Sutton's predictions: Crystal Palace v Manchester Unitedpublished at 18:30 GMT 29 November
18:30 GMT 29 November
I read an article this week which said how Manchester United are either high as a kite or low as a snake's belly - there is never any middle ground where they are just doing all right.
Before the international break, United had gone five games unbeaten and I kept hearing how they are 'back'. Now, after such an awful display against Everton's 10-men on Monday, they are back in trouble.
Both these teams are built around a 3-4-2-1 shape but Crystal Palace's players still seem like a much better fit to their formation.
United have a poor record at Selhurst Park in recent seasons, and have not won there since 2019. I don't see that changing on Sunday.
My only concern about the Eagles is if they pick up any injuries in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, but I am still backing them.
Crystal Palace v Manchester United: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:00 GMT 29 November
13:00 GMT 29 November
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Crystal Palace, who have kept clean sheets in each of their past three Premier League games, take on a Manchester United side beaten by 10-man Everton on Monday. BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Sunday's match (12:00 GMT).
Palace hard to score against
There are few sides tougher to break down than Palace right now. Last weekend's 2-0 win at Wolves means Oliver Glasner's team have gone 321 minutes without conceding a Premier League goal.
The Eagles have also shipped just nine goals in their opening 12 league games, their lowest total at this stage of a season for 44 years.
Their total of 20 points, meanwhile, is their highest at this point of a top-flight campaign since 1991-92, when they eventually finished third.
While their points haul has been equally divided between home and away matches, they are particularly hard to beat at Selhurst Park.
Palace have not lost a Premier League match there since losing to Everton in February, a run of 12 games, which is the longest current unbeaten sequence at home in the competition.
United's mini-revival ended
Manchester United made unwanted history against Everton on Monday, losing their first Premier League home match in which the opposition went down to 10 men.
With Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha unavailable through injury, the Reds struggled to break down the Merseysiders. The result ended United's five-game unbeaten run and provided a reality check, according to head coach Ruben Amorim.
"These five weeks, everyone is praising our evolution," Amorim said afterwards.
"But I'm always saying the same things: we are nowhere near the moment we are meant to be in this club."
That is underlined by United's poor record against Crystal Palace and in London in general.
The Red Devils have failed to score in each of their previous four Premier League games against the Eagles and have won just three of their past 26 top-flight matches in the capital (all, incidentally, against Fulham).
Glasner on Hughes injury update, rearranged fixtures and Man Utdpublished at 13:13 GMT 28 November
13:13 GMT 28 November
Sean Byrne BBC Sport researcher
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester United at Selhurst Park (kick-off 12:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On team news ahead of Sunday's game: "Borna Sosa will miss this game again, but Will [Hughes] doesn't look so bad, so we're very hopeful that he'll be in the matchday squad. All others are fine."
On managing minutes for players during a busy schedule: "We started with three new players yesterday [against Strasbourg]. We managed Marc Guehi's and Chris Richards' minutes, and yes, maybe [we should have rotated more], but it's always the question afterwards. It's always when you win, you have done everything right, and if you lose, then questions are asked."
On Tyrick Mitchell's goal against Strasbourg: "I am really pleased with the goal yesterday, because the finish, the angle was not so easy. We do this in training, we started in pre-season, getting him into this position and then having a clear idea what to do, not just to shoot, because very often you hit the goalkeeper's body, so either hitting the side netting on the far post, or short and high."
On their Carabao Cup game against Arsenal being changed to 23 December: "We always say in Germany, where you have a disadvantage, you always have an advantage. The game now against Arsenal is on 23 [December], it's moved from the 24th to the 23rd, that means all the players can celebrate Christmas with their families, because everybody gets off 24th and 25th. Of course, before it's quite busy and afterwards, but Christmas is family time."
On Sunday's opponents Manchester United: "I am really looking forward to this game. They are doing well, I think we are doing well and also yesterday's defeat, we won't lose our minds. It is just now, again, finding the right tweaks where we can adjust with no time for training."
Steve: A game that slipped away. So many missed chances as Palace should have been three up by half time. As Oliver Glasner acknowledged, it happens far too often. That composure needed to hit the target seems to be missing. They cannot rely on keeping clean sheets, and this was a perfect example of Strasbourg taking advantage of Palace's first-half generosity.
Gavin: Disappointing result after being one up. Glasner is right in that players need to show up and score when they have a good opportunity. Letting teams off the hook is letting us down. Strasbourg deserved the win.
Niall: The better team won. Strasbourg were quicker, sharper and more inventive. Maybe Palace could have won it but missing two open goals tells you why we didn't.
Sam: Seems like there are two Palace sides: The one that takes their chances and the one that doesn't. The Ismaila Sarr and Adam Wharton misses, well, I love the guys, but those really were shocking. Too blunt on the attack and a little too open at the back, so credit to Strasbourg for bouncing back in the second half. Focus on thrashing Manchester United at Selhurst Park now.
Sandra: We need to be more clinical and take more of the chances we create. Missed two fantastic chances to put the game to bed.
Analysis: Eagles face uphill battle to reach top eightpublished at 08:20 GMT 28 November
08:20 GMT 28 November
Joe Rindl BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Strasbourg may have come out on top in the battle between the side fifth in the Premier League and fifth in Ligue 1, but Crystal Palace's players will be kicking themselves after failing to get a result from a game in which they had two open goals, 16 shots and 40 touches in their opponents' box.
Indeed, the result means Oliver Glasner's side now have won two and lost two of their Conference League league-phase matches, despite being the dominant side in those two defeats.
With only six games played in the Conference League league phase, Palace now have an uphill battle if they want a top-eight finish, which would mean they would advance straight to the last 16.
Their defeat on Thursday, which was their first since a loss to Arsenal in the Premier League on 26 October, means they are 18th in the league phase table.
Those outside of the top 24 after six games are eliminated from the competition.
'We need more players who show up and score goals'published at 07:26 GMT 28 November
07:26 GMT 28 November
Image source, Getty Images
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, speaking to TNT Sports after his side's 2-1 defeat by Strasbourg in the Conference League: "When you twice have an empty goal in front of you and you miss the goal twice hitting the post, you should be 3-1 up. Then we have the big chance against the keeper - and then in the next action we are 2-1 down.
"It has happened too many times this season when we did not decide the game when we could. And, of course, even after the free-kick we were not sharp enough. In the end, we lacked 1% or 2% and that is why we lost against a good Strasbourg team."
On conceding so soon after half-time: "Again, it could be straight after we got 1-0 that we could have scored the second. We had the same situation against Brentford in the Premier League. There we missed but we could keep the clean sheet so we won the game.
"Strasbourg have very good, quick players - we knew it. OK, you can concede the equaliser, but then we have the next empty net we are missing, and then the next big chance against the keeper that we are missing - and then you lose the game. I think that is also why we deserved to lose.
"It is a little bit the story. We need more players who show up and score goals. Nobody does it on purpose [but] at the moment it happens too often. You can't always rely on keeping the clean sheet because the opponent is also doing well."
Crystal Palace also make just three changes from their 2-0 Premier League win over Wolves. Daichi Kamada, Adam Wharton and Chris Richards drop to the bench.
Jaydee Canvot, Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma are given starts.
Follow Thursday's Europa League and Conference League games livepublished at 17:04 GMT 27 November
17:04 GMT 27 November
There are 36 games in the Europa League and Conference League on Thursday, including three involving Premier League clubs, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Gossip: Eagles may move for Willock in Januarypublished at 07:37 GMT 27 November
07:37 GMT 27 November
Crystal Palace are weighing up making a January move for Newcastle United's 26-year-old English midfielder Joe Willock. The Magpies could be persuaded to sell as they are keen to sign AZ Alkmaar's 19-year-old Dutch midfielder Kees Smit. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Sarr says his focus is on Palace not Afconpublished at 19:25 GMT 26 November
19:25 GMT 26 November
Image source, Getty Images
Crystal Palace forward Ismalia Sarr insists his focus is on performing well for the Eagles and he is not thinking ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
Palace have had a tremendous start to the season, sitting fifth in the table having only lost twice in their opening 12 Premier League games. Sarr has chipped in with three goals and an assist in 10 league games this campaign.
