Marco Silva: Fulham are targeting the Carabao Cup final

The Cottagers head to Portman Road on Wednesday looking to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

After edging past Tottenham on penalties in their opening tie, Fulham then saw off Norwich 2-1 at Craven Cottage.

Silva is expected to again freshen up his side as Fulham look to take another step towards Wembley.

"Since I arrived, the aim is clear - any game is there for us to play to win," said Silva, who took Fulham to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup last season.

"People ask why a manager didn't respect the competition if they make seven or eight changes, I understand the question, but we have a squad with more than 20 players and everybody deserves a chance to play - we have been rotating even in the Premier League.

"I am looking to be consistent as well and give players a chance to show their quality.

Silva added at his pre-match press conference: "This is a different competition, probably a competition that can give us a chance to get something special, which is to play at Wembley and we are fighting for it.

"We have shown our ambition from the first game in the Carabao Cup this season and I am sure that we are going to see that same fighting spirit that we are going to have to display to beat Ipswich."

Kieran McKenna's well-drilled side are second in the Championship, nine points clear of third with a match in hand as they continue to impress following promotion last season.

The Tractor Boys fought back from 2-0 down to beat Wolves in the last round and Silva knows just what challenge awaits at Portman Road.

"The way they have been playing, not just the results they have been achieving, has been great for the football club. The way they have been doing it has been really impressive," said Silva.

"All credit to Kieran and his staff because it is not easy. I know very well what it means to be consistent in a competition like the Championship and they have been showing this.

"Even in the Carabao Cup they have beaten a Premier League club in the last round. They have shown their qualities and their confidence is as high as possible.

"It is going to be tough for us, but our run in the Carabao Cup has been really good.

"We have had two very different games against Tottenham and Norwich, in which we did well. We want to keep in the competition and will have to do our best to go through."

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