How Fulham can exploit key Manchester United weak point in FA Cup quarter-final showdown

The Cottagers had been closely depending on Aleksandar Mitrovic as they mounted their push for Europe within the first half of the season. However the Serbian has gone 9 video games with no objective, a run stretching again greater than two months and spanning 746 minutes of soccer.

Whereas Mitrovic has been struggling, different gamers have to come back to the fore. It means Fulham journey to Previous Trafford for his or her FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday assured they’ll pose a risk in opposition to a Manchester United defence nonetheless weak after conceding seven objectives at Anfield two weeks in the past.

Wingers Manor Solomon and Willian have each struck essential objectives in current weeks for Marco Silva’s aspect to assist Fulham of their unlikely push for Europe underneath Marco Silva. Solomon, specifically, has been in scintillating type, scoring in 5 successive matches till Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by Arsenal.

Mitrovic shall be assured he can get pleasure in an aerial battle with United centre-back Lisandro Martinez, but it surely may be in broad areas the place Fulham can take pleasure in most success. Full-backs Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw endured a torrid afternoon within the 7-0 loss in opposition to Liverpool and exploiting area on the break ought to go well with Solomon and Willian completely.

Joao Palhinha additionally chipped in with a objective within the win over Leeds within the earlier spherical, and he returns from suspension within the FA Cup.

His availability is a lift for Fulham, who badly missed the midfielder in opposition to Arsenal and are bidding to succeed in their first semi-final since their run to the Europa League Ultimate in 2010. Andreas Pereira will return to Previous Trafford for the primary time since leaving United for Fulham final summer season, and believes his new workforce could cause an upset.

“I’ll have combined feelings,” mentioned Pereira. “It’s a tough sport, however I’m pleased to play in opposition to them. It is going to be my first time again and feeling that ambiance. I’ve by no means been there as a customer, so it is going to be one thing new.

“They’ve plenty of confidence. They’re enjoying very well, however typically while you’re that assured it’s not good as effectively. We all know we have now to work very laborious to win in opposition to them, however we are going to do all the pieces and attempt to play the right sport.

“I’m feeling at dwelling right here and it’s been nice up to now. After I first got here right here they instructed me that yearly within the Premier League they might go down. The principle goal was to remain within the Premier League, however I spoke with the supervisor and he instructed me what he wished to realize and the best way he wished to play.

“He was very formidable and I actually preferred that. After we had been 5 video games into the season, we realised we might do one thing nice with the workforce and it has been wonderful.”