Fulham will take on Middlesbrough on Saturday, 10 January, in an FA Cup third-round clash at Craven Cottage.
Marco Silva has made no secret of his desire to try and win silverware for Fulham, but with his contract set to expire in the summer, this season's FA Cup could represent his final chance to do so.
As part of this week's round of FA Cup betting tips, check out our Fulham vs Middlesbrough prediction below.
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Fulham vs Middlesbrough prediction: The hosts to breeze through
Key Stats
- Fulham are unbeaten across their last five matches in all competitions.
- Middlesbrough have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions.
- Both teams have scored in each of Fulham's last three matches.
Correct score prediction: Fulham 2-1 Middlesbrough
Not only are Fulham in a higher division than Middlesbrough, but they are also more likely to take this competition seriously, as Middlesbrough are all-in on trying to secure promotion this season.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Fulham go in as the favourites
- HOME: 3/5 (1.60) – 62.5%
- DRAW: 16/5 (4.20) 23.8%
- AWAY: 4/1 (5.00) – 20%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Fulham vs Middlesbrough odds indicate that there will be no cupset at Craven Cottage. Ladbrokes have given Fulham a 62.5% chance of winning the match on Saturday, while Middlesbrough have been given just a 20% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: A first meeting in four years
Saturday will mark the first time since 2022 that Fulham and Middlesbrough have faced each other on the football field. The Cottagers boast an impressive recent record against Boro, too, with an unbeaten record that stretches seven matches – three wins and four draws.
England Championship 06/04/22
Middlesbrough
Fulham
Fulham preview: Picking up results despite AFCON
Fulham were widely tipped to struggle during the Africa Cup of Nations, but the Cottagers are coping well without Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Calvin Bassey, who remain with Nigeria at the tournament. Fulham are also missing Josh King, Kenny Tete and Rodrigo Muniz due to various injuries.
Predicted lineup: Leno (GK), Diop, Anderson, Cuenca, Castagne, Lukic, Cairney, Robinson, Smith Rowe, Wilson, Jimenez
Last five results
- Fulham 2-1 Chelsea
- Fulham 2-2 Liverpool
- Crystal Palace 1-1 Fulham
- West Ham 0-1 Fulham
- Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Middlesbrough preview: More bad luck for Bangura
Alex Bangura made his long-awaited return to first-team football in December, but a month later, the 26-year-old is facing more time in the treatment room after hobbling off in the early stages of Boro's clash with Southampton on Sunday. George Edmundson, Riley McGree, Darragh Lenihan and Callum Brittain are also ruled out.
Predicted lineup: Brynn (GK), Ayling, Malanda, Targett, Browne, Morris, Hackney, Whittaker, Silvera, Burgzorg, Conway
Last five results
- Middlesbrough 4-0 Southampton
- Derby 1-0 Middlesbrough
- Middlesbrough 0-1 Hull
- Middlesbrough 0-0 Blackburn
- Bristol City 2-0 Middlesbrough
Player to watch: Harry Wilson
Harry Wilson is in the form of his life, and he found the back of the net once again last time out against Chelsea. The Welsh winger is out of contract in the summer, but if he keeps his current levels up, then he won't be short of options.