Crystal Palace face 48-hour double-header as Glasner weighs rotation and youth | OneFootball

Crystal Palace face two games in 48 hours, KuPS on Thursday then Leeds on Saturday, with Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Oliver Glasner must decide how to split his resources.

A top-eight finish in the Conference League league phase would send Palace straight to March’s round of 16 and avoid February’s play-off. They are ninth with one match left, so KuPS selection carries risk and reward.

Injuries to Daichi Kamada and Daniel Munoz, plus Ismaila Sarr’s Africa Cup of Nations duty, have stretched a small squad. With Caleb Kporha and Rio Cardines also out, rotation looks unavoidable.

That could open the door for academy players. Left-sided centre-back Mofe Jemide, 19, and fellow defender George King, 18, are among those in contention, as are midfielder Kaden Rodney, Justin Devenny and 17-year-old playmaker Benji Casey.

Teenager Joel Drakes-Thomas has been on the bench, while Dean Benamar offers cover at wing-back. On the left, Croatia international Borna Sosa will surely start.

After the Shelbourne win, Glasner said player welfare will guide his calls and that Palace will pursue victory against KuPS but with a very different line-up. He also praised Casey’s pace and eye for goal.

Some seniors may still be needed across the two matches, with minutes managed. How far Glasner is prepared to compromise Thursday for the domestic games will define Palace’s week.

Source: NY Times