Fulham will need to "prove our quality" against Southampton in the FA Cup, says boss Marco Silva.
The Cottagers host the in-form south coast side in the fifth round of the cup on Sunday lunchtime and know they will need to be at their best level to ensure their progression to the quarter finals.
Saints were 21st in the Championship when manager Tonda Eckert took over early in November following the sacking of Will Still, but a run of six wins in their past eight has seen them climb to one place outside the play-off places.
"They have been reacting very, very well, definitely," said Silva.
"You see their recent form – not so recent, because it's been already, I think, nine games unbeaten – most of them getting the three points.
"And, of course, where they came from, in a bad position in the table, right now to be around the play-off positions shows they are in a good moment.
"They are in a moment when they can win football matches in a row. That is important and, for sure, gives them the confidence they are going in the right direction.
"They want to come to Craven Cottage to show their quality. It's up to us to be at our best level and to prove our quality, and to prove why we want to be in the next round of the FA Cup."
Listen to full commentary of Fulham v Southampton at 12:00 on Sunday on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2 and BBC Sounds
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