Premier League: Fulham Out to Ground the Eagles at Home

Fulham vs Crystal Palace

Two teams that are looking to climb out of the bottom half of the Premier League standings are set to go head-to-head as Fulham host Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Fulham are sitting in 12^th place with 42 points, and a win here would not only get them back on the winning track, but they could go as high as 10^th place, depending on this weekend’s Premier League 2024 results.

On the other hand, Crystal Palace are two notches and six points behind Fulham. However, they have built a nice winning streak and are keen to extend it to three consecutive games.

The reverse fixture between these two clubs was a bit of a borefest, so the hope for SBOTOP football fans is that we will get to see a more fun matchup this time around.

Talking Points

Willian a doubt for Fulham

Willian was not available in Fulham’s 3-1 loss against Liverpool on Sunday, and he’s listed as doubtful to play this weekend as the Brazilian is dealing with a strained groin.

But besides Willian, Marco Silva doesn’t have much to worry about as far as absentees are concerned, at least for now, although it is worth noting that Joao Palhinha is just two bookings away from another three-game ban.

Willian has been a key contributor for the Cottagers this season. The 35-year-old is the team’s joint-fourth-leading scorer with five goals and two assists, which is why the club is keen on giving him a new deal by the time his current contract expires this summer.

Should Willian stay sidelined this weekend, then Bobby Decordova-Reid will take his place once again in the starting XI, which is far from a bad option for Silva. Decordova-Reid is the team’s second-leading scorer with seven goals and four assists this year.

On the other side of the pitch, Tosin Adarabioyo has been garnering suitors, particularly from rival Premier League sides, because he has established himself at Craven Cottage as their starting centre-back.

Adarabioyo’s current contract is also set to expire this summer, so Fulham should also consider giving him a new extension.

Crystal Palace have a deadly trio

Speaking of Tosin Adarabioyo, he and Calvin Bassey are faced with the daunting task of keeping the likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eberechi Eze, and Michael Olise at bay on Saturday.

Mateta (brace), Eze, and Olise are likely to start up front once again for the Eagles after having scored four of their five goals in their 5-2 demolition of the Hammers last Sunday.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is the team’s leading scorer with 12 goals and four assists, while Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise have combined for 15 goals and nine assists. And then on the bench, there’s Odsonne Edouard, who has eight goals this season.

But while they’re loaded up front, the same can’t be said for their backline, which has conceded seven goals in their Premier League matches this month. It’s clear that Marc Guehi’s absence has been a big blow for them.

History

Fulham and Crystal Palace shared the spoils in the reverse fixture last September, as neither team was able to find the back of the net. These two sides also had a 2-2 draw in the months prior to their September matchup.

The Cottagers have won just one of their last eight meetings against the Eagles (D4, L3), although they’re currently unbeaten in four against them (W1, D3).

However, Marco Silva’s side has lost their last two Premier League home games, last losing more games in a row at Craven Cottage in a run between March and May 2021 (6).

Crystal Palace are undefeated in their last four Premier League away games at Craven Cottage (W2, D2) since losing 3-1 to them in January 2005.

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2024 odds expect a relatively tight battle between Fulham and Crystal Palace. The Cottagers were given the slight advantage at 2.05 odds, whereas the Eagles are not far behind at 3.20, and a draw is at 3.32 in the 1X2 market.

These two sides are evenly matched, but we feel that Fulham have enough to beat their visitors, hence our recommended bet above.

Furthermore, we also think that there will be goals this time around, although not that many, making alternative bets like Total Goal 2-3 at 1.89 and Under 2.75 at 1.92 viable.

However, if you feel another goalless draw coming, which happened in their reverse fixture, then check out Correct Score of 0-0 at a generous price of 13.00.

 

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