Preview: Palace take on PSV for European glory

Match previews

15 Apr 2024

Crystal Palace Under-21s are taking on Jong PSV at Selhurst Park for the Premier League International Cup title, in a rematch of last year’s final – get the full lowdown below…

Tickets for the Premier League International Cup final at Selhurst Park, which kicks off at 19:00 BST, are available here, starting from just £1.

There were over 4,000 fans at Selhurst Park for last season's final, so another fantastic occasion is expected in SE25 this year.

If you can't make it there in person to back the boys, you can tune in to watch every minute of the action LIVE on Palace TV+. Click HERE for more info on Palace TV+.

A visit from the champions

At first-team level, it has been a stellar season for PSV Eindhoven, as Peter Bosz’ side lifted the Eredivise title for the 25th time, inspired by Luuk de Jong’s 36 goals in all competitions.

To break into a title-winning senior side is always a difficult task, but several of last season’s side to feature at Selhurst Park have been around the first-team in 2023/24, demonstrating the quality of the players in this competition.

Will there be more future winners of major honours on show tonight – for both sides?

Glimpse the future stars

After starting for PSV in last season’s encounter, Isaac Babadi is an example of a player who has pushed on towards establishing himself at the very top of the game.

He has made 21 appearances for the first-team this season, scoring twice as PSV lifted the Eredivise title.

We all know the ability of Palace’s Academy prospects, with Jes Rak-Sakyi and David Ozoh playing regular Premier League football this season after featuring in last season’s final, with Killian Phillips, Tayo Adaramola and Kaden Rodney also having made their first-team debuts in recent seasons.

This year, there is another chance to see the next generation of Palace stars: Danny Imray, Franco Umeh, Justin Devenny and Rodney all featured in the mid-season first-team friendly against Bodø/Glimt back in March.

A chance for revenge

The Eagles are looking for payback after last season’s nail-biter, which saw the Dutch side lift the trophy after 120 minutes of tense and nerve-wracking action.

Jong PSV took the lead through Dante Sealy, before Scott Banks – returning from a highly successful loan at Bradford City – produced a trademark left-footed stunner to curl into the top corner from 25 yards.

The match was level after 90 minutes, heading into extra-time. Just as it looked to be moving towards a penalty shoot-out, the visitors retook the lead via centre-forward Jason van Duiven, before sealing the result in added time as Palace pushed for an equaliser, with Simon Colyn adding a third.

PL International Cup Final Highlights: Palace 1-3 PSV

Now, with the same opposition awaiting them at Selhurst Park, Darren Powell’s side will be looking for revenge on the biggest stage.

Big names return

Last season saw the return of several Academy stars to the starting lineup, with Banks, Jes Rak-Sakyi, Rob Street and Killian Phillips returning from loan spells to bolster the side.

This season could see the same, with John-Kymani Gordon and Kofi Balmer featuring last time out after returning from AFC Wimbledon, alongside Ademola Ola-Adebomi on his return from Burton Albion.

U21 Match Highlights: Crystal Palace 5-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Plus, Jes Rak-Sakyi and David Ozoh have featured for the Under-21s in recent weeks, with the former netting a sublime hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur.

The starting lineups will be revealed at 18:00 BST, an hour before kick-off…

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