Crystal Palace hosts Fulham at Selhurst Park for a New Year’s Day Premier League showdown. It’s a classic London derby with a twist. The hosts are desperate to break a troubling winless streak. In contrast, the visitors arrive in South London riding a wave of excellent form. With both teams looking to start 2026 on a high note, this match promises intrigue despite their different recent fortunes.

Tale of Two Forms: Fulham’s Rise vs. Palace’s Slump

The two clubs enter this fixture on opposite trajectories. Fulham is currently one of the Premier League’s most in-form teams. They have secured victory in their last three league matches and have won an impressive five of their last seven games. Furthermore, their success isn’t limited to their home ground, as they have also won their last three away matches, making them a formidable opponent on the road.

Crystal Palace, on the other hand, is in a difficult spell. The Eagles are currently on a five-game winless streak in the league, a run that includes four defeats. Their home advantage has also faded recently. Selhurst Park is typically a fortress, but the team has not won any of its last three league games there. This alarming dip in form is a major concern heading into the new year.

Team News: Injury Woes Hit Both Squads

Both managers are grappling with significant player absences due to injuries, international duty, and suspensions. These selection headaches will undoubtedly impact the game.

Crystal Palace’s Depleted Ranks

The Eagles are facing a severe availability crisis. Their list of unavailable players is extensive and affects all areas of the pitch.

• International Duty: Ismaïla Sarr
• Injured: Daniel Muñoz (knee), Cheick Doucouré (knee), Daichi Kamada (hamstring), Chadi Riad (knee), Rio Cardines (muscle).
• Doubtful: Chris Richards (foot), Eddie Nketiah (knock), Jean-Philippe Mateta (knock).

This long list of absentees forces the manager to rely on a heavily rotated squad.

Fulham’s Key Absences

While not as severe as Palace’s situation, Fulham is also missing several key players. Their squad depth will certainly be tested.

• International Duty: Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze
• Injured: Rodrigo Muniz (hamstring), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring), Reiss Nelson (hamstring).
• Suspended: Tom Cairney

Joachim Andersen is reportedly close to a return, which would be a significant boost for the visitors.

Head-to-Head: A Recent Rivalry Dominated by the Eagles

Historically, matches between these two sides have been closely contested. Across 46 competitive games, Fulham has a slight edge with 16 wins to Palace’s 12. However, recent history tells a very different story.

Crystal Palace has dominated this fixture lately, winning the last three consecutive encounters. This includes a 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage just last month in December 2025. Despite their poor current form, this psychological advantage could play a crucial role.

Conclusion: Can Form Overcome History?

This New Year’s Day clash presents a fascinating contest between a team in scintillating form and a team with recent historical dominance in the fixture. Crystal Palace’s extensive injury list and five-game winless run make them vulnerable, even at home. Conversely, Fulham’s three-match winning streak, especially their strong away performances, makes them the favourites on paper.

While Palace will lean on their recent head-to-head success for motivation, Fulham’s momentum is undeniable. The visitors seem well-equipped to overcome their recent struggles against the Eagles and start the year with a positive result. This match could ultimately be decided by which depleted squad adapts better on the day.