Crystal Palace host Fulham at Selhurst Park on Thursday 1 January, with kick-off at 5:30 PM.
These two evenly matched sides are level on points and close in the table, but their recent head-to-head record has seen Palace assert a clear upper hand. With both teams seeking to push into the top half, this London derby promises tactical intrigue and a potentially pivotal result as the Premier League season approaches the new year.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on recent trends and season-by-season stats, here are our top betting recommendations for Crystal Palace vs Fulham. We’re particularly confident in backing the home side, who have dominated this fixture in recent years and boast a reliable frontman in Jean-Philippe Mateta.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace to Win | 11/10 @ Bet365 (47.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Crystal Palace is favoured due to Fulham’s abysmal away form. As of 29/12/2025, Fulham has secured only 10 points from 9 away matches (3W, 1D, 5L) , demonstrating a significant struggle on the road. While Palace’s home record is modest (2W, 4D, 3L) , the historical trend shows the away team is unbeaten in the last nine meetings . However, Fulham’s current poor away performance, coupled with Palace’s need for a home win, makes a narrow victory for the Eagles the most likely outcome. |
| Under 2.5 Goals | 6/5 @ Betfred (45.5%) | ⭐⭐ | The defensive records of both sides suggest a low-scoring affair. Crystal Palace boasts one of the league’s better defences, conceding only 20 goals in 18 matches . Fulham’s away scoring is modest, averaging 1.1 goals per game . The historical trend also points to caution, with the probability of Under 2.5 goals being high in similar match-ups . Given Palace’s defensive strength and Fulham’s average away attack, a tight, low-scoring contest is the data-driven expectation. |
Odds correct at the time of writing.
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Crystal Palace vs Fulham match odds
How both teams head into Crystal Palace vs Fulham
Crystal Palace’s 2025/2026 season has been solid, placing them 9th in the table with 26 points from 17 games (7W, 5D, 5L) . Their success is built on a strong defence, conceding only 20 goals (1.18 per game) . However, their home form at Selhurst Park has been inconsistent, yielding only 10 points from 8 matches (2W, 4D, 2L) . Key results include a recent win over Liverpool. Despite a recent dip in form, their overall record and positive goal difference of +1 suggest a comfortable mid-table finish.
Fulham’s 2025/2026 Premier League season has been marked by mid-table stability, currently sitting 10th with 26 points from 18 games (8W, 2D, 8L) . Their goal difference is a narrow -1, having scored 25 goals and conceded 26 . A significant split exists between their home and away form: they have secured 16 points at home but only 10 points on the road . Key results include a recent victory over Nottingham Forest. This inconsistency, particularly away from Craven Cottage, defines their current position.
Crystal Palace team news
Crystal Palace are significantly impacted by AFCON 2025, with key forward Ismaïla Sarr confirmed to be absent . The squad is also dealing with several injuries, including Daniel Muñoz (knee injury) and long-term absentees like Cheick Doucoure . Manager Oliver Glasner has publicly appealed for reinforcements, highlighting the attacking struggles and the need for additions to cope with the mounting absences for the New Year’s Day fixture.
Fulham team news
Fulham are one of the hardest-hit clubs by AFCON 2025, losing three key players to Nigeria: defender Calvin Bassey, midfielder Alex Iwobi, and forward Samuel Chukwueze . This triple absence severely depletes Marco Silva’s options across the pitch. Furthermore, the squad is dealing with injuries to attackers Rodrigo Muniz (hamstring) and Ryan Sessegnon , leaving the team significantly weakened for the New Year’s Day derby at Selhurst Park.
Season Form & Standings
Both Crystal Palace and Fulham are locked on 26 points after 18 games, with Palace holding ninth place by goal difference. Palace are slightly more secure at the back, while Fulham’s attack has been more productive, but at the cost of a leaky defence. Recent form for both has been patchy, keeping this match in the balance.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | 9 | 18 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 21 | 20 | +1 | 26 |
| Fulham | 10 | 18 | 8 | 2 | 8 | 25 | 26 | -1 | 26 |
Head-to-Head: Last 5 Meetings
Crystal Palace have dominated recent meetings, winning six of the last twelve, including three of the last four away to Fulham. The most recent clash saw Palace edge a 2-1 victory away. Here are the latest results between the sides:
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 07/12/25 | Fulham 1-2 Crystal Palace | Premier League |
| 29/03/25 | Fulham 0-3 Crystal Palace | Premier League |
| 22/02/25 | Fulham 0-2 Crystal Palace | Premier League |
| 09/11/24 | Crystal Palace 0-2 Fulham | Premier League |
| 27/04/24 | Fulham 1-1 Crystal Palace | Premier League |
Conclusion
Will Crystal Palace’s head-to-head dominance and home advantage see them edge out Fulham, or can the Cottagers’ creative midfield come up with answers? With both teams pushing to break into the top half, we’re siding with Palace to continue their strong record in this fixture – and with Mateta in clinical form, a home win at 11/10 @ Bet365 (47.6%) stands out as the top pick.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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