Their FA Cup triumph was a landmark moment – sealed with a dramatic 1-0 win over Manchester City at Wembley. Just weeks later, they edged Liverpool on penalties in the Community Shield, further proving they can compete with England’s elite.
Now in his second full season, Oliver Glasner has shaped Palace into a disciplined, high-energy side aiming to build on their historic success. European football is back at Selhurst Park – but not in the way the club hoped.
Palace were initially set for the Europa League but were controversially demoted to the UEFA Conference League in August, due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules and overlapping ties with Lyon.
Crystal Palace fixtures 2025:
August 17: Chelsea v Crystal Palace
August 24: Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest
August 31: Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
September 13: Crystal Palace v Sunderland
September 20: West Ham v Crystal Palace
Their Premier League campaign kicks off with a tough stretch. The Eagles open away at Chelsea on August 17 – a daunting start against a squad with Champions League aspirations. Their first home game comes the following weekend against Nottingham Forest, offering a more winnable fixture to settle in.
From there, the schedule ramps up. A trip to Aston Villa on August 30 will test their defensive shape against one of last season’s most clinical home sides. September begins with a home clash against newly-promoted Sunderland – on paper a softer tie, but one that comes just days before a London derby at West Ham on the 20th.
Off the pitch, Palace have been noticeably quiet in the transfer market. Only two senior players have joined – goalkeeper Walter Benitez on a free from PSV and left-back Borna Sosa for 3 million pounds from Ajax. Academy signing Khyan Frazer-Williams also arrived, but big-name reinforcements have yet to appear, and the squad has lost experience with Rob Holding, Jeffrey Schlupp, and Joel Ward all departing, while loanees Ben Chilwell and Matt Turner returned to their parent clubs.
More pressing are potential exits. Club captain Marc Guehi, with a year left on his deal, is attracting Liverpool’s interest. A fee around 35 million pounds could be enough. Eberechi Eze is also a target, with Spurs and Arsenal circling. His 68 million pounds release clause looms.
Glasner has voiced his concern about the club’s lack of signings.
“We cannot afford to enter the season without at least some reinforcement. The most worrying thing now would be injuries on top of the current lack of recruitment,” said Glasner.
Crystal Palace standings – Historic log positions
2020/21 – 14th
2021/22 – 12th
2022/23 – 11th
2023/24 – 10th
2024/25 – 12th
