Fulham vs Crystal Palace: Team News, Predicted Lineups & Key Player
Fulham welcome Crystal Palace to Craven Cottage on Saturday, September 5, for a Premier League Matchday 3 London derby. Both sides are eager to build momentum after mixed starts, with Fulham’s new-look attack under Álvaro Arbeloa and Palace’s injury-hit forward line creating a fascinating tactical clash.
Team News and Injury Latest
Fulham are without midfielder Tom Cairney, who remains sidelined with a knee problem, while defender Luc De Fougerolles is a doubt with a knee issue. Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson are expected to retain their full-back roles, and the attacking duo of Joshua King and Gonzalo García — both goalscorers already this season — will lead the line. The hosts are likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1, with Jorge Cuenca partnering Calvin Bassey in central defence, Alex Iwobi, Sander Berge and Cesar Palacios in midfield, and Oscar Bobb offering width from the right.
Crystal Palace’s injury list is more severe. Chadi Riad Dnanou and striker Jean-Philippe Mateta are both ruled out, while winger Ismaila Sarr faces a fitness battle. That leaves Adam Wharton, Tyrick Mitchell and Eddie Nketiah to carry the visitors’ attacking hopes. Palace are expected to deploy a 3-4-2-1, with Dean Henderson in goal, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Chris Richards and J. Canvot in the back three, and wing-backs Mitchell and Anan Khalaili providing the width. Daichi Kamada and Wharton will anchor midfield, with Yeremy Pino and Nketiah supporting lone striker Jørgen Strand Larsen.
Fulham Form Guide
Fulham’s pre-season offered a mixed bag — a 2-1 win over Farense and a 1-0 victory against VfB Stuttgart were offset by a 2-2 draw with Malaga and, most notably, a 2-1 home defeat to these same opponents, Crystal Palace, in August. The positive has been the early sharpness of King and García, who have already found the net in the opening Premier League fixtures. Arbeloa will hope that familiarity with the system produces a more resilient display than the pre-season meeting.