Match Preview
Crystal Palace v Fulham
Premier League Match Day 26 2021 Selhurst Park
Sunday 28th February 2021 KO: 12:00
Referee:
Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)
Live on BBC One / BBC iPlayer
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Fulham make the short trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon looking to extend their four-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the Eagles now sit 10 points clear of their relegation-threatened opponents having ended a two-match losing run with victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
After only recording a 1-1 draw at a faltering Burnley side, Scott Parker was left feeling that Fulham had missed an opportunity to make up ground in their bid to avoid relegation.
However, last weekend's 1-0 victory over Sheffield United, combined with Newcastle United's defeat at Manchester United, has led to the Cottagers moving to within touching distance of overhauling the Magpies.
With Brighton & Hove Albion just a point better off than Newcastle, Fulham know that they can heap the pressure on both clubs by recording another three points at Selhurst Park.
Goals remain an issue for Fulham with just four being scored in five matches, but Parker's backline have conceded just three times during the same period.
Palace have had similar problems in the final third of the pitch, their only two goals in three games coming in the fortunate victory over rivals Brighton on Monday night.
Despite riding their luck at the Amex Stadium, Christian Benteke's superbly-taken volley in the closing seconds earned Palace a third league win in five matches.
Although the Eagles do not find themselves under any immediate threat of the drop, they require as many points on the board as possible with many first-team players out of contract in the summer.
As well as having to cope with a lengthy injury list, Roy Hodgson is working under difficult circumstances at Selhurst Park while also looking to secure his own future at the club.
Nevertheless, another triumph on Sunday would open up a 13-point gap above the bottom three, a margin which will surely be enough to stay in the top flight with less than a third of the season remaining.
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Crystal Palace have won three consecutive league matches against Fulham for the first time since October 1930. The Eagles have only recorded four straight wins against a particular opponent three times during the Premier League era.
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One of Crystal Palace or Fulham were relegated in all three of the previous seasons that the clubs were in the top flight together: Palace in 2004-05, and Fulham in 2013-14 and 2018-19.
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Fulham have lost just one of their past seven Premier League games (W2, D4).
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The Cottagers have won two of their last three top-flight matches, as many as they had in their previous 24.
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They are aiming to set a club record of seven away games unbeaten in the Premier League.
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The Cottagers are without a win in their last 20 Premier League London derbies (D3, L17).
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If Crystal Palace avoid defeat they will have their highest points tally after 26 matches of a top-flight campaign since 1991-92.
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Palace can lose consecutive Premier League home fixtures for the first time since a run of three in July 2020.
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The Eagles have won just three of their past 21 league games without Wilfried Zaha, failing to score in 16 of those matches.
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They have conceded a league-high nine goals from outside the penalty area this season.
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Roy Hodgson was manager of Fulham from 2007 to 2010, guiding them to the Europa League final at the end of his tenure.