What Leeds can expect vs Crystal Palace and where keys to Whites win lie
London is calling for Leeds United this weekend, as Daniel Farke’s team clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Leeds come into the game winless from their last four Premier League games, with back-to-back defeats against Sunderland and Man City keeping them involved in the relegation battle.
However, Farke did get one over on his former club Norwich in the FA Cup last time out, with a comfortable 3-0 win sure to reignite goalscoring belief among the Whites’ ranks.
But, Crystal Palace will be a stern test for Leeds, with Oliver Glasner’s men winning three of their last four in all competitions, with a 3-1 win over Tottenham last time out.
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Where are the keys to Leeds win vs Crystal Palace?
It’s been a strange season for Crystal Palace, with the knowledge that Glasner is leaving the club at the end of the season putting them in a strange transitional period.
Despite that, however, the Eagles are still firmly in contention to win the UEFA Conference League, and are just two points behind moving into a top half place in the Premier League.
Leeds did beat Palace 4-1 in the reverse fixture back in December, so the Eagles are sure to be fired up for revenge on Sunday.
However, goals have been a significant issue for them this season, scoring just 33 times in the league, but they have only conceded 35.
Therefore, one key to a Leeds win is to breakdown this stubborn Eagles backline, as if they do, Palace may not be sharp enough in attack to hurt the Whites.
As per Sofascore, Palace have also only scored one goal from outside the box all season, with 31 coming from inside the box, so defending wide and stopping balls from coming into the box is a defensive key to a Leeds result.
Glasner’s side have also only scored five goals from left-footed efforts compared to 18 on the right in the Premier League, so if Leeds can show Palace’s players onto the former side, they may well nullify much of the Eagles’ attacking threat.
Meanwhile, they have scored six from six from the penalty spot this season, so expect them to convert if Leeds present them with the opportunity to do so.
As per Sofascore, Palace do only average 45.4 per cent possession per game this season, so that could suit Farke’s possession-based approach too, but Leeds will have to be wary of getting hit on the counter-attack.
Who are the key players to watch in Leeds vs Palace?
Crystal Palace are dealing with a number of injuries heading into the clash with Leeds on Sunday, but Glasner has confirmed that Jean-Philippe Mateta is back in contention to play from this week onwards.
The big striker has eight goals in 23 league games this season, but has only scored once in all competitions since 3 December 2025.
Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Ismaila Sarr bagged a brace against Spurs, and he’s got seven goals in 19 league games, so he along with Jorgen Strand Larsen have to be kept quiet.
In defence, star right wing-back Daniel Munoz will miss the game, whilst Maxence Lacroix has been excellent for them in central defence, and should provide a tough challenge for whoever leads the Leeds line.
As for Leeds, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s status for the game is in doubt, after Farke confirmed that he’d been dealing with a knee issue over recent days.
However, he has a superb record against Palace in the Premier League, with seven goals in 14 outings against them, and Leeds’ number nine has also never been on the losing side against them in the top flight.
So, having him fit would be massive for the Whites,