Crystal Palace

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

This game pits south London against north London as Crystal Palace host Spurs at Selhurst Park on Sunday (16:30 GMT). BBC Sport analyses some of the most pressing talking points ahead of this fixture.

Wonderkid Wharton

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner refused to blame fatigue for the comprehensive defeat at Leeds in their most recent Premier League outing.

The Austrian lamented his team's defending in the 4-1 reverse and said they "fully deserved to lose", but did not acknowledge the fact that some of his key players looked more than a little jaded.

"I think we had the wrong mindset," added the 51-year old. "We lost every second ball."

The Elland Road result was the most recent example of Palace struggling after a European fixture and they have failed to win any of their six top-flight games this season following a match in the Conference League proper.

The Eagles will be glad then of a return to Selhurst Park, although they have also gone four home games without a victory in all competitions since a 3-1 success over Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar in early November.

Palace, however, have won their final league match of the calendar year in each of the past four seasons and they will expect to do so again when they take on Spurs, a side who they defeated twice in the Premier League in the previous campaign.

Adam Wharton has been integral to much of Palace's recent success and keeping him fit and at the club will be key to any future endeavours. The midfielder has started 15 of the club's 17 top-flight games this season and contributed three assists so far.

If Wharton keeps his place in side for this game, he will have made more Premier League starts for Crystal Palace than any other player aged 21 or under.

He is currently on 46, the joint-most for the Eagles alongside France international Michael Olise.

Spurs on the slide

Tottenham started the season unbeaten in eight away games in league and cup but those bright beginnings have faded. They have since failed to win any of their past five fixtures on the road in all competitions, losing four and drawing the other.

Spurs will seek to arrest that form without captain and defender Cristian Romero and attacking midfielder Xavi Simons after both were sent off during last weekend's defeat by Liverpool. Romero's red was his fifth as a Spurs player and first since November 2023 against Chelsea.

The Liverpool loss was Tottenham's fifth at home this season and performances in front of their own supporters have been largely lacklustre for quite some time. The overall picture this season also evokes negativity when it is compared to 2024-25. Spurs have fewer wins and fewer points, while they have scored 13 fewer goals than they had at this stage in the previous campaign.

Reasons to be cheerful

History is on Tottenham's side in this fixture, however, and not only have they won 37 of the 67 meetings between the clubs, including the very first in 1906, but they have emerged with three points from 19 of their 32 Premier League clashes, drawing seven and losing the other six.

It is also rare for Spurs to enter the new year on the back of a defeat and they have only lost their final league game of the calendar year in one of the past 16 seasons, winning eight and drawing the other seven.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park (kick-off 16:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On Jean-Philippe Mateta's knee issue: "He is coping really well. We have a great medical department. There is no risk at all - we would never take any risk."

• On his players' response to their crowded schedule: "Mixed feelings to be honest. Of course, it was maybe the worst performance of this season against Leeds. Maybe we have to accept it, with all the games. This can happen."

• On the role of the Christmas break: "It's important for everyone. We always try to find these days. Sometimes it's not so easy. Everybody visits family. Spending time with them, you start thinking about different things and that's important. There are different topics to talk about. Hopefully everybody is not talking too much about football - I hope the same [for myself] when I go home!"

• On Sunday's opponents: "It's a great team, a very good manager there. To win against them we have to show a great performance. Like every single Premier League game, it'll be a nice challenge for us."

• On how he would advise a coach about managing fixture congestion: "Do it differently than we did. Since 22 November, we played every third game with no training sessions - it made it difficult. It's not the perfect situation. But there is no other solution. You just play and rest and prepare on the screen. When we meet on the 26th, it's not possible to do a high intensity session. Resting, resting, resting. The best thing is to win a game, and then you get confidence."

Listen to full commentary of Palace v Spurs on BBC Radio 5 Live from 16:30 GMT on Sunday

Alex Howell
Football reporter

Some of you have been sending in questions via our Crystal Palace Ask Me Anything form.

