PL International Cup Preview: Palace face tough Liverpool test

Under-21s

29 Mar 2023

On Friday, 31st March, Crystal Palace Under-21s will take on Liverpool in the quarter-final of the Premier League International Cup, here’s everything you need to know about the tournament and what’s in store for the Eagles.

Palace’s journey in the Premier League International Cup so far

The Premier League International Cup is a competition that gives homegrown talent from Category 1 Academies across the country the opportunity to test themselves against top European youth sides.

Twelve teams from Premier League 2 and 12 equivalent teams from elite European Academies were invited, with the competition split into three groups of eight.

Palace were competing in the competition for the first time and managed to top Group C - recording three wins in their four games played, including a standout 7-3 victory over Paris Saint-Germain and a remarkable last-gasp win against Sporting Braga.

The three group winners, along with three second-place teams and two of the best third-place teams progressed into the quarter-finals.

Liverpool were one of the two best third-place teams, and they were drawn against Palace to set up the clash on Friday. Should Palace make it to the next round, they will face one of Fulham, PSV or Valencia.

Match Preview

With U21s manager Paddy McCarthy making the step up to the the first-team, his assistant Darren Powell has now taken the reins. This may mean the side continue in their same vein tactically, alternating between a 5-3-2 and a 4-3-3 system.

Their previous encounter in the Premier League 2 saw the side line-up in a 4-3-3, with 16-year-old Caleb Kporha making his first appearance for the U21s at right-back and England Under-20 international Owen Goodman starting in goal. Victor Akinwale managed to score early on in a cagey game to give the Eagles a 1-0 victory.

Despite Palace’s victory in Merseyside, the hosts currently sit in third place - ahead of the Eagles on goal difference. They have a number of players in their side who have made their debuts for the first team, among them Kaide Gordon, Ben Doak and Rhys Williams.

They have typically favoured a 4-3-3 formation under manager Barry Lewtas, pressing from the front in a similar style to the Liverpool first-team.

How to follow

Unfortunately, this game will not be broadcast live on Palace TV+ due to competition regulations. However, you can keep up with all the action as it happens live on the official Palace Academy Twitter account. Highlights will be available on Palace TV free of charge the day after the game.

Supporters can attend this game in person, should they wish. Entry is free of charge, though ID needs to be shown at the gatehouse upon arrival. More information below.

Match Details

Liverpool U21s v Crystal Palace U21s
Friday, 31st March 2023
Liverpool Academy - The Liverpool Way, Liverpool L33 7ED
Kick-off: 19:00 GMT
Entry is free (ID is required at the gatehouse)
If the scores are level after 90 minutes, the game will be decided by extra-time and then penalties

Academy
Under-21s

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