Crystal Palace

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

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Oliver Glasner finally had to face life, however briefly, without Daniel Munoz on Sunday. The Austrian manager often speaks about needing to find solutions to problems in football, and on this occasion, it was a tandem of academy graduates.

There was a mere 12 years between the senior debuts of Nathaniel Clyne and Tyrick Mitchell at Palace, but similarities all the same. Diminutive figures, thrown to the wolves as young players in difficult circumstances.

Yet both had the agility and recovery speed to compensate for a lack of experience and, most importantly, no fear when it came to defending.

Palace fans never got to see the peak of Clyne, and the England caps that came with it, but at least got a second chapter when he returned.

However, with Mitchell, he may be having his best season to date. He continues to flourish in a more attacking role, built on the defensive foundations set in place under the tutelage of Roy Hodgson and Ray Lewington.

His 184th Premier League appearance against Fulham takes him to sixth on the all-time list of appearance makers for Palace in the English top-flight. He is on course to be fifth by the end of the season, and one of only seven former academy players or apprentices to have made it to triple figures at the highest level for Palace.

One of the men on that select list, Gareth Southgate, gave Mitchell his England debut in 2022, only to steer away from a specialist left back at the Euros in 2024.

With a World Cup on the horizon, there is a different manager in charge, but will Thomas Tuchel finally make space for the best one-on-one defender in his position?

It's becoming harder to deny his case.

Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast, external

West Ham and Crystal Palace are tracking Lens defender Samson Baidoo, 21, as a reinforcement for their backline. (Teamtalk), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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The FA Cup third round will take place between Thursday, 8 January and Monday, 12 January.

Find out who your Premier League club will play below.

• Wolves v Shrewsbury Town

• Tottenham v Aston Villa

• Wrexham v Nottingham Forest

• Charlton Athletic v Chelsea

• Manchester City v Exeter City

• West Ham v Queens Park Rangers

• Sheffield Wednesday v Brentford

• Fulham v Middlesbrough

• Everton v Sunderland

• Liverpool v Barnsley

• Burnley v Millwall

• Portsmouth v Arsenal

• Derby County v Leeds United

• Newcastle v Bournemouth

• Macclesfield v Crystal Palace

• Manchester United v Brighton

See full draw here

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The draw for the third round of the FA Cup will take place on Monday, 8 December at around 18:40 GMT, before the broadcast of Brackley Town v Burton Albion - the final game of the Second Round.

Former England internationals Joe Cole and Peter Crouch will conduct the draw that will consist of 64 teams on TNT Sports.

The 20 winners of the second-round ties will be joined by all 20 Premier League clubs and 24 Championship teams in the third round.

All matches will be played around the weekend commencing Saturday, 10 January 2026.

Unlike in previous years, there are no replays if matches end as a draw. All ties will go to extra-time and if necessary, a penalty shootout.

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Fulham and Crystal Palace, which lifted the Eagles into the Champions League spots.

Here are some of your comments:

Fulham fans

James: A fantastic performance for 65 minutes, until Silva's erratic decision-making completely cost us. Terrible substitutes, he took off all our best players and replaced them with duds, plus he didn't take off an obviously-injured Jimenez. Zonal marking on corners let Marc Guehi score. He can talk all he likes about his ambition, but at the moment we are sleepwalking towards relegation.

Mike: I saw nothing to suggest we can survive a relegation battle. Jimenez is completely out of his depth and Kevin is a complete waste of money. January can't come quick enough.

Ian: We looked good in parts. Jimenez is in need of a rest and Crystal Palace's quick balls into danger areas, turning our defenders, caused a few problems but a draw would've been fair. Points need to be picked up soon as this season is turning into a massive look over the shoulder. Silva is going to have to make some hard decisions soon in terms of dropping people. But I'm glad Emile Smith Rowe has shown his quality in the last few games.

Palace fans

Pedro: A well-deserved and hard-fought win, taking us into the top four. Let's hope these guys still have enough energy to win at Shelbourne and beat Manchester City. Tired, resilient and magnificent.

