At a glance
- Crystal Palace host Leeds
- Farke dismisses suggestions Glasner prioritising Larnaca
- The Eagles tasted 4-1 loss in reverse fixture
Daniel Farke believes Oliver Glasner will be fully focused on the clash between Crystal Palace and Leeds United despite the importance of this Thursday’s Europa Conference League encounter with AEK Larnaca.
Palace welcome Leeds to Selhurst Park today (March 15th) as they continue to handle a jam-packed schedule. Glasner’s men have had a decent month so far, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 last week before settling on a 0-0 stalemate in the Conference League Round of 16 first leg.
Against AEK Larnaca, the Eagles had multiple chances with Evann Guessand and Brennan Johnson testing Zlatan Alomerovic. The best chance fell to Tyrick Mitchell, whose effort was also denied by the opposition keeper.
However, having encountered a frustrating midweek fixture, Palace have been rock-solid these past few weeks. Having created many chances in front of the goal, Glasner will hope his team are more clinical at home to the Peacocks.
Crystal Palace vs Leeds: Farke on Glasner’s focus
Leeds manager Farke claims Selhurst Park will be a tough place to visit, and Glasner won’t allow his side to be distracted by the trip to Larnaca. While speaking to the press, the opposition manager said:
“No, not a surprise because Oliver is always on it when it’s about like to win a cup, cup competition, and I am expecting a strong starting lineup.”
Farke touched on how the game against Larnaca panned out:
“But I also think that this game (on Thursday) has not caused too many problems for them because they have played more or less just in one half. I think the game was not too intense for them, also a home game, not much travelling anyhow, three proper nights to prepare.“
He added:
“Of course, especially they also have offense, also several options on the bench they could bring in, also in midfield. It could be that they rotate, but I don’t expect too much rotation.“
Fark’s side heads into the game embroiled in the relegation battle. They sit 15th, three points above the drop zone.
He continued:
“They’ve won many points on Premier League level in the recent weeks, and for that we travel in a good mood and also with confidence, but also we are respectful because we have to be at our best at the weekend.“
Leeds beat Palace 4-1 at Elland Road in the reverse fixture back in December. But the Eagles have been much improved since the turn of the year and might be seeking revenge.
Glasner’s challenges ahead
The Leeds game is a crucial morale booster for Crystal Palace as they travel to Cyprus next week. Mateta’s return from injury has given Glasner more attacking options alongside Jorgen Strand Larsen upfront. Daniel Munoz could also possibly make the matchday squad after missing the midweek game with a shoulder injury.
For the second leg on Thursday, the stakes will be high, and a defeat on Sunday would be the last thing the South London outfit would want. The Conference League is the only silverware the Eagles are fighting for in the final stretch of the season, and anything else would undermine the club’s expectations.
Currently sitting in 14th place in the Premier League, with hopes of a Conference League quarter-final, Glasner will be keen on ending March on a high. His side can do just that with wins over Leeds and Larnaca.
