Crystal Palace face a historic night in Norway as they look to book their place in the Conference League group stage for the first time.
The Eagles hold a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Selhurst Park and will take on Fredrikstad on an artificial pitch in the return leg. Manager Oliver Glasner admitted conditions and squad availability are far from ideal — he has just 14 fit senior players — but he has urged his squad to embrace the challenge and make history.
Palace’s summer was marked by the departure of talisman Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, leaving questions over where creativity would come from. The timely return of Daichi Kamada from injury offers Glasner a major boost, with the Japanese international expected to play a key role in unlocking Fredrikstad’s defence.
Glasner’s message is clear: stay focused, stay humble, and finish the job.
Glasner Calls for Humility
“I think it would be arrogant to think, when you play a competition for the first time in a club’s history, to talk about winning it. I think it’s completely the wrong mindset… it’s always important to stay humble.” — Oliver Glasner
The Austrian coach has played down talk of Palace being among the favourites to win the Conference League, instead emphasising the importance of simply advancing to the group phase.
Why Kamada Could Be the Difference
Palace laboured for long spells in the first leg as Fredrikstad sat deep, defending with numbers. Kamada’s movement and eye for a pass offer Glasner the option to break lines and create chances, something the side lacked in London.
With just one goal to protect, Palace will need to keep composure and look for control through midfield rather than relying on direct play — particularly on the artificial surface.
Crystal Palace – Last 3 Matches Snapshot
| Stat | Crystal Palace |
|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 3 |
| Goals Conceded | 1 |
| Clean Sheets | 2 |
| Fit Senior Players | 14 |
source: sofascore & match data – 27 August 2025
The data highlights Palace’s defensive solidity, but also their struggles in attack since Eze’s exit. Kamada’s return could be crucial to providing a spark in the final third.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William says Palace cannot afford complacency:
“This is a potential banana skin for Palace. A 1-0 lead is dangerous, especially away on an artificial pitch. Glasner is right to focus only on winning this tie and not the wider competition. The return of Kamada is significant — without him, Palace looked blunt in the first leg.”
He added: “If they manage to stay disciplined defensively and use Kamada’s creativity, Palace should progress. But European away nights often punish sides that take anything for granted.”
Key Insights
- Palace lead Fredrikstad 1-0 on aggregate.
- Oliver Glasner: “Stay humble” — no excuses despite 14 fit seniors.
- Match played on artificial pitch in Norway.
- Daichi Kamada returns from injury to boost creativity.
- First time Crystal Palace play a major European tie outside England.
What’s Next for Crystal Palace?
Victory in Norway would see Palace qualify for the Conference League group stage, marking the club’s first major European campaign. The draw later this week could pit them against experienced continental names.
If they falter, however, questions will be asked of Glasner’s thin squad and whether the club’s lack of attacking depth post-Eze has left them vulnerable. For now, Glasner has demanded total focus.
Can Crystal Palace finish the job in Norway — or will Fredrikstad punish their missed chances from the first leg?
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