A London derby between two clubs seeking momentum takes center stage this weekend as Crystal Palace host Fulham at Selhurst Park. Each of them had a game to forget the last time they played in the Premier League. It is about time that they show some fight to come back even stronger. 

There is no shortage of talent when it comes to Crystal Palace as well as Fulham. Eze is floating like a dream cutting through defenders for Palace and what is going to happen in front of the rock-solid full-back Tim Ream from Fulham?

A blockbuster clash is always on the cards whenever these two teams take the field.

Both teams will be eager to bounce back from disappointing recent results and claim local bragging rights. With Palace's resolute defense coming up against Fulham's new-look attack, an intriguing tactical battle lies in store. 

Crystal Palace vs Fulham

The match will take place on Saturday, 23rd September, 2023, at Selhurst Park Stadium, in Selhurst, in the London Borough of Croydon, England.

Crystal Palace Fall Short Against Rampant Villa

Selhurst Park has been a fortress for Palace over the years. The stadium's electric atmosphere often intimidates visiting teams. Palace supporters turn up in full voice to spur their team on.

Palace has enjoyed many famous victories at Selhurst Park against top opponents. Their fans will be hoping for another special performance against rivals Fulham.

Palace's last game was away to Aston Villa where they lost 3-1. But back on home soil, Palace usually raise their game. Selhurst Park brings out the best in Palace's players. They will be hungry to reward their passionate home fans with a win.

Missing the Leader

One issue for Palace is their leader and head coach Roy Hodgson was ill and could not attend the Villa game. His assistant Paddy McCarthy took charge of the team instead.

Not having their leader Hodgson could have disrupted Palace's preparations. But the players handled it well and put in a strong effort.

They showed excellent spirit and organization without Hodgson there. Palace defended very well, especially in the first half. They prevented Villa's many goal-scorers from dominating.

Palace also suffered an injury setback when Jordan Ayew had to exit early. Ayew is one of Palace's key attacking players. But despite missing two key figures, Palace kept fighting hard.

Shock Lead for Palace

Remarkably, it was Palace who actually took the lead in the match. Early in the second half, Palace scored on a blistering counter attack.

Jean-Philippe Mateta delivered a perfect cross for Odsonne Edouard who calmly finished for the goal. This put Palace ahead 1-0 away from home against one of the league's best teams.

After scoring, Palace grew in confidence. They maintained excellent defensive shape and tried to catch Villa on the counter attack. For long stretches, their disciplined play and high work rate neutralized Villa's talent advantage.

But Villa Storm Back

Near the end, Villa scored 3 fast goals to win 3-1. John Duran scored to tie the game 1-1. Then Douglas Luiz scored on a penalty kick. Lastly, Leon Bailey scored again very late for Villa.

Even though they lost, Palace played with a lot of heart without their coach. Next game they want to win for Roy.

Fulham's New Faces Deliver First Home Win

Fulham are also coming off a tightly contested 1-0 home win against Luton Town. It was Fulham's first victory at Craven Cottage this Premier League season.

The win lifted Fulham up the league table into a solid position. Like Palace, they will be aiming to build momentum with another win this weekend.

Fulham Starts Slow

In the first half, Fulham did not play that well. They missed their star player Aleksandr Mitrovic who left the team. New player Raul Jimenez struggled to lead the attacks.

Fulham could not create many chances and the game was 0-0 at halftime.

Missing Main Man

Fulham had to cope without their star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic who left the club. His replacement Raul Jimenez struggled to make an impact in the first half against Luton.

Without Mitrovic leading the line, Fulham's attack lacked cutting edge. Despite dominating possession, they could not seriously threaten Luton's defense. 

Inspired Substitutions

To start the second half, Marco Silva brought in two new players - Alex Iwobi and Carlos Vinicius. Soon after, Vinicius scored to put Fulham ahead 1-0.

Iwobi brought energy to Fulham's attacks. And Vinicius was a strong striker Fulham needed upfront.

Resilient Defense

Near the end, Luton tried hard to tie the game. But Fulham fought hard to protect the 1-0 lead. Joao Palhinha led the defense who played determinedly.

The win puts Fulham in a good spot in the league table thanks to the new players.

Fulham showed they can grind out tight victories even without Mitrovic leading the line. Their new signings and resolute defending provide optimism going forward.

Fulham's reshaped attack has plenty of weapons that could punish a lapse in concentration from the Palace defense. This match is too close to predict with both sides needing the win badly.

No matter the result, this London derby should provide an exciting spectacle between two clubs desperate to bounce back.

Predicted Lineups

Crystal Palace: Dean Henderson, Tyrick Mitchell, Marc Guéhi, Joachim Andersen, Joel Ward, Jeffrey Schlupp, Cheick Doucouré, Eberechi Eze, Jordan Ayew, Odsonne Edouard, Michael Olise

Fulham: Bernd Leno, Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Issa Diop, Kenny Tete, João Palhinha, Tom Cairney, Willian, Andreas Pereira, Harry Wilson, Raúl Jiménez

Key Battles

Zaha vs Ream

One of Palace's main offensive threats is Wilfried Zaha. The skilful Ivorian winger can electrify Selhurst Park with his dazzling dribbles and solo runs.

At left-back for Fulham, veteran American Tim Ream will attempt to curtail Zaha's danger. Ream's positioning and defensive awareness will be vital to protect Fulham from Zaha's unpredictability out wide. This matchup could swing the game for either side.