Crystal Palace v Liverpool matchday programme

Crystal Palace v Liverpool Saturday 19th December 2020 // 12:30pm

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Directors Steve Parish, Chairman David Blitzer Joshua Harris Chief Executive Phil Alexander

palace √ liverpool

Chief Financial Officer Sean O’Loughlin Sporting Director

19.12.20

Dougie Freedman Club Secretary Christine Dowdeswell

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Head of Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning

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luka milivojevic

Scott Guyett

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steve parish

Head of Medical Dr. Zaf Iqbal

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darren ambrose

Academy Director

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junior eagles

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Daniel storey

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Tayo Adaramola

Gary Issott Director of U23 Development Mark Bright Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott

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Commercial Director Barry Webber Operations Director Sharon Lacey Head of Consumer Sales Mike Pink Head of Ticketing Dan Clarke Head of Legal David Nichol Head of Content & Production

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James Woodroof Head of CRM & Campaigns Tom McGuiness Editor Ben Mountain Design Billy Cooke, Luke Thomas Contributors Dan Blazer, Will Robinson, Ian King, Daniel Storey, Darren Ambrose, Grace Cullen Photography Neil Everitt, Seb Frej, Reuters, Pinnacle, Rex Features Printer Bishops Printers

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palace for life

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1994/95 season

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shaun derry

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siobhan wilson

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fixtures & results

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premier league

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it was with great dismay that I learned of the death of my close friend and Liverpool legend, GĂŠrard Houllier

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elcome to Jürgen, his staff and

Vicente Guaita deserves a special

players and hello to each of you

mention for the three decisive saves he made

reading these notes today.

but we must not ignore that our attacking

Before I go any further it was with

play deserved far more goals than the one

great dismay that I learned of the death

we actually scored, so the final score was a

of my close friend and Liverpool legend,

just one.

Gérard Houllier, earlier this week. I was

Today, we face another significant

aware he had undergone a third heart

challenge against the league champions.

operation and that it had left him somewhat

Historically, this club has enjoyed some

weak as he recovered from it. The news

success against Liverpool and we

of his death, however, came as a huge

performed well in the fixture at Selhurst

shock and it is one which will have caused

Park last year. But past accomplishments

much distress to everyone connected with

have no bearing on today’s outcome and

Liverpool F.C. and all those that knew and

we must compete across the pitch to return

loved him.

to our more successful record against this

At moments like these, it seems almost disrespectful and trivial to write about our

afternoon’s opponent.

We are now facing England’s challenging

recent matches but I shall attempt to put

December schedule. We play five games in

down a few words in recognition of the fact

15 days and we must manage the demands

our supporters want to read what is going

that come with that. It never is and never will

on at the club as we prepare for a busy and

be easy, but our current squad is well used

challenging fixture schedule.

to these challenges and I have every faith in

Let me start by saying that the whole

the players and backroom staff to sustain top-

team was buoyed before kicking-off against

flight performances despite the pressures of

Tottenham by the recent 5-1 victory away

short turnarounds and the threat of injury.

to West Bromwich Albion and the presence

I will be sharing an extended message

and backing of 2,000 supporters who were

with you all in the club’s matchday

able to physically attend for the first time

programme against Leicester City, however

since March. It was exhilarating to emerge

this is the last time I will write here before

from the tunnel and to hear the welcoming

Christmas Day.

roar of a crowd once again.

The backing we got from the 2,000

With that in mind, I wish you all the very best for the coming days and hope that,

allowed in to the ground was exceptional,

however you are celebrating, you and your

and I was even more delighted that we

families have a happy and safe festive period.

were able to send them home happy after a

It has not been an easy year for any of us, so

very good performance against Spurs, who

I hope you are able to spend time with loved

are currently enjoying such a successful

ones, benefit from the respite and hopefully

season. The point we won last Sunday was

enjoy three successful performances.

well deserved and it was the result of a lot of hard work which the team put in on the field.

In the meantime: Enjoy the game.

The manager

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We were not expecting 2,000 of you to make such a difference but we were wrong. You were so loud and we were so motivated to have you back

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ow. Having supporters back at

talks of not allowing fans back into stadiums

Selhurst Park was an incredible

in London this week did not come to this

moment. We were not expecting

decision. We need all the support we can

2,000 of you to make such a difference but we

against Liverpool, who will be looking to make

were wrong. You were so loud and we were so

up for not beating Fulham.

motivated to have you back.

Seeing all of you again in the stands at

We have seen how challenging they can be in our recent matches with them and will

our home helped us to keep fighting against

need all of our strength to get something from

Tottenham Hotspur. We knew going in to this

this game.

game that Tottenham would not be easy; they

After that, we play our three Christmas

were at the top of the table and are always a

matches: Aston Villa, Leicester City and

tough opponent to face. But after going down

Sheffield United. This period is always

to maybe a ‘freak’ goal, we fought so hard to

demanding but enjoyable for us as footballers.

make sure we got something from this game.

Yes, our Christmases with family are disrupted

And the one who fought hardest was, of course, Vicente. What a game he had. He made four or five of the best saves I have seen

but we are playing football – that is how we want to spend the time.

We are already competing in a shorter

this season and showed again how important

season and with a tougher schedule, so we

he is for our team.

will have to be careful. But there are nine

But I was pleased with each of the lads’ games last week and hope we can continue to perform like this over Christmas. That push carried on against West Ham United but, as

points for us to take and that is what we plan to do.

Until then, from us all in the Crystal Palace squad, have a very enjoyable Christmas.

this programme was printed early in the week, I do not know our score.

Make some noise!

Turning my attention to today, we face another very difficult game. I could only hope

The captain

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I saw a clip of a fan saying he felt as though he had to make enough noise for 10 people

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hank you for buying today’s matchday

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank

programme. I had hoped to be

my operations and ticketing team in particular

welcoming back 2,000 more fans to

for getting everything ready for that matchday

Selhurst Park today, but sadly it is not to be.

I am penning these notes shortly after the incredible performance at Selhurst Park, where Roy’s team justifiably secured a point against

to maximise supporters’ safety and ensure regulations were met. Everyone here is desperate for the opportunity to go again.

I was pleased to learn that 5,000 meals

Spurs. To do so in front of 2,000 supporters

have now been created by club chefs and

made the occasion even more special and

distributed to those in need in our community,

memorable – and I’m sure you all saw on TV

and also that supporters have collectively

just how much of a difference it made for the

contributed another £10,000 to Palace Kitchen

players, even with such small numbers by

to help us extend the scheme into the new

comparison to normal.

year. It was a touching moment when those

I saw a clip of a fan saying he felt as

inside Selhurst Park applauded the video when

though he had to make enough noise for

it appeared on the big screen. Thank you for

10 people, and it certainly came across

supporting this great cause.

that everyone felt that way, such was the

I’d like to pay my respects to former

atmosphere. The goal celebration in front of

Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier. I had the

the Holmesdale was just magnificent, and a

privilege of meeting him on a few occasions

fitting return for those there. It is an immense

- they were all an absolute joy and he was a

shame that we will have to wait once again for

nice as he was successful. My thoughts go out

another experience like that.

to his family, friends and everyone associated

Spurs were always going to be incredibly threatening going forward, and also have the

with Liverpool.

As this is our last game before Christmas,

tightest defence this season. Vicente yet again

I’d like to wish everyone celebrating a very

showed his incredible ability and deservedly

enjoyable day. Most importantly, I hope you

took the plaudits, denying them on several

enjoy the festivities in good health, and I cannot

occasions, ably supported by the backline. I

wait to see thousands of you back with us in

was also especially pleased for Jeffrey who

the new year.

opportunely pounced for his first goal of the season after another excellent cross from Ebs.

Stay safe, and Up the Palace.

The chairman

10 From Academy teenager persuading friends he was playing for Crystal Palace to being a seasoned Premier League defender with international experience, Nathaniel Clyne has now come full circle. Here, the south Londoner talks through the highs and lows of a determined career.

Interview: Will Robinson Words: Ben Mountain

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athaniel Clyne has made nearly 200 Premier League appearances.

He’s competed in the Champions League and played 90 minutes in the Europa League final. He has 14 England caps and has been bought and sold for millions of pounds.

But his career began on a bus, clutching his boots. Or, more specifically, two buses. And the wrong boots.

Returning to Crystal Palace after eight years away from south London was always going to be a memorable moment for Clyne and the club’s fans, even if it is for a short-term contract.

The right-back’s first stint in red and blue saw him become one of Palace’s proudest Academy products and today his name ranks alongside those of Wilfried Zaha, Victor Moses and Sean Scannell a golden era of development.

