The ridiculously busy campaign continues as no sooner have the Eagles returned from taking all three points up at Turf Moor, they head to Craven Cottage for their next Premier League fixture.
After defeat at home to Manchester United last Sunday, the midweek trip up to Lancashire could have been a banana skin, but Oliver Glasner navigated his side through to a narrow victory.
It certainly was not a vintage performance on Wednesday night, it was very much a case of getting the job done. While that was the case, it did signal the best start to a top flight campaign for Crystal Palace and put them into fifth place in the Premier League.
Following that victory, it is understood that Glasner gave the players Thursday and Friday off before reporting for training on Saturday before the short trip to West London to take on Fulham.
The hosts will still be smarting from being one of the victims of the Eagles FA Cup success last season, but their home form has not been great this season, losing in midweek at Craven Cottage to Manchester City, even if they did almost make an incredible comeback after being 5-1 down.
The visitors head into the game with no new injury concerns following the Burnley game although there are a few bumps and bruises for players. It is expected that Borna Sosa will return to the squad after a few weeks injury lay off, but Ismaila Sarr is not expected to feature for the club now until after the AFCON.
It is a significant week for the Eagles, as after the game against Fulham, they face their third away trip in the Conference League which takes them to take on Shelbourne in Ireland, a must win game to stand a chance of automatic qualification for the knockout stage. Next Sunday will see title chasing Manchester City visit Selhurst Park as the chaotic month continues.
The continued rumours of Jean-Philippe Mateta not agreeing a new contract with the club is starting to set the transfer whispers going with suggestions that the French striker is looking to leave the club in January. Whether that is true or not, it does seem a little far fetched considering how the season has panned out for Palace so far.
In other news, Yeremy Pino was included in the shortlist for Premier League Goal of the Month for November for his strike at Wolves. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will be drawn in the FA Cup Third Round for the very first time as holders, taking place on Monday evening.
…
Current Form & Context
-
Fulham
- 15th in the table with 17 points.
- Coming off a dramatic 5-4 loss to Manchester City, where they nearly staged an incredible comeback from 5-1 down.
- Strong at home: only Arsenal and Manchester City have beaten them at Craven Cottage this season.
- Scored in every home game so far; 4 wins from 7 home fixtures.
- Key stat: No draws in 30 of their last 32 league games – usually a decisive result.
-
Crystal Palace
- 5th in the table with 23 points, just one point off the top four.
- Beat Burnley 1-0 midweek; second-best defensive record in the league (11 goals conceded).
- Busy schedule: 5 games in 16 days, plus European commitments – fatigue could be a factor.
- Away form solid, but rotation likely due to injuries and fixture congestion.
Team News
-
Fulham:
- Out: Antonee Robinson (knee), Rodrigo Muniz (thigh).
- Samuel Chukwueze impressed with a brace vs Man City and may start.
- Possible XI: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Berge, King; Chukwueze, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez.
-
Crystal Palace:
- Out: Ismaila Sarr (ankle), Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad, Caleb Kporha, Rio Cardines.
- Borna Sosa could return.
- Possible XI: Henderson; Guehi, Richards, Lacroix; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Devenny, Pino; Mateta.
Key Players
-
Fulham:
- Samuel Chukwueze – explosive impact off the bench, averaging a goal/assist every 46 minutes in PL.
- Raúl Jiménez – experienced striker, needs to convert chances.
-
Crystal Palace:
- Jean-Philippe Mateta – 7 league goals, main attacking threat.
- Marc Guehi & Daniel Muñoz – defensive solidity and set-piece danger.
Head-to-Head
- Last meeting: Palace won 3-0 (March 2025).
- Fulham haven’t beaten Palace at Craven Cottage in the Premier League since January 2005.
- Overall: Fulham 19 wins, Palace 16 wins, 19 draws in 54 meetings.
Tactical Notes
- Fulham will look to exploit Palace’s fatigue and lack of rotation with high pressing and width (Chukwueze/Iwobi).
- Palace rely on defensive structure and quick transitions; expect a compact shape and Mateta as focal point.
- Likely a low-scoring game given Palace’s defensive record and Fulham’s need to tighten up after conceding 5 midweek.
Predictions
- Scoreline:
- Sports Mole: Draw likely (1-1).
- Sporting Life: Fulham 2-1 Palace (home advantage + Palace fatigue).
- Betting consensus: Tight game, Under 2.5 goals favoured.
✅ Kick-off: Sunday, 7 Dec 2025, 16:30 GMT
📺 Live on: Sky Sports Main Event (UK), Peacock/NBC (US).
