The first Premier League fixture of the new year brings an intriguing London derby as Crystal Palace host Fulham at Selhurst Park. Both sides are level on points after 18 rounds, sitting ninth and tenth respectively, and this clash could prove decisive in their pursuit of European qualification. With only goal difference separating them and several teams close behind, neither can afford to drop points in this six-pointer. Palace will be eager to end their poor run of form, while Fulham arrive with confidence after a strong December showing.

Crystal Palace’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Crystal Palace enter this match desperate to halt a worrying slide. The Eagles have gone five games without a win, losing four of those, including a narrow 0-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on December 28. Their recent struggles have seen them average just 0.8 goals scored and 2.2 conceded per match across their last five outings. Over the course of the season, Palace have recorded 7 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses, scoring an average of 1.2 goals per game while conceding 1.1.

At Selhurst Park, the home side have also found victories hard to come by, failing to win in their last five home fixtures. They have lost at half time in each of their last three league matches, and in 29 of their last 30 games, at least one team has failed to score before the break. This pattern suggests a cautious start is likely once again. Despite their struggles, Palace’s defensive organization has often kept them competitive, particularly in this fixture, where they have not conceded at home in the last four meetings with Fulham.

• Crystal Palace ranking: 9th in Premier League


• Last 5 matches: 0 wins, 2 draws, 3 defeats


• Average goals scored: 1.2 | Average conceded: 1.1


• Lost at half time in last 3 league matches


• At least one team failed to score at half time in 29 of last 30 matches

Injuries and international call-ups have further complicated matters for the hosts. Up to eight players could be unavailable, including key contributors such as Ismaila Sarr, who is away at the AFCON, and Daichi Kamada and Daniel Munoz, both sidelined through injury. On the positive side, Jean-Philippe Mateta, with seven league goals, remains available, as do Eddie Nketiah and Marc Guehi, who both found the net in the reverse fixture.

Fulham’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Fulham arrive in far better shape, having won three of their last four matches. Their latest success came in another London derby, a 1-0 victory away at West Ham United on December 27. The Cottagers have now won three consecutive away league games, two of them against city rivals, and have shown improved defensive resilience, keeping clean sheets in their last two outings. Over their last five matches, Fulham have averaged 1.4 goals scored and 1.2 conceded, reflecting a balanced approach that has yielded results.

Across the season, Fulham’s record stands at 8 wins, 2 draws, and 8 losses, with an average of 1.4 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per game. Remarkably, they have not drawn any of their last 16 Premier League matches, underlining their tendency to play for all three points. However, their defensive record away from home remains a concern, as they have conceded at least once in 20 of their last 21 away fixtures. Still, their ability to find goals after the break is notable — over 0.5 goals have been scored in the second half of each of their last 12 away matches.

• Fulham ranking: 10th in Premier League


• Last 5 matches: 3 wins, 0 draws, 2 defeats


• Average goals scored: 1.4 | Average conceded: 1.4


• Over 0.5 goals in second half in last 12 away matches


• Haven’t drawn in last 16 league games

Like their hosts, Fulham are also affected by absences due to the AFCON and injuries. Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey are away on international duty, while Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon are sidelined. Despite these setbacks, Marco Silva’s side can still rely on Harry Wilson, their top scorer with five goals, alongside Raul Jimenez and Emile Smith Rowe to lead the attack.

Crystal Palace vs Fulham Analysis and Prediction

Recent meetings between these two sides have been tight affairs, with Palace winning the reverse fixture 2-1 earlier in December. Historically, the Eagles have had the upper hand, winning three of the last five encounters and conceding an average of just 0.8 goals per game against Fulham. However, current form suggests a more balanced contest this time around. Palace’s attacking struggles, combined with Fulham’s improved defensive discipline, point towards a low-scoring match.

Both teams are missing key offensive players, and with fatigue and fixture congestion playing a role, neither side is expected to take excessive risks. Palace’s inability to convert chances and Fulham’s cautious approach away from home could lead to a tactical battle decided by fine margins. Given that both teams have been involved in several matches with fewer than three goals, another tight, low-scoring affair seems likely.

In addition, Fulham’s tendency to score in the second half could make the latter stages of the game more open, but Palace’s home crowd will demand a response after a difficult run. A draw would not be a surprising outcome, as both sides look evenly matched and may settle for a point to avoid starting the year with a defeat.

Crystal Palace vs Fulham prediction by BetMines:
Under 2.5 goals with 51% probability.