This post has already been read 42 times!
Crystal Palace welcome Leeds United to Selhurst Park on Sunday in an intriguing Premier League clash, with both sides chasing very different objectives as the season heads into its final stretch.
The Eagles are pushing for a place in the top half of the table, while Leeds United are desperately trying to steer clear of the relegation battle after a difficult run of results.
With just a handful of matches left in the campaign, every point could prove crucial.
Match Preview
Crystal Palace come into this match in relatively solid form, having collected nine points from their last five Premier League matches. Victories over Brighton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur have helped the Eagles open a 10-point gap above the relegation zone, putting them in a comfortable position to secure survival.
However, Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who is expected to leave the club in the summer, will still have ambitions of finishing strongly. The Eagles are currently six points away from seventh place, which could potentially offer European qualification depending on other competitions.
Despite their improved league position, Palace have struggled at Selhurst Park in recent months. Since November, they have managed only two home wins in 12 matches across all competitions, highlighting inconsistency on their own turf.
Meanwhile, Leeds United arrive in London under pressure. Daniel Farke’s side is currently enduring a four-match winless run, which has dragged them closer to the relegation zone.
Leeds’ away form has been a particular concern this season. The Whites have managed just one away victory in the Premier League, collecting only nine points from 14 away matches.
Still, there have been signs of resilience. Leeds have drawn five of their last six away fixtures, showing they are capable of grinding out results even on difficult trips.
Their most recent highlight came in the FA Cup, where they comfortably defeated Norwich City 3-0, ending a long run without a clean sheet.
Another challenge facing Leeds is history — they have not won at Selhurst Park in 20 years, with only three draws in seven visits since their last victory in 2006.
Recent Form
Crystal Palace – Premier League
D – W – L – W – L – W
Crystal Palace – All Competitions
D – W – W – L – W – D
Leeds United – Premier League
L – W – D – D – L – L
Leeds United – All Competitions
D – W – D – L – L – W
Team News
Crystal Palace could rotate its squad after its recent European fixture against AEK Larnaca.
Players such as Chadi Riad, Borna Sosa, Jefferson Lerma, Will Hughes and Yeremy Pino could be given opportunities to start.
Right wing-back Daniel Muñoz is working his way back from injury and might only be fit enough for a place on the bench.
Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta also recently returned from injury and may again feature as a substitute as he builds up match fitness.
For Leeds United, manager Daniel Farke is expected to bring back several key players who were rested in the FA Cup victory over Norwich.
Defender Joe Rodon and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin are both likely to return to the starting lineup.
Midfielder Sean Longstaff, who scored in the FA Cup match, is pushing for a start ahead of Ilia Gruev, while Noah Okafor remains a doubt due to a hamstring injury.
Possible Starting Lineups
Crystal Palace
Henderson
Canvot – Lacroix – Riad
Johnson – Wharton – Hughes – Sosa
Sarr – Pino
Strand Larsen
Leeds United
Darlow
Justin – Rodon – Struijk – Gudmundsson
Bogle – Stach – Ampadu – Longstaff – Aaronson
Calvert-Lewin
Match Prediction
Both teams have struggled in certain areas this season — Palace with their home form and Leeds with their away results.
With Palace potentially rotating players and Leeds desperate for points in the relegation fight, this match could be tight and cautious.
A low-scoring draw appears the most likely outcome.
Predicted Score
Crystal Palace 1 – 1 Leeds United