Leeds United host Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Saturday 20 December (8pm GMT), a fixture reshaped by Palace’s crowded schedule and one that arrives with both sides navigating missing personnel.
Leeds’ last match in any competition was the 1–1 Premier League draw away at Brentford on 14 December, a result that followed two big home performances: the 3–3 draw with Liverpool and the 3–1 win over Chelsea earlier in the month. That sequence explains their recent form line (a late mini-recovery after a difficult run), and they’ll see Saturday night as a chance to turn improved displays into a more consistent points return.
Crystal Palace arrive after a very different kind of week. Their last match in any competition was Thursday’s 2–2 draw at home to KuPS in the UEFA Conference League, a result that sent them into the competition’s playoff round. In the Premier League, Palace’s most recent league game was the 2–1 away win at Fulham on 7 December, sealed by a late Marc Guéhi header, which left them well placed near the European spots.
Team news is a central part of the build-up. Leeds remain without Dan James (hamstring), Sean Longstaff (calf) and Lukas Nmecha (hamstring), with all three still listed as sidelined for this one. Palace also have issues: Cheick Doucouré is out with a knee problem, Daichi Kamada is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Chadi Riad is a doubt due to a knee issue.
There is also an AFCON angle. Palace will be without Ismaïla Sarr, who is away on international duty for the Africa Cup of Nations. Leeds are not listed as losing any players to AFCON at this point.
On the pitch, Leeds’ best recent work has come from intensity and bravery — strong wing-back running, aggressive second-ball play, and quick vertical attacks when space opens up. Palace, under Oliver Glasner, have shown they can be compact and difficult to break down while still carrying a threat when they transition, but their midweek commitments mean they’ll want to manage the game intelligently and avoid being dragged into a frantic tempo.
This has the feel of a match that could be decided by rhythm: if Leeds can sustain pressure and make Elland Road a factor, they’ll fancy their chances. If Palace can absorb that early energy, keep their shape and pick the right moments to break, their organisation and league position suggest they can take something back south.