Gwen: It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win at the end of the day. I'm still worried about the constant missed chances from Mateta, yet again, and Clyne, which is more excusable considering he hasn't played a lot of football and is a right-back.

Andy: A great game, full of entertainment from both sides. I wonder why VAR didn't advise the referee to look at the screen for a possible penalty, but the VAR decision to disallow Fulham's second goal made up for that. Both teams had spells when they were on top and eventually a great finish from Guehi sealed the game. I feel for Fulham as they did dig deep.

Ant: Finally VAR went our way and we ground out a result the manager's way.

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport journalist

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Oliver Glasner joined Crystal Palace in February 2024 following successful stints in Germany at Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 51-year-old has since guided Palace to back-to-back record points totals in the Premier League and led them to a first major trophy when they triumphed over Manchester City in the FA Cup last season.

That led to a first ever appearance in a major European competition - although it was downgraded from Europa League to Europa Conference League because of multi-club ownership rules - while they also beat league winners Liverpool to win the Community Shield.

Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports: "We are watching the best manager and the best team in Crystal Palace's history.

"Those supporters could not have dreamed what would happen to their football club when that man came in."

Selhurst Park has become one of the toughest places for teams to play with Palace unbeaten there in the league this season until defeat by Manchester United last weekend.

On the road, their form is arguably even better.

Since Glasner's first game in charge in March 2024, only Arsenal (65), Liverpool (57) and Manchester City (55) have won more Premier League points away from home than Crystal Palace (52).

But the defeat by United prompted Glasner to criticise the club as he suggested the club-record £60m brought in by the sale of Eberechi Eze this summer has not been reinvested in the squad.

His side have lost all four league matches they have played after a midweek European match this season, suggesting squad depth and juggling the increased schedule demands has been a problem.

And Glasner was quick to point it out, saying the club had "thrown away" the chance to play an even better season by not spending in the summer.

"When he gets a result he doesn't like, he is not shy in being outspoken about the board or the sporting director," said Carragher.

"They probably have to take it on the chin because he is the greatest manager in their history."

Read more Palace analysis here

Match of the Day's Thomas Hitzlsperger had high praise for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton after his skill and intelligence helped the Eagles edge a 2-1 victory over Fulham.

"He is still a young player but the way he moves around the pitch is so calm," said Hitzlsperger. "He hasn't even played 50 Premier League games yet either, so that is the reason I am so impressed by him.

"Sometimes he just jogs around and doesn't even get a sweat on because he knows his position and where he needs to be."

Pundits Thomas Hitzlsperger and Shay Given join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Brighton 1-1 West Ham

• Fulham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Tottenham are monitoring striker Jean-Philippe Mateta's unresolved contract situation at Crystal Palace. (Football Insider), external

Palace midfielder Adam Wharton plans to play Champions League football at his next club, and currently tops Manchester United's transfer shortlist. (Mirror), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Oliver Glasner has not kept his opinions to himself this season when it comes to the club's spending and failure to reinvest the club-record £60m received from the sale of Eberechi Eze.

Without Ismaila Sarr at his disposal because of an ankle injury, not for the first time this season it was Daniel Munoz who stepped up for Palace in a narrow 1-0 win over Burnley in midweek, scoring his third league goal of the season.

But the full-back was absent from Glasner's squad on Sunday because of a minor knee injury with Eddie Nketiah handed a first top-flight start of the season.

The 26-year-old took his opportunity when it came but for much of the second half it looked like Palace would be heading back across London with only one point as they created chances but were unable to find a goal.

Palace have failed to win all four of their league matches after a European game and this looked like it could be a familiar tale following a league trip up north in midweek.

Jean Philippe Mateta dragged an effort wide before Yeremy Pino and Christantus Uche both went close, the latter sliding in but being denied by Bernd Leno moments before Marc Guehi's header.

