The thing about Crystal Palace x Brentford is that it’s no longer just a "mid-table London derby" you ignore on a Saturday afternoon. Honestly, if you’ve been watching the Premier League this season, you know these two are currently operating on a level of tactical sophistication that would’ve been unthinkable five years ago.
We’re in 2026. Oliver Glasner has turned Selhurst Park into a genuine fortress. Meanwhile, Keith Andrews—stepping into those massive shoes left by Thomas Frank—has kept Brentford’s "moneyball" spirit alive while adding a new, slightly more aggressive layer to their press.
But let's talk about what actually happened when they met earlier this season.
The Selhurst Lesson: What Most People Get Wrong
Back in November 2025, Palace took the three points with a 2-0 win. On paper, it looks routine. In reality? It was a tactical chess match that left Brentford fans pulling their hair out.
Brentford actually had 65% of the ball. Imagine that. The Bees dominated possession but couldn't do a single thing with it. Palace sat back, compact and organized, practically inviting Brentford to try and break them down. They didn't.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is basically a folk hero at this point, scored a header in the 30th minute that defied physics. He met Yeremy Pino’s cross with a glancing blow that left Caoimhín Kelleher stranded. Then, a Jefferson Lerma long throw—the kind of old-school chaos Palace excels at—forced an own goal out of Nathan Collins.
That match changed the narrative. It proved that Glasner’s Palace doesn't need the ball to hurt you. They just need one mistake.
The Evolution of the 2026 Rosters
You’ve got to look at how these squads have changed. Eberechi Eze moving to Arsenal a few months back felt like a death knell for Palace's creativity, but Daichi Kamada and Ismaïla Sarr have stepped up in ways no one expected.
Kamada, specifically, is a machine. He's currently in the top 10 in the league for tackles won per 90 minutes. A "number 10" who defends like a terrier? That’s the Glasner way.
Brentford's Injury Woes and Resilience
The Bees have had it rough. Antoni Milambo is out for the season with an ACL. That hurts. However, getting Aaron Hickey back after his Scotland international duty scare has been massive for their width.
They also have Kevin Schade.
He’s been a revelation this term.
Fast.
Direct.
He currently leads the division in tackles won in the attacking third.
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Basically, if Chris Richards—who locked Schade down in their last meeting—has an off day, Palace is in trouble.
Key Matchups to Watch
The battle in the middle of the park is where this game will be won or lost. Jordan Henderson, now a veteran presence in the Brentford engine room, has to deal with the sheer physicality of Jefferson Lerma. It’s a clash of styles: Henderson’s discipline versus Lerma’s "win the ball at all costs" energy.
Then there's the keeper battle. Dean Henderson was the Man of the Match last time. He made two reflex saves from Reiss Nelson that probably still haunt the Brentford winger. If Henderson remains in this "unbeatable" mode, the Bees are going to need more than just 65% possession to break through.
Tactical Breakdown: Direct Speed vs. High Turnovers
It’s kinda fascinating to look at the Opta data for these two.
Palace tops the "direct speed" charts.
This means they move the ball from back to front faster than almost anyone else in the league.
They don't mess around.
Brentford, on the other hand, lives for the high turnover. They want to win the ball near your goal. If Palace tries to play out from the back, they are playing right into Keith Andrews' hands. But Glasner isn't stupid. He’ll likely tell Marc Guéhi to bypass the midfield entirely and look for Mateta’s run.
Why This Match Matters for Europe
As of January 2026, Brentford is sitting 5th.
Yes, 5th.
They are ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea.
Palace is right behind them, hovering around the top seven. This isn't just a rivalry anymore; it’s a direct battle for European spots. Whether it’s the Europa League or the Conference League, these points are gold.
If Brentford loses again, people will start questioning if Andrews can actually win "the big ones." If Palace wins, Selhurst Park's unbeaten run extends even further, and the "Glasner Revolution" officially becomes the story of the season.
How to Approach the Rematch
If you're following the Crystal Palace x Brentford rivalry, keep an eye on the first 15 minutes. If Brentford scores first, they usually win. If they concede first, they struggle to find a Plan B.
To stay ahead of the curve on this matchup:
- Track the set-piece stats: Palace scored both goals from set plays last time. If Brentford hasn't fixed their zonal marking, expect more of the same.
- Watch the wing-back rotation: Daniel Muñoz and Tyrick Mitchell are the engines of the Palace system. If they get pinned back by Schade and Ouattara, the Palace attack dies.
- Monitor the xG: Last time, the xG was a tight 0.72 to 0.54. It was a game of fine margins. Don't be surprised if the rematch is just as cagey.
The smart money is on a stalemate, but with Mateta in this form, anything can happen. Palace has the psychological edge, but Brentford has the league position. It's a collision course.