Crystal Palace vs Leeds United Preview: Farke’s Side Aim to Move Clear of Relegation Trouble

Crystal Palace host relegation-threatened Leeds United at Selhurst Park as Daniel Farke looks to steer his side clear of the drop zone.

Daniel Farke’s Leeds United travel to Selhurst Park this Sunday in search of their first win in four Premier League games, as they look for three vital points in their attempt to steer clear of the relegation zone.

Leeds have lost their last two league matches, with both games ending 1–0 defeats at Elland Road. However, there have been promising signs, including draws against Chelsea and Aston Villa, both top-six sides, before those losses. They also secured a recent FA Cup victory over Norwich City.

But with no league wins since the start of February, and both West Ham and Nottingham Forest picking up points, Leeds now sit just three points above the relegation zone.

Despite that, performances from Daniel Farke’s side have remained competitive. Leeds are often involved in tight games and have tested their opponents regularly. Their 10 draws from 29 league matches are the joint-most in the Premier League this season.

However, their inability to convert those draws into wins has dragged them back into the relegation conversation after previously appearing safe.

Farke’s side will need a strong performance away from home if they are to distance themselves from danger and may even close the gap on Sunday’s opponents.

Palace Looking to Build Momentum

Much like Leeds, Crystal Palace have also struggled with consistency in recent weeks.

However, the Eagles sit in a relatively comfortable 13th place, currently 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

Their most recent result was an impressive 3–1 comeback win away at Tottenham Hotspur, where Oliver Glasner’s side defeated 10-man Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

That victory moved Palace above rivals Brighton and to within two points of the top half of the table.

Prior to that result, Palace suffered defeats to Manchester United and Burnley, although a fortunate home victory against Wolves helped stabilise their league position.

Despite their mixed form, the Eagles have largely avoided relegation concerns but remain outside the conversation for European qualification following a nine-game winless league run earlier in the campaign.

Glasner may also have one eye on Crystal Palace’s European campaign, with the UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 approaching.

Palace will host AEK Larnaca on Thursday, before returning to Selhurst Park for Sunday’s clash against Leeds.

Head-to-Head

The two sides last met in December at Elland Road, where Leeds recorded an emphatic victory.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored twice during that match, continuing a strong run of form at the time.

If Leeds were to win again on Sunday, it would be the first time they have completed a league double over Crystal Palace since the 1994/95 Premier League season.

It would also make Leeds the first promoted side to achieve a league double over Palace since Sheffield United in the 2019/20 season.

However, Palace enter the match with a strong home record against Leeds.

The Eagles have not lost to Leeds at Selhurst Park in seven league matches, with their last home defeat against the Yorkshire club coming in March 2006 in the Championship.

Prior to the 4–1 defeat earlier this season, Palace had been unbeaten in four meetings against Leeds, including a 5–1 win in April 2023.

On paper, this fixture may favour Palace, but their recent record against promoted teams tells a different story.

Glasner’s side have lost their last three Premier League matches against promoted teams, including the defeat to Leeds earlier this season.

Team News

Crystal Palace may still be without three key players for Sunday’s game: Maxence Lacroix, Daniel Muñoz and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Glasner confirmed that Muñoz is likely to miss the Europa Conference League tie, but he could return in time to face Leeds.

Lacroix remains suspended after his straight red card at Old Trafford, while Mateta is expected to remain unavailable alongside long-term absentees Cheick Doucouré and Eddie Nketiah.

Ismaïla Sarr will look to continue his excellent form, having scored seven Premier League goals this season, including two in the victory over Tottenham last week.

In midfield, Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada are expected to partner each other, while Chris Richards could step into the back three alongside Chadi Riad in Lacroix’s absence.

For Leeds United, there are no long-term injury concerns, but Daniel Farke has several fitness doubts to monitor.

Defender Joe Rodon remains a doubt due to ongoing hamstring issues.

In attack, both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor are struggling with muscle injuries and could face late fitness tests.

Meanwhile, Sebastiaan Bornauw is expected to return after missing recent games through illness.

Midfielders Anton Stach, Ilia Gruev, and Ethan Ampadu are likely to start as Leeds look to match Palace’s physical intensity.

If fit, Dominic Calvert-Lewin will aim to add to his 10 Premier League goals this season, including the two he scored against Palace earlier in the campaign.

Predicted Line-ups

Crystal Palace XI:

Henderson; Canvot, Richards, Riad; Clyne, Mitchell; Wharton, Kamada; Sarr, Guessand, Strand-Larsen

Leeds United XI:

Darlow; Struijk, Rodon, Justin; Bogle, Gudmundsson; Gruev, Ampadu, Stach; Aaronson; Calvert-Lewin