- Palace Under-18s in first PL Cup Final
- Players excited to make history
- Palace fan captaining the side
After losing the FA Youth Cup semi final at Old Trafford last week, Palace’s Under-18s will be keen to right the wrongs of that night, where a 117th minute Chido Obi strike sent United through to the final.
This time around, Palace have the opportunity to beat United in the final of the Premier League Cup. It’s the first time that the club have reached this stage of the competition and Javier Alonso will be hoping he can inspire his side to a historic win.
The game is being played at Selhurst Park tonight [Wednesday 22nd], and is available to watch only on either PalaceTV or MUTV. Kick off is at 19:00.
Palace players looking forward to final
Palace’s players have spoken about their pride in reaching the final for the first time, courtesy of CPFC.co.uk .
“The opportunity to bring silverware back to the club is a great feeling”, were the thoughts of Chuks Okoli. Donte Martin highlighted the excitement of playing at Selhurst Park, explaining how it “makes it even more special.”
Manager Alonso expressed how huge of a moment this is for the academy. “It’s amazing for us and the academy, especially as it’s at Selhurst Park. It’s the first time we’ve played in the final and we can’t wait – it means everything.”
Under-18s captain Jasper Judd, who is a life-long Palace fan, also spoke to Palace’s social media team ahead of the game.
“I’m buzzing for it to be honest, at Selhurst, it’s a big occasion. I think as a team we’ve got to look at the game, it’s a final obviously, but it’s just another game in our season.”
Judd has been a standout performer for Alonso’s side this campaign, performing excellently from wing-back.
“Hopefully we play as we have done all season and celebrate after.”
Palace’s route to the final
Speaking on Palace’s route to this historic final, Judd expressed pride in his team’s performances. “I think we’ve done well”, he began.
“Obviously we had a tough group with CIty and Chelsea, and then Sheffield United away was a difficult one as well, so we done well to get out the group.
Palace began their PL Cup journey with a 3-3 draw against Manchester City, arguably the best academy side in English football. A 3-1 win away against Sheffield United was followed by the young Eagles demolishing Chelsea 4-0.
The quarter final saw another comfortable win, beating Peterborough United 3-1, setting up a semi final against Tottenham Hotspur.
“In the knockout rounds we done well, Spurs we had to fight, we had to dig in and got the goal from a set piece and now we’re into the final.”
A one nil win in that game sets up a huge final against United. The level of pressure in these games has provided the lads with some vital experience for their development, which Judd eluded to.
“It’s completely different to the league, when you’re in knockout games, it’s do or die really and I think going into and trying to transition into men’s football that’s so important.”
“We’ve just got to play our game, stick together and really just play as we have done and I think we’ll be fine.”
