Crystal Palace return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon, travelling north to face Leeds United at Elland Road in a 14:00 BST kick-off.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke expects Palace to be a difficult opponent, despite their limited league points so far this season. The German coach feels the Eagles’ midweek European win, which included a clean sheet, should provide another confidence boost rather than become a distraction.
Farke also suggested that Palace’s current league position does not reflect their performances. He believes they should have taken more from their trip to Everton, while their defeat by Ipswich was influenced by an early red card before the result was decided late in the match.
The Leeds boss went further in his assessment of Oliver Glasner’s side, saying Palace have strengthened through their summer recruitment and look better equipped than last season. He also highlighted the club’s success in winning titles during the past two years, while noting their flawless record in European and League Cup competition so far.
Leeds head into the fixture unbeaten in four Premier League matches and fresh from a 4-1 victory over Newcastle United. However, Farke confirmed that Harry Wilson will miss the game with a quad injury, while long-term absentees Ilia Gruev and Joe Rodon also remain unavailable.
Palace will be looking to turn their encouraging performances and strong cup results into another positive league result when they meet a Leeds side that finished 14th last season after securing survival under Farke.
