Crystal Palace v KuPS 2526 programme

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Crystal Palace √ KuPS Kuopio thu 18 dec 2025 | 8:00pm k.o.

Directors Chairman Steve Parish, David Blitzer, Joshua Harris, Woody Johnson Chief Executive Officer Sharon Lacey Chief Financial Officer Mitesh Velani Club Secretary Christine Dowdeswell Head of Sports Medicine Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad Academy Director Gary Issott Director of U21 Development Mark Bright Chief Operating Officer Jonty Castle Chief Commercial Officer Barry Webber General Counsel David Nichol Head of Ticketing Paul McGowan Head of Retail Foz Bowers Head of Marketing Matt Franks Head of Safeguarding Laura Baptiste Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott

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21 04 manager 08 chairman

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Editor Jack Lacey-Hatton Design Billy Cooke, Stu Ellmer Contributors Robin Johnson, Ed Dowling, Joe Turner, Ian King,

10 Joonas kolkka 21 kups kuopio 30 Talking tactics 36 conference catch-up

Patrick Rosanio, Sebastian Frej Photography Neil Everitt, Peter Hurn, Sebastian Frej, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Kontent Haus, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

40 behind the lens

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50 continental quiz 51 from the terraces

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Manager

oliver glasner Welcome back to Selhurst Park, and a warm welcome to Jarkko Wiss, his staff and players, as well as all the KuPS supporters who have made the journey for tonight’s game.

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unday’s game against Manchester City was a game where the result didn’t reflect the performance. Many areas of the game I was pleased with, we created plenty of chances, but the quality in both boxes decided the outcome. But we were competitive once again, after playing three games in a week, one of the positives for us to take. The result was frustrating, but we will move on quickly.

Tonight is our last game in the UEFA Conference League league phase, and we know what a big opportunity this is. We want to win and hopefully be in the last 16.

Obviously, it would an advantage to get through without the play-off game, but if we have to play this round to qualify in February as well, we will do so.

Of course, ideally we would already be through to the next stage. You always want to try and progress at the first opportunity.

But we also realise this is our first European experience playing a league phase, and it was always going to be a learning curve for us.

Overall, I think the players have

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We want to win and hopefully be in the last 16.

Obviously, it would an advantage to get through without the playoff game, but if we have to play this round to qualify in February as well, we will do so

Manager

I wanted to thank you as well for following us across Europe throughout our UEFA Conference League campaign so far. Whether in Norway, Poland, France or Republic of Ireland last week, the away end has always been sold out and you’ve shown your support.

It is appreciated by all of us

done very well. Now we want to extend our run in the competition for as long as possible and that means getting a result tonight.

We play against Leeds in just two days’ time so we will have to use the squad to get through both games.

But our approach, as always, will be to win the game. We also respect KuPS and they will provide a strong

We play against Leeds in just two days’ time so we will have to use the squad to get through both games. But our approach, as always, will be to win the game.

We also respect KuPS and they will provide a strong test for us. You can see from their record in the competition so far, they are a good team test for us. You can see from their record in the competition so far, they are a good team. Their goal difference is scored four, conceded three, from five games – so they are consistent in defence. This will be the challenge for us, to create chances and score goals.

I wanted to thank you as well for following us across Europe throughout our UEFA Conference League campaign so far. Whether in Norway, Poland, France or Republic of Ireland last week, the away end has always been sold out and you’ve shown your support. It is appreciated by all of us, so thank you very much.

As this is our final home game before Christmas, I would just like to take the opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy the festive period. I look forward to seeing you all back at Selhurst Park against Tottenham on 28th December.

I hope you also enjoy tonight, where hopefully we will take the next step in our European journey together

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Captain

marc Guéhi Welcome back to Selhurst Park for another big European evening under the lights against KuPS Kuopio.

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hilst last Sunday’s result against Manchester City was a disappointing one, there were still plenty of positives in our performance to take forward.

We were in the game for the vast majority of the contest, only to be undone by two bits of quality – then we were caught chasing the game in the closing stages. That can happen, particularly against a side with the quality that Manchester City possess.

It was the first time in the year of 2025 that we’ve lost a home game by more than one goal, and only the fourth we’ve lost on our own turf this year. That record speaks volumes.

We always make it difficult for teams coming to South London and we want that to continue in our final two home games of 2025.

The good thing about having so many games at the moment is that you don’t dwell on results. An opportunity to respond is never far around the corner and that’s what we have tonight against KuPS Kuopio. As we’ve seen in this competition every team needs to be respected. They are champions of their country for a reason. They won’t be pushovers and

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The good thing about having so many games at the moment is that you don’t dwell on results.

An opportunity to respond is never far around the corner and that’s what we have tonight against KuPS Kuopio

Captain

Thank you to each and every one of you who has followed us on our European run so far. The atmosphere you have created, both here and across the continent, has been really special.

Hopefully we’ll all have more memories together from February onwards

– like we were against Shelbourne last week – we’ll need to be on our game from the first minute.

Well done as well to Benji on his first-team debut last week and to Joél for making the matchday squad. All of us made the same journey at some point in our careers and for both to be involved in European football at such a young age is a credit to them. There is plenty of exciting young talent at the club and it’s great to see.

Well done as well to Benji on his firstteam debut last week and to Joél for making the matchday squad.

All of us made the same journey at some point in our careers and for both to be involved in European football at such a young age is a credit to them We’ve had up and downs in the league phase so far, but overall we’ve adapted well to the demands of European football and beaten some very well coached sides. One more push tonight and we’ll be in the knockout stages, where the

excitement and the quality of the games is only going to go up another level. It’ll be a big challenge, but one everyone in this dressing room wants.

Thank you to each and every one of you who has followed us on our European run so far. The atmosphere you have created, both here and across the continent, has been really special. Hopefully we’ll all have more memories together from February onwards.

All that’s left for me to say is that I wish you all a merry and peaceful Christmas. I can’t wait to hear the atmosphere you create at Selhurst Park tonight

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chairman

steve parish Welcome back to Selhurst Park for this evening’s match, and a warm welcome to our visitors from Finland – the supporters, players, staff and directors of KuPS Kuopio.

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s tonight is our final match in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League, let me start by thanking you all for your tremendous support throughout the competition so far.

You’ve travelled far and wide, over land and sea, to give your backing to the team. I wrote before the Fredrikstad play-off match back in August that I was excited for us to show Europe what an amazing atmosphere we create, both on the continent and at home. You have not disappointed. I know that for so many of you the extra travel and cost required will have led to plenty of sacrifices. It does not go unappreciated.

Most of us had spent years only ever dreaming of the team playing in Europe, so it would be a proud moment if we can reach the knockout stages this evening. Let’s give Oliver and his players the full backing required to get them over the line tonight.

A special mention to both Benji Casey and Joél Drakes-Thomas, who both made the matchday squad for our win over Shelbourne last week, with Benji then coming off the bench

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let me start by thanking you all for your tremendous support throughout the competition so far.

