HARRISON Reed is expecting a typical derby encounter when Fulham head to Crystal Palace this weekend.
With seven sides from the capital in the Premier League this season, all London clashes are going to come thick and fast with Fulham facing two in quick succession.
Awaiting first up are the Eagles at Selhurst Park this Saturday before Reed’s side welcome SW6 neighbours Chelsea to Craven Cottage for a televised encounter on Monday week.
And the Whites midfielder knows a pair of tough tests await Marco Silva’s side.
Reed said: “Palace are a really good side. I’ve watched a little bit of them and there is a really good balance to their side with some attacking flair and quality in wide and forward areas.
“They were very, very competitive here towards the backend of last season.
“Palace are a team full of quality and have an experienced manager.
“I saw Roy Hodgson took ill before their game at Villa but hopefully he is ok.
“We will feel their quality at times like you do in the Premier League but it will be a really competitive game.
“Obviously it is a London derby, so we are really looking forward to it.”
The two top flight capital battles are admittedly interrupted by a midweek Carabao Cup tie with Championship side Norwich City.
But for Fulham supporters, the only thing that really matters is the Chelsea game and repeating January’s memorable success the last time the two rivals met at the Cottage.
“We had a great night against Chelsea last season,” said Reed.
“There has been a lot of change at that club.
“We want to make Craven Cottage a tough place to come for everybody, top teams included.
“Once Crystal Palace and Norwich are out of the way, we will focus on Chelsea, but we expect a tough test.
“It will be a real local derby and we want to give the fans the bragging rights that evening.”
Reed is also backing Raul Jimenez to soon end his search for a first Fulham goal following his summer arrival from Wolves to fill the void left by Aleksander Mitrovic’s departure.
However, the midfield ace was also keen to point out the responsibility for scoring doesn’t just rest with the new boy.
“There is no hiding Mitro was a big loss for us and to replace him is tough,” said Reed.
“But we’ve brought in a quality experienced striker in Raul Jimenez.
“From day one he has shown his quality. He is also a great person in the dressing room.
“Nothing really changes for us, everyone wants to chip in with the goals.
“Obviously we’ve lost goals with Mitro, so that is one aspect which is going to be spoken about from the manager and the players.
“It is not all on Raul’s shoulders to score goals.
“Last season one of the reasons why we were so good was everybody chipped in, everybody got on the scoresheet. The same is needed again this season.
“I think in the first games what you’ve seen with Raul is what he brings out of possession, and his energy. He has made a real impact.”
Follow @sportsouthlndn on X for updates from Crystal Palace v Fulham on Saturday