"It's both difficult and easy to manage this situation," he said. "Right now, I'm focused on my club and I want to help the team as much as I can.
"Afcon is not here yet. The best way for me to prepare for Afcon is to have some strong performances and do the maximum for Crystal Palace."
Looking ahead to Palace's Conference League trip to Strasbourg on Thursday, Saarr added: "They're a very good team. I have watched Ligue 1 a lot, and Strasbourg are having a great start to the season. I have watched them a lot.
"They love to play and defend well, but we also defend well and also love to play. I expect a game that will be very tactical and very physical, but I feel like we're ready, physically and mentally. We want to go back home with a win."
Glasner on team news, Chilwell, and Strasbourgpublished at 18:45 GMT 26 November
18:45 GMT 26 November
Karan Vinod BBC Sport journalist
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Conference League game against Strasbourg at Stade de la Meinau (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On team news: "We have one player who couldn't travel, Borna Sosa. He got a knock in Monday's training, and he will miss the game. All other players are here, fit and available."
Glasner reiterated that "it's the players" who deserve credit for the Eagles' best start to a season since 1993 and boiled it down to "consistency" - despite losing some of their "superstars every summer, with Olise to Bayern Munich and, this summer, Eze to Arsenal. He added: "In the end, it's because we have a great group of players and people enjoying working together and always giving our best."
Glasner went on to say that the club possesses "confidence" and know "we have quite a good structure and are tough to play against", and he intends to show that on Thursday.
On Strasbourg's Ben Chilwell, who was on loan at Selhurst Park last season: "He's a fantastic player and an even better person. I really enjoyed working with him for a few months and celebrating winning the FA Cup. There will always be a connection there - winning a trophy together stays forever, and I'm pleased he plays a really good role now for Strasbourg."
On Palace's hopes of winning the Conference League: "We always want to win, and I think we don't need an extra motivation. It's the first time in the club's history we play European football and this is motivation enough. We enter every single competition to win it and have huge respect for every opposition. The first goal is to win tomorrow - that's the most important thing."
On Thursday's opponents: "Strasbourg are a very good team, not just in the Conference league but also in Ligue 1. They played very well, and everyone could see also yesterday when Marseille played Newcastle and won."
Glasner praised the French side's "intensity" and mentioned that "they play a similar shape to what we play - 3-4-3, very similar patterns". He also heaped praise on manager Liam Rosenior as somebody doing a "fantastic job".
'Dogged' numbers could nudge Eagles into Europe againpublished at 11:08 GMT 26 November
11:08 GMT 26 November
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
At various points this season we have delighted in one of the 'little' teams squeezing into the top four race. Bournemouth came and went while Brighton are back up knocking at the door again. Sunderland was arguably the most heartening story but it is Crystal Palace who are currently tucked in nicely on the rails a point behind fourth.
It is hard not to be smitten with the physicality and the quality of Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta but the defence and the system employed by Oliver Glasner can't be ignored. The 3-4-3 much beloved by Ruben Amorim clearly can work in the modern Premier League as long as you have players who are perfectly suited to it.
The most impressive thing might actually be the defence. While Arsenal have been the undoubted kings in this area, Palace are second having shipped only nine goals in 12 games. They haven't conceded domestically in more than seven-and-a-half hours. Those are the kind of dogged displays that could easily get them into Europe again.
Wharton 'a throwback' and 'unique footballer'published at 12:36 GMT 25 November
12:36 GMT 25 November
Alex Pewter Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
There is still an internal battle among Crystal Palace fans over games like Saturday against Wolves. This was a game that had to be won against a lesser opponent, but that is still an unfamiliar position to be in. At 0-0 at half-time, it is easy to understand the underlying anxiety that the match would go in a frustrating direction, as many have before.