You’ve travelled far and wide, over land and sea, to give your backing to the team

Chairman

to make his debut. It was another proud moment for everyone connected with our Academy. It’s always special when any Academy player is able to represent the first-team, but to do so at the age of just 17 is particularly impressive. As always, it is a vindication of all of the hard work that has gone into our facilities, and from countless coaches and support staff down at Beckenham, as well as the support of their friends and loved ones.

Benji and Joél’s recent progress should prove inspirational to their Under-21 and Under-18 teammates.

A special mention to both Benji Casey and Joél Drakes-Thomas, who both made the matchday squad for our win over Shelbourne last week, with Benji then coming off the bench to make his debut.

It was another proud moment for everyone connected with our Academy Last weekend proved another excellent one for Palace Women, who secured progress in the Women’s FA Cup with a win over Lewes. Jo and her team can now look forward to a meeting with Chelsea in the New

Year for a place in the last 16. Their last game of 2025 comes on Sunday, against the European Champions Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the League Cup. It is a big challenge going up against such high-quality opponents, but I am sure they will rise to the occasion. Tickets for the match at Sutton are still available so, as ever, please do get down and support the team if you can.

Tonight is our final home fixture before the Christmas holiday period.

Therefore, let me take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hannukah or a restful holiday period wherever you are reading this, and to thank you for your support so far this season. I hope we can send you into the festivities with a positive result tonight and have more European trips to look forward to in the New Year.

Happy Christmas and up the Palace!

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let me take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hannukah or a restful holiday period wherever you are reading this, and to thank you for your support so far this season.

I hope we can send you into the festivities with a positive result

JOONAS

With Finnish opponents in town for our final league phase fixture in the 2025/26 UEFA Conference League the matchday programme spoke to former Palace and Finland winger Joonas Kolkka. Here are his reflections from his time in South London and how he feels tonight’s game might go...

Interview: Jack Lacey-Hatton

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Joonas Kolkka

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henever we let someone at Crystal Palace know that Joonas Kolkka is our interviewee for this particular issue, an inevitable one-word response came back. ‘Baller’.

Kolkka was at Palace for just one full season, the Eagles’ first Premier League campaign in six years back in the 2004/05. Yet the technically gifted winger left an impression.

When you consider that season ended in relegation, and that Kolkka returned to his former stomping ground in the Netherlands only a month into the following season, the warm response to his name speaks volumes about him as a player, and as a person.

The Finland international signed from Borussia Mönchengladbach in July 2004, having already won domestic titles in his native country and Holland – where he played under the legendary Bobby Robson and in a team that also featured a certain Ruud van Nistelrooy.

But, as he explains, England was always the aim.

“I had a contract in Germany,” he tells the matchday programme. “And Gladbach are a big club in Germany, so I wasn’t looking to move.

“But Palace had won promotion and were looking for a winger, so they got in contact with me.

“It’s maybe not always the easiest move to go direct to the Premier League. Even back then it was the best league and very fast, very physical.

“But of course, it was always a dream for me to play in England.

I think a lot of young players across

JOONAS Even back then it was the best league and very fast, very physical. But of course, it was always a dream for me to play in England. I think a lot of young players across Europe always want to play there at some point. So I was really happy just to have the opportunity, I felt honoured

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Europe always want to play there at some point.

“So I was really happy just to have the opportunity, I felt honoured.

We were able to arrange it [the transfer] relatively quickly, and suddenly I was joining up with the squad in pre-season.”

Moving to another country and a new footballing culture is always a daunting prospect.

Luckily for Joonas, there was a familiar face already in the dressing room.

“Aki [Riihilahti] was already there,” he recalls. “He helped me settle in as well, as he’s also Finnish and we had played in the national team [together].

Chris richards

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the warmth from everyone at the club was really noticeable 14

Joonas Kolkka “We knew each other really well and he really helped me settle quickly in the early days. He could tell me what was going on with the team.

“But the warmth from everyone at the club was really noticeable, the fans as well. You don’t get that at every club.”

Wins did not come easy that season for the Eagles. But the team, who hadn’t really expected to win promotion the previous season, only doing so after sneaking into the play-offs, played with real spirit and courage throughout the campaign.

Their best run of form that year came in the autumn.

Back-to-back wins over West Brom and Birmingham City were followed up with a credible draw against an Arsenal side fresh from going on a 49-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.

Palace then travelled to a Liverpool side, who would end the season as European Champions, in confident mood. Kolkka was enjoying his own excellent personal run of form.

Then came one of his best moments. With the Eagles trailing just before half-time, Tony Popovic nabbed the ball and lofted a pass towards Kolkka.

The Finn still had plenty of work to do from a tight angle. But just three touches later, the latter a magnificent volley, the ball was in the Liverpool net.

Palace would ultimately go down 3-2 in a five-goal thriller, but scoring at Anfield is always a moment to savour.

“It was a real experience for me, that goal,” says Kolkka. “The only pity is I didn’t score more like that, I wished I could have.

It was a real experience for me, that goal. The only pity is I didn’t score more like that, I wished I could have.

But to score at the Kop was incredible.

That was special because, like everyone, you know of this stadium from a young age. It was a great moment. I scored at Old Trafford as well. It’s not bad to say this from one year in England

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“But to score in front of the Kop was incredible. That was special because, like everyone, you know of this stadium from a young age.

“It was a great moment. I scored at Old Trafford as well. It’s not bad to say this from one year in England.”

Kolkka threw his all into that season and was often a creative spark. But despite his efforts, plus the outstanding season of goals from Andy Johnson, the Eagles were relegated in heartbreaking fashion following a final-day draw at Charlton.

It was not what the skilful winger had expected right throughout the season, considering how talented the group were.

“We never stopped working hard and fighting throughout that year,” reflects Kolkka. “Even when results were tough we never gave up.

Joonas Kolkka “It was a talented team. It’s a pity it was just not enough.

“Fitz Hall was a good defender, Tony Popovic was the leader, a real general of the team. [Michael] Hughes did well in the Premier League.

“And Wayne Routledge was a young guy in that team who we all realised was really talented. I think the fans could tell as well.

“He was just getting better and better with every week.”

Despite leaving only just over a year after first joining, South London left a lasting impression on the Finn.

For a player who represented huge European clubs such as PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord and Panathinaikos over his distinguished career, it’s telling that Kolkka rates the Palace fans as among the best he experienced.

“No player could ever have complaints about the support from the Palace crowd,” said Kolkka.

“The fans were – and still are – fantastic. It was great to play there every time. We had really good support from them, even when results were tough. That’s when fans show you what they are all about.”

Kolkka and Aki Riihilahti were part of something of a golden generation for Finland. As well as fellow Palace alumni Mikael Forssell, they could also call upon the likes of Jari Litmanen – widely regarded as their best ever player, Antti Niemi, Sami Hyypiä and Teemu Tainio.

They went close to World Cup qualification in 2002, drawing twice with Germany but losing to England.

Even as late as 2008 they were ranked 33rd in the world. Not bad for a country that had a population of just over 5,000,000 at the time.

It was a talented team. It’s a pity it was just not enough. Fitz Hall was a good defender, Tony Popovic was the leader, a real general of the team.

[Michael] Hughes did well in the Premier League.And Wayne Routledge was a young guy in that team who we all realised was really talented

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“We had some good players,” Kolkka adds. “But probably not enough for a deep squad. That’s always been the challenge for Finland right through history.

“We have always been able to develop some good players. But not the 11, 12, 13 or 14 top-class players that a national team needs to reach the knockout tournaments.

“With us if one or two players were injured, we just didn’t have the quality. The level would go down immediately.

“It was a lot harder to qualify for the European Championships back then as well.

“But right now things are looking good for football in our country. I’m excited for the team now, at the moment they have some interesting young players.

The fans were – and still are – fantastic 17

Palace have a really good team and I have to back my old club!

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Joonas Kolkka “With more places [for qualifiers] at the major tournaments, we can dream about maybe reaching the finals one day. They are developing into a good side.

“Hopefully Euro 2028 isn’t too soon. But it’s always going to be a challenge to qualify for the European Championships or World Cup.” Historically it’s not been easy for clubs from Finland to progress deep into European competition, although HJK Helsinki did reach the quarter-finals of the European Cup back in 1965.

In general though it’s not easy, not least because Finland, like other countries in the Nordic region, run their domestic football calendar through the summer from April to October.

Therefore, club sides naturally aren’t always peaking during the winter.

But ahead of tonight’s game, Finland’s domestic champions KuPS still have a chance to progress to the knockout stages.

It’s a further positive sign that things are pushing in the right direction according to Kolkka.

“I have to say they’ve done the country proud,” he says. “They played a great season already. They won the league championship, when they weren’t top for the whole season.

“They lost the cup final – but they are still in the Conference League with one game to go and that’s a really good season. It’s a big game – a final for them really – to play against Premier League opposition.

“They have some talented players and all work hard.”

That being said, Kolkka is still

I have to say they’ve done the country proud, They played a great season already. They won the league championship, when they weren’t top for the whole season. They lost the cup final – but they are still in the Conference League with one game to go and that’s a really good season. It’s a big game – a final for them really – to play against Premier League opposition

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backing his former club to come through tonight’s game and progress to the latter stages.

“With all respect, I expect Palace to win. Palace need a result as well and so will give everything.

“I think that Palace will press them and ensure they don’t really have any space. There is a big difference in skill between the Premier League and the Finnish league.

“It’s their [KuPS’] off season as well. They don’t have league games at the moment. But it’ll be nice to see what they can do.

“But Palace have a really good team and I have to back my old club!”

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SHARE GOOD TIMES WITH

GREAT PILSNER GRAB A BEER THAT’S CRISP, BRIGHT AND REFRESHING 20

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KuPS Kuopio

kups Kuopio this season Position

1st

Points

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Top Scorer Mohamed Toure

Otto Ruoppi

As Finland’s 2024 league champions, the Keltamusta were involved in UEFA Champions League qualifying, progressing past Moldovan champions FC Milsami Orhei 1-0 on aggregate.

However, their run was ended

by Kazakhstan's Kairat Almaty in the second qualifying round. KuPS won the first leg 2-0, but suffered on their travels going down 3-0 as Kairat completed an improbable turnaround.

That meant dropping down to the UEFA Europa League. But hopes of reaching the league phase in that competition were ended by FC Midtjylland in the play-off round.

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away

EUROPEAN RUN -

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Most Assists

home

Thanks to Finland’s football calendar – designed to avoid playing in the harsh winter – KuPS’ domestic season actually concluded at the end of October.

It proved the perfect campaign for Keltamusta (The Yellow-Blacks) who claimed a second straight domestic title, and their eighth historically.

With previous manager Jani Honkavaara poached by Swedish side Djurgården after the 2024 success, former Stockport County and Hibernian midfielder Jarkko Wiss was installed as coach ahead of the campaign – officially taking charge on New Year’s Day. Having won a league and cup double the previous season, KuPS began the campaign as favourites. But it wasn’t entirely straightforward. Back-to-back defeats against rivals Ilves and VPS at the end of May left them playing catchup in the title race.

They again lost two on the spin, without scoring in June – and by the time the league split into it’s second ‘Championship’ stage, KuPS were only fourth in the table.

But against the best teams in the country, they raised their game. KuPS lost only one of their ten final fixtures in this stage, winning seven, to pull clear of their nearest rivals.

The penultimate round of games clinched it. Wiss’ side beat Inter Turku

3-2, thanks to a late Florian Krebs penalty in the 80th minute.

That meant only Ilves could mathematically catch them at the top of the league – but they could only manage a 3-3 draw with SJK. That meant KuPS had successfully defended the title for the first time in their history.

third

season so far -

KuPS Kuopio

0-0 KuPS √ Lausanne-Sport

“I am very proud of how the players have performed in Europe. We have played five games and have played for points every night.”

Jarkko Wiss

Thursday 11th December / Tammelan Stadion

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P. Ricardo

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what happened -

However, as a result KuPS entered the UEFA Conference League – for their first ever European league campaign.

Moving into the third-tier tournament has also seemed to prove something of a blessing in disguise.

Wiss’ team look more than capable of a decent run in the tournament. Going unbeaten on the first three matchdays, following up two draws with a 3-1 win over Slovan Bratislava.

Their domestic season may have concluded well over a month ago, but it hasn’t impacted their ability to grind out results A goalless draw with Swiss side FC Lausanne-Sport last week ensures KuPS lie 25th in the UEFA Conference League table ahead of tonight’s game. A result tonight at Selhurst Park could still see them qualify for the play-off round.

KuPS and Lausanne played out a goalless draw on matchday five, leaving the hosts needing points on the final day to make the play-off round.

The Finnish side dominated the vast majority of the early stages, controlling possession and seeing Mohamed Toure waste a half chance.

But it was the visitors who had the only shot on target of the opening 45 minutes, when Nathan Butler-Oyedeji tested KuPS goalkeeper Johannes Kreidl.

Lausanne were better after the break, with Canadian forward Thelonius Bair heading over from close range.

Striker Piotr Parzyszek could have nicked it with just four minutes remaining, but his effort was saved brilliantly by Lausanne goalkeeper Karlo Letica.

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KuPS Kuopio

a SEASON TO REMEMBER A look back at one of our opponents’ most iconic campaigns. In this issue we take a look at when tonight’s visitors won the Veikkausliiga for a seventh time…

2024 Going into the domestic season of 2024, Kuopion Palloseura – or KuPS – as they are known, were far from clear favourites to get back to the summit of Finnish football.

HJK Helsinki, the country’s most successful club historically, were looking to make it five Championships in-a-row, having edged out KuPS on goal difference the previous season.

The two sides met on the opening day, with Jani Honkavaara’s side setting the tone for their campaign. An own goal and strikes from Saku Savolainen and Petteri Pennanen secured statement 3-1 win over HJK. The Canaries (nicknamed because KuPS’s home region has a similar sounding name to the Canary Islands) backed it up in impressive fashion, going on a tengame unbeaten run in the league, that had them top of the table.

Yet they would still have to survive a rough patch. Three consecutive defeats in the month of June, including one away to Helsinki appeared to have flattened their title hopes.

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KuPS Kuopio

The last of these losses would be their final defeat until 1st September. By that point, Honkavaara and his team were back on top of the league, with an attacking 4-2-3-1 system seeing them overwhelm the majority of teams they faced.

KuPS secured the first half of a potential double in September, lifting the Suomen [Finland's domestic] Cup after seeing off FC Inter in extra-time, only reaching that stage after a mammoth penaltyshootout win in the semi-final, 10-9 against SJK Seinäjoki.

The final itself saw a dramatic

turnaround. Inter Turku took the lead not long after half-time and for a long time looked to have their hand on the trophy.

But captain Pennanen would ultimately be the hero. After equalising in the 86th minute to send the final to extra-time, he would strike just two minutes into the additional half hour, enough to win the cup for KuPS. There was still work to do in the league, with the Finnish Veikkausliiga splitting in two at the end of the regular season, in a similar fashion to the Scottish league, with the top half and bottom

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half playing two additional rounds of fixtures against each other.

A 1-0 defeat to high-flying Ilves appeared to have cost KuPS. But with HJK stuttering with two surprise defeats in the closing weeks, the title remained in their hands.

Three points on the final day against the Helsinki side would be enough. In the end, Pennanen struck the only goal of the game to complete the double − and a dream season for the Canaries.

Winning the title also ensured KuPS would compete in Champions League qualifying for the first time in club history in 2025.

AEK LARNACA

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TALKING TACTICS

@CPFC_Tampa

Sports scientist-turned-hobbyist analyst Pat Rosanio – better known by fans as @CPFC_Tampa – has been breaking down Crystal Palace games on social media for a number of years, having previously worked in Major League Baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays. In a new feature for 2025/26, Pat will present a scouting report on the opposition – this week he analyses Finland’s domestic champions.

Kuopion Palloseura, commonly known as KuPS, are two-time defending champions of the Finnish Veikkausliiga, and play with the confidence you’d expect from a side accustomed to winning.

Aggressive and expansive in their domestic league, their style of play has not altered in their UEFA Conference League campaign.

DOMESTIC TENDENCIES To understand KuPS, you first need to understand the league they play in. The Veikkausliiga is a frenetic domestic league that features constant end-to-end action. During the 2025 season, the average match saw 3.3 total goals – the second highest goal average from any of UEFA’s top flights. Eventual champions KuPS were no exception to this rule, scoring just under two goals per match, while conceding one.

They are active out of possession, looking to win the ball back close to goal. KuPS won possession in their final third an average of five times per match, a

strong return across a successful season. Despite this aggression, they are a very disciplined side, committing the fourth-fewest fouls per match.

This focus on keeping the ball away from their own goal at all costs led to a solid defensive record: second in goals conceded and first in clean sheets.

In possession, KuPS prefer an expansive and methodical build up.

They were second domestically in

30

average possession at 56%, second in passes completed per match, and led their league in pass accuracy.

On top of their short passing prowess, KuPS are also incredibly efficient with their use of long diagonal balls to progress up the pitch and switching flanks to attack through. They led their league in both long balls completed and accuracy, on average completing 29 such passes per match at a 53% success rate.

PREDICTED LINE-UP

KuPS Kuopio

lb

lw

antwi

pennanen

dm

cb gk kreidl

arifi

miettinen

am

st

cb

ruoppi

parzyszek

cisse

dm oksanen

rb armah

rw toure

CONSISTENCY ACROSS COMPETITIONS While most clubs from leagues outside of Europe’s traditional ‘big five’ have looked to be more compact and pragmatic in the UEFA Conference League, KuPS have stayed true to their expansive style.

They rank high in the competition for average possession (sixth), passes completed (third), and accuracy of long balls – usually diagonal pings to wingers (second).

While their defensive record has been strong – KuPS rank ninth amongst 36 UEFA Conference League sides for goals allowed – this number is slightly 'fortunate.' The Finnish champions are also giving up chances, noted by allowing the 15th most expected goals (xG). While their defensive work has been laudable, KuPS have struggled to create chances on their own, ranking 22nd in goals scored and just 28th in xG generated.

An important caveat here is the level of competition KuPS has faced.

young starlet -

Their first four matches featured opponents from Iceland, Kosovo, Slovakia, and Poland. With all due respect, those domestic competitions do not have the wealth of talent seen in the traditional ‘big five’ leagues.

This means we could expect to see a bit more pragmatism in their approach this evening.

31

If you’re wondering who will be KuPS’s main creative hub, look no further than Otto Ruoppi.

Although just 19 years of age, Ruoppi has already made 5 appearance with the Finland U-21s – netting three goals.

He is a versatile operator, playing as a winger, attacking midfielder, and even second striker when required.

Ruoppi ranks in the 81st percentile amongst UECL midfielders for possession won in the final third, and 89th for touches inside the penalty area.

Despite ranking in the 80th percentile for xG, he has yet to score in the UEFA Conference League and will look to balance out that statistical anomaly tonight.

RedBull_UK3383_ZERO_Crystal Palace Match Day Programme_148x105mm_AW.indd 1

32

08/01/2025 09:51

33

we've got history

WE'VE GOT HISTORY When Inter Milan lined up against Crystal Palace in June 1971, there was a fair amount of confidence coursing through their veins. The Italians were high on their status as Serie A champions, viewed as worldbeaters after roaring success in the 1960s, and their league season had ended with a 23-game unbeaten run.

By contrast, Palace were pleased to have avoided relegation from the top-flight, having just finished their second-ever season at such a level.

While Palace were no pushovers, the difference between them and the then-two time European Cup winners was vast.

In ordinary circumstances, the two teams would never meet – step forward the long-forgotten AngloItalian Cup. The tournament was a wonderful idea, but looking back today it seems remarkably quaint. Played from 1970-1973, eight English teams and eight Italian sides would compete for the title. It gave rise to wonderful match-ups: Roma against Blackpool; Lazio against Middlesbrough; Verona against Stoke City.

The tournament’s rules were complex and erratic, with teams split into three groups: two Italian sides and two English sides forming each. Every club would face the two foreign outfits home and away and their points would go towards an overall mini-league, again split by country.

Once these groups were completed and two final tables were formed, one English side would take on one Italian side in a one-off final, the

winner named champion.

To further complicate matters, points were awarded not only by result, but by goals scored, too.

Any idea of the tournament being a glorified ‘friendly’ was wiped out when the first final – Swindon Town taking on Napoli – was abandoned after 79 minutes due to fan violence.

Two pitch invasions and a barrage of missiles saw the referee call the contest up with the English side three goals to the good, and the trophy was awarded before the game could be concluded.

When Crystal Palace took part in the second year, 1971, they joined

34

the likes of Blackpool, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City from England, with the Italians providing the likes of Roma, Bologna and, of course, Inter Milan.

Palace were placed in what was fast dubbed ‘the group of death’, drawn against Inter, West Brom and World Cup finalist Luigi Riva’s Cagliari.

The then-Glaziers kick-started their participation well, with a single Bobby Tambling goal defeating Cagliari and an Alan Birchenall effort enough to draw against Inter – with both games at Selhurst Park.

With their matches in England completed to a degree of success, Palace prepared for a trip to Italy.

WE'VE GOT HISTORY

“I remember, we stopped at an exclusive, five-star training hotel,” midfielder Birchenall later recalled of the trip to face Cagliari. “I remember going to the ground and the thing that amazed me: the turf was like the pitches today.

“Back in the day, Selhurst Park was like the Somme at times… But when we went onto the pitch to have a look and walk out, there were about two dozen people on their hands and knees, cutting the bloody turf and pulling any weeds out. It was perfect.”

The perfect pitch leant itself to Cagliari’s football and, as Selhurst had benefitted its usual occupants the week before, the Italians ran out victors.

With a record of one win, one draw and one loss behind them, Palace prepared to take on Inter for the second time in the tournament.

Birchenall recalls a unique prematch build-up: “I remember being in the same hotel as Inter and we had to pass them in the dining room. They were having a pre-match lunch, they went in first and we had an annex. We

had to go past them to get to the annex and we were playing them later on.

“I remember walking past and I went: ‘Have a look, each player has a glass of wine!’ I found out it was just common for Italian players in that era to have a glass of wine. We thought it was bloody fruit juice but they’re allowed to have a glass of wine about midday. Italians love it – so they had a glass and we had a lemonade.”

Lemonades finished, Palace travelled to the San Siro – with Inter the brimming defenders of a nearimpenetrable fortress.

“It was like a theatre,” Birchenall describes his feelings before kick-off.

“I remember walking out and the fans were on top of you – they went vertically up about three levels. Then we looked at their teamsheet...”

The Inter team included too many icons to list, but those that stood out included Jair da Costa, Tarcisio Burgnich, Mario Corso, Sandro Mazzola, Luis Suarez and Giacinto Facchetti – all club legends in their own right.

35

Dave McClelland from the Croydon Advertiser described the following exchanges in his match report.

"In 90 minutes in the great San Siro Stadium on Friday evening Crystal Palace revealed stature that marked their real breakthrough into European soccer," he wrote.

"Inter Milan, the new Italian League champions, studded with internationals and unbeaten on their own ground for seven months, shrunk from the arena to the tune of 28,000 whistling fans who knew they had been painfully whipped.

"And Palace’s prestige-winning performance brought this comment from Inter: 'It’s the best display we have seen from a British side for years'."

Palace’s performance in the end saw them run-out as 2-1 victors thanks to a smart Tambling brace.

Despite ending the first stage with two memorable wins over both Italian opponents alongside a draw and a loss, Palace staggeringly still finished their group fifth out of sixth with nine points.

The South Londoners had the exact same record (W2 D1 L1) as three of the teams above them and could boast of a better record than Huddersfield Town, who still sat in front with two losses and two wins.

But such was their goal haul – just four from four games – Tambling, Birchenall and co. had to contend with a harsh-looking finish.

Still, for Palace it was a summer of La Dolce Vita.

They had beaten Inter Milan on their own turf. Even 54 years on, not many English teams can say that.

With thanks to club historian, Ian King.

conference catch-up

conference catch-up Crystal Palace roared back from their setback in France with a comprehensive victory over Shelbourne on matchday five in the UEFA Conference League. So where has that left us going into tonight’s decisive round of fixtures?

A 3-0 win over Shelbourne in Dublin saw the Eagles bounce back brilliantly from defeat against RC Strasbourg on matchday four, giving our goal difference a decent boost as well.

After ending matchday four in 18th, the Eagles soared back up the table to climb to ninth, after first-half goals from Christantus Uche, Eddie Nketiah and Yéremy Pino.

Palace sit on nine points, with the likes of AEK Larnaca, Fiorentina, Celje, and AZ Alkmaar all on the same total, but with the Eagles holding the best goal difference – of +5 – ahead of tonight’s games.

A win for Palace this evening would seal a top eight place – so long as we still have a superior goal difference to Larnaca, Fiorentina, Celje, and AZ Alkmaar at the end of play.

Strasbourg are the only side so far to have sealed qualification straight through to the last 16, bypassing the play-offs. They defeated Scottish Cup holders Aberdeen 1-0 last time out, and will finish top of the overall league table if they can get another three points against Icelandic side Breidablik this evening.

That might prove a good omen for the French side – Chelsea finished top of the league phase 12 months ago, before going on to win the competition.

Two other sides are still unbeaten in the league phase after five games: Larnaca, who won at Selhurst Park on matchday two and lie just behind us on goal difference, and Rakow. The Polish side won 1-0 against Bosnia’s Zrinjski last time and another success this evening against Omonoia would seal their place in the last 16.

36

Previous finalists Fiorentina still have work to do to secure their place in the knockout stages. Two defeats had seen the Serie A strugglers slide down the league table. But they managed to see off Dynamo Kyiv on home soil on matchday five.

The hosts took an early lead when Moise Kean nodded in Dodô's pinpoint

conference catch-up cross. However, Dynamo levelled soon after the interval via a stunning strike from Mykola Mykhailenko. Both sides went in search of a decider, but it was Fiorentina substitute Albert Gudmundsson who struck 16 minutes from time to get the winner.

La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano remain in a strong position to secure a top-eight finish after a 2-1 win over Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok. Forward Sergio Camello and substitute Alfonso Espino scored in each half as Los Franjirrojos picked up a vital three points.

And should Palace progress from the league phase tonight, the Eagles will be the sole team from the British Isles in the knockout stage. Shamrock Rovers exited the competition after they were beaten by Breiðablik last time out, with Aberdeen and Palace’s opponents from last week Shelbourne also bowing out.

HOW THE TOURNAMENT WORKS

After tonight’s sixth and final matchday, the final league table will determine who qualifies for the knockout stage – and at what round they will enter.

This is where it gets a little complex.

The top-eight sides after six league games advance straight to the Round of 16. Sides ranking 9th24th will qualify for a two-legged play-off round.

The sides who rank between 9th and 16th will be at home in the second legs of those play-off ties, taking on teams who finished between 17th and 24th, who will have the disadvantage of being away from home in the second leg.

37

The winners of those ties will join the highest eight finishers from the league phase, in the Round of 16. Again the sides in the top eight, will be ‘seeded’, each facing a team who came from the play-offs. The sides that are seeded will have play the second leg at home.

Clubs that finish 25th-36th in the league phase will be eliminated.

From the Round of 16 onwards, the competition mirrors other European tournaments, with two-legged home and away knockout ties. This is until the final, which is a one-off game in Leipzig.

palace phrasebook

palace phrasebook We're all going on a European tour – and whilst the language of the beautiful game is universal, sometimes you'll need a helping hand to fully get your message across… Have no fear: the Crystal Palace phrasebook is here!

With this week’s visitors hailing from Finland and it being the perfect time to head to Lapland for a winter holiday, once again we handily provide some essential (and maybe some not-so-essential) South London phrases. Give some of these a try…

How was your flight?

Millainen lentosi oli?

When Joel went up to lift the FA Cup, we were there!

Kun Joel nousi nostamaan FA Cupin, me olimme siellä!

We’ve got super Oli Glasner Meillä on super-Oli Glasner

come on you palace!

Tule jo palatsi!

Sweet Nathaniel Clyne!

Suloinen Nathaniel Clyne!

38

palace phrasebook

Which way to the Santa Claus village?

Mistä suunnasta pääsee Joulupukin kylään?

Aki Riihilahti played here, don’t you know…

Aki Riihilahti soitti täällä, etkö tiedä…

Fantastique!

Fantastique!

Yeremy Pino, running down the wing, hear the Palace sing!

Jeremi Pino, juoksen siipeä pitkin, kuulkaa palatsin laulavan!

I’m feelin’ Glad All Over!

Olen kauttaaltaan iloinen!

south london and proud Etelä-Lontoo ja ylpeä

39

BEHIND THE LENS

Taking us where many can only dream to tread, club photographer Sebastian Frej enjoys a unique perspective on Crystal Palace – one which he continues to share with the world. In tonight’s issue, Seb selects his favourite shots from Palace’s European journey so far. You can follow Sebastian on Instagram: @sebastian_frej_

01

“The view from the away end after Fredrikstad. The moment we knew we’d be getting a few more European away days.”

“The atmosphere in Lublin on the day of the game was very special. The old town was the perfect backdrop.”

40

02

BEHIND THE LENS

03

“Capturing the first European away goal was always going to be special.”

04

“How the captain likes to pass the time on our away flights.”

“The boys in great spirits after the win in Shelbourne last week.”

41

05

42

six degrees of separation

Brazilian defender Ricardo scored on three occasions during his sole season in Saudi Arabia, although his team Al-Hazem were eventually relegated after finishing bottom of the table.

After a one-season stay at Al-Urooba in the UAE, Ricardo joined KuPS for his second spell at tonight’s opponents, having also played for them between 2021 and 2022.

Palace’s Brazilian forward – currently out on-loan at Vasco da Gama – has represented his country at under-20 level. França scored his first goal for Palace in a 1-1 draw with Southampton earlier this year, where the following player was on the scoresheet for the Saints…

The 31-year-old centre-back, who has 24 caps for Nigeria, left Southampton in the summer, signing for Turkish side Trabzonspor.

Onuachu previously spent seven years at Midtjylland. He scored against Manchester United in the 2015/16 Europa League. However United progressed on aggregate thanks to two debut goals from…

MATHEUS FRANÇA

PAULO RICARDO

On the face of it, Crystal Palace and KuPS don’t appear to share too many connections – but the world of football is smaller than you might think.

Join us as we take a trip through the footballing web – links tenuous, or otherwise – between the two teams’ Brazilian players…

sadio MANÉ Senegal forward Mané spent six years at Anfield alongside Salah up front. He left for Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022. After one season in Bavaria, Mané moved to AlNassr in the Saudi Pro League.

During his first season, Mané scored what appeared to be the winner against Al-Hazem in the 94th minute, only for the game to end in a draw after an even later goal from…

PAUL ONUACHU

MARCUS RASHFORD

MO SALAH 33-year-old Salah continues to lead the Reds’ attack, having scored 188 league goals for the Merseyside club since first joining in the summer of 2017. For much of his career at Anfield, Salah formed a prolific attack with Roberto Firmino, and the following player – with the two enjoying 35 joint-goal participations together in 223 games for the Reds…

43

Breaking through as an 18-year-old at senior level, Rashford – currently at Barcelona on-loan – has scored 138 goals for United to date. The last time United beat Liverpool at home in the Premier League, back in 2022, Rashford scored the winner.

On the scoresheet for Liverpool that night was…

international eagles

international eagles We’re now less than 12 months away from the biggest footballing spectacle on the planet, the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the potential for plenty of Palace representation in USA, Mexico and Canada, we’re looking ahead to the tournament throughout 2025/26 with our International Eagles feature...

In tribute to tonight’s opponents we, of course, head where else but Finland for this issue…

finland

eagle in focus

Shefki Kuqi The ‘Flying Finn’, as he was affectionately known to football fans across England – Kuqi’s imposing physical presence and trademark dive celebration made him an instantly recognisable centre forward.

He would spend three years at Selhurst Park at the midpoint of an 18-year career, but his and Palace’s paths first crossed on the final day of the 2000/01 season.

When Dougie Freedman’s dramatic goal memorably beat Stockport to secure survival, Kuqi was actually on the opposition side, having joined them in the January of that season.

Coincidentally, two other Finnish ex-Eagles, Aki Riihilahti and Mikael Forssell and international teammates of Kuqi were also in the Palace side.

After successful spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich, Kuqi moved to Blackburn in the Premier League.

Struggling for first-team appearances,

44

he made the switch to join Palace in the summer of 2006.

Initially, his time at Selhurst Park was frustrating. Tensions came to a head when he was substituted against Wolves in a 2-0 defeat, appearing to make an offensive gesture to the fans, and placed on the transfer list by then manager Neil Warnock.

However, Kuqi always denied it was intentional, and eventually enjoyed something of a redemption arc after getting back in the team.

In the 2008/09 season he finished as the Eagles top scorer, finding the net ten times across our Championship campaign.

Departing after the expiration of his contract, his next stop was Germany, joining TuS Koblenz, where he linked up with brother Njazi Kuqi.

Yet he would return to English football, firstly with Swansea City, before a surprise move to Newcastle United in the top-flight, an unlikely replacement for the departed Andy Carroll.

Kuqi would only spend six months at Newcastle, but then moved to Oldham for the following season, scoring 11 goals in League One.

international eagles

Road to the 2026 World Cup

population

5,600,000

Finland’s hopes of qualifying for the expanded World Cup tournament in North America were ended after finishing third place in Group G of European qualifying.

But there was plenty for Jacob Friis’s team to build on, having taken 13 points and beating Poland along the way.

It points towards progress for the Nordic nation, who only qualified for the European Championship for the first time in the 2020 finals.

Capital

Helsinki Spoken Languages

Finnish, Swedish Currency

euro

favourite dish

Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasty)

45

Their greatest generation of players remains the early2000s crop which featured the likes of Antti Niemi, Sami Hyypiä, and former Palace man Forssell – as well as legendary playmaker Jari Litmanen.

1997 finnish tour

1997 finnish tour Crystal Palace’s historical crossover with Finnish football is admittedly limited – but with other Nordic countries not so, with tours of Northern Europe a common feature of our pre-season programmes in the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s.

O

ne particular tour, however, stands out at this time of year for the apt identity of our Finnish opponents.

In July 1997, fresh from winning promotion from the First Division back to the Premier League, Steve Coppell’s Palace embarked on a four-game Finnish Tour which began with a 4-0 victory over JJK, courtesy of a Gareth Davies hattrick and one from Dougie Freedman.

Next up was an encounter with Kings SC two days later – a match, fittingly, played in Kuopio – which ended in a goalless draw with youngsters Danny Boxall and Steven Thomson given an outing. A third game, only 48 hours later, saw attacker Itzak Zohar handed a trial, scoring the only goal in the 1-0 victory over Oulu.

Then finally, the following day, a match-up sure to evoke a smile at this time of year: Palace faced the wonderfully named FC Santa Claus at the Keskuskentta stadium in Rovaniemi, capital of Finland’s famous Lapland region.

The globe’s most Christmasthemed football club – who use the English name of Santa Claus, as opposed to the Finnish name Joulupukki, for increased awareness, currently play in the Nelonen, the sixth tier of Finnish

fc santa claus, 2025 football. For the majority of their history, however, they have bounced between Finland’s third and fourth tiers.

Their origin story? Ask those at the club, and they’ll tell you it was formed in 1992 by Santa’s elves kicking a leather football in the snow in between wrapping presents, and that Santa himself – the club’s honorary manager – granted permission himself for his name to be used.

“When I was young, I played a bit,” Saint Nick told FourFourTwo in 2017. “What position? Well, in those days we didn’t have any positions; there were just a few of us in a swamp, running around.”

Understandably, Santa Claus FC, with their red-and-white kits and Father Christmas-themed crest, typically receive the majority of their

46

coverage at this time of the year, but the Eagles’ arrival on 15th July 1997 captured attention from across the country and the continent.

In an area of the world renowned for a gateway to Arctic experiences like Northern Lights viewing, husky sledding, and reindeer safaris, the Eagles were ablaze on the pitch, with a brace each for Bruce Dyer and Neil Shipperley, and George Ndah subsequently completing the 5-0 rout.

An attendance of around 5,000 were there to bear witness that day – a far cry from their modern-day average attendance of around 60 supporters – but the club continues to attract interest from countries around the world. As FourFourTwo themselves surmised: “You’ll never find another club quite like them.”

travel tracker

We all follow the Palace, over land and sea – so keep a record of all the journeys you’ve made this season, with our handy travel tracker below!

Opponent

Venue

Competition Miles (there & back)

Chelsea

Stamford Bridge

Fredrikstad

Fredrikstad Stadion, Norway

1,844

Aston Villa

Villa Park

198

West Ham United

London Stadium

14

Dynamo Kyiv

Lublin Arena, Poland

1,776

Everton

Hill Dickinson Stadium

410

Arsenal

Emirates Stadium

20

Liverpool

Anfield

416

Wolves

Molineux

348

Strasbourg

Stade de la Meinau, France

984

Burnley

Turf Moor

546

Fulham

Craven Cottage

20

Shelbourne

Tallaght Stadium, Ireland

782

I was there

6

/1,562

/5,386

my total:

/416

/7,364 47

BUDDS.COM

CAMPAIGN CAPSULE

OWN AN EAGLE’S MATCH-WORN SHIRT

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palace for all

palace for all Palace for All is the club’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) brand, and the umbrella beneath which all our campaigns, activations and initiatives sit. The message is simple: Crystal Palace Football Club is for everyone. We continually celebrate the diversity across our club, and take a proactive approach to tackling prejudice and promoting understanding.

how to report discrimination Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to identifying, confronting and eliminating discrimination, whether by reason of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, age, ethnic and national origin, pregnancy or maternity, disability or gender reassignment.

You can report discrimination and/or abuse on a matchday by using the Anti-Social Behaviour Text Alert Service – the number is 07507 477 669 – or by scanning the MyVoice QR code.

Please include as much relevant information as possible.

Please include the stand, block, row and seat number you are in, and identify the location of the anti-social behaviour, being as precise as possible. Please state if you wish to remain anonymous in your message. Security staff will make every effort to deal with the issue. If they are unable to resolve the issue, each text will be

edi strategy Our EDI Strategy sets out our aspirations as a club until 2034, as well as our objectives and commitments towards being an inclusive and diverse club.

followed up and investigated by a club staff member.

You can alternatively contact your nearest steward, who will do their best to help – and assist with your report.

We would also encourage supporters to contact customer. service@cpfc.co.uk or inclusion@cpfc.co.uk, or to make use of Kick It Out’s reporting form.

49

wellbeing strategy Our newly published Wellbeing Strategy highlights our approach to ensure Wellbeing is at the heart of the club’s culture.

Fans are also encouraged, following their visit to Selhurst Park, to complete the Fan Survey after the game, or to share any EDI-related feedback via email to inclusion@cpfc.co.uk

.

More information can be found at cpfc.co.uk/information/equalityand-diversity

continental quiz

continental quiz To celebrate our final league phase match at Selhurst Park, here are ten half-time teasers with a continental theme…

1

Which European City will host this season’s UEFA Europa League final in May 2026?

2

Which English club did KuPS manager Jarko Wiss make over 40 league appearances for?

3

Which team became the first to score seven goals in a UEFA Conference League match back in the 2023/24 season?

4

Which Italian club were the last winners of the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup before the tournament was merged with the UEFA Cup?

5

Liverpool faced which Welsh club in qualifying when defending their UEFA Champions League title in 2005/06?

6

Who were the first team to reach back-toback UEFA Conference League finals?

7

Who were the last Scottish club to win a major European trophy?

8

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain the two leading scorers in UEFA Champions League history – but which player is third on the list with 105 goals?

9

How many all-English finals have taken place in UEFA’s active three major competitions?

10

Which former Palace player scored twice on his UEFA Champions League debut, where his team scored nine goals on the night?

1

5

9

1) Istanbul 2) Stockport County 3) Nordsjælland (7-1 win over Ludogorets) 4) Lazio 5) TNS 6) Fiorentina 7) Aberdeen (in 1983) 8) Robert Lewandowski 9) Six (three in the UEFA Champions League, three in the UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League) 10) Michael Olise

50

FROM THE TERRACES

from the terraces The page for supporters: taking your comments from the terraces into the programme.

Happy 72nd birthday John. A lifelong Palace supporter. Lots of love from Yinka, Bibi,Alex, Yinka Jnr, Kai and Cassius.

Joshua Taylor celebrates his 100th Palace game tonight after seeing his first competitive match in 2018 aged just three. Enjoy the Century match! Daddy and Grandad

Happy 8th birthday to Xavier Dawson and congratulations on attending his first ever Crystal Palace game at Selhurst Park!

With love from everyone!

Happy Christmas to Liam an absolute legend, love Dad. XXXX

Happy 60th birthday to Paul and June Murray, lifelong Palace fans. Enjoy your birthday celebrations from all your family and friends.

Wishing Peter Green a Happy 60th Birthday for 19th December! A husband, a father and No.1 Palace fan!! All our love from Marie and Emma xxx

Happy Christmas to Jack Fisher, enjoy the game and the Holiday season! EAGLES!

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Leslie John Palmer. 4th February 1935-15th December 2025. A life-long supporter and season ticket holder who will be greatly missed by his many Crystal Palace friends.

fixtures & results

25/26 fixtures & results Opposition

august

Sun 10 Sun 17 Thu 21 Sun 24 Thu 28 Sun 31

Liverpool Chelsea Fredrikstad Nottingham Forest Fredrikstad Aston Villa

82,645 39,678 23,013 24,876 10,016 41,036

W D W D D W

2-2 (3-2) 0-0 1-0 1-1 0-0 0-3

Final 12th Play-offs 14th Play-offs 8th

SEPtember

Sat 13 Tue 16 Sat 20 Sat 27

Sunderland Millwall West Ham United Liverpool

25,154 16,754 62,455 25,118

D W W W

0-0 1-1 (4-2) 1-2 2-1

9th Third round 5th 3rd

october

Thu 2 Sun 5 Sat 18 Thu 23 Sun 26 Wed 29

Dynamo Kyiv Everton Bournemouth AEK Larnaca Arsenal Liverpool

6,839 51,770 25,125 23,038 60,103 60,420

W L D L L W

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

League phase (7th) 6th 8th League phase (16th) 10th Fourth round

november

Sat 1 Thu 6 Sun 9 Sat 22 Thu 27 Sun 30

Brentford AZ Alkmaar Brighton & Hove Albion Wolverhampton Wanderers RC Strasbourg Manchester United

25,083 21,459 24,326 29,976 29,528 25,189

W W D W L L

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

9th League phase (9th) 10th 5th League phase (18th) 9th

december

Wed 3 Sun 7 Thu 11 Sun 14 Thu 18 Sat 20 Tue 23 Sun 28

Burnley Fulham Shelbourne FC Manchester City KuPS Kuopio Leeds United Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur

19,365 27,283 10,134 25,166 20:00 20:00 20:00 16:30

W W W L

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

5th 4th League phase (9th) 6th

Thu 1 Sun 4 Wed 7

Fulham Newcastle United Aston Villa

17:30 15:00 19:30

Sat 10

Macclesfield

12:15

Sat 17 Sun 25

Sunderland Chelsea

15:00 14:00

february

Sun 1 Sat 7 Wed 11 Sat 21 Sat 28

Nottingham Forest Brighton & Hove Albion Burnley Wolverhampton Wanderers Manchester United

14:00 15:00 20:00 15:00 15:00

march

Wed 4 Sat 14 Sat 21

Tottenham Hotspur Leeds United Manchester City

20:00 15:00 15:00

april

Sat 11 Sat 18 Sat 25

Newcastle United West Ham United Liverpool

15:00 15:00 15:00

Sat 2 Sat 9 Sun 17 Sun 24

Bournemouth Everton Brentford Arsenal

15:00 15:00 15:00 16:00

january

Date

may

Home Away FA Cup Carabao Cup Conference League Community Shield Started Used sub Unused sub Goal(s) Yellow card Red card

attendance/KICK-OFF

52

Result

Position

Daniel Muñoz Tyrick Mitchell Maxence Lacroix Marc Guéhi Ismaïla Sarr Jefferson Lerma Eddie Nketiah Yéremy Pino Matheus França Christantus Uche Jean-Philippe Mateta Nathaniel Clyne Daichi Kamada Will Hughes

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 26 28 29 31 34 38 42 44 49 55 59 73 86

53

Joél Drakes-Thomas

Benji Casey

Rio Cardines

Justin Devenny

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Walter Benítez

Kaden Rodney

Caleb Kporha

Chadi Riad

Remi Matthews

Naouirou Ahamada

Cheick Doucouré

Chris Richards

Borna Sosa

Jaydee Canvot

Romain Esse

Adam Wharton

Dean Henderson

fixtures & results

conference league

leaguephase pos Club P

W

D

L

F

A

GD Pts

1

5

4

1

0

8

4

4

13

2

5

4

0

1

10

5

5

12

3

5

3

2

0

8

2

6

11

4

5

3

1

1

11

5

6

10

5

5

3

1

1

10

4

6

10

6

5

3

1

1

7

3

4

10

7

5

3

1

1

10

7

3

10

8

5

3

1

1

5

3

2

10

9

5

3

0

2

9

4

5

9

10

5

2

3

0

6

1

5

9

11

5

3

0

2

8

4

4

9

12

5

3

0

2

8

7

1

9

13

5

3

0

2

7

7

0

9

14

5

2

2

1

5

2

3

8

15

5

2

2

1

5

3

2

8

16

5

2

2

1

5

3

2

8

17

5

2

2

1

6

5

1

8

18

5

2

2

1

5

4

1

8

19

5

2

2

1

4

5

-1

8

20

5

2

1

2

10

7

3

7

21

5

2

1

2

4

4

0

7

22

5

2

1

2

6

7

-1

7

23

5

2

1

2

4

5

-1

7

24

5

2

1

2

6

11

-5

7

25

5

1

3

1

4

3

1

6

26

5

2

0

3

7

9

-2

6

27

5

1

2

2

5

8

-3

5

28

5

1

0

4

7

9

-2

3

29

5

0

3

2

5

7

-2

3

30

5

1

0

4

4

7

-3

3

31

5

1

0

4

4

9

-5

3

32

5

1

0

4

3

8

-5

3

33

5

0

2

3

3

11

-8

2

34

5

0

1

4

0

7

-7

1

35

5

0

1

4

4

12

-8

1

36

5

0

0

5

2

13

-11

0

az alkmaar √ jagiellonia shakhtar √ rijeka slovan bratislava √ häcken legia warszawa √ lincoln red imps sparta praha √ aberdeen Dynamo kyiv √ noah crystal palace √ kups kuopio rayo vallecano √ drita shamrock rovers √ hamrun spartans omonoia √ Raków mainz √ samsunspor strasbourg √ Breidablik celje √ shelbourne zrinjski √ sk rapid aek athens √ Universitatea Craiova sigma olomouc √ lech poznan aek larnaca √ shkËndija lausanne-sport √ fiorentina

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Tuesday, 16th December. Fixtures to be played Thursday, 18th December.

54

Crystal palace f.c.

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 26 28 29 31 34 38 42 44 55 59 73 86

Dean HENDERSON (GK) Daniel MUÑOZ Tyrick MITCHELL Maxence LACROIX Marc GUÉHI Ismaïla SARR Jefferson LERMA Eddie NKETIAH Yéremy PINO Christantus UCHE Jean-Philippe MATETA Nathaniel CLYNE Daichi KAMADA Will HUGHES Adam WHARTON Romain ESSE Jaydee CANVOT Borna SOSA Chris RICHARDS Cheick DOUCOURÉ Naouirou AHAMADA Remi MATTHEWS (GK) Chadi RIAD Caleb KPORHA Kaden RODNEY Walter BENÍTEZ (GK) Justin DEVENNY Rio CARDINES Benji CASEY Joél DRAKES-THOMAS

For Ticketing, reaction and highlights download the Official Palace App

kups kuopio 1 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 31 32 33 34 35 37

Johannes KREIDL (GK) Paulo RICARDO Saku SAVOLAINEN Jerry VOUTILAINEN Petteri PENNANEN Piotr PARZYSZEK Doni ARIFI Agon SADIKU Aatu HAKALA (GK) Jaakko OKSANEN Samuel PASANEN Ibrahim CISSÉ Samuli MIETTINEN Arttu HEINONEN Eemil TANNINEN Mohamed TOURE Joslyn LUYEYE-LUTUMBA Pa KONATE Arttu LÖTJÖNEN Bob Nii ARMAH Clinton ANTWI Roope SALO Sadat SEIDU Derrick Atta AGYEI Tatu HUKKANEN Rasmus TIKKANEN Taneli HÄMÄLÄINEN Otto RUOPPI Paulius GOLUBICKAS Miilo PITKÄNEN (GK)