🏏 Sun, 15 Feb 2026 14:00 GMT
Stoke City
vs
Fulham FC
3-4-1-2 vs 4-2-3-1
Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- An FA Cup third-round tie in which Championship side Stoke City host Premier League outfit Fulham. With one division between them, it is a chance for Stoke to claim the scalp of a top-flight side.
- Japanese midfielder Tatsuki Seko is named in Stoke's starting line-up. A defensive midfielder who joined from Kawasaki Frontale, his hallmarks are the tempo control and distribution that have drawn comparisons to Pirlo. How well Seko can control the game against Fulham's midfield is one to watch.
- South Korea international Bae Jun-ho plays in the hole for Stoke. The Asian talisman wearing the No.10 shirt boasts a passing range that uses both feet skilfully and the dribbling to beat his man. Watch whether his East Asian partnership with Seko can make its presence felt in midfield.
- Even with a cup-tie line-up, Fulham start Premier League regulars in Rodrigo Muniz, Alex Iwobi and Harrison Reed. Muniz's runs in behind, in particular, will be a threat to Stoke's back three.
- Fulham's bench includes Emile Smith Rowe, Raul Jimenez and Sander Berge. They are well stocked to raise the gears in the second half with substitutions, so Stoke will want to take a lead in the first half.
- In the matchup between Stoke's 3-4-1-2 and Fulham's 4-2-3-1, the space between Stoke's wing-backs and Fulham's full-backs is key. The duel between Eric Bocat on the left and Timothy Castagne on the right is a point that will sway the balance of attack and defence.
- Stoke field 17-year-old Tommy Simkin in goal. For the young keeper, facing a Premier League side will be a big experience. Fulham start Benjamin Lecomte, resting first-choice keeper Leno.
- Stoke reached the FA Cup final in 2011 and are traditionally a club that performs in cup competitions. With the atmosphere of the home bet365 Stadium on their side, they look to pull off an upset.