Crystal Palace

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It is, unfortunately, a case of when not if Marc Guehi will depart Crystal Palace - with his contract expiring at the end of the season and January interest bound to resurface.

Sunday's rivalry game against Brighton & Hove Albion gave the fans a glimpse of that future - and, more impressively, a 19-year-old candidate looking to fill the large boots left by the team's captain, who was absent because of injury.

Making his first Premier League start, Jaydee Canvot had plenty of pressure on him, at least in theory. The performance itself was not the cleanest, but at this stage, coaches and fans are looking for signs of potential, rather than a fully polished product.

Indeed, in modern football, there is a production line of young central defenders far more accustomed to being playmakers rather than disruptors, especially since the changes to goal-kick rules. Translating that skill set from the European academy ranks into senior football becomes a crucial challenge.

It spoke volumes that Oliver Glasner, forever tough on new arrivals, opted for the ex-Toulouse player, rather than the 'safer' option of Jefferson Lerma at the back.

In a defensive sense, Canvot displayed exactly what you would want to see from a well-rounded defender. Aggressive when tackling and in the air, the young Frenchman was able to exert defensive influence on the game, rather than being passive or delegating responsibility.

As a club that does not make a high volume of incoming transfers, Palace need a high hit-rate of successes to sustain the quality of the squad. There has been a great deal of bad luck with Chadi Riad and his injury record since joining last summer, so there was a need for someone to add to the starting three defenders.

It is too early to draw definitive conclusions after 331 minutes of football, but it is a promising start.

Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast, external

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

A number of current and former Premier League club sporting directors have featured in the top 10 of a study ranking the value they have added to their club's squad from incoming transfers.

Departed Manchester City executive Txiki Begiristain came out top, while ex-Crystal Palace director Dougie Freedman, Newcastle's Ross Wilson and Brentford's Phil Giles also ranked inside the top 10 in the review carried out by industry advisors Transfer Room.

Freedman, who left Crystal Palace for a position in Saudi Arabia earlier this year, placed third in the study - behind Begiristain and Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Timmo Hardung.

The Scot, who was responsible for the signings of Eberechi Eze, Michael Elise, Marc Guehi, Daniel Munoz, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton among others, added a net value of €374m (£328m) to the Eagles' roster from the €436m (£382m) spent on 29 transfers.

Current Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson placed in fifth, adding a net value of €319m (£280m) from a €366m (£321m) investment on 36 transfers during spells with Nottingham Forest and Rangers.

Brentford's sporting director Phil Giles, who played a key role in the signings of Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo, Yoann Wissa and Ollie Watkins for the west London club, ranked seventh - adding a net value of €300m (£263m) to their squad following an investment of €114m (£100m) on 20 players.

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Brighton

Here are some of your comments:

Crystal Palace fans

Dave: Some great performances across the team and particularly in defence. But as the game went on, the team looked really tired so I was happy with the point at the final whistle. I think we may need some reinforcements in January.

Paul: Again two points dropped, missing great chances to score. There have been a lot of games this season we should have won. The Brighton dive for the penalty was rightly booked - Tom Daley would have been proud! Jean-Philippe Mateta needs a rest.

Dave: Looked tired in the final 10 to 20 minutes but probably should have nicked it. Those midweek games do take their toll. We need a couple of decent additions in January.

Steve: Fatigue is fast becoming a crucial factor, contributing to a lacklustre Palace display. Some are clearly running on empty. So it's time for some of the fringe players to step up. Brighton were tidy on the ball, but created very little. A draw was probably the right result. Now, we move on to go after a much-needed away win at Wolves after the international break.

Brighton fans

Ian: Only Brighton have the ability to control a game that much and come away with a draw. If it was Palace placing that much pressure in the final third, they would've won by three clear goals. Brighton seriously have to get a grip on putting games like this to bed. The quantity of games drawn is once again proving costly and will give us another mid-table finish this season.

