Fulham v Watford
FA Cup Third Round Replay
19 January 2005
Craven Cottage



Fulham manager Chris Coleman has challenged his players to go all the way to The FA Cup Final as they prepare to take on Watford tonight.

Fulham face Watford in a Third Round replay at Craven Cottage and Coleman insists he will be fielding a full-strength side.

He welcomes back Andy Cole after suspension and is urging his players to prove they can win the competition.

He said: "It’s been more anxiety than excitement for our fans this season and this is a chance to give them something to cheer.

"The FA Cup is important. We had a great run last season and got to the quarter-final and the year before that we got to the semis, so The FA Cup has been good for us.

"We take all the cup competitions seriously, but especially The FA Cup. It’s a bit of excitement and it's a chance to get the final. Why can’t it be Fulham?"

Fulham will be without Steed Malbranque for tonight’s game after he was diagnosed with a knee injury that will keep him out for up to a month.

But Fulham will field their best possible side and are boosted by news that Edwin van der Sar is set to agree a new contract.

Coleman added: "We will be taking this game very seriously. If we win then it’s five unbeaten and that’s the longest run we’ve had. It’s very important for us.

"The game will be the same as we played up at Vicarage Road. They won’t come here and be overawed, they’ve shown that when they went to Anfield and gave Liverpool a scare.

"They have already beaten two Premiership teams in the Carling Cup and they gave us a scare as well. We will be fielding our strongest team and we’re expecting a tough game."

The winners of the tie face Derby away in the Fourth Round.

Elsewhere, Boston take on Hartlepool for the right to travel to Griffin Park, Brentford, Premiership side Blackburn will be hoping to prevent another giantkilling when they take on Cardiff at Ewood Park and of course Exeter take on Manchester United at St. James' Park.