Crystal Palace have the chance to record back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this calendar year when Ipswich Town visit on Saturday afternoon. Pierre Sage secured his first top-flight victory as head coach last weekend, with Palace edging Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage.
The result continued a recent pattern in which Palace have had to be effective without dominating possession. Sage’s team also progressed in the Carabao Cup against Middlesbrough on Tuesday despite the visitors enjoying considerably more of the ball. The Frenchman praised both Fulham and Middlesbrough after those matches, highlighting the quality of Palace’s opponents even when the results went his side’s way.
Palace’s defence remains a concern, however. The Eagles have conceded at least twice in each of their past nine league games, an unwanted club record. Their defenders made a decisive contribution against Fulham, with Tyrick Mitchell scoring twice for the first double of his career before substitute Ben Chilwell struck the winning goal in the second half.
Mitchell’s attacking involvement has increased since Daniel Munoz followed former Palace manager Oliver Glasner to Nottingham Forest. The wing-back has recorded 10 touches in opposition penalty areas this season, a total that puts him joint-top among Premier League defenders. His attacking threat could be important again as Palace look to make the most of home advantage.
Ipswich arrive after defeats by Manchester United and Liverpool, following an opening-weekend win over Sunderland. Their manager Gary O’Neil has seen encouraging spells from his team in both losses, but has also acknowledged that defensive errors need to be removed from their game. Town have gone 22 top-flight matches without a clean sheet and have conceded 57 goals across that run. Dara O’Shea, who played every minute at centre-back in the Championship last season, has operated at right-back since Issa Diop’s arrival, although he has said he is comfortable in that role.
