Crystal Palace vs Fulham prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 1 January 2026
On January 1, 2026, as part of Matchday 19 in the English Premier League, Crystal Palace will host Fulham at Selhurst Park.
- See also: Burnley - Newcastle: Can anyone secure a win in the last match of the year?
Key facts and head-to-head history:
- Crystal Palace have won just 1 of their last 5 matches.
- Fulham have won 3 of their last 5 matches.
- Head-to-head stats from the last 5 meetings: Crystal Palace – 3 wins, 1 draw, Fulham – 1 win.
- Crystal Palace have scored 21 goals and conceded 19 in 17 rounds.
- Fulham have scored 25 goals and conceded 26 in 18 rounds.
- Both teams are level on points in the league table – 26 each.
Match preview:
This London derby is set to be a highlight of the Premier League's packed New Year's schedule, promising fans a tense and emotional encounter.
Crystal Palace traditionally look strong at home, relying on intense pressing and rapid wing play. For the Eagles, this match is crucial for consolidating their mid-table position and boosting confidence at the start of the new year.
Fulham come into the game eager to extend their good run and impose their trademark combination football on the hosts. The Cottagers focus on controlling possession and exploiting spaces between the lines, which could prove a real challenge for Palace's defense.
Expect a closely contested battle between two sides that know each other well, with much hinging on clinical finishing and tactical decisions from the managers. This New Year's derby at Selhurst Park could play a significant role in shaping the balance of power in the league.
Probable lineups:
- Crystal Palace: Henderson, Lerma, Lacroix, Guehi, Clyne, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell, Nketiah, Pino, Mateta.
- Fulham: Leno, Robinson, Cuenca, Andersen, Tete, Berge, Lukic, Wilson, Rowe, Kevin, Jimenez.
Match prediction:
This matchup between Crystal Palace and Fulham is set up for an open, attacking contest. Both teams prefer to play on the front foot and rarely shut up shop, even against evenly matched opponents, often at the expense of defensive stability.
Crystal Palace regularly create chances at home with their pace and flank pressure, but they are also prone to mistakes when transitioning from attack to defense. Fulham, meanwhile, thrive in combination play and can unlock defenses through ball control and smart runs from deep.
Given the derby nature of this encounter, the high intensity, and both teams' motivation to kick off the new year positively, chances should come at both ends. In this context, the bet on 'both teams to score – yes' looks justified and logical.
My prediction: Both teams to score – Yes.
