Verdict: Jean-Philippe Mateta over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Looking to extend on their European charge this weekend, Fulham will welcome Crystal Palace to Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon.
Fulham
Starting with the hosts, continuing to receive a string of plaudits this season, the mood in Fulham’s camp appears to be at a red-hot high. Putting in another eye-catching performance last weekend as they claimed a 2-1 victory against Champions League chasers Nottingham Forest, Marco Silva’s men are dreaming of the chance to mount their own European charge. Extending on their FA Cup adventure earlier in the month as they secured another 2-1 win against League One outfit Wigan, the former Everton boss has seen his squad win each of their previous three appearances across all competitions. Getting February underway with a sensational comeback away at Newcastle as they secured a 2-1 victory at St. James’ Park, Fulham have secured three consecutive wins for the first time so far this season.
Fulham Team News
Suffering what was a long-term foot injury against Manchester United last month, Wales international Harry Wilson will not feature here. Likewise, both still dealing with respective injury issues, the duo of Kenny Tete and Reiss Nelson will play no part on Saturday afternoon.
Bagging the winner against Nottingham Forest last weekend, Calvin Bassey will partner former Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen at the back. Notching nine Premier League strikes so far this season, ex-Wolves striker Raul Jimenez will lead the line in west London.
Crystal Palace
As for the visitors, eventually falling to a 2-1 loss at home against Everton last weekend, Crystal Palace are desperately seeking an immediate response here. Although Oliver Glasner’s side might have turned a much-welcomed corner over the past few months, the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss almost finds his squad sat in Premier League limbo. Nevertheless, getting February underway with a famous 2-0 victory away at Manchester United, Saturday’s guests have continued to shine on their travels. In fact, the Eagles have won each of their previous four consecutive showdowns away from Selhurst Park by a 2-0 scoreline. Likewise, it should also be highlighted that Crystal Palace have not conceded a single strike outside of south London in over 450 minutes of action across all formats.
Crystal Palace Team News
Dealing with yet another injury setback, Crystal Palace will once again be without Mali international Check Doucoure on Saturday afternoon. However, making a second-half appearance off the bench against Everton last weekend, Eberechi Eze should be handed a full recall in west London.
Enjoying what has become a real flurry and now notching seven goals in as many appearances across all competitions, attacking talisman Jean-Philippe Mateta will spearhead Glasner’s attack. Arriving from Chelsea last month on a loan switch, Ben Chilwell could make his full Palace debut.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace Key Factors to Consider
When Fulham and Crystal Palace met for their reverse Premier League showdown on November 9th, the Cottagers collected a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park.
Fulham have won each of their previous three appearances across all competitions by a 2-1 scoreline.
Crystal Palace have won all of their previous four fixtures outside of south London by a 2-0 scoreline.
The red-hot Jean-Philippe Mateta has recorded seven goals in as many appearances across all competitions.
Four of Fulham’s last five matchups at Craven Cottage have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Claiming a 2-0 win when they travelled to Selhurst Park for their reverse Premier League meeting on November 9th, Fulham will be desperately seeking a repeat performance here. However, although the Cottagers might have won each of their previous three appearances across all competitions, Silva’s side will meet a Crystal Palace squad that have continued to shine with their success on the road. Winning all of their last four straight showdowns outside of south London by a 2-0 scoreline, the Eagles are capable of asking some real questions this weekend.
Verdict: Jean-Philippe Mateta over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
