Fulham vs Crystal Palace: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Two London clubs face off in the first of an intriguing set of FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend as Fulham take on Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage.

The competition is wide open this season, and Manchester City's demise this term means there's no guarantee the Cityzens will disrupt an underdog story as they did in 2019 and 2023.

Fulham and Palace are two of four teams left in the FA Cup who have never lifted the trophy. The pair have waited ever so long for a major piece of silverware, and tension's bound to be rife in west London on Saturday.

The hosts beat holders Manchester United on penalties to advance into the last eight, while Palace cruised past Championship outfit Millwall. Palace enter the cup tie as one of the Premier League's form teams, but they're six points behind Fulham, having played one game fewer.

The Cottagers' 2-0 win over Spurs before the international break saw them climb up to eighth and within touching distance of a top-five spot, which should be enough to play Champions League football next season.

Here is 90min's guide to Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final.

Fulham vs Crystal Palace head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Fulham vs Crystal Palace on TV - UK & US

Fulham team news

Sasa Lukic will return to the Fulham XI on Saturday / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages

Sasa Lukic has played an integral role for Fulham this season after the departure of Joao Palhinha last summer, and the Cottagers will welcome him back this weekend after he served a two-game suspension before the break.

With Lukic back, Marco Silva will decide between Emile Smith Rowe and Andreas Pereira for the final midfield spot.

Reiss Nelson has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, while Kenny Tete and Harry Wilson remain out of action.

Fulham predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace

Fulham predicted lineup vs Palace (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Adama, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez.

Crystal Palace team news

Jean-Philippe Mateta has been given the all-clear to return / Crystal Pix/MB Media/GettyImages

Liam Roberts picked up a six-game ban for his challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta in Palace's fifth-round victory over Millwall, and the French forward has been out of action since. However, Mateta has been given the all-clear to play on Saturday.

Oliver Glasner will have to decide whether he opts to start his star striker at Craven Cottage or utilise Eddie Nketiah from the outset.

With Mateta back, Palace are only missing Joel Ward, Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure through injury. Matt Turner could continue between the posts for this cup tie.

Palace predicted lineup vs Fulham (3-4-2-1): Turner; Richards, Guehi, Lacroix; Munoz, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Eze, Sarr; Mateta.

Fulham vs Crystal Palace score prediction

Wembley outings haven't come around all that often for these two clubs in modern times, and given the opportunity which presents both teams, expect Saturday's bout to be a nervy affair.

These are a pair of mid-blocking outfits who have the potential to cancel each other out, although the in-form Palace won at Craven Cottage in the Premier League last month. Three of the previous five meetings have ended all-square.

There's scope for this tie to go all the way, but the dynamic could suit the visitors. They're well built to deal with Fulham's crossing barrage and had joy in the recent meeting on the counter-attack. Mateta's return is huge, and the French forward could thrust Palace into the last four.