Fulham and Crystal Palace will continue their preparations for the 2026-27 Premier League campaign when they face each other in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Friday.
With both London clubs entering a new era under new managers, the fixture provides another useful opportunity to fine-tune their squads, assess new arrivals and build momentum before the competitive season gets underway.
Crystal Palace will begin their Premier League campaign away to Everton on Saturday, August 22, while Fulham will open their season at home against Chelsea on Monday, August 24.
That leaves both sides with limited time to put the finishing touches to their preparations, making Friday’s meeting particularly important.
Fulham and Crystal Palace Have Little to Separate Them
The history between Fulham and Crystal Palace has been remarkably even.
Across their previous 21 meetings, both clubs have recorded seven victories, while the other seven matches have ended in draws. However, Palace have enjoyed the better run of form in recent years and head into this latest meeting unbeaten in their last four games against the Cottagers.
Fulham will be hoping to change that trend as they continue adapting to life under new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa.
Fulham Team News
Friday’s fixture will be Fulham’s fourth pre-season match under Arbeloa, giving the new head coach another chance to evaluate his players before the Premier League season begins.
The Cottagers endured a difficult start to their summer preparations with a defeat against Norwich City. However, they have shown signs of improvement since then, drawing with Al-Ahli before recording a 2-1 victory over Farense.
The game against Palace should therefore provide another useful test of Fulham’s progress.
It could also give summer signing Gonzalo García another opportunity to become accustomed to his new teammates and Arbeloa’s tactical approach. With the season opener against Chelsea approaching, every minute on the pitch will be valuable for the new arrivals and returning players alike.
Predicted Fulham Lineup
Bernd Leno could start in goal, with Kenny Tete, Jorge Cuenca, Calvin Bassey and Antonee Robinson forming the back four.
In midfield, Harrison Reed, Alex Iwobi and Josh King could be given the opportunity to control the game, while Gonzalo García, Oscar Bobb and Adrián Palacios are expected to provide the attacking threat.
Predicted Fulham XI:
Leno; Tete, Cuenca, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Iwobi, King; Gonzalo García, Bobb, Palacios.
A Valuable Test Before the Premier League Returns
Although the match will be played behind closed doors and carries no competitive significance, it could still prove important for both managers.
For Fulham, the focus will be on continuing their gradual improvement under Arbeloa and ensuring the squad is ready for the demanding opening-day clash with Chelsea.
Palace, meanwhile, will want to use the fixture to sharpen their preparations before travelling to Everton for their first competitive match of the new campaign.
With the Premier League season just around the corner, Friday’s London derby represents another chance for both clubs to turn pre-season work into genuine momentum.
