Fulham vs. Bristol City League Cup Preview: Three questions Andy Stockhausen of the Bristol Post

Andy Stockhausen covers Bristol City for the Bristol Post. Who better to ask about the fixture than him?

Cottagers Confidential: Two games against Fulham in a week is probably not anything either set of supporters were looking for. Given that you'll be returning to Craven Cottage on the weekend, do you expect there to be much travelling support for the League Cup game?

Andy Stockhausen: Two trips to West London in the space of three days is hardly an ideal scenario for Robins fans, especially those who have already travelled to Burton, Wycombe, Scunthorpe, Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday this season. Those with a few bob in their pockets could justify a three-day mini-break in the capital, but most will choose to back their team in the Championship fixture on Saturday. Making an evening kick-off 120 miles from home in midweek is not everyone’s cup of tea and I suspect City’s traveling support will number hundreds rather than thousands for the EFL Cup tie. City sold out their allocation at Craven Cottage last season and will again take a large following in the Championship. At least those who visit on Wednesday will know the way should they return at the weekend!

CC: While Fulham have won all their cup games so far, they've been rolling out a lineup with lots of U18 and U23 players. Has Bristol City been doing something similar, or are they using more first teamers? If they had to prioritize one game over the other, would it be the cup or the league match?

AS: Head coach Lee Johnson has rotated his squad so far this season, making several changes for EFL Cup ties against Wycombe Wanderers and Scunthorpe. The Robins have far greater depth in their squad this season following a summer which witnessed the arrival of 13 new signings. In and out of City’s Championship starting eleven so far this term, the likes of Josh Brownhill, Callum O’Dowda, Luke Freeman and Scott Golbourne have all featured in the EFL Cup games. Wednesday’s third round tie could well see England Under-19 defender Taylor Moore and Swedish forward Gustav Engvall, signed from Lens and Gothenburg respectively, make their first team debuts, while right-back Adam Matthews and midfielder Korey Smith have earmarked this fixture for their comebacks following injury. Johnson will want to win the tie and he will select a strong side. But Saturday’s Championship fixture will take precedence and certain key players will be rested.

CC: If there was one player Fulham should watch out for that you expect to play, who would it be?

AS: Tammy Abraham has made an instant impact following his arrival on a season-long loan from Chelsea last month, scoring eight times in 10 outings to move to the top of the Championship goal-scoring charts. A natural finisher, the 18-year-old England youth international is expected to play some part in Wednesday’s tie as City attempt to reach the fourth round for the first time since the turn of the century. Although the Chelsea youngster is not blessed with express pace, he is a strong runner, whose movement off the ball carries him into goal-scoring areas. When presented with the ball in front of goal, his finishing is unerring. Abraham is enjoying life in Bristol, learning quickly and enjoying his football. He scored the winning goals against Wycombe and Scunthorpe in earlier rounds and Fulham have been warned!