Crystal Palace

Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist

Brentford and Crystal Palace meet at the Gtech Community on Sunday afternoon (15:00 BST). The Bees are charging toward an unlikely Champions League finish, while Palace's focus is fixed firmly on a looming European final.

Bees buzzing toward Europe

Back in August, many pundits had Brentford tipped for relegation.

They'd lost their transformative head coach Thomas Frank to Spurs and key figures like captain Christian Norgaard and Bryan Mbeumo to Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.

Yet here they are, chasing European football. Talk about defying expectations.

That resilience has defined their season.

Brentford haven't always been slick, but they've been stubborn.

At home, especially, they've rediscovered their gritty edge — just two defeats in their last 14 league matches at the Gtech.

Keith Edwards' side have also kept Palace quiet here for decades, unbeaten in their last six home league meetings.

This isn't a team that overwhelms opponents with chances.

But when they do fall, Igor Thiago has been ruthless — only Erling Haaland has scored more than two goals in more league games this season than his six.

Are the Eagles already looking to Leipzig?

Crystal Palace's season looked like it might unravel when Oliver Glasner announced in January he would leave at the end of the campaign.

But the turbulence has eased, the squad has steadied, and Palace now stand on the brink of something far more historic— the chance to lift a European trophy just three days after the Premier League season concludes.

In any other year, sitting 15th would cause concern.

But the Eagles are safe, well clear of relegation — and with European final in Leipzig calling, their priorities have shifted.

Their flat performance in a 3–0 defeat at the Etihad was another sign of a side saving its energy for something far bigger.

Palace still carry threat though, and the numbers prove it.

They've won six of their last nine Premier League London derbies away from home (D2 L1).

After victories at Fulham and Spurs, they're chasing a third straight away win in the capital in a top flight season — something they've never achieved.

Jean Philippe Mateta has driven that charge, scoring 11 goals in London derbies.

Marissa Thomas
BBC Sport journalist

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Glasner provided a team news update saying he "hoped" that "Evann Guessand returns to the squad for Sunday" while there is a "bit more of a question over Borna Sosa" who might be out until the final game of the season against Arsenal. Everyone else is available.

• On Maxence Lacroix and Jean-Philippe Mateta being named in France's squad for the World Cup: "I'm very pleased and delighted for Maxence and JP. Maxence had his debut in March. It's massive for both of them and I'm delighted because they work so hard. I talked to Maxence two years ago, it was his dream to play for France. He could fulfill it and he deserves all the credit because he has worked so hard. He is playing so consistently on a high level."

• On how impressed he has been with Keith Andrews' first season in charge of Brentford: "Very impressed. Doing so well, he kept their style. They sold [Bryan] Mbeumo and [Yoane] Wissa in the summer and they made some good signings. They followed the pathway they started a few years ago. It is maybe the most important part of their success in the way they sign players and managers. Consistency is very important for this. He [Andrews] is doing an amazing job."

• On rotating the squad: "There has been a lot of travelling, it is good to play both games in London now [against Brentford and Arsenal in final two games] but I don't talk about the amount of games anymore and rotating. Players are fit and if somebody doesn't feel ready for a final in 10 days, look for another job. Now is the most important part of the season, very exciting, everybody is fresh. We won't rotate massively."

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra commentary of Brentford v Crystal Palace from 15:00 BST on Sunday

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Palace? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Everton, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth have approached FC Midtjylland in pursuit of 22-year-old Chile midfielder Dario Osorio. (Give Me Sport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Ellie Killick
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

To rotate or not to rotate, that is the question...

With arguably the biggest game of Crystal Palace's history being just 13 days away, question marks over whether Oliver Glasner should start resting players have started to arise.

By the time we reach 27 May, Palace will be playing their 60th game of the season. That's 12 more than last year and you can definitely see it's taken a toll. This season has been incredible, our first ever taste of European football and I wouldn't change it for the world, but the fixture congestion has clearly had an impact.

Glasner is no stranger to moments like these. He's been here before with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2021 and he's made it very clear he doesn't want the squad mentally checking out before the final. It makes sense, you don't want players losing rhythm with one of the biggest games of their career around the corner.. but at the same time, we cannot afford injuries right now.