After swapping Tottenham Hotspur for Palace aged 14, Clyne swiftly developed with the club “just 15 minutes from school.” The shackles of travelling from south London to Essex for training were lifted and the teenager didn’t take long to make his mark.

Three years after joining, he was already with the reserves.

And Neil Warnock’s squad needed fresh legs.

Clyne recalls his break to this day: “I played well in a reserves game. Warnock pulled me over

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to the side and said: ‘You look like you’re ready.’ He wanted me to train with the first-team in the next session.

“I was so pumped to be invited. There were lots of players like Scannell and Victor Moses who came up from the youths to play for the first-team so I had familiar faces around me.

That made me feel better, more confident in training.”

Shortly after Clyne’s step-up, regular full-back Danny Butterfield suffered a suspension and left a gap in the Palace backline. So Warnock, as he often did, turned to the club’s younger members selecting Clyne for his debut aged 17 in October 2008. And so came the bus(es).

“Obviously you have to make your own way down to the stadium

'Seriously, I’m going to go and play. You can watch it tonight live on Sky Sports.’

He said: ‘Yeah, whatever, mate.’ He didn’t believe me

and I didn’t have a car, so I took the bus from Stockwell to Brixton and then Brixton to South Norwood. I remember meeting one of my old school friends on that same bus. He said to me: ‘Why have you got boots in your hands and why are you dressed in that Palace tracksuit?’

“I was like: ‘Well, I’m going to go play for the Palace first-team tonight.’ He just looked at me, laughing like I’m talking out of my arse. I said: ‘Seriously, I’m going to go and play. You can watch it tonight live on Sky Sports.’ He said: ‘Yeah, whatever, mate.’ He didn’t believe me.”

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A short while later and Clyne was preparing to play, sat among the seasoned, ruthless squad that would secure survival at Hillsborough two years later.

It was a team of large and intimidating characters and there sat a teenager with no experience.

And, yes, the wrong boots.

Despite the teammates Clyne began to rub shoulders with, the young debutant didn’t face the level of scrutiny and pressure one might expect from the club’s steeliest servants.

“I remember sitting in the

They were one size bigger - I’m a six-and-a-half and he was sevenand-a-half. But he got it into my head to wear them so I actually wore Clint Hill’s boots on my debut

dressing room surrounded by all the players,” Clyne says. “I only had one pair of boots and I was sitting

“I was focused on the game, really; I had to do my

next to Clint Hill. He said to me: ‘Are

best to show everyone I’m capable of playing at

those the boots you’re wearing?’ He

this level. We won 3-0 and I got Man of the Match.”

looked at them. ‘They’re moulds. It’s

So much for ‘wrong’ boots, then. But such

been raining today so you’ll slip. I

a solid start at such a young age can go one of

think you need studs.’

two ways: a long, successful career grounded in

“I didn’t have any studs at

overcoming early hurdles or a lack of effort and

the time so he said: ‘Here, I’ve got

over-confidence, plummeting players into the

some spare boots. Let me go and

lower tiers.

check if you can borrow them.’ He checked, brought them back and I tried them on. They were one size

For Clyne, clearly, his career path went the first way. He explains why.

“Maybe it was the players in the team, they

bigger - I’m a six-and-a-half and he

helped out massively. I was around experienced

was seven-and-a-half. But he got

professionals that would keep me grounded.

it into my head to wear them so I

Take it game by game, don’t let the stress of

actually wore Clint Hill’s boots on

playing in the first-team at such a young age get

my debut!

to you. They wouldn’t have allowed that. It was

“The game itself was good.

Seeing the fans when walking on to the pitch was great and it was a

good from them really to help me become the player I am today.

“You’ve got the skipper, Shaun Derry, and

great atmosphere. They applauded

Clint Hill, Danny Butterfield, Paddy McCarthy

me when my name was called out.

was another, Claude Davis was good with

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the youths. There were a lot of experienced players at the time that you could ask for advice.

“Maybe if I didn’t play well I might have not had the opportunities straight away… but that wasn’t a thought in my head.”

Opportunities continued to come for Clyne who, after collecting Player of the Season in 2010/11, earned moves to Southampton and Liverpool.

After he established himself as a Liverpool regular - playing 93 games in his first two campaigns - injury struck and kept the full-back from

try and stay focused, do your rehab to the best of your ability, listen to the physio who’s looking after you and try your best to get back as soon as possible and as strong as possible

consistent football for three seasons.

“It’s difficult,” Clyne reflects, not wanting to dwell on a negative

Wanderers. When he rejoined, the 29-year-old said

experience but honest about it

he’s “looking forward to being back on the field,

happening. “No professional player

playing and just enjoying football again - playing with a

likes to get injured, especially when

smile on my face.”

you get a major injury for a long time. I had two of those.

“The first one was my back and it was difficult because it was the first time I’d been injured in a long time.

Now, two months later, he’s managed just that, saying today: “I’m feeling fit and feeling good, looking to improve. I still think there are improvements in my game to get me back to my best ability.

“I’m happy to have come back from my setbacks

You see your teammates going out

still able to perform the way I have been performing,

to training every day, getting games,

getting my fitness back from such a long time out. A

playing important games and you’re

lot of players might have put their heads down and

not there able to help the team.

lost confidence from that but I stayed strong and just

“You’ve just got to try and stay focused, do your rehab to the best of your ability, listen to the physio

focused on trying to get back to the ability I know I can show in the Premier League.

“It feels good to get back to the swing of things,

who’s looking after you and try your

training every day with a match at the weekend. It’s

best to get back as soon as possible

good. Before, when I was injured, I was just in the gym,

and as strong as possible.”

doing rehab during the week and then, at the weekend,

Back with Palace, Clyne is

I’d probably be off or doing rehab again. Getting back

also back to regular performances,

into the swing of things is good. It’s what I enjoy, playing

playing his first 90 minutes in 17

football. I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

months against Wolverhampton

As are we, Clyney

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the union

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Copers cope

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NATURAL CAFFEINE ZERO SUGAR HYDRATION ENERGY official matchday programme now available countrywide

for SPORT

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Club legend Darren Ambrose has gone from the squad list on the back page to guest columnist. The Eagles icon will be bringing you his opinions, insight and untold stories throughout the 2020/21 season.

darren ambrose

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What a win You don’t often get high scoring games like

Another career debut

5-1, and Palace were a joy to watch at times

I made my Sky Sports debut covering the West

against West Brom. I noticed with Ebere, Wilf

Brom game and really, really enjoyed it. I’m not

and Jeffrey in particular, they were just enjoying

a shy or nervous character but going in to that I

it; there’s no pressure and so you can relax and

was a little anxious; I didn’t know what to expect.

play your game without restrictions.

You play cup games and in Europe at times

But, in the end, it was the perfect game for me to cover. I’ve watched Palace for two years,

and collect scorelines like 8-1, but the biggest

everyone knows how fond I am and, second-half,

league win I was involved in came during my

it was all Palace. Easy.

first year with Ipswich. We beat Leicester 6-1 in one of the season’s first fixtures.

It’s very early days for me still but I’m getting more and more work. The media is something I really want to break in to and I think Palace fans

I don’t buy into the idea that there’s a limit to how much you should win by. If my team hit six goals, I’m trying as hard as I can to get seven, eight or nine

will hope I can cover them more. I look at Clinton, a Palace legend, and he’s someone I want to emulate. There aren’t many Palace pundits out there so I’m trying to give him a hand!

There’s a flipside to the media’s relationship with footballers, though, and I had a memorable moment myself while with Palace. I was coming away from a match that we’d lost and a local reporter asked me for a few words. I’d had a bad game and said: ‘Look, have you spoken with the press guys at the club? Talk to them before I speak to you so I don’t break the rules.’

I don’t buy into the idea that there’s a limit

That was a little throwaway comment to get

to how much you should win by. If my team

me on the bus quicker, something I’d never done

hit six goals, I’m trying as hard as I can to get

before. I always wanted to give the press my time

seven, eight or nine. Sure, you know a lot of the

but I wasn’t happy after that match. Then in the Sun

opposition players but when you’re over that

the next day was me saying: ‘Dougie Freedman bans

white line, it’s ruthless.

players from talking to press.’ Wow.

Look at Leicester’s 9-0 over Southampton,

I obviously had to go to see Dougie and say:

no one was stopping. They wanted the record:

‘Have you seen the article? It didn’t happen like

10, 11, 12. Why shouldn’t you? The only issue

that.’ Dougie had been a player and been around

is you tend to enjoy yourself a bit more: you’re

these situations himself so, thankfully, wasn’t too

trying skills and tricks and sometimes they don’t

fussed. But that was a warning for me: watch

come off. But if fans are in the stadium, you

what you say and, mainly, give the press time

get your ‘oles’ in the last few minutes, which is

because they can work for you or really work

always great for a player.

against you.

