Crystal Palace vs Fulham Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Yet another London derby kicks off the calendar year of 2026 in the Premier League as Crystal Palace, needing a win, take on London rivals Fulham at Selhurst Park.

Kick-off date/time: 1 January 2026 at 5:30 pm

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – NBC

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Peacock

Crystal Palace preview: Need a win

Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace come into this one on the back of a continuation of a dip in form at the weekend as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur down in Croydon due to an Archie Gray header just before half-time.

The Eagles are now winless in their last five matches across all competitions as they struggle to deal with a bit of fatigue as a result of having a small squad and having both European and domestic commitments so far this season.

Fulham preview: In-form Fulham

Fulham come into this one on the back of a slender 1-0 victory over capital city rivals West Ham United at the London Stadium the other day, courtesy of a late header scored by Mexico international striker Raul Jimenez.

After a difficult start to the season, the Cottagers have really begun to turn things around with Marco Silva overseeing six victories in nine Premier League matches since the beginning of November.

Crystal Palace team news: A few issues

United States international defender Chris Richards missed out against Spurs but the versatile centre-back is again forcing his way back to full fitness and could be involved.

Ismaila Sarr is away at AFCON with Senegal, while key men such as right wing-back Daniel Munoz and midfielder Daichi Kamada remain sidelined through injury.

Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Nketiah, Pino; Mateta

Unavailable: Kporha (Injured), Riad (Injured), Cardines (Injured), Munoz (Injured), Doucoure (Injured), Kamada (Injured), Sarr (International duty)

Questionable: Richards (Injured)

Fulham team news: AFCON absentees

Antonee Robinson has returned to full fitness and the United States international has almost immediately returned to his best form so will be ready and set to again at full-back.

The Cottagers are dealing with a trio of absentees at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria, with Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samu Chukwueze sidelined for the visitors.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Andersen, Diop, Robinson; Reed, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez

Unavailable: Sessegnon (Injured), Bassey (International duty), Iwobi (International duty), Chukwueze (Injured), Muniz (Injured)

Questionable: 

Crystal Palace vs Fulham prediction

Crystal Palace are embarking upon what is expected to be a busy January transfer window, beginning with the signing of Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur, and reinforcements are required as they appear to be running on empty. Fulham are in excellent form and have a fair bit of depth, despite those AFCON absentees, and siding with the Cottagers may well be a good bet for this one in south London.

Crystal Palace vs Fulham tip: Double chance – Fulham to win or draw