Fulham

Arsenal's title hopes may only be faint but they have still got to try to exert a bit of pressure on Liverpool.

Win this, and they are nine points behind the leaders before Arne Slot's side play again. I want to see Liverpool pushed, and no other result will do.

It won't be easy for Arsenal, though - I was at the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage in December, which finished 1-1, and that was a typical Fulham performance in that they were dangerous on the counter-attack.

They showed that day what a capable side they are, and they have several former Arsenal players in their squad who will want to prove a point again too.

Marco Silva's side had a disappointing defeat at home by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup on Saturday, but they actually played really well in the first half of that game.

It's hard to know where some teams are at form wise, coming out of the international break, and if Arsenal are not at the races then Fulham are going to cause them more problems this time.

I actually think the Gunners will find a way to win this one, though.

Bukayo Saka's return after more than three months out will lift Emirates Stadium even if he starts the game on the bench and, if they need it, he will supply a spark whenever he gets on the pitch.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Read the full predictions and have your say

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal have never lost in 31 home league games against Fulham, winning 24 and drawing seven. It is the most home games one side has played against another without losing in English Football League history.

However, Fulham are unbeaten in their past three league games against Arsenal (W1 D2) and only once have they had a longer run without defeat against the Gunners (four between May 2011 and November 2012).

Arsenal have won all seven of their Premier League games on 1 April by an aggregate score of 25-3. No team has a better 100% win record on a specific date in the competition's history.

Drew Heatley
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

"At least you can concentrate on the league."

That has been the phrase of choice among those consoling me since our capitulation against Crystal Palace in what was by far the biggest game of our season.

Yes, European qualification is still in reach, but this was the FA Cup. This was a chance of Wembley. This was a shot at true glory. This was history.

Moments like Saturday, when we simply failed to rise to the occasion, suck the air right out of you. We were convinced this was our year. We were so invested - then, just like that, we are out of the cup without so much as a whimper.

If the league is our focus now, then we will have to concentrate - hard. We travel to Arsenal on Tuesday before hosting Liverpool on Sunday.

The club cannot win, really. Because even if we somehow take six points from the Premier League's top two, fans will be even more annoyed that we threw away our best chance to win our first major trophy so easily.

But the funny thing is, I can see at least one decent result in those next two fixtures, such is our inconsistency this term. It has turned a campaign that looked at many points to be a history-maker into one that will be remembered with a "what if?"

Tactics play a role, sure. Marco Silva is not infallible, but he is still the second-best manager I have seen in 30 years supporting this club. But the real reason seems to be one of mentality. Chiefly, we struggle with the big occasions, and we take too long to get our heads in the game after a period of inactivity, which in many cases means the international break.

So, maybe we should have seen this result coming. But it does not make it hurt any less.

Yes, it is time to concentrate on the league - hopefully the boys' minds are sharp enough.

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham's Premier League game against Arsenal on Tuesday could see midfielder Emile Smith Rowe make his first appearance at Emirates Stadium since he left the Gunners at the start of this season.

Fulham boss Marco Silva said there have been "some ups and downs" during the 24-year-old's first season at Craven Cottage, adding: "This doesn't surprise us for a player who was not playing enough football for the past two seasons.

"He had a very good impact in the first few months, but after the second international break he was down - December was a difficult month for him. He needs to find the right consistency in his game to perform at a very good level and this is the main thing for us."

Smith Rowe has five goals and two assists in 32 appearances for the Whites, showing flashes of the ability that won him England recognition three seasons ago.

"I don't doubt his talent and quality, but the Premier League demands so many things from you and you always have to be in very good shape and top level physically," Silva said. "This is something we have been working on with Emile.

"It is not going to be because the game is against Arsenal that he is going to have more hunger or not. The season so far from Emile is not about the hunger - it is many aspects.

"I can take many positives from him so far - he has probably played more than 20- 25 games and we have seen an impact in half of them. For a player like him, we are working with him to have more impact in a consistent way."

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport Journalist

Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Premier League game at Arsenal (kick-off 19:45 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Silva provided a squad news update ahead of Tuesday's match: "Right now there is nothing serious - some knocks and tiredness from the game, which is normal."

• On his opponents: "A top side, not just in terms of individual quality but they have a collective quality. They are one of the more physical teams in the league. They like to press really high and are going to create some problems for us, but we have to be brave enough to play our game."

• Fulham could make it four unbeaten against their London rivals: "Our record against them has been very good and it shows that we have been doing good things against them. It's not easy to go three games without losing against a team like Arsenal, a team that are fighting to be champions. We have to be brave and match their physicality."

• He says that Arsenal have a "small advantage" against his side because they didn't play any football last weekend: "It's important for us to play quick [after a defeat], but probably not so quick. A game on a Wednesday is going to make much more sense for us to recover players. But we are here to respect it and prepare as best as we can."

• He was asked about former Gunner Emile Smith-Rowe's impact at Craven Cottage: "He's had some ups and downs which doesn't surprise us for a player that wasn't playing enough football in the past two seasons. He needs to find the right consistency in his game and this is the main thing for us."

