Crystal Palace will host Fulham in a London derby this week in the Premier League. The Cottagers defeated bottom-dwelling Luton Town 1-0 to earn a much-needed maximum. The Eagles were defeated 3-1 by Aston Villa in their most recent match.
Preview (Crystal Palace vs. Fulham)
Due to a health concern, seasoned Palace manager Roy Hodgson was not giving instructions from the sidelines when the Eagles traveled to face Aston Villa last week. This gave Paddy McCarthy the opportunity to take charge once more after his brief stay in the dugout last season. The Eagles came tantalizingly close to giving their manager the best get-well present possible when Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta combined for the latter to score the game’s first goal. However, a late Lions offensive resulted in Jhon Duran’s rocket, Douglas Luiz’s penalty, and Leon Bailey’s goal to swing the game in Villa’s favor.
Such a defeat ended Palace’s brief unbeaten streak of three games. However, the Eagles manager’s return to the practice fields this week has given Palace some encouragement. He works to address defensive issues that have caused his team to allow seven goals. A ninth-place finish in the standings is still good for a team with top-half aspirations. The setback to Villa was just their fourth defeat in their previous 15 Premier League games. Only three teams have left Selhurst Park with all three points since the new year: Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur.
For Fulham manager Marco Silva, the international break could not have come at a better time. When the Cottagers returned to the Premier League last weekend, there were no fireworks because newly promoted Luton performed admirably at Craven Cottage. However, a goal from Carlos Vinicius in the second half was enough to advance the capital club. In a game in which they often rode luck, the Brazilian’s goal in the 65th minute gave Fulham their first Premier League victory since defeating Everton 1-0 on the opening weekend.
Team News
Palace’s defeat at Villa Park was heartbreaking for several reasons, including the loss of forward Jordan Ayew after just 25 minutes due to a thigh injury. However, McCarthy was optimistic that the Ghanaian international’s problem was nothing more serious than a dead leg. While Michael Olise (thigh), Matheus Franca (back), Jefferson Lerma (thigh), and James Tomkins (calf) are not anticipated to return until next month, Ayew will require additional evaluation in the ensuing hours. Due to Marc Guehi’s hip injury, which he got while representing England, Chris Richards received a rare start in defense last weekend. The center-back, though, could be able to recover in time for the derby on Saturday.
When it comes to defensive worries, Palace and Fulham can relate. Former rearguard regulars Tosin Adarabioyo and Antonee Robinson are both battling muscular issues. They won’t be ready for Saturday’s capital match. Sasa Lukic, a midfielder is still recovering from a knee injury. He only has a minimal chance of playing this weekend. Harrison Reed and Joao Palhinha should continue to partner up in the middle nonetheless. Raul Jimenez has yet to make an impact on his new team. Silva may think about inserting Vinicius right away because of his key goal against the Hatters. Alex Iwobi, who joined the team in the summer, might also make his complete debut.
Crystal Palace 1 – 1 Fulham
For more football previews, click here
