Fulham XI vs Crystal Palace – Predicted lineup and team news

Fulham travel to Selhurst Park looking for a historic fourth straight top-flight victory.

The Cottagers are in a rich vein of form as they enter 2026. They currently sit tenth in the Premier League table, level on points with their hosts. Marco Silva has navigated a gruelling winter schedule successfully, winning six of the last nine matches.

A victory could move his side as high as seventh place if other results fall their way. Therefore, Silva will likely stick with a winning formula for this New Year’s Day clash. Fulham also boast a superb record at this venue lately. They have kept four consecutive clean sheets at Selhurst Park and remain unbeaten there since 2019. If they win, they will secure four straight top-flight away victories for the first time in club history.

Fulham Team News

Marco Silva must again manage without his Nigerian internationals due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze are all away at the tournament. Furthermore, Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz remain sidelined with persistent hamstring problems. Silva has successfully used a consistent starting XI in recent league outings to maintain rhythm.

Joachim Andersen should anchor the defence alongside Jorge Cuenca to provide security. In midfield, Sasa Lukic and Sander Berge will likely operate as the double pivot to control the tempo. Harry Wilson and Raúl Jiménez remain the primary threats in attack. Wilson has been lethal recently, recording seven goal involvements in his last six games. Meanwhile, Jiménez wants to score in three consecutive Premier League games for the first time since 2024. Interestingly, Palace are the only club he has faced at least 10 times without scoring.