Stuart: Carlos Baleba is half the player he was from last season. Obviously his head is elsewhere right now and we are suffering in the middle of the park. Kaoru Mitoma's absence is also a factor as Yankuba Minteh is shouldering all responsibility for our wide creativity and it is unbalanced. That said, a decent result and a strong defensive display against a decent Palace. A lot more to come from Albion.

Adam: Brighton played well and stifled Crystal Palace's attack. Great saves from Bart Verbruggen and a good point away from home. But we should've dominated that game much more given we had eight days' rest.

Joe: Bart Verbruggen take a bow - two outstanding saves to keep us in it. He's put an iffy season last year behind him. Minteh again showed how technically poor he is - it really shows in the final third. Both sides had big chances that were not taken.

Pundits Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

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• Aston Villa 4-0 Bournemouth

• Brentford 3-1 Newcastle

• Crystal Palace 0-0 Brighton

• Nottingham Forest 3-1 Leeds

• Man City 3-0 Liverpool

Crystal Palace are in talks with midfielder Adam Wharton over a new deal after his impressive start to the season. (Give Me Sport), external

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Sam Drury
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

To lose influential skipper Marc Guehi was undoubtedly a blow for Palace, even if young centre-back Jaydee Canvot slotted in seamlessly in his place for Oliver Glasner's side.

With Conference League matches to contend with, every injury this season is likely to stretch a relatively small Palace squad.

Glasner made three changes from Thursday's win over AZ Alkmaar, one enforced, meaning seven outfield players were asked to go again on two days' rest.

It did not prevent them making a quick start, with Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Phillipe Mateta twice linking up nicely early on, but the hosts were unable to maintain the intensity.

Despite that, they still probably edged it in terms of chances with Daichi Kamada twice going close after the break before they almost snatched the win through Yeremy Pino's late strike.

Ultimately, they had to settle for a point, and with games continuing to come thick and fast after the international break, fatgiue is something the Eagles will have to deal with so they will hope to keep the injuries to a minimum.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, speaking to Sky Sports after the 0-0 draw with Brighton: "It was a huge effort from both teams and it was more neutralising each other.

"We defended very well and credit to Brighton, they defended very well. They controlled our strengths and we controlled theirs.

"Then it was who gets the lucky punch."

On Tyrick Mitchell: "For me, he was man of the match. It felt like he had 30 duels and won most of them."

On Jaydee Canvot coming in for Marc Guehi: "We're trusting him because we see him every day in training. Against Larnaca he made a mistake but it's all part of development and all the rest was really good.

"It was clear if a defender needs a rest or is injured, he will play. We've spoken to him because sometimes it is tough, because usually you don't change the back three when they are so consistent.

"He was patient and worked hard. We know what he can show and it was a great game from him."

On dealing with fatigue: "We wanted to win the game even when we could see legs were getting a bit tired.

"I'm not the manager who makes a lot of subs when people are doing well. We have to find the balance.

"I trust this group of players that they will show up if we need them."

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

Have your say on Crystal Palace's performance

What did you make of Brighton's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Adam Wharton is back in the Crystal Palace starting line-up but captain Marc Guehi is not in the squad.

With Guehi missing out, Oliver Glasner makes three changes to the side that started Thursday's 3-1 win over AZ Alkmaar in the Conference League.

As well as Wharton, Daichi Kamada also comes in and Jaydee Canvot replaces Guehi. Will Hughes and Yeremy Pino drop to the bench.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Canvot, Munoz, Wharton, Lerma, Kamada, Mitchell, Sarr, Mateta.

Subs: Matthews, Benitez, Pino, Uche, Clyne, Hughes, Esse, Sosa, Devenny

Fabian Hurzeler sticks with the same XI that began Brighton's 3-0 over Leeds last weekend.

The Seagulls are going in search of a fourth league win in six games after just one victory in their first five matches to start the season.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu, Baleba, Ayari, Minteh, Rutter, Gomez, Welbeck.

