Fulham’s European hopes remain alive as they welcome Crystal Palace to Craven Cottage for a London derby this weekend with Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey set to play pivotal roles.
Marco Silva’s side have been one of the Premier League’s most entertaining teams this season, scoring freely while pushing for a top-seven finish.
A 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend kept them in the race, with goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Super Eagles defender Bassey sealing an important three points.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, find themselves firmly in mid-table, with their aspirations of a top-half push stalling following a 2-1 defeat at home to Everton. Oliver Glasner’s men have been inconsistent, though they have remained difficult to beat away from home.
Historically, Craven Cottage has been a tricky place for Fulham against Palace, with the Eagles unbeaten in their last five visits (W2, D3). However, the Cottagers are looking to complete a league double over their London rivals for the first time since the 2000-01 season.
Correct score prediction: Fulham vs Crystal Palace
With Fulham’s attacking intent and Palace’s counter-attacking strengths, this fixture is likely to be an open contest. However, the Cottagers' recent form, particularly at home, gives them the edge.
Iwobi and Bassey will be key figures in ensuring Fulham control possession and remain defensively solid. Expect a tight game, but Fulham’s firepower should see them edge it.
Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Crystal Palace
Alex Iwobi’s hunt for landmark goal
Since his brace against West Ham United in January, Alex Iwobi has gone five games without a goal or assist. However, his influence in Fulham’s midfield extends beyond direct contributions in the final third.
Iwobi has seven goal involvements (four goals, three assists) in 24 Premier League appearances this season, showing his importance to Fulham’s attack. His movement and passing have allowed Silva’s side to sustain possession and create chances, even when he isn’t directly providing the final pass.
This weekend presents an opportunity for a personal milestone, as he is just one goal away from reaching 30 career Premier League goals across his spells with Arsenal, Everton, and now Fulham.
Calvin Bassey: The defensive rock and goal threat
The Super Eagles center-half has quietly developed into one of Fulham’s most consistent players this season. His match-winning header against Nottingham Forest was his first goal of the campaign, but his contributions go far beyond his occasional attacking output.
Defensively, Bassey has been a commanding presence, providing stability to Silva’s backline.
The Nigerian centre-back has started 24 of Fulham’s 25 Premier League games, amassing over 2,000 minutes of football. His ability to read the game, win duels, and recover possession has made him indispensable.
He has registered four clean sheets, while his averages of 1.4 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 4.8 ball recoveries per game and 3.0 clearances per game tells of his defensive solidity.
Against a Palace side boasting the likes of Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta, Bassey’s aerial presence and positional awareness will be vital. His battle with Mateta in particular could be a decisive factor in whether Fulham can keep their London rivals at bay.
