Unexpected FA Cup winner possible? Fulham and Crystal Palace clash for semi-final spot

Fulham and Crystal Palace meet at Craven Cottage on Saturday with a place in the FA Cup semi-finals on the line.

Both clubs sense a rare chance to push for silverware in a tournament where several usual contenders have fallen – but Manchester City may still have something to say about that.

Fulham’s path to the quarter-finals included a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Crystal Palace brushed aside Millwall in a 3-1 victory overshadowed by Jean-Philippe Mateta’s gruesome ear injury. Palace manager Oliver Glasner recognises the significance of the opportunity.

“Everybody is waiting for this chance,” he said. “Palace have reached Wembley twice in the last nine years, so it would be a great achievement for the club.”

Recent form suggests Palace are peaking at the right time. They have won four consecutive matches across all competitions, a run that began with a 2-0 victory over Fulham in February.

That result extended their unbeaten streak away to the Cottagers to six matches, with Fulham’s last home win against Palace dating back to 2005.

However, Fulham have shown their resilience, securing six victories in their last eight games, including a statement 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur before the international break.

Rodrigo Muniz has emerged as a key figure, netting five goals in six matches.

Despite their recent success, Silva’s men have yet to string together back-to-back home wins this season. That inconsistency will be a concern as they chase a first FA Cup semi-final appearance since 2002.

Glasner is expected to name a strong side, dismissing any notion of rotating his squad.

“I don’t see a reason not to play the strongest team,” Glasner added. “When players perform and train well, they deserve to start.”

Mateta’s availability provides a boost for Palace. The striker, who suffered a shocking ear injury against Millwall, has trained and is fit to play.

“He looks the same as before,” Glasner said. “There was no concussion, no fracture – just the ear. Some players even say it looks better now!”

Both teams recognise the significance of this tie. With Arsenal and Liverpool already eliminated, an unexpected FA Cup winner is possible. Glasner remains focused only on the task ahead.

“I don’t care who is left,” he said. “It’s up to us to be ready. That’s it.”