That fear was unfounded, thanks to goals from Daniel Munoz and the impressive Yeremy Pino. However, in the centre of the pitch, a protostar was pulling the strings.
It is clear that goals and assists still dominate the basic analysis of player performances. Whether that is a fantasy football-influenced situation, it is the sole critique anyone could hold over Adam Wharton.
So, in a week where he finally made his full competitive debut for England, and a well-deserved one at that, it was additionally pleasing for his name to appear in the assist column. Often, the central pairing in an Oliver Glasner team is involved in the scoring but a step or two back in the action.
The elite academies in England still favour the biggest, strongest or fastest athletes, none of the boxes that Wharton necessarily ticks. His journey with his boyhood team, Blackburn Rovers, to a lesser Premier League side has allowed him to grow and develop his own style, built on vision, anticipation and an incredibly mature understanding of the game.
To use a heavily Ashes-influenced analogy, Wharton feels like a throwback, a technical and cerebral batsman suited to Test matches, in an era fixated on power-hitting and Twenty20.
So, that makes him feel like a unique footballer, paired with a manager who isn't obsessed with systematic play or ball retention, Wharton has the platform to play aggressively and pass expansively with freedom – a perfect combination.
Wharton keen to learn tricks of the tradepublished at 11:25 GMT 24 November
11:25 GMT 24 November
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton wants to become the perfect student to take his game to the next level.
The midfielder impressed as the Eagles beat Wolves2-0 on Saturday, which temporarily moved them into the Premier League's top four.
Wharton made his full England debut in their final World Cup qualifier in Albania, another 2-0 win, last week while he came off the bench in the victory over Serbia three days before.
The 21-year-old now has three caps for his country and says he is keen to learn from his team-mates.
"The standard is very high there – probably the best you can hope to get to," he said, after Saturday's win, with Sunday's results left the Eagles fifth in the Premier League.
"I try to take bits from everyone – it doesn't matter if it's the opposition or in training, people come up in different positions. "I chat to them off the pitch as well to learn different things – even if it's not necessary to do with football, but the mental side of things.
"It's little things – I try to take as much in as I can and hopefully it can help me improve. "You've got to be like that in football, especially with how it's changing so much.
"Managers have different tactics and how they want to play with different formations, so you've got to be able to take different information onto the pitch.
"I really like football and I enjoy the tactical side of it – that's a big part of the Premier League and international football now.
"If a manager wants to play a certain way, then you've got to be able to adapt and play to their formations and tactics."
Wolves 0-2 Crystal Palace - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:45 GMT 24 November
08:45 GMT 24 November
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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Wolves and Crystal Palace.
Here are some of your comments:
Wolves fans
Richard: I just can't see any light at the end of the tunnel. Sorry, but Championship football next season.
Colin: Played well considering we have no Premier League quality players. These are League One level lads getting taken apart week in, week out by genuine Premier League talent. We won't score another point this season.
Dairve: Christmas miracle? We would need the Easter bunny and the tooth fairy as well to get out of this. At best, we are a mid-table Championship side.
Steve: Players are getting the experience in the Premier League, but at the same time being taught a lesson in finishing. Once they start to learn to finish and score, they will come through.
Crystal Palace fans
David: I simply couldn't be prouder of Oliver Glasner and our incredible team. They seem to be able to overcome every obstacle they encounter and keep moving forward and upwards. They deserve every success, every win. Brilliant.
Paul: A very disciplined performance with every player putting in a shift and capped by a superb goal by Pino.
Al: Gritty, professional and hardy performance. Defensively solid, and this team works as a complete unit. Always satisfying bringing three points back from a difficult away trip.
Paul B: Good times for Crystal Palace, who look as if they've been able to do what Liverpool so miserably haven't and seamlessly integrated new players. The club looks very stable just now.
