Why in-form Fulham represent the ultimate New Year trap for slumping Palace | OneFootball

Crystal Palace head into their New Year’s Day clash with Fulham knowing it represents a timely opportunity to arrest a worrying slide.

Oliver Glasner’s side have gone five matches without a win across all competitions, a run that has drained momentum from a previously encouraging campaign.

The Eagles were edged out 1-0 by Tottenham Hotspur last time out, a defeat that again highlighted familiar problems in both boxes rather than a lack of effort or structure.

That loss left Palace hovering just outside the European conversation and underlined the sense that their season risks drifting unless results improve quickly.

This meeting with Fulham arrives at a critical moment, with the hosts desperate to banish a form line that has started to feel more than a temporary dip.

There is encouragement in the recent history of this fixture, with Palace winning three of the last three meetings across all competitions, including a 2-1 success away earlier this month.

However, Selhurst Park has been far less productive, with Palace winless in their last four home meetings with Fulham and failing to score in each of those games.

Glasner has acknowledged that reinforcements are needed, but he must find solutions from within a stretched squad before the transfer window can offer any respite.

Fulham have been buoyed by back-to-back league victories over West Ham United and Nottingham Forest that have lifted them into the top half of the table.

Marco Silva’s side are playing with freedom and belief, combining defensive discipline with timely moments of incision in the final third.

The Cottagers have been particularly impressive away from home, winning their last three league trips and showing a maturity that has occasionally eluded them in past seasons.

Another victory would represent a significant milestone and further strengthen their push towards the European places.

The hosts will aim to disrupt Fulham’s rhythm early and impose a physical intensity that has served them well in previous derbies.

Fulham will trust their current balance and look to exploit any hesitation from a Palace side short on confidence.

With one team seeking relief from a growing slump and the other eager to maintain momentum, this fixture has the feel of a finely poised contest.

If Palace can hold Fulham at bay long enough to settle, the conditions are there for a compelling and unpredictable London derby.