With 26 points from 18 league matches, Crystal Palace currently sit 11th in the Premier League table. Despite their reputation as a resilient side in London derbies, the Eagles have fallen into a deep slump. They are now winless in five consecutive matches across all competitions, including three straight league defeats, and have failed to win in their last five home games. Over their previous five outings, Palace have scored only four goals while conceding eleven, highlighting a complete downturn on both ends of the pitch.
The situation is further complicated by a severe injury crisis. Defensively, four key players including Chadi Riad and Daniel Muñoz are unavailable, significantly weakening the back line. In attack, star winger Ismaïla Sarr is absent due to Africa Cup of Nations duty, while important midfielders such as Daichi Kamada and Rio Cárdines are sidelined through injury. As a result, Palace have suffered heavily in terms of wing penetration, midfield control, and defensive coverage. The team are now largely reliant on Eberechi Eze’s creativity and Jean-Philippe Mateta’s presence up front, focusing mainly on counterattacks and set pieces to create scoring opportunities.
Fulham, level on 26 points and ranked 12th, enter this London derby in red-hot form. They have won three consecutive Premier League matches and boast a perfect record across their last three away games, setting a new club-best mark for away results in the same period. Over their last five matches, Fulham have recorded three wins and two losses, averaging 1.4 goals per game, with goals coming from multiple sources.
In terms of squad availability, Fulham’s situation is relatively stable. Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon remain sidelined through injury, while Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey are away on Africa Cup of Nations duty. Midfielder Saša Lukić is a doubt, but core attacking figures Harry Wilson and Raúl Jiménez are both in consistent form. Operating in a well-drilled 4-2-3-1 system, Fulham rely on a mature possession-based approach, with dangerous wing play and effective set-piece routines. They are now pushing for a historic fourth consecutive Premier League victory.
Comprehensive Analysis
This London derby pits a home side ravaged by injuries and poor form against a confident away team riding a strong wave of momentum. While both teams sit on equal points and belong to a similar competitive tier, the deciding factors appear to be current form and squad depth. Historically, Crystal Palace have won their last three meetings with Fulham, but they have failed to score or win in their last four home encounters against the Cottagers, creating a psychological disadvantage at Selhurst Park.
Although Palace traditionally show resilience at home, their depleted defense and blunt attack make it difficult to cope with Fulham’s sustained pressure. Fulham, by contrast, benefit from excellent away form, a cohesive tactical structure, and a reliable attacking core, giving them a clear edge in overall balance and match control.
Taking everything into account, Fulham’s superior momentum and squad stability suggest they are well positioned to take points on the road.
Recommendation: Handicap Away Win
Predicted Score: Crystal Palace 1–2 Fulham
