Tomorrow’s game between Crystal Palace and Zrinjski Mostar will go a long way to determine whether the Eagles can finish the season successfully. The FA Cup win and the excitement that came with it have dissipated amid a disappointing campaign thus far.
The first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off ended 1-1 in Bosnia. Oliver Glasner’s men took the lead through Ismaila Sarr before half-time.
Calamitous defending allowed the hosts to break and Karlo Abramovic to equalise. The night went from bad to worse when Maxence Lacroix was forced off in the second half with an adductor issue.
Maxence makes it
Lacroix sat out the much-needed 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday. The Frenchman’s absence saw Glasner turn to Jaydee Canvot in a back-three alongside Chris Richards and Chadi Riad.
Palace look set to have Lacroix available for the second-leg at Selhurst Park tomorrow night. The 25-year-old returned to training on Wednesday ahead of the game, which is great news for Glasner.
Lacroix has been crucial for the Eagles, especially since Marc Guehi’s departure to Manchester City in January. He’s appeared 38 times across competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
The Frenchman was pictured participating in training with his teammates the day before the encounter with Zrinjski. It’s not certain that he’ll replace Canvot in defence, given Glasner has been cautious about Riad’s game time.
Glasner has been feeling the heat as of late amid his side’s poor form. The win over Wolves was just their second in 16 games across competitions.
Lacroix eyeing European success
The French defender was a mainstay in Glasner’s side, who won the FA Cup last season. He appeared in all but one of Palace’s six games in the domestic cup competition.
A 1-0 win over Manchester City in the final at Wembley is the greatest day in the club’s history. It was celebrated by Lacroix who looked forward to the Eagles’ European adventure (via the club’s website):
“It’s beautiful. It’s beautiful. I think we made ourselves legend and we’ll be going to go to the Europa League with them! It’s going to be fire at home! Europe next year, yes sir!”
Palace were set to compete in the Europa League until they were removed and placed in the Conference League. This was due to a breach of multi-club ownership rules.
As frustrating as that legal battle and its outcome were, the chances of Glasner’s men winning more silverware improved. The South Londoners were installed as favourites, but an unconvincing league phase has cast doubt on their ability to win a second major trophy.