Follow all of Monday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Fulham's 3-0 defeat by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Here are some of your comments:

Adam: Dreadful. Should have scored one of the two chances we had early on, Adam Wharton should have been sent off for a second yellow for a stamp and then they scored two in quick succession and it was game over. Palace just seem to have our number, and we can't play against a low block. So disappointing - especially as the atmosphere in the first 30 minutes was the best we've had in years!

Fernando: It's the story of the season - missed opportunities to go in front and then we get punished for not taking those chances. Sad day, but we move on and hope for a strong finish and maybe qualify for a European tour.

Robert: Very poor performance. Real chance of winning the cup but couldn't rise to the occasion. Very disappointing.

Jimbo: Gutted. Carbon copy of the league game, though we were on top before Eberechi Eze's wonder goal. We didn't ever look like scoring and were soft at the back. Very disappointing to limp out of the competition. Felt like a boxing match and losing to the jab, constantly kept at arm's length.

Alan: Disappointing. No one played well except maybe Calvin Bassey and exactly the same playbook as last game vs Palace; a well marshalled defence - our numerous corners were dealt with comfortably - and ruthless on the counter. We lacked creativity and ambition in midfield. Personally, I would have started Ryan Sessegnon.

Malcolm: I hope that result doesn't influence Marco Silva's future.

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to ITV after today's loss: "One game until 25 minutes of the match, we completely dominated and we had three or four dangerous moments around their goal. We should have scored in those moments. You need to be ruthless and clinical.

"They are solid and compact. They set nine players around their box every single time and when we are able to create, we have to score. We didn't and we were not strong in both ends this afternoon."

On Adam Wharton avoiding a second yellow card: "For me it is clear, it's a second yellow card but we are used to these kind of situations. I prefer to say we are unlucky but it has been a long story with us. Of course VAR cannot overturn this decision but you have many eyes inside the pitch, the linesman has all the angles to see it, the fourth official.

"It is a clear second yellow card, definitely. It would have a massive impact on the game but against us it is always more difficult to see. We have been unlucky in these type of situations and let's hope it will be balanced at the end of the season."

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham winger Willian has been speaking after today's defeat: "We are sad because I think we deserved more.

"The first 25 minutes we controlled the game very well, we created chances to score the goal but in two counter attacks we conceded two goals and it became more difficult to keep going.

"We tried after that in the second half to score the goal to push on but unfortunately we didn't do what we wanted because the plan was clear to go to the next stage but unfortunately not today."

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Fulham's performance

What did you make of Crystal Palace's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Crystal Palace won at Craven Cottage at the end of February and it is a ground where they have a decent record - they have not lost there in their past six visits, since 2005.

It is a boost for Palace that Jean-Philippe Mateta is available to lead their attack - he can play wearing a special mask to protect his ear after his injury against Millwall in the fifth round - but we will have to see how much he has been affected by such a horrific challenge.

The Eagles are a well-balanced team who seem to be improving all the time under Oliver Glasner - they have lost only two of their past 14 games.

I have found Fulham hard to predict this season because they have been less reliable than usual at home, but they are still having a strong campaign. They are in the mix for the Champions League places, and are only three points behind fifth-placed Manchester City.

Palace are very strong on the road but they have not played for the past three weeks - their game against Newcastle before the international break was postponed because of the Carabao Cup final.

We often talk about teams needing a rest, but my concern is how that break has affected their momentum.

This is going to be a close game, but I actually fancy Fulham to edge it. Marco Silva's side have got goals in them, and my gut feeling is that they will get through in 90 minutes.

I just hope both managers go for it properly, and don't prioritise next week's midweek Premier League games [Fulham are at Arsenal on Tuesday and Palace travel to Southampton on Wednesday] instead of this tie.

Fulham and Palace have shown this season they have got enough quality in their strongest starting XIs to go all the way in the FA Cup, especially this year when the competition appears so open.

They are both in a great position to finally win a major trophy, so why not try to make history and give their fans something to celebrate?

Palace's only previous cup success was winning the Zenith Data Systems Cup in 1991.

I can imagine their fans enjoyed that day a lot, but lifting the FA Cup would be on a different planet, and the same goes for Fulham, who have not even been in an FA Cup semi-final since 2002.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at home against Crystal Palace (12:15 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Silva confirmed he has no new injuries to report but Reiss Nelson, Harry Wilson and Kenny Tete remain sidelined and will not be fit for Saturday.

• He said the chance to reach Wembley is "normal progression for a club doing the right things", adding: "It shows the progress we have been showing since our first season back in the Premier League. It shows really what we have been doing, not just in terms of performances but changing the mentality of the club and the players in every competition we play. We have changed completely the mindset for these competitions."

• On reaching 500 games in management: "I'm feeling very well. Preparing for a big game for us. Nothing feels really different than the previous one. It's a very nice number to be honest, but it's just another game that is really important. It's been a long journey, a special one. I'm proud of what I've been doing so far but I want much more to come and better things to come as well."

