Craven Cottage will play host to an FA Cup fourth round replay on Tuesday night, as Fulham look to overcome Sunderland to progress to the fifth round.
After meeting a week ago, Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher were unable to salvage victory in the bore draw. While Fulham’s youthful duo of Cauley Woodrow and Moussa Dembele proved a threat, neither goalkeeper was truly tested at the Stadium of Light – where Sunderland remain unbeaten this calendar year.
However, the hosts were hampered with the 66th minute dismissal of Jack Rodwell, meaning the Black Cats may pose a greater attacking threat with 11 men on the field on Tuesday.
Sunderland will head into the fixture following a 2-0 victory over Burnley, with Defoe and Connor Wickham finding the net. Nevertheless, Gus Poyet’s side has somewhat struggled in front of goal previously, having scored just seven goals in their last six matches across all competitions.
After Saturday’s triumph – their first league victory since 21st December – the North-East outfit will be in high spirits, added to by their previous history on trips to Craven Cottage, securing 4-1 and 3-1 wins in their last two visits.
The new hosts failed to secure their third consecutive league victory after falling at Ewood Park; after Blackburn Rovers inflicted a 2-1 defeat on Kit Symons’ side.
The former youth team manager required a replay and a penalty shootout to progress from the third round, in a tense 210 minutes with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Held to a draw in the first fixture, the return leg also bought a stalemate in a 3-3 draw over two hours. Finally clinching a fourth-round draw in a gripping penalty shootout, Fulham will be hoping they can secure a slightly easier win this time round.
Bryan Ruiz could return to the starting line-up for the replay, featuring alongside Woodrow, while Defoe is expected to remain the target man for Sunderland after his impressive weekend display.
Fulham forward Ross McCormack commented ahead of the game, saying: "It would be great to go through. It's a good chance at Craven Cottage, where we've proved we can beat anyone - we can blow teams away and we'll definitely be looking to do that."
The winner will progress to face Bradford City in the FA Cup fifth round.