Crystal Palace vs Fulham Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Thursday, 1 January

Crystal Palace will host Fulham at Selhurst Park on Thursday, 1 January, in what promises to be an intriguing Premier League clash. This match is crucial for both teams as they look to gain valuable points in the league standings. With Crystal Palace playing at home, they will be eager to capitalise on their home advantage against Fulham.

The Premier League encounter at Selhurst Park will see Crystal Palace aiming to assert dominance in front of their fans, while Fulham will be keen to disrupt their plans and secure a vital away win. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance this season, making this matchup one to watch for fans and bettors alike. As we delve into the prediction, match preview, and betting tips, it is clear that this game could have significant implications for the league positions of both sides.

Crystal Palace vs Fulham Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Draw	3.31

Given the current form and recent performances of both teams, our recommended betting tip is a draw. Crystal Palace have struggled to secure wins recently, and Fulham have a history of surprising results away from home.

• Crystal Palace have not won any of their last five games, and their defensive play results in low-scoring matches.
• Fulham have scored in 78% of their away matches this season, showing they can find the net on the road.
• In their last five head-to-head encounters, the results have been closely contested with two wins, a draw, and a loss for Crystal Palace.

Considering Crystal Palace’s defensive style and Fulham’s ability to score in away matches, a tight contest is expected, making the draw a likely outcome.

Betting Odds

Crystal Palace enter this Premier League clash as slight favourites, playing at home at Selhurst Park. With odds of 2.18 for a Palace win, there is a nod to their home advantage, but Fulham’s odds of 3.39 suggest they cannot be written off easily.

Betting Tip	Odds
Crystal Palace to win	2.18
Draw	3.31
Fulham to win	3.39

The draw is priced at 3.31, indicating that bookmakers see this as a closely contested match. For those looking at alternative markets, both teams to score could be a shrewd bet given the attacking intent both sides have shown recently.

Crystal Palace Analysis & Past Performance

Crystal Palace’s recent form has been challenging, with a disappointing sequence of results, including four defeats and one draw in their last five matches across all competitions. Notably, their most recent Premier League fixture saw them narrowly lose 0-1 to Tottenham at Selhurst Park, despite dominating possession with 62% and registering 15 shots compared to Tottenham’s 8.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Crystal Palace	Tottenham	0 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	Dec 28, 2025
Arsenal	Crystal Palace	N/A	EFL Cup	Dec 23, 2025
Leeds	Crystal Palace	4 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	Dec 20, 2025
Crystal Palace	KuPS	2 – 2 (Draw)	Conference League	Dec 18, 2025
Crystal Palace	Manchester City	0 – 3 (Loss)	Premier League	Dec 14, 2025

Recent Form:
In terms of attacking output, the team have struggled to find the back of the net, averaging just 0.80 goals per game in their last five outings, resulting in a total of four goals scored. Defensively, Crystal Palace have been vulnerable, conceding an average of 1.80 goals per game, with only one clean sheet in this period. Despite the challenges, Jean-Philippe Mateta remains a key attacking threat, having scored seven goals this season.

Home Performance:

• LLLDL

At home, Crystal Palace have failed to capitalise on their advantage, with no wins in their last five home matches, drawing two and losing three. Their home win ratio stands at a mere 0.20, highlighting their struggles at Selhurst Park. The team’s defensive frailties at home have been evident, conceding nine goals in the last five home matches, while managing to score only four.

Crystal Palace Suspensions & Injuries

Crystal Palace will have to navigate the absence of several key players due to injuries, which could significantly impact their tactical setup against Fulham. Cheick Doucouré and Daniel Muñoz, both sidelined with knee injuries until mid-January, are notable losses in the midfield and defensive areas, respectively. The absence of Daichi Kamada until late February due to a hamstring injury further depletes their creative options in the attacking third. The defensive line is also weakened with Chris Richards and Chadi Riad doubtful to participate, which might compel manager Oliver Glasner to rely heavily on Marc Guéhi and Jefferson Lerma to maintain defensive solidity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Chadi Riad	Cruciate ligament injury	Early January 2026
Cheick Doucouré	Knee injury	Mid January 2026
Caleb Kporha	Back injury	Doubtful
Daniel Muñoz	Knee injury	Mid January 2026
Daichi Kamada	Hamstring injury	Late February 2026
Rio Cardines	Muscle injury	Mid January 2026
Chris Richards	Ankle injury	Doubtful

