Glasner reveals key selection decisions facing him for City Ground test

First-team

8 hours ago

Oliver Glasner has discussed his attacking options for Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest, whilst also adding that defender Chadi Riad could once again be involved, as Crystal Palace look to return to winning ways.

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The Eagles head to the City Ground aiming for their first three points of the New Year, but with Ismaïla Sarr available for only the second time since his return from winning the Africa Cup of Nations.

With Jean-Philippe Mateta unavailable against Forest, Glasner will have a decision to make in terms of who leads the line for the Eagles, with the returning Senegal star a possible option.

Sarr has consistently flourished on the right wing since his arrival in South London but could be one option to play through the middle. Christantus Uche is also pushing for a start.

And Glasner confirmed in the embargoed section of his press conference that this decision would be key to his wider team selection.

“That’s exactly what we are thinking about,” Glasner said, when asked if Sarr playing centrally could impact the rest of the team.

Press Conference Pre Nottingham Forest (A)

“Usually if we have to change one position, I don’t want to make three or four changes across the team. I like to replace players one-to-one, so everybody can play in their best position.

“But this is still not finally decided, and I will have a final think about it.”

Uche has started centrally twice in the UEFA Conference League and scored on both occasions, meaning the Nigerian offers an alternative option.

“I think he’s [Uche] had even more [of an] effect when he comes from the bench,” Glasner said. “That’s his nature. He’s a player who plays with his instinct.

“It’s tough to get him into a structure when you start him, it’s a little bit tricky sometimes. But coming off the bench and having an impact, this can help, because he does things you don’t expect.

“But he always gives us good energy. Knowing him now for a couple of months, and watching him in the training sessions, he knows what we at Palace expect from our strikers. This will suit him a little bit more.”

Glasner will also have forwards Brennan Johnson and Yéremy Pino at his disposal against Forest.

Pino was introduced from the bench against Chelsea last time out, but the Palace boss insisted this would not be an indicator of whether he starts on Sunday.

“The reason [Pino was on the bench] was simple,” he added. “We expected Chelsea to have possession but play with a very high line.

“We saw against Brentford they were vulnerable to the balls in behind the defence. So we thought it would work with two quick players there, in Brennan Johnson and Ismaïla Sarr.

“This was the idea, I explained it to him. But he accepted it, he wasn’t pleased about it, but I expect this. It was fine, he’s had a good training week.”

Glasner gave defender Chadi Riad his first senior minutes of football in a year against Chelsea last weekend.

And his return to fitness will provide another selection headache for the trip to the City Ground.

“It’s a decision either to start him [Riad] or to start Jaydee Canvot,” Glasner revealed.

“I was really impressed with his 20 minutes against Chelsea, coming back after one year of absence and doing so well.

“He was reading the game so well and was confident on the ball. He showed it in the Under-21s game on Monday and scored a goal.

“He’s had a very good training week as well. And now, is he ready? That’s the question after being out for one year.

“But there’s so much potential there with Jaydee – so it’s now a decision I have to take.”

Match Details

Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace

Sunday, 1st February
14:00 GMT
Premier League
City Ground
Live audio commentary on Palace TV+.

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