Crystal Palace Football Club Fixtures: What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Run-in

Crystal Palace Football Club Fixtures: What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Run-in

Honestly, trying to keep up with the crystal palace football club fixtures right now feels a bit like trying to solve a Rubik's cube while riding the 468 bus to Selhurst. It’s chaotic. Between the Premier League grind, the historic FA Cup defense, and that surprise venture into the UEFA Conference League, the calendar is basically screaming for mercy. If you're a Palace fan, your weekends are likely booked through May, and your Wednesday nights aren't looking much clearer.

We are officially in the thick of the 2025/26 season. It’s that weird, cold January period where the table starts to actually mean something. After a somewhat sluggish start to the new year with a 2-0 loss at Newcastle and a goalless draw against Villa, the pressure is mounting on Oliver Glasner’s squad. But wait—there's a massive twist.

Glasner just dropped a bombshell: he’s leaving at the end of the season.

That changes everything. Every match now isn't just about points; it’s a farewell tour for the man who brought silverware to SE25.

The Immediate Gauntlet: January and February 2026

The schedule is relentless. Tomorrow, January 17th, the boys travel up to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland. It’s a 15:00 kick-off, and if you aren't making the long trek north, you can catch it on Peacock (or follow the inevitable stress on Twitter).

Then things get spicy.

Chelsea comes to Selhurst on Sunday, January 25th. That’s a 14:00 start, and Sky Sports Main Event will be there to capture every bit of the atmosphere. Following that, it's an away day at Nottingham Forest on February 1st.

But circle February 8th in red ink. The M23 derby. Brighton away. 14:00. This isn't just another fixture; it’s the game that defines bragging rights for the next six months. Last season Palace did the double over them, and repeating that at the Amex would be the ultimate parting gift from Glasner.

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A Quick Look at the Mid-Term Calendar

  • Burnley (H): Wednesday, February 11th (19:30). A midweek floodlight special under the Selhurst lamps.
  • Wolves (H): Saturday, February 21st (15:00).
  • Manchester United (A): Saturday, February 28th (15:00). A trip to Old Trafford is never easy, but this Palace side has a knack for upsetting the "Big Six" away from home.

The European Headache (or Blessing?)

Here is what most people are overlooking. Palace isn't just playing domestic football. Because of the Conference League, February is about to get very crowded.

The draw just came out: Palace is facing Zrinjski Mostar in the knockout phase play-offs.

The first leg is Thursday, February 19th, tucked right between the Burnley and Wolves games. The return leg is February 26th. If you're counting, that’s four games in 11 days. Squad depth has never been more critical, especially with the news that captain Marc Guéhi is likely headed to Manchester City any minute now.

Losing your defensive rock right before a European knockout tie? That’s the "Palace way," isn't it?

Injury Updates and Squad Shuffles

You can't talk about fixtures without talking about who is actually fit to play them. The treatment room at Copers Cope has been busy.

Good news first: Jefferson Lerma is back. He missed the Macclesfield FA Cup win and the Villa draw due to concussion protocols, but Glasner confirmed he’s ready for Sunderland. Chadi Riad is also finally back in the matchday squad after a literal year on the sidelines. Talk about a timely return given the Guéhi situation.

The bad news? Eddie Nketiah is still out with a muscle strain. He’s looking at a late January return, maybe just in time for the Chelsea game. Daichi Kamada is a longer-term worry with a hamstring issue that likely keeps him out until late February.

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And then there's the Ismaïla Sarr situation. He’s been away at AFCON with Senegal, but with the tournament ending soon, he should be back for the Brighton clash.

The Final Stretch: March to May

If Palace survives the February congestion, the run-in is fascinating.

March starts with Tottenham away on the 4th, followed by Leeds at home on the 14th. Then it's the daunting trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City on March 21st.

April looks a bit more manageable with Newcastle and West Ham visiting Selhurst Park, but it all culminates in a massive season finale.

The final game of the season? Arsenal at home. May 24th. 16:00.

Imagine the scenes if Palace needs a result to secure European football again, or if Arsenal needs a win for the title. Selhurst will be absolute pandemonium. It’s the kind of fixture list that makes you love—and slightly hate—being a football fan.

How to Actually Watch the Games

Look, the TV schedules change more often than my mind at a kebab shop. But for now, here’s the gist for the UK crowd:

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  1. Sky Sports: Generally owns the Sunday afternoon slots (Chelsea, Brighton).
  2. TNT Sports: Usually picks up the midweek games and the early Saturday kick-offs.
  3. BBC: Still your home for the FA Cup highlights (and the occasional live game like the Macclesfield tie).
  4. Palace TV+: Essential for live audio and U21/Women's team matches.

Speaking of the Women's team, don't sleep on their crystal palace football club fixtures. They’ve got a massive FA Cup fourth-round tie against Chelsea Women tomorrow (January 17th) at 12:30. Following their relegation from the WSL last summer, they’re currently 5th in the Championship and looking to rebuild.

Why the Schedule Matters More This Year

Usually, Palace settles into mid-table obscurity by March. Not this time.

The combination of Glasner’s impending exit and the potential sale of stars like Guéhi and Mateta (who is constantly being linked with a January move) makes every single game feel like a high-stakes drama.

Can the team stay focused while their manager looks for a "new challenge"?

Will the fans turn on the board if replacements aren't signed during this winter window?

These questions get answered on the pitch. The fixture list is the canvas, and frankly, it's looking pretty crowded.

Practical Steps for Fans

If you're planning to attend any of these upcoming matches, here is the reality:

  • Tickets: The Brighton away game is already sold out. Don't even bother looking unless you've got a gold membership and a lot of luck.
  • Travel: Always check the Southern Rail updates for Selhurst games. Between engineering works and the usual London chaos, getting to SE25 is an Olympic sport.
  • Identification: Remember that if you're buying e-tickets through official channels, many clubs are now requiring valid photo ID at the turnstiles. Don't get caught out at the gate.

The 2026 run-in is going to be an emotional rollercoaster. From the freezing North East tomorrow to a potential European final in Leipzig come May, the journey is just getting started. Grab your scarf, check the train times, and maybe keep a bottle of aspirin handy for those late-night Conference League away legs.


Next Steps for Your Calendar:
Sync your digital calendar with the official Palace app to get real-time alerts on fixture changes. If you are planning to attend the Chelsea home game on the 25th, ensure you check the "On Sale" dates for any remaining hospitality tickets, as general admission is largely accounted for. Keep a close eye on the February 2nd transfer deadline, as the squad list for the remaining fixtures could look very different by the time the Burnley game kicks off.