On Thursday last week, Crystal Palace and Fredrikstad played the first leg of their play-off tie as only one of these two sides can earn a place in the league phase of the Conference League.
The Eagles won 1-0 at Selhurst Park with Jean Philippe Mateta scoring Palace’s first goal in Europe after getting a flick on a Will Hughes volley.
Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace celebrates by kicking the corner flag. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
It was not the most convincing of games from Crystal Palace as for large periods of the first half they struggled to break down the low block of Fredrikstad.
The Aristokratene proved to be a very organised and well-drilled side during the game in London and will be pleased with their performance and will hope to make a comeback at their home ground.
Glasner’s side were in action again on Sunday, drawing 1-1 with Nottingham Forest at home in their second Premier League game of the season.
Ismaila Sarr put the Eagles 1-0 up in the first half before Callum Hudson-Odoiequalised in the second for the tricky trees.
Fredrikstad were also due to be in league action on Sunday. However, there game against Brann has been postponed until further notice. Their last league game was three and a bit weeks ago when they drew 0-0 with Tromsø.
They currently sit 10th in the Eliteserien, and if they win this game in hand, they could move up the table into sixth or seventh place.
Fredrikstad
After having lost in their Europa League qualifier to FC Midtjylland, Fredrikstad dropped down to the Conference League.
Luckily, Andreas Hagen does not have many players out through injury or suspension.
Goalkeeper Valdemar Birksø missed the first leg and the Europa League qualifier through injury and is not expected to be match fit for Thursday’s game.
Martin Børsheim should keep his place.
Martin Borsheim of Fredrikstad. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace
Palace still currently have a small squad, and they will need to add a few more bodies before deadline day whether they make it to the league phase or not.
Backup right wing back Caleb Kporha is out of action for the foreseeable future with a back injury that he picked up in pre-season.
Chadi Riad is not expected back for the next few months after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that he picked up in training in January. Cheick Doucoure picked up a meniscus problem in training also in January and he has suffered a set back with his recovery and is also out for the foreseeable.
Eddie Nketiah is expected to be out for the next two and a half months with a hamstring injury he picked up in pre-season.
Daichi Kamada is expected to be included in the squad after completing his recovery from the injury he picked up in the Community Shieldwin. Glasner chose to rest [**Chris Richards](https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2025/08/10/crystal-palace/1229987-crystal-palace-triumph-in-community-shield-after-shootout-heroics.html)**and Tyrick Mitchell in the first leg. Mitchell was said to be carrying a hip problem, but played a full 90 minutes on Sunday against Forest. Both players could be rested again.
21-year-old Matheus Franca has returned to Brazil, joining Vasco da Gama on loan.
Odsonne Edouard and Will Hughes will not play a part in the second leg due to injury problems.
Will Hughes. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Likely Lineups
Fredrikstad (5-4-1)
Børsheim; Eid, S.Owusu, Fredriksen, Woledzi, Molde; Öhlenschlaeger, L.Owusu, Metcalfe, Sørløkk; Holten
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1)
Henderson; Lerma, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Sosa; Sarr, Devenny; Mateta
Key Players
Fredrikstad – Leonard Owusu
Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace and Leonard Owusu of Fredrikstad. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
The Ghanaian is currently on loan in Norway from Serbian side Partizan Beograd for the 2025 season.
Owusu had a good game last week at the heart of Fredrikstad’s midfield and Andreas Hagen will once again need him to be at the top of his game.
The 28 year old made several recoveries and completed all of his dribbles successfully and could be a key player in transition from defence to attack.
Crystal Palace – Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace . (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The 21-year-old midfielder’s 2024/25 season was hit by injury but this season he will be hoping to bounce back ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Last weekend Thomas Tuchel was in attendance to watch the eagles’ game against Forest.
Like in the first leg, Palace will likely see more of the ball and Wharton’s outstanding progressive passing through the lines and tackling ability will need to be utilised to break down Hagen’s set up of the Aristokratene.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game is being held at the home of Fredrikstad – The Fredrikstad Stadion in Fredrikstad, Norway. The stadium can hold up to 12,560 spectators.
What time is kick-off?
The game will kick off at 17:00 BST on Thursday, 28th August 2025 or 18:00 CET for those in Norway.
Where can I watch?
Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the match on Channel Five, with live coverage getting underway at 16:30 BST.
Highlights of the game will be uploaded to YouTube after full-time.