Roy Hodgson will be hoping to avoid a slip-up against struggling League One side Bristol Rovers.
Cottagers facing Pirates test
Roy Hodgson will be hoping to avoid a slip-up in the FA Cup third round when Fulham welcome struggling League One side Bristol Rovers to Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Fulham's disastrous recent form has seen them slip to 19th in the Premier League after no wins in their last nine games and only one in their last 18 in all competitions.
The Cottagers lost 4-0 away at Spurs in the fifth round last season, but do generally have a decent record in the competition.
They have managed to safely navigate the third round in five of the last six seasons, with a shock 2-1 defeat to Leyton Orient in 2006 the only time they have come unstuck.
Fulham will also be hoping that new manager Hodgson will be able to replicate the tactical skills he showed during his time at Malmo which saw him lift two Swedish cups during the 1980s.
Bristol Rovers have already seen off Leyton Orient and Rushden & Diamonds in this year's competition, and made the fourth round in 2007 for the first time in five years before losing out to Derby.
The Pirates secured promotion via the play-offs at the end of last season but have struggled with life in League One this term and currently sit 19th, just three points above the drop zone.
They have won their last two games, though, and did beat Fulham 2-1 the last time the two sides met in the cup at Craven Cottage back in 1970.
No risks
Fulham will be without long-term absentees Philippe Christanval (knee), Ian Pearce (calf) and Brian McBride (knee).
Jimmy Bullard, Aaron Hughes and Lee Cook are all close to a return but Hodgson may decide not to risk them in order to guarantee their availability for upcoming league games.
Skipper suspended
Bristol Rovers captain Stuart Campbell will miss the game through suspension and striker Sean Rigg is not expected to recover from a hamstring injury in time.
Paul Trollope will also have to make do without the services of defender Bryan Anthony (foot) and midfielder Ryan Green (jaw).