Subs: Steele, Tzimas, Kostoulas, Boscagli, De Cuyper, Veltman, Coppola, Knight, Oriola.

There are five games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Aston Villa v Bournemouth - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Brentford v Newcastle - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Crystal Palace v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Nottingham Forest v Leeds - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

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Kick-off times 14:00 GMT unless stated

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The M23 derby is one of my favourite games.

Crystal Palace won it home and away last season, but it is so hard to call this time.

The two teams are next to each other in the table, with Oliver Glasner's sitting ninth and Brighton one place behind them in 10th.

Both teams won comfortably last week too, but Palace played in the Conference League on Thursday and that is going to affect them.

Without Europe, I probably would've gone for the Eagles to win but, the more I think about it, the more I think the Seagulls will get something.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport senior journalist

Crystal Palace have regained momentum with three successive wins across as many competitions and are a point ahead of fierce rivals Brighton & Hove Albion heading into Sunday's Premier League meeting (14:00 GMT). BBC Sport looks at some of the talking points going into the game.

Palace back on a roll

Palace initially struggled to regroup after their 19-match unbeaten run was ended away to Everton a month ago. But after four games without a win, they have rebuilt confidence by beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup and then Brentford in the league before turning on the style during Thursday's 3-1 European victory over Dutch side AZ.

An unrelenting fixture schedule has left little time for manager Oliver Glasner to work with the squad on the training ground and the Austrian admits his main focus is on rest and recovery. "We have to be careful in the training sessions they don't sprint too much because they have to sprint in the games," he said. "We have to prioritise."

Despite the limited time to train, Crystal Palace remain as well drilled as ever under Glasner.

They average less possession than any Premier League side bar Burnley, but their ruthless counter-attacking style continues to provide high-quality chances – the Eagles rank top for expected goals.

Both Palace and Brighton also rank in the Premier League top five this season for shots on target and big chances scored, only trailing clubs with vastly superior resources.

The Eagles are unbeaten in 11 home league games (W6, D5), their longest run since an 18-match streak in the Championship between September 2012 and March 2013.

They beat Brighton home and away last season, with the latter encounter at Selhurst Park in April ending with three red cards: two for Palace and one for Albion.

Hurzeler understand fixture's meaning to fans

Brighton, though, haven't suffered consecutive away defeats in this fixture since the 1985-86 and 1986-87 seasons. Current head coach Fabian Hurzeler said he understood the importance of games against Crystal Palace "from the first second" when he attended a 1-1 draw between the sides two seasons ago.

He believes his Brighton team started too passively in both fixtures last season and added: "You can't promise wins but you can promise that you will leave your heart on the pitch. That is what we try to do on Sunday."

Grace Wheeler
BBC Sport

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Brighton at Selhurst Park (kick-off 14:00).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Glasner said: "At the moment it looks like all of the players involved in Crystal Palace's game against AZ in the Uefa Conference League will be available."

• However, there is some doubt on Adam Wharton, who came on in the 65th minute on Thursday. "He is still feeling his chest and it's not completely free. Sometimes we need to cough it out and I hope that happens now."

• "It was good for him to play for 30 minutes. He was a bit rusty but that is why it is important. He is getting better and better but is it enough to start against Brighton? I am not sure."

• For the first time, Crystal Palace are competing in four competitions instead of three and Glasner said: "This group is so ambitious, and they want to try, and they go again because they want the trophy. They work really hard in every single game and training. They are so professional and that is why we are such a tight squad with our players available. We have to keep the momentum going."

• Glasner on fulfilling the dreams of supporters. "If something is important for our fans, it is automatically important for me because we play for them. We will always try and play our best, we can't guarantee a win but we will always play until the final whistle."

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra 3 commentary of Crystal Palace v Brighton at 14:00 on Sunday on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your views after Crystal Palace faced AZ Alkmaar in the Conference League.

