Crystal Palace

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Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner says preparing for his second final in two years is "special" but it "still feels right" that he departs the club at the end of the season.

After taking charge in February 2024 with Palace 15th in the Premier League and on a run of 10 defeats in 17 games, Glasner has guided the Eagles to a top-10 finish, a club record 53-point campaign, their first major trophy with last season's FA Cup, and now a final in which they club could win back-to-back silverware in their first debut European season.

Asked if he has any regrets over his decision to leave after Wednesday's Conference League final, he said: "No, for me it still feels right. It's not something where I wake up at seven in the morning and think, 'I will leave'.

"It's a process over weeks and months, and thinking it will be time for me to look for a new challenge. I think it's probably a chance for Crystal Palace to make the next step and that's also why I announced it very early.

"I think it's just fair having clarity for Crystal Palace so they could prepare for being after Oliver Glasner. That was the reason."

After a successful two and a half years in south London, Glasner could depart with another trophy, but also a win that secures a first Europa League campaign for next season.

"I gave my best," he reflected. "To play two finals in two years is special. It's probably exceeded the expectations.

"We will stick to what we are doing, to our principles, just make small adjustments to what Vallecano's strengths and weaknesses are, and that's what we're all thinking about.

"Then expectations don't matter. If we win it's a great end to the season."

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Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner says the Premier League has rejected a club request for his side's final fixture of the season to be moved forward by 24 hours.

Following confirmation of Arsenal's Premier League title win on Tuesday, Palace asked if Sunday's game could be moved to Saturday on the grounds that the champions had already been decided.

The Eagles are set to face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig on Wednesday.

However, their opponents will round off their La Liga fixtures on Saturday night, meaning they will have an extra day to prepare for the European showpiece.

Traditionally, all 10 matches kick off simultaneously on the final day of the Premier League season. This is to avoid any club gaining an advantage on the teams they are in direct competition with.

"We tried to move the game to Saturday because it would have given us one more day before Wednesday," said Glasner. "I couldn't ask them last week. We waited until Wednesday morning, after [the result of] Tuesday night's game.

"We were thinking about it before then, but we didn't want to call the Premier League and say, 'hey, move the game' when they didn't know if the title race was going to be decided on the last matchday.

"It didn't work - short answer. I didn't ask why, they just told me it doesn't work. There are contractual issues and TV rights [I think].

"We accepted the demotion to the Conference League and we accepted playing on Sunday. This season, we've had less preparation than our opposition for 50 out of 60 games."

Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad to represent England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen - loan), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Tuchel confirmed Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool) and Josh King (Fulham) will also be part of the Three Lions' pre-tournament squad in Florida when they face New Zealand and Costa Rica.

The England boss added that one more player will also join his squad in Florida, but did not name the individual.

Tuchel said Bournemouth's Scott had an "outstanding" reaction to not being named in the 26-man squad.

"The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and just be a step closer to the team, was not even a question to him. This showed me his character and spirit. He gets a chance to take a step closer and to get a cap," added Tuchel.

Tuchel on his 26-man squad: "An exciting day for me and I think for everyone selected. From day one we were very clear that we were trying to build and select the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 of the most talented players. Teams win championships – it is as simple as that.

"What we're trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. That in mind, we chose a very balanced squad. We chose three goalkeepers, plus Jason Steele (as training goalkeeper). I want to take the opportunity, and thank Jason for being brilliant, and thank Brighton for being so cooperative.

"We chose nine defenders for four positions, we chose seven midfielders for three positions, and we chose seven strikers for three positions.

"I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players with us. Who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."

Follow reaction to Tuchel's England squad announcement here

Huzaifah Khan
BBC Sport journalist

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Selhurst Park (kick-off 16:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On the latest team news, Glasner said Chris Richards will miss the game after damaging ankle ligaments. He said the defender's ankle is "stable but quite swollen" and it will be a "race against time" to be fit for the Conference League final.

• On what Richards is doing to get himself fit: "He's in from sunrise to sunset and having treatment and everything that we can do that reduces the swelling. We will give our best and he will give his best, and then let's see if we can get it done."

• On his final game at Selhurst Park: "First of all, I want to congratulate Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, his players and his staff for a huge achievement after winning the title after 22 years. It's a special job they have done. Also, special congrats to Eberechi [Eze]. I think he has taken the right decision to go to Arsenal and not another club."

• On not having to deal with questions about how his team selection will affect the title race, Glasner said it makes it "easier for him" and he's still not decided what to do with the final just three days later. He added: "I change my opinion three times a day from full rotation to no rotation to half rotation. I personally have so many negative experiences with big rotations. One we all experienced was KuPS and Leeds three days later, and I started two different teams and I think it was one of our worst performances."

• On his Selhurst Park highlights: "I'm always hoping the best is still to come. This will be now at Selhurst [on Sunday] and then three days later at Leipzig but number one, for me, when I'm thinking about what I'm going to miss, it is the people."

