Leeds United have enjoyed a timely lift in form, remaining unbeaten across their last three Premier League matches and taking five important points. That sequence has proved vital in keeping the Whites clear of the relegation places as the battle at the foot of the table intensifies.
There is a growing sense that Daniel Farke’s side are rediscovering their rhythm. An impressive win over Chelsea set the tone, followed by a gritty home draw against Liverpool, before Leeds underlined their resilience by grinding out a valuable point away at Brentford.
As a result, Leeds sit 17th in the Premier League, three points above the relegation zone. Crucially, they are once again displaying the organisation, fight and resilience that defined their more encouraging spells earlier in the campaign.
Farke is preparing his side for Crystal Palace’s trip to Elland Road on Saturday evening. However, they have received an early boost as Glasner has already revealed his starting eleven for the game.
‘Leeds United now know my starting eleven’ – Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner
Palace were in action in Europa Conference League action on Thursday night and drew 2-2 against Finnish champions KuPS at Selhurst Park.
Glasner has been dealing with a few injuries in his squad while trying to navigate a fixture pile-up, which has increased the strain on his squad this season.
Palace will face Leeds on Saturday night before taking on Arsenal 48 hours later in an EFL Cup quarter-final clash.
The Eagles boss conceded that Thursday night’s result was not ideal. However, he is now more worried that Leeds are aware of his starting line-up, as the 11 players who didn’t start against KuPS will start against the Whites.
Glasner told the BBC: “The result is not what we wanted. It’s a game we could easily have won.
“The only thing I don’t like is that Leeds now know our starting line-up because there are only 11 players who didn’t start – and nobody will start both games.”
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Leeds have an advantage ahead of the big game on Saturday
Crystal Palace sit fifth in the Premier League table and have been one of the better teams in the league this season. However, it is hard to call them favourites ahead of their trip to Leeds, who sit 17th in the standings.
Palace are walking wounded with injuries to a few key players, and the fixture pile-up has added to the fatigue of a relatively small squad at Glasner’s disposal.
| Player | Injury / Status |
|---|---|
| Cheick Doucouré | Knee injury – Out |
| Daichi Kamada | Hamstring injury – Out |
| Caleb Kporha | Back injury – Out |
| Daniel Muñoz | Knee injury – Out |
| Chadi Riad | Cruciate knee injury – Out |
| Ismaïla Sarr | International duty / Recently absent |
At the other end, Leeds have picked up five points from their last three games and went toe-to-toe against Chelsea and Liverpool at home and Brentford on the road.
Palace are looking and feeling weary at the moment. Leeds have a huge chance to score another win at home and push further away from the relegation zone.
While the Eagles were preparing for Europe this season, Leeds had a clear week and had a clear idea that Glasner would play his best players at Elland Road.
Leeds have had a few advantages ahead of the game and must make the most of them to pick up another home win on Saturday evening.
