2025-26 UEFA Conference League Play-Offs: Second Leg – Fredrikstad vs Crystal Palace

Fredrikstad face an uphill task against Crystal Palace in the second leg of their 2025-26 UEFA Conference League Play-Off.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, only victory by two goals or more would see Fredrikstad qualify for the league phase although a 1-0 win would send the tie to extra time and penalties.

Palace simply need to avoid defeat to progress to the league phase which commences 2 October 2025.

 

Team News 

Fredrikstad could again be without goalkeeper, Valdemar Birkso after he missed the first leg due to an unspecified injury.

Palace could welcome Daichi Kamada back after he missed their last three games with a knee injury.

Caleb Kporha (back), Chadi Riad (ACL), Cheick Doucoure (knee) and Eddie Nketiah (hamstring) also miss out.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Fredrikstad host Palace at Fredrikstad Stadion on Thursday 28 August at 6pm CEST (5pm UK Time), live on 5 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Fredrikstad lost 1-0 in their only previous meeting against Palace which came away at Selhurst Park in the first leg of this tie.
• Palace are making their first-ever trip to Fredrikstad in all UEFA competitions.
• Fredrikstad have won one of 11 previous home games in all UEFA competitions (W1, D2, L8), although this is their first home match against English opposition.
• Palace are playing away for the very first time in all UEFA competitions.

 

Prediction

Having gone super defensive with a low block in the first leg, Fredrikstad now need to come out and play on the counter-attack like they did in the latter stages in South London otherwise they can kiss goodbye to their dreams of autumnal European travels.

Palace meanwhile got a deserved domestic draw against Nottingham Forest last Sunday in a game which was always going to be close, albeit with just two changes to the starting line-up which was a risk given that this tie isn’t totally settled yet and we are still in the early phase of the season.

I however do expect Palace to prove too strong for Fredrikstad even if patience is again required to break down the low block.

Prediction: Fredrikstad 0-1 Crystal Palace

Result: Fredrikstad 0-0 Crystal Palace (Crystal Palace win 1-0 on aggregate)