With our league position for next season mathematically secure and being unable to reach our season-best tally, there's not much left to prove domestically. Against Manchester City on Wednesday, we did see some rotation with Adam Wharton and Ismaila Sarr starting on the bench – although even then Glasner brought then on with 30 minutes remaining despite being 2-0 down, which did not do my nerves any favours.

With two league games remaining, I personally feel a few more players need protecting before the final, especially at the back. Maxence Lacroix has played 53 out of a possible 57 matches, which is absolutely crazy and at some point will become unsustainable.

At this point, the most important thing is to keep everyone fit. They've come too far and worked too hard for tired legs or needless injuries to ruin what could be the greatest night in our history.

Find more from Ellie Killick at Eagle Eye View, external

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

Here are some of your comments:

Manchester City fans

Gene: Really nice to see Phil Foden play at the level he's capable of and contributing positively. A nice win but probably not enough to catch Arsenal considering their final two matches. They're still vulnerable on the quick transition and we were fortunate several times.

Harry: The football I watched between Rayan Ait-Nouri, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki was some of the most beautiful passing I've seen all season. Absolute privilege to watch them play and also immense credit to Antoine Semenyo, Omar Marmoush, Savinho and Foden. We don't know if Arsenal will slip up, but seeing our boy Phil with a smile on his face will be enough for me this season. Let's keep the pressure on! Thank you to Palace and their fans for the atmosphere and fair play, best of luck against Rayo Vallecano.

Lotfi: Apart from the win which was essential to keep the pressure on Arsenal, it was so exhilarating to see Foden bag two assists and get player of the match. Also, the return of Josko Gvardiol is massive for City. Over to you Arsenal. If you want the title, you're going to have to work for it.

Amanda: Phil Foden was showing what a great player he is. We started slow, but once the first goal was scored this City team clicked into gear. Bernardo Silva was superb and it was great to see John Stones come on. Nathan Ake was solid at the back and Cherki was superb - the assist was a joy to watch.

Crystal Palace fans

Robert: City gave us a lesson in football. Shear class and on a different level. Watch out Arsenal, it ain't over yet!

Len: Probably Palace's worst display of football this season. They just didn't compete. It looked like a City training game. We couldn't get hold of the ball and when they did their passing was dreadful. It wasn't that City were good, they were made to look so much better by Palace's lack of creativity and ability.

Steve: Outplayed! Outfought! Outwitted! The gap in class was on open display. Palace are in danger of dropping down the table like a stone. Their league record since the beginning of December is pretty dreadful. It is essential they win the Conference League final to attract a top manager and better quality players.

Tom: Palace have several players in the squad now that are on the margin of being good enough for this league, and recent recruitment has been poor. A summer clear out is needed and we may need to cut losses on some big-money signings if we want to keep up.

Premier League sides West Ham and Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on 21-year-old Pape Moussa Fall, a 6ft 6in Senegalese striker who is on loan at Belgian side RAAL La Louviere from Metz. (TeamTalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace's league form is petering away, now without victory in their past five top-flight matches, and the latest loss leaves them 15th in the table.

The Eagles are not at threat of being relegated and have their priority on the Europa Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in two weeks' time.

Boss Oliver Glasner was unapologetic beforehand about changes to his side and made four alterations, leaving forward Ismaila Sarr on the bench.

The Senegal international appeared on the hour mark and forced Donnarumma into a save low down, but the visitors were thoroughly outplayed for almost the entire game.

Palace produced a shock by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final last May but there was to be no repeat result this time.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, speaking to Sky Sports: "If you want to get a point or even more, you need a top performance at the Etihad.

"We didn't have a top performance today. Some parts were OK, some parts were not good enough.

"We didn't stick to the plan, particularly in the first half. Instead, we lost the ball because we were not quick enough, and we did not have the solution before we had the ball.

"We couldn't take advantage of their mistakes. If you make too many mistakes at the back, then you have no chance against City.

"We tried, everybody tried, but again it is not so easy against a team like City against players like City. See the first goal, it is just unpredictable.

"In the end, City deserved the win. We could manage the minutes how we wanted to manage it. Again, it is four days until the next game, and we will do the same."

Did you know?

