U21s preview Dagenham & Redbridge v Palace: Young Eagles begin pre-season campaign at the Daggers
Crystal Palace Under-21s begin their 2026/27 pre-season campaign with a trip to National League South side Dagenham & Redbridge – here's everything you need to know!
Eagle-Eyed Review
Darren Powell's Under-21s return to action on Tuesday evening as preparations for the 2026/27 season get underway.
Palace head into the new campaign after another encouraging year at Academy level. The young Eagles secured a third successive Premier League 2 play-off berth after finishing 10th in the league phase, before edging Liverpool in a thrilling Round of 16 tie and eventually bowing out to Manchester United in the quarter-finals.
There was also success on the continental stage. Palace topped Premier League International Cup Group B with impressive victories over Juventus, FC Nordsjælland and Borussia Mönchengladbach, before seeing their run ended by Real Sociedad in the quarter-finals.
Yet perhaps the biggest success came in player development. Several Under-18s established themselves at Under-21 level, while George King, Dean Benamar and Joél Drakes-Thomas all made their senior debuts.
Rio Cardines also enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, progressing from U21 regular to Premier League starter after making his top-flight debut against Arsenal.
Tuesday's trip to Victoria Road is the first of four confirmed pre-season fixtures, with Powell's side also set to face Horsham, Queens Park Rangers and AFC Bournemouth Academy before the Premier League 2 campaign begins.
The Opposition - Dagenham & Redbridge
The Daggers finished 13th in National League South last season, collecting 64 points following their return to Step Two after relegation from the National League in 2024/25.
The last few months have been period of significant change at Victoria Road. New investment has arrived at the club, including a minority stake purchased by YouTube personality KSI, while an ambitious rebuild is underway both on and off the pitch.
Former manager Lee Bradbury departed before ex-England international Andy Carroll stepped in as interim boss. Lee Allinson has since been appointed first-team manager, with Carroll remaining at the club as player-assistant manager.
Results have been encouraging throughout pre-season. The Daggers opened with a draw against former National League South rivals Hornchurch before recording victories over Newmarket Town and Hitchin Town, arriving into Tuesday's contest unbeaten.
Likely line-ups
Expected XI: Ashmore, Addae, Graham, Bateson, Vincent, Dieng, Trialist A, Coppin, Beautyman, Crichlow, Carroll
Team news
Dagenham are expected to field a settled side at Victoria Road.
Nathan Ashmore, Josh Addae, Sam Graham, Trialist A and Carroll have started each of the Daggers' three pre-season fixtures to date, while Jack Bateson, Liam Vincent, Timothee Dieng, Noah Coppin, Harry Beautyman and Kane Crichlow have all featured from the outset in two of those matches and are also expected to start.
Pre-match analysis
Dagenham ended last season with a record of 17 wins, 13 draws and 16 defeats from their 46 National League South fixtures.
The Daggers scored 61 league goals and conceded 62, highlighting a side capable of carrying a threat going forward while remaining vulnerable defensively.
Their league campaign finished on a disappointing note, with three defeats and two draws in their final five matches. However, that form has been turned around during pre-season, where they remain unbeaten after two wins and a draw.
Key Player - Andy Carroll
Andy Carroll's arrival at Dagenham & Redbridge attracted national attention, with the former England international joining the club last summer following his departure from Bordeaux.
The 37-year-old has enjoyed a distinguished career, scoring 54 Premier League goals across spells with Newcastle United, Liverpool, West Ham United, Reading and West Bromwich Albion, while earning nine England caps.
Carroll signed a three-year deal at Victoria Road last summer, saying: "It doesn't matter the level, as long as I get on the pitch and play football, that's all that matters.
"Coming here and showing people I'm playing for the love of football rather than the money or the level is something I wanted to do.”
Before injury ended his campaign in December, Carroll scored six goals in 12 appearances and has returned for pre-season looking to lead the line once again.
Alongside Carroll, Dagenham have strengthened with experienced additions including defender Liam Vincent, midfielder Harry Beautyman and forward Kane Crichlow, bringing National League and Football League pedigree to the squad.
The Gaffer - Lee Allinson
Lee Allinson arrived at Victoria Road in May after an impressive spell with Hemel Hempstead Town.
During his time with the Tudors, Allinson guided the part-time side to the National League South play-offs, consistently competing with clubs operating on significantly larger budgets.
Renowned for building organised, hard-working teams capable of playing attractive football, he has also held managerial roles with Hendon and Biggleswade Town, earning a reputation for developing players and building competitive squads.
How to follow
Supporters can follow live updates throughout the evening on the Official Crystal Palace Academy X account, with a full match report available on cpfc.co.uk after the final whistle.
Ticket Information
Supporters will need to create a TIXR account to purchase tickets online. Advance prices are available until midnight on Monday, with tickets also available on the turnstiles, subject to availability.
Advance prices
- Adult: £14
- Concession: £8
- Next Gen (15–21): £8
- Juniors (10–14): Free
- Under-10s: Free
- Carer: Free
On the day
- Adult: £16
- Concession: £10
- Next Gen (15–21): £10
- Juniors (10–14): £2
- Under-10s: Free
- Carer: Free
Match Details
Dagenham & Redbridge v Crystal Palace U21s
- Victoria Road Stadium
- Tuesday, 21st July
- 19:30 BST
- Buy tickets here!