Does Fulham’s line-up v Wolves mean we are prioritising the cup?

When we released our line-up on Tuesday, it was clear that some players were given a much-needed rest, however five changes was an audacious move by Silva, albeit one that ultimately proved successful. This does, however, bring about the question: what is our line-up going to look like at Old Trafford on Sunday?

Tuesday’s XI

Issa Diop, Jorge Cuenca, Ryan Sessegnon, Andreas Pereira and Rodrigo Muniz were all introduced to the starting XI, providing those fresh legs that were needed following the dismal defeat against Crystal Palace. It can be said that those players mostly took their chances, with the goals coming from Muniz after an early strike that all Fulham fans particularly enjoyed from Ryan Sessegnon. Jorge Cuenca seems to have been a solid addition in his brief cameos for the Whites, while Diop looks to have picked up where he left off in his last consistent run in the side. Meanwhile Andreas Pereira looked energised following his return to the team.

The conundrum

Often when a manager rests five or more players, he does that with an eye to bringing them back into the side for the next game, possibly indicating that Silva is looking to bring the likes of Robinson, Iwobi and Bassey back into the side for the trip to Old Trafford. This indicates that he is also relishing the opportunity for progress in the FA Cup, with multiple big sides already out of the competition.

However, the players brought into the side for the Wolves game have all staked their claim for a start, providing Silva with some careful decisions to make before the tie. Some of these decisions will be easier than others. With potential for Emile Smith Rowe to still be sidelined, Andreas Pereira may retain his place in the side, and with Muniz hitting scoring form this month Silva could look to bring the Brazilian back into the team.

Looking ahead

Ultimately, if Silva changed the line-up at Wolves with an eye towards fielding a stronger side at Old Trafford, this decision could indicate Silva wants to progress further in the cup, a move that can fill Fulham fans with hope, if we avoid the heartache that we have suffered so often against United.

However, players obviously can play their way into contention for a consistent run in the side, and we can potentially expect to see one or two of the fresh starters from the Wolves game starting in the FA Cup.