One fan asked: " With the club progressing so much this past 18 months, when is work on the new stand going to start? This must be a key element to increasing the income to the club and giving us more spending power."

That's right, the only way Crystal Palace will be able to grow sustainably for the long-term is if the main stand renovation is completed.

Chairman Steve Parish recently said in an interview with The Athletic that work is likely to start in the new year.

It will be a huge starting point to achieve that - but it may come at a cost.

We have seen that when other sides have invested heavily in infrastructure, the money spent on new players can lessen.

That's natural though, as heavy investment is needed from the owners to make the long-term progress.

The balancing act which the decision-makers will have is that they need to make the stand happen while still keeping the team progressing on the pitch.

But with Palace at the upper end of the table and in a European campaign, that is a lot harder to do.

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

Find out more here

Barcelona have met with the agents of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, but have cooled their interest in signing the 25-year-old England international, who will be out of contract in the summer, because of the finances involved. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external

Palace are likely to rival for the signature of 25-year-old Norway striker Jorgen Strand Larsen from in January.

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Alex Howell
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It is possibly the best time in history to be a Crystal Palace supporter.

In 2025, fans have seen the club win their first major trophy when they lifted the FA Cup and then got to witness the Eagles win the Community Shield.

With that came their first venture into a major European competition.

However, despite the positives of the Conference League campaign, the Eagles are feeling the effect of the extra games.

Palace have a small squad and with Oliver Glasner trusting a core group of players to carry out his gameplan, the Eagles have started to look tired and lose key players to injury.

Daniel Munoz is out with a knee injury and Jean-Philippe Mateta is also carrying a knock which is affecting him at the moment.

They have also lost Ismaila Sarr to the Africa Cup of Nations and that has left Glasner with limited options.

The transfer window is just around the corner and all Palace fans, along with the manager, would like to see at least three players come in early so they can capitalise on what could be another history-making season.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Tuesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final between Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

Here are some of your comments:

Gunners fans

Paul: Qualifying for the semis was paramount to keep the momentum going, especially with the games against Brighton and Villa up next.

Simon: The statistic that is most worrying is that in their last three games Arsenal have not scored a goal from open play. Far too slow in getting the ball forward and becoming boring to watch, where is the explosive energy of three years ago?

Rich: Only thing that matters is the result. It could of been 5-0 at half-time, it wasn't, and we nearly paid the price. But, no one cares - result is all that matters! One thing for sure, we are going to be back to full strength soon and it will show. Looking good for some silverware - think it's more how many rather than if any!

Steve: It's so frustrating watching us create all these chances and fail to put the ball in the back of the net. We really need to be more clinical in the final third. I thought Martinelli looked really dangerous and caused Palace loads of problems. I was really sad to see him go off and hope this isn't another setback for him.

Harry: Same old thing from Arsenal. By the end of February we'll be scrapping for a Champions League place. We need two midfielders to complement Rice. One who will sit back and one who will make direct attacking runs. Zubimendi and Odegaard are too focused on initiating attacks from the wings. We need more balance.

Palace fans

Al: Difficult first half, not helped by a front three who looked lost. Changes made at half-time and we looked far better. Worrying injury to Richards and really felt for Max Lacroix who has been a rock all season. Injuries mounting up but proud how the team took it to Arsenal. Board has to buy to help Glasner if they want further success in 2026. Otherwise the current squad will be burnt out by March.

Josh: Another brave performance from a squad that must be on its knees with exhaustion. Who knows where we could have been this season with a little more squad depth. Frustrating!

Martin: Very proud. A resilient performance against probably the best side in the land. Absolutely mullered first half, only kept in it by great goalkeeping, but then excellent changes by Glasner and huge improvement. Getting the late equaliser after the disappointment of going behind showed huge character. Oli has given us so much belief and character. We've never had a year like 2025. And probably never will again. But goodness me, after 56 years as a Palace fan, I'm enjoying the moment.