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Community work The club has recently launched its Palace Kitchen initiative and I saw Joel lend a hand there the other day. Our role as professionals should and does extend beyond the pitch and I was always one to volunteer for community work.

More recently, I’ve been involved in the FareShare campaign, which is related to what Marcus Rashford’s organising. That was a real eye-opener to me on how many millions are living in poverty and going hungry in our country.

What the club’s doing is brilliant and awareness absolutely needs raising, but poverty and hunger shouldn’t have a place in this day and age.

Christmas is obviously a key time for players to work in the community, because it’s not an easy period for everyone. The people you meet remember it all their life Christmas is obviously a key time for players to work in the community, because it’s not an easy period for everyone. The people you meet remember it all their life, but so do you. That feeling of making someone happy - not just kids but parents, too - never lasts long enough.

I always tell players today not to take that for granted. You shouldn’t just go and want to get home.

Spend time - hours - there instead. It’s brilliant. Once you’re out the game it goes and you can never get it back. I’ve got four young kids and if they had to spend Christmas in hospital, anything that made them happy would be fantastic for me as a parent.

darren ambrose

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Quizzes, Games & MORE! Junior EAgles

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Schools In Focus St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School The Foundation have been delivering a Girls Wildcats club during the autumn term, which has been fully booked since day one! Sessions include fun games and drills to develop the girls’ key fundamental skills but, most importantly, to increase their enjoyment and love of the game. Some of the students have started to attend Weekend Wildcats Woodmansterne Hub on Saturdays, and one has even be signposted to Caterham Puma’s Under-11s.

Mr Skehan, Headteacher at St Aidan’s, said: “The feedback from the sessions has been great.

The girls really love it. Lots of parents commented on how much their girls have enjoyed it.”

Abigail, who attends the club, said: “Coach Charlie has encouraged me so much and inspired me to try and do my best, and to challenge myself.

When I come to the sessions it makes me so happy.”

Guess who

Badge jumble

Can you guess the four players from today’s

Can you work out four of Andros Townsend’s

opponents in the below face mash-up?

former clubs from the mixed up badges?

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29 Check out the answers at the bottom of this page!

wordsearch

spot the difference

Can you find the six hidden football-themed

Can you find the five differences in these

words below?

two Patrick van Aanholt pictures?

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Six words to find:

Klopp, Kelly, Reds, Anfield, Benteke & Crystanbul.

Now make a sentence that includes all of the words you’ve found!

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Aanholt’s shirt is yellow 5 W88 logo is now silver.

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shirt 3 Van Aanholt’s boots have changed colour 4 Puma logo on Van

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answers

Junior EAgles

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4 Newcastle United Spot The Difference: 1 Number ‘2’ missing from

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Alexander-Arnold. Badge Jumble: 1 Spurs 2 Watford 3 Leeds United

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Guess Who: 1 Mohamed Salah 2 Alisson 3 James Milner 4 Trent

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In loving memory of Keith Arnold

Happy 11th Birthday Daniel,

who sadly passed away in May

hope you had a wonderful day.

Mark Silverstein - more

2020. He was an avid and lifelong

Lots of love Mum and Dad xxx

time to spend on Palace!

Eagles fan. He is dearly missed.

Happy 60th/Retirement to

Lots of love M, A & B xxx

Happy Birthday to Jake Cooper

Happy Christmas to my beautiful

who turns 11 today! Lots of love

fiancée Mandy Riley. Even if

Ralph Jennings, living in Rio de

from Mummy, Daddy, Harry,

you do support Liverpool don’t

Janeiro. Ralph endured a torrid

Uncle Joe, Lauren, Nana & Pa.

cry when we beat you.

time with COVID-19. We hope to

Happy retirement to lifelong fan

see him at Selhurst Park soon.

Merry 1st Christmas Archie

I’m a proud CPFC supporter

George Staples. Born 16/11/20.

Nelson! Looking forward to

like my Ah-yea and papa!! My

Lifelong Palace fan Lee Staples

many Boxing Days, singing

favourite colours are red and

and his wife Kathryn.

your heart out at Selhurst Park!

blue!! You know it’s true!!

Love Mummy and Daddy X official matchday programme

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Happy Christmas to my

From Mrs Joyce Tresadern and

Happy 23rd Birthday Ben

beautiful wife, Kelley Daroux,

John Tresadern for the loss of

Younger for 3rd December.

Love from your devoted

Mr Michael John Mitchell who

Never forget “When I was

husband, Andrew xxx

died aged 80 years. From family

a young boy my father said

and friends and the club.

to me.” Lots of love Dad x

Happy 18th Joseph. Love you

Jay, as we can’t go to matches

Our DAD “Reg Singleton”.

lots, love Mummy, Daddy, Rose,

together and we miss it,

A lifelong Palace fan, who has

Poppy, Palace Aaron, Ruby, Fiona,

sharing some Eagles love and

unfortunately passed. Great

Nanny Bubbles, Nanny, Grandad

joy with you. Love Mum.

memories of Father and Son’s

Rory, Oli, Emily and Jimmy xxxx

Palace days. Love & miss you.

Send your message (max 25 words) with a picture to programme@cpfc.co.uk for a chance to be in a future edition.

Happy Birthday to my husband Stewart. X

messageboard

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Est.

1892 opposition

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liverpool match preview

Jürgen Klopp

Facing Liverpool is an indomitable task at any time, but facing them as league champions is perhaps tougher still.

Palace’s record against the Reds once made for their most favourable reading of the supposed big six, but Jürgen Klopp’s arrival in October 2015 somewhat hampered this. Palace enjoyed six wins and two draws in the 12 meetings between 2000 and the German manager taking over.

However, against Klopp, the Eagles’ scorecard reads two wins from 11.

But this breakdown doesn’t

It took us half an hour to get going and that of course makes the game more difficult

quite tell the full picture, with Palace edged by a single goal on five of those occasions. They will take heart

form guide

from the Merseysiders dropping points against Aston Villa, Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion this season, too.

1-1

d {A) 09.12.20

4-0

W {H) 06.12.20

1-0

W {H) 01.12.20

The Reds’ campaign has been replete with goals at both ends. They are both the league’s top scorers and one of the top half’s leakiest defences – conceding more goals than Palace in their first 11 games.

Having won both 5-1 and 4-1 already this season, the south Londoners will need all their firepower to collect points from their guests.

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l premier league wins

all-timers Jamie Carragher

264

Steven Gerrard

255

Sami Hyypiä

172

Jordan Henderson

167

128

Steven Gerrard

120

Michael Owen

118

Mohamed Salah

83

premier league goals

Robbie Fowler

last time out 1 26 3 32 66 17 14 5 10 9 11

Alisson Robertson Fabinho Matip Alexander-Arnold jones Henderson Wijnaldum ManĂŠ Firmino Salah

1-1 1 32

3 26

66 14 5

17 9

11

10 opposition

01

player profile

36

Age

28

Height

1.91m

Joined

19th July, 2018

Debut

12th August, 2018 v West Ham

PREVIOUS CLUB: Internacional & Roma

04

Alisson POSITION: GOALKEEPER NATIONALITY: BRAZIL

12

Fleetingly the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, Alisson has more than proved his worth at Liverpool. Keeping consecutive clean sheets in his first three outings, the Brazilian appeared to be the final piece in Jürgen Klopp’s puzzle and played a significant

Virgil van Dijk

Joe Gomez

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: NETHERLANDS

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

role in both their 2018/19 and title-

26

winning 2019/20 seasons.

He won the Premier League’s Golden Glove in 18/19 and was named Best FIFA Goalkeeper in 2019.

76 apps 36 clean sheets official matchday programme

Andrew Robertson

Joel Matip

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: SCOTLAND

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: CAMEROON

32

37

76

Neco Williams

Fabinho

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: WALES

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: BRAZIL

06

03

103 apps 31 clean sheets

66 07 Trent Alexander-Arnold

Thiago

James Milner

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: SPAIN

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

player profile

Starting his professional career just weeks after his 18th

Age

22

Height

1.75m

became a Liverpool stalwart

Joined

2004 (Academy)

his unique attacking ability

Debut

25th October, 2016 v Tottenham Hotspur

birthday, Alexander-Arnold at an early age. Renowned for and complemented perfectly

by Andrew Robertson on the left side of defence, the young right-back is one of the most highly regarded defenders in

PREVIOUS CLUB:

the league.

