Fulham and Crystal Palace face off at Craven Cottage on Saturday in the FA Cup quarter-finals, where a coveted spot in the semi-finals is within reach. Both teams are riding high on the success of their seasons so far—and they’ll be eager to keep that momentum going in the world’s oldest football competition.
Fulham reached this stage after beating Manchester United on penalties in the fifth round. That was after they’d already taken down Watford and Wigan Athletic. But Marco Silva’s side has been a bit up-and-down recently. They’ve had three wins and two defeats in their last five matches. They’ll be looking to capitalize on home advantage, though. And they’ll need to put their recent 2-0 Premier League loss to Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage firmly behind them.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, has been one of the most in-form teams in England. They’ve won their last four competitive matches—and they’re looking to replicate that form in the FA Cup. Oliver Glasner’s side reached the quarter-finals by beating Stockport County, Doncaster Rovers, and Millwall without conceding more than one goal in any of those games. They’ll be hoping to make it a third FA Cup final appearance.
Team News & Tactics
Fulham
Marco Silva has some good news for his squad: Sasa Lukic is back from suspension. But Kenny Tete (knee), Harry Wilson (foot,) and Reiss Nelson (thigh) are still sidelined. Antonee Robinson should be fit for this one, though.
Fulham will likely line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Bernd Leno will be in goal, with Timothy Castagne, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey and Robinson making up the back four. Sander Berge and Lukic will anchor the midfield while Andreas Pereira will be the creative force behind striker Rodrigo Muniz. Alex Iwobi and Adama Traore will provide width.
That probable lineup looks like this: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Traore, Pereira, Iwobi; Muniz.
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner has welcomed Jean-Philippe Mateta back from injury for this one. Joel Ward (calf), Chadi Riad (knee), and Cheick Doucoure (knee) are out.
Crystal Palace will probably play a 3-4-2-1 formation. Matt Turner will be in goal, with Chris Richards, Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix making up the central defensive trio. Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell will operate as wing-backs. Adam Wharton and Jefferson Lerma will control midfield, while Mateta leads the attack supported by Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr.
That probable lineup looks like this: Turner; Richards, Guehi, Lacroix; Munoz, Wharton, Lerma, Mitchell; Eze, Sarr; Mateta.
Key Stats
- Crystal Palace has a pretty good record against Fulham away from home. They’re unbeaten in their last six matches against them (W3 D3).
- On the other hand, Fulham has lost their last four FA Cup quarter-final appearances since 2003/04.
- Crystal Palace has progressed from four of their last five FA Cup quarter-final ties.
- Fulham hasn’t knocked out Premier League opposition in successive rounds since 2002/03.
- Daniel Munoz is Crystal Palace’s top scorer in this season’s FA Cup with two goals.
Player to Watch: Daniel Munoz
Daniel Munoz has been pivotal for Crystal Palace this season and remains their top scorer in the FA Cup with two goals. He also scored against Fulham during last month’s Premier League meeting at Craven Cottage. The Colombian wing-back’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a key figure for Palace in this crucial tie.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace Prediction
Crystal Palace’s current form gives them the edge heading into this clash. While Fulham has home advantage and quality players like Andreas Pereira and Rodrigo Muniz capable of making an impact, the Eagles’ defensive solidity and attacking depth should see them narrowly progress to the semi-finals.
Fulham 1-2 Crystal Palace
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