Crystal Palace predicted line-up vs Fulham: two key changes made as £22m star returns to side

It has been a challenging season for Oliver Glasner and Crystal Palace - but there have been signs of life over the last fortnight.

Despite still sitting one place and two points above the Premier League relegation zone, the Eagles have taken four points from their last two Premier League games with a 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur and last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Wolves. Glasner’s men also progressed into the last eight of Carabao Cup with a 2-1 win at Eberechi Eze and Daichi Kamada and they will visit Arsenal in the quarter-final next month.

However, the immediate concern for Palace is an all-London clash with Fulham on Saturday afternoon as the hosts look to gain a win that should give them some breathing space between themselves and the bottom three. However, there are some major injury concerns and absences for Glasner to take into consideration before he finalises his plans for the game.

Goalkeeper and defence

There could be some good news for Glasner as his defensive options are reportedly set to be receive a double boost ahead of what feels like a crucial game. Both Joel Ward and Chris Richards missed last weekend’s dramatic draw at Wolves but are set to return to contention to feature against the Cottagers. However, summer signing Chadi Riad is not expected to return to full fitness until after the upcoming international break as he continues to battle back from a knee injury. Former Arsenal defender Rob Holding also remains out of favour and will not be considered for selection once again.

Midfield

One player definitely missing out is Will Hughes after the former Watford star picked up his fifth booking of the season in the draw at Wolves. England international Adam Wharton is set for a spell on the sidelines as he prepares to undergo surgery on a groin injury. Attacking midfielder Matheus Franca will also miss out and is not likely to be available until the new year after suffering a groin injury and a thigh injury means Jefferson Lerma is out until after the international break.

Forwards

The major miss across the Palace squad will be key man Eberechi Eze as the England star continues to battle back from a thigh injury. Glasner admitted the winger will not return until after the international break but could look to be available in early December. Speaking last week, he said: “He has a hamstring injury, and we will miss him for at least against Wolves and against Fulham.Then we have the break, and then let's see. There is hope [he will return after that], but it will be very ambitious.”

Crystal Palace predicted XI vs Fulham

Henderson; Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Doucoure, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Kamada; Mateta