Preview: Crystal Palace vs. Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups

Fulham make the short trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon looking to extend their four-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, the Eagles now sit 10 points clear of their relegation-threatened opponents, having ended a two-match losing run with victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Match preview

After only recording a 1-1 draw at a faltering Burnley side, Scott Parker was left feeling that Fulham had missed an opportunity to make up ground in their bid to avoid relegation.

However, last weekend's 1-0 victory over Sheffield United, combined with Newcastle United's defeat at Manchester United, has led to the Cottagers moving to within touching distance of overhauling the Magpies.

With Brighton & Hove Albion just a point better off than Newcastle, Fulham know that they can heap the pressure on both clubs by recording another three points at Selhurst Park.

Goals remain an issue for Fulham with just four being scored in five matches, but Parker's backline have conceded just three times during the same period.

Palace have had similar problems in the final third of the pitch, their only two goals in three games coming in the fortunate victory over rivals Brighton on Monday night.

Despite riding their luck at the Amex Stadium, Christian Benteke's superbly-taken volley in the closing seconds earned Palace a third league win in five matches.

Although the Eagles do not find themselves under any immediate threat of the drop, they require as many points on the board as possible with many first-team players out of contract in the summer.

As well as having to cope with a lengthy injury list, Roy Hodgson is working under difficult circumstances at Selhurst Park while also looking to secure his own future at the club.

Nevertheless, another triumph on Sunday would open up a 13-point gap above the bottom three, a margin which will surely be enough to stay in the top flight with less than a third of the season remaining.

Crystal Palace Premier League form:

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Fulham Premier League form:

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Team News

Despite the win over Brighton, Hodgson is expected to make several changes to his Palace starting lineup.

Benteke could get the nod over Jordan Ayew, but Nathaniel Clyne will drop out of the squad due to a muscle problem sustained this week.

Forward Wilfried Zaha remains sidelined for the foreseeable future with a thigh injury.

Barring any late fitness issues, Parker is unlikely to make any alterations to his Fulham XI.

Aleksandar Mitrovic is in contention to return to the substitutes' bench after recovering from coronavirus.

Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:

Guaita; Ward, Kouyate, Cahill, Mitchell; Ayew, Milivojevic, Riedeweld, Townsend; Benteke, Mateta

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Areola; Aina, Andersen, Adarabioyo, Robinson; Reed, Zambo Anguissa; Cavaleiro, Loftus-Cheek, Lookman; Maja

We say: Crystal Palace 1-1 Fulham

Having moved to within touching distance of 17th position, Parker will be aware of the significance of maximum points at Selhurst Park. However, Palace are on a high after the success at Brighton, and we anticipate a low-scoring draw being played out on Sunday afternoon.

Top tip

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