Bill: I'm big enough to say that if we had won that game it would have been the steal of the season. Ravaged by injuries and fatigue we couldn't be as attacking as I would like. Felt sorry for Lacroix - the unsung hero of the squad with the most minutes of any player this season. Hats off to Benitez as well for at least keeping us in the game.

Paul: A very good second half response after the Leeds game. With injuries starting to mount up, we need fresh blood in in January to stay on track in the league, get back in track in the Conference, and defend the FA Cup.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Crystal Palace forward Glen Murray says Oliver Glasner will be "delighted" with the spirit shown by his side despite their Carabao Cup quarter-final exit on Tuesday evening.

The Eagles fought back after Maxence Lacroix's late own goal to equalise deep into stoppage time and force penalties away at Arsenal, before the Gunners eventually progressed by winning the shootout.

"When you take into consideration the way they lost the game at the weekend against Leeds, coming away to the Emirates in the quarter-final of a cup competition and digging in in the manner that they did showed character," Murray told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"Even though they scored the own goal, they showed fight to get back into it and then obviously took it all the way in the penalty shoot-out.

"They'll be licking their wounds in the changing room now. They'll be shattered and disappointed but the manager will be delighted with how they've performed on the evening.

"Their game plan, the way they defended, the way they worked for one another, and the way they pushed Arsenal so close to getting to that semi-final - it will all please Glasner."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are all eyeing Ajax's 22-year-old Dutch defender Youri Baas. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Alex Howell
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

For Crystal Palace, 2025 has been one of the best years in the history of the club.

With the FA Cup and Community Shield in the trophy cabinet and a first European campaign underway, things are pretty good in south London.

However, there is the feeling that things could be even better if their top-class manager, Oliver Glasner, had more options in his squad.

The Palace boss made three changes to the side thrashed at Leeds, but the Eagles have started to falter and look tired in recent weeks, as their increased fixture schedule starts to catch up with their relatively small squad.

However, in the main, Glasner has made them exceptionally resolute, and it was that belief that helped them equalise late on.

Palace are without injured key player Daniel Munoz, lost Chris Richards to what looked like a serious injury during the game and have striker Jean-Philippe Mateta carrying an injury, but Glasner is still managing to keep his side competitive in multiple competitions.

The Eagles almost forced their way through to the last four, but, although disappointed, they should be pleased with the fight they showed against a top team.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner speaking to ITV: "It is always the case that in penalty shootouts one kick is the difference. Today we missed it, but there is nobody to blame. In the first half, we had a bad performance, but then coming back like we did in the second half was much better.

"Then, when we conceded the goal, it was deja vu from the league game. Then coming back again is a huge credit to the players, and then in a penalty shootout anything is possible. We already won two this year, but today Arsenal were the lucky ones. They took them so well.

"I've seen many penalty shootouts, but I can't remember one where every single one was taken so well. Then okay one has to miss; otherwise we will shoot until tomorrow. Unfortunately, we were the ones [to miss] today, but we can build on the second half performance.

"The way we played in the second half, the way we matched them, everybody is telling us: "So many games, you're fatigued, you're tired" but if that is the case, you can't come back like we did. Not in the second half with this performance and not in the second half after 1-0. If we build up on the second half performance, we will play a very good season."

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Arsenal's performance

What did you make of Crystal Palace's display?

Come back on Wednesday for a selection of your replies

Mikel Arteta has made eight changes to the side that beat Everton at the weekend. Riccardo Calafiori is at centre-back with William Saliba and Gabriel Jesus makes his first start for 345 days.

Arsenal starting XI: Arrizabalaga, Timber, Saliba, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Merino, Eze, Madueke, Martinelli, Jesus.

Subs: Raya, Saka, Odegaard, Gyokeres, Trossard, Nwaneri, Zubimendi, Rice, Salmon.

