Crystal Palace
- The Eagles are winless in five games in all competitions, although defeats to Tottenham, Leeds and Manchester City are nothing to be ashamed of.
- Palace’s 2025 FA Cup triumph was earlier and they have looked a bit leggy since, failing to close out matches and create enough chances.
- The Eagles are a high-tempo, pressing side that look to transition quickly with their wing-backs driving forward and set-pieces being a big part of their game.
- They have the pace and directness of Ismaïla Sarr and Yéremy Pino to get at defenders on the flanks, which is a big plus in a system that needs to transition.
- Palace will miss some pace and have other injury issues to contend with after a busy festive period and European commitments.
Fulham
- Fulham, on the other hand, have been more of a possession-based side with a mid-block that can sit deep and defend in numbers.
- Silva’s presence has made them a little more solid, but they are still a team that can go under in high-scoring games - as they did in the 4-5 defeat to Manchester City - and benefit from a bit of late-game drama to get their wins.
- It will be close because Fulham have found some form, grinding out back-to-back wins in late December with identical 1-0 scorelines against West Ham and Nottingham Forest.
- Raúl Jiménez has been on form, scoring both winners, while Harry Wilson remains a threat on his day and hit a long-range stunner against Palace in December.
Head-to-Head
Oliver Glasner’s men have enjoyed the better of the recent history between the clubs, edging Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage in December and knocking Marco Silva’s men out of the FA Cup 3-0 last March.
Key Players
- Dean Henderson has the experience to be a calming influence between the posts and pulled off some big saves in Palace’s cup runs while Fulham’s last line is Bernd Leno.
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Crystal Palace
- Marc Guéhi
- Eddie Nketiah
- Ismaïla Sarr
- Yéremy Pino
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Fulham
- Raúl Jiménez
- Harry Wilson
- Lono can be a difference-maker for Fulham.
Betting Insights
- Palace are slight favorites here at 2.08 while Fulham are at 3.4 and the draw is 3.35.
- There is good value in the under 2.5 goals bet at 1.85.
Prediction
- Expect a tight game on Thursday, but Palace can nick it.
- Correct score: 2-1 to Palace.
