Alan Shearer has given his prediction for Crystal Palace and Leeds United’s encounter this Sunday (March 15th). The two sides meet at Selhurst Park, and the visitors remain at risk of relegation.
Oliver Glasner suffered one of his worst defeats as Palace manager in the reverse fixture in December. The Eagles were beaten 4-1, amid a run of nine league games without a win.
Daniel Farke’s Peacocks looked on course to stay up at the turn of the year. Draws against Liverpool and Manchester United in January boded well.
The wheels have come off in recent weeks, and they are without a win in their last four league outings. As a result, they find themselves just three points above the drop zone ahead of Sunday’s game.
Shearer predicts Palace vs Leeds
Palace might have one eye on their Europa Conference League Round of 16 second-leg clash with AEK Larnaca next Thursday. A frustrating 0-0 draw at home midweek has dampened spirits at Selhurst Park.
Glasner may well look to rotate with Larnaca in mind, and Daniel Munoz’s availability is uncertain. Jean-Philippe Mateta could start his first game since failing a medical ahead of a proposed move to AC Milan in January.
Shearer highlighted the issues both sides are encountering as he gave his prediction for the game. He said in his Metro column:
”Leeds have been dragged into the relegation battle again after their last game against Sunderland – a poor result at home. Crystal Palace are up and down, and it seems to be a bit chaotic at their club. I’m going to go draw.”
Palace’s league form has been topsy-turvy since late January, although they beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 last time out. Ismaila Sarr bagged a brace and Jorgen Strand Larsen was on target in North London.
Glasner expects physical battle
Palace might have revenge on their mind when they host Leeds on Sunday. The 4-1 loss at Elland Road was one of the lowest points of the season and raised doubts over Glasner seeing out his contract.
Glasner will depart when his deal is up in June, and he is tasked with ending his reign successfully. His side are all but certain to stay up, sitting 13th, 10 points above 18th-placed West Ham United with nine games remaining.
The Palace boss spoke ahead of the encounter with Leeds and touched on his expectations for the game. He said in his pre-match press conference:
“A very physical game, like at Elland Road. It’s a very physical team. I remember I was really upset because we conceded four goals [at Leeds in December] from set-plays, two throw-ins, and we couldn’t compete with their physicality in that game. This would be important to nominate the right players who can cope with their physicality.”
Palace’s fixture schedule is gruelling and has tested the depth of Glasner’s squad. He fortunately has Mateta and Jefferson Lerma back from injury, and those are two of his most physical players.
