Crystal Palace
I reckon Crystal Palace fans are starting to get a bit nervous. After a decent start, they’ve hit a wall. Losing 4-1 to Leeds was about as bad as it gets, and means they’re now sitting in ninth, only ahead of Fulham on goal difference. Their defence - which used to be solid - is leaking goals like nobody’s business.
The big issue is who’s missing. Palace have a serious hole in their squad with international duty and injuries taking out a handful of key names. If they’re to leave with any points on Friday, they’ve got to get Jean-Philippe Mateta into the game early. He’s their best hope of a goal, with seven to his name already this season.
Team News: Ismaila Sarr is away on international duty. Daniel Munoz, Chadi Riad, and Cheick Doucoure are all out with injuries.
Predicted Lineup: Henderson; Lerma, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Devenny, Pino; Mateta.
Fulham
Fulham are a tricky team to read this season. One minute they’re winning three on the trot, the next they’re losing to teams they should be beating. But in saying that, they just knocked off West Ham on the road, so they arrive in South London with plenty of confidence.
Losing three starters to Nigeria for the Africa Cup of Nations is a massive blow, especially Alex Iwobi who makes them tick. But they’ve still got Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez. If they can control the midfield and keep Mateta quiet, I can see them frustrating the home crowd.
They’re clinical when they get a chance, even if they don’t see much of the ball. I’d suggest checking out betting apps NZ to see how the market is moving on them, throughout the game.
Team News: Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze are on international duty. Rodrigo Muniz is out with a hamstring injury.
Predicted Lineup: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez.