• Asked if he retains the same passion as when he began, Silva said: "Probably even more. I'm more mature and more experienced. I'm the same person and same type of character but more mature than when I started."

• On what he expects from Palace: "They are a physical side, difficult to beat - always with that strong five at the back, two good midfielders with quality and three attackers. The details will make the difference. We have to be ruthless and create clear-cut chances."

• On what it would mean for Fulham fans to reach a first domestic final in 50 years, should they progress through the quarter-finals and semi-finals: "It will be a dream for them. Let's go step by step. We love them to dream but for us it does not make sense to think about the final if we are not strong enough in the quarter-final. We have to be strong enough tomorrow."

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary of Fulham v Crystal Palace at 12:15 on Saturday

Follow all of Friday's FA Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

Premier League clubs have agreed the dates for the summer transfer window.

The window will open early, between Sunday 1 June and Tuesday 10 June, due to an exceptional registration period relating to the Fifa Club World Cup.

It will then reopen on Monday 16 June and close on Monday 1 September.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on what might be going under the radar at Craven Cottage.

Here are some of your comments:

Bill: We must keep Marco Silva and ensure we renew his contract.

Iain: What is and has been missing since Mitro departed is a proven 20+ goals striker. With Mitro still with us, we would probably have been looking at a top four finish.

Matt: Need a 20+ goalscorer to replace Mitro.

Robert: Europe! All the pundits put us down under Spurs and Man Utd. Still have pundits stating we will finish under them even though we are clear of them! Plus FA Cup is very much anyone's to take with the teams left. Bring Europe back to the Cottage!!

Toby: Bernd Leno - he goes under the radar massively. He's been hugely consistent for the last few years and single handedly kept us in games. The FA Cup shootout hero!

Peter: Raul Jimenez is fully rehabilitated, is scoring a lot of goals for his country and never misses a penalty. He certainly deserves a new contract and if we can play to his strengths next season he could again be a top Premier League striker in his twilight years.

Fulham fans have many reasons to be hopeful for the final couple of months in the season, with plenty still to play for.

Marco Silva's side sit eighth in the Premier League and face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup this weekend with the chance of a trip to Wembley up for grabs.

But is there anything slipping under the radar?

What is the one thing - good or bad - nobody is talking about at Fulham?

Let us know here

Image source, Getty Images

This is just the second time Fulham and Crystal Palace have met in the FA Cup, with the Eagles winning a second-round replay 1-0 in February 1907.

Fulham progressed from their first four FA Cup quarter-finals between 1957-58 and 2001-02, but have been eliminated in their four since.

Meanwhile, Palace have progressed from four of their past five FA Cup last-eight ties, only failing in 2018-19 against Watford in this run.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

Looking a little further ahead in England, at least this weekend gives some players a little break. The Premier League takes a rest while the FA Cup quarter-finals top the bill and rarely has there been a more unusual cast list.

Bournemouth, Preston North End, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Brighton are not regulars in FA Cup finals, so it is a great chance for glory.

Not since Forest in 1959 have any of the above won the trophy.‌

Many of the big dogs have gone out already - not because they didn't care, but because they simply weren't good enough.

The FA Cup seems to have its sparkle back and, with a bit of luck, it might even have the first magical fairytale ending we have seen since Wigan in 2013.

Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter

In what has been a fantastic season for Fulham so far, our fan contributor Drew Heatley says it would be "churlish" to pick a player who should be contributing more, but Emile Smith Rowe is perhaps one that fans will hope to see improve going into next season.

Find more from Drew Heatley at Fulhamish, external

With the Premier League top two fairly set in stone and the relegation places all but decided, we asked former England midfielder Fara Williams to pick her final table from third down to 10th.

Nottingham Forest will hang on to third based on what they have built this season in terms of being defensively hard to break down and playing in transitions very well. They are finding ways to win games by playing to their strengths.

I do not think Chelsea are good enough to secure fourth. I have put Manchester City there because they have enough firepower and always seem to finish Premier League seasons really well. They have not been in good form but they have that know-how and still a bit of a fear factor against some of the teams they play.

I have Chelsea in fifth because if Cole Palmer can refind his form they will have a good run of games. Newcastle in sixth - where they currently sit - as I think they will continue on the same trajectory with their run of fixtures.

The rest is really difficult. I have put Bournemouth seventh as their pressing and high-intensity play will see them pick up form again and rise a few places.

I have Aston Villa eighth as their focus will be on the Champions League, then Brighton ninth and Fulham 10th as I do not think their form will improve significantly. They are still impressive finishes.

Having said this, it has never been so close in this area of the table from what I can remember. These teams are likely to finish within one win of each other so much can change on one result.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward

Fulham are firmly in contention to qualify for Europe next season but does their impressive form mean head coach Marco Silva will court more attention for his services?

Former Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer tells The Football News Show why he believes the Cottagers will have plans in place if their manager were to move on.

Watch The Football News Show on iPlayer