Here are some of your comments:

Adrian: There are not many teams better organised than this Glasner unit. You can feel the camaraderie in the camp and the connection the players have with the supporters, which is not to be sniffed at. Only the hectic schedule, fatigue and injuries can stop us from a wonderful season.

Paul: Super-professional performance, back on track, Sarr getting sharper and sharper, great atmosphere. Credit to AZ fans - best away support by a mile we have seen at Selhurst this season.

Matthew: We were at the game last night, great atmosphere and special mention to the AZ fans who were bouncing the Arthur Wait Stand to dust. Great performances from the team, their goal was a bit comical TBH. But it was when Glasner subbed on Kamada and Wharton you realise that for the first time in years we actually have a bit of strength in depth.

Paul H: Fantastic game, but again a stupid mistake gives them a goal.

Marcus: Thank you to AZ for coming to Selhurst and playing football rather than parking the bus. Certainly made for a much more entertaining game of football. Fans were great too. Secondly, whoever signs Marc Guehi is getting the best free transfer of all time. Utterly magnificent tonight in every respect.

Adrian: Sarr, Lacroix and Hughes were excellent. Palace just keep rolling along. Determined and organised.

Image source, Getty Images

England boss Thomas Tuchel has named his 25-man squad for the final time this year ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.

The Three Lions have already secured qualification.

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle).

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, speaking to TNT Sports: "It's a very good win against a very good Alkmaar team. They're playing really nice football."

On Palace's slow start: "In the first half, it took us 15 minutes [to get going] but then we dominated with our physicality and scoring nice goals."

On missing too many chances: "It felt like our story of the Conference League, but then we scored a nice goal. We spoke about how Alkmaar defend man-to-man and how we could attack. It was a tough game but a very good result. The performance was maybe not top, but it was OK."

On AZ Alkmaar: "We could see they were very aggressive. They pressed when they lost the ball. It took us a little bit, but then we controlled the game more and more. With our set-plays, we could show our physicality. The penalty we got was a great run in behind, and this is one of our strengths. When it's 2-0, you always have to be aware. The game became open when they scored, but our third goal was great."

Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, speaking to TNT Sports: "We are really happy to give this win for them [the fans]. How we played... people love to see it. Everyone is happy."

On AZ Alkmaar's start to the game: "I was impressed by that, they pressed well. But after that, we showed that we can compete."

On Palace's fixture schedule: "I am a little bit tired, but no, I'm happy to play games. This is why I play football. If I can help the team, it's perfect for me."

On Palace's European form: "We are really happy. The game we lost here was sad for us, but we said before we want to give the win to the fans. Everyone deserves it."

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Last time out in the Europe Palace suffered a shock home defeat by Cypriot side AEK Larnaca, their first loss at Selhurst Park in any competition since February.

While that could be put down to nerves for their first home match in a major European competition, Thursday's performance was a ruthless one which got their campaign firmly back on track and gave them a third straight win in all competitions.

The hosts made a bright start in an entertaining opening 45 minutes, peppering the AZ Alkmaar goal with 12 shots and five on target.

The only blip in an otherwise dominant first half was Jean-Philippe Mateta's penalty miss with the Frenchman appearing not to hear the whistle and therefore seeming somewhat unprepared when he struck the ball and Owusu-Oduro made a routine save.

But Palace were deserving of their eventual lead and Maxence Lacroix's goal came moments after Ismaila Sarr's header forced Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro into a superb diving save.

Will Hughes then tried to chip the visiting keeper but clipped the bar and Mateta could not turn home the rebound.

Senegal forward Sarr was a nuisance throughout and his two goals take his overall tally for the season to nine in all competitions.

Selecting a strong team shows Oliver Glasner's intentions in this competition, which has been won by English sides in two of the past three seasons.

Palace have underlined their status as one of the favourites to add their names to that list with two wins from three but the demands of competing in Europe, the Premier League and both domestic cups means Glasner may have difficult decisions to make when it comes to selection as the season progresses.

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

Get in touch with your views here

Come back to this page on Friday to find a selection of your replies