Crystal Palace haven’t had the smoothest season under manager Oliver Glasner, but they remain among the favorites to win the Conference League and should be good enough to avoid slipping into the Premier League’s relegation battle.
But Palace, who have won just two of their last 13 top-flight games, need to reignite their momentum soon to avoid being caught out by a stronger group under threat.
Tottenham Hotspur, for example, have more than enough quality to stop the rot, but if the Eagles can beat their London rivals on Thursday night, Glasner will go a long way toward reaching that precious 40-point mark.
Crystal Palace vs Spurs team news
Crystal Palace were hurt by their defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Maxence Lacroix’s controversial red card means he cannot play on the N17.
That could mean Glasner abandons the three-man backline that has become a staple at Selhurst Park in recent years and reverts to a back four.
Does that mean Jeremy Pino will regain his starting spot? The Spaniard’s playmaker has come under fire for his recent performances, but Spurs’ defense can get the better of him.
And will Glassner decide to keep Brennan Johnson at right wing? The Welshman provided an assist for Lacroix at the weekend, but there is still much to be expected of him since his £35m move from Tottenham in January.
Johnson would be true to his Premier League form if he gets his way against his old club, but Glasner will need to put pressure on Igor Tudor’s backline and exploit its weaknesses, and with that in mind he may be inclined to release another attacking midfielder.
Glasner needs to unleash ‘incredible palace’ winger
Tottenham are in poor form, but there is no doubt about it. Crystal Palace must take advantage of the north London side’s dismal home form and dangerous position.
A clever attacking effort is needed and Coach Glasner may want to unleash Evan Gesand from the opening whistle.
Ismaila Sarr has been one of the Eagles’ sharpest forwards this season, scoring 11 goals in all competitions, and the timing could be perfect for the French-born talent, who has scored two goals and provided one assist in just four games as a left-winger this season.
Will that come at the expense of Johnson? Right. But Glassner needs to get his team back on track and must act accordingly.
Unfortunately, Johnson still has much to prove and his performances over the past few years have not lived up to his high price tag and reputation as one of the most talented English wingers in the industry.
Brennan Johnson’s Premier League form | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (* per 90) | 24/25 | 25/26 |
Match (start) | 33(24) | 25(12) |
Goal + Assist | 11+3 | 2+1 |
touch* | 27.8 | 18.1 |
Number of shots (on target)* | 1.6 (0.9) | 0.6(0.2) |
missed a big opportunity | 9 | 1 |
Exact path* | 13.1 (76%) | 6.7 (68%) |
Opportunities created* | 0.6 | 0.5 |
Successful. dribble* | 0.6 (46%) | 0.2 (30%) |
Ball recovery rate* | 1.9 | 1.3 |
Tackle* | 1.2 | 0.7 |
Win a duel* | 2.8 (47%) | 1.7 (49%) |
Sure, he could jump into an emotional moment and score against Tottenham, but he could just as easily get swept up in it, but Gessand has shown in recent weeks that he has a level head.
And, as content creator HLTCO puts it, the Frenchman is “incredibly palatial”, enthusiastic and impactful. His confidence is back after a tough spell at Unai Emery’s Villa.
Gessand reportedly needs to be involved in five more goals to seal a permanent £28m move to Crystal Palace, but given the fan base he has enjoyed to date, there are good reasons why he should be given another chance to impress in the Premier League.
Johnson’s speed and directness in the final third could be a weapon to exploit late on, but Palace need a more dynamic player to help them find a foothold in the early knocks, and Guesand may be just the man for the role.
Vieira 2.0: Crystal Palace could hire ‘one of the best young coaches in Europe’
Crystal Palace are preparing to replace Oliver Glasner in the dugout.
