Fulham vs Crystal Palace: Rivalry, Stats, and Match History

The most recent match between Fulham and Crystal Palace took place on January 1, 2026, resulting in a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park. This fixture, known as a competitive South London vs. West London derby, has been played 56 times in competitive football history, with Fulham holding a slight historical advantage of 19 wins to Crystal Palace’s 17, alongside 20 draws.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the deep-rooted history of this London rivalry, including head-to-head statistics, iconic players who have featured for both clubs, and tactical evolutions under modern managers like Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner. We will also provide practical details for fans visiting Craven Cottage or Selhurst Park, such as ticket pricing and transport links. Whether you are looking for the latest Premier League results or a deep dive into the historical “Cottager vs. Eagle” dynamic, this article covers every facet of the matchup.

Historical Head-to-Head Records

Fulham and Crystal Palace first met in the early 1920s in the old Division Two, with their inaugural match occurring in 1921. Over more than a century of football, the clubs have frequently shared divisions, leading to a closely contested record where no single team has dominated for a prolonged era in the modern Premier League.

Statistically, the “Cottagers” have enjoyed better results at home, but recent years have seen the “Eagles” perform exceptionally well at Craven Cottage. Specifically, Crystal Palace won both their league and FA Cup away fixtures at Fulham during the 2024-2025 season, including a dominant 3-0 victory in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Modern Premier League Context

Since the 1992-1993 inception of the Premier League, Crystal Palace holds a slight edge with 6 wins compared to Fulham’s 4 in top-flight encounters. The 2025-2026 season matches reflected this parity, with Palace winning 2-1 at Craven Cottage in December 2025 before the 1-1 New Year’s Day stalemate.

Managerial tactics have defined the recent era, with Marco Silva implementing a possession-based 4-2-3-1 system at Fulham. Conversely, Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace has leaned into high-intensity transitions and a disciplined defensive block, often exploiting the pace of wingers to catch Fulham’s high defensive line during derby matches.

Iconic Players and “Double Agents”

Several notable players have crossed the divide to represent both South and West London, including legendary defender Brede Hangeland. Hangeland made over 230 appearances for Fulham before finishing his career at Crystal Palace, where he was highly regarded for his leadership and aerial dominance.

Other prominent “double agents” include striker Andrew Johnson, who scored prolifically for both clubs, and winger Wayne Routledge. More recently, Joachim Andersen made a significant impact at both clubs, serving as a vital ball-playing center-back for Fulham on loan before moving to Selhurst Park permanently in 2021.

Craven Cottage: West London Heritage

Opened in 1896, Craven Cottage is one of England’s most historic stadiums, famous for the iconic “Cottage” pavilion in the corner of the ground. The stadium is nestled on the banks of the River Thames and features the Grade II-listed Johnny Haynes Stand, designed by famed architect Archibald Leitch.

The matchday atmosphere at the Cottage is known for being family-friendly yet passionate during London derbies. Fans often enjoy pre-match walks through Bishop’s Park, contributing to the unique, traditional feel of a Fulham home game that contrasts with more modern, corporate arenas in the Premier League.

Selhurst Park: The Eagles’ Fortress

Selhurst Park, located in the London Borough of Croydon, has been the home of Crystal Palace since 1924. It is widely recognized as having one of the loudest atmospheres in the Premier League, driven by the “Holmesdale Fanatics” who lead constant chanting and displays of support.

The stadium’s compact nature makes it an intimidating venue for visiting teams like Fulham. Over the years, the club has invested in modernizing the Main Stand, but the ground retains a classic British football feel that amplifies the tension and excitement of a local rivalry.

Tactical Breakdown: Silva vs. Glasner

Under Marco Silva, Fulham has transitioned into a side that prioritizes ball retention and attacking through the wings, often utilizing players like Harry Wilson and Emile Smith Rowe. Their playstyle is built on a solid midfield foundation that looks to control the tempo, especially when playing at home.

Oliver Glasner has brought a different philosophy to Crystal Palace, focusing on tactical flexibility and a “vertical” attacking style. Palace often allows opponents more possession but remains lethal on the counter-attack, using the individual brilliance of stars like Eberechi Eze to unlock defenses in tight derby scenarios.

Memorable Match: The 2025 FA Cup Clash

One of the most significant recent meetings was the FA Cup Quarter-Final on March 29, 2025. Crystal Palace stunned the home crowd at Craven Cottage with a clinical 3-0 performance to advance to the semi-finals at Wembley.

The match was a tactical masterclass by the Eagles, who capitalized on Fulham’s defensive lapses during set-pieces. This victory remains a high point for Palace fans in the rivalry, as it marked one of their most dominant performances on Fulham’s turf in the professional era.

