Crystal Palace play Fulham next in the Carabao Cup for a place in the quarter finals.
Crystal Palace have struggled to get results and Pierre Sage is under pressure of his own to get a result. He has been reportedly given time till the Tottenham game to rescue his job at Crystal Palace.
Fulham, away at Craven Cottage is the first hurdle for Pierre Sage.
Alvaro Arbeloa expects Crystal Palace to pose a serious threat when Fulham host their London rivals in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, despite the Eagles’ recent struggles.
Palace have endured a difficult spell, but Arbeloa believes the cup gives Pierre Sage’s side a chance to put their problems behind them and reach the next round. Fulham, meanwhile, are determined to make home advantage count after losing to Palace in their previous meeting.
Alvaro Arbeloa is not expecting an easy evening.
Alvaro Arbeloa expects a strong Crystal Palace response
Speaking ahead of the game, the Fulham boss said Palace would see the fixture as an opportunity to get back on track, making them dangerous opponents despite their recent results.
“Well, you know what, when you are not in your best moment, every game is an opportunity, and I think they will come here thinking about a good opportunity to win a game, to win a cup game, to be in the next round,” Arbeloa said.
“So, for them, it’s a good opportunity, and of course they will come with desire, with the same desire like us.
“But we are thinking in ourselves and what we have to do against a very good team that obviously has very good players.
“We will see tomorrow; it’s another London derby, and maybe a revenge for us because we want to win the game that we lost some weeks ago. We are thinking that tomorrow is going to be difficult.”
Fulham boss wants strongest team available
Arbeloa also made it clear that Fulham are taking the tie seriously, despite having another fixture coming up just three days later.
“I expect to put the strongest team possible tomorrow,” he added.
“Obviously, we played three days ago, and we have another match in three days, but I am thinking about winning this game. Only thinking about that.”
“For me, this cup is really important,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to reach a final – three more games; we are not far.
“We are playing at home, against a team that, like I said before, beat us some weeks ago, so I am thinking about the best XI that I can put on the pitch.
“Tomorrow is an important game for us. It’s like a final; we know that.
“Important game for us because we want to be there, and yes, we are ready for another battle.”
Catch the Fulham vs Crystal Palace preview including team news, form and where to watch.
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