Crystal Palace Under-18s face a decisive Premier League Cup Group C fixture against Leeds United on Saturday, knowing that three points are vital to their bid to defend the trophy.
The Young Eagles opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat away to Nottingham Forest. That result leaves Palace bottom of the section without a point, behind Forest on three points and Leeds and Aston Villa on one apiece.
With only the eight group winners advancing to the quarter-finals, Palace have little room for another setback. A victory over Leeds would move them onto three points and put them back in contention ahead of the final-round meeting with Aston Villa. The result of Villa’s match against Forest will also influence the qualification picture.
A defeat would end Palace’s hopes of progressing, as their maximum total would be three points while either Forest or Villa would already have at least four. A draw would leave a narrow route through, but Palace would then need a series of results to go their way, with goal difference potentially deciding the outcome.
The stakes are particularly clear after last season’s success. Palace topped their group with seven points before lifting the trophy at Selhurst Park. Having started this defence with nothing, the Young Eagles now need a response against Leeds to keep their campaign on course.
Saturday’s match will be streamed live on Palace TV+, with coverage starting at 10:45 BST before the 11:00 BST kick-off. Live commentary will also be available through the Academy’s X page, followed by a match report and reaction, while highlights and extended reaction will be shown on Palace TV+.