The England defender's future at the club has been a topic of discussion for some time with persistent interest from Liverpool and Newcastle and, with mere months left on the 25-year-old's contract, that interest will surely remain in January.

Not only is his sturdiness at the back a large part of why Palace's defence has been near impenetrable this season - they have the best defensive record in the league behind only Arsenal - but he has now contributed to goals in back-to-back matches.

He provided the assist for Munoz earlier in the week before netting his second goal of the season here and while Glasner has bemoaned the lack of signings, keeping hold of Guehi in the summer is proving to be a key piece of business.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has been speaking to Sky Sports following the win at Craven Cottage: "Winning is the most important thing to give you confidence and put you in a good mood. We did very well but sometimes we lost the ball. It is important to stay self-critical and analyse these performances.

"It makes me proud because my team didn't want to just defend the draw, we wanted to win and that's why we got it in the end. There are small margins like this in every single Premier League game, but we are always able to score goals and defend well.

"I could mention many players but it was a huge team effort and that makes me very proud. That's why we are where we are [in the table]."

Crystal Palace centre-forward Eddie Nketiah has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day about the performance: "A really tough game. Fulham are a really good side. It's nice to get the win and the goal.

"Adam [Wharton] has that quality, it was a good touch and I knew I would finish. I'm getting back into my rhythm after a few niggles. I always back myself in the box. As long as I'm on the pitch, I can produce even better performances.

"Everyone is working hard. We need to keep going like that. The togetherness of the team is great and when you have that extra bit of motivation it helps. We deserved the three points."

Did you know?

• Since Oliver Glasner's first game in charge in March 2024, only Arsenal (65), Liverpool (57) and Manchester City (55) have won more Premier League away points than Crystal Palace (52 - P33, W14 D10 L9).

• Eddie Nketiah has scored 21 of his 24 Premier League goals in London - 18 goals at Selhurst Park and three goals away from home. Among players to score at least 20 times in the competition, he has scored a greater proportion of his total goals in the capital than any other player (87.5%).

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

Have your say on Fulham’s performance

What did you make of Crystal Palace's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Fulham make two changes to the side that narrowly lost out in that nine-goal thriller to Manchester City.

Timothy Castagne replaces Ryan Sessegnon in defence, while Samuel Chukwueze's impressive performances from the bench, including two goals in midweek, have earned him a place in the starting line-up. Sasa Lukic drops to the bench.

Fulham XI: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Castagne, Berge, Wilson, Smith Rowe, Iwobi, Jimenez, Chukwueze

Substitutes: Lecomte, Cairney, Adama, Cuenca, Kusi-Asare, Lukic, Kevin, King, Diop

Crystal Palace also make two changes from their narrow win earlier this week. Daniel Munoz was the man to score the only goal in that win over Burnley but he is missing from Oliver Glasner's squad this afternoon.

Eddie Nketiah and Nathaniel Clyne start, while Jefferson Lerma drops to the bench.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Wharton, Mitchell, Kamada, Pino, Mateta, Clyne, Nketiah

Substitutes: Matthews, Benitez, Lerma, Uche, Hughes, Esse, Canvot, Sosa, Devenny

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

• Brighton v West Ham (14:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Fulham v Crystal Palace (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Follow action and reaction here from Amex Stadium

Check out our coverage from Craven Cottage

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v West Ham" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Crystal Palace".

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

I saw nine goals at Craven Cottage on Tuesday but I am not expecting a high-scoring game here.

Crystal Palace don't seem to score or concede that many, and Fulham aren't usually so prolific, either.

I do love a 1-0 to Palace with my predictions but watching Josh King and Samuel Chukwueze tear Manchester City apart in midweek makes me think they can cause Oliver Glasner's side some problems too.

Still, there is no way the Eagles will be as open as City were, so I am in two minds here.

I was tempted to go for a 1-1 draw, but let's stick with a narrow Palace win.

