Prediction: Draw
Best Odds: 12/5
Bookmaker: bet365
If you’re excited for the return of Premier League football, then we can hardly say we blame you. This looks sets to be one of the most competitive editions of the top flight that we’ve ever seen, and following England’s heroics in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, more eyes than ever will be on the league. Two teams who will be hoping to exceed expectations this season are Fulham and Crystal Palace, as the two London clubs prepare to face off against one another in their season opener this weekend.
Fulham
In terms of newly promoted teams, Wolves have been getting most of the attention, but that doesn’t mean Fulham and Cardiff haven’t been either – especially the Cottagers. They’ve made a series of really impressive additions, and given that they already played some of the best football in the Championship last season, that can only mean good things. From a quality perspective, it feels like they’ve got more to them than Palace but gaining the experience of being dragged down into a top-flight war will do these players the world of good both this weekend and beyond that.
Team News
Sessegnon will have all eyes on him as he attempts to find success in the top flight, whereas Schurrle and Mitrovic will be leading the line for the Cottagers in their new-look attack.
Crystal Palace
Roy Hodgson managed to turn this team around more so than anyone could’ve imagined last season, and now the next task will be for them to maintain that and build off of it. The Eagles made a handful of additions, and they have the kind of squad that can either thrive or fail depending on whether or not they can get off to a good start. A lot of expectations are on Fulham’s shoulders so if they can intimidate them from the word go, then they could be on to an opening day ‘surprise’ of sorts.
Team News
Guaita will attempt to impress as Palace’s new goalkeeping sensation, big things are expected of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Zaha will be viewed as the shining light of the first team once again.
Factors to Consider
- Fulham lead the head to head rankings 17-11 with 15 draws.
- Their last meeting was a 2-2 draw back in May 2014.
- Fulham finished 3rd in the Championship last season.
- Crystal Palace finished 11th in the Premier League last season.
- The game will be played at Craven Cottage.
Conclusion
Both teams will be fairly confident of their chances not only in this game but for the season ahead. They’ve made substantial changes in the summer transfer window and they’ve got the depth necessary to avoid relegation, and with all that in mind, we think we’re going to see something of a goalfest at Craven Cottage to kick off the season. Palace will likely take the lead early, but we think the Cottagers will force their way back into the game with the eventual score being 2-2.
Prediction: Draw
Best Odds: 12/5
Bookmaker: bet365
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