Crystal Palace Under-21s return to Premier League International Cup action on Wednesday, with RSC Anderlecht Under-21s the visitors to Sutton United’s 360 Engage Stadium for a 19:00 BST kick-off. The Young Eagles began Group D with a 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain and will look to build on that result against another leading European academy.
Summer arrival Taha Majni is set to experience the competition for the first time since joining Palace from Moroccan top-flight club Union Touarga. The centre-back has already made his competitive debut in the EFL Trophy victory over Swindon Town and also featured against Blackburn Rovers in Premier League 2. He expects Anderlecht to provide a technically demanding test.
Caleb Kporha, who made two first-team appearances under Oliver Glasner against Fulham and Arsenal during the 2024/25 campaign, has become a regular at right wing-back for the Under-21s. He also scored in the EFL Trophy meeting with Swindon. Goalkeeper Harry Lee has made eight saves in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa and saved a penalty against PSG, underlining his strong start to 2026/27.
The International Cup gives Palace the chance to measure themselves against styles different from those usually encountered in Premier League 2. Majni highlighted the technical quality and language differences involved, while Kporha pointed to the need to press effectively, deal with opponents building from the back and compete for second balls. Lee likewise stressed the importance of adapting to both foreign playing styles and communication challenges.
Palace’s Group D also contains PSV Eindhoven and FC Porto. The competition features 16 Premier League 2 teams and 16 invited European clubs, with each English side facing its four overseas opponents once before the group winners advance to the knockout rounds. All of Palace’s group fixtures are being staged at Sutton.
The players have also called on supporters to make their presence felt at the stadium or through Palace TV+. Tickets for Wednesday’s match are available from £1, while Season Ticket+, Gold and Junior Gold Members can receive free entry to selected Under-18 and Under-21 home fixtures. The match will be shown live on Palace TV+ for those unable to attend.
