U18s preview: Palace host Leeds in must-win Premier League Cup clash
Crystal Palace Under-18s return to Premier League Cup action on Saturday (KO: 11:00 BST) at the Academy, with victory over Leeds United essential if the Young Eagles are to keep their title defence alive – here’s everything you need to know!
The story so far
After a three-week international break, Javier Alonso’s side return to Premier League Cup action with their quarter-final hopes hanging in the balance.
Palace began their Group C campaign with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, while Leeds and Aston Villa shared the points in a six-goal thriller.
With only the group winners advancing, the Young Eagles know three points on Saturday would put their campaign back on track.
Palace are bidding to go one better again this season after lifting the trophy for the first time last term, beating Manchester United on penalties in front of 4,000 supporters at Selhurst Park.
The opposition - Leeds United
Leeds compete in the U18 Premier League North and currently sit 10th after five matches, with two wins and three defeats.
The Whites went into the international break on a high, beating Leicester City 3-1 thanks in part to a brace from Logan White.
They finished 12th in the division last season but have already shown their attacking threat this term, scoring eight times in five league outings.
Their Premier League Cup campaign also began with a flurry of goals, as they drew 3-3 with Aston Villa despite Dan Adediran scoring all three.
Last year's winners...
Palace’s route to last season’s final began with a demanding group featuring eventual national champions Manchester City and U18 Premier League South winners Chelsea.
A 3-3 draw with City was followed by wins over Sheffield United and Chelsea, sending the Young Eagles through to the quarter-finals.
Peterborough United were beaten in the last eight before a last-gasp David Angibeaud header against Tottenham Hotspur booked Palace’s place in the final.
Manchester United awaited at Selhurst Park, where the Young Eagles recovered from falling behind to force extra-time after Benji Casey converted a late penalty.
Neither side could find a winner during an eventful additional 30 minutes – Palace struck the woodwork three times – sending the final to penalties.
Palace converted all six of their spot-kicks to beat the Red Devils and lift the trophy for the first time.
Tournament rules...
The U18 Premier League Cup features eight groups of four, with only the winner of each section progressing to the quarter-finals.
Palace are in Group C alongside Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Aston Villa.
Following their opening-day defeat to Forest, the Young Eagles host Leeds before completing the group stage against Villa.
Team news
Alfie Mulvenna and Lucca Benetton have both returned from international duty and are available for selection.
Jamar Lee, Rosen Modev, Kwasi Baah and Sebastian Bonsu-Amako all started Palace’s most recent fixture against Fulham, with Alonso continuing to blend younger players with more experienced members of his squad.
Leeds, meanwhile, handed 12 academy players two-year scholarships over the summer, including Liam Balmer, George Banks, Oliver Bennett, Marley Hazell-Schofield, Owen Heywood, Oluwatobi Johnson, Alex Massey, Kai Morrall, Marlon Mensah, Thomas Stockton, Alfie Walker and Joshua Woolfrey.
Pre-match analysis
Leeds arrive at the Academy having beaten Leicester last time out, but their league campaign has also highlighted areas Palace can look to exploit.
The Whites have scored eight and conceded 13 across their five U18 Premier League North matches, while their opening Premier League Cup fixture produced six goals alone.
With both sides looking to strengthen their position in Group C, another lively contest could be in store.
Key Player
Logan White is the Leeds forward Palace will need to watch closely...
The attacker has scored six times in five league appearances this season, including twice against Leicester, and has found the net in every league game he has played.
The Gaffer - Rob Etherington
Etherington has been part of the Leeds academy for more than 13 years, joining initially through a first-team sports science internship before moving through a number of academy development and coaching roles.
He became assistant U18s coach in September 2020 and took charge of the age group in November 2023.
How to follow
Saturday's match will be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+, with coverage beginning at 10:45 BST ahead of an 11:00 BST kick-off – click HERE to find out more and subscribe.
Supporters can follow live commentary on our Academy X (Twitter) page, with a full match report and reaction published shortly after full-time in our Academy news section.
Highlights and extended reaction will be available on Palace TV+.
Another great way to stay across all the action on matchday is via the official Crystal Palace F.C. App. With the app, goal alerts and key match notifications are delivered straight to your phone – keeping you up to date with every major moment for both sides.
Match details
Crystal Palace U18s v Leeds United U18s
- Saturday 10th October
- 12:00 BST
- Crystal Palace Academy
- U18 Premier League Cup
- Watch LIVE on Palace TV+