Crystal Palace vs Fredrikstad Preview

• O Palace vai ganhar
• Over 1.5 goals for Palace

Crystal Palace step into uncharted territory on Thursday evening as they host Norwegian outfit Fredrikstad in their first-ever match in a major European competition outside of the Intertoto Cup.

Demoted into the UEFA Europa Conference League following a late ruling from UEFA regarding their Europa League licence, the Eagles now face a two-legged play-off tie to reach the group stage — beginning with a home first leg under the Selhurst Park lights.

Notícias do jogo e forma atual

Oliver Glasner’s first full season in charge began with an encouraging goalless draw away at Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday. Palace frustrated their hosts with a disciplined and compact defensive display, looking every inch a team intent on picking up where they left off last season, when they lifted the FA Cup and secured their first taste of continental football since 1998.

Off the pitch, however, transfer rumours continue to swirl. Star man Eberechi Eze reportedly agreed personal terms with Tottenham in recent days and appeared emotional when applauding the travelling Palace faithful at Stamford Bridge — sparking fears of an imminent departure. Meanwhile, captain Marc Guéhi appeared to march straight down the tunnel at full-time, seemingly ignoring Glasner, which has only heightened suggestions the centre-back could be sold before entering the final year of his contract. Despite the uncertainty, both are expected to start here given neither is yet the subject of a formal bid, and UEFA rules would still allow them to represent another club in the group stage even if they feature in qualifying.

The selection picture is otherwise similar to Sunday. Will Hughes is expected to once again deputise in midfield for the injured Daichi Kamada, while long-term absentees Cheick Doucouré, Chadi Riad, Matheus França, Caleb Kporha and Eddie Nketiah all remain sidelined. With little scope for rotation, Glasner will likely field a strong XI in an attempt to build a commanding first-leg lead ahead of next week’s return in Norway.

Opposition in Focus – Fredrikstad

Fredrikstad are relative minnows at this level, returning to European competition for the first time since 2008 after finishing runners-up in the Norwegian First Division last season. They’ve already dispatched Kazakhstan’s Tobol and Faroese side Víkingur in the earlier qualifying rounds but now face a huge leap in opposition quality.

Typically lining up in a cautious 5-3-2 system, manager Mikkjal Thomassen is expected to prioritise damage limitation in London with an eye towards keeping the tie alive for the return leg at Fredrikstad Stadion. Unsurprisingly, they arrive as heavy underdogs but will take confidence from losing only once in their last six competitive outings.

Jogadores a observar

Jean-Philippe Mateta (Palácio de Cristal)

A man transformed under Glasner’s guidance, Mateta hit a career-best 19 goals in all competitions last term and looks sharp again already, having scored in the Community Shield shootout win over Liverpool.

His physicality and hold-up play will be key in unsettling Fredrikstad’s low block, and he’ll be itching to open his European account at Selhurst.

Joannes Bjartalíð (Fredrikstad)

A versatile forward capable of operating off the flank or as a withdrawn striker, the Faroese international is Fredrikstad’s main attacking spark.

Bjartalíð struck in the qualifying rounds and will need to make the most of limited opportunities if the visitors are to spring a shock.

Previsão

Palace haven’t had long to recover from Sunday’s Premier League opener, but Glasner is unlikely to take any risks with rotation in what is arguably the most significant competitive European fixture in the club’s history. Fredrikstad should arrive well-organised and intent on frustrating Palace, but the Eagles’ superior quality — especially in forward areas — should tell over 90 minutes.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-0 Fredrikstad

Expect a comfortable, professional display from Glasner’s men as they look to take a healthy advantage to Norway next week.

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