Crystal Palace begin their Conference League campaign with the first-leg of a group stage qualification playoff at home against Fredrikstad.
Manager Oliver Glasner will aim to build on a respectable draw achieved away to Chelsea in the opening Premier League fixture, where Palace impressed and remained defensively solid in a challenging away game.
The upcoming tie marks Palace’s first-ever venture into full European competition having been demoted to the Conference League from the Europa League as per an UEFA ruling.
Off the pitch, speculation continues over the futures of key players Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi. The former has reportedly agreed personal terms with Tottenham and appeared to bid farewell to Palace’s away supporters following Sunday’s stalemate.
Meanwhile, captain Guehi seemingly ignored Glasner after the draw, fuelling further rumours of an exit from Selhurst Park.
With one year remaining on his contract, the English defender looks increasingly likely to leave this summer if Palace wish to secure a transfer fee.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Crystal Palace vs Fredrikstad is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off, Thursday, August 21, 2025.
The game will take place at Selhurst Park.
How to watch Crystal Palace vs Fredrikstad
TV channel: This fixture will be broadcast on 5, which in the UK is free-to-air television. Coverage starts at 7.30pm BST ahead of the 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: Viewers can also watch the action live online via channel5.com.
Crystal Palace vs Fredrikstad team news
Despite ongoing speculation surrounding Eze and Geuhi, both are expected to be available for selection against the side from Norway.
If Eze or Guehi feature in the Conference League qualifier, UEFA rules state they would still be eligible to play for another club during the group stage of European competitions this season.
Will Hughes is also expected to retain his place in the lineup, having stepped in for the injured Daichi Kamada against Chelsea.
Elsewhere, Caleb Kporha (back), Chadi Riad (knee), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Matheus Franca (muscular) and Eddie Nketiah (hamstring) remain sidelined with injuries.
Emil Holten is the away side’s top scorer across all competitions this season with six goals. He will be hoping to start in south London after making a substitute appearance in the Europa League qualification loss to Midtjylland.
Crystal Palace vs Fredrikstad prediction
Thursday’s fixture marks Palace’s first venture into full European competition.
The team will be eager to impress their fans in their first home match of the season across all competitions.
Fredrikstad will likely adopt a defensive setup, but Palace’s potent front three should prove too much for the Norweigian side, with Glasner aiming to head into the second leg with a healthy advantage.
Palace to win, 2-0
Head to head (h2h) history and results
This is the first-ever meeting between the two clubs.
Crystal Palace vs Fredrikstad match odds
Crystal Palace win: 1/16
Fredrikstad win: 16/1
Draw: 6/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
