Marco Silva is set to ring the changes for the first time this season in Fulham’s League Cup second round tie at Crawley Town tomorrow night.
With the squad still on a high after Saturday’s dramatic win over Brentford and with another London derby ahead at Arsenal on Saturday, the Whites are likely to field an experimental side for their first competitive game against Crawley, managed by former Fulham winger Kevin Betsy. There should be a first appearance for Issa Diop since his move from West Ham earlier this month, whilst Shane Duffy and Kevin Mbabu – both substitutes at the weekend – could start in a new-look back four.
Silva’s side should also include several of the club’s promising academy graduates. Jay Stansfield should keep his place after an impressive first Premier League start against the Bees, although the teenager could lead the line rather than operate from the right flank. Luke Harris, the 17 year-old attacking midfielder who has been on the bench for two of the senior side’s first three league matches, is also in line for a debut after starring for Fulham’s under 23s and under 21s in recent seasons.
The Fulham head coach said this afternoon:
“The Carabao Cup is really important, the FA Cup even more important in this country and for us as well. The Premier League is the top competition for us. But if you ask me if I would like to have a very good run in this competition, definitely yes.
Sometimes people are confused that you say that the game is really important and you change several players. [It is] because you have other things to prepare [for], you have some players to give minutes to, because we want them at their best.”
