Iwobi’s record offers hope in Fulham’s 20-year Crystal Palace Craven Cottage struggle

Fulham will look to Alex Iwobi’s big-game pedigree as they aim to end a 20-year winless run at home against Crystal Palace.

The Nigerian midfielder has built a reputation for delivering in this fixture, having won six of his 13 Premier League meetings with the Eagles and losing just twice.

His record includes five direct goal involvements, two goals and three assists.

Since joining Fulham, Iwobi has continued that trend. He has lost only once in four appearances against Palace in a Cottagers shirt, and he played a key role in September 2024 when Marco Silva’s side claimed a 2-0 victory at Selhurst Park.

That performance remains fresh in the memory as Fulham prepare for Sunday’s London derby at Craven Cottage, where they hope to finally break a hoodoo stretching back to January 2005.

The Cottagers’ last home success over Palace came two decades ago, and they have since endured seven competitive meetings without victory.

Palace have already beaten Fulham twice at Craven Cottage in 2025, including a 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final triumph, but Silva’s men believe Iwobi’s experience and consistency against the Eagles could tilt the balance.

With Fulham showing resilience in their recent 5-4 defeat to Manchester City and Samuel Chukwueze adding firepower off the bench, the presence of Iwobi offers a steadying influence and proven quality in derby battles.

For a side desperate to end a long-standing hoodoo, few players are better placed than the 29-year-old to inspire a breakthrough.