Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards has called for a strong finish to the current run of fixtures when the Eagles visit Leeds United this afternoon.
Palace head into the match at Elland Road, which kicks off at 14:00 BST, having won three of their last four games in all competitions. The trip to Yorkshire is their final competitive fixture for three weeks, making a positive result especially important before the squad disperses for international duty.
Richards scored in Thursday’s 4-0 Europa League victory over Lech Poznań and will be hoping Palace can reproduce that level of performance in the Premier League. The United States international acknowledged that the team would have preferred a stronger points return, but stressed that there is plenty of time remaining in the campaign for the squad to improve.
He also pointed to the changes Palace have experienced across pre-season and the transfer window, with players arriving at different stages. Richards believes continued hard work and unity can help the group develop, particularly with several members of the squad having been involved in successful Palace teams in previous seasons.
Leeds represent a difficult test, having remained unbeaten in the league so far and sitting third before the latest round of matches. Richards also referenced the two demanding meetings between the sides last season, one of which Palace lost and the other ending level.
The defender’s message ahead of the contest is that Palace must approach the game without fear and aim to take all three points. A win would allow the Eagles to enter the international break with renewed confidence and momentum for the weeks ahead.
