As we bid a fond farewell to a year that will live long in the memory for all Palace fans, we can look ahead to what is in store in World cup year.
While the Eagles are on a disappointing run of league defeats, there is much to celebrate as FA Cup holders for the very first time. That day in may still feels like yesterday and no matter what has happened since then, the name of the club is etched in the history books forever.
Looking ahead, and at this current point in time, it is clear that Oliver Glasner and his squad of players are in need of help from the hierarchy at the club.
It has been a ridiculously busy period for Palace, perhaps the busiest in their history from the point when the first ball was kicked in this campaign, and then to get through the crazy list of fixtures during December.
There was always going to casualties and we start the year with important first team players Daniel Munoz, Daichi Kamada, and Chris Richards all with injuries although the latter could be in contention for the game against Fulham.
Losing two key players to lengthy absences would always be tough on this small squad of players, and we sit here with Palace having already played 30 games so far this season – that is getting close to a league campaign!
The Eagles start the year sitting in ninth in the Premier League, and into the Conference League play offs, with a defence of the FA Cup soon to commence.
There is plenty to look forward to, even if the rumour mill has the uncertainty over Oliver Glasner as one of its favourite topics at the moment, but the club is also being linked with several players – Brennan Johnson from Spurs seems to be one that could well get across the line early in the window. Let’s hope that is the first of three potential new additions to the squad.
While we await team news from the pre-match press conferences, a very special mention to Will Hughes who amassed 150 appearances for the club in the game against Spurs. Meanwhile, Ismaila Sarr has been starring in the AFCON with Senegal who look favourites to top Group D with one game left to play of the group stages.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish our followers and readers a very Happy New Year! 2025 is going to be very hard to beat, but there is no harm in trying, right?
🏟️ Match Preview
Date & Time: Thursday, January 1, 2026 • 17:30 GMT
Venue: Selhurst Park, London
📊 Current Form
Crystal Palace
- Mixed recent results: L‑D‑L‑D‑L before recent matches
- Last outing: 0‑1 defeat to Tottenham
- Defensively, they’ve been solid: just 11 goals conceded this season, second‑best in the league
Fulham
- Positive momentum with two straight wins: 1‑0 vs Nottingham Forest and West Ham
- Sitting 10th in the league
🔁 Head-to-Head
- Palace are unbeaten in the last three meetings with Fulham
- Across 55 meetings: Palace 17 wins, Fulham 19, 19 draws
📝 Team News & Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace (3‑4‑2‑1) GK: Dean Henderson
- Defenders: Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guéhi
- Midfielders: Nathaniel Clyne, Will Hughes, Daichi Kamada, Jefferson Lerma
- Attacking Mid/Forwards: Eddie Nketiah, Yeremy Pino (behind Jean‑Philippe Mateta)
Injury Watch:
- Out: Chadi Riad, Daniel Munoz, Kamada, Doucouré, Rio Cardines
- Fitness doubtful: Caleb Kporha, Chris Richards
- Ismalia Sarr away on international duty
Fulham (4‑2‑3‑1)
- GK: Bernd Leno
- Defenders: Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson
- Midfield (double pivot): Sander Berge, Alex Iwobi
- Forwards (3 behind striker): Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe, Samuel Chukwueze
- Striker: Raul Jiménez
Available Squad:
- Missing: Rodrigo Muniz, Ryan Sessegnon (injury); Iwobi, Bassey, Chukwueze on national duty
🔍 Tactical Insight & Key Players
- Palace rely heavily on Marcel Mateta — top scorer with 7 goals in 18 matches
- Fulham attack orchestrated by Jiménez (6 goal involvements)
- Expect a tight midfield and strong defensive show from Palace
💡 Predictions & Betting Tips
- Odds: Palace slight favorites per Bet365 and Squawka
- Likely Scoreline:
- Ladbrokes forecasts a draw (1‑1)
- Khel Now leans toward a 2‑1 home win for Palace
- Squawka hints at a low‑scoring affair (<2.5 goals)
⚖️ Preview Summary
A tight London derby looms. Palace’s recent struggles at home are offset by their defensive strength and strong past performances against Fulham. Fulham enter on the back of good form but may find it difficult to string together more wins away from home. A close, tactical match with a low goal count seems most likely, either a narrow Palace win or a draw.
📺 TV Coverage
- UK: TNT Sports, Sky Sports
- USA: NBC Sports
- India & Nigeria: Star Sports Network, SuperSport