N/A

opposition

38

08

Naby Keïta

Jordan Henderson

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: GUINEA

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

23

14

191 apps 116 wins

05 09

Roberto Firmino

Georginio Wijnaldum

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: SWITZERLAND

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: BRAZIL

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: NETHERLANDS

player profile

Xherdan Shaqiri

Wijnaldum’s name has, at

Age

30

Height

1.75m

his free-scoring teammates,

Joined

22nd July, 2016

most consistent and relied-upon

Debut

14th August, 2016 v Arsenal

times, been overshadowed by yet the Dutchman is one of the members of Liverpool’s squad.

Joining from Newcastle United in 2016, he averaged 47 games a season in his first four campaigns. In 2020/21, he overtook

PREVIOUS CLUBS:

Liverpool greats such as Ray

Feyenoord, PSV Eindhoven & Newcastle United

Houghton and Philippe Coutinho in the all-time appearances list.

official matchday programme

11

player profile

39

Age

28

Height

1.75m

Joined

1st July, 2017

Debut

12th August, 2017 v Watford

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Al Mokawloon, Basel, Chelsea & Roma

10

Mohamed Salah POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: EGYPT

18

One of the game’s most prolific frontmen, Salah has scooped two Premier League Golden Boots – one in 2017/18, his first season, and one in 2018/19, which he shared with fellow Red, Sadio Mané.

That first campaign saw

Sadio Mané

Takumi Minamino

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: SENEGAL

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: JAPAN

him net an eye watering 44

20

times from 52 games, quite rightfully earning him Fans’ and Players’ Player of the Season.

132 apps 85 goals

27

Diogo Jota

Divock Origi

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: PORTUGAL

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: BELGIUM

opposition

40

#11

#09

zaha

firmino

player comparison

Age 28

position forward

nationality civ

Age 29

position forward

nationality bra

apps

goals

assists

apps

goals

assists

26

37

Hit woodwork

Interceptions

crosses

Big chances created

Tackles

Hit woodwork

Interceptions

59

Tackles

187

Big chances created

43

crosses

225

548

39

300

7

125

162

52

269

12

76

official matchday programme

41

#18

#14

mŠarthur

henderson

player comparison

Age 33

position Midfielder

nationality sco

Age 30

position Midfielder

nationality eng

apps

goals

assists

apps

goals

assists

Shooting accuracy

Tackles

Duels won

Aerial battles won

Tackle success

47

Tackle success

30

Aerial battles won

349

Duels won

19

Tackles

23

Shooting accuracy

290

29%

635

1,347

325

71%

28%

683

1,200

245

71%

opposition

42

LIGHT

SPEED

FINISHING

official matchday programme

43

There has been no goalless draw between Palace and Liverpool in the Premier League since 1994.

17

Liverpool have won their final league match before Christmas in three of their last four seasons (D1) since a 0-3 defeat against Watford in December 2015.

10 01

0

match facts

18

27

GOALS

128 186 SHOTS

14

24

17

18

EXPECTED GOALS

GOALS CONCEDED

41

14

62

AVERAGE POSSESSION %

16

15

EXPECTED GOALS AGAINST

15

1

SHOT CONVERSION RATE %

10

POINTS GAINED AFTER TRAILING

1

3

CLEAN SHEETS

2

6

POINTS DROPPED AFTER LEADING

goal times time

SCORED

CONCEDED

time

SCORED

CONCEDED

0-15

5

2

0-15

3

4

16-30

3

5

16-30

4

5

31-45

1

1

31-45

6

3

46-60

2

1

46-60

5

1

61-75

4

1

61-75

3

3

76-90

3

7

76-90

6

2

opposition

44

what’s the storey @danielstorey85

Champions League dead rubber against Midtjylland and with Saturday’s game ending a run of three league matches in eight days, it seems likely that one of the four forwards will start on the bench to gain a much-deserved rest before coming on for the last

Columnist, Daniel Storey, can be heard on The Totally Football Show

20 minutes.

That would lead Liverpool

and seen in the Irish Examiner, the

back to the 4-3-3, and there is

i paper and many more.

logic to using it. With Palace

Does Klopp change from 4-3-3?

pressing high up the pitch should be easier and require shorter high-intensity sprints when trying to force turnovers

likely to try and hit Liverpool on

space behind the defenders.

the counter, one of the central

Klopp’s side conceded 10

midfielders could stay deep to

goals in those two games.

offer an extra body if the Eagles

More generally, the high

Last season, 4-3-3 was Liverpool’s

are able to transition quickly from

line has increased the number of

staple. Jürgen Klopp chose the

defence to attack.

chances Liverpool have allowed.

formation in 35 of their 38 Premier

After 11 games last season,

it gave him little cause to alter

Can the high line be exposed?

the plan.

One change in Liverpool this

and nine goals. After the same

season is the position of their

stretch this season they faced

more variation. The arrival - and

defensive line. Klopp has asked

one fewer shot but 15 more on

immediate success - of Diogo

his defenders to move higher

target and conceded eight more

Jota forced Klopp to rethink.

up the pitch when Liverpool

goals. Liverpool’s opponents

Against Manchester City (away)

have the ball. That makes the

are getting higher quality

and Sheffield United (home),

pitch smaller when possession

chances due to that high line.

Liverpool played with a 4-2-3-

is lost, meaning pressing

1/4-2-4 hybrid with all four of

should be easier and require

to exploit this in exactly the

his forwards starting. In this

shorter high-intensity sprints

same way, although Liverpool’s

system, the frontline interchanged

when trying to force turnovers.

sweeper-keeper Alisson

positions; one of the reasons for

Given the obvious issues

returning from injury eases

signing Jota was his versatility to

with fatigue over a shortened

some concerns. With Eberechi

play in behind a central striker or

season, it makes sense.

Eze and Wilfried Zaha happiest

League games; their success with

This season, we’ve seen

as a wide forward.

But there are risks to playing

they afforded their opponents 100 shots, 27 shots on target

Palace have the players

on the counter and running in

with a high defensive line. Against

behind and a collection of central

by the schedule against Palace.

both Leeds United and Aston

midfielders able to recycle the

Having started both Jota and

Villa, Liverpool were regularly

ball and launch quick counters,

Mohamed Salah in the midweek

undone by balls played into the

there is reason for optimism.

Klopp’s hand might be forced

official matchday programme

45

Beware the full-backs

season high. He and Robertson

Whichever formation Klopp

them. Liverpool’s opening

selects, and however high

goal came when Robertson

their defensive starting

played the ball into the box

position, one attacking

from the left edge of the area

strategy remains the same.

and the winner came from an

In Trent Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold corner.

and Andrew Robertson,

created six chances between

crosses from open play

How do Palace stop this? If

Liverpool possess the best

Jeffrey Schlupp and Nathaniel

pair of attacking full-backs in

Clyne or Joel Ward cover

world football. Both are given

the right flank then there is

licence to attack, occasionally

protection. On the left, Patrick

together. One central

van Aanholt may have to curb

midfielder drops deeper to

some of his attacking instincts

provide cover and the wide

and Eze will have to track

forwards tuck in to provide

Alexander-Arnold’s runs. But

bodies in the box for a cross.

Eze will also look to find space

The same fixture at

behind the right-back if he gets

Selhurst Park last season

caught high up the pitch. Watch

provides a fine example of

Liverpool’s opening league

the plan. Alexander-Arnold

game of the season and see

attempted 11 crosses from

how Jack Harrison found joy

open play, one short of his

doing the same thing.

Will the first goal be key?

There is no team in the Premier League for whom the game’s first goal is more key than Palace.

Over their last 26 league matches, 24 have been won by the team that scored first (1-1 draws was Boxing Day 2019. You have to go even further back (January 2019) for the last time they lost after scoring first.

But they can take nothing for granted against Liverpool. Klopp’s side are the league’s comeback specialists, winning 28 points from losing positions since the start of last season; no team has won more. However, they drop points from winning positions too: only West Ham, Brighton and Southampton have squandered more points when leading this season.

In two of the last five meetings between the sides, Palace have scored first but lost the match.

Their first goal so often sets the tone, but they must alter their psychology when facing Liverpool.

These matches have often swung first one way and then the other.

daniel storey

Statistics correct as of 5pm Friday 11th December

against Tottenham and Brighton are the exception). The last time Palace won when conceding first

46

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Visit iqoniq.com

47

Questions linking Palace and today’s opponents that will test even the biggest Eagles fan. Time to earn your ‘Palace Encyclopaedia’ nickname.

01

06 Mamadou Sakho’s Crystal Palace debut came

How many goals off the Premier League 100-

against which side?

goal club is Christian Benteke?

07

02

Martin Kelly’s only goal for Palace was scored

Which Palace manager gave Nathaniel Clyne

in the FA Cup against whom?

his Eagles debut?

