FULHAM and Crystal Palace clash in Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final showdown at Craven Cottage.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace preview
The FA Cup takes centre stage this weekend as eight teams battle for a coveted place at Wembley.
This year’s competition has been one of the most open in recent memory, with heavyweights such as Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United all bowing out before the quarter-finals.
Manchester City remain the favourites to lift the trophy in May, though they are not quite the dominant force they once were.
Their potential vulnerability has left the door open for clubs starved of silverware to dream of glory â among them, Fulham and Crystal Palace.
The Cottagers have not reached an FA Cup semi-final since 2002, but their strong Premier League campaign and recent form suggest they could end that drought on Saturday.
Marco Silva’s men overcame Watford and Wigan before edging past 13-time winners Manchester United in a dramatic penalty shootout at Old Trafford.
Fulham have won six of their last eight matches in all competitions, scoring at least twice in six of those fixtures.
However, ominously for them, that run includes a 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace just over a month ago.
The Eagles, meanwhile, have enjoyed greater success in the FA Cup in recent years.
Since Fulham’s last semi-final appearance, Palace have reached that stage twice and even made it to the final in the 2015/16 campaign, only to suffer a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Manchester United.
Travelling appears to suit Oliver Glasner’s side, with Palace winning their last five away matches without conceding a single goal. Their defensive solidity on the road could prove crucial as they look to book their own Wembley appearance.
- Fulham 13/10 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
- Draw 21/10 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE
- Crystal Palace 11/5 with BetMGM – CLAIM HERE
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Nervy
Goals may well be in short supply at Craven Cottage this weekend for several reasons.
The most obvious factor is the defensive strength of both teams. Crystal Palace have gone an impressive 550 minutes without conceding an away goal, while Fulham rank eighth in the Premier League for the lowest expected goals conceded (xGC) at home.
Recent meetings between the sides also suggest a low-scoring affair. None of their last four encounters have produced more than 2.5 goals, and both away teams recorded 2-0 victories in the league this season.
With plenty at stake and the match coming immediately after an international break, a cagey and tightly contested battle appears likely.
- Under 2.5 Goals Scored at 8/11 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
First goalscorer and correct score predictions
Fulham vs Crystal Palace
- First goalscorer: Raul Jimenez at 5/1 with talkSPORT BET – CLAIM HERE
- Correct score: 1-1 at 5/1 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE
Carded
We're backing Crystal Palace midfielder Will Hughes to find his way into the referee's notebook this weekend.
It's a place he's found familiar this season having been carded 10 times in 24 Premier League appearances – the highest of any player in the top-flight.
Only four players have committed more than Hughes' 52 fouls and they've all played over 400 minutes more than the tenacious Eagles midfielder.
He's been carded in two of his last three games against Fulham, and we're backing him to add another to that tally in what's expected to be a tight contest.
- Will Hughes carded at 5/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
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