The most important game of the season so far, and it will be played on an artificial pitch in Eastern Norway.
After what turned out to be a disappointing first leg score line at Selhurst Park, Oliver Glasner as his players need to ensure there are no slip ups to ensure safe passage into the league stage of the competition.
It is a fixture that follows a hard fought point on Sunday against Nottingham Forest, who are the team that should be taking part in this play off (we will never let go, will we?)
Glasner expects to have Japanese international Daichi Kamada back for this game which is perhaps rather timely as it has been difficult to fill the void that Ebere Eze has left behind. It could be the perfect game for the former Lazio man, and his experience will be much needed.
Unfortunately, both Will Hughes and Odsonne Edouard have not made the trip so will not feature.
The battle is on to make it into the draw on Friday, and while there are concerns about the pitch, just like Jean-Philippe Mateta said after the first leg, many of the players learnt to play on artificial surfaces.
The fixture will take minds off the transfer window which slams shut on Monday, but there is promise with the suggested agreement that Spaniard Yeremy Pino will be making the switch from La Liga side Villareal. It is expected that more will follow, with the club seeing more outgoing than incomings, having seen Matheus Franca loaned out to Brazilian side Vasco de Gama.
There is hope that we see up to four incomings ahead of the deadline, which is likely to be a tall order but with several rumours doing the rounds such as Conor Gallagher, and Manual Akanji, it is clear that the club are working hard on deals.
With around 1,700 Palace fans making the trip to Norway for our first official away game in European competition, the representation will be vociferous to encourage a favourable result before returning back to South London to prepare for a Sunday evening fixture against Aston Villa before the first international break of the season.
As a very nice touch by the club, and due to Norwegian advertising regulations, the players will be wearing the gold shirt with ‘Palace For Life’ replacing the usual shirt sponsor for the game in Norway.
🏟️ Match Overview
- First Leg Result: Crystal Palace 1–0 Fredrikstad.
- Palace travel to Norway with a slender lead, aiming to secure their place in the group stage.
- Fredrikstad must overturn the deficit at home, but their recent form and squad depth pose challenges.
📊 Form Guide
Fredrikstad
- Last 5 matches: 1 win, 3 losses, 1 draw.
- Goals: Scored 4, conceded 8.
- Recent defeats include losses to Midtjylland (1-3, 0-2) and Palace (0-1).
- Home form is shaky, with only one win in their last five.
Crystal Palace
- Last 5 matches: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss.
- Goals: Scored 7, conceded 6.
- Unbeaten in competitive matches this season, including a Community Shield win over Liverpool.
- Dominated the first leg with 74% possession and 25 shots.
🧠 Team News
Fredrikstad
- Valdemar Birksø remains sidelined with injury.
- Key players: Emil Holten (forward), Solomon Owusu (defense), Oskar Oehlenschlaeger (midfield).
- Likely formation: 4-4-2, focusing on compact midfield and counter-attacks.
Crystal Palace
- Injuries: Chadi Riad, Cheick Doucouré, Eddie Nketiah, Matheus França.
- Diachi Kamada expected to start after sale of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal. Will Hughes and Odsonne Edouard have not travelled.
- Key players: Dean Henderson (GK), Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton, Ismaila Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta.
- Likely formation: 3-4-2-1, emphasizing wing-back play and midfield control.
📋 Predicted Lineups
Fredrikstad:
Børsheim; S. Owusu, Woledzi, Fredriksen, Rafn; Metcalfe, L. Owusu, Bjartalíð, Oehlenschlaeger; Holten, Skogvold.
Crystal Palace:
Henderson; Munoz, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell; Wharton, Kamada; Sarr, Devenny; Mateta.
🌦️ Venue & Conditions
- Fredrikstad Stadion, capacity: 12,565.
- Weather: Cool, scattered clouds, 19°C, light wind, ideal for fast-paced football.
🔮 Prediction
- Palace’s tactical discipline and defensive strength give them the edge.
- Fredrikstad’s scoring struggles and Palace’s control in the first leg suggest a repeat result.
- Predicted Score: Fredrikstad 0–2 Crystal Palace.
📺 How to Watch
- Live on Channel 5 in the UK.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST (9pm local time).