08 I have over 100 caps for the Republic of

03 Which former Palace and Liverpool player’s

Ireland, I had two spells with Liverpool and a

career started with Millwall and included a

brief loan spell with Palace whilst at the Reds.

loan spell with Queens Park Rangers plus two

Who am I?

stints with Tottenham Hotspur?

09 Palace’s most recent victory over Liverpool came in 2017, thanks to a Christian Benteke

04 Stan Collymore left Selhurst Park to join which

brace in a 2-1 win. Who scored the Reds’ goal

club in 1992?

that day?

10 05

I joined Liverpool from Millwall, and later Victor Moses has had six loan spells whilst at

in my career I signed for Palace from

Chelsea, including one with today’s opponents.

Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2006. I left for

Can you name the other four?

Cardiff City in 2007. Do you know who I am?

answers Inter Milan & Spartak Moscow 6 26 7 Tottenham Hotspur 8 Steve Staunton 9 Philippe Coutinho 10 Mark Kennedy 1 Middlesbrough 2 Neil Warnock 3 Neil Ruddock 4 Southend United 5 Stoke City, West Ham United, Fenerbahçe, opposition quiz

48

49

fantasy dinner party

John Prine My wife and I went over to Nashville a few years ago so unfortunately only jumped on to John Prine’s music at the end of his career.

Blaze Foley He was a real trailblazer. He has a great story. He was often referred to as ‘The Duct

This week, Palace’s Under-23s coach, Shaun Derry, provides insight into

Tape Messiah’.

what songs he belts out when in the

Brian Clough

car by himself, invites an old friend

When I was a kid in Nottingham, you were a

and asks along a former football

either a red or a black and white. I was the latter.

manager who might very well do the

But half my family were reds. So I was fortunate

talking for the whole table.

enough to go to watch Notts County at home one week and Nottingham Forest the next.

It was the time of Brian Clough, and whenever he spoke it would be the headline news. He was the master when it came to football; he was unique.

Justin Edinburgh My late, great friend. I miss him daily. Justin brought fun and vibrancy to every environment

erry

he was involved in.

We joined Portsmouth within about two weeks of each other – Tony Pulis signed us both. We lived in a hotel for three months and went on to become friends for life.

Jolene Derry I would be in a lot of trouble if I didn’t invite my wife to share this momentous night. If Jolene didn’t come, and I’m out on a night with these lads, I think she’d be asking questions upon my return.

She’d sit between John Prine and Blaze Foley. She loves her country music – and yes, she was named after the great Dolly Parton song.

fantasy dinner party

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51

Over the road at Copers Cope

Tayo Adaramola Copers Cope Road is home to Palace’s firstteam Training Ground and, just a few steps down on the other side of the road, you’ll find the Eagles’ Category 1 Academy complex.

over the road at copers cope

52

F

ootball is a tale of extreme commitment, sacrifice and upheaval at all stages. Be it the

semi-professional who trains three times a week and competes across the country despite having a full-time job or the seasoned international who cross-continent to sustain a top-tier career, players throughout the game dedicate their life to the sport.

This is as true of youth football as it is for professional, and academies across England contain teenagers and children who have made significant forfeits to earn a chance at securing their break.

Tayo Adaramola is no different.

Joined by his mother, father and sisters, the left-back made the first sacrifice of his career in 2014: moving to Essex from Dublin to pursue a life in football. Six years later, he hit his first major milestone: signing a professional contract.

“I just feel so happy,” the teenager told the club after putting pen to paper with its Academy. “I’m just grateful for everyone that’s been with me throughout this journey.”

But, despite its length, the journey has already been eventful. Leaving home, friends and normality behind aged 11 is tough in any circumstance.

It’s especially tough when it isn’t immediately justified.

“My parents tell me all the time that a lot of what they do is for me so I need to make them proud,” Adaramola says.

“It’s good to have a little bit of pressure.

official matchday programme

randon ayo ierrick daramola

forgoes their early years and moves

53

“I didn’t have a team for about five months [when arriving in England] - I was just getting fit and playing alone. I saw a team behind my house playing, my dad took me over and they took me on. Beech United.

“I stayed there for a year until I went to trial at Charlton. That didn’t go well, so I went to West Ham development for about six months.

Nothing went well there either.

“At a young age when you’re having a lot of downfall, you always want to give up. But my parents encouraged me to keep going and stayed by my side throughout all of

At a young age when you’re having a lot of downfall, you always want to give up. But my parents encouraged me to keep going and stayed by my side throughout all of that

that... Then I finally came to Palace.”

Academy Director Gary Issott can recall Adaramola’s arrival to this day, saying: “I remember when he came

that I’m going with them to the Euro qualifiers

to the club and, with any left-footer

and I was just over the moon.”

that comes, you’re always optimistic because there are so few around.

“He’s been a slow burner but at 15

Today, Adaramola is a key part of the Under18s group taking their league by storm. He is the third to sign a professional contract this season

and 16 he really emerged and he just

and one of the hottest prospects the club is

grew in confidence.”

proud to coach.

It was at this age when Adaramola

Each of his teammates will have made

earned his first international call-up;

their own sacrifice to be at this stage, but few

affirmation that he and his family had

will have moved country before even starting

done the right thing in swapping Dublin

secondary school. Clearly, Adaramola is aware

for south London.

of his unique position and the support he

But the teenager’s emigration didn’t see him leave east Ireland behind forever: “For my first Ireland call-up,

receives from a committed family.

He explains how they feel for the young Irishman to turn professional six years after leaving home: “They’re over the moon; they

[Under-16s Head Coach] Rob Quinn

can’t express their feelings right now. I’m just

told me in training. He put me in a

grateful I was able to do that for them.”

green bib and made a little joke about

A humble view on a humbling journey.

Ireland. I knew something was coming

Further sacrifice awaits Adaramola in football,

up and he told me after the session

but he will no doubt be as ready as anyone.

over the road at copers cope

su

tio n

54

p

po

rt

ed

by p

fou alace for life

nd

a

Palace Kitchen to feed thousands in need this winter Crystal Palace Football Club and Palace for Life Foundation have reopened The Palace Kitchen – the pioneering project that provides healthy and nutritious food to thousands of local people in need.

Initially, club chefs will prepare around 350 meals a day, four days a week, throughout December with a commitment to cook more than 5,000 meals before Christmas.

The club will continue to work with Croydon Council to identify vulnerable individuals and families in the greatest need of support. This will include those in emergency housing, the elderly, families and homeless people.

Donate here: www.justgiving.com/palacekitchen

55

From the club’s current or past employees to unsung heroes, people looking to make a difference to those who have found fame: south London is a special place to live, work and experience.

This week, boxer Ellie Scotney talks the Catford Cat, how Mars Bars inspired her career and life as a Crystal Palace supporter.

Voices of south london

56

E

llie Scotney began life in boxing and with

– one becoming a career. Growing

Crystal Palace in unconventional ways.

up, she was a keen footballer herself

Catford born and raised and a proud

- “aggressive up front” but “used to

south Londoner (“I stick to my roots,” she quips. “I go up to the Catford Cat and then

toe-punt,” in her own words.

Scotney explains why boxing was

walk back again,”) Scotney faced a choice as

ultimately a more attractive prospect:

a child:

“Football is a team game and, for me, I like

“It was either Crystal Palace, Millwall or

knowing it’s me and that I can put that work

Charlton,” she says. “I kind of got bullied into it

in. Whereas with a team you can say: ‘It was

but now I’m a fanatic. My brothers were Season

you or you’ and I could point my finger.”

Ticket holders and I was a little tagalong. I used to go to the games that were cheap.”

In her earliest days watching Palace – in particular “genius” Andrew Johnson – Scotney was also taking the first steps on the path to becoming a professional boxer.

My brothers were Season Ticket holders and I was a little tagalong. I used to go to the games that were cheap

That driven, focused attitude is what pulled Scotney through a tough recent period, when COVID-19 delayed her professional debut.

Her first fight did finally take place in October 2020 against Bec Connolly, however. Scotney won through a six-round decision in an eventful bout, but much of the hardest work preceded the debut – in and out of the ring.

She recalls working for B&Q alongside training, revealing the staggering lengths she went to in sustaining her schedule: “It was hard at points because I’d do an early morning shift or a late one and I had to move my boxing around my work, which I’m

Switching from Team GB to being a professional with the Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing

not used to.

“They would clash, massively. I’d

earlier this year, the now-22-year-old’s entrance

work, get kept on a bit later and it would

to the sport started with unique motivations, not

be a nightmare getting to the gym.

dissimilar to her discovery of Palace:

Sometimes I wouldn’t get home till half 11

“My brother used to box and whatever he

at night and I’d then still have to do a run. It

did I thought was the right thing to do. I only went

was a lot of balancing but I’m grateful now

because they’d get a Ribena and a Mars Bar.

