Crystal Palace vs Fulham FC, English Premier League 2025-26, Today Match Prediction

Crystal Palace vs Fulham FC Match Prediction & Analysis

There could hardly be a more fitting way to usher in 2026 in the Premier League than with the intensity and intrigue of a London derby. The London derby sees Crystal Palace host Fulham in an 11:00 PM IST kickoff on January 1, with the two sides arriving in contrasting moods. Fulham carry confidence after ending 2025 with a win, while Palace come in licking their wounds following a disappointing 1–0 defeat.

Current Standings: Crystal Palace currently sits ninth in the points table, with 26 points, while Fulham are right behind them at the 10th, with 25 points. 

Head-to-Head Record: Palace hold a slight  edge in this rivalry, claiming 6 wins from 15 meetings while losing four times.  

TEAMS PREVIEW

Crystal Palace Preview

Of the two sides, Crystal Palace appear in greater need of a rethink, having slipped into an unhealthy habit of losing. They head into the New Year on the back of three league defeats — four including their Carabao Cup exit — with the latest a narrow 1–0 loss to Tottenham, a side currently outside the top ten. Worryingly, it was also Palace’s second goalless outing in their last three league matches and second straight defeat to a team outside the top ten. 

Stats that matter 

1. Crystal Palace are winless in their last five games across all competitions.
2. The Eagles are winless in their last six Premier League matches played on the New Year's day.
3. Crystal Palace have scored 2 or more goals in their last 3 games against Fulham. 

Team News 

Beyond their AFCON absentees, and the long term absences from injuries, Fulham could well continue to miss the services of defender Chris Richards. 

Crystal Palace Probable XI - Henderson (GK); Canvot, Lacroix, Marc Guehi, Clyne (Defenders); Adam Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell (Midfielders); Nketieh/Devenny,  Yeremy Pino, Mateta (Forwards). 

Fulham FC Preview

It was a familiar 1–0 tale once more for the Cottagers, as they edged past West Ham last Saturday to mirror their narrow win over Forest. Raul Jimenez was again the difference-maker, this time striking late in the 85th minute to seal the points. 

The win ensured Fulham signed off 2025 in style with three consecutive wins, something they haven't achieved in the league since 2023. For a side that spent much of the season rooted to the bottom, climbing into the top half is a clear sign of progress, evidence that Marco Silva’s Fulham are pushing to better last season’s 11th-place finish.

Stats that matter 

1. Fulham have won five of their last seven Premier League games (L2).
2. The clean sheet against West Ham was their first in their 21 away appearances in all competitions.
3. Fulham have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four Premier League away games against Crystal Palace. 

Team News 

Beyond their AFCON absentees, Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz are the only absences in the Fulham squad. 

Fulham Probable XI - Leno (GK) ; Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson (Defenders) ; Berge, Lukic, Smith Rowe (Midfielders) ; Wilson, Kevin, Jimenez (Forwards). 

CRYSTAL PALACE vs FULHAM FC
Winning Prediction

Crystal Palace’s last Premier League win came back on December 7, coincidentally against Fulham, and the Eagles will hope for a repeat on New Year’s Day to halt their slide. However, Fulham’s current form and a solid recent record at Selhurst Park tilt the balance in the visitors’ favour. 

Fulham to Win (2-1)

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