U21s preview: Palace welcome Anderlecht in International Cup
Crystal Palace Under-21s return to Premier League International Cup action on Wednesday evening, welcoming RSC Anderlecht to Sutton’s 360 Engage Stadium (14th October, KO: 19:00 BST) – here’s everything you need to know!
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After a three-week international break, Darren Powell’s Under-21s return to Premier League International Cup action on Wednesday, looking to build on their 2-1 opening win over PSG, secured by superb goals from Adler Nascimento and Seb Williams.
Victory over RSC Anderlecht would strengthen Palace’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals, with the top two from each group progressing.
Palace are in Group D alongside PSG, PSV Eindhoven, RSC Anderlecht and FC Porto, with all fixtures hosted at Sutton United’s 360 Engage Stadium.
Palace’s accelerated pathway was on show during the break, with seven Young Eagles involved in the first-team mid-season friendly against Championship side Bristol City.
Chuks Okoli, Amaari Sealey and Adler Nascimento made their non-competitive senior debuts, while Harry Lee, 15-year-old Nat Kalembo, Caleb Kporha and Williams were also included in the squad.
After an unbeaten start across four games, including wins over PSG and Swindon Town, successive defeats to Blackburn Rovers and Plymouth Argyle halted the U21’s momentum.
Wednesday, however, offers a chance to bounce back and get their campaign back on track!
The oppo – RSC Anderlecht U21s
Few clubs can match Anderlecht’s pedigree when it comes to developing young talent. The Belgian giants’ academy has helped produce the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Jérémy Doku and Vincent Kompany, alongside legends Paul Van Himst and Jef Mermans.
Palace will face the club’s reserve side, RSCA Futures, who compete in the Challenger Pro League – Belgium’s second tier – against senior professional sides and other reserve teams.
It has been a difficult start to the league campaign for Futures, who have struggled to find their footing and sit at the foot of the table. They have also undergone a change in the dugout during the international break, adding another layer of uncertainty ahead of their trip to south London.
Anderlecht made their Premier League International Cup debut in 2024/25, becoming the first Belgian club to enter the competition in nine years. Palace came out on top when the sides met that season, with Zach Marsh, Mofe Jemide and Jemiah Umolu all finding the net in a 3-1 victory for the Young Eagles.
Premier League International Cup explained
Fancy some European football? You’re in the right place.
Launched in 2014/15, the Premier League International Cup gives the country’s leading academies the chance to test themselves against some of Europe’s most promising young talent.
The 2026/27 edition features 16 Premier League 2 sides, selected from last season’s competition, alongside 16 invited European clubs.
The 32 teams are split into four groups of eight, each containing four English sides and four overseas opponents. Every club plays four group-stage matches, all hosted in England, with the top two in each group advancing to the quarter-finals.
Anderlecht’s Likely line-up
Expected XI: Vanhoutte (GK); Foket, Engwanda, Wola-Wetshay, Akomolede; Sylla, Sarr, de Ridder, Koite; N’Dao, Sternal.
Team news
Anderlecht face Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, potentially limiting the players available to RSCA Futures. However, Palace could still face Belgium international Thomas Foket, who has earned 10 caps, alongside attacking threats Enzo Sternal and Pape Aliya N’Dao.
Palace welcome back Taha Majni and Dean Benamar from international duty with Morocco U20s and England U19s respectively. Majni is available despite his red card against Blackburn, as his suspension applies to Premier League 2, not the International Cup.
Pre-match analysis
Anderlecht arrive in South London looking to turn around a difficult run of form, having struggled for goals and defensive solidity.
They also have a new face in the dugout, with Futures parting company with Jelle Coen during the international break and Karim Mokeddem taking charge. With limited time to implement his ideas, the visitors may still be adapting to a new approach.
Key player – Enzo Sternal
The 19-year-old French youth international operates as Anderlecht’s No.10 and registered two goals and three assists in September, including a brace in a 2-2 draw with Jong Genk.
Sternal joined from Olympique Marseille in January 2025 but suffered a serious knee injury early in his RSCA Futures career. Having returned to contention, he was invited to train with Anderlecht’s first team during the international break and is reportedly catching the eye of club’s across Europe.
The Gaffer - Karim Mokeddem
Karim Mokeddem took charge of RSCA Futures at the end of September, bringing more than a decade of experience in French football to the role.
The 52-year-old has worked his way through the French game, progressing from the amateur ranks to the professional level and taking charge of several clubs, including Lyon-Duchère and Orléans.
How to follow
The match will be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+ on Wednesday, with coverage beginning at 18:45 BST ahead of the 19:00 BST kick-off. Find out more and subscribe here.
Supporters can also follow live commentary on our Academy X 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 ticket prices
- Adults (21-64): £5
- Young Adults (17-21): £1
- Seniors (65+): £1
- Juniors (2-16): £1
- Academy Founder Members: Free
- Adult Gold, Junior Gold & Season Ticket+ Holders: Free
Tickets are available here and will be issued as PDF print-at-home tickets at the point of sale.
Please note that all Under-14s must be accompanied by a paying Adult (aged 18+). Also, it is one free ticket per Membership/Season Ticket+ Holder.
Match Details
Palace U21s v RSC Anderlecht U21s
- Wednesday, 14th October
- KO: 19:00 BST
- The 360 Engage Stadium
- Premier League International Cup
- LIVE on Palace TV+
- Buy tickets here!