Ismaïla Sarr’s suspension due to national team duties leaves a gap in the attacking department for Crystal Palace. With Sarr missing one more match, the team will need to adjust tactically, likely leaning on Yeremy Pino to fill the void on the flank. This absence could shift the team’s focus to a more central attacking approach, relying on Jean-Philippe Mateta to lead the line effectively.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Ismaïla Sarr	International duty	1	Unknown

The current unavailability of these players could influence betting markets, as Crystal Palace’s depth and quality are visibly affected. With a weakened squad, their chances against a full-strength Fulham side might be compromised, potentially impacting their odds and betting outcomes. The tactical adjustments and reliance on available players will be crucial in determining their competitive edge in this fixture.

Crystal Palace Key Players

Jean-Philippe Mateta stands as Crystal Palace’s top scorer with seven goals this season, embodying the primary threat in their attacking arsenal. His physical prowess and keen eye for goal make him a formidable presence upfront, capable of exploiting any defensive gaps Fulham might leave open. Mateta’s ability to hold up play and bring teammates into attacking moves will be crucial, especially when linking up with midfield dynamo Yeremy Pino, whose creativity and flair can unlock defences.

In midfield, Will Hughes and Adam Wharton are pivotal in controlling the pace and distribution of the game. Hughes, with his experience and composure, serves as a stabilising force, while Wharton’s youthful energy and forward thrust can break opposition lines. Defensively, the pairing of Marc Guéhi and Maxence Lacroix provides solidity and aerial strength, essential in thwarting Fulham’s attacking threats. Their ability to read the game and make timely interventions will be vital in maintaining a clean sheet.

Expected lineup for Crystal Palace

• Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
• Defenders: Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guéhi, Jefferson Lerma
• Midfielders: Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Wharton, Will Hughes, Tyrick Mitchell, Yeremy Pino, Justin Devenny
• Forward: Jean-Philippe Mateta

Crystal Palace Tactics and Formation

Crystal Palace Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Jean-Philippe Mateta
• Midfield Engine: Will Hughes and Adam Wharton
• Defensive Setup: Three-man defence led by Marc Guéhi
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing play and quick transitions.

In their 3-4-2-1 formation, Crystal Palace seek to exploit the width provided by wing-backs Nathaniel Clyne and Tyrick Mitchell. This setup allows them to stretch the opposition and create space for central players like Yeremy Pino and Justin Devenny to operate effectively in advanced roles.

Defensively, Palace rely on a three-man defence featuring Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guéhi, and Jefferson Lerma. This structure aims to provide stability at the back, although recent performances highlight vulnerabilities, with only one clean sheet in the last five games.

Offensively, Jean-Philippe Mateta is the focal point, using his physical presence to challenge defences. Palace’s approach often focuses on quick transitions, capitalising on the speed and creativity of their attacking midfielders to break down opposition lines, while maintaining 62% possession in their last match.

Fulham Analysis & Past Performance

Fulham have been in somewhat inconsistent form recently, with a mix of wins and losses over their last five matches. In their recent outing, Fulham secured a narrow 1-0 victory away against West Ham, showcasing their ability to grind out results on the road. This win was crucial following their previous defeat to Newcastle in the EFL Cup.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
West Ham	Fulham	0 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025
Fulham	Nottingham Forest	1 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	22 Dec 2025
Newcastle	Fulham	2 – 1 (Loss)	EFL Cup	17 Dec 2025
Burnley	Fulham	2 – 3 (Win)	Premier League	13 Dec 2025
Fulham	Crystal Palace	1 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	7 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Fulham have averaged 1.40 goals per game in their last five matches, underscoring a modest attacking output complemented by a decent defensive record, conceding an average of 1.20 goals per match. The team have managed to keep two clean sheets in this period, reflecting moments of defensive solidity. Their away form mirrors their overall performance, with a 60% win ratio on the road, having won three of their last five away fixtures.

Fulham’s league position stands at 10th with 26 points, highlighting their mid-table stability. Harry Wilson has been a key player, leading the goal-scoring charts for Fulham with five goals, illustrating his importance in Fulham’s attack. Despite some defensive vulnerabilities, Fulham’s ability to perform away from home could be pivotal in their upcoming fixtures.

