MY ACCOUNT
– Fulham are on a two-game winning streak
– Palace have lost just twice since Roy Hodgson was placed in charge
– Recommended bet: Draw
The season is drawing to a close but there are no signs of lethargy from Fulham and Crystal Palace, who have been playing some decent football despite having nothing tangible to play for.
Fulham were worthy 2-0 winners at Southampton last Saturday as they further cemented their position inside the top 10..
They require just two more points to guarantee a top-half finish and could end up as high as seventh, although several other results would have to go their way.
Palace have been vastly improved since appointing veteran manager Roy Hodgson and they will be looking to build on last Saturday’s 2-0 success at home to Bournemouth.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace (Saturday, 3pm)
Team news
Aleksandar Mitrovic returned from an eight-match ban when coming off the bench and scoring during last Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Southampton.
Andreas Pereira (ankle) and Tim Ream (broken arm) will miss the rest of the season and Daniel James (thigh) and Layvin Kurzawa (knee) remain sidelined.
Palace might have to play out the rest of the season without Wilfried Zaha, who sustained a hamstring strain last weekend.
Jeffrey Schlupp (knock) is a doubt and James Tomkins (calf) and Luka Milivojevic (training ground injury) are ruled out.
The stats
Fulham have registered back-to-back victories and are going in search of a third successive Premier League win for only the second time this season.
The Cottagers have conceded 27 home goals which is as high as any team outside of the relegation zone. However, their tally of 29 home goals scored is the highest among the bottom 11.
Palace have lost just two of eight games under Hodgson, who has taken the Eagles from averaging 0.96 points per game before his arrival to averaging 2.00 points per match since his appointment.
Prediction
Palace have improved in all areas of the pitch since bringing Hodgson back to the club and they can earn a share of the points from a tough trip to Craven Cottage.
A mid-table finish is on the cards for these London rivals but they can serve up a decent spectacle for supporters eager to savour some more entertainment before the season draws to a close.
Talented attackers Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise have played with much greater consistency for the Eagles in recent weeks and either could cause problems for the Fulham backline.
Palace are looking slick going forward but they could be stretched at the back by a Fulham side boosted by Mitrovic’s return to the fray.
The Serbian striker bounced back from an eight-game ban by scoring in last Saturday’s 2-0 success at Southampton, although he faces a battle to displace Carlos Vinicius, who has netted three goals in his last four appearances.
Fulham will probably utilise both of their centre-forwards at some point and either could get on the scoresheet.
There should be plenty of chances for both sides and a high-scoring draw looks a possible outcome.
Back Fulham and Crystal Palace to draw at 12/5 with LiveScore Bet.
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