Fulham vs Crystal Palace
On Saturday afternoon, 13th-placed Fulham will face 14th-placed Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage in a Premier League mid-table clash.
The two London clubs will meet for the first time since their goalless draw at Selhurst Park in September of last year.
Match Preview
Although Fulham have never appeared to be in danger of relegation this season, a sequence of three defeats in their past four Premier League games leaves nothing to be desired, and Marco Silva's team is now playing catch-up in their quest for a second consecutive top-half finish.
Defeats to Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United were followed by a 2-0 success against West Ham United, but the Cottagers suffered their 16th league defeat of the season (1-3) at the hands of Liverpool last weekend.
Fulham are still in with a chance of matching their 52-point total from last season, but they will need 10 points from their remaining four games to do it. The Cottagers are currently 13th in the table, three points behind Bournemouth in 10th, and eight points behind the top seven, making a late push for Europe a tall job.
Fulham will be pleased to return to Craven Cottage on Saturday, as they have collected 66.7% of their Premier League points at home this season, despite losing their last two matches in front of their own fans, and will be looking to avoid three home losses in a row for the first time since a run of six in May 2021.
Fulham will enjoy their chances of getting a positive result against Crystal Palace, who they have not lost to in any of their previous four league games, while Silva's side has won four of their past five London derbies in the top division, as many as their previous 44.
In contrast to Fulham, Crystal Palace is in a good mood, having won each of their last three Premier League games by an aggregate score of 8-2, with their most recent victory over Newcastle United confirming their Premier League status for a club record 12th consecutive season.
Three days after defeating West Ham United 5-2 at Selhurst Park, the Eagles returned home and defeated Newcastle United 2-0 on Wednesday, with Jean-Philippe Mateta adding two more goals to his Premier League tally for the season.
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.
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).
Due to a knee injury, Eberechi Eze is doubtful, according to Glasner. However, Michael Olise, who started as a substitute in midweek, is expected to start and may replace Eze in the attack.
The Eagles manager is not expected to make many more changes to his starting lineup, if any at all. However, Joel Ward, who recently returned from injury, might replace Nathaniel Clyne at right center-back.
Possible starting lineup:
Fullham
Leno, Castagne, Adarabioyo, Bassey, Robinson, Palhinha, Lukic, Iwobi, Pereira, De Cordova-Reid, Muniz
Crystal Palace
Henderson, Ward, Andersen, Richards; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell, Olise, Ayew; Mateta