please log in to view this image FULHAM v WATFORD please log in to view this image Craven Cottage please log in to view this image FA Cup 3rd round Thursday, January 9th 2025 Kick Off : 1945 GMT please log in to view this image The 3rd round of the FA Cup is held on the first Saturday in January each year, when the teams from the Premiership and Championship join the survivors from the qualifying rounds and the two earlier rounds. That's except when a Saturday becomes a Thursday, or any other day of the week that suits the TV schedules, and the half a dozen clubs who are more interested in the big money that can be earned in Europe. No doubt, the owners of Bromley will be delighted with the expected revenue from a trip to Newcastle, but how many fans will fancy that trip on a Sunday afternoon? What was the major trophy that every club, often starting in August for some, wanted to win? The FA Cup. The magic of the FA Cup sadly has had the magic removed with no replays and second-string teams playing as it is more important to have your first team players available for the next game in the crazy schedule that now exists. If too many games are trying to be fitted into a season at the expense of this competition, then do what they have in France, and reduce all divisions to 18 teams. You may not agree, but I feel better for that. please log in to view this image Fulham managed to rescue a point at home against Ipswich Town over the weekend but this was a game the Cottages would have been expecting to win. The Tractor Boys went in at the break a goal up but a penalty from Raul Jimenez got Fulham back onto level terms in the 69th minute. Ipswich restored their one-goal advantage moments later via a penalty of their own only for Fulham to be awarded another spot kick which Jimenez converted in stoppage time to secure a 2-2 draw for the home side. Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, Harrison Reed and Sander Berge make up the list of injury concerns for Marko Silva ahead of the Watford game. please log in to view this image Watford suffered a third straight defeat on Saturday when they played host to Sheffield United in the Championship. The Blades took the lead in the 13th minute and although Jeremy Ngakia made it 1-1 before the break, Watford conceded the only goal of the second half to lose the match 2-1. Goalkeeper Dan Bachman is now a long term absentee. Our Officials Referee: Matthew Donohue please log in to view this image Assistant referees: Paul Hodskinson and James WilsonFourth official: Gavin Ward
One of only three cup games that night, and as far as I can see only two are being televised - the other two. It is on Radio 5 Live, which I've never been able to get up here.
I'm going to the game, mainly because it's in London so easy to get to after work. Not expecting much as Fulham are in such good form, but it's the FA Cup, so who knows?! Last time I was there was for that epic 5-0 win.
I am sure millions across the world will be watching which I presume why they have picked this game ?
It would seem that my comments at the top of this thread are being echoed by others. https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/s...stations-globally-showing-watford-fa-cup-tie/ I do feel that one EricSreele nails it. To what level will the football authorities in cahoots with TV companies drop until the fans don't turn up. We are all mugs in this cashcow of a game."
I know we couldn't play the game on Saturday because Chelsea are also at home on Saturday. What I don't understand is why Chelsea v Morecombe wasn't moved for TV instead of us (seems like a more obvious candidate given the bigger fanbase of Chelsea and a bigger upset story if Morecombe were to win).
Dunno about the team, but I reckon the result will be in the ball-park. 4-0, alas. Hope I'm as wrong as I usually am...
BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton has made his predictions for all 32 games and given his verdict on who will make it into round four. For this week's matches he is up against actor and musician Billy Bob Thornton, who is a Liverpool fan. View attachment 346216 Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra. Fulham boss Marco Silva left Watford under a bit of a cloud in 2018, so it will be interesting to see what sort of reception he gets from their travelling fans. Watford had been going pretty well under Tom Cleverley but three successive defeats have halted their progress a bit. Fulham have had a great season so far, and they have a lovely balance about the way they play. It would be great for them to have a cup run to go with their impressive league form, and hopefully Silva will be thinking that they should have a real go at the FA Cup, because they can beat anyone on their day. As long as they go full strength, or close enough to it, they should get through this tie. That's my thinking for most Premier League sides facing lower league sides in the third round, but of course that is not always the case. Sutton's prediction: 3-1 Billy's prediction: 2-0
