There's a sobering statistic for starters. Added to the superstition that says Spurs always win the Cup when the year ends in a 1, that they've already nicked 6 points off us this season, and that they ended our dreams of Wembley last seaon in a 5th round replay - how many more reasons do you need to suggest fate is against us?
As a club Fulham do seem to have an Achilles heel in coming up short on the big occasion - defeats in the only two big finals in our history to date, '75 and last May. 2nd best at Villa Park v Chelsea in our one semi final appearance of the last decade, and going back through Cup history we failed four times at the semi-final stage before at last making it to a Wembley Final - in epic fashion - back in 1975.
For followers unaware of this footballing curiosity, Fulham's record of games needed to progress in 1975 can never be topped. In the days before penalty shoot outs Alec Stock's team required 11 games to make that Wembley date with West Ham. I was reminiscing about that campaign earlier this month after a dinner in the Riverside with Les Barrett, John Mitchell, John Lacy, Barry Lloyd and John Fraser from that team.
This nearly but not quite theme has also cast its shadow this season. We've come as close as anyone to beating United, and would have done so had the officials done their job and penalised the assault on Dembele by Vidic. Narrow defeats at Chelsea and Arsenal, Spurs both home and away, then more heartbreak just this week at Anfield, where Torres was made to look ordinary and Liverpool rode their luck.
But, they do say the good teams create their own luck in football, and there's a case for suggesting for some reason Fulham do seem to hit a psychological barrier when it matters. The exception to this perhaps our European adventures last spring. If Hughes can invoke the spirit of the Europa nights for Spurs, we have every chance of putting out one of the big teams. It goes without saying, Fulham fans would relish getting the better of their London rivals.
'Arry intends to play a strong side. But we know that won't include Bale, and what a bonus that is. With two meetings against AC Milan and a derby clash with Arsenal coming up next month, I suspect the Spurs camp won't lose too much sleep should they exit the FA Cup here.
Their priorities will be Europe and pushing for league points, while for Mark the FA Cup is all Fulham can now win. On current form there's little between the sides. Let's hope it's Fulham who get the rub of the green and that we for once do ourselves justice on the day.
Rounding out the month, it appears FFC activity in the transfer market is done. Despite the pressing need for more strike power, and the declared intent to acquire it, I see no names on the horizon. That's not to say enquiries haven't been made. At some point down the line we may learn more. On paper we seem to have enough about us squad wise, though its marginal, while injuries and suspensions can derail the best laid plans at any time.
We must salute Mark Schwarzer's record 88th cap for Australia at the Asian Cup. He returns without a winner's medal, but no blame attached for Japan's winner. Well done to Danny for getting another year on his contract. With younger legs around him Murphy still has something to offer a Fulham side firing on all cylinders, though he may not find himself an automatic starter from next season.
The last word this week goes to our friends on the Kop. We know you don't take kindly to being tagged a rather ordinary mid-table side in decline, but even Fernando's heard the drums now and can't wait to become Drogba's successor at Chelsea - where he might stand a realistic chance of winning medals...
COYW - Let's rock da house Sunday and outsing the Spuds!
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