Fulham have really turned the corner since the new year and I think they can cause Tottenham problems in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Cottagers, despite an unfortunate 1-0 defeat at Anfield last time out, have risen the table with a string of fine performances in recent weeks and they have certainly found their scoring touch.
Up to fifteenth place in the top flight, Fulham’s Premier League form has been good and finding the net at Craven Cottage has not been a problem.
Eleven goals in their previous three matches in west London, in defeating West Brom, Stoke and Peterborough, the latter victory setting up Sunday’s clash, will have encouraged manager Mark Hughes and I get the impression Fulham will enjoy a productive second half of the season.
Having experienced such a terrific run to the Europa League final last season under Roy Hodgson, the Fulham playing staff clearly relish the unique atmosphere of knockout football and they boast a decent FA Cup pedigree of late, too.
Two consecutive quarterfinal appearances in the famous competition bodes well for Fulham fans and they’ll be looking for revenge for two narrow defeats so far this season at the hands of Sunday’s opponents.
A 2-1 victory for Harry Redknapp’s team in the corresponding Premier League fixture back in October was thanks to a second-half Tom Huddlestone strike but it was Gareth Bale that caused the hosts most trouble that afternoon and crucially the Welsh winger is ruled out with injury this time around.
Bale is sidelined with a back strain and while Spurs undoubtedly have the depth of squad for him to be adequately replaced, Bale has been a revelation this season and his absence will boost Hughes’ men.
In what was a fairly uninspiring fourth round draw, this was probably just about the pick of the ties and it shouldn’t disappoint. With Andrew Johnson back from a long-term injury to lead Fulham’s attack, both sides are better going forward than they are defensively and goalmouth action should not be in short supply.
At a little over 3.00 to win the match, Fulham aren’t quite big enough for me to get involved but the 2.25 with Boylesports about them in the draw no bet market appeals and a replay at White Hart Lane looks possible.
We’ll get our stake back in that eventuality but Spurs have won just three of their previous 13 away matches and Fulham will fancy their chances of causing an upset.
3pts Back Fulham (Draw no Bet, vs. Tottenham) @ 2.25 (Boylesports)