13th-place Fulham and 14th-place Crystal Palace square off in a mid-table Premier League match on Saturday afternoon at Craven Cottage.
The two London teams square up for the first time since their goalless draw at Selhurst Park in September of last year.
Fulham has never appeared to be in danger of dropping out of the Premier League, but a run of three losses in their last four games leaves much to be desired. As a result, Marco Silva’s team is currently having to catch up in order to finish in the top half for the second time in a row.
After losses to Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, the Cottagers triumphed 2-0 against West Ham United, but last weekend’s defeat by Liverpool (1-3) doomed them to their 16th league loss of the season.
Fulham still has a chance to tie their 52-point total from the previous campaign, but they will need to win 10 of their final 4 games to get there. A late push for Europe will be a difficult assignment for the Cottagers, who are now eight points outside of the top seven in the table and just three points below Bournemouth in 10th place.
Fulham will be happy to return to Craven Cottage on Saturday as they have earned 66.7% of their Premier League points at home this season. Despite losing their two games in front of home crowds, Fulham will be looking to avoid losing three straight at home for the first time since a run of six in a row in 2004.
While Silva’s team has won four of the last five London derbies in the top level, as many as their previous 44 prior, Fulham will enjoy their chances of getting a positive result against Crystal Palace, against whom they have not lost in any of their previous four league games.
Unlike Fulham, Crystal Palace is in a positive attitude after winning their past three Premier League games 8-2 overall. Their most recent victory over Newcastle United confirmed their place in the Premier League for a record-tying 12th consecutive season.
Three days after destroying West Ham United 5-2 at Selhurst Park, the Eagles defeated the Magpies 2-0 at home on Wednesday. Jean-Philippe Mateta added two more goals to his season total of 11 Premier League goals, capping his performance against the Hammers.
With four games remaining, Oliver Glasner has successfully guided Crystal Palace to safety. The Eagles are currently 14th in the table and 14 points above the drop zone; a win on Saturday would tie them with Fulham in 13th place. Since taking over as manager in February, Glasner has adapted well to his role as manager.
In their most recent road game, Palace unexpectedly defeated Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield to snap a 10-game losing streak. With four straight victories at Craven Cottage, Palace can head to Fulham on Saturday full of optimism.
WDLLWL is Fulham’s Premier League form.
Premier League form for Crystal Palace is DLLWWW.
TEAM NEWS
The sole injury concern for Fulham is with veteran winger Willian, who was sidelined for last weekend’s loss to Liverpool because of a minor groin issue. Willian will be evaluated before to kickoff versus Palace.
After scoring his first goal for the Cottagers the previous game, Timothy Castagne is anticipated to start at right-back ahead of Kenny Tete, forming a back four with Tosin Adarabioyo, Calvin Bassey, and Antonee Robinson.
Top scorer Rodrigo Muniz leads the line, and Harrison Reed will be vying for a starting spot in midfield ahead of Sasa Lukic. Meanwhile, Harry Wilson and Adama Traore will compete with Alex Iwobi and Bobby De Cordova-Reid for a spot on the wings.
Concerning Crystal Palace, injuries still sideline Sam Johnstone (elbow), Cheick Doucoure (Achilles), Marc Guehi (knee), Jefferson Lerma, Rob Holding (both thigh), and Matheus Franca (groin).
Having missed significant time due to injury this season, Michael Olise started the week as a replacement. However, on Saturday, he may force Jordan Ayew out of the starting lineup.
Although Joel Ward, who recently recovered from an injury, might replace Nathaniel Clyne at right center-back, Glasner is unlikely to make many further changes to his starting eleven.
Fulham line up
Leno, Castagne, Adarabioyo, Bassey, Robinson; Palhinha, Lukic; Iwobi, Pereira, De Cordova-Reid; Muniz might be Fulham’s starting lineup.
Henderson, Ward, Andersen, Richards; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Olise, Eze; Mateta are potential starting positions for Crystal Palace.