Chris Sutton predicts Leeds United vs Fulham result in FA Cup clash ahead of key Premier League clash with Chelsea
Chris Sutton has predicted Fulham to knock Leeds United out of the FA Cup because Premier League survival is Javi Gracia’s priority.
The Whites recorded a much-needed three points over Southampton on Saturday (25 February) as the new manager’s reign got off to a good start, but will need to back it up with more results in the top flight to ensure safety.
Sutton believes they will be confident in their chances of beating Chelsea next weekend and will be focusing on that game, so expects Marco Silva’s Cottagers to record a comfortable 2-0 cup win on Tuesday (28 February) as they have no such relegation concerns.
In his BBC Sport predictions column he said: “Leeds got the victory they had been waiting for on Saturday, in Javi Gracia’s first game in charge.
“Avoiding relegation is clearly going to be Gracia’s priority from here – they are away at Chelsea on Saturday in their next league match and they will see that as being winnable.
“So, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Gracia rest some of his players and, on that basis, you have to fancy Fulham to progress.
“It doesn’t always work out as simply as that, of course, but Fulham do not have to worry about going down so they can view the FA Cup differently. I’m expecting them to give this a bit more of a go, and they certainly should do.”
Juggling
It is certainly true that given the choice between Premier League survival and a deep run in the FA Cup everyone is going to choose the former at this stage.
Fulham have been impressive this season, so on the strength of the two sides’ form over the course of the campaign they are going to be favourites, but Gracia’s arrival may have changed things.
He won’t want to give up the momentum started at Elland Road on Saturday without a fight, so it would be a surprise if he surrenders the FA Cup tie entirely.
A positive result in West London on Tuesday would be the perfect way to build confidence ahead of another one just down the road on Saturday (4 March), although the Blue half of the area appear to be far less of a challenge currently than the White one.
If only one win is possible then coming away from Stamford Bridge with three points will arguably be worth exiting the cup for, but if Gracia wants to instil a winning mentality he might fight for the next round either way.
On balance Sutton is right that the second trip to the capital in a week will be seen as more “winnable” right now, but neither are impossible assignments if the Whites play up to their full potential.
In other Leeds United news, one unsung hero from the win over Southampton has been hailed as a “weekend wonder”.
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