• He added: "It's the people who are always there when I come, the security always waiting for me. It's the lovely conversation and fans when I arrive, always asking for a selfie and always having a positive message, which I'm always appreciating."

• On more of his favourite moments since he joined the club: "First win against Burnley. Monday night football against Manchester United when Michael [Olise] makes a 50-yard sprint to hug me. I was very surprised. Newcastle, Daniel Munoz late equaliser, I made a 50-yard sprint - I didn't know I could do a 50-yard sprint and hug somebody."

• On how he felt when he first joined Palace: "I feel I have to deliver. I can't do more. Sometimes I would like to give more."

• He added: "At the end, we will all have great memories. The players do everything and we are a group all together - the players, the staff, the scouting, sporting director, the chairman, the media. We are spending so much time together."

• Finally, he said: "I was a puzzle piece, but a puzzle piece does not always make a picture."

Listen to live commentary of Crystal Palace v Arsenal on Sunday on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2 and BBC Sounds

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

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Crystal Palace have announced that the AI and enterprise technology system, Temporal, will become their new front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2026-27 season.

In a multi-year agreement, Temporal will replace the current sponsor - online gaming and betting platform NET88.

The new shirt sponsor will be on both the men's and academy team's kits, and Palace have announced Temporal "will also support community initiatives through Palace for Life Foundation."

NET88 will still be Palace's shirt sponsor for their remaining two games in the season, with the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano being the final time they appear on Palace's shirt.

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Since making the Conference League final, the Premier League dynamic has been an odd one to experience as a Crystal Palace fan. Naturally, you want to see an encouraging performance from the team, but the larger priority is almost keeping the squad fit and healthy, rather than the points on offer.

So, with Chris Richards uncharacteristically down in pain in the second half on Sunday, everyone feared the worst. Whether he should have played on with his ankle injury for a further 30 minutes is debatable, as with eyes on Leipzig, the team cannot afford to be without key players.

A key player is certainly what the USMNT defender has become over the past two seasons, and with a heavy fixture list this season, Oliver Glasner has leaned heavily on both Richards (50 appearances) and Maxence Lacroix (54).

Fortunately, based on Glasner's post-match comments, the injury scare shouldn't result in an extended absence. With a potentially title-defining match on Sunday, for the sanctity of the Premier League as a competition, one would hope that Palace would offer Arsenal their best effort. However, it would be unwise to risk Richards with a final on the horizon if there are any lingering issues.

This summer Palace are expected to have a minor rebuild, or redirection at least, under a new manager, but the summer of 2027 is a looming issue that will need addressing as well. Richards, along with Tyrick Mitchell and Jean-Philippe Mateta, are the big names that are about to enter the final year of their deals.

Talks are said to be continuing with the former Bayern defender to extend his stay in south London, and he would be an important foundational piece to secure as he heads into his prime years.

Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast, external

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Brentford and Crystal Palace. Here are some of your comments:

Brentford fans

Neel: On that showing, we are not ready for Europe. I'm incredibly proud of how the season has played out and we need more fight, desire and quality before we progress to bigger things. Today was frankly, "meh"! Well done Bees and let's keep developing.

Nige: Obvious where the Bees need strengthening. We were poor. Second to most second balls by a yard, with no anticipation, as we often are. We concede goals from mistakes, and only really attack in the last 10 minutes - and rarely convert. Glaring misses. We need more up front. Hendo made a difference. Thiago misses too many chances. Three or four better additions and we'll do well next year.

Dave: Worst performance of the season - lethargic- just awful, awful awful.

Giles: A lesson in how to salvage a point while being thoroughly outplayed.

Crystal Palace fans

Les: An entertaining match but from a Palace view, it was two points dropped. Ref missed a blatant penalty call. Worrying injuries are of concern. Overall, Brentford had a fair proportion of the spoils and it could have gone either way.

Steve: Two halves of such contrasting football quality. From dominating in the first half, when Palace played some excellent football, to hanging on after re-taking the lead in the second. Wharton's goal was very welcome after such a long barren period. Palace should have pushed for a third to put the game to bed. Somehow, it seemed inevitable Brentford would equalise. Hopefully Richards and Lacroix are not too badly injured. Just recently, the defence has been leaking far too many goals. We need them fit and on their very best form for the final.

Colin: We clearly had a good game but picked up too many injuries. Focus is on Leipzig.

Al: Another game where we dominate a half and waste chances and then defend too deep and invite the opposition to overwhelm us. Disappointing result, two points dropped. Wharton finally scores, which is as rare as hen's teeth! Riad injury is disappointing. Glasner please rest the squad against Arsenal so they are fit for Leipzig.

BBC Sport pundits Mark Schwarzer and Dion Dublin analyse Adam Wharton's performance in Crystal Palace's 2-2 draw with Brentford and argue that the England midfielder could cement his place in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad, if he can have an impressive performance in the UEFA Conference League final.

Pundits Dion Dublin and Mark Schwarzer join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Friday's and Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Leeds 1-0 Burnley

• Brentford 2-2 Crystal Palace

• Newcastle 3-1 West Ham

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner speaking to Sky Sports: "The first half we had so many good situations but going in at 1-1 nobody could believe it. The first 60-65 minutes were really top. We were struggling at the end and Brentford using their long balls and set plays got the point. It was a very good performance today."

On Adam Wharton scoring his first Palace goal: "In the last games he hit the post twice and it was just a question of when he would score his first goal. We need this from midfield. They are progressing [in that area]."

On possible injuries to Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards and Chadi Riad: "I think Riad is no issue, just cramping. Maxence, I think is not a problem. Chris, I don't know, I think his ankle is quite swollen so let's see. We have one week until the Arsenal game and 10 days until the final so I think he will be available."

On the remaining two games of the season, with Premier League leaders Arsenal to come before facing Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final: "It's very big. We played midweek, Brentford only play weekends, it was a fantastic performance and I'm really pleased with the mentality of this group. We want to keep our standard high against Arsenal. We have to manage the minutes and this is how we will go into the last 10 days."

On being able to influence the title race on the final day: "We just think what is best for us. We are not responsible for Arsenal or Manchester City. It is the last game at Selhurst [Park], so it is a big game for our fans and we need this game for top preparation for the [Conference League] final on the Wednesday."

Did you know?

• Adam Wharton netted his first-ever goal for Crystal Palace in all competitions with his 81st shot overall and in his 94th appearance for the Eagles.

• Ismaila Sarr has scored 21 goals for Crystal Palace in all competitions this season, the joint-most by any player for the Eagles in a single campaign as a Premier League club, equaling Andy Johnson's tally in 2004-05.

• Crystal Palace have lost 21 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season - only Newcastle United (27) have lost more.

• Tyrick Mitchell made his 200th Premier League start for Crystal Palace, just the fourth player to hit that milestone for the club in the competition, after Joel Ward (293), Wilfried Zaha (273) and James MacArthur (211).

Matthew Howarth
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

When Crystal Palace lost to Bournemouth a fortnight ago, manager Oliver Glasner likened the 3-0 defeat to a friend's birthday party taking place a few days before your wedding.

The "wedding" in that scenario was Palace's Conference League semi-final second leg against Shakhtar Donetsk, which Glasner's team won 2-1 to confirm their place in the final.

With Palace's focus now firmly on the showpiece against Rayo Vallecano in 10 days' time, Glasner made five changes to the side that lost to Manchester City in midweek - leaving the likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta, Chris Richards and Jefferson Lerma on the bench.

There were no colourful analogies on this occasion as Palace dominated for large spells, although Glasner will be disappointed not to have got the win his team deserved.

To make matters worse, the visitors suffered injuries to two centre-backs - Chadi Riad and Richards - late in the second half.

Richards had to be helped from the pitch after going down in second-half stoppage time, making him a doubt for next weekend's final-day game against Arsenal - and possibly the Conference League final in Leipzig.

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

Have your say on Brentford's performance

What did you make of Crystal Palace's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Keith Andrews make two changes to the Brentford team that lost at Manchester City in their last game.

Vitaly Janelt and Dango Ouattara come back into the side, with Aaron Hickey and Kevin Schade dropping to the bench.

Brentford XI: Kelleher, Kayode, Ajer, Collins, Lewis-Potter, Ouattara, Yarmoliuk, Janelt, Jensen, Damsgaard, Igor Thiago

Subs: Valdimarsson, Hickey, Van den Berg, Pinnock, Henderson, Schade, Dasilva, Nelson, Furo

Oliver Glasner makes five alterations to the Crystal Palace team that started their last game – also against Manchester City.

In come Chadi Riad, Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada, Jorgen Strand Larsen and Ismaila Sarr.

Chris Richards, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Brennan Johnson, Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma are all named among the substitutes.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Riad, Lacroix, Canvot, Munoz, Kamada, Wharton, Mitchell, Sarr, Pino, Strand Larsen

Subs: Benitez, Lerma, Johnson, Mateta, Clyne, Hughes, Richards, Guessand, Devenny

There are six games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Manchester United v Nottingham Forest (12:30)

• Brentford v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Everton v Sunderland

• Leeds v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Wolves v Fulham

• Newcastle v West Ham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-offs 15:00 unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Leeds v Brighton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v West Ham", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Crystal Palace are going to keep on prioritising the Europa Conference League - their manager Oliver Glasner has already been talking about it.

So even if Glasner does not start with an obviously weakened line-up, he is managing the minutes for his players and everything is being done with an eye on the game with Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on 27 May.

In contrast, Brentford's focus is on their league position and making it into Europe for the first time in their history.

Because of all that, I am backing Brentford here. Palace beat the Bees at Selhurst Park in November, but they are not getting anything on Sunday.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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

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