Fan Culture and London Rivalries

While the Fulham-Palace rivalry isn’t as hostile as the North London or Merseyside derbies, it carries a deep sense of “London pride.” For supporters, these matches are about proving which side of the river holds the upper hand in the capital’s hierarchy.

Fulham fans often view Palace as a tough, gritty opponent, while Palace supporters enjoy the “posher” reputation of Fulham’s West London base. This cultural contrast adds a layer of banter and personality to the fixture that makes it a highlight of the season for both sets of season-ticket holders.

Practical Information and Planning

Opening Hours and Match Dates

Premier League matches typically kick off at 3:00 PM on Saturdays, though TV scheduling frequently moves Fulham vs. Crystal Palace fixtures to Sunday afternoons or Friday/Monday nights. The stadium gates usually open 90 minutes before kickoff.

Prices and Costs

• Adult Tickets: Typically range from £35 to £80 depending on the stand and category of the match.
• Concessions: Seniors and Under-21s often receive discounts of 20-30%.
• Hospitality: Premium packages at Craven Cottage (Riverside Stand) can exceed £300 per person.

How to Get There

• To Craven Cottage: The nearest Underground station is Putney Bridge (District Line), about a 10-15 minute walk through the park.
• To Selhurst Park: The stadium is served by three railway stations: Selhurst, Thornton Heath, and Norwood Junction, all within walking distance.

What to Expect

Expect high security and a lively atmosphere. Visiting fans are usually housed in the Putney End at Fulham and the Arthur Wait Stand at Crystal Palace. It is recommended to arrive at least one hour before kickoff to avoid congestion at the turnstiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times has Fulham beaten Crystal Palace? 

Fulham has recorded 19 competitive wins against Crystal Palace since their first meeting in 1921. Their most recent victory was a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park in November 2024.

Where is the best place for away fans to sit at Craven Cottage? 

Away fans are located in the Putney End, which is a mixed-neutral zone for some matches but strictly for visitors during high-profile London derbies.

Who is the top scorer in Fulham vs. Crystal Palace history? 

While no single player dominates the charts, Andrew Johnson is one of the few strikers to have scored multiple goals for both sides in this fixture during the 2000s.

Is Fulham vs. Crystal Palace a local derby? 

Yes, it is considered a London Derby. Although they are not “nearest neighbors” like Fulham and Chelsea, the proximity of West and South London creates a significant regional rivalry.

What was the score of the last Fulham vs. Crystal Palace match? 

The last match ended in a 1-1 draw on January 1, 2026, at Selhurst Park. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored for Palace, while Tom Cairney equalized for Fulham.

How do I buy tickets for Fulham vs. Crystal Palace? 

Tickets are primarily sold through the official club websites. Due to high demand for London derbies, tickets often require a club membership to purchase during the initial sales window.

Which stadium is older, Craven Cottage or Selhurst Park?

Craven Cottage is older, having opened in 1896. Selhurst Park opened nearly 30 years later in 1924.

Can I take a stadium tour at Craven Cottage? 

Yes, Fulham offers stadium tours on non-matchdays. These tours include the dressing rooms, the tunnel, and the historic “Cottage” built by William Craven.

What is the record attendance for this fixture? 

The record attendance for a match at Craven Cottage was 49,335 in 1938, though modern capacity is limited to approximately 25,700 following the Riverside Stand redevelopment.

Are there any players currently playing for both teams? 

As of the 2025-2026 season, there are no players on both active rosters, though Joachim Andersen and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are notable recent stars who have played for both.

What is the “Cottage” at Fulham’s stadium? 

The Cottage is a unique, ornate pavilion in the corner of the ground that houses the dressing rooms and offices. It is a protected landmark and one of the most recognizable structures in world football.

Final Thoughts

As we look toward the remainder of the 2025-2026 season and beyond, the Fulham vs. Crystal Palace fixture has cemented itself as one of the Premier League’s most unpredictable mid-table battles. The recent 1-1 draw on New Year’s Day 2026 served as a microcosm of the rivalry: a tactical stalemate where individual brilliance—like Tom Cairney’s late equalizer—overcame disciplined defensive structures. While Fulham continues to build on the stability of the Marco Silva era, Crystal Palace faces a period of transition following the January 2026 departure of Marc Guéhi to Manchester City and ongoing speculation regarding Oliver Glasner’s managerial future.

For fans and neutrals alike, this matchup offers more than just ninety minutes of football; it represents a clash of London identities. Fulham’s historic Craven Cottage remains a beacon of traditional West London heritage, while the raucous atmosphere of Selhurst Park continues to define the grit and passion of the South London game. As both clubs vie for a top-half finish, their encounters will remain pivotal “six-pointers” that determine European aspirations or mid-table security.

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