Pierre Sage and Alvaro Arbeloa could both do with their sides winning to alleviate some pressure when Fulham and Crystal Palace face off on Wednesday evening.
Both sides have endured slow starts to the Premier League campaign and progression to the last eight of the EFL Cup would go some way to appeasing two disgruntled fanbases.
The Cottagers have found form recently in the league, with their sole two wins from their opening eight coming in their last two games.
They have been far from convincing though, a 1-0 win at home to Hull City and success by the same scoreline on the road at Coventry are results the fans and higher ups will expect.
One of Palace's two wins this season came away at Fulham three games into the season and they have only won at home to Nottingham Forest since then.
Sage's men have beaten Lech Poznan in the Europa League since, and convincingly overcame Middlesbrough in the previous round of the EFL Cup.
How to watch Fulham v Crystal Palace, live stream and TV channel
Fulham v Crystal Palace is being broadcast live on Sky Sports+.
Live streaming of the match will also be available via Sky Go and the Sky Sports app.
For fans unable to watch on TV, live commentary can be found on the bet365 sportsbook.
Fulham v Crystal Palace kick-off time, date and venue
Fulham v Crystal Palace will be played at Craven Cottage and kick-off is at 19:45 (GMT) on Wednesday 28th October.
