Crystal Palace make the short trip across London on Saturday looking to pick up their first points of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
After defeats to Everton and Manchester City, Pierre Sage’s side will be hoping a busy transfer deadline day can provide a lift heading into an important London derby at Craven Cottage.
Reinforcements Arrive For Both Sides
The Eagles strengthened their squad with the arrivals of midfielder Quinten Timber, winger Darío Osorio, left-back Ben Chilwell, and highly-rated youngster Honest Ahanor, giving Sage additional quality and depth as he looks to mould his new-look squad. The timing of those arrivals means it will be fascinating to see whether any are involved this weekend.
Fulham have also been active in the market. Álvaro Arbeloa used deadline day to add Sweden international Hugo Larsson, Real Madrid midfielder Manuel Ángel, and Austrian defender David Affengruber to a squad that had already welcomed several new faces earlier in the summer.
First Points Of Season At Stake
Like Palace, the Cottagers have lost their opening two league fixtures and will be eager to use their new additions as a catalyst for improvement.
With both sides still searching for their first points, this already feels like a significant game despite it being only the third match up of the new campaign. Palace can take encouragement from a strong recent record against Fulham, while the hosts will believe home advantage can help them finally get their season underway. All the ingredients are there for a competitive and fiercely contested London derby.
Positive Signs For Arbeloa
Fulham may be pointless after two matches, but their performances have arguably been better than their results suggest. They pushed Chelsea close in a 3-2 defeat before suffering a narrow loss to Sunderland, and will be eager to take advantage of home support at Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers are expected to dominate possession for periods and will look to pin Palace back. Their challenge has been converting promising spells into points, something manager Arbeloa will be keen to address.
Recent Meetings
The Eagles have enjoyed the better of this fixture in recent years;
- Fulham 1-2 Crystal Palace (2025/26)
- Crystal Palace 2-0 Fulham (2024/25)
- Fulham 0-2 Crystal Palace (2024/25)
- Fulham 1-1 Crystal Palace (2023/24)
- Crystal Palace 0-0 Fulham (2023/24)
Palace supporters will be hoping that trend continues on Saturday afternoon.
One to Watch: Dean Henderson
The England goalkeeper has already been in very good form with a number of impressive saves at Everton and at home to City.
There were rumours that Nottingham Forest were interested in taking their former loanee back to the City Ground on Deadline Day, but thankfully nothing happened. The Palace captain has been a key part of the Eagles defensive unit over the last couple of seasons since establishing himself at the clubs number one, which has led to him being handed the armband following the departure of Marc Guehi in January.
If Palace are to secure a positive result, it feels likely that Henderson will play an important part between the sticks.
Key Battle: Daichi Kamada vs Sander Berge
This game could be won and lost in midfield, and this match up will have a big say in how the game pans out.
The Japanese international compliments his midfield partner Adam Wharton perfectly, and if he can play his part by keeping Berge busy and creating space for the former Blackburn man to play, Palace could reap the rewards.
What Palace Need To Do
- Defend with greater concentration and eliminate the errors that have cost goals in the opening weeks.
- Stay compact when Fulham enjoy long spells of possession.
- Allow Adam Wharton to control the midfield battle.
- Use the trickery of Yeremy Pino and the movement of Eddie Nketiah on the counter-attack.
- Make set-pieces count at both ends of the pitch.
Prediction
This feels like one of those early-season games that neither side can really afford to lose.
Fulham will fancy their chances at home, but Palace’s recent record in this fixture cannot be ignored. The Eagles have often found a way against the Cottagers and should have opportunities on the break, particularly if Wharton can get the midfield functioning effectively.
A tight contest looks likely, with both teams prioritising not making mistakes.
Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Crystal Palace
A point apiece may not be exactly what either manager wants, but it would represent a platform to build on heading into the international break.
Jay’s Palace Confidence Meter
🦅🦅🦅☆☆
Palace win: 30%
Draw: 35%
Fulham win: 35%
What is your score prediction for the game on the banks of the River Thames this weekend? Let us know in the comments below. 
