Oduro: We have to start strong and play together

Match previews

3 hours ago

Ahead of Thursday’s highly anticipated FA Youth Cup fourth-round tie away to Newcastle United (22nd January), we caught up with Under-18s forward Stuart Oduro, who reflected on the importance of responding to defeat last time out, his match-winning impact in the previous round, and the challenge posed by the Magpies.

The whole game will be broadcast LIVE on Palace TV+ on Thursday (22nd January), with pre-match content available from 18:00 GMT - click HERE to subscribe now and choose a package that’s right for you.

Please note that Thursday's match is only accessible to viewers in the UK, due to FA broadcasting rules.

Can’t watch live? Stay up to date with live commentary on our Academy X (Twitter) page and look out for the full match report and reaction on our Academy news section shortly after the final whistle.

Highlights will also be available on Palace TV+.

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The whole group is in a good place
—Stuart Oduro

As with every preview, we began by asking Oduro for his assessment of the 2025/26 campaign, both collectively and on a personal level.

After a frustrating 2024/25 season limited by reduced minutes, the forward has become a key figure under Javier Alonso this term, featuring regularly and repaying that faith with 10 goals and two assists in 16 appearances.

“I think as a team we’re in a really good position,” Oduro said. “We’ve been playing good football and we’re still competing at the top end of the league – I think we’re second at the moment.

“Obviously we’re doing well in the Youth Cup, the Premier League Cup as well, and even the Under-17s have been doing really well. Collectively, the whole group is in a good place. Individually, I feel like I’ve been doing well, scoring and assisting, and I just want to keep that going.”

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I believe we’ll win
—Stuart Oduro

Palace’s return to action in 2026 didn’t go quite to plan, with a 3-1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion ending the young Eagles’ run at the top of the U18s Premier League South. For Oduro, the focus is firmly on responding in the right way.

“I think we started very slowly,” he admitted. “We didn’t really play as a team, so that’s something we need to improve straight away. We have to start strong and play together because Newcastle will give their best – it’s the Youth Cup. We have to match that, and if we do, I believe we’ll win.”

Oduro was the hero in the third round, coming off the bench to score a late brace and secure Palace’s passage into the last 32 – a moment he remembers fondly.

“It felt really good to help the team win,” he said. “That’s the most important thing. I just want to give my best for the team whenever I’m on the pitch, so I was really happy. Now it’s about going again on Thursday and trying to help the team win once more.”

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It's the biggest competition at this level, so everyone is buzzing
—Stuart Oduro

The FA Youth Cup often brings a different feel to a regular league fixture, and Oduro is relishing the occasion.

“There’s definitely more preparation,” he explained. “Playing at night is completely different to playing at 11 or 12 o’clock, so there’s more excitement. It’s the biggest competition at this level, so everyone is buzzing. The energy is really high – we just need to stay focused and be ready.”

When the draw was made, Oduro immediately began sizing up the challenge ahead.

“I looked at where they are in the league,” he said. “I think they’re third, so I knew it would be a tough game. They’re going to give everything, and we have to do the same.

“If we start strong and play as a team, I’m confident we’ll come out on top.”

And with a long journey to the north-east ahead of Thursday’s tie, how will the forward pass the time?

“Probably just listening to music,” he smiled. “I’ve got a few albums I need to get through. Just relaxing, staying calm and getting ready for the game.”

How to follow

Please note that Thursday's match is only accessible to viewers in the UK, due to FA broadcasting rules.

Can’t watch live? Stay up to date with live commentary on our Academy X (Twitter) page and look out for the full match report and reaction on our Academy news section shortly after the final whistle.

Highlights will also be available on Palace TV+.

Ticket information

Tickets for the match will be available on the night only, with entry via the turnstiles.

Any player guest tickets can be collected from the reception desk in the NUFC Media Centre building, with access then via the turnstiles.

All other spectators should enter directly through the turnstiles, with ticket prices set at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.

Match Details

Newcastle United U18s v Crystal Palace U18s

Thursday, 22nd January
19:00 GMT
Whitley Park
FA Youth Cup
Watch LIVE on Palace TV+

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