• Crystal Palace have won just four of their last 21 Premier League games (D6 L11), a run which began with defeat at home to Manchester City back in December (0-3).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Man City's performance

What did you make of Palace's display?

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies - more reaction and analysis coming soon

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola clearly has Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea in mind by making six changes to the side that beat Brentford last time out and leaving out some of the big hitters.

Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, the in-form Jeremy Doku and Nico O'Reilly are all on the bench, as are Nathan Ake and Tijjani Reijnders.

In come Omar Marmoush, Phil Foden, Savinho, Abdukodir Khusanov and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

There is also a return to the side for Josko Gvardiol, having been sidelined since 4 January with a broken leg. Midfielder Rodri remains out.

Man City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri, Silva, Foden, Semenyo, Savinho, Marmoush.

Crystal Palace also have a Europa Conference League final on the horizon and boss Oliver Glasner has made four changes to the side that drew against Everton last time out.

Jean Philippe-Mateta leads the line aiming for his 50th Premier League goal, while Yeremy Pino, Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma also come in.

Jorgen Strand Larsen, Ismaila Sarr, Daichi Kamada and Adam Wharton drop out.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Munoz, Lacroix, Richards, Canvot, Mitchell, Lerma, Pino, Hughes, Johnson, Mateta.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner's focus now is on the Europa Conference League final and getting his strongest team ready for that game at the end of the month.

So, of course he is going to rotate his players between now and the end of the Premier League season.

Will Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola do the same, before Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea? I don't think so.

The title is in Arsenal's hands but, however unlikely it looks for City to catch them now, they still have hope and they have to give themselves the best possible chance by winning all their remaining league games.

That's why I think Pep will go strong here from the start. He's got a good squad anyway but rather than making changes, the best idea is surely to go strong and get ahead and then maybe they can take players off when the game is won.

The title could still be decided on goal difference, if Arsenal drop any points, so that must be part of Pep's thinking too.

With what is at stake for them, City cannot slip up again - and they won't.

Sutton's prediction: 3-0

Make your own prediction, here, external

Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester City return to the Etihad on Wednesday night (20:00 BST) with the title race alive but no longer in their control. They must win and hope Arsenal falter but midweek opponents Crystal Palace could have a decisive say in where the trophy ends up.

Man City still pushing for title, but relying on help

Manchester City were not in action on Sunday, yet their fortunes swung with every moment of Arsenal's clash with West Ham. Pep Guardiola had light heartedly offered his support to the Hammers beforehand, signing off his press conference with a playful "come on you Irons".

The late Arsenal winner means City's task is unchanged - keep winning and wait.

Their home form remains a source of confidence. Guardiola's side are unbeaten in 16 league matches at the Etihad and have scored first in all of them, a reminder of how difficult they are to beat once in front.

But recent games have demanded more patience. Despite leading the league for first half goals (38) across the season, each of their past five has come after the interval. Opponents are sitting deeper, and City are having to work harder to break them down.

Jeremy Doku's emergence has been a timely boost.

The Belgian winger has grown in influence, contributing seven goal involvements in his past six matches in all competitions. His direct running and ability to unsettle defenders helped to unlock a stubborn Brentford before City ran away with a 3-0 win last time out. He offers another route through tight games.

A week earlier, however, the draw with Everton raised questions. City led 1-0 but fell 3-1 behind before Doku's stoppage-time equaliser salvaged a point. Was it two dropped or one gained? That may become clearer in the weeks ahead. For now, they must keep the pressure on, and that starts with beating Palace.

Palace carry a threat - but can they deliver?

Crystal Palace have reasons for optimism. Only Arsenal and City have more away wins this season than the Eagles' seven, and they have consistently caused problems at the Etihad, scoring twice on each of their past four visits.

Ismaila Sarr's recent scoring run underlines their attacking threat.

The Senegal forward is in red hot form, hitting nine goals across his past 10 starts in all competitions. Palace have the pace and movement to trouble City - the question is whether they can sustain it long enough to take something from the game.

Oliver Glasner's side have struggled to find rhythm immediately after European fixtures and the draw with Everton at Selhurst Park highlighted that inconsistency.

The stakes, though, are clear. A Palace win would all but end City's title hopes and leave Arsenal in a position to wrap it up before the final day. If City fail to beat the Eagles, the Gunners could secure the Premier League title on Monday night with victory over already relegated Burnley.

