Prediction: Fulham vs Crystal Palace

Verdict: Jean-Philippe Mateta over 0.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

With London bragging rights up for grabs on Saturday afternoon, Fulham will welcome Crystal Palace to Craven Cottage.

Fulham

Starting with the hosts, while Fulham have once again gained plenty of plaudits this season, Marco Silva’s men are seeking some recent stability. Last seen suffering a 3-1 defeat at home against title scrappers Liverpool, the one-time Everton boss has seen his squad lose three of their previous four Premier League appearances. Opening April with a downbeat 3-1 loss at the hands of relegation candidates Nottingham Forest, the Cottagers will be hoping to claim an immediate response here. Likewise, suffering back-to-back defeat in west London, Silva’s side are seeking some recent defensive stability. Aside from a shock 2-0 victory away at West Ham earlier in the month, that is just the third clean sheet that Fulham have recorded from any of their previous 12 appearances. If the Cottagers are to clinch another top-half finish this season, then they face what is certainly a must-win battle here.

Team News

While former Chelsea star Willian might have missed out against Liverpool last week, the Brazilian veteran should make a return to Fulham’s squad in west London. Ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Craven Cottage, Silva’s side have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns or suspensions to worry about.

Enjoying what has been a stellar free-scoring run over the past couple of months and recording eight goals since the start of February, Rodrigo Muniz will spearhead Fulham’s charge here. Despite continued speculation over a summer move, Tosin Adarabioyo will be partnered with Calvin Bassey at the heart of Silva’s defence.

Crystal Palace

As for the visitors, putting in another stellar performance earlier in the week as they secured a 2-0 victory against European chasers Newcastle, the mood in Crystal Palace’s camp should be at a real high. Clearly enjoying life since new boss Oliver Glasner arrived at Selhurst Park back in February, the former Eintracht Frankfurt managed has received plenty of early plaudits. Skyrocketing themselves away from a potential relegation scrap, the Eagles have now won all of their previous three Premier League appearances on the bounce. Storming their way to a remarkable 5-2 romp against West Ham last weekend, Saturday’s guests will be hoping to make another statement here. Making real history on April 14th as they clinched a 1-0 victory away at Liverpool, Palace are enjoying their most fruitful spell of the campaign. Notching eight goals on their three-match winning flurry, Glasner’s side have gained a recent reputation for their performances in the final third.

Team News

Undergoing elbow surgery last month, Crystal Palace have confirmed that England international Sam Johnstone will not feature for the remainder of the season. Likewise, defensive talisman and former Chelsea starlet Marc Guehi still remains on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Bagging a brace against Newcastle earlier in the week and now notching eight goals since Glasner arrived in south London, the red-hot Jean-Philippe Mateta will play a leading role here. Impressing since completing a January switch from Blackburn, 20-year-old Adam Wharton will partner Will Hughes at the heart of Palace’s midfield.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Fulham and Crystal Palace met for their reverse Premier League showdown on September 23rd, Saturday’s opponents played out a 0-0 stalemate at Selhurst Park.
• Three of the previous four Premier League meetings between Fulham and Crystal Palace have finished in a draw.
• Five of the last seven meetings between Saturday’s opponents have finished with under 2.5 goals.
• Fulham have suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats at Craven Cottage for the first time this season.
• Crystal Palace have recorded just a single Premier League win outside of south London since the start of November.

Conclusion

Although Crystal Palace might open Saturday’s trip to Craven Cottage pencilled in as a real underdog with the bookmakers, Glasner’s high-flying squad could be smelling the chance to claim a fourth consecutive Premier League victory. With Fulham now losing three of their previous four top-flight appearances, the red-hot Mateta will certainly play a leading role here. With the ex-Mainz marksman now notching back-to-back Premier League braces, he will be confident of testing a vulnerable Cottagers defence.

Verdict: Jean-Philippe Mateta over 0.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet