Two of the Premier League’s early strugglers meet at Craven Cottage on Saturday, with Fulham and Crystal Palace both still without a win after two rounds of fixtures.
Alvaro Arbeloa’s Fulham sit 16th following defeats to Chelsea and Sunderland, while Pierre Sage’s Palace are 18th after losing to Everton and being beaten 4-1 by Manchester City. Both clubs are still finding their feet under new head coaches this season, with Sage having replaced Oliver Glasner in the summer and Arbeloa taking over from Marco Silva.
History favours the visitors here: Crystal Palace have not lost at Craven Cottage in the league since January 2005 and have won their last three trips to Fulham in all competitions, most recently drawing 1-1 at Selhurst Park in January.
Both sides strengthened on deadline day, too, with Fulham adding midfielders Hugo Larsson and Manuel Angel plus defender David Affengruber, while Palace brought in Ben Chilwell, Quinten Timber, Honest Ahanor and Dario Osorio.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace – Match preview and team news
- Date: Saturday, 5 September 2026
- Kick-off: 15:00 BST
- Venue: Craven Cottage
- Referee: Sam Barrott
- Last meeting: Crystal Palace 1-1 Fulham (Premier League, 1 January 2026)
Team news
Fulham
Tom Cairney is the only absentee, ruled out with a long-term knee injury. Deadline-day arrivals Hugo Larsson, Manuel Angel and David Affengruber are all available but unlikely to start, with Alvaro Arbeloa saying fans should “be patient” as they adapt. Shea Charles could come into the side in place of Oscar Bobb, with Gonzalo Garcia continuing to lead the line after scoring twice in his first three appearances.
Crystal Palace
Jean-Philippe Mateta will miss around three weeks with a hamstring injury, while Ismaila Sarr remains sidelined and Chadi Riad continues a long-term absence with a knee problem. Deadline-day signings Honest Ahanor, Ben Chilwell, Quentin Timber and Dario Osorio are all in contention but unlikely to be thrown straight into the starting side. Adam Wharton, who stayed despite transfer interest over the summer, continues in central midfield.
Form
Fulham
Fulham have lost both their Premier League matches so far, beaten 3-2 by Chelsea before going down 1-0 at Sunderland, though they did register a 3-0 EFL Cup win over AFC Wimbledon in between. The visits of Liverpool and Manchester United follow this fixture, adding urgency to Arbeloa’s search for a first league win.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have also lost their opening two league games, beaten 2-0 by Everton before a heavier 4-1 defeat at home to Manchester City. Sage’s side face a busy schedule ahead, with an EFL Cup tie against Middlesbrough and the start of their Europa League campaign against Lech Poznan both to come this month.
Predicted lineups
Fulham predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Charles; Iwobi, King, Palacios; G Garcia
Crystal Palace predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Canvot, Richards, Tomiyasu; Khalaili, Kamada, Wharton, Mitchell; McNeil, Larsen, Pino
How to watch Fulham vs Crystal Palace?
The match falls under the traditional 3pm Saturday blackout and has not been selected for live television coverage in the UK.
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