Fulham may still be rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, but over the past few weeks we have seen improvement from the Cottagers.

They shipped just one goal against Wolves in a valiant 1-0 two weeks loss and last Saturday they picked up their first point of the season, drawing 1-1 with Sheffield United in a game that they should really have won, having missed a penalty in the second half.

The Whites face Crystal Palace this weekend and that’s a game they should have earmarked as another chance to pick up points.

Scott Parker is yet to taste victory in the league this season and if he is to overcome Roy Hodgson’s side he has to pick the right team to get the job done.

We’ve had a go at predicting Fulham’s XI against their London neighbours.

For the first time this season, we expect Fulham to line-up with the same backline as their previous match.

Alphonse Areola was impeccable against Sheffield United, denying Oliver McBurnie from close range on numerous occasions, while the back four looked a lot more organised and would have kept a clean sheet if it weren’t for a penalty given by VAR.

We’ve tipped Antonee Robinson to keep his spot at left-back ahead of Joe Bryan, but if there are to be any changes in the defence, that’s where we’d expect it to be.

The midfield also remains largely the same. Harrison Reed isn’t back to full fitness yet so he doesn’t get into the XI, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ademola Lookman retain their spots after impressing on their first starts for the club.

The sole chance is on the right-wing as £15m signing Ivan Cavaleiro is dropped in favour of Bobby Decordova-Reid after a string of poor showings from the Portuguese winger.

Aleksandar Mitrovic starts up front despite his dire performance against the Blades that saw him miss a penalty and give one away at the other end.