0 Points After Two Matches: Fulham and Palace Seek a First Premier League Lift

Two winless sides meet at Craven Cottage

Fulham and Crystal Palace arrive at Craven Cottage on Saturday, September 5, both searching for their first Premier League points of the season. The match, scheduled for 14:00 UTC and refereed by S. Barrott, brings together the teams ranked 16th and 18th after two rounds. Both have lost twice, while Manchester City lead the table on six points.

Fulham’s goal difference is -2, compared with Palace’s -5, giving the hosts a slightly stronger start on that measure. However, neither side has momentum: both have recorded Loss, Loss in their most recent form. With the teams level on zero points, victory would provide an immediate lift and create early separation from the bottom of the table.

Fulham’s home numbers offer encouragement and concern

Fulham have lost their only home match so far, but their attacking output at Craven Cottage has been better than Palace’s away record. They have scored two goals at home, averaging 2.00 per game, while conceding three. Their lack of a clean sheet remains an issue, and the team will need greater defensive control if it is to turn its possession and attacking phases into a result.

The hosts have used a 4-2-3-1 in both matches. That shape should give Fulham a clear central base and three advanced players behind the forward, while the two deeper midfielders can help protect against Palace’s transitions. T. Cairney is missing with a knee injury, and L. De Fougerolles and H. Larsson are questionable, with injury and muscle injury respectively. Those absences could affect Fulham’s depth and make balance particularly important.

Palace need an attacking response

Crystal Palace have scored no goals in their only away match and conceded two, with an away average of 0.00 goals scored per game. Their 3-4-2-1 has been used in both fixtures, offering a different tactical picture from Fulham’s 4-2-3-1. Palace’s wing-backs can provide width against a narrower central structure, while the two players behind the front three can look for spaces between Fulham’s midfield and defence.

Palace’s unavailable players include J. Mateta with a hamstring injury and C. Riad with a knee injury. H. Ahanor, B. Chilwell and I. Sarr are questionable because of muscle, hamstring and groin injuries respectively. That uncertainty may encourage a measured approach, particularly given the team’s lack of an away goal so far.

Prediction

Fulham 1-1 Crystal Palace. Fulham’s home scoring record is the stronger attacking indicator, but both teams’ poor starts and defensive uncertainty point to a cautious, evenly matched contest.