Crystal Palace and Fulham will kick off 2026 by clashing in a London derby at Selhurst Park on New Year’s Day.
While the two sides are level on points in mid-table, they enter this all-capital showdown in contrasting form.
Crystal Palace have hit a rough patch recently, with Oliver Glasner’s team losing each of their last three Premier League matches.
The Eagles’ most recent setback saw them fall to a 1-0 defeat at home to Tottenham.
Fulham, on the other hand, are in fine form, with Saturday’s 1-0 win over West Ham extending their winning streak to three matches.
Another victory here would see Marco Silva’s side move above Crystal Palace in the Premier League table.
How the bookies view it: Eagles have the edge
Despite losing each of their last three Premier League matches, Crystal Palace come into this clash as 23/20 favourites on bet365.
Given that they have won each of their last three top-flight matches away from home, Fulham offer value to emerge from this contest victorious at 12/5 with bet365.
Meanwhile, a share of the Selhurst Park spoils has been priced up at 9/4 on bet365.
Head to head: Palace seeking repeat
Across their 55 encounters, Fulham narrowly lead the head-to-head record with 19 wins, while Palace have 17, and 19 games have ended all square.
However, Crystal Palace can draw confidence from the fact that they claimed a 2-1 win away at Fulham in early December.
Players to watch: Hone in on Hughes
After receiving his sixth yellow card of the season against Tottenham last time out, Will Hughes looks overpriced at 4/1 with bet365 to pick up another booking in this London derby. The tough-tackling Crystal Palace midfielder also holds plenty of appeal to commit two or more fouls at 11/10 with the same firm.
Raul Jimenez was the hero as he scored the only goal of the game in Fulham’s 1-0 win over West Ham on Saturday. That means the Mexican forward has been involved in a goal in four of his last nine Premier League appearances, making him a strong contender for a goal or an assist here at 6/4 with bet365.
Predicted line-ups
Several players remain in the treatment room for Crystal Palace, including Caleb Kporha, Chadi Riad, Cheick Doucoure, Daichi Kamada, Daniel Munoz and Rio Cardines. Chris Richards is a doubt after missing the Tottenham defeat, and Ismaila Sarr is unavailable as he is away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Fulham’s injury list includes Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon, while Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze are absent due to AFCON duty.
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Lerma, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Pino, Nketiah; Mateta
Fulham: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez
Anything else catch the eye?
With a tight contest expected at Selhurst Park on New Year’s Day, under 2.5 goals looks worthy of consideration at 10/11 with bet365.
Five of the Eagles’ nine home games in the top flight this season have produced two goals or fewer, including three of their last five.
It’s also worth noting that each of Fulham’s last two matches has seen just one goal scored.
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