Fulham vs Crystal Palace Preview
- Draw
- Both teams to score
London bragging rights are on the line as Fulham host Crystal Palace in an intriguing Premier League clash at Craven Cottage.
Fulham are quietly putting together a strong season, going unbeaten in 13 of their last 15 games and now aiming for three straight league wins for the first time since January 2023.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are enjoying a remarkable run of away form, going eight unbeaten on the road (W5, D3) and winning their last three away matches by a 2-0 scoreline.
However, their defeat to Everton last weekend has raised questions about their ability to break into the top half of the table.
Fulham: Under-the-Radar Contenders
Despite being overshadowed by Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, Fulham have quietly enjoyed a superb season. They are unbeaten in their last five matches (W4, D1), with their last three victories all finishing 2-1, including a huge win against Forest last weekend.
Why Fulham Fans Are Optimistic
- Only two defeats in their last 15 competitive matches (W7, D6, L2).
- Seven-match unbeaten run in home London derbies (W4, D3).
- Scored exactly two goals in each of their last three league wins.
Their home form has been solid but not spectacular, with just one win in their last six at Craven Cottage (W1, D4, L1). This could be a concern, but their ability to grind out results against strong opposition should give them confidence.
Recent Form (Last Five Matches in All Competitions)
- Premier League: Fulham 2-1 Nottingham Forest – W
- FA Cup: Wigan 1-2 Fulham – W
- Premier League: Newcastle 1-2 Fulham – W
- Premier League: Fulham 1-1 Bournemouth – D
- Premier League: Southampton 0-2 Fulham – W
Key Player: Antonee Robinson
- Premier League’s top assist provider among defenders (10 assists).
- One more assist will equal his total across the last four seasons combined!
- A constant attacking threat down the left flank.
Crystal Palace: A Formidable Away Side
After last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat to Everton, Palace will welcome another away fixture, given their impressive form on the road.
They are unbeaten in eight consecutive away league matches (W5, D3) and are now targeting four successive away league wins for the first time in Premier League history.
Why Palace Fans Are Hopeful
- Unbeaten in their last eight away league matches (W5, D3).
- Three consecutive away wins, all by a 2-0 scoreline.
- Ended a 13-match winless run in London derbies with a 2-0 win at West Ham.
However, history isn’t on Palace’s side, as they are trying to avoid suffering a league double to Fulham for the first time since 2000/01.
Recent Form (Last Five Matches in All Competitions)
- Premier League: Crystal Palace 1-2 Everton – L
- Premier League: West Ham 0-2 Crystal Palace – W
- Premier League: Crystal Palace 2-0 Ipswich – W
- FA Cup: Brentford 0-3 Crystal Palace – W
- Premier League: Chelsea 2-0 Crystal Palace – L
Key Player: Jean-Philippe Mateta
- Has scored in three successive away league games.
- Could become the first Palace player to score in four straight away PL matches.
- Vital to Palace’s attacking threat, especially on counter-attacks.
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Meetings)
|
Date |
Match |
Result |
|
23/12/23 |
Crystal Palace 0-1 Fulham |
Fulham Win |
|
20/05/23 |
Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace |
Draw |
|
26/12/22 |
Crystal Palace 0-3 Fulham |
Fulham Win |
|
28/02/21 |
Crystal Palace 0-0 Fulham |
Draw |
|
24/10/20 |
Fulham 1-2 Crystal Palace |
Palace Win |
Key Trends
- Four of the last six meetings have ended in a draw.
- Palace have failed to score in three of the last five H2Hs.
- Fulham won the reverse fixture 1-0 in December.
Tactical Insights
Fulham’s Approach
- Maintain control in midfield and dictate the tempo.
- Utilize Robinson’s overlapping runs to create chances from the left flank.
- Press high up the pitch to force Palace into mistakes.
Crystal Palace’s Approach
- Defend deep and play on the counter-attack.
- Use Mateta’s physicality to trouble Fulham’s defenders.
- Target set-pieces as a key goal-scoring opportunity.
Match Prediction
Both teams are in strong form, but Fulham’s slightly superior home record in London derbies and recent winning streak could make the difference. However, Palace’s away resilience and Mateta’s goal-scoring run on the road suggest this will be a very tight game.
Final Score Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Crystal Palace
- Both teams to score.
- Mateta to continue his goal-scoring streak.
- Fulham’s home struggles mean another draw is likely.
A stalemate could suit both teams, keeping Fulham’s European hopes alive while Palace extend their historic away run.
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