Match Introduction

The inaugural playoff match of the 2025/26 UEFA Conference League qualification phase will feature Crystal Palace (England) against Fredrikstad (Norway). This significant fixture is scheduled to take place on August 21st at Selhurst Park in London. This article provides a comprehensive match preview, offering insights into predictions, betting odds, and key statistics for the Crystal Palace vs Fredrikstad encounter.

Crystal Palace Team Analysis

Recent Achievements and European Debut

Crystal Palace achieved a historic milestone last season by winning the FA Cup for the first time in their history, which initially secured them a coveted spot in the Europa League. However, UEFA regulations imposed a ban on manager Oliver Glasner’s squad from participating in that specific tournament, a decision influenced by the club owner’s stake in Lyon, another team that had also qualified for the same European competition. Despite this setback, Crystal Palace is still poised to make their debut in continental tournaments, albeit in the UEFA Conference League. Adding to their recent success, the London-based club recently clinched the FA Community Shield, triumphing over Liverpool in a dramatic penalty shootout (2:2, 3:2 on penalties).

Key Statistics for Crystal Palace

• The team boasts an impressive unbeaten streak in regular time across 10 consecutive official matches, recording 4 victories and 6 draws.
• In 6 of Crystal Palace’s last 8 official fixtures, there have been fewer than 4 goals scored within the 90 minutes of play.
• At their home ground, the Londoners maintain a strong 7-match unbeaten run in the Premier League and FA Cup, comprising 5 wins and 2 draws.

Crystal Palace Provisional Lineup (5-3-2)*

Dean Henderson – Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Tyrick Mitchell, Daniel Muñoz, Marc Guéhi – Will Hughes, Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze – Ismaila Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Fredrikstad Team Analysis

Return to European Competition

The Norwegian side makes its anticipated return to European football after an absence stretching back to 2009. This season, the club earned its place on the international stage by triumphing in their domestic cup competition. Fredrikstad commenced their European journey in the third qualifying round of the Europa League but were ultimately defeated in both legs by Danish club Midtjylland (0:2 and 1:3). Following this elimination from the Europa League, Fredrikstad was moved into the UEFA Conference League competition.

Key Statistics for Fredrikstad

• The club has managed to secure only 2 victories in their last 14 official matches, alongside 4 draws and 8 defeats.
• Away from home, Fredrikstad is currently on a 7-match winless streak in official competitions, consisting of 3 draws and 4 losses.

Fredrikstad Provisional Lineup (3-5-2)*

Martin Boksheim – Maxwell Woledzi, Ulrik Fredriksen, Solomon Owusu – Stian Molde, Oscar Ehlenlager, Patrick Metcalfe, Simen Rafn, Leonard Owusu – Joannes Bjartalid, Henrik Skogvold.

Match Official Details

Anastasios Papapetrou (Greece)

Referee’s Statistics

• Matches officiated – 8 (International fixtures, 2024/25–2025/26);
• Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 39;
• Average yellow cards per match – 4.9;
• Red cards shown – 0;
• Average fouls per match – 25;
• Penalties awarded – 13%.

Match Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Fredrikstad

Initial Analysis of European Experience

This clash brings together two teams with relatively limited prior experience in European club competitions. The Norwegian side has contested only two matches at the continental level in the past 15 years, suffering defeats in both. It is highly likely that Fredrikstad will face another loss in this upcoming fixture, as they are up against a formidable Premier League representative currently in excellent form.

 

Crystal Palace’s Dominant Recent Form

Last season, the London club achieved a historic milestone by winning their first major trophy, the FA Cup. However, their success didn’t stop there; in August, they further cemented their strong form by clinching the FA Community Shield. Notably, in both these significant matches, Oliver Glasner’s squad managed to overcome top English clubs – Manchester City and Liverpool. Crystal Palace also began their Premier League campaign positively, securing a goalless draw away against the reigning Club World Cup champions, Chelsea (0:0). It is evident that all these aforementioned opponents are considerably stronger than Fredrikstad.

 

Final Betting Tip

My prediction for this match is: Crystal Palace Asian Handicap (-2.5) with odds of 1.89

Author Information

Author: Oleksandr Oleksenko

 

* The starting lineup provided for each team reflects their formation from their previous match.