Leeds United welcome Crystal Palace for a super Sunday clash
Crystal Palace travels to Elland Road for a 14:00 BST kick-off this Sunday, 20th September, looking to secure three points in their final competitive fixture before a three-week international break. The Eagles head into the match having won three of their last four games across all competitions, carrying fresh confidence from a thumping 4-0 Europa League victory over Lech Poznań.
United States international Chris Richards scored in that midweek European win and wants his side to translate that high-level performance directly into the Premier League. Palace aims to build consistency after a mixed start to the domestic campaign.
Richards told Premier League Productions:
“Obviously, I wish we had more points, but it’s the Premier League. It’s the toughest league in the world for a reason. We have to keep our heads down and keep working hard.”
“Regardless of if we had 12 points or whatever number, or the three points that we’re on right now, I think the work still continues. For us, it’s just making sure that every day when we come out here to train, that we put in hard work and hopefully we’ll continue to start seeing the benefits on the weekend.”
Leeds vs Crystal Palace Challenge
“It’s a very long season, so there’s plenty of time. Like I said, ultimately, we wish we had more points, but we do understand that it’s until May, so we have a lot of time left.”
Leeds squad
Leeds and Palace faced a disjointed schedule with players arriving at various points during pre-season and throughout the transfer window. Despite those changes, Richards remains fully confident in the core character and chemistry within the dressing room.
Richards explained:
“We’re still a very optimistic group. We understand that we’ve had players come in at all times during pre-season. Post-World Cup, there was people coming in at different times. Also, with the transfer window, we saw different people coming in and out. So I think for us, it’s just making sure that we continue to work hard.”
“If we do and we stick together, we can be very successful. I think we’ve seen over the last few seasons, regardless of who we lost or who we gained, I think we’ve seen a group merge and do some really, really great things.”
“We understand that there’s still a lot of lads here who have been a part of those groups, and so that passion is still within this group, so it’s just making sure that we find that.”
Facing an In-Form Leeds Side at Elland Road
Leeds United presents a massive challenge. The hosts sit third in the table and remain undefeated in the league this season. Richards admits he follows Leeds closely because of his American compatriots, specifically supporting friend Brendan Aaronson.
Looking ahead to the clash, Richards noted:
“I mean, they’re a tough side.”
“With the amount of Americans that they’ve had at Leeds over the last few years, it’s definitely a team that I pay attention to, supporting my boy Brendan [Aaronson].”
“Last year, we played two tough games against them. Obviously, one didn’t go our way and then the other one ended in a stalemate.”
“It’s just making sure that we can’t go in there intimidated. They lace up their boots the same way as we do, so we’re just making sure that we go in there and try to take three points ahead of the international break.”
Setting the Tone Before the Break
Securing a victory before players depart for national team duty serves as the ultimate goal for the squad. Richards stressed how vital momentum proves for the long weeks ahead.
Richards concluded:
“It sets the tone. Obviously, you don’t want to go into an international break with anything except a win. It’s a few weeks away from the squad.”
“If you can go into the international break with a little bit of momentum, then it’ll mean a lot for the season.”