• WWLWL

Fulham Suspensions & Injuries

Fulham face a challenge with several players unavailable due to suspensions. Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze are all serving their final match of a four-game suspension, impacting Fulham’s squad depth, particularly in defensive and midfield areas. The absence of these players, who have been key to Fulham’s tactical balance, could force Marco Silva to rely more heavily on his available starters and potentially alter his usual formation to compensate for the missing personnel.

Player	Suspension	Matches Left	Expected Return
Calvin Bassey	National squad	1	Unknown
Alex Iwobi	National squad	1	Unknown
Samuel Chukwueze	National squad	1	Unknown

The injury list adds further complications, with Rodrigo Muniz sidelined by a hamstring injury, expected to return in early February 2026. Ryan Sessegnon is also dealing with a hamstring issue but is anticipated to be back in action within a few days. While these injuries affect Fulham’s attacking options, the presence of Raúl Jiménez in the starting lineup provides some reassurance upfront.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Rodrigo Muniz	Hamstring injury	Early February 2026
Ryan Sessegnon	Hamstring injury	Few days

The tactical impact of these absences may see a shift in Fulham’s strategy, potentially leading to a more conservative approach against Crystal Palace. The lack of depth due to injuries and suspensions could influence betting markets, as Fulham might be seen as less likely to secure a victory without their full complement of players.

Fulham Key Players

Fulham’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by their top scorer, Harry Wilson, who has netted five goals this season. Wilson’s ability to exploit spaces and his sharp finishing make him a constant threat to any defence. His role as a wide midfielder allows him to create and convert chances, making him pivotal to Fulham’s attacking strategy.

In midfield, Saša Lukić and Sander Berge are expected to control the tempo and transition play from defence to attack. Lukić’s vision and Berge’s physical presence provide a balanced midfield dynamic that could dictate the match’s flow. Meanwhile, Emile Smith Rowe’s creativity and flair offer an additional dimension, linking play effectively with the forward line.

Defensively, the experience of Joachim Andersen and the tenacity of Antonee Robinson are crucial. Andersen’s leadership and aerial ability, combined with Robinson’s pace and tackling, form a solid defensive base. This defensive setup is vital for Fulham to maintain their shape and resist Crystal Palace’s offensive threats.

Expected lineup for Fulham

• Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
• Defence: Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Jorge Cuenca, Antonee Robinson
• Midfield: Harry Wilson, Saša Lukić, Sander Berge, Emile Smith Rowe, Kevin
• Forward: Raúl Jiménez

Fulham Tactics and Formation

Fulham Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Raúl Jiménez
• Midfield Pivot: Saša Lukić and Sander Berge
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession play and structured defence.

Fulham’s 4-2-3-1 formation under Marco Silva is designed to provide balance across the pitch, with a strong emphasis on possession. Saša Lukić and Sander Berge form the midfield pivot, offering a blend of defensive coverage and creative distribution. This formation allows them to effectively control the tempo of the game while providing defensive stability.

Offensively, Raúl Jiménez leads the line, supported by Emile Smith Rowe in the central attacking role. The wingers, Harry Wilson and Kevin, add width and pace, making Fulham dangerous on the counter-attack. Wilson, as the top scorer, often looks to exploit spaces left by the opposition’s defence.

Defensively, Fulham’s backline, consisting of Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Jorge Cuenca, and Antonee Robinson, has shown resilience, achieving two clean sheets in recent matches. Their defensive organisation is pivotal, especially against teams that press high, allowing them to absorb pressure and launch swift counterattacks.

Crystal Palace vs Fulham Head-to-Head Record

In their last 21 encounters, Fulham have a slight edge with eight wins compared to Crystal Palace’s seven, while six matches have ended in draws. The most recent meeting saw Crystal Palace triumph 2-1 away at Fulham in the Premier League. This result marked a continuation of Palace’s recent dominance over Fulham, having won the last three league encounters.

The last time Crystal Palace hosted Fulham at Selhurst Park, it was Fulham who came out on top with a 2-0 victory in the Premier League. This suggests that while Palace have been strong away, they might need to up their game at home.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League/Competition	Match Date
Fulham	Crystal Palace	1 – 2	Premier League	2025-12-07
Fulham	Crystal Palace	0 – 3	FA Cup	2025-03-29
Fulham	Crystal Palace	0 – 2	Premier League	2025-02-22
Crystal Palace	Fulham	0 – 2	Premier League	2024-11-09
Fulham	Crystal Palace	1 – 1	Premier League	2024-04-27