Crystal Palace’s predicted lineup vs Fulham: Key picks for FA Cup clash | OneFootball

Crystal Palace travels to Craven Cottage on Saturday for an FA Cup quarter-final clash against Fulham. Oliver Glasner's side has been in excellent form, winning 10 of their last 15 matches while suffering just two defeats. They also come into this fixture on a four-match winning streak.

In the fifth round, Palace secured a 3-1 victory over Championship side Millwall at Selhurst Park. That match saw Jean-Philippe Mateta suffer a serious head injury, but the French striker is expected to be in contention for Saturday’s game.

Palace won both Premier League meetings against Fulham this season and will look to make it three out of three against their London rivals. Historically, they have a strong record at this stage of the competition, having progressed from four of their last five FA Cup quarter-final ties.

Crystal Palace's predicted lineup in the FA Cup quarter-final vs Fulham (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson

Nottingham Forest loanee Matt Turner had started Palace’s previous games in goal. However, he was also the first-choice goalkeeper for Palace in the EFL Cup before Henderson replaced him for the quarter-finals against Arsenal. Given the importance of this match, expect Henderson to start.

Center-back: Chris Richards

Since returning to the starting XI, the USMNT defender has been a mainstay on the right side of Palace’s back three. Richards should retain his place.

Center-back: Maxence Lacroix

The Frenchman has been a regular under Glasner. He leads Palace in interceptions and is among the top three for passing. His defensive presence makes him a certain starter.

Center-back: Marc Guéhi

The club captain is coming off an international break where he started in England’s win over Latvia. Guéhi has played more minutes than any Palace player this season and leads several defensive and passing metrics, making him a guaranteed starter.

Right Wing-back: Daniel Muñoz

Muñoz is a key player in Glasner’s system, contributing both defensively and in attack. His ability to balance both aspects of the game has been crucial to Palace’s good form. Despite his recent international duty with Colombia, he is too important to be dropped.

Central Midfield: Adam Wharton

The 21-year-old has looked impressive since returning from injury. In Palace’s last win, he created the most chances (6). Wharton is expected to keep his place in the starting lineup.

Central Midfield: Will Hughes

Like Muñoz, Jefferson Lerma only returned on Wednesday after featuring for Colombia. Given that Hughes has been a reliable presence in midfield, he should get the nod for Saturday’s match.

Left Wing-back: Tyrick Mitchell

A consistent presence in the Palace lineup, Mitchell ranks among the team’s top three in assists, progressive carries, and progressive passes received. His defensive abilities further solidify his place in the XI.

Attacking Midfield: Ismaïla Sarr

The Senegalese international has been a regular under Glasner and is Palace’s second-highest scorer this season, behind only Mateta. He should keep his place.

Attacking Midfield: Eberechi Eze

Eze had a successful international break, scoring his first-ever goal for England. He leads Palace in assists, ranks third in goals, and tops the charts for take-ons and touches in the final third. His presence is crucial.

Center-forward: Eddie Nketiah

Jean-Philippe Mateta is Palace’s first-choice striker, but having only just returned from a head injury, it may be too soon for him to start. Nketiah is a solid alternative, with Mateta available from the bench if needed.