Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner named a strong side for the club’s Conference League quarter-final second leg against Fiorentina this evening.
With West Ham due at Selhurst Park on Monday night, there had been some expectation Glasner might rotate, especially with a 3-0 first-leg lead. Instead, he went strong — clearly prioritising European progress.
Palace go strong despite advantage
In truth, it’s not a huge surprise.
A win over Newcastle last weekend took Palace to 42 points, effectively securing their Premier League status and giving them the freedom to focus on Europe.
And when you’re chasing a trophy, you go for it.
Tie turns into a contest
Glasner’s decision was quickly justified.
Ismaïla Sarr gave Palace an early goal to extend the aggregate lead to 4-0, but Fiorentina responded with two quick goals to make it a contest.
In the end, Palace got the job done — but not without being pushed.
Potential injury concern for Palace
The bigger takeaway from a West Ham perspective could be fitness.
There are early signs Palace may have picked up a few knocks, which could leave them slightly weakened ahead of Monday night’s clash.
We’ll know more once the club release an official update and we’ll get back to you in the morning on injuries to key men Wharton and Lacroix.
One eye on Europe?
For now, it certainly looks like Palace have more than one eye on their European campaign.
And rightly so.
Opportunity for West Ham
From a West Ham perspective, that could be significant.
If Palace rotate or carry a few tired legs, it presents Nuno and his side with a real opportunity to pick up three valuable points on the road.
Forest too.
Can’t see Maranakis accepting a Forest european defeat happily…….but at what cost?
One thing is true though, the longer these clubs are involved in europe, the better the potential outcome for us.
We really just have to focus on us.
The team have to show up and be focused and work the whole game.
Oh, happy days!
Palace are sitting safely on 42 points in the Prem withou much to play for- their best shot at European football would be to win the Conference League.
The started a strong side and NOW have to face us on Monday followed by a trip to Anfield on Saturday!
Given all these factors, you’d have to assume that they will rotate players, probably starting out with a weakened starting XI.
We should be going for this game from the start- high pressing with Cry, Diouf, KWP, and the rest of the team sheet writes iitself.
It’s also worth mentioning that as a London based club, Palace might even have a bit of an inward chuckle should they lose- knowing that they are adding to the Spiuds woes.
COYI!
Is that a suggestion there may be a collaboration between Palace and Whu?
That would be great obviously can’t be anything categorically agreed.
No, not at all, just that they are focusing on Europe and realistically won’t want injuries in a Premier Lg game. Glasner will want to end his career on a high