Fulham Under-21s are in Premier League Cup Semi-Final action on Friday evening (7pm KO) as Hayden Mullins’ side take on Chelsea at Kingsmeadow.
Our journey so far
Our Premier League Cup journey began in September and we kicked it off in some style with a 6-1 win over Brentford. Leicester City and Burnley were our other group stage opponents, with our only defeat coming in a 1-0 loss at the Foxes in January.
We topped our group with three wins, two draws and one defeat. No team scored more goals than Mullins’ side (20) during the groups, while the Young Whites also boasted the best defensive record with just four goals conceded.
That set up a Round of 16 tie with Group H runners-up Middlesbrough. We recorded a hard-fought 2-1 win over Boro thanks to a late penalty from Adrion Pajaziti, after Sonny Finch had cancelled out Lemar Gordon’s opener.
We progressed to the Semi-Final with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the start of the month. Goals from Terrell Works, George Okkas and Callum Osmand set up an SW6 derby Semi-Final tie.
Form
Chelsea: DWWLW
Fulham: WDWWW
Last time out
We claimed a win on the road last weekend with a 3-1 triumph at Newcastle United. High winds made for tough playing conditions in the North East and the game was goalless after 45 minutes.
Delano McCoy-Splatt’s opener was his third goal contribution in as many games, before late strikes from Gordon and Josh King secured three points after Jamie Miley had equalised for the Magpies.
The last time we met
We last locked horns with Chelsea back in November in PL2 action. A 90th minute strike from Luke Harris salvaged the Young Whites a point at Kingsmeadow.
A brace from Chelsea’s Leo Castledine either side of a Callum Osmand strike had given the Blues a first-half lead, before Harris worked some space on the edge of the box and found the bottom corner with a left-footed curler.
McAvoy: Great To Be Back
After returning to the side for the first time in 12 months in last weekend's win at Newcastle, Connor McAvoy is excited to be back as the season reaches its climax.
“I’m so glad to be back," he said. "It’s been a long time coming, a lot of ups and downs and I’ve definitely missed it.
“It’s been all positive during the last few weeks. I’ve been training and feeling good. I played last weekend with no issues at all.
“I’m already feeling a big difference fitness wise. There’s the confidence side of things as well, getting on the ball and playing minutes is vital. Building confidence is the main thing.”
On the challenge that awaits at Kingsmeadow, McAvoy said: “It’s always a good game against Chelsea. The boys know the magnitude of this game and everybody’s been up for it this week.
“All the lads are buzzing for it because we can show how good we are when it matters.”
How to follow along
The game will be free to watch on FFCtv on Friday evening. Gentleman Jim will be providing commentary. Tune in from 6:45pm.
