Fulham manager Marco Silva has indicated that newly signed forward Oscar Bobb could earn a spot in the starting lineup for their upcoming FA Cup clash against Stoke City this Sunday. The Cottagers are set to host the Championship side at Craven Cottage, and Silva appears determined to push for a deep run in the competition. However, he plans to rotate his squad, allowing new players opportunities to shine and easing the workload on his regular starters.
One potential casualty of this rotation could be Samuel Chukwueze, who has established himself on the wing since arriving from AC Milan last summer. Chukwueze has made a significant impact, scoring three goals and providing four assists in his 13 appearances for Fulham. Nevertheless, the competition for places in the team’s attack has intensified with Bobb’s recent acquisition, making it necessary for him to maintain peak performance.
Bobb was brought to Fulham for a €31.2 million fee during the closing days of the January transfer window, having found it challenging to secure consistent playing time at Manchester City. Ahead of the match against Stoke City, Silva confirmed that fans could expect adjustments to the starting eleven, highlighting Bobb’s strong performance during training. “We are probably going to have some changes, but we’re looking at this competition very seriously,” Silva noted. When asked if Bobb might start, he said, “Could be, he’s had a good training session this morning. Let’s see.”
For Chukwueze, the emergence of Bobb signals increased pressure to maintain his position. Although he has begun his career at Fulham on solid footing, the presence of a technically gifted and versatile player like Bobb adds a layer of competition that may push him to elevate his game further.
As Fulham goes into the match as heavy favorites, Silva will need to remain cautious of any potential upsets from their opponents. If given the opportunity, Bobb could bring a fresh dynamism to Fulham’s attack, thanks to his ability to maneuver and create challenges in the half-spaces. This could ultimately redefine the team’s offensive strategy and bolster their chances in the tournament.