I can just focus on my boxing again.

“He kept saying ‘no’ because it wasn’t cool

“The first two months [of lockdown],

to take your little sister so it was my cousin that

even boxing gyms weren’t allowed back

gave in and took me down to Lynn Boxing Club.

- professionals weren’t allowed to train.

As soon as I walked in, that was it.”

I had a little setup in my house but that

The same bond between Palace and boxing, Scotney has sustained both passions

official matchday programme

didn’t last too long - my house is like the house that Jack built!”

57

When you’re brought up in south London, you’re brought into not the best of areas.

It gives you that little bit of edge and adds to whatever we put our mind to Scotney’s step into sport provided south London with another boxer to shout about, with the capital’s more productive half filling gyms throughout history.

Joining titans such as Frank Bruno, David Haye and Chris Eubank, Scotney’s name also ranks alongside Caroline and Daniel Dubois and fellow Palace fans Joshua Buatsi and Richard Riakporhe as fighters from south London.

Reflecting on her own experience, she attempts to explain the concentration of talent – both in football and in boxing – from south of the river: “When you’re brought up in south London,” she says, “you’re brought into not the best of areas. It gives you that little bit of edge and adds to whatever we put our mind to. Even the Palace players, the team and how they [the fans] get behind everyone is different and it’s rare that you see that in football.

“It’s a different breed. You’re born into what the world is actually like, so nothing that can happen really shocks you because the odds are against you from the get-go. You’re made different.”

voices of south london

58

palace for life Joel Ward visited The Palace Kitchen recently, helping to prepare and package 350 meals being delivered to those in need that day.

The Palace right-back, who has previously been involved with local foodbanks and hospitals, met and supported club chefs who, working with Palace for Life Foundation and partners City Harvest London, are providing over 5,000 meals within the community before Christmas.

The pioneering project provides healthy and nutritious food to thousands of local people, working with Croydon Council to identify vulnerable individuals and families in the greatest need of support. This includes those in emergency housing, the elderly, families and homeless people.

“It’s amazing,” Ward told Palace TV after his visit. “Three-

official matchday programme

Palace for Life Foundation and partners City Harvest London, are providing over 5,000 meals within the community before Christmas

59

hundred-and-fifty meals a day, 5,000 people before Christmas, it’s mind-blowing. It’s such a great thing to see the club doing that and being part of it, giving it to people who need it and need the help.”

The 31-year-old also made a more concerned observation, saying: “It knocks you back a bit to see the scale of the need in this local area and even on a global scale or in this country, how much people are in need of help.

It’s mind-blowing. So it’s great to see that the club are doing this and tackling it one meal at a time.”

The club has committed to covering Palace Kitchen costs in December, including purchasing fresh ingredients, staff, costs of preparing nutritious meals, safe packaging and labelling.

Palace for Life Foundation CEO Mike Summers explained why the initiative is so crucial, now more than ever: “Between now and Christmas we’re looking at about 5,000 [meals] and potentially looking with the right funding from our fans and supporters to take that into January.

“During the first lockdown, we prepared

For just £5, Palace supporters can stand a chance of

over 16,000 meals, running from April through to

winning the match-worn

July. That was such a great benefit to the local

shirt from Eberechi Eze that

community at that really, really difficult time.

he wore during Palace’s 4-1

“But it’s more important than ever now because obviously it’s the wintertime.

People are cold, people are struggling more, people have lost their jobs; a real difficult situation, particularly in Croydon and the south London area.

victory over Leeds United.

The one-of-a-kind shirt was donated back to the club by Geoff Warren, CEO of Armatus Risks Security Solutions.

“We’re here to help the most vulnerable in the community at their time of greatest need and

To be in with the chance

I don’t think there’s ever been a time of greater

to win, sign-up to play the

need than this.”

Palace for Life Super Draw

You can donate to help us extend and expand The Palace Kitchen at justgiving.com/

at palacesuperdraw.com!

campaign/palacekitchen

palace for life

GAME CHANGER footballfoundation.org.uk

61

game that changed my career 3-2

A footballer’s debut is, understandably, usually the game that means the most to them; hard work rewarded and a dream achieved. However, that

8th January, 2006 FA Cup

footballing bow doesn’t necessarily represent the 90 minutes that had the biggest impact on a player’s career.

Throughout this season, we will be talking to

Tottenham had a really strong side out at the

past and present Eagles to find out which match

Walkers [stadium]: Jermaine Jenas, Robbie Keane

has had the biggest bearing on their career.

and Michael Carrick to name a few.

Being made captain for that night was a

This week it is Under-18s’ manager, Paddy

massive moment for me and for my family, all whilst

clash as captain of Leicester City.

the game was being played in a packed stadium

©Carthy

McCarthy, who talks us through an inspiring cup

and on television.

That game gave me a massive belief that

I could go on to achieve a long and successful career in football. It was the first real standout moment for me, as I was one of the youngest captains in Leicester’s history at 22.

I remained club captain there for a couple of

years before I left to sign for Charlton Athletic.

But, of course, any time I speak about my

career I can’t not mention the 2010 away game at Sheffield Wednesday for Palace.

When I watched that back on Palace TV, I got

a bit of stick off my boy and my missus for my hair.

I had a valid excuse, though, and I won’t blame the hairdresser: I had been through a massive injury and I was in a weird mind frame where I just didn’t care about anything like my hair; I just wanted to be out on the football pitch.

If I could turn back time and change one thing

about that day it would definitely be my barnet.

game that changed my career

62 @pnm1979

official matchday programme

63

1996-98 The good, the bad and the ugly: Kit or Miss will review those desirable gems, those best-forgotten strips and do a bit of market research for those of you looking to snap up some of the Eagles’ iconic shirts.

This week, Eberechi Eze models the home kit from the 1996-98 seasons.

kit or miss

64

1996 T he Lombardo. The Hopkin. The So Good They Wore It Twice.

Call it what you want, Crystal

Palace’s home shirt from 1996-98 is one of the greatest in history.

This phenomenal strip marked the beginning of the end for another golden era in Crystal Palace fashion.

The gap in this column from ‘98 to the

What we like: The crest makes it, right? For two glorious seasons, Palace’s badge sat proudly on a huge white shield in an aesthetic masterclass. Clearly, though, the club’s designers didn’t feel the same, and Palace haven’t seen a huge white shield since.

2010s is telling of how far the quality of Palace home kits sunk. Of course, you didn’t know there’s a gap until now, but if you’re a fan of red and blue noughties stripes, diamond cuts or Churchill Insurance, you’ll find no joy

Even better if: Players were contractually obliged to button up their collars.

in coming editions.

Amongst every contender for Palace’s greatest shirt, 96-98

Wore it best:

consistently ranks highly. And it’s not

The Bald Eagle, Attilio Lombardo.

hard to see why. Retaining a splash of Palace’s slightly eccentric designs from the late ‘90s, this strip is bold enough to stand out without shooting itself in the ’98 Nike Mercurial.

official matchday programme

Story of the season Of course, we have two seasons to squeeze in here, with Palace

1998

keeping their 96/97 home shirt throughout 97/98. They would prove to be seasons of contrasting success, with the Eagles promoted via David Hopkin LTCO in ’97 and then relegated via financial unrest and a New Year disintegration in ’98.

The ’97 play-off final saw Palace don blue shorts instead of the normal white, altering pictures of Hopkin’s gummy celebration for the

The finest hour: This shirt’s finest hour can be condensed to a handful of seconds, with Hopkin’s play-off winner being one of the club’s greatest moments ever.

marginally better. That season saw Steve Coppell return to take over

Where are they now?

from Dave Bassett and continue

TDK presided over a stellar spell of Palace

Palace’s path to the top-flight.

shirts before being replaced by, well, nobody,

Unfortunately, even Sir Steve

and then Churchill at the new millennium. The

couldn’t consolidate the south Londoner’s Premier League berth in ‘98, however, and he watched on as Lombardo and Ray Lewington stepped-in to attempt a fire-fighting rescue mission.

Japanese electrics company rose to prominence as pioneers of the cassette tape in 1966.

Today, TDK have founded and owned their own football club, advertised at Piccadilly Circus and Times Square and operate with a revenue of $12bn.

But, naturally, they’ll always be known for David Hopkin.

Buyers’ guide: It’s not particularly easy to buy one of these classics – despite the popular shirt being manufactured for twice the usual length and appearing in the Premier League. However - ad - a replica version can be bought via Palace’s Club Shop for just £34.99.

kit or miss

65

66

We’ve made the beer better.

Worth a try? Probably.

Carlsberg Danish Pilsner.

Rebrewed for a crisper taste.

