The FA Cup quarter-finals are set to take place this weekend and both Fulham and Crystal Palace will fancy their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
Fulham and Crystal Palace are fairly evenly matched in the Premier League table, with just six points separating the two sides.
Both teams have one win apiece against the other this season, and the three games prior to this term’s league fixtures all finished as draws.
With that in mind, it’s likely to be a closely-fought encounter between the two London sides, and Chris Sutton has now predicted how the FA Cup clash will go.
Chris Sutton tips Fulham for 2-1 win over Crystal Palace
Sutton noted how Palace have a good record at Craven Cottage, along with the boost of Jean-Philippe Mateta being available.
However, he backed Fulham to get over the line and into the semi-finals of the competition, courtesy of a 2-1 win for Marco Silva’s side.
“Crystal Palace won at Craven Cottage at the end of February and it is a ground where they have a decent record – they haven’t lost there in their past six visits, since 2005,” Sutton wrote on BBC Sport.
“The Eagles are a well-balanced team who seem to be improving all the time under Oliver Glasner – they have lost only two of their past 14 games in all competitions.
“I’ve found Fulham hard to predict this season because they’ve been less reliable than usual at home, but they are still having a strong campaign.
“They are in the mix for the Champions League places, and are only three points behind fifth-placed City.
“Palace are very strong on the road but they have not played for the past three weeks – their game against Newcastle before the international break was postponed because of the Carabao Cup final.
“We often talk about teams needing a rest, but my concern is how that break has affected their momentum.
“This is going to be a close game, but I actually fancy Fulham to edge it. Marco Silva’s side have got goals in them, and my gut feeling is that they will get through in 90 minutes.”
Fulham v Crystal Palace team news
Fulham have been boosted by the return of Sasa Lukic, who has served his two-game ban, but Kenny Tete, Harry Wilson and Reiss Nelson remain out.
Meanwhile, Palace manager Oliver Glasner will welcome Jean-Philippe Mateta back to the fold for the FA Cup trip to Craven Cottage.
Mateta has been out for a month recovering from the injury he suffered at the hands of Millwall’s Liam Roberts in the previous round.
The Frenchman, who had to receive 25 stitches in his ear, will wear protective headgear for the match.
However, midfielder Will Hughes is a doubt due to illness, while Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure are out for the season.
