Ahead of Friday night’s Premier League 2 clash with Fulham at the VBS Community Stadium, Joe Gibbard spoke to Palace TV+ to reflect on Monday’s draw with Middlesbrough, the U21s’ mixed run of results, his return from injury, and the challenge posed by an in-form London rival.
The match will be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+ on Friday (13th February), with coverage beginning at 18:45 GMT ahead of a 19:00 GMT kick-off – click HERE to find out more and subscribe.
Supporters can follow live commentary on our Academy X (Twitter) page, with a full match report and reaction published shortly after full-time in our Academy news section.
Highlights and extended reaction* will be available on Palace TV+.*
We’re sorting our feet out
—Joe Gibbard
The midfielder began by taking stock of Palace’s 2025/26 campaign so far, admitting it has been a season of contrasts as the squad continues to evolve.
“I think as a team it’s been very up and down,” Gibbard said. “There have been a few highs and a lot of lows, but I feel like slowly we’re sorting our feet out. There are lots of new boys coming into the team, and it’s changing a lot every week, but I think we’re getting there.”
A late Jemiah Umolu penalty secured Palace a hard-fought 1–1 draw against an unbeaten Middlesbrough side on Monday evening, with Gibbard introduced midway through the second half in place of Dylan Reid. Reflecting on the performance, he felt there were lessons to take despite the positive result.
“I think at first we were very sloppy – it was a bit of a scrappy game,” he admitted. “But on Friday we need to sort that out, get the ball down and get playing. It was a tough game against a good side though, so I’ll take the point.”
After playing a key role in Palace’s emphatic 6–0 victory over Derby County – providing the assist for David Obou’s goal – Gibbard missed the narrow defeat at Ipswich through injury. He offered an update on his fitness and availability.
“It was just a twisted ankle,” he explained. “I missed a few sessions which ruled me out of the game, but it’s alright now. It’s still a bit swollen, but I’m good to play.”
It’s really important to get wins at this point
—Joe Gibbard
With Palace’s recent form producing a mix of emphatic wins, narrow defeats and hard-fought draws, Gibbard was candid in his assessment of where the side currently stands.
“I think it’s very inconsistent,” he said. “It’s hard to build a base off that, so we need to get that consistency right, put a few wins together, and I think we’ll kick on from there.”
Now one of the senior figures in the U21s setup, Gibbard has also been entrusted with the captain’s armband on occasion – including the 2026 curtain-raiser against Chelsea.
On the responsibility that comes with the role – particularly guiding U18s stepping up – he added: “It’s massive. The younger players look at what you do, on and off the pitch, and try to follow it. That’s why it’s so important to show leadership and help them wherever you can. But yeah, it’s good.”
Palace currently sit 14th in Premier League 2, level on 18 points with Aston Villa and Wolves, with Nottingham Forest just one point behind. Crucially, the young Eagles hold games in hand on several sides around them as the play-off race begins to tighten. Gibbard stressed the importance of continuing to pick up points.
“Yeah, it’s very important,” he said. “Last season, for example, we finished really well, which kicked us on to get to the semi-finals. It’s really important to get wins at this point, build momentum, and do well in the play-offs – that’s what we all want.”
We’ll give it a good go and try to upset Fulham
—Joe Gibbard
Friday’s opponents Fulham arrive at the VBS in formidable form, having extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches with a 5–0 win over West Ham last time out. Despite the challenge, Gibbard believes Palace can rise to the occasion.
“It’ll be a very tough game,” he said. “It’s always tough against them – they’ve got a good academy. Through the years it’s always been a good game. They’re in form and doing well, but that doesn’t mean we can’t stop them. We’ll give it a good go and try to upset them.”
With the fixture also a London derby, Gibbard highlighted the importance of support at the VBS Community Stadium and from those tuning in on Palace TV+.
“It’s massive,” he said. “That little bit of support can make a huge difference. We don’t play in front of big crowds every week, so having people there backing us really helps.”
Beyond Friday night, Palace also have a rearranged, must-win Premier League International Cup clash with Borussia Mönchengladbach on the horizon. While the focus remains firmly on Fulham, Gibbard acknowledged the significance of what lies ahead.
“Yeah, it’s massive,” he concluded. “The consistency hasn’t been there this season, so if we can win on Friday, that puts us in a brilliant position going into the Gladbach game and gives us a much-needed boost.”
The match will be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+ on Friday (13th February), with coverage beginning at 18:45 GMT ahead of a 19:00 GMT kick-off – click HERE to find out more and subscribe.
Supporters can follow live commentary on our Academy X (Twitter) page, with a full match report and reaction published shortly after full-time in our Academy news section.
Highlights and extended reaction will be available on Palace TV+.
Crystal Palace U21s vs Fulham U21s
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