Crystal Palace face busy schedule as Glasner eyes European play-offs

Crystal Palace's European adventure moves into a tougher phase as they prepare for two extra Conference League play-off ties after failing to secure automatic progression. Manager Oliver Glasner must juggle a packed fixture list with a squad built around a mix of youth and fringe players.

Palace's European path extends with two-legged play-offs

Palace endured a 2-2 draw with Finnish champions KuPS, which left them outside the automatic last-16 places. They now face two mid-season ties on 19 February and 26 February to reach the knockout rounds, in a season that marks their first foray into major European competition and sees them finish 10th in their group.

To cope with the compressed schedule, Glasner fielded a lean lineup that leaned on academy talents and squad players. The game at Selhurst Park saw younger prospects like Joel Drakes-Thomas, Dean Benamar, and George King making senior debuts, a sign of Palace’s ongoing youth integration.

Up next, Palace have a Premier League trip to Leeds United and a Carabao Cup quarter-final at Arsenal, all before more European action in the new year. The demotion from the Europa League to the Conference League, driven by ownership rules, has intensified the calendar and could push Palace to as many as 68 matches across all competitions this season.

Glasner reflected on the setback: the result was not ideal, and the performance could have yielded three points. He noted that only 11 players started the two fixtures, meaning no one can feature in both games unless rotated again in the coming days.

Palace still alive in Europe but uncertainty remains

Despite missing out on automatic progression, the mood at Selhurst Park remains optimistic. Palace begin their FA Cup defense with an away tie at non-league Macclesfield on 10 January, and former England defender Joleon Lescott believes Glasner can lean on fringe and academy players to balance European commitments with domestic duties.

In the KuPS clash, Palace handed senior debuts to a trio of academy talents and demonstrated a clear pathway to the first team for promising youngsters.

Off the field, questions linger over Glasner's contract as he enters the final six months of his deal, with club executives wary about losing a manager who has raised the team’s profile. Talks have dragged on since March, and there is also interest in key players such as Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton from other clubs, adding to the atmosphere of uncertainty around Selhurst Park.

Who could Palace meet in play-offs?

The knockout-stage draw on 16 January will determine Palace's opponent. As a seeded side, they would host the second leg and could be matched with teams finishing 23rd or 24th in the group, such as Sigma Olomouc from the Czech Republic or Zrinjski Mostar from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Will Palace go all the way?

It is too soon for grand plans about a final in Leipzig, as the showpiece is scheduled for 27 May, about two weeks before the 2026 World Cup begins in North America. Palace would need to navigate a series of additional fixtures to lift the trophy, a path already trodden by clubs like West Ham, Chelsea and Roma in the competition's short history.

Glasner has spoken about the enduring value of memorable moments for Palace supporters, stressing that success is more about lasting memories than money alone.

Expert opinion

Expert note: Joleon Lescott believes Glasner can manage the crowded calendar by rotating his squad and allowing non-regular starters a chance, a strategy that could help Palace stay competitive on multiple fronts. He argues this approach could preserve form in the league while pursuing European progression.

Summary

Palace face a congested period with two additional Conference League play-offs on the horizon, requiring smart rotation and youth integration. The club remains hopeful about a deep run in Europe, but contract talks and player futures add a layer of uncertainty. A successful balance between domestic duties and European ambition will be crucial in the weeks ahead.

Key insight: Balancing a congested schedule hinges on smart rotation and depth to sustain a European bid while competing at home. Source: BBC Sport

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