Crystal Palace make winning start in Europe and turn focus to Leeds
Crystal Palace prepared for their Europa League opener with Lech Poznań amid a slow start under Pierre Sage, as Adam Wharton said the club want to go far in the competition and Dean Henderson urged fans to 'park the negativity'.
Pierre Sage said Palace must turn their Europa League momentum into Premier League points at Leeds, improve on the Ipswich defeat and cope with Elland Road's 'crazy' atmosphere.
Crystal Palace pair Zavier Gozo and Chris Richards are in the USA squad for four friendlies, with Gozo in line for a senior debut. Quinten Timber has joined the Netherlands squad.
Leeds will be without Harry Wilson and Joe Rodon on Sunday, though Ilia Gruev is back available after Under-21 minutes ahead of the Elland Road meeting.
Crystal Palace swept aside Lech Poznań 4-0, with Yéremy Pino, Chris Richards, Jørgen Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah scoring as the visitors finished with 10 men.
Ahead of Palace's trip to Leeds, Chris Sutton backed the hosts to win 2-0, praising Daniel Farke and citing the Eagles' shaky start and pressure on Pierre Sage.
Liverpool are weighing AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit as an alternative to Adam Wharton, with Crystal Palace among clubs reported to have watched him.
Dean Henderson, Chadi Riad and Jean-Philippe Mateta remain out, while Axel Disasi begins a three-match ban. Ismaïla Sarr has returned and may start, but not for 90 minutes.
Before facing Crystal Palace, Martin Ho highlighted their resilience and defensive organisation after a 0-0 draw at Arsenal, calling the WSL highly competitive.
Chris Richards starred in Crystal Palace's 4-0 win over Lech Poznań, heading their second goal and helping keep a clean sheet in what was described as a big step forward.
Crystal Palace made a flying Europa League start, thrashing 10-man Lech Poznań 4-0 at Selhurst Park. Yéremy Pino, Chris Richards, Jørgen Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah scored in what Adam Wharton called a 'great step forward'.
