As we ring in the New Year as seen in this preview, Selhurst Park sets the stage for a gritty London derby between Crystal Palace and Fulham on January 1, 2026. Oliver Glasner’s Eagles are desperate to snap a five-match winless streak that saw them slide down the table in December, while Marco Silva’s Fulham arrive with the momentum of three wins in their last four Premier League outings.
The tactical battle between Glasner’s structured transition play and Silva’s technical build-up makes this match preview a fascinating study for bettors. With both teams locked on 26 points in the mid-table, the intensity is expected to be high. Those looking to find an edge in the New Year’s Day markets can find live updates and competitive odds at Betano.
Crystal Palace vs Fulham match preview/Betting preview
Crystal Palace enters 2026 looking to recapture the form that saw them lift the FA Cup in 2025. Recent weeks have been unkind, marked by a frustrating 1-0 loss to Tottenham and a penalty shootout exit in the EFL Cup. The Eagles have struggled for cutting edge at home, failing to score in their last four meetings with Fulham at Selhurst Park. However, the return of Eddie Nketiah to the starting lineup could provide the spark needed to break that duck.
Fulham, by contrast, are currently enjoying a rich vein of form. The “Cottagers” have won their last three away matches in the Premier League, showcasing a new-found resilience on the road. Despite missing key Nigerian internationals to AFCON, Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson have stepped up, with Wilson contributing to seven goals in his last six appearances. This Crystal Palace vs Fulham betting preview leans toward a tightly contested affair where small margins and set-pieces could be the deciding factor at Betano.
Team Recent Form
Crystal Palace: L L L D L
Fulham: W W L W L
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Key Stats
- New Year’s Jinx: Crystal Palace have failed to win any of their previous six Premier League fixtures played on New Year’s Day.
- Away Specialists: Fulham are aiming to win four consecutive top-flight away matches for the first time in the club’s history.
- Goal Drought: The Eagles have failed to score in their last four home matches against Fulham (D2, L2).
Correct Score Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Fulham
While Palace dominated possession in their recent outing against Spurs, their lack of a finishing touch remains a glaring issue. Fulham are playing with immense confidence and possess a clinical edge through Jimenez and Wilson. Given Palace’s historic struggles on New Year’s Day and Fulham’s record-breaking away form, a narrow 2-1 victory for the visitors looks the most likely outcome. You can back this scoreline or explore more conservative options at Betano.
Crystal Palace vs Fulham H2H
- Overall Edge: Fulham leads the competitive head-to-head record with 19 wins to Palace’s 17, with 19 draws between them.
- Recent Meeting: Palace managed a 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage earlier in December 2025, but they have struggled to replicate that success at home.
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Pre-Game Odds
- Crystal Palace (Home): 2.26
- Draw: 3.48
- Fulham (Away): 3.52
Team News Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner is managing a fatigued and injury-hit squad. Ismaila Sarr is away at AFCON with Senegal, while Daniel Munoz, Daichi Kamada, and Cheick Doucoure are all confirmed absentees. There is a slim hope that defender Chris Richards could return following a foot injury, but if he fails a fitness test, Jefferson Lerma is expected to drop into the back three alongside Marc Guehi.
Team News Fulham
Marco Silva is also dealing with international absences, as Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze are representing Nigeria at AFCON. Rodrigo Muniz remains out following hamstring surgery. However, the Cottagers’ core remains strong, with Joachim Andersen returning to his former club to lead the defense and Harry Wilson in the form of his life on the wing.
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Lerma, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Pino, Nketiah; Mateta.
Fulham: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez.
Crystal Palace vs Fulham betting tips
Tip 1 – Result: Fulham Win.
Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals.
Tip 3 – Both Team to Score: Yes.
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