67

Club Historian, Ian King, looks back at the 1990/91 campaign that saw a Wembley return and confirmed Palace, for one season at least, as the third-best club in the country.

1990/91 seaon

68

against Chairman Ron Noades for comments he made following a 21-man brawl between Arsenal and United earlier in the season.

Seven days later and Palace were

T

involved in another London derby, he most important game of the

this time at Queens Park Rangers’

season so far took place on

compact home. The Eagles had not

Saturday, 10th November, when

mustered a single goal in the previous

second-place Arsenal crossed London

seven meetings against the Rs, losing

to Selhurst Park, an encounter that

consecutive meetings in 1989/90.

attracted a crowd of 28,181 with record receipts of £268,000.

It was a game where strong

But their fortune would change over 90 minutes, starting midway through the first-half when Andy

defences cancelled out both sides’

Gray burst forward and unleashed a

scoring prowess to end in a perhaps

through-ball for Wright, who broke free

inevitable goalless draw. However

from Paul Parker’s attention to rifle a

that nearly wasn’t the case as midway

first-time shot in off the defender’s leg.

through the second-half John Salako

Originally given as an own goal,

swept in Ian Wright’s cross only to be

Wright later received the credit having

ruled as marginally offside, a decision

not scored in eight games. Eddie

that infuriated Palace fans close to

McGoldrick replaced Phil Barber at

the action.

the break and gave former Palace

Following a run of three below-par

left-back Kenny Sansom a torrid time

performances, Steve Coppell admitted

by setting up a string of chances, but it

afterwards that “November is our

was Rangers who escaped the Eagles’

watershed in many ways… It’s only at

stranglehold 20 minutes from the end

the end of the month we will find where

to equalise.

we are going.”

Off-pitch drama unfolded in the

With the game at 1-1, the winning goal came eight minutes from time in

following week as the FA dismissed a

classic Palace fashion as McGoldrick

charge called by Manchester United

took a corner, Andy Thorn knocked it

official matchday programme

69

up at the near post and Wright then headed in

Geoff Thomas darted through the middle to

under the bar.

release the talisman to clip home.

The following Monday was the Juniors’

The Saints immediately drew level again

turn to face Rangers in an FA Youth Cup Second

but in the second-half Palace’s superior fitness

Round tie at Selhurst. Rangers were leading 3-0

carried them to victory following Mark Bright’s

with 17 minutes left but three Palace goals in

goal eight minutes after the break.

eight minutes earned a replay and the Hoops’

The effort was a carbon copy of the second

frustration was shown in the final minute with a

goal at Rangers seven days before, only this

booking for a teenage Dougie Freedman!

time it was Young providing the assist from

Saturday 24th brought another away day

McGoldrick’s corner.

as Palace travelled to the Dell to face mid-table

And as for Richard Shaw, he more than

Southampton in a game that began with one for

made up for his earlier mistake by carrying out a

the record books; after just 28 seconds Palace

fine job marking Matt LeTissier.

were a goal down. Richard Shaw elected to pass back to Nigel Martyn without realising his teammate was nearer than he thought and could

EDDIE McGOLDRICK

only watch in horror as the scrambling ‘keeper made an unsuccessful attempt to stop the ball from crossing the line.

JOINED FROM: Northampton Town, January 1989. £200,000 DEBUT: 10th January, 1989 v Luton Town (H) FINAL PALACE GAME: 8th May, 1993 v Arsenal (A) But this proved to be the Eagles’ worst moment as Wright continued his return to scoring form with a brace inside three minutes around the half-hour mark. First he collected

LEFT FOR: Arsenal, June 1993 APPEARANCES: 189

Eric Young’s 50-yard clearance to beat Tim

GOALS:

Flowers with a cross-shot and then skipper

16

1990/91 season

70

official matchday programme

71

A

s a new Category 1 side competing against mostly northern clubs, we’ve got to get used to long-distance travel,

staying in hotels overnight and having the prematch routine you see at first-team level. For a number of the lads, that’s relatively new.

So to go to Sunderland last month and take the game to them proved to me the lads listened to the information we gave them throughout the week.

We knew Sunderland had made serious changes to their Under-23 team from last year.

They’re trying to get as close to a first-team level as possible in their style of play and the

my advice to any young player is don’t get carried away, it’s a long and hard to journey to becoming a professional footballer

type of players they’ve got but we more than matched them and played some fantastic football at times.

Two goals stand out from that 4-3 win;

and that recognition is brilliant for him and the football club. But my advice to any

both very different for different reasons. The

young player is don’t get carried away, it’s

first was Kian Flanagan’s - exceptional from a

a long and hard to journey to becoming a

coaching perspective. They’re the kind of goals

professional footballer. This is a demanding

you dream about; most of the players touched

environment and to be recognised one month

the ball in that sequence and it was a brilliant

is great, but Alfie’s challenge is: can he do it

finish by Kian.

again next month?

Our final goal from Sion Spence was

We’re preparing for our final game of

completely different but I took as much joy out

the year against Newcastle by having two

of it as I did Kian’s. Sion came from the bench

in-house friendlies to keep ourselves in match

and you want your subs to make a difference.

mode. We’ve been lucky with the fixture list

The subs that came on that day really, really

this year and have consistently played week

contributed. People saw it as an own goal but

in, week out. We don’t want that to stop.

it was a No.10 getting himself in and around the goal and getting his just rewards.

We were unbelievably frustrated with

Over Christmas, you shouldn’t have time off as a footballer. It’s your responsibility to keep your fitness levels as high as you

the Stoke result at the end of last month

possibly can. The Academy fixture list does

and were then punished for not taking our

shut down so the lads will have a quiet period

chances against Fulham four days later. But

but they’ll be monitored from afar.

that’s what football’s like; it comes back to bite you pretty harshly.

Alfie Matthews recently earned a nomination for PL2 Player of the Month,

They’ll have a schedule they have to commit to from home and we’ll be back in shortly after Christmas. I very much look forward to it.

shaun derry

Siobha

72

official matchday programme

Wilso

73

we were never going to get it spot on straight away; it takes time, but we’ve really shown our strength at times this season

I

’d been playing abroad for so long I wasn’t

and break into the team, but speaking with

enjoying my career so much. But since

Palace this time last year convinced me that

I’ve been at Palace, I can actually say I’m

moving was the right thing. The atmosphere at

enjoying my football now. We have a great

the club and the coaches – who didn’t make any

bunch of girls, great coaching staff and a good

immediate promises – made switching seem like

environment with no negative energy. I’ve really

the best option.

enjoyed being at Palace.

I started playing overseas on a scholarship

Now I’ve been here for a year, I’ve seen and know it’s only a matter of time before we start

in America, studying psychology and playing

making a statement about the type of team we

football for about four years. After graduating I

are; which we’ve done in wins against teams

then went straight to Spain to play professionally

like London Bees last month. You want to win

for a year and then spent half a season in Italy.

every game but in football that’s never going to

It was a great experience which a lot of

happen. We pretty much have a new squad so

players would love - being around a different

we were never going to get it spot on straight

culture, experiencing the way other people

away; it takes time, but we’ve really shown our

live. It was a good experience but it’s difficult.

strength at times this season.

You don’t know the language, you’re there by yourself and the only thing you have is football.

Now I’m back home with friends and family

All that’s left of the year is a south London derby with Charlton, my former club. We play Charlton the day after the first-team play

and able to speak the language, I have things

Liverpool, so we’re all hoping for a strong end to

that provide release outside of football. Abroad,

2020 across the club.

you’re there for football and nothing else, so if

I’m not going to say I don’t want to

things aren’t going so well, you have nothing to

win because Charlton are my former team.

help you deal with that.

Ultimately, they let me play when I had no

My career back in England started with

other options so I’ll always have respect

Charlton Athletic and, after not playing as many

for them. But I’m going into the game with a

games as I’d have liked, Palace got in touch. My

winning mindset; it’s a must-win match for me

intention was always to prove myself at Charlton

and the team.

