Match Overview

Crystal Palace welcome Fulham to Selhurst Park on Thursday as the Premier League calendar flips into the new year. Both teams sit on 26 points and are looking to firm up a top-half position. Palace’s recent home edge in front of goal contrasts with Fulham’s improved away return. Cool, potentially wet conditions could keep margins tight in a fixture that often hinges on fine details.

• Fixture: Crystal Palace vs Fulham
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Selhurst Park
• Date: 01-01-2026
• Kickoff: 17:30 GMT / 17:30 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Crystal Palace

• D. Henderson
• M. Lacroix
• T. Mitchell
• M. Guéhi
• N. Clyne
• A. Wharton
• W. Hughes
• J. Lerma
• J. Devenny
• J. Mateta
• Yeremy Pino

Fulham

• B. Leno
• J. Andersen
• K. Tete
• C. Bassey
• T. Castagne
• S. Berge
• S. Lukić
• E. Smith Rowe
• A. Iwobi
• R. Jiménez
• Kevin

Injury & Suspension Report

Crystal Palace

• C. Richards — Foot Injury
• D. Kamada — Hamstring Injury
• I. Sarr — International duty
• D. Muñoz — Knee Injury
• C. Doucouré — Knee Injury
• C. Riad — Knee Injury
• Rio Cardines — Muscle Injury
• Caleb Kporha — Back Injury
• E. Nketiah — Thigh Injury

Fulham

• R. Sessegnon — Hamstring Injury
• Rodrigo Muniz — Hamstring Injury
• S. Chukwueze — International duty
• C. Bassey — International duty
• A. Iwobi — International duty

Head-to-Head

These sides have been closely matched over time, splitting seven wins each with six draws in their last twenty meetings. Recent clashes have tended to be controlled, averaging just over two goals across the past nine encounters. Palace edged the most recent match 2-1 in early December, reflecting the fine margins that often separate them.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Palace approach this one with signs of a sharpening attack. They’ve collected two wins and a draw in their last five and scored eight in that spell, though a 1-4 setback to Leeds underlined defensive work still to do. The hosts typically blend patient buildup with timely pressing at Selhurst Park, and the home crowd can amplify those shifts in tempo. J. Mateta’s return to form is notable: seven league goals this season, five at home, offering a reliable focal point.

London rivals clash in a tactical battle at Selhurst Park

Fulham’s away profile has improved, with three wins from their last five on the road and seven goals scored across those matches. A 1-0 win over West Ham in their latest outing underlined their ability to manage tight games. They sit 10th with 26 points from 18, and contributions from across midfield have been crucial, with threats arriving from runners and late arrivals into the box.

The tactical contrast should be clear. Palace are comfortable turning pressure into quick transitions, while Fulham’s recent away successes have come from measured progression and discipline out of possession. If conditions are slick, turnovers could become decisive, suiting Palace’s press; equally, Fulham’s balance on the break has been a feature of their upturn.

Squad availability may also shape the complexion. Palace list several absentees, yet still possess a clear outlet in Mateta, supported by a midfield trio capable of recycling possession. Fulham have players noted on international duty, a factor that can challenge continuity and rotations, especially across the back line and creative links.

Given the low-scoring trend in this matchup and the teams’ level standing, margins point to another tight contest. Palace’s home edge and Mateta’s form are countered by Fulham’s improved away execution. Prediction: Draw, with limited chances taken — 1-1.