In the heart of London's footballing battleground, Selhurst Park, an enthralling Premier League London derby is set to unfold on Saturday afternoon as Crystal Palace extends a warm welcome to their capital counterparts, Fulham.
This Crystal Palace vs Fulham match promises to be a thrilling encounter as two evenly-matched teams battle for supremacy.
Amidst the anticipation of this high-stakes encounter, two African footballing talents, Jordan Ayew representing Ghana and Alex Iwobi, hailing from Nigeria, will take centre stage.
Both London-based rivals have accumulated seven points each from their first five games, with the hosts currently sitting in ninth place, just one spot above the visitors on goal difference.
Crystal Palace vs Fulham: Form check
Crystal Palace's Premier League form has been a mixed bag with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five outings.
In all competitions, their form has been slightly more consistent with two wins, one draw, and two losses.
The Eagles are coming off a 3-1 away defeat to Aston Villa, which snapped their two-game unbeaten streak.
On the other side of the pitch, Fulham's Premier League campaign has been marked by one win, one draw, and three losses in their last five matches.
In all competitions, they've recorded two wins, one draw, and two losses. Despite some ups and downs, Fulham is showing signs of promise this season.
Crystal Palace vs Fulham: Team news
In the lead-up to this crucial clash, Crystal Palace's injury concerns have cast a shadow over their preparations.
Jordan Ayew's early exit due to a thigh injury during their last game against Aston Villa has left fans anxious, although manager Steve McCarthy remains hopeful that it's nothing more than a dead leg.
Ayew's status will undergo further evaluation in the coming hours. The Eagles also have a growing list of absentees, with key players like Michael Olise, Matheus Franca, Jefferson Lerma, and James Tomkins not expected to return until next month.
On a positive note, Chris Richards could potentially make a return to the defense after stepping in for the injured Marc Guehi.
Guehi sustained a hip injury while on England duty but might recover in time for the upcoming derby against Fulham.
Fulham, too, grapple with defensive issues as Tosin Adarabioyo and Antonee Robinson contend with muscular problems.
While Adarabioyo might be available for the London derby, Robinson's status remains uncertain.
Additionally, midfielder Sasa Lukic continues his recovery from a knee injury, with slim chances of featuring in the weekend fixture.
Fulham's midfield will likely see Harrison Reed and Joao Palhinha pairing up in the middle, providing stability despite the injury concerns.
Manager Marco Silva may consider shaking things up in the attack, with Raul Jimenez yet to open his scoring account for the club.
New signing Vinicius, who made an impact with a crucial goal against Luton Town, could earn a starting role, while summer acquisition Alex Iwobi might make his full debut, filling in for the injured Adama Traore, who is dealing with a hamstring issue.
Crystal Palace vs Fulham predicted lineups
Crystal Palace predicted starting lineup:
Johnstone, Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell, Hughes, Doucoure; Ayew, Eze, Schlupp, Edouard
Fulham predicted starting lineup:
Leno, Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson, Reed, Palhinha, Wilson, Pereira, Iwobi, Vinicius
Crystal Palace vs Fulham confirmed lineups
*Lineups will be automatically updated shortly after they're released
Crystal Palace vs Fulham: Head-to-Head history and key numbers
This encounter marks the 50th meeting between the two teams in all competitions. Fulham holds a slight edge with 18 victories, while Crystal Palace has 14 wins to their name, with 17 matches ending in draws.
The recent head-to-head history slightly favours Fulham, as the hosts have failed to secure a win in their last three meetings, including a 3-0 home loss in the Premier League last season.
Crystal Palace has struggled at home against Fulham in recent years, managing only one win in their last four encounters and suffering two defeats.
Goals have been somewhat scarce in this fixture, with both teams failing to score in two of their last six meetings.
Despite these challenges, Crystal Palace has been formidable at home, suffering just two defeats in their last 12 Premier League home games.
Crystal Palace vs Fulham: Match prediction
Given the recent form of both teams and the injury concerns, a low-scoring draw seems likely.
It's a clash that could see the battle of the African brothers, with Jordan Ayew representing Ghana and Alex Iwobi hailing from Nigeria.
This derby is expected to be a hard-fought contest, with both teams aiming to secure vital points.
Final Score Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Fulham
Crystal Palace vs Fulham: Betting tips
- Result – Draw: Given the closely matched teams and recent form, a draw is a reasonable prediction.
- Goals – Over/Under 2.5 Goals – Under 2.5 goals: Expect a tight game with few goals.
- At least a goal to be scored in the second half – Yes: With both teams likely to push for goals as the game progresses, the second half should see at least one goal.
- Odsonne Édouard to score or assist any time – Yes: Keep an eye on Crystal Palace's Édouard, who could make an impact in the game.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 month ago
