniz are all likely to contend for starting positions.
About Rotherham, Grant Hall (hip), Fred Onyedinma (muscle), Andre Green (Achilles), Shane Ferguson (hernia), and Lee Peltier, Tyler Blackett, and Cameron Humphreys are all still out due to hamstring issues. The trio of center backs Morrison, Hakeem Odoffin, and Sebastian Revan are slated to start for Richardson’s team. Dexter Lembikisa and Cohen Bramall will play as the other two wing-backs. With just three goals this season, Jordan Hugill leads Rotherham’s goal scorers. After starting as a substitute in the previous game, the target man will be trying to push his way back into the starting lineup ahead of Sam Nombe or Eaves.
Fulham 2-0 Rotherham United
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