Crystal Palace begin their maiden European campaign with a play-off first leg at home to Fredrikstad in 2025-26 UEFA Conference League.
Oliver Glasner’s Eagles are making their European debut in this opening leg, whilst Fredrikstad lost to Midtjylland in their Europa League Third Qualifying Round tie.
Team News
Daichi Kamada is unlikely to be available for Palace after he missed their goalless draw at Chelsea in the Premier League, due to a knee injury.
Caleb Kporha (back), Chadi Riad (ACL), Daichi Kamada, Cheick Doucoure (both knee), Eddie Nketiah (hamstring) and Matheus Franca (unspecified) also miss out.
Fredrikstad have no fresh injury concerns to report with a full squad available for selection.
When is Kick-Off?
Palace host Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park on Thursday 21 August at 8pm BST, live on 5 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Crystal Palace’s first-ever meeting against Fredrikstad in all competitions.
- Fredrikstad are making their first-ever visit to Crystal Palace.
- Oliver Glasner’s Eagles are making their debut in an UEFA competition.
- Fredrikstad are facing English opposition for the first time in all UEFA competitions.
Prediction
After they unfairly lost their Europa League spot due to multi-ownership rules, Palace now need to use that frustration as motivation to go deep in this competition because they clearly have a team capable of troubling opposition as seen in their last two games.
Fredrikstad though have the superior European experience but have won just two of 22 previous matches in all UEFA competitions, which will only give Palace’s attack additional belief especially given that they have an Europa League winning manager in Glasner.
I however do feel that Palace will ultimately have too much quality and get the job done in this first leg and the home crowd certainly will be up for the occasion.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 3-0 Fredrikstad
Result: Crystal Palace 1-0 Fredrikstad