Fulham Aims for Historic Fourth Consecutive Top-Flight Victory
Fulham's Strong Momentum Heading into the New Year
As the calendar turns to 2026, Fulham Football Club finds itself in a period of exceptional performance, riding a wave of success that places them firmly in the top half of the Premier League table. Currently occupying the tenth position, they share the same points tally as their upcoming opponents, Crystal Palace. Manager Marco Silva has expertly navigated a demanding winter schedule, steering his squad to an impressive six wins out of their last nine fixtures, showcasing their resilience and strategic prowess.
The Stakes: A Potential Leap in the Standings and Historic Achievement
A positive outcome in this New Year's Day encounter holds significant implications for Fulham. A win could potentially propel them as high as seventh place, depending on the results of other matches. This vital game also presents an opportunity for the team to etch their name in club history: securing a fourth consecutive top-flight away victory, a feat never before accomplished by Fulham. Their strong away record at Selhurst Park, characterized by four consecutive clean sheets and an unbeaten run since 2019, further bolsters their confidence.
Strategic Adjustments: Navigating Absences and Maintaining Cohesion
Manager Marco Silva faces the challenge of managing his squad without several key international players, who are currently participating in the Africa Cup of Nations. Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze will be notably absent. Additionally, Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz remain on the sidelines due to ongoing hamstring issues. Despite these setbacks, Silva is anticipated to stick with the established starting XI that has delivered consistent results in recent league matches, prioritizing team rhythm and familiarity.
Key Players and Tactical Formations for the Upcoming Clash
The defensive stability of Fulham is expected to be anchored by Joachim Andersen, partnering with Jorge Cuenca. In the midfield, Sasa Lukic and Sander Berge are likely to form the double pivot, tasked with dictating the pace and control of the game. Offensively, Harry Wilson and Raúl Jiménez are identified as the primary attacking threats. Wilson has been in prolific form, contributing to seven goals in his last six appearances. Jiménez, on the other hand, will be looking to achieve a personal milestone, aiming to score in three consecutive Premier League games for the first time since 2024. Notably, Crystal Palace is the only club against whom Jiménez has played at least ten times without registering a goal.
Anticipated Starting Eleven for Fulham
The projected starting lineup for Fulham is as follows: Leno in goal; a defensive line comprising Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, and Robinson; a midfield duo of Lukić and Berge; and an attacking contingent featuring Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin, and Jiménez leading the line.
Match Schedule and Broadcast Information
The highly anticipated Premier League fixture is scheduled to kick off at Selhurst Park on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 17:30 GMT. Football enthusiasts in the UK can tune in to watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage commencing at 17:00 GMT.