# Crystal Palace FC pre-season and season transition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/crystal-palace-fc-pre-season-and-season-transition
> Updated: 2026-08-29T08:49:20.000Z. Sources: 189. Developments: 4.

Crystal Palace FC is undergoing managerial and squad transitions ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season. Under new manager Pierre Sage, who replaced Oliver Glasner, the club participated in a pre-season friendly against Fulham FC on August 7, 2026, during which Adam Wharton was noted as unavailable due to an ankle injury.

Following the pre-season period, Palace faced Everton FC in their Premier League opener, resulting in a 2-0 defeat. Despite the loss, the team recorded 1.96 expected goals, suggesting offensive potential.

On August 27, 2026, Manchester City secured a 4-1 victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Led by manager Enzo Maresca, the win moved Manchester City to the top of the league table. Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki each scored twice, while Crystal Palace’s solitary goal resulted from a Gianluigi Donnarumma own goal. Following the match, Sage expressed frustration regarding his team’s “low energy levels.”

Crystal Palace secured their first Premier League victory of the season on September 5, 2026, with a 3-2 comeback win against Fulham. Despite Fulham leading twice through Josh King and César Palacios, Tyrick Mitchell scored twice to equalize. Ben Chilwell, a deadline day signing from Strasbourg, secured the win with a volley in the 77th minute. This result marked the first Premier League success for Pierre Sage, moving the club to thirteenth place in the standings.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-29: Manchester City defeats Crystal Palace 4-1 in Premier League victory

Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace 4-1 in the Premier League, led by braces from Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland, marking a second consecutive win under manager Enzo Maresca.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-defeat-crystal-palace-4-1-led-by-rayan-cherki-1

### 2026-08-27: Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 4-1 with Haaland and Cherki braces

Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace 4-1 in the Premier League, with Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki both scoring braces to keep City at the top of the table.

172 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/crystal-palace-hosts-manchester-city-in-first-home-game-of-season

### 2026-08-12: Everton FC to host Crystal Palace in Premier League opener

Everton FC hosts Crystal Palace on August 22, 2026, in a Premier League match featuring new leadership for Palace under Pierre Sage.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/everton-fc-to-host-crystal-palace-in-premier-league-opener

### 2026-08-07: Fulham vs Crystal Palace set for pre-season friendly at Motspur Park

Fulham and Crystal Palace will play a pre‑season friendly on 7 Aug 2026 at Motspur Park, kicking off at 18:00 BST and streamed on Palace TV+. New manager Pierre Sage leads Palace; Fulham may debut signings Gonz

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fulham-vs-crystal-palace-set-for-pre-season-friendly-at-motspur-park

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Cite as: Crystal Palace FC pre-season and season transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/crystal-palace-fc-pre-season-and-season-transition