Analysis of Fulham vs Southampton at 19:00 on March 08, FA Cup Round 1/8

Analysis and odds prediction for Fulham vs Southampton at 19:00 on March 08. Forecast of the result, expected lineup, expert analysis of the match between Fulham and Southampton in the FA Cup Round 5.

Match analysis: Fulham vs Southampton

Fulham will host Southampton at Craven Cottage on Sunday evening in this season's FA Cup Round 5. Marco Silva's team secured advancement after a 2-1 victory over Stoke City in the previous round, while Southampton also overcame Leicester City with a similar score after 120 tense minutes.

The 0-1 loss to West Ham earlier this week ended Fulham's three consecutive winning streak across all competitions. However, having already exited the League Cup early and with no major objectives left in the Premier League as they sit mid-table, the FA Cup becomes the most important arena for Fulham to hope for a title this season.

Historically, Fulham have never won the FA Cup; their best achievement was runners-up in 1975 after losing to West Ham. Therefore, the London club certainly sees this as an opportunity to write a new chapter in the history of the world's oldest tournament.

However, Fulham's performance in this round in recent years has not been particularly impressive. Last season they reached the quarter-finals but were heavily defeated 3-0 by Crystal Palace, and that was only the second time in the last 15 seasons that the team progressed to that stage.

A favorable point for Fulham is that this time they only face Southampton – a representative currently playing in the Championship. The home team also has a relatively good head-to-head record, remaining unbeaten in the last four encounters, including a 2-1 victory at St Mary's last season.

On the other hand, Southampton enters the match with very impressive form. Coach Tonda Eckert's team is on a 9-match unbeaten streak across all competitions and has risen to 7th place in the Championship after a difficult start.

In the FA Cup, Southampton is also performing quite well, having defeated Doncaster Rovers 3-2 before overcoming Leicester City 2-1 after extra time to advance to Round 5. In the last 6 seasons, they have participated in this round 5 times, showing considerable consistency in cup competitions.

Nevertheless, Fulham is still rated higher due to squad quality and home advantage. After the loss to West Ham, the Craven Cottage side will certainly be determined to bounce back with a victory to secure a spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals for the second consecutive season. Southampton may pose challenges, but Fulham is predicted to have sufficient capability to win this match.

Squad status: Fulham vs Southampton

Fulham: Kevin is sidelined for the season due to an ankle injury. Harry Wilson's availability is uncertain due to ankle issues; he will undergo a fitness test before the match.

Southampton: Jay Robinson is not yet ready to return from a thigh injury. Mads Roerslev Rasmussen and Welington continue to be absent due to Achilles tendon and muscle injuries.

Expected lineup: Fulham vs Southampton

Fulham: Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Iwobi, Berge; Bobb, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze; Muniz.

Southampton: Peretz; Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Manning; Charles, Bragg; Matsuki, Azaz, Scienza; Larin.

Recent form of Fulham

05/03/2026: Fulham 0-1 West Ham (Premier League)

01/03/2026: Fulham 2-1 Tottenham (Premier League)

22/02/2026: Sunderland 1-3 Fulham (Premier League)

15/02/2026: Stoke 1-2 Fulham (FA Cup)

12/02/2026: Man City 3-0 Fulham (Premier League)

Recent form of Southampton

28/02/2026: Sheffield Wed 1-3 Southampton (Championship)

25/02/2026: Southampton 5-0 QPR (Championship)

21/02/2026: Southampton 1-1 Charlton (Championship)

14/02/2026: Southampton 2-1 Leicester (FA Cup)

11/02/2026: Leicester 3-4 Southampton (Championship)

Recent head-to-head history between Fulham and Southampton

26/04/2025: Southampton 1-2 Fulham (Premier League)

22/12/2024: Fulham 0-0 Southampton (Premier League)

13/05/2023: Southampton 0-2 Fulham (Premier League)

31/12/2022: Fulham 2-1 Southampton (Premier League)

15/05/2021: Southampton 3-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Prediction for the result: Fulham vs Southampton

Fulham has home advantage and superior squad quality compared to the opponent playing in the Championship. Although Southampton is in good form and can certainly score, Fulham is still rated higher in terms of controlling the match.

Predicted score: Fulham 2-1 Southampton