Sutton's prediction: 0-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Henry Cowling
BBC Sport journalist

After a rollercoaster 5-4 loss to Manchester City in midweek, Fulham face a Crystal Palace side who have made their best start to a Premier League season. The hosts will be hoping for a less chaotic defensive performance after their first top-flight match to produce nine or more goals since February 1968. BBC Sport looks at two key players ahead of Sunday's fixture (16:30 GMT).

Super Samuel

For long periods on Tuesday, it looked as if Manchester City were cruising to a comfortable win at Craven Cottage, as they opened up a 3-1 half-time lead. That was when AC Milan loanee Samuel Chukwueze was introduced for midfielder Sasa Lukic in a clear statement of attacking intent by head coach Marco Silva.

It was perhaps a surprise Chukwueze did not start after an impressive performance in the win at Tottenham. He provided the assist for Kenny Tete's goal after just four minutes there, when he went past two players before laying it off.

Chukwueze almost got off the mark for Fulham in that game, rattling the post with a curled effort from outside the box, but he compensated for that with a quick-fire double against City.

Despite operating on limited minutes, his contribution is impressive. He's currently averaging a goal or assist every 46 minutes in the Premier League this season, scoring three and assisting two, and his stats per 90 minutes put him among the most influential players in the division.

Marauding Munoz

Crystal Palace gave a resilient display at Burnley in midweek, with Daniel Munoz scoring the only goal of the game to put them on 23 points. While it was a fixture Palace might have been expected to win, the home side had the advantage of rest. It was Burnley's 16th match of the season compared to Palace's 23rd.

Munoz has once more proved to be a key attacking outlet for Palace. No defender has more Premier League goal involvements this season and he's joint second for most shots behind Riccardo Calafiori. Only striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta has been involved in more open-play sequences that ended in a shot for Palace this season.

Munoz may be relied upon again for attacking output in Sunday's match, given Mateta's poor record in this fixture. The French striker has never scored a Premier League goal in his five appearances against Fulham.

Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has told Crystal Palace he wants to explore a potential departure as early as January. (Teamtalk), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Crystal Palace say they will take action against anyone who resold tickets for Sunday's Premier League game with Manchester United at a price above face value, provided they receive evidence of what happened.

Palace gave United an away allocation of 2,687 for the game, which exceeds the Premier League regulations according to the stadium capacity of around 25,000.

However, it has been established Palace also kept back 40 tickets for the away section, which were sold within the club.

Palace privately say this is standard practice and the Premier League are understood to have no issue with it.

Yet there have been allegations from United fans that a pair of these tickets were then bought in paper form for £700. The Premier League caps away ticket prices at £30.

Palace say that while the tickets they sent to United were in digital form, it is not unusual for paper tickets to be in circulation as issues can occur with digital tickets.

United said they would be taking the matter up with Palace, but BBC Sport has been told the Old Trafford club is yet to contact the Premier League about the issue.

Palace have not made a public statement on the matter but privately say if they receive evidence, they will act.

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

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Ismaila Sarr remains unavailable following the ankle injury he sustained in Sunday's game against Manchester United.

• However, there are "no injury concerns" following the Burnley game on Wednesday. He did concede though "there are a few knocks and a few players with some pain".

• Borna Sosa might be available on Sunday after not featuring in Crystal Palace's previous three games: "Sosa looks like he could return for the matchday squad. That gives us one more option."

• He is grateful for the Sunday kick-off rather than the Saturday, especially given Fulham played their midweek match against Manchester City: "It's a little bit easier [with three days between games]. There's one more day to rest, so everybody should be fine."

• Glasner did take in Fulham's remarkable 5-4 defeat on Tuesday but said full preparation for Sunday's game will "start after the press conference": "Of course, we watched their game from the hotel in Burnley. They are a really good team. But after this, we will meet with the analysts and start with our preparation after this."

• With Palace one point off the top four, he was asked when Crystal Palace can start thinking about Champions League qualification and said: "May. That's early enough. It's game by game. There are so many games to think about. It is important to stay focused now on the next game and don't waste your time and mind on the end of May."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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