"I expect a really tough game," says Marco Silva ahead of Ipswich clash
Marco Silva during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Birmingham City and Fulham at St Andrew’s on August 27, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Fulham travel to Ipswich on Saturday for their first away match since their opening day defeat to Manchester United.

The Cottagers have bounced back since that 1-0 loss, with a 2-1 victory over Leicester on matchday two. 

However, Head Coach Marco Silva is expecting a "tough game" against the Tractor Boys, who have two defeats in two so far this season.

Ipswich started their campaign with a 2-0 loss at home to Liverpool, before a 4-1 defeat to Man City a week later.

A tough test

Ipswich unexpectedly returned to the Premier League this season following consecutive promotions from League One and the Championship.

The Tractor Boys have not been in the top flight since 2002, so will be desperate to get some points on the board.

After defeats to two top sides, Silva expects a very difficult match.

He said: "I expect a really tough game.

We are talking about a club with an unbelievable winning mentality from the last two seasons.

"I know what it means to create that winning mentality and the confidence it gives.

"When you are promoted the way they were from League One to the Championship, and then Championship to the Premier League, I have to say that is unbelievable.

"They’ve played two really tough games against Liverpool and Manchester City...

“They made life difficult for Liverpool and they started the game with the right intensity, mentality and doing everything to win the game...

“It’s another chance for them to play at home.

The environment will be the same - really big support for the home side and it’ll be a tough game."

The return of cup football

Fulham faced Ipswich last season in the Carabao Cup and won the game 3-1 at Portman Road.

The Cottagers returned to cup action midweek with a trip to Birmingham, winning 2-0 against the Blues.

A couple of players made their debuts, along with another two who made their second debuts.

Jorge Cuenca and Sander Berge made their first appearances, with Ryan Sessegnon and Joachim Andersen returning to the club.

Silva was pleased with the performance.

He said: "We needed that game in the middle of the week.

“It’s always tough when you change the 11 from one game to the other, but the individual quality was there from almost all of the players.

“Ryan (Sessegnon) is in a different situation.

"He needs these games to get in the right shape.

"It was amazing to see him play 95 minutes in the game.

"His connection with the fans is so crucial for him and it was great to see him on the pitch at the end with zero problems and training again today.

“Joachim (Andersen) doesn’t need those types of games as he was playing at (Crystal) Palace.

"It was important for Jorge (Cuenca) to get his first feeling of English football and Sander (Berge) needs minutes."

The transfer window so far

Fulham have made a few signings since the departures of key players like João Palhinha and Tosin Adarabioyo.

Silva is happy with the window so far but wants more reinforcements.

"The platform and the players that we have inside is crucial to us," he said.

"I'm confident that we can get the last piece and we're doing our best to get the right player in.

"I think we planned really well and us with our board, we have been working really hard to get the players as soon as we can.

"We are pleased because we have a good mix of players, Premier League-proven players with experience as well."

Kick-off is at 3:00 pm on Saturday.