Crystal Palace Seek First Points Under Pierre Sage at Craven Cottage

Crystal Palace head to Craven Cottage on Saturday still searching for their first Premier League points of the season and a foothold under new manager Pierre Sage.

Two games, two defeats, six goals conceded. The numbers tell the story of a bruising start. A 2–0 loss at Everton was followed by a 4–1 dismantling by Manchester City at Selhurst Park, exposing a defence still trying to find its shape and an attack that has yet to score for itself. Palace’s only goal so far came via an own goal.

For a new manager trying to stamp his identity on a side, it is a harsh introduction.

Injury-hit Palace stretched thin

Sage’s task does not get any easier at Fulham. His squad is badly stripped, especially in the areas where Palace can least afford it.

Star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is out for around three weeks with a hamstring injury, robbing Palace of their main reference point up front at a time when they already look short of cutting edge.

Ismaïla Sarr is also missing. A groin problem has kept him out of recent training sessions, with the winger sidelined in the wake of a collapsed move to Liverpool. Out wide, where Palace need pace and direct running to relieve pressure, another option disappears.

At the back, Chadi Riad remains a long-term absentee with a serious knee injury. A defence that has already shipped six goals in two matches will have to tighten up without him.

New faces offer a spark

Sage at least has something new to work with. Late transfer arrivals have joined the group and trained fully with the first team, offering fresh energy and competition in a squad that badly needs it.

Ben Chilwell, Honest Ahanor, Quinten Timber and Darío Osorio are all available for selection at Craven Cottage. Osorio, in particular, is being lined up for early involvement. The wide forward is expected to be involved out on the flank, where his ability to stretch the pitch could be vital in compensating for Palace’s attacking absences.

For a manager under early scrutiny, those new options might be the difference between another long afternoon and a platform to build on.

How Palace could line up

Sage is likely to lean on structure and legs in midfield, with a flexible back line and plenty of work rate across the pitch.

Possible Crystal Palace starting XI:

Henderson; Canvot, Richards, Tomiyasu; Khalaili, Kamada, Wharton, Mitchell; McNeil, Larsen, Pino.

The shape offers protection at the back and numbers in the middle, but the big question remains the same: who will provide the goals?

Match details

Kick-off at Craven Cottage is scheduled for 3pm BST on Saturday, 5th September.

Because of the 3pm blackout rule in the UK, the game will not be shown live on television domestically.

For Sage and Palace, that might be no bad thing. Away from the cameras, can they finally turn this stuttering start into the first points of a new era?