Fredrikstad vs Crystal Palace Preview

• O Palace vai ganhar
• Over 1.5 goals for Palace

Crystal Palace will travel to Norway with the narrowest of cushions as they take a slender 1-0 lead into the second leg of their Conference League playoff tie against Fredrikstad. The Eagles are aiming to reach the League Phase of a European competition for the very first time in their history, an opportunity that manager Oliver Glasner has described as “important” for the club’s long-term progression.

Last week’s first leg at Selhurst Park was a test of patience for Palace. Despite dominating possession and chances, they only managed one breakthrough, with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s close-range header proving decisive. Glasner’s tactical flexibility was evident as he switched to an ultra-attacking 3-1-6 formation to combat Fredrikstad’s low block, and although his side were frustrated by their lack of ruthlessness, the Austrian boss was ultimately content to leave with a clean sheet and a lead to protect.

Since then, Palace have played twice in the Premier League. A goalless draw at Chelsea on the opening weekend was followed by a 1-1 stalemate at home to Nottingham Forest, with Ismaïla Sarr grabbing their only goal across those matches. That means Palace have now drawn three consecutive games in all competitions, with concerns over their ability to kill off fixtures lingering. Off the pitch, transfer speculation has been rife, particularly regarding Eberechi Eze – who looks set for a move to Arsenal – and captain Marc Guéhi, whose future remains in the balance amid interest from Liverpool. Yet Glasner insists that the focus remains firmly on securing a place in the group stage of European football.

Fredrikstad, meanwhile, will be relishing their opportunity to make history. This is their first venture into UEFA competition in 16 years, having reached this stage via a Norwegian Cup triumph last year. Despite losing 1-0 in the first leg, manager Andreas Hagen praised his players for their defensive resilience and believes that with home support behind them, they still have a chance to upset the odds. Currently sitting mid-table in the Eliteserien, Fredrikstad’s league form has been inconsistent, but they have set domestic matters aside to concentrate fully on this playoff.

História do confronto direto

The first leg marked the maiden competitive meeting between Crystal Palace and Fredrikstad. While Palace took the spoils in London, the Norwegians will hope their home environment gives them the platform to make this tie far more uncomfortable for the Premier League side.

Estatísticas e sequências quentes

• Fredrikstad have won four of their last six competitive home matches across all competitions.
• They have scored at least once in eight of their last nine outings at the Nye Fredrikstad Stadion.
• Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last seven competitive away games (W3, D4).
• The Eagles have kept three clean sheets in their last five matches across all competitions.

Principais jogadores a observar

Jean-Philippe Mateta (Palácio de Cristal)

Palace’s French forward continues to play an influential role for Glasner’s team. His winner in the first leg once again highlighted his ability to find space in tight situations and make a decisive contribution.

Mateta also scored in the Community Shield against Liverpool earlier this month, underlining his importance in big games. With Eberechi Eze absent, Palace will again look to Mateta as their main source of goals.

Emil Holten (Fredrikstad)

For the hosts, striker Emil Holten is their standout attacking weapon. He has already netted six goals this season, with four of those coming on home soil.

His physical presence and ability to convert half-chances will be crucial if Fredrikstad are to overturn the deficit. Against Palace’s experienced back three, Holten’s movement and aerial prowess will be key.

Team News

Palácio de Cristal

Palace remain without Eddie Nketiah, Cheick Doucouré and Chadi Riad, all sidelined with injuries. Matheus Franca has left on loan to Vasco da Gama, while Daichi Kamada faces a late fitness test. Glasner is expected to stick with a strong starting XI, though Borna Sosa could return at left wing-back in place of Tyrick Mitchell. Marc Guéhi should feature despite ongoing speculation regarding his future.

Fredrikstad

First-choice goalkeeper Valdemar Birkso is unlikely to recover from the injury that kept him out of the first leg, meaning youngster Martin Borsheim will continue in goal. Aside from that, Hagen is likely to stick with the same lineup, with Emil Holten leading the line.

How the Game Could Go

Fredrikstad will need to adopt a more adventurous approach after sitting deep in the first leg, but this carries the risk of leaving gaps for Palace to exploit. The Premier League side’s quality in transition, coupled with their ability to shut teams out when needed, makes them strong favourites.

With Glasner set to name a near full-strength lineup, it is difficult to envisage Palace failing to progress. Fredrikstad’s resilience may keep things tight initially, but Palace’s greater firepower should eventually tell.

Previsão

Fredrikstad 0-2 Crystal Palace (Aggregate: Crystal Palace 3-0)

The Norwegian side will put up a spirited fight in front of their home fans, but Palace’s experience, organisation and attacking quality should see them through comfortably.

Para mais informações sobre este jogo, também podes visitar:
Fredrikstad vs Crystal Palace | UEFA Conference League 2025/26