Crystal Palace face Leeds United before the upcoming three-week international break, with the visitors looking to strengthen a promising start to their second Premier League campaign since promotion.
Daniel Farke’s side have taken eight points from their opening four matches and remain unbeaten in the league during the 2026-27 season. Defender James Justin has made reaching 40 points the club’s initial priority, rather than focusing on European qualification at this early stage.
That cautious approach was echoed by Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix on BBC Radio Leeds’ Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast. Rix said discussions about Europe should wait until at least 10 matches have been played, while suggesting Leeds would gain confidence if they could establish a sizeable gap over the relegation places.
Rix believes Palace’s start could give Leeds encouragement. The Eagles have scored six goals but conceded 11, and have been beaten by Ipswich and Everton. Their only victory so far came against Fulham, a record Rix described as unimpressive.
Leeds have conceded just three Premier League goals so far, and Rix argued that their defensive record and ability to take chances could be important against Palace. The match offers Crystal Palace an opportunity to respond after a difficult opening run, while Leeds will attempt to continue their unbeaten beginning and move closer to their initial points target.