Oliver Glasner makes just three changes to the side that lost to Leeds. He brings in Walter Benitez, Jaydee Canvot and Jefferson Lerma as he names a strong team.

Crystal Palace starting XI: Benitez, Canvot, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell, Wharton, Lerma, Pino, Nketiah, Mateta.

Subs: Henderson, Uche, Clyne, Hughes, Esse, Sosa, Rodney, Devenny, Drakes-Thomas.

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

The January transfer window is often a non-event for Crystal Palace, apart from in times of crisis. This season's affair poses a different question, one that is more speculative, to drive success rather than a necessity to survive in the Premier League.

Given the team's performance in the first half of a busy fixture list, the quality of the first XI has been proven. The issue is that the team is currently without three of the de facto starters, and the cracks are there to be seen.

So, on that basis, the team requires an expedited recruitment process of a quality that matches the first team – undoubtedly not an easy task for a club that often delays until the tail end of a window.

The main area of need? The forward positions.

Glasner has leaned heavily on the starting trio of Yeremy Pino, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr, possibly at the expense of their health and form. Any extended absence with any one of them results in a significant drop-off in the threat the team offers.

The recent links to Tottenham's Brennan Johnson suggest that the club is aware of this, but a move that could be financially costly for the club to achieve. Which is the challenge for the club's ownership. Do you go for the tried-and-tested option that comes with a high price due, or do you gamble on a lower-cost option that comes with fewer guarantees?

Unfortunately for the club, they have daily reminders that either option may struggle to move the needle.

On one hand, Eddie Nketiah, one of the club's most expensive signings, Arsenal-premium and all, has struggled to elevate himself from substitute to starter. The lower-cost alternative, Romain Esse from the Championship, is more likely to exit in January than to become an established fixture in the team.

Perhaps the task for a chairman isn't as easy as one might think.

Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast, external

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Crystal Palace's festive fixture pile-up, as Oliver Glasner's side will have played five games in 13 days when their Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal is played on Tuesday night.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Mike: I agree that those responsible for the fixtures haven't used common sense, with some so close together. However, the Palace hierarchy have to take some responsibility. They knew we were competing in Europe this season but failed to address the issue of a small squad during the summer window. Now they are paying the price by having to play players who aren't ready to perform at Premier League level.

Anthony: It is a joyous time to support Palace. There are plenty of obstacles and challenges, but that is life. Top sports have far too many unco-ordinated competitive fixtures though, which needs to be addressed.

Dylan: Palace are on a steep learning curve this season. The lessons so far are obvious to fans. You need a larger squad if competing in Europe and you need to rotate your starting XI to minimise injuries. If you get those two right, you should cope and grow as a club. Unfortunately Palace haven't yet, but the January transfer window provides an opportunity to grow the squad and loan out fringe players.

Sam: I have to agree with what Glasner has said about needing more squad investment over the summer. We needed a clearer vision for how to use our squad across multiple competitions. Perhaps the youth team players who played in the Conference League should've also had minutes in the Carabao Cup? Maybe we have too many promising players on loan, such as Rak-Sakyi and Ozoh, elsewhere? It's great competing on multiple fronts, but we have been caught without a real plan for how to do so. Maybe we wasted too much time in the summer fighting Uefa?

Gareth: We can choose to moan about fixture congestion and our summer window, but for me this time has been amazing and I'm enjoying every moment. I think about what we have, rather than what we haven't. It's a great chance for Glasner and the team to create more history.

Aston Villa have made contact with out-of-favour 24-year-old Wales and Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson's representatives, with Crystal Palace also interested. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner says they are still "completely on track" to have the best season in club history despite their heavy fixture congestion.

Balancing Premier League, Conference League and Carabao Cup matches has been the biggest challenge for the Eagles this season, with quick turnarounds and two or three-game weeks becoming the new normal.

Despite sitting eighth in the Premier League, Palace have only won only one of their eight league fixtures which have followed a midweek Conference League tie.

