Fulham vs Crystal Palace: Betting Odds & Prediction
(Featured image: Alamy Images)
Fulham host Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon with just three points separating the two sides heading into the clash.
The two played out a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Kick-off is set for 3pm UK time at Craven Cottage.
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Fulham
The home side have endured a successful campaign overall, having already secured their Premier League status for next season. They have been inconsistent as of late though, recording three losses, a win and a draw in their last five. Fulham's most recent outing saw them suffer a 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool, one week on from an impressive 2-0 away win at West Ham.
Fulham boast the eighth-best home record in the division and have picked up highlight victories over the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage this season. Three of their last five home fixtures have ended in defeat though, as they prepare to face an in-form Palace side enjoying a run of three wins on the bounce.
An average of 1.76 goals scored is an impressive return, particularly given the departure of striker Aleksandar Mitrovic in the summer, though Fulham have failed to score in six outings on home soil so far. They've also succeeded in defensive columns, conceding only 1.12 goals in front of their own fans.
Given Palace's struggles on the road this term, the Cottagers will be optimistic of securing another three points in this one.
Crystal Palace
The Eagles have enjoyed an upturn in form since new manager Oliver Glasner's appointment, securing consecutive wins in their last three league outings. A 1-0 away win at Liverpool, a side who hadn't suffered a home defeat in the league in 14 months, stands out. However, their 5-2 demolition of West Ham last week also impressed before they secured a 2-0 home win over Newcastle on Wednesday.
Nevertheless, the win at Anfield remains their only triumph on the road in their last five games, with Palace averaging just one point across their 17 away outings so far. This leaves them with the 13th-best away record in the division.
Palace have struggled at both ends of the pitch, with goals flowing less on the road compared to at Selhurst Park. A lowly figure of 0.94 has cost them, and their defence has failed to make up for the deficit by conceding an alarming 1.76 goals on their travels. Given Fulham's high-scoring output at home, Glasner and co will no doubt be concerned heading into the clash.
Prediction
Neither side has much to play for between now and the season's end, though a top half finish remains a realistic aim for Fulham providing they can keep pace with the teams above them over the next four matches.
OddsNow expect them to do just this in West London on Saturday.