Overview
Fulham are on a 7-match unbeaten run and have lost just one of their last 11 Premier League games. During that unbeaten run, Fulham have faced formidable opponents such as Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea and have not lost a single match. Coach Marco Silva's team even beat Chelsea away from home.
Overall, Fulham have generally performed well against the Premier League's "big boys" this season. However, they have not performed well against opponents of equal or lower ability.
Fulham were held to a draw by bottom-placed Southampton, lost 1-4 to Wolves and shared points with Ipswich in the first leg. That is why Fulham have had 8 draws this season, the second most in the league, equal to Crystal Palace and Everton, only behind Brighton. Against opponents who actively retreat, they often get stuck because they cannot organize quick attacks.
As for Ipswich, they just created a surprise when they defeated Chelsea 2-0. However, the ability of coach Kieran McKenna's team is still quite limited compared to the general level of the tournament. The 18th position at the moment reflects Ipswich's true strength.
They rely heavily on Delap and Hutchinson to create chances, but against a well-organised and in-form Fulham side, their individual efforts are unlikely to produce a surprise at Craven Cottage.
Fulham have won six of their last seven games against Ipswich in all competitions, but the only draw between the two sides in that time came in the reverse fixture this season.
Human resources situation
Fulham will once again be without injured trio Harrison Reed, Kenny Tete and Reiss Nelson. Emile Smith Rowe could return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench against Bournemouth.
On the other side of the front line, Ipswich coach McKenna will probably continue to use the squad that defeated Chelsea.
Expected lineup:
Fulham: Leno, Castagne, Diop, Andersen, Bassey, Traore, Smith-Rowe, Lukic, Iwobi, Robinson, Jimenez.
Ipswich: Muric, O'Shea, Greaves, Woolfenden, Davis, Morsy, Cajuste, Burns, Hutchinson, Broadhead, Delap.
The match between Fulham and Ipswich takes place at 9:00 p.m. on January 5 (Vietnam time).