Siobhan Wilson

74

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2020/21

Patrick van Aanholt

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UNLOCKING POTENTIAL 01737 225 711 |

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29/12/2017 09:17

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Wilfried Zaha

Mamadou Sakho

Wayne Hennessey

Jeffrey Schlupp

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Gary Cahill

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official matchday programme

Sep

oct

nov

dec

jan

2-3

0-2 1-4 0-3 2-4 3-1

Blackburn Rovers

London Bees

Lewes

Durham

Leicester City

Sheffield United

Bristol City

Coventry United

London Bees

Liverpool

Lewes

Charlton Athletic

London City Lionesses

Durham

Leicester City

Blackburn Rovers

London Bees

Sun 27

Sun 4

Wed 7

Sun 11

Sun 18

Sun 1

Thu 5

Sun 8

Thu 19

Sun 6

Sun 13

Sun 20

Sun 10

Sun 17

Sun 24

Sun 7

Sun 14

Lewes

Coventry United

Sun 25

may Sun 2

Sheffield United

Sun 4

Liverpool

1-1

London City Lionesses

Sat 12

2-0

0-4

6-1

2-1

4-1

2-2

Charlton Athletic

Result

Opposition

Sun 6

mar Sun 7

feb

apr

Sep oct nov dec JAN FEB MAR

Burnley Wolverhampton Wanderers Leeds United Reading Sunderland Stoke City

Mon 15 Sun 21 Mon 1 Fri 12 Mon 22 Mon 12

STATS

2-5

0-1

4-3

Home Fixture Away Fixture Cup Fixture (Crystal Palace score shown first)

Middlesbrough

Newcastle United

Aston Villa

Fri 5

Mon 26

Norwich City

Mon 1

Fulham

Mon 04

West Bromwich Albion

Stoke City

Mon 30

Mon 25

Sunderland

Mon 23

Fulham

6-0

Reading

Mon 9

Mon 18

1-4

Leeds United

Sun 1

Newcastle United

2-1

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Mon 26

Middlesbrough

1-0

Burnley

Mon 19

Sun 10

0-1

Aston Villa

Fri 2

Mon 21

0-3

Norwich City

Fri 25

3-3

West Bromwich Albion

Mon 21

Result

Opposition

Date

may Mon 3

APR

Sep oct Nov dec Jan feb MAR APR may

Date

1-0 1-2 1-5

Norwich City Leicester City Reading West Ham United Aston Villa Tottenham Hotpsur Fleetwood Town Brighton & Hove Albion West Bromwich Albion Fulham Southampton Arsenal Fulham Chelsea Norwich City Leicester City Reading West Ham United Aston Villa

Sat 17 Sat 24 Sat 31 Sat 7 Sat 28 Sat 5 Fri 11 Sat 19 Sat 9 Sat 16 Sat 23 Sat 30 Sat 06 Sat 13 Sat 20 Sat 27 Sat 13 Sat 20 Sat 17

Sat 8

Sat 1

West Bromwich Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion

Tottenham Hotpsur

1-0

Chelsea

Fri 2

Sat 24

3-2

Arsenal

Sat 26

1-2

2-1

1-0

2-3

2-1

Southampton

Sat 19

Result

Opposition

Date

75

May

April

March

February

January

December

November

October

September

Date

Opposition

Result

Position

Sat 12

Southampton

1-0

7th

Tue 15

Bournemouth

0-0

Sat 19

Manchester United

3-1

Sat 26

Everton

1-2

6th

Sat 3

Chelsea

0-4

12th

Sat 17

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-1

14th

Sat 24

Fulham

2-1

8th

Sat 31

Wolverhampton Wanderers

0-2

13th

Sat 7

Leeds United

4-1

8th

Mon 23

Burnley

0-1

11th

Fri 27

Newcastle United

0-2

15th

Sat 5

West Bromwich Albion

1-5

11th

Sat 12

Tottenham Hotspur

1-1

11th

Tue 15

West Ham United

Sat 19

Liverpool

Sat 26

Aston Villa

Mon 28

Leicester City

Sat 2

Sheffield United

Fri 8

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Tue 12

Arsenal

Sat 16

Manchester City

Wed 27

West Ham United

Sat 30

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wed 3

Newcastle United

Sat 6

Leeds United

Sat 13

Burnley

Sat 20

Brighton & Hove Albion

Sat 27

Fulham

Sat 6

Tottenham Hotspur

Sat 13

West Bromwich Albion

Sat 20

Manchester United

Sat 3

Everton

Sat 10

Chelsea

Sat 17

Southampton

Sat 24

Leicester City

Sat 1

Manchester City

Sat 8

Sheffield United

Wed 12

Aston Villa

Sat 15

Arsenal

Sun 23

Liverpool

official matchday programme

(10-11)

R2 5th

Cheikhou KouyatĂŠ

Card Red Card

Max Meyer

Yellow

Scott Dann

Goal(s)

James Tomkins

Unused Sub

Luka Milivojevic

Used Sub

Patrick van Aanholt

Started

Joel Ward

Home Fixture Away Fixture Cup Fixture - Palace score shown first.

Jack Butland

76

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Jordan Ayew Andros Townsend Wilfried Zaha Mamadou Sakho Wayne Hennessey Jeffrey Schlupp Nathaniel Clyne James McArthur Stephen Henderson Christian Benteke James McCarthy Michy Batshuayi Gary Cahill Eberechi Eze Tyrick Mitchell Vicente Guaita Jaroslaw Jach Martin Kelly Sam Woods Nathan Ferguson Nya Kirby Brandon Pierrick JaĂŻro Riedewald

77

9 10 11 12 13 15 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 27 31 33 34 35 36 37 40 44

Fixtures & results

78

Club

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD Pts

1

Tottenham Hotspur

12

7

4

1

24

10

14

25

2

Liverpool

12

7

4

1

27

18

9

25

3

Leicester City

12

8

0

4

24

15

9

24

4

Southampton

12

7

2

3

24

17

7

23

5

Chelsea

12

6

4

2

25

12

13

22

6

West Ham United

12

6

2

4

20

15

5

20

7

Everton

12

6

2

4

21

18

3

20

8

Manchester United

11

6

2

3

19

17

2

20

9

Manchester City

11

5

4

2

17

11

6

19

10

Aston Villa

10

6

0

4

21

13

8

18

11

Crystal Palace

12

5

2

5

18

17

1

17

12

Newcastle United

11

5

2

4

14

16

-2

17

13

Wolverhampton Wanderers

12

5

2

5

11

16

-5

17

14

Leeds United

12

4

2

6

17

22

-5

14

15

Arsenal

12

4

1

7

10

15

-5

13

16

Brighton & Hove Albion

12

2

4

6

15

21

-6

10

17

Burnley

11

2

3

6

6

18

-12

9

18

Fulham

12

2

2

8

12

22

-10

8

19

West Bromwich Albion

12

1

3

8

9

25

-16

6

20

Sheffield United

12

0

1

11

5

21

-16

1

Gameweek 14

premier league

All statistics correct as of 5pm Tuesdsay 15th December

crystal palace √ liverpool

spurs √ leicester

19th December 12:30

20th December 14:15

southampton √ man city

man utd √ leeds

19th December 15:00

20th December 16:30

everton √ arsenal

west brom √ aston villa

19th December 17:30

20th December 19:15

newcastle √ fulham

burnley √ wolves

19th December 20:00

21st December 17:30

brighton √ sheffield utd

chelsea √ west ham

20th December 12:00

21st December 20:00

Crystal Palace and the rest of the Premier League will not tolerate racism, anywhere, and we are taking action to combat all forms of discrimination.

But we can all do more.

Challenge it, report it, change it, and together we can make a positive impact.

Visit premierleague.com/noroomforracism to find out more. #NoRoomForRacism

Challenge it.

Report it. Change it.

Crystal palace f.c.

(GK) Jack BUTLAND Joel WARD Patrick VAN AANHOLT Luka MILIVOJEVIC James TOMKINS Scott DANN Max MEYER Cheikhou KOUYATÉ Jordan AYEW Andros TOWNSEND Wilfried ZAHA Mamadou SAKHO Jeffrey SCHLUPP Nathaniel CLYNE James MCARTHUR (GK) Stephen HENDERSON Christian BENTEKE James MCCARTHY Michy BATSHUAYI Gary CAHILL Eberechi EZE Tyrick MITCHELL (GK) Vicente GUAITA Martin KELLY Sam WOODS Nathan FERGUSON Jaïro RIEDEWALD

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 15 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 27 31 34 35 36 44

liverpool f.c.

01 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 20 21 23 26 27 32 46 47 62 64 65 66 72 76 89

ALISSON (GK) FABINHO Virgil VAN DIJK Georginio WIJNALDUM THIAGO James MILNER Naby KEÏTA Roberto FIRMINO Sadio MANÉ Mohamed SALAH Joe GOMEZ ADRIÁN (GK) Jordan HENDERSON Alex OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN Curtis JONES Takumi MINAMINO Diogo JOTA Konstantinos TSIMIKAS Xherdan SHAQIRI Andrew ROBERTSON Divock ORIGI Joel MATIP Rhys WILLIAMS Nathaniel PHILLIPS Caoimhín KELLEHER (GK) Jake CAIN Leighton CLARKSON Trent ALEXANDER-ARNOLD Sepp VAN DEN BERG Neco WILLIAMS Billy KOUMETIO