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Fulham have been drawn to play Sheffield United at Craven Cottage in the Second Round of the Capital One Cup, facing a side known for its giant-killing prowess. The match will take place on Tuesday, August 25 at 7:45 pm. After two matches, the Blades currently sit 12th in League One with three points, while the Whites are in 18th in the Championship.
The last time the two clubs met was in the 2013/14 FA Cup, when the Blades were en route to a place in the semifinals. The Cottagers rescued a late equalizer through Hugo Rodallega to draw 1-1 at Bramall Lane and salvage a replay. The replay was one of the low moments in the 2013/14 relegation campaign, with Sheffield United triumphing 1-0 in extra time courtesy of a truly abysmal effort by the Whites. The match was perfectly summed up by Rodallega shedding tears after being subbed off, distraught at his and the team's dreadful performance. Sheffield United continued all the way to Wembley, where their dream was ended by Hull City in the semifinals. The Blades also made it to the League Cup semifinals last year, losing out to Tottenham, but beating Southampton and West Ham in the process.
It would be an understatement to say that Sheffield United fancies a cup run, but struggles in the league. They are mired in the third tier of English football, yet on their day can go toe to toe with Premier League sides. They beat League Two outfit Morecambe 1-0 to set up a match with Fulham, and have striker Che Adams in good form.
Fulham advanced to the Second Round after a 1-0 away win against Wycombe, with Alexander Kacaniklic grabbing the lone goal. Last season the Cottagers crashed out of the League Cup in embarrassing fashion at home to Derby County. Fulham had fashioned a 2-0 lead and looked set to advance to the quarterfinals, but capitulated in the second half and lost 5-2.
This year, most supporters would prioritize the league and the goal of promotion over the cup competitions. However, a cup run would be brilliant for Fulham fans, who have never seen the club win a major trophy in their history. Let's hope this is our year to finally claim some silverware!