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has outlined his idea to improve how corners are officiated in future.

In the aftermath of weekend controversy over players grappling in the penalty area, he has told BBC Sport a rule whereby attacking players cannot enter the six-yard box until a corner has been taken would be his preference.

Ex-Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha backed the idea and thinks it will add "creativity" to corner kicks and the move would force "people to think in a different way".

You can watch a clip of the debate above, with Onuoha stating: "Twenty players standing in the six-yard box, you have to ask yourself, is that what you want to see? And is that the best version of the game?"

• Listen to the show in full on BBC Sounds

• Watch the show in full on iPlayer

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been ruled out of contention for the Manchester United job as Michael Carrick edges closer to being appointed on a permanent basis, leaving Iraola free to discuss the vacancies at Crystal Palace and Chelsea. (Mail - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column.

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace are keen to extend Chris Richards' contract on improved terms, with the defender having emerged as a regular starter in south London.

Talks over extending the 26-year-old centre-back's deal began in November and are now reaching a key stage, with Richards set either to renew or to delay discussions until after the World Cup.

Richards remains on the initial contract he signed when joining from Bayern Munich in 2022 for just over £10m, which is due to expire at the end of next season.

One of the USA's leaders, along with Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Tim Ream, Richards is set to play a key role at the World Cup, which will be largely based in his home country.

Although he is happy at Selhurst Park, Richards would be ready to sign a new deal on suitable terms, reflecting his increased importance to Palace after a historic campaign.

Having helped Palace reach their first ever European final, against Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League on 27 May, Richards is among the regular starters to have played more than 4,000 minutes across 48 appearances this season.

His importance grew after fellow defender Marc Guehi left Palace to join Manchester City in January, while defensive stability will be a priority with Oliver Glasner set to leave the club this summer.

Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola is Palace's favoured candidate to replace the outgoing manager.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• There are no fresh injuries concerns. Most of the players are "available and feeling well" going into the club's final four games of the season.

• Evann Guessand and Borna Sosa are back in first team training, however Wednesday night's fixture will come "too soon" for them. He explained: "They will need a few minutes to get back into shape. We are working towards them returning against Brentford."

• There has been "a great feeling and a great mood" around the club since progressing to the Europa Conference League final.

• Despite already securing Premier League safety, Crystal Palace will be looking to "show their best football" in their remaining league games against Manchester City (A), Brentford (A) and Arsenal (H).

• On the feeling after survival was confirmed: "It's mathematically done which is always the foundation - staying in the league. But, nothing changes to be honest. We still want to improve our game, do better, and show the best football we can play. This is the standards we have created here. We are not just playing for ourselves, we are playing to see the best of every player and best of Crystal Palace. It is more important than just the points."

• How much can he now look ahead to facing Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final?: "To be honest, it's started now. I will go to Valencia to see them live on Thursday. But, in the daily work - zero. Our focus is on our team always."

• On the suggestion that the Premier League title could be decided by Crystal Palace, who will face the league's top two teams in the final run-in, he said: "We always think what is right for us. That is my responsibility."

• He continued: "Our influence in the title race will be definitely less than VAR!"

• Glasner said his side are always looking for ways to "improve our game" and "raise our standards", so they will endeavour to do the same against Pep Guardiola's side.

• On what the Eagles have been focusing on in training this week, he said: "We have shown the players where we can find our chances to score against Manchester City. We want to be more efficient. We believe we can create chances. But the big challenge is to control their attack."

Follow all of Tuesday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Palace? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Image source, Getty Images

• Manchester City are unbeaten in their past eight Premier League games against Crystal Palace (W5 D3) since a 2-0 home loss in October 2021.

• Palace have scored twice in each of their past four Premier League away games against Manchester City, although have only gone on to win one of those (D1 L2). The only visiting team to score two or more goals in five in a row at the Etihad are Tottenham (current run of five).

• Since losing 2-0 against Spurs in their opening home league game this season, City are unbeaten in their past 16 at the Etihad (W13 D3). They've also opened the scoring in all 16 of these games.

• Only the current top two sides Arsenal (10) and City (nine) have won more Premier League away games this season than Palace (seven), while no side has fewer draws on the road than the Eagles (two).

