Fulham vs Cambridge Prediction: Cottagers to show their class

Fulham entertain Cambridge United at Craven Cottage on Tuesday (19:45 BST, Sky Sports+) for the third round of the Carabao Cup. The Cottagers defeated Bristol City here in the second round, while the visitors beat both Bristol Rovers and Charlton Athletic to book this tie.

Below you will find my Fulham vs Cambridge predictions, featuring the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Fulham are expected to heavily rotate their team for this EFL Cup third-round encounter, with Benjamin Lecomte set to make his second start for the club between the sticks, having featured in the previous round.

Tom Cairney has not started a game in the Premier League but did so against the Robins in round two, and the Scotsman is expected to join Harrison Reed in the engine room.

In defence, Issa Diop could partner Jorge Cuenca, while Kenny Tete and Ryan Sessegnon may continue to operate as the full-backs in Marco Silva's side.

Veteran forward Raul Jimenez is likely to lead the line so that Rodrigo Muniz is well-rested for the Premier League trip to Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Cottagers have no fresh injury concerns heading into Tuesday.

Football Odds

James Brophy is Cambridge's top scorer in League 2 with three goals, and he also has one in this competition. He is set to lead the line for the visitors.

He may be supported by Sullay Kaikai, Adam Mayor and Kylian Kouassi in attack, while Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu and Shane McLoughlin could play in defensive midfield.

The U's also have no injury issues to deal with ahead of this cup tie.

Fulham vs Cambridge Odds

Fulham have won their last three home games in all competitions and they are 1/5 to win this tie in regulation time. They are 7/10 (implied probability of 58.8%) to win to nil, which they managed against Bristol City in the second round.

Cambridge are 16/1 to pull off an upset, while the draw is priced at 6/1.

Fulham are 3/5 to record another clean sheet on home soil.

Fulham to win to nil @ 7/10

With three divisions separating the two sides, the pressure is going to be on Fulham to progress through this tie, but I think they will be able to handle it. As I mentioned earlier, they have won their previous three matches in all competitions at the Cottage, but they are unbeaten in all four, having drawn against Manchester United earlier in the season.

Even with rotation, the Cottagers are likely to have some experienced and talented figures in their side, and they are going to provide Cambridge's defenders a tougher challenge than they are used to.

The U's form has been inconsistent at the start of the season in League 2 but they have performed well in their two cup ties to date. They will need to be at their absolute best if they are to beat Fulham but I think it will be a step too far as the away side.

The hosts have been strong at the Cottage in the first month of the season and I think their good form here will continue. And seeing as they have recorded clean sheets in their previous three victories here, I'm backing them to win to nil.

Raul Jimenez anytime goalscorer @ 4/5

Jimenez heads the anytime goalscorer market for this match at 4/5 and seeing as he is likely to start this contest, you understand why. He may be 34 years of age now but the Mexican still has goals in his locker, and he will pose a huge threat to a defence from the fourth tier of English football.

The striker was on the scoresheet in the second round of the Carabao Cup against Bristol City. It may be his only goal of the season to date, but I fancy him to double his tally on Tuesday as he bids to build up his confidence and force his way back into Fulham's Premier League starting XI.

Offers

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