Clashes between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano fans marred the lead-up to their match, with arrests made and some fans ordered to leave the city centre. Saxon State Police reported that the clashes “suddenly broke out” with bottles, glasses and furniture thrown, along with “physical altercations”. The fan fest in the market area of Leipzig remained peaceful, with approximately 2,000 fans from each club present.
Wharton Starts, Riad Gets His Chance
Adam Wharton is fit enough to start for Crystal Palace, despite a scare in the final league game of the season against Arsenal. However, Chris Richards, who was deemed ‘touch and go’ before the game, is only on the bench. Wharton’s mum is reportedly in attendance in Leipzig.
Chadi Riad will start in the back three. It is a significant opportunity for him to establish himself in the team. He is yet to fully convince and string together a run of games for the Eagles.
Fan Predictions and Team Lineups
Ahead of the game, Palace fans shared their predictions. Paul Pateman highlighted Riad’s previous injuries and Canvot’s breakthrough. Jonathan Rendall predicted a tense 1-0 victory for the Eagles. Anne Patterson expressed her excitement and hoped that Wharton wouldn’t do a double flip on his ankle if he scores, while also backing Pino to score the winner.
Here are the confirmed lineups:
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Muñoz, Riad, Lacroix, Canvot, Mitchell; Wharton, Kamada; Pino, Sarr, Mateta.
Subs: Benítez, Matthews, Lerma, Johnson, Clyne, Hughes, Strand Larsen, Sosa, Richards, Guessand, Devenny, Cardines.
Rayo Vallecano: Batalla; Ratju, Lejeune, Ciss, Chavarría; López, Valentin, Palazón; Garcia, Alemao, De Frutos.
Subs: Cárdenas, Díaz, Trejo, Camello, Akhomach, Gumbau, Balliu, Espino, Molina, Mendy.
Rayo Vallecano’s Mindset
For insight into Rayo Vallecano, Sid Lowe described them as “the last team from another time, special for what they fight for and what they fight against”. He also quoted the club as saying: “We’re like kids gifted a toy: desperate to open it, to play, enjoy it.”
Some Palace fans have given their pre-match thoughts, with one saying that Riad has been excellent since he returned from injury and provided great cover for the regular three of Richards, Lacroix and Canvot.
Many Palace fans have travelled to Leipzig. One fan is nervously watching the Palace game from home.
The writer’s personal prediction is a comfortable Eagles’ win: 2-0.