U18s preview: Palace PL Cup title defence at Forest
Crystal Palace Under-18s’ Premier League Cup title defence begins on Tuesday afternoon when they travel to Nottingham Forest at the Nigel Doughty Academy – here’s everything you need to know!
The Story So Far…
Palace began their 2026/27 U18 Premier League South campaign in style, beating West Ham United 3-1 away from home.
Captain AJ Greaves scored twice, while Toby Williams marked his U18s debut with a sensational strike from the halfway line.
The Young Eagles were unable to make it two wins from two on Saturday, however, suffering a 4-1 defeat to Southampton at the Academy.
A youthful Palace side, depleted by injuries, conceded four times before half-time but responded strongly after the break, with Raihaan Anderson pulling one back and the Young Eagles pushing for more.
See Anderson's goal from Saturday, below!
Last Year's Winners...
Palace topped their “group of death” last season, drawing 3-3 with national champions Manchester City before beating Sheffield United 3-1 and U18 Premier League South winners Chelsea 4-0.
They then overcame Peterborough United 2-1 before a last-gasp David Angibeaud header saw off Tottenham in the semi-finals.
In front of 4,000 supporters at Selhurst Park, the Young Eagles fought back from behind against Manchester United to force extra-time.
Benji Casey won and converted a late penalty to cancel out Noah Ajayi’s opener, with United reduced to 10 men after Albert Mills was dismissed.
Palace hit the woodwork three times in extra-time but could not find a winner, sending the final to penalties.
The Young Eagles kept their nerve, scoring all six of their spot-kicks to beat the Red Devils and lift the trophy for the first time in club history.
The Opposition – Nottingham Forest
Forest opened their 26/27 campaign in emphatic fashion at the weekend, beating Blackburn Rovers 8-0.
Bradshaw and Samuels both scored twice, while Balagizi, Bonnick, Nolan and Tomak were also on target.
The Reds finished fifth in the U18 Premier League North last season, collecting 42 points from 26 matches with 13 wins, three draws and 10 defeats.
Palace faced Forest during pre-season, falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat at the Nigel Doughty Academy.
Tournament rules…
The U18 Premier League Cup features eight groups of four teams, with the group winners advancing to the quarter-finals.
Every game therefore carries significant weight, with Palace drawn in Group C alongside Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Aston Villa.
The Young Eagles begin their title defence away to Forest before hosting Leeds and Villa.
Team news
Injuries to Alfie Mulvenna and Nat Kalembo forced a reshuffle against Southampton, with Dylan Monk joined by first-year scholar Kwasi Baah and 14-year-old Isaac Ogunrinde, both making their U18s debuts.
Three U16s – Dominic Sime, Zakhi Amoah-Philip and Fortune Edokpaye – were also named on the bench.
Daniel Owoade will miss Tuesday’s game through suspension after being sent off for violent conduct against Southampton.
Forest have also added nine new scholars, with Mason Ayre, Okello Bartley, Kasen Brown, Boyd Fraser, Daniel Gardner, Brodie Jones, Jayden Maveso, Sonny Nolan and Blaine Russell all signing two-year scholarships.
Pre-match analysis
Forest finished fifth in the U18 Premier League North last season, scoring 50 goals and conceding 49. At home, the Reds recorded seven wins, two draws and four defeats.
They have already shown their attacking threat this season, opening with an 8-0 victory over Blackburn.
Key Player – Kanye Bradshaw
Second-year scholar Kanye Bradshaw scored four goals and provided four assists last season.
The striker made a flying start to 26/27, scoring twice in Forest’s 8-0 win over Blackburn. He has also represented England at Under-15 level!
The Gaffer – Samuel Darlow
Samuel Darlow has led Forest’s U18s since 2024, having previously worked with the club’s B team.
He joined Forest in 2023 after almost five years with Ipswich Town, where he coached across the Academy, including as lead U18 coach.
Darlow previously worked at Peterborough United.
How to follow
The match will be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+ on Tuesday, with coverage beginning at 13:15 BST ahead of the 13:30 BST kick-off. Find out more and subscribe here.
Supporters can also 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+.
Match Details
Nottingham Forest Under-18s v Crystal Palace Under-18s
- Tuesday, 25th August
- KO: 13:30 BST
- Nigel Doughty Academy
- U18 Premier League Cup
- Watch LIVE on Palace TV+