Oliver Glasner has admitted he has made changes to his Crystal Palace team against Bournemouth with one eye on a semi-final on Thursday. The Eagles have travelled to the Vitality Stadium today.
With a UEFA Conference League semi-final second leg on Thursday, it comes as no surprise to see Glasner rotate his Palace team. His troops host Shakhtar Donetsk later this week, but today all focus is on the Premier League and beating the Cherries.
Palace head into the game sitting 14th while the Cherries are battling for European qualification. Glasner is taking charge of one of his final games as Eagles manager before he leaves at the end of the season.
Glasner on Changes
Palace have made five changes to the team that beat Shakhtar 3-1 in Krakow, Poland. One of those is Justin Devanney starting at left wing-back with Tyrick Mitchell dropping to the bench.
Glasner explained:
“It’s freshness, and we have seen (Mitchell), for example, he had to come off at half time against Liverpool and had some issues with his Achilles, and he played the full game on Thursday, so it doesn’t make sense starting him, but also planning to bring him on at half time.”
Glasner continued by highlighting other players who have played a lot of football:
“Danny Munoz he played all the game, all the minutes and then the same with Yeremy Pino and Ismaila Sarr. We have to consider last Thursday and next Thursday, but it feels like these players made the best impression in training, and that’s why they are starting today.”
Palace Team vs Bournemouth
Glasner has gone with Dean Henderson in goal, with Maxence Lacroix and Jaydee Canvot joined by Chadi Riad in defence. Daichi Kamada continues in midfield alongside Jefferson Lerma, allowing Adam Wharton to rest but he’s on the bench.
Munoz starts despite Glasner’s comments and Devanny gets an opportunity to impress. Brennan Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen come in for Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta while Yeremy Pino continues in attack.
