Watford are unbeaten in six meetings with Fulham, winning three of the last four, their longest-ever streak in the 97-year history of this fixture, with the Cottagers' most-recent home win over the Hornets coming in the FA Cup almost exactly two decades ago.
Fulham vs Watford Preview
Fulham were FA Cup runners-up 50 years ago, reaching a solitary semi-final in the subsequent half century, this coming in 2002, but just how far will they go this time round? Right now, Marco Silva's side are flying-high in the Premier League, currently ninth, despite being held to a disappointing 2-2 draw by Ipswich on Sunday; Raúl Jiménez converting a pair of penalties in West London. This though extended the Cottagers' unbeaten streak to eight matches, achieving this in the top division for the first time since December 2008, albeit six of these games have ended all square, hindering their European aspirations. Nevertheless, given their current mid-table serenity, the Whites can prioritise a cup run, first and foremost seeking to avoid a first third round exit since 2019.
Watford meantime are enduring a third successive season back in the Championship, their longest period outside the top-flight for a decade, currently ninth, just three points below the play-off spots. However, Tom Cleverley's team have suffered three successive defeats, smashed 3-1 by QPR on New Year's Day, before a 2-1 home reverse at the hands of title-chasing Sheffield United on Saturday. Thus, considering the Hornets have changed manager 20 times since December 2013, Cleverley will surely be, at least somewhat, fearful. In FA Cup terms, after reaching the 2019 final, Watford then suffered four successive third round exits, before beating Chesterfield at this stage 12 months ago, before being dumped out by Southampton after a replay in round four. Thus, most expect Fulham will be too strong for their Championship opponents at Craven Cottage.
Fulham vs Watford Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 29.
- Fulham Wins: 10. Draws: 9. Watford Wins: 10.
Fulham Team News
Kenny Tete, Sander Berge, Harrison Reed and Reiss Nelson remain sidelined, while Emile Smith Rowe will be hoping to return, coming off the bench at half time on Sunday, having not started any of the last five due to a slight knock. Marco Silva has switched to a back three for the last three outings, starting with the famous win at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day, but he abandoned that shape at the interval against Ipswich, so will he revert to a back four? Ryan Sessegnon has made only four appearances since rejoining Fulham in the summer but, if Silva does rotate, he, back-up goalkeeper Steven Benda, Jorge Cuenca, Adama Traoré and Rodri Muniz will be amongst those hoping to come in.
Fulham predicted lineup vs Watford: (4-2-3-1): Benda; Castagne, Diop, Cuenca, Sessegnon; Lukić, Cairney, Wilson, Smith Rowe, Traoré; Muniz.
Fulham Player to Watch vs Watford
Rodrigo Muniz has just three goals to his name this season, after bagging ten during the last campaign, albeit his most-recent strike, the stoppage time winner at Chelsea, will never be forgotten, so can he add to his tally?
Fulham vs Watford Prediction
We're forecasting a comfortable Fulham victory; even if the Cottagers do make changes to their team, they should have too much for their Championship visitors: Fulham 3-1 Watford.
Fulham vs Watford FAQs - FA Cup
How to watch Fulham vs Watford FA Cup game on TV channel?
Fulham vs Watford FA Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: ESPN+
- Canada: Sportsnet Now
How to watch Fulham vs Watford FA Cup game on live streaming?
Fulham vs Watford FA Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: ESPN+
- Canada: Sportsnet Now
What is the date and kick-off time for Fulham vs Watford in the FA Cup?
Fulham vs Watford takes place on Thursday 9 January 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (GMT), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PST).