Verdict: Over 1.5 goals
Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
With local bragging rights up for grabs on Sunday afternoon, Fulham will welcome Crystal Palace to Craven Cottage.
Fulham
Starting with the hosts, while Fulham might have failed to mount what would have been an iconic comeback in west London earlier in the week, Fulham should take plenty of positives away from a stellar performance at Craven Cottage. Eventually falling to 5-4 loss at the hands of Manchester City, Marco Silva’s men will be hoping to claim an immediate response here. Marking their return from November’s international break with consecutive Premier League victories against Sunderland and Tottenham, the former Everton boss has seen his squad drag themselves away from a looming relegation scrap. Likewise, winning four of their previous six appearances across all competitions, Fulham should also be excited by their overall success on home soil. In fact, Silva’s side have won six of their previous eight showdowns at Craven Cottage – a run that stems back to a 1-1 stalemate against Manchester United on August 24th.
Fulham Team News
Not featuring since the end of September, Fulham will once again be unable to call upon USA international Antonee Robinson on Sunday afternoon. Likewise, dealing with a recent hamstring injury, Brazilian marksman Rodrigo Muniz remains on the sidelines and will not feature here.
Coming off the bench and bagging a pair of consolation strikes against Manchester City earlier in the week, AC Milan loanee Samuel Chukwueze should be handed a full recall. Likewise, given what is a speedy turnaround, skipper Tom Cairney could get some minutes under his belt.
Crystal Palace
As for the visitors, making a welcomed return to winning ways earlier in the week as they secured a 1-0 victory away at relegation scrappers Burnley, Crystal Palace have only continued on a real fairytale. Getting their hands on a maiden FA Cup crown back in May and embarking on a sensational rise under Oliver Glasner’s guidance, the Eagles find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat just one-point adrift of skyrocketing their way into the Champions League spots, Sunday’s guests have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous six meetings against Premier League opposition across all competitions. Likewise, along with winning all of their last three away domestic battles by an aggregate score of 6-0, Palace also stormed their way to a 3-0 romp when they last travelled to Fulham back on March 29th.
Crystal Palace Team News
Missing out away at Burnley earlier in the week and dealing with a reported ankle injury, Crystal Palace are once again expected to be without Senegal international Ismaila Sarr on Sunday. Yet to make a single Premier League appearance so far this season, Cheick Doucoure remains on the sidelines and will not feature.
Notching seven top-flight strikes so far this season and reportedly set to sign a bumper new deal in south London, attacking talisman Jean-Philippe Mateta will lead the line here. Despite making it clear that this will be his final campaign at Selhurst Park, skipper Marc Guehi will start at the back.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace Key Factors to Consider
- When Fulham and Crystal Palace last met at Craven Cottage back on March 29th, the Eagles stormed their way to a stellar 3-0 victory.
- In fact, Palace are unbeaten in all of their previous six straight trips to west London (four wins, two draws).
- The Eagles have won their previous three domestic showdowns away from Selhurst Park by an aggregate score of 6-0.
- Fulham have won have won six of their previous eight showdowns at Craven Cottage – a run that stems back to a 1-1 stalemate against Manchester United on August 24th.
- The Cottagers have seen their previous three matchups in west London produce 13 goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
Watching Fulham play out a remarkable nine-goal thriller against Manchester City earlier in the week, neutrals from across the country will be hoping for a similar affair here. However, watching Crystal Palace storm their way to a stunning 3-0 romp when they last travelled to west London back on March 29th, Glasner’s side hold a stunning record across the capital. It should be highlighted, with Fulham seeing their last three showdowns in Craven Cottage produce 13 goals at both ends of the pitch, we could be treated to an enjoyable battle this weekend.
Verdict: Over 1.5 goals
Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
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