Glasner admitted Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Elland Road was because his side failed to match Leeds' physicality, but said the players only had to look at the Premier League table to convince themselves fatigue was not setting in.

"I think the best way to convince the players is that they look at the table and say, "hey, I don't know how often we had 26 points after 17 rounds'," he said.

"I remember last year we had 53 points. It was the [club's] points record in the Premier League. We haven't played half of the season and we have already 50% of the points.

"We want to play the best season in Crystal Palace's history and we are completely on track."

On Tuesday, the Eagles travel to north London to face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, which will be their third game in six days and their eighth in 23 days.

"This is the only criticism for me to the EFL," added Glasner. "I think to fix a round when a Conference League is played just shows also the [lack of] respect for the Conference League because they would never fix a round when there is a Champions League round or a Europa League round.

"So I think that's maybe the problem for the game we have to play now and why we have to play in three days again.

"But it shows that we are in four competitions and we want these games, we want this amount of games, and it's not to complain about it.

"We are never complaining about the amount of games."

Crystal Palace will have played five games in 13 days when their Carabao Cup fixture with Arsenal is done and dusted on Tuesday.

In that spell the Eagles have been well beaten at Leeds and Manchester City, while also being held by KuPs.

We wondered given recent results how you're feeling about the fixture burden. Do you feel let down by those mapping out the fixtures? Do you wish the club weren't in Europe? Or would you rather the Carabao Cup run didn't happen? Are you angry over a lack of depth? Or is this just a joyous time to watch your beloved club compete?

Get in touch with your views here

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Leeds United and Crystal Palace.

Here are some of your comments:

Leeds fans

Thomas: This was Leeds' most authoritative win of the season, against a Palace team that has a fantastic away record this season including not letting many goals in.

Robert: Great to see Calvert-Lewin's efforts rewarded with goals. He was working so hard before his recent scoring run. Ampadu was fantastic. He was everywhere. Rodon was a rock. Should have had a first half penalty too - ridiculous that was missed. Superb win.

Ewan: We're not the most technically gifted team but we're starting to play more cleverly and utilise our strengths. Long throw and balls into the box were causing chaos for Palace all evening. DCL could drag us out of a relegation battle this year. Merry Christmas Leeds fans!

Palace fans

Steve: Palace's worst display of the season. Very disappointed to concede goals to set pieces. It suggests poor planning, and an inability to adapt during the game. Second to the ball in every area, especially in the box. Perhaps Palace have been punching above their weight and were found out by a side they should be looking to beat. Reinforcements are vital in the January window.

Dave: That was definitely one to forget! Palace couldn't cope with the physicality and the aerial prowess that Leeds had. Missing energy, and a few key players. Shows the lack of depth in the squad. Players looked physically and mentally tired. Credit to Leeds who deserved the win.

Sean: Glasner should've played his strongest 11 on Thursday and saved us now having to play two extra Conference games because regardless of who he played against Leeds, the outcome would've still been the same.

Pundits Joe Hart and Shay Given join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

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Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner speaking to BBC Sport after the 4-1 defeat at Leeds United: "We couldn't match their physicality. Conceding four set play goals is embarrassing.

"They had almost no chances from open play, but every set play was dangerous. It is the fourth game in the last week that we are losing because we are conceding goals from set plays. We were not good enough, same at the front. We fully deserved to lose.

"No, [fatigue is] no excuse.

"I think we had the wrong mindset. Maybe I spoke too much about tactics before the game against the 3-5-2 and not enough about the basics, because we lost every second ball. It was the basics. They were much better than we were. You have to do the basics first, then you can talk about tactics.

"Everybody should be disappointed and think what they can do better and I always start with myself. I will find the right answer and let the players know on Sunday."

Did you know?

• Crystal Palace have lost back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since April this year, with this also their heaviest away defeat in the competition since April (5-0 at Newcastle).