Wharton on using Selhurst Park to Palace’s advantage

First-team

4 hours ago

Crystal Palace must channel the backing of Selhurst Park if they are to unpick AEK Larnaca’s tight defence in the UEFA Conference League, according to Adam Wharton.

Tickets available for Thursday night's first leg in SE25.
Hear the Manager's pre-match thoughts here.
How to watch & follow the first leg at Selhurst Park.

The midfielder’s incisive forward thinking has seen him lead the way for Palace in assists this season, with seven in all competitions – including two brilliant passes in last week’s 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

With Palace now turning their attentions to Europe and the UEFA Conference League Round of 16, they will need such creative talents to overcome an AEK Larnaca side who conceded just one goal in the league phase, and who kept a clean sheet at Selhurst Park on the way to snatching victory on matchday two.

And with last-chance tickets for tonight’s first leg still on sale, Wharton believes that the roar of the Selhurst crowd will help spur the Eagles on to break down such a miserly defence.

Pre-match Press Conference | AEK Larnaca (H)

On the noise he anticipates in SE25 tonight for the Round of 16 first leg, Wharton explained at Palace’s pre-match press conference: “I think, naturally, atmospheres tend to be better in the evenings, no matter in which competition.

“And then, obviously, the further you get in a competition, there's going to be a bit more excitement. The thought of obviously getting through to the next round, the fans have probably got it in the back of their minds.

“You can definitely feel the atmosphere gets better and better the longer you go – and it's the same with every competition, even if it's the Premier League and it's the last few games and there's something to play for, the atmosphere just tends to get better and better.

“I think we can just use that to our advantage – it will help us."

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I always say if there's a forward pass, then I'll try and make it
—Adam Wharton

Wharton’s brace of assists at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium saw him become the first Palace player to assist twice in the first-half of a Premier League game since Michael Olise against Sheffield United in January 2024 – and, away from home, since Olise at Bournemouth in December 2022.

Asked to talk through those contributions, Wharton grinned wryly: “I don't really know, to be honest – it just happens so quick. It's just sort of natural!

“For our third one, it was literally just touch and pass. I didn't really… I don't know!

"When you're playing, yeah, you're thinking about what to do, but you just do it. You don't really have time to think too much.

“I always say if there's a forward pass, then I'll try and make it, because this is what helps the team score goals, create chances and get in good positions.

“I don't really overthink it. If I take a touch and someone's running in behind, I'll try and play them in so we can score goals.”

Palace’s first venture into major European competition has provided plenty of new experiences for Wharton and his teammates this season.

Now, with the latter stages of the Conference League firmly in their sights, Wharton believes Palace have adapted to the competition’s unique demands, stating: “It’s been enjoyable.

“It's a lot different to the Premier League. In the Premier League, a lot of teams like to press. It's very intense. In Europe, it's a different sort of intensity. A lot of teams have sat back against us, so we’ve had to try and break them down.

“It’s been a good change for us and for the team and the staff. It's a new challenge for us, to try and play in a different way to win the games.

“It’s been enjoyable, and hopefully we can go into the game, and try and get on top of the challenge that they'll pose.”

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That's probably the best way for me to score!
—Adam Wharton

Wharton awaits his first Palace goal, having come close on numerous occasions, hitting the woodwork three times in recent months and – at Tottenham – having a deflected strike well saved by Vicario inside the opening 60 seconds.

“I've probably taken more shots recently in the last few games,” he reflected.

“But I think, to be honest, I think I just need a deflection or something – I think that's probably the best way for me to score!

“I'm getting better positions and obviously if I'm shooting more, there's more chance of me scoring. But I’m glad that the front three and the attackers are scoring, because then there's less focus on us midfielders scoring.

“Hopefully, it'll come soon!”

Match Details

Crystal Palace v AEK Larnaca

Thursday, 12th March
20:00 GMT
Selhurst Park
UEFA Conference League play-off round, second leg
Tickets available to purchase here.

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