• Erling Haaland has scored in all five of his Premier League games against Crystal Palace, netting eight goals in total. The only players to score in their first six games against an opponent in the competition are Raheem Sterling and Mohamed Salah (both versus Bournemouth).

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

There it is, the final lingering piece of Premier League intrigue may have departed us, at least as it pertains to Crystal Palace. For the most pessimistic among us, they can't even speak of an Oldham-esque outcome anymore.

Palace can still be influential in the race for the league title but with their eyes on the Conference League, it's hard to imagine that thwarting either Pep Guardiola or Mikel Arteta is a high priority this month.

So, as Sunday's result against Everton was possibly not the most consequential, there was a separate battle that will be for Thomas Tuchel and England this summer - the goalkeepers.

There is little argument over Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson being the leading pair of options. The broader debate may be that they are the only two credible options.

There are clear similarities between the two with the self-belief they exhibit and the leadership roles they play within their teams. More importantly, they are both great shot-stoppers. In that sense, they are often rallying points for both sets of fans.

A clean sheet may be the most overused or overstated statistic in football. How often have we seen a keeper escape 90 minutes unchallenged and given credit over a player called into action?

In the past two games, despite conceding three, Henderson saved nine others on target. The saves against Pedrinho and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall were game-changers in each. In the opposite goal on Sunday, Pickford was key in earning a point for his team.

By Opta's goals prevented metric, these performances have held up throughout the season. Henderson is +4.4 to Pickford's +5.6, placing both in the top five goalkeepers in the division.

Pickford, despite the chants from the Palace fans, may still be England's number one in June. Fortunately, should anything prevent that, the team are still in safe hands with Henderson.

Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast, external

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Everton.

Here are some of your comments:

Crystal Palace fans

Rich: Gifted Everton the lead on two occasions but managed to level both times. We looked a little jaded at times after Thursday's heroics but as the game progressed we looked the stronger, fitter team. Again, missed chances have cost us the three points our performance deserved but happy nonetheless.

Steve: After the euphoria of Thursday night, it seemed predictable Palace would concede early. After fighting back so well, going behind again straight after half-term was hugely disappointing. The constant failure to defend corners and a surprising vulnerability to the long ball down the middle kept everyone on edge. But the side's character shone through yet again to salvage a point.

Oliver: Good performance from Palace especially that last 20 minutes when you would expect us to be tired from Thursday. Building more momentum for the final.

Jason: Great second-half performance for Palace. Was impressed by the mentality to keep coming back.

Everton fans

Tim: Everton had plenty of chances to put this game away but couldn't convert. Once again, defending mistakes and the inability to close down attacks cost them points. Fourth game in a row Everton give up points from a winning position.

Thomas: Just pathetic really. How many times this season have we thrown away the chance to make a genuine stride towards Europe? It's a pattern.

Ian: Evertonians need to stay positive, Europe this year a step too far but let's rebuild in the close season and come back stronger next season.

Mark: Same as usual lately just not got enough to push through for Europe. Would need a massive revamp, not ready yet.

Pundits Shay Given and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• West Ham 0-1 Arsenal

• Burnley 2-2 Aston Villa

• Nottingham Forest 1-1 Newcastle

• Crystal Palace 2-2 Everton

Chris McKenna
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

There was never really any danger of Crystal Palace getting dragged into a relegation fight, with Oliver Glasner continually pushing the point that the chance of European glory was their focus for the remainder of the season.

This point should mean they will not slip into a surprise domestic survival scrap before the first European final in their history when they play Rayo Vallecano on 27 May in the Conference League decider.

Yet given they play both Manchester City and Arsenal, the title-chasing sides, Palace could still have a big say on where the Premier League title ends up.

Despite playing as recently as Thursday night, Palace looked the stronger team in the latter stages against Everton.

BothJean-Philippe Mateta, who was brought on in the 65th minute, and Ismaila Sarr were threats, and they came close to winning it when Adam Wharton's long-range effort struck the post.

The draw stops a run of two defeats on the bounce in the league and, even though they have not won a domestic game since beating Newcastle on 12 April, their energy is on finishing the season with another trophy having lifted the FA Cup last season.