Crystal Palace travel to Elland Road on Sunday with a lengthy injury and suspension list. The Eagles sit 16th with one win from four games and share the worst defensive record in the Premier League. After a Thursday evening European tie, the last thing they need is a visit to an in-form Leeds United side sitting third off the back of a 4-1 victory over Newcastle United.
Daniel Farke's side are unbeaten after four games and appear to have come through Monday night's game without too many new problems, though Friday's press conference did bring one fresh blow. Harry Wilson is out. The summer signing has had some issues during the Newcastle game and in training week, and will also miss Wales' internationals. "Wilson out with a quad injury," Farke confirmed. "Problems after last game and training week, will miss Welsh games. Rodon is out, all others are ready." On the plus side, Ilia Gruev is back in the mix after a long lay-off, having played almost 90 minutes for the under-21s in midweek, "important for him to get nearly 90 mins," said Farke, who confirmed the midfielder is available for selection.
Joe Rodon remains the main longer-term casualty with his hamstring injury, while Mateo Joseph is still out with his knee problem. Aside from the fresh blow of Wilson's absence, Farke has no other injury concerns, and the rest of the Newcastle XI could easily be kept in place: Trafford; Justin, Elvedi, Muharemovic; Bogle, Tanaka, Ampadu, Stach, Gudmundsson; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin, or a similar shape. Wilson's absence is a blow but doesn't force a rebuild of the side.
The visitors don't have that luxury. Axel Disasi is suspended after a red card for a dangerous, studs-up challenge in their 3-2 defeat at home to Ipswich last weekend. Chadi Riad (ACL) is a long-term absentee, Jean-Philippe Mateta (hamstring) isn't back until after the international break, and Dean Henderson's foot injury will again keep him out. There's better news further forward: Eddie Nketiah is back after a fitness scare, and Ismaila Sarr has returned from a groin issue and is pushing for minutes, with Jørgen Strand Larsen expected to lead the line.
Farke, for his part, was full of respect for the opposition on Friday. "Definitely a strong side... we expect a very difficult opponent," he said, adding of Palace's business and pedigree: "Can't speak with more respect about Palace... did a lot of good business in the transfer market." He was equally keen to keep a lid on the growing sense of optimism around Elland Road: "We are on eight points — this is quite good. But not enough to achieve what we want to achieve."
There was time, too, for praise of his talisman. "For me, he is one of the best strikers in this league," Farke said of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose form has fired Leeds to third. The manager also namechecked Jayden Bogle and James Justin for their recent performances, suggesting both are putting themselves in the shop window with a sustained run of form. On paper this looks a stern test of where Leeds' unbeaten run really stands — but with Palace missing key men across the pitch, Sunday feels like an opportunity Farke's side will fancy